Abstract:
A method and apparatus cleans plurality of beverage dispensers which sit in respective holsters. Cleaning solution conduits are oriented to spray cleaning solution towards respective tops of holsters. One or more fluid valves or pumps alternatively permit and block said cleaning solution to flow to said cleaning solution conduits, respectively. A power supply flow signals to the fluid valve or pump, respectively, wherein the valve or pump transitions between permitting and blocking flow responsive to transitioning of the flow signals, respectively. A transmitter signals the power supply to transition the flow signals to cause the fluid valve or pump to permit the cleaning solution to flow to the cleaning solution conduits.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to beverage dispensers, and in particular to the cleaning of beverage dispensers. Specifically, a method and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning a dispenser which dispenses beverages. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Restaurants, bars, and other types of food establishments use a dispenser in order to dispense beverages.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary prior art device which is used to dispense beverages and which is identified by several different names including a bar dispenser, a bar gun, and a soda gun. Dispenser  100  includes housing  104  with several pushbuttons  108  mounted thereon. Depending upon which pushbutton  108  is depressed, one of several beverages are dispensed (into a glass for example) via nozzle  106 . 
         [0003]    Dispenser  100  is coupled to a plurality of different beverages (or beverage ingredients) via inlet hose  102 . Within inlet hose  102 , a plurality of tubes (not shown) receive beverages (or beverage ingredients) from different sources. For example, one of the tubes within inlet hose  102  may be connected to a water source so that water can be dispensed from dispenser  100 . Another tube within inlet hose  102  may be connected to a source of carbonated water. Other tubes within inlet hose  102  may be connected to containers storing concentrated beverage ingredients (e.g. concentrated soda flavorings). Dispenser  100  may mix one of the beverage ingredients with carbonated water to produce various types of flavored sodas (for example). 
         [0004]    Pushbuttons  108  thus each correspond to various beverages such as water, carbonated water, or various flavored sodas. If pushbutton  108  corresponding to water or carbonated water is depressed, then water or carbonated water is dispensed through nozzle  106 . If pushbutton  108  corresponding to a flavored soda is depressed, then concentrated soda flavoring and carbonated water are mixed within dispenser  100  and dispensed through nozzle  106 . An exemplary dispenser is disclosed in Schroeder, U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0005]    At least some of the concentrated soda flavorings received by dispenser  100  include corn syrup as a sweetener. Thus, as various flavored sodas are dispensed from nozzle  106 , a residue which includes corn syrup remains on various surfaces of nozzle  106 . Over time, the residue builds and nozzle  106  becomes unsanitary. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A method and apparatus cleans a plurality of beverage dispensers which sit in respective holsters. Cleaning solution conduits are oriented to spray cleaning solution towards respective tops of holsters. At least one fluid valve and/or pump alternatively permits and blocks a cleaning solution to flow to the cleaning solution conduits, respectively. A power supply provides flow signals to the at least one fluid valve and/or pump, respectively, wherein the valve(s) and/or pump transitions between permitting and not permitting flow of cleaning solution responsive to transitioning of the flow signals, respectively. A transmitter signals the power supply to transition the flow signals to cause the fluid valve(s) and/or pump to permit the cleaning solution to flow to the cleaning solution conduits 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a prior art beverage dispenser. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cutaway drawing of a holster for storing a beverage dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates multiple holsters for storing and cleaning multiple beverage dispensers, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram which illustrates a cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more beverage dispensers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5A  is a block diagram which illustrates a portion of a system which delivers a cleaning solution that is used to clean one or more beverage dispensers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5B  is a block diagram which illustrates a portion of a system which delivers a cleaning solution that is used to clean one or more beverage dispensers in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is flowchart diagram which illustrates an algorithm which is used to clean one or more beverage dispensers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Over time, as dispenser  100  is used, residue builds on surfaces of nozzle  106 , and that residue may have adverse consequences. Bacteria and/or mold may grow on the residue. The residue may attract insects such as fruit flies. When beverages are contaminated with bacteria, mold or insects, the beverages can cause sickness and disease. Furthermore, the taste of the beverage being dispensed through the residue may be adversely affected. The residue can block beverages flowing through nozzle  106 , thus reducing the flow rate of beverages being dispensed. This may increase the amount of time needed to dispense beverages. Residue creating a blockage within dispenser  100  can alter the ratio of carbonated water and concentrated soda flavoring which are mixed together, thus causing a flavored soda to be dispensed which has either not enough flavoring or too much flavoring; the result is the dispensing of a beverage which does not have its expected taste. A buildup of debris over time can also shorten equipment life. 
