Patent ID: 6314987
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: A23L,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
An aseptic product discharge valve for use in a fluid delivery system for a fluid food product, the aseptic product discharge valve comprising:a tubular structure including a longitudinal passageway having respective upstream and downstream ends, the upstream end comprising an inlet for receiving a flow of the fluid food product and the downstream end comprising an outlet for discharging said fluid food product;a valve seat disposed in said longitudinal passageway downstream of said outlet, said valve seat facing the downstream end;a movable valve member mounted within said longitudinal passageway downstream of said valve seat, said valve member positioned for selective sealing engagement with said valve seat;a walled chamber disposed radially between said tubular structure and said longitudinal passageway, the chamber having an opening disposed at a radially outward, adjacent location relative to said valve seat; anda steam conduit attached for fluid communication with said chamber for supplying steam to said chamber such that the steam exits at the opening of said chamber and contacts at least one of the valve seat and the upstream portion of said valve member.