Patent ID: 7708838
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: B08B,B67D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for cleaning a microbiologically sensitive fluid dispenser, comprising: connecting a container assembly having a fluid passage that extends to a cleaning manifold at a terminal connecting portion of the container assembly, wherein the cleaning manifold has a discharge line and an interface port for establishing fluid flow between the fluid passage and the terminal connecting portion of the container assembly to the discharge line; providing a cleaning or rinsing fluid for cleaning or rinsing of the discharge line, providing a cleaning fluid line to supply the cleaning or rinsing fluid to the discharge line, providing a closing point within the fluid passage upstream of the terminal connecting portion of the container assembly to fluidly separate upstream and downstream parts of the container assembly, wherein the downstream part is to be cleaned, and the upstream part is maintained sterile; allowing the cleaning or rinsing fluid to flow within the terminal connecting portion up to the closing point; mounting within the terminal connecting portion a projection member that is able to protrude past the interface port within the terminal connecting portion; moving the projection member to an inserted position past the interface port and terminal connecting portion and into the downstream part to deliver cleaning or rinsing fluid therein so that the microbiologically sensitive fluid can be removed as the cleaning or rinsing fluid passes through the interface port and terminal connection portion and into the fluid passage up to the closing point before exiting through the discharge line; and reciprocating the projection member from the inserted position to a retracted position whereby the projection member is inset relative to the interface port to enable delivery of the microbiologically sensitive fluid from the container to the discharge line, wherein the projection member can be returned back to the inserted position when cleaning or rinsing of the interface port, terminal connection portion and downstream part is desired.