         [0015]    The residue which collects on surfaces of nozzle  106  can thus have numerous consequences, including:
       1) If beverages do not taste good, then customers are dissatisfied, and they may stop purchasing beverages at the establishment that is selling the beverages (or may even stop being customers of the establishment entirely). Furthermore, poor reviews of the establishment may appear on social media if the beverages do not taste good;   2) The residue on the surfaces of the dispenser looks unappealing and unappetizing, and customers will not want to purchase or drink beverages dispensed through the residue;   3) A “board of health” type of inspection of dispenser  100  may result in a government entity prohibiting use of the dispenser until it has been adequately cleaned;   4) If the residue slows down beverage dispensing, then the rate at which beverages are sold may be reduced. This reduction can adversely affect profits.   5) The residue can cause soda to be dispensed with not enough or too much carbonated water.   6) The residue can shorten equipment life.       
 
         [0022]    It is thus desirable for nozzle  106  to be clean and for any residue which appears on nozzle  106  to be removed. 
         [0023]    In a bar setting, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , nozzle  106  of dispenser  100  typically sits in holster  200 . Holster  200  is a cup-like member which is attached to the bar. Nozzle  106  is inserted into the upward facing opening of holster. Buttons  108  thus face upwards towards the bar tender (for example). The bartender grabs dispenser  100  via housing  104  and pulls upwards, thus removing nozzle  106  from holster  200 . Nozzle  106  is then held over a glass while the bartender pushes the button  108  corresponding to the beverage which is desired to be dispensed. When a sufficient amount of the beverage has been dispensed into the glass, button  108  is released and nozzle  106  of dispenser  100  may be reinserted into holster  200  until it is needed again. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , holster  200  is a substantially concave member with compartment  201  which receives nozzle  106  of dispenser  100 . The weight of dispenser  100  may keep nozzle  106  within compartment  201 . Holster  200  may optionally include front ledge  208  which supports housing  104  and thus provides additional support to dispenser  100 . Back ledge  210  may also be included. Fastener  212  may extend through back ledge  210  thus attaching holster  200  to counter  250 . While customers are seated (or standing) on one side of counter  250 , dispenser  100 , other bottled beverages, glassware, ice, etc. are situated on the other side of counter  250  where a bartender may serve beverages to the customers. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , nozzle  106  enters holster  200  via opening  205  in the top of holster  200 . Nozzle  106  descends from opening  205  into compartment  201  until the top of holster  200  makes contact with housing  104  so that dispenser  100  is at rest with nozzle  106  within holster  200 . When use of dispenser  100  is desired, dispenser  100  is lifted so that nozzle  106  is withdrawn from holster  200 . 
         [0026]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism (not shown) may be used to assist keeping nozzle  106  within holster  200 . For example, dispenser  100  and holster  200  may each include respective magnets which attract each other and therefore keep dispenser  100  in holster  100 . Holster  100  may alternatively include a tab which extends along the side and top of dispenser  100  and which helps to keep nozzle  106  within holster  200 . 
         [0027]    While the mechanism described above may be used to assist keeping nozzle  106  within holster  200 , there may be disadvantages of such a mechanism as well. For example, dispenser  100  may be inserted into holster  200  and withdrawn from holster  200  multiple times over a short period of time. If a bar tender is serving a large number of customers, the bar tender may need to insert dispenser  100  into holster  200  very quickly. Alternatively, the bar tender may need to withdraw dispenser  100  from holster  200  very quickly. In such a situation, it may be desirable to not have any mechanical mechanisms which assists in keeping dispenser  100  in holster  200 . Thus, for example, it may be desirable for the shape of nozzle  106  to simply guide dispenser  100  into holster  200 . Once nozzle  106  has been guided into holster  200 , it may be desirable for only the weight of dispenser  100  to keep dispenser  100  (or a portion thereof such as nozzle  106 ) mated to holster  200 . By using only the weight of dispenser  100  to keep dispenser  100  mated to holster  200 , dispenser  100  can be withdrawn from holster  200  very quickly. 
         [0028]    Holster  200  includes outlet  204 . Outlet  204  permits any liquids within compartment  201  to drain out. A tube may be connected to outlet  204  and the tube may lead to a drain, such as a public drain provided by a municipality. It is thus desirable that any liquids within compartment  201  be discarded. It is considered more desirable to discard liquids that are within compartment  201  then to reuse those liquids. In other words, any liquids removed from compartment  201  are desirably not reintroduced back into compartment  201  at a later time. Therefore, any liquids removed from compartment  201  are disposed of, for example via a public drain. 
         [0029]    Outlet  204  is desirably situated so that it receives liquids from the lowest point within compartment  201 . In this manner, compartment  201  is fully drained. 
         [0030]    Inlet  206  is also included. Inlet  206  receives liquid under pressure, thus causing the liquid to be directed upward within compartment  201 . The liquid which is received by inlet  206  is for cleaning nozzle  106  and will be more fully described below. 
         [0031]    Inlet  206  is desirably configured so that liquid flowing through inlet  206  flows through the center of compartment  201 . Thus, inlet  206  is positioned at the center of the bottom of compartment  201 . Fluid flowing under pressure through inlet  206  flows along dotted line C shown in  FIG. 2  with a sufficient amount of pressure and for a sufficient amount of time to clean nozzle  106 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flows through inlet  206  upward a sufficient distance to reach all of the interior surfaces of nozzle  106  when nozzle  106  is sitting within holster  200 . In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flows through inlet  206  for a minimum of thirty seconds (and at least once per day). Inlet  206  is desirably positioned to cause fluid to flow through the center of compartment  201  (line C) because, when nozzle  106  is placed in holster  200 , the opening of nozzle  106  is desirably in the center of compartment  201 . Thus, by orienting inlet  206  so that fluid flows through the center of compartment  201 , the internal surfaces of nozzle  106  are cleaned as a result of impact by the fluid. 
         [0032]    Within compartment  201 , and attached to the exit of inlet  206 , a spray nozzle  214  may be situated. This optional spray nozzle may direct fluid flowing through inlet  206  into any desired pattern in order to clean nozzle  106 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a spray nozzle with a spray pattern of 25 degrees may be used. 
         [0033]    In many restaurants, there is more than one dispenser  100 . Many restaurants have multiple dispensers  100  in order to accommodate the number of customers who wish to be served beverages.  FIG. 3  illustrates that restaurants include multiple holsters  200  ( 200   a - 200   b ) in order to accommodate multiple dispensers  100 . Each holster desirably includes a tube which allows fluid in each holster to flow into a drain. Each holster also includes a respective inlet  206  ( 206   a - 206   b ). Valve outlets  312   a - 312   b  provide pressurized fluid to each inlet  206   a - 206   b  respectively. Valve outlets  312   a - 312   b  are described in detail below. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of cleaning apparatus  300  which, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, provides fluid to each holster  200 . Cleaning apparatus  300  illustrated in  FIG. 4  thus provides fluid under pressure which is received by inlet  106  and which is then propelled upwards towards nozzle  106  in order to clean nozzle  106 . 
         [0035]    Cleaning apparatus  300  shown in  FIG. 4  is controlled by transmitter  330 . Transmitter  330  allows fluid to be directed into inlet  106  at one or more specified times. Transmitter  330  may receive instructions from microprocessor based controller  335  which is programmed to instruct transmitter  330  to signal power supply  320 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, controller  335  is a DirectLOGIC Micro Programmable Logic Controller (DL05 PLC) which is manufactured by AutomationDirect. This programmable logic controller (PLC) is programmed in accordance with the DL05 Micro PLC User Manual, volumes 1 and 2, 6 th  Edition, Rev. C, February 2013 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Transmitter  330  via controller  335  is used to control valves  310   a ,  310   b  which permit fluid to flow into inlets  206  of respective holsters  200 , thus cleaning respective nozzles  106  located within holsters  200 . Thus, controller  335  has stored therein the current clock time (controller  335  increments the current clock time as time progresses so that the current clock time stored in controller  330  is correct). Basically, when the current clock time stored in controller  330  reaches a predetermined time, controller  330  instructs valves  310   a,b  to open, thus causing fluid to flow into holsters  200 . After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, controller  335  instructs valves  310   a,b  to close, thus causing fluid to cease flowing into harnesses  200 . Controller  335  then waits until the next time that valves  310   a,b  are to be opened, and then repeats the cycle of opening and closing valves  310   a,b.    
         [0036]    Controller  335  instructs valves  310   a,b  to open and close via power supply  320 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, power supply  320  is a PS-6012 manufactured by Altech Corp. and is installed and operated in accordance with the Altech Corp. PS-60 data sheet which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0037]    Controller  335  signals power supply  320  via controller outputs  331   a,b . Power supply  320  subsequently provides 12 volt signals to valves  310   a, b  responsive to being signaled by outputs  331   a,b  respectively. Thus, a positive signal on controller output  331   a  causes power supply  320  to transmit a 12 volt signal on power supply output  321   a . Furthermore, a positive signal on controller output  331   b  causes power supply  320  to transmit a 12 volt signal on power supply output  321   b . When the positive signal is removed from controller output  331   a , output  321   a  ceases to provide a 12 volt signal. When the positive signal is removed from controller output  331   b , output  321   b  ceases to provide a 12 volt signal. 
         [0038]    Valves  310   a, b  are valves which regulate flow of liquid. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, valves  310   a, b  are 12 VDC solenoid valves (i.e. valves with 12 volt relays) plastic ‘A″ manufactured by Zilong. When valves  310   a,b  receive 12 volt signals on their respective control inputs, the valves open and fluid provided at the valves’ input is allowed to flow out the valves&#39; output. When the 12 volt signals are removed from each valves&#39; control inputs, the valves close and fluid is not permitted to flow out of each valves&#39; output. A desirable flow rate for the output of each valve is, for example, 1 gallon per minute. 
         [0039]    Thus, power supply outputs  321   a,b  are connected between power supply  320  and valves  310   a, b . When power supply  320  places a 12 volt signal on power supply output  321   a , valve  310   a  opens. When power supply  320  places a 12 volt signal on power supply output  321   b , valve  310   b  opens. When the respective 12 volt signals are removed from each respective power supply output, the respective valve closes. 
         [0040]    Valves  310   a,b  receive fluid via valve inlets  311   a,b  respectively. Valve inlets may be pipes or tubes (e.g. flexible tubes) having, for example, a diameter of ⅜″. Valve inlets  311   a,b  receive fluid via pressurized fluid source  315 . Pressurized fluid source  315  includes branch  316  which directs fluid under pressure to valve inlets  311   a,b . Thus, when valve  310   a  opens, fluid from valve inlet  311   a  is permitted to flow through valve outlet  312   a . Furthermore, when valve  310   b  opens, fluid from valve inlet  311   b  is permitted to flow through valve outlet  312   b . Valve outlet  312   a  is connected to inlet  206   a  and valve outlet  312   b  is connected to inlet  206   b . Thus, when valves  310   a,b  open, fluid is directed to holsters  200  in order to clean nozzles  106 . 
         [0041]    Pressurized fluid source  315  delivers pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source. The pressurized fluid source can be, for example, pressurized water from a municipal water source. Alternatively, the pressurized fluid source can be otherwise. For example,  FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which fluid is stored in tank  410 . Pump  414  pumps fluid out of tank  410  via supply tube  412  and into pressurized fluid source  315 . Pump  414  may be actuated by controller  335  (via power supply  320 ). Pump  414  should have sufficient power (suction) to pump fluid out of tank  410  to holster(s)  200 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, pump  414  is a PM300 Perimax pump manufactured by Simply Pumps. 
         [0042]    The fluid used to clean nozzle  106  may be for example a fluid which is safe for human consumption. Thus, a food grade solution is desirable as the fluid to be stored in tank  410 . Exemplary food grade solutions include chlorine bleach (diluted 1 teaspoon to 1 quart of water, hydrogen peroxide (3%), and white distilled vinegar (5%). Other liquids may be used as the fluid within tank  410 . Exemplary fluids which may be used within tank  410  include, for example: a) citric acid (with an exemplary concentration of between 2.5% and 35%) b) lactic acid (with an exemplary concentration of between 2.5% and 60%); and c) peracetic acid (with an exemplary concentration of between 1% and 22%). Other food sanitizing surface agents may also be used, including Steramine. Water may also constitute a “fluid.” Furthermore, fluid source  315  may optionally include a y-junction  420  and valves  416 ,  418  which allows the fluid flowing into pressurized fluid source  315  to alternate between the fluid stored in tank  410  and water obtained from a commercial water supply  430 . Controller  335  can thus allow solution from tank  410  to clean nozzle(s)  106  for a first amount of time (by actuating valve  416 ), and to then allow water from a commercial water source to clean nozzle  106  for a second amount of time (by actuating valve  418 ). 
         [0043]    In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, tank  410  is eliminated and all cleaning is done simply using fluid from water source  430 . Water source  430 , may be, for example, a municipal water source. If the municipal water source is supplying water with sufficient pressure, then the pressure provided by the municipal water source may be sufficient to clean nozzle  106 . 
         [0044]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an additional pump  435  is used with the water from water source  430  in order to increase the pressure of water being received from water source  430 . Pump  435  may be used, for example, on demand. Thus, for example, a water pressure of 40 PSI from water source  430  may be desirable to clean nozzle  106 . Pump  435  may be omitted if the water pressure from water source  430  is approximately 40 PSI or higher, Pump  435  may be included if the water pressure from water source  430  is below 40 PSI. If pump  435  is operated on an on demand basis, the pump  435  is activated if water pressure from water source  430  is below 40 PSI and pump  435  is deactivated (allowing water to pass through without boosting water pressure) if water pressure from water source  430  is 40 PSI or greater. A water pressure of 40 PSI is merely exemplary, and it is understood that a water pressure at which operation of pump  435  is desirable may be higher or lower depending upon individual circumstances. 
         [0045]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, pump  435  may be used in combination with a fluid pressure detection switch. Thus, for example, if water pressure from the water source drops below a predetermined limit (e.g. 24 PSI) then the fluid pressure switch detects the lower pressure and activates the pump automatically. Thus, fluid is sprayed towards nozzle  106  without a pump assist if fluid pressure from the fluid source is above 24 PSI (for example) and fluid is sprayed towards nozzle  106  with a pump assist if fluid pressure from the fluid source is below 24 PSI (for example). 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5A  illustrate various exemplary valves  310   a ,  310   b  and  418 . One or ordinary skill in the art, however, may replace all of the various valves with a single valve (and/or a single source of fluid pressure). Thus, when the single valve is open (and/or fluid pressure is available), fluid is sprayed to all nozzles  106 . When the single valve is closed (and/or fluid pressure is not available), fluid is not sprayed to all nozzles  106  (or to no nozzles  106 ). Exemplary locations to place a single valve include just prior to branch  316 , or at a point downstream from pump  414  (if pump  414  is included) or pump  435  (if pump  435  is included). 
         [0047]      FIG. 5B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, fluid is directed under pressure to different nozzles  106  of respectively different dispensers  100 . Fluid arrives under pressure via pressurized fluid source  315  and is directed to valve outlets  312   a,b  via branch  316 . There are several ways that fluid under pressure is provided to pressurized fluid source  315 :
       Pump  414  and valve  416  may be provided. Fluid from a source of fluid pumped with pressure via pump  414  to valve  416 . When valve  416  is open, fluid under pressure arrives at pressurized fluid source  315 . When valve  416  is closed, fluid is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source  315 . Valve  416  and pump  414  can be controlled by controller  335  and power supply  320  as described above.   Pump  414  may be provided and valve  416  may be omitted. When pump  414  is on, fluid from a source of fluid is pumped with pressure via pump  414  to pressurized fluid source  315 . When pump  414  is off, fluid from a source of fluid (not under pressure) is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source  315 . Pump  414  can be controlled by controller  335  and power supply  320  as described above.   Valve  416  may be provided and pump  414  may be omitted. This embodiment may be used if the source of fluid is providing fluid to valve  416  under pressure. Fluid may be provided under pressure if the source of fluid is, for example, a municipal water supply. As previously explained, it is desirable for the amount of pressure in the fluid transmitted to pressurized fluid source to be sufficient to clean residue off of nozzles  106 . Thus, when valve  416  is open, fluid from a source of fluid flows to pressurized fluid source  315 . When valve  416  is closed, fluid from a source of fluid is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source  315 .       
 
         [0051]    Each of the above alternative embodiments enables pressurized fluid from a single source to arrive at pressurized fluid source  315 , to flow through branch  316 , and to then be sprayed onto multiple nozzles  106  via valve outlets  312   a,b.    
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart diagram which illustrates an algorithm which may be used by controller  335  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At step  610  a clock is activated with a time (e.g. the current time). At  620 , the time from the clock activated at step  610  is compared with a prestored time. If, at step  630  the clock and the prestored time are the same, then at step  640  controller  335  signals for valves  310   a,b  to open so that fluid flows through valve outlets  312   a,b  and nozzle(s)  106  can be cleaned. The valves are signaled to remain open until, at step  650 , enough time has passed that nozzle(s)  106  are clean. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the valves are opened once a day for 30 seconds. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will understand that the valves can be opened more than once per day and for more than 30 seconds. At step  660 , processing waits until the following day. Processing then proceeds to step  620  where the loop is repeated. 
         [0053]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to allow fluid to be sprayed out of valve outlets  312   a,b  at predetermined times. Thus, when a predetermined time is reached (e.g. 4 AM, 8 AM etc.) valves  310   a,b  are opened and pressurized fluid flows out of valve outlets  312   a,b  and towards nozzle  106 . The predetermined time may be chosen based upon times that beverages are typically not being served from dispenser  100  (such as a when a bar or restaurant is closed). At such times, nozzles  106  are resting in holsters  200  as they are not being used. 
         [0054]    As previously explained, it may be desirable for dispenser  100  to be lifted out of holster  200  as quickly as possible. Furthermore, it may be desirable for dispenser  100  to be inserted into holster  200  (and thus “mated” to holster  200 ) as quickly as possible. This potential need to quickly mate dispenser  100  to holster  200  and to quickly remove dispenser  100  to holster  200  may add to the desirability of opening valves  310   a,b  based on time, and to not rely on a sensor. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, there is no sensor that is needed to determine whether dispenser  100  is mated to holster  200  so that cleaning of nozzle  106  may be initiated. A sensor may have the disadvantage of not accurately detecting whether dispenser  100  is mated to holster  200 . If a sensor does not detect that dispenser  100  is mated to holster  200  (even though in fact it is mated), then nozzle  106  will not be cleaned. In the exemplary embodiment, the possibility of a sensor not correctly determining that dispenser  100  is mated to holster  200  is a non-issue because no sensor is used for such detection. Nozzle  106  is simply cleaned with pressurized fluid from valve outlets  312   a,b  at a time when dispenser  100  is typically not being used. 
         [0055]    Furthermore, the combination of a lack of a sensor to determine whether dispenser  100  is mated to holster  200  and permitting fluid to reach and clean nozzle  106  based on time of day may have desirability. A sensor may not reliably indicate whether nozzle  106  is in proper position to be cleaned within holster  200 . Alternatively, the distance between where a sensor might be placed relative to holster  200  and the electronics to detect actuation of the sensor may be too far for signals from the sensor to be processed accurately. By permitting fluid to reach nozzle  106  based on time of day, the fluid can be sprayed towards nozzle  106  at a time when nozzle  106  is normally not being used (e.g. 4 AM). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, nozzle  106  is reliably cleaned without relying on the complexity of a sensor and without spraying cleaning fluid towards nozzle  106  at times when dispenser  100  is being used (e.g. dinner hour on a Saturday night). 
         [0056]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to ensure that sufficient pressure is delivered to each nozzle  102 , valves  310   a, b  can be opened sequentially instead of at the same time. Thus, valve  310   a  can be opened, kept open, and closed before valve  310   b  is opened, kept open and closed. 
         [0057]    While the above exemplary embodiment illustrates controller  335 , it is understood that controller  335  can be replaced with other methods and apparatus for controlling cleaning apparatus  300 . For example, controller  335  can be located at a remote site and can communicate with transmitter  330  via a Wi-Fi connection. Thus, a Wi-Fi receiver can receive signals over a wireless connection and can then signal power supply  320  to open and close valves in order to perform nozzle cleaning. It is understood that other forms of communication (wired and wireless) may also be used. 
         [0058]    In actual practice, it is desirable for power supply  320  and controller  335  (or a Wi-Fi receiver if power supply  320  is controlled remotely) to be mounted in a box, such as a box with a screw on panel, in order to protect power supply  320  and controller  335  from tampering. Valves  310   a  and  310   b  can be mounted, for example, next to such a box and near tank  410  and/or a commercial water supply. The box and valves  310   a,b  can be located away from the bar area in order to avoid unnecessary crowding of the bar area. Valve outlets  312   a,b  can be routed through walls and/or floors to be connected to inlet  206 . In this manner, power supply  320  and controller  335  can be placed in a desirable location in order to clean a plurality of dispensers  100  located in respectively different physical locations. 
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fluid that is flowing through valve outlets  312   a,b  can be heated. In this manner, effectiveness of the fluid in disinfecting nozzle  106  can be enhanced. A fluid heating mechanism (for example an instant hot water dispenser manufactured by InSinkErator) can be used to heat fluid before it reaches nozzle  106 . Exemplary locations to place an instant hot water dispenser include along valve outlets  312   a,b , valve inlets  311   a,b , or anywhere before or after valve  416  and/or valve  418 . 
         [0060]    The above description and illustrations show fluid flowing into two valve outlets  312   a,b  via branch  316 . It is understood, that the description of two valve outlets is merely exemplary, and the actual number of valve outlets may be two or greater. In this manner, two or more nozzles  106  of respective dispensers  100  can be included in accordance with the exemplary embodiments set forth above. 
         [0061]    The above description describes opening valves and/or engaging a pump for a certain amount of time in order to clean nozzles  106 . One or ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are methods for determining how much cleaning fluid is sprayed on each nozzle  106 . For example, instead of measuring the amount of time fluid is being sprayed onto nozzles  106 , one can spray cleaning fluid onto nozzles  106  based on the amount of cleaning fluid being sprayed. Thus, for example, a dosing pump can be used to deliver a certain amount of cleaning fluid to nozzles  106 . Permitting and then stopping cleaning fluid from spraying onto nozzles  106  can thus be a function of the amount of cleaning fluid sprayed, the amount of time during which cleaning fluid is sprayed, or both. 
         [0062]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an additional tube is directed towards the drain at which holster  200  drains. This additional tube can direct a sanitizing solution towards the drain to prevent fruit flies from accumulating near the drain. The sanitizing solution can be permitted to flow into the drain by use of the controller described above, and this sanitizing solution can be permitted to flow into the drain at a predetermined time of day. 
         [0063]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic memory stores a record of when cleaning fluid is permitted to flow towards nozzle  106  (and optionally for how long). In this manner, a record is maintained to ensure compliance with a regular cleaning schedule. 
         [0064]    The method and apparatus described above provides numerous advantages over the prior art:
       The apparatus described above is attached to a holster using tubes. Therefore, the controller, power supply and valves can be located at a location away from holster  200 . This is desirable because the area behind a bar is very crowded with machinery and beverages. The area under holster  200  can be kept clear for other machinery and beverages since fluid supply and fluid drain lines may be all that is required to be connected to holster  200 . Thus, for example, controller  335  and power supply  320  may be located in a place which is away from customers and/or away from directly behind a bar. Controller  335  and power supply  320  can be housed in a “Bud” box and valves  310   a,b  can be located near the “Bud” box. Valve outlets  312   a,b  can be comprised of many feet of tubing. The tubing can be hidden under a bar counter and the tubing can extend to each dispenser  100 . In this manner, multiple nozzles  106  can be cleaned without placing the equipment needed to clean nozzles  106  in inconvenient locations where a bar tender is attempting to work. The length of the tubing may determine the amount of power desirable in pump  414  to be able to pump fluid to each holster  200  to clean each nozzle  106 .   Because controller  335  can begin allowing cleaning fluids to clean nozzle(s)  106  at any time, it is not necessary to detect whether nozzle  106  is in holster  200 . Mechanisms to determine if nozzle  106  is in holster  200  can be expensive, require modifications to dispenser  100 , and may not function correctly if such sensors are not properly engaged. With the exemplary embodiment described above, cleaning fluid can be directed at nozzle(s)  106  at a time that nozzle(s)  106  will normally be in their respective holster(s). Exemplary times when nozzle(s)  106  will be in their respective holster(s) will be times when a bar or restaurant is normally closed, such as LOAM (for a bar) or 4 AM (for a restaurant).   By streaming fluid at nozzles  102  when the bar or restaurant is closed, it is unnecessary to clean nozzles  102  after each use. When the bar or restaurant is closed and nozzles  102  are not being used, fluid can be directed to nozzles  102  for an extended period of time without interfering with a bartenders need to use the dispenser, especially during a busy time in the bar or restaurant.       
 
         [0068]    While the present invention has been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art with an access to the teachings herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the invention would be useful. 
         [0069]    The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way. 
         [0070]    The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
         [0071]    The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
         [0072]    The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.