BEVERAGE DISPENSER CLEANING DEVICE

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 alternatively permit and block said cleaning solution to flow to said cleaning solution conduits, respectively. A power supply flow signals to the fluid valve, respectively, wherein the valve 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 to permit the cleaning solution to flow to the cleaning solution conduits.

FIELD OF INVENTION

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

Restaurants, bars, and other types of food establishments use a dispenser in order to dispense beverages.FIG. 1illustrates 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. Dispenser100includes housing104with several pushbuttons108mounted thereon. Depending upon which pushbutton108is depressed, one of several beverages are dispensed (into a glass for example) via nozzle106.

Dispenser100is coupled to a plurality of different beverages (or beverage ingredients) via inlet hose102. Within inlet hose102, a plurality of tubes (not shown) receive beverages (or beverage ingredients) from different sources. For example, one of the tubes within inlet hose102may be connected to a water source so that water can be dispensed from dispenser100. Another tube within inlet hose102may be connected to a source of carbonated water. Other tubes within inlet hose102may be connected to containers storing concentrated beverage ingredients (e.g. concentrated soda flavorings). Dispenser100may mix one of the beverage ingredients with carbonated water to produce various types of flavored sodas (for example).

Pushbuttons108thus each correspond to various beverages such as water, carbonated water, or various flavored sodas. If pushbutton108corresponding to water or carbonated water is depressed, then water or carbonated water is dispensed through nozzle106. If pushbutton108corresponding to a flavored soda is depressed, then concentrated soda flavoring and carbonated water are mixed within dispenser100and dispensed through nozzle106. An exemplary dispenser is disclosed in Schroeder, U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

At least some of the concentrated soda flavorings received by dispenser100include corn syrup as a sweetener. Thus, as various flavored sodas are dispensed from nozzle106, a residue which includes corn syrup remains on various surfaces of nozzle106. Over time, the residue builds and nozzle106becomes unsanitary.

SUMMARY

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.

In another embodiment, a cleaning system for a beverage dispenser that uses hot water is provided. The cleaning system includes a solenoid including an intake port and an outlet port. A controller selectively operates the solenoid. A pressurized water supply is connected to the intake port of the solenoid. A housing is configured to receive a beverage dispensing assembly adjacent to a spray nozzle that is in fluid communication with the outlet port of the solenoid and sprays the beverage dispensing assembly in response to the controller activating the solenoid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Over time, as dispenser100is used, residue builds on surfaces of nozzle106, 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 nozzle106, 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 dispenser100can 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.

The residue which collects on surfaces of nozzle106can thus have numerous consequences, including:

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;

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;

A “board of health” type of inspection of dispenser100may result in a government entity prohibiting use of the dispenser until it has been adequately cleaned;

If the residue slows down beverage dispensing, then the rate at which beverages are sold may be reduced. This reduction can adversely affect profits.

The residue can cause soda to be dispensed with not enough or too much carbonated water.

The residue can shorten equipment life.

It is thus desirable for nozzle106to be clean and for any residue which appears on nozzle106to be removed.

In a bar setting, and as shown inFIG. 2, nozzle106of dispenser100typically sits in holster200. Holster200is a cup-like member which is attached to the bar. Nozzle106is inserted into the upward facing opening of holster. Buttons108thus face upwards towards the bar tender (for example). The bartender grabs dispenser100via housing104and pulls upwards, thus removing nozzle106from holster200. Nozzle106is then held over a glass while the bartender pushes the button108corresponding to the beverage which is desired to be dispensed. When a sufficient amount of the beverage has been dispensed into the glass, button108is released and nozzle106of dispenser100may be reinserted into holster200until it is needed again.

As shown inFIG. 2, holster200is a substantially concave member with compartment201which receives nozzle106of dispenser100. The weight of dispenser100may keep nozzle106within compartment201. Holster200may optionally include front ledge208which supports housing104and thus provides additional support to dispenser100. Back ledge210may also be included. Fastener212may extend through back ledge210thus attaching holster200to counter250. While customers are seated (or standing) on one side of counter250, dispenser100, other bottled beverages, glassware, ice, etc. are situated on the other side of counter250where a bartender may serve beverages to the customers.

With reference toFIG. 2, nozzle106enters holster200via opening215in the top of holster200. Nozzle106descends from opening215into compartment201until the top of holster200makes contact with housing104so that dispenser100is at rest with nozzle106within holster200. When use of dispenser100is desired, dispenser100is lifted so that nozzle106is withdrawn from holster200.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism (not shown) may be used to assist keeping nozzle106within holster200. For example, dispenser100and holster200may each include respective magnets which attract each other and therefore keep dispenser100in holster100. Holster100may alternatively include a tab which extends along the side and top of dispenser100and which helps to keep nozzle106within holster200.

While the mechanism described above may be used to assist keeping nozzle106within holster200, there may be disadvantages of such a mechanism as well. For example, dispenser100may be inserted into holster200and withdrawn from holster200multiple 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 dispenser100into holster200very quickly. Alternatively, the bar tender may need to withdraw dispenser100from holster200very quickly. In such a situation, it may be desirable to not have any mechanical mechanisms which assists in keeping dispenser100in holster200. Thus, for example, it may be desirable for the shape of nozzle106to simply guide dispenser100into holster200. Once nozzle106has been guided into holster200, it may be desirable for only the weight of dispenser100to keep dispenser100(or a portion thereof such as nozzle106) mated to holster200. By using only the weight of dispenser100to keep dispenser100mated to holster200, dispenser100can be withdrawn from holster200very quickly.

Holster200includes outlet204. Outlet204permits any liquids within compartment201to drain out. A tube may be connected to outlet204and the tube may lead to a drain, such as a public drain provided by a municipality. It is thus desirable that any liquids within compartment201be discarded. It is considered more desirable to discard liquids that are within compartment201then to reuse those liquids. In other words, any liquids removed from compartment201are desirably not reintroduced back into compartment201at a later time. Therefore, any liquids removed from compartment201are disposed of, for example via a public drain.

Outlet204is desirably situated so that it receives liquids from the lowest point within compartment201. In this manner, compartment201is fully drained.

Inlet206is also included. Inlet206receives liquid under pressure, thus causing the liquid to be directed upward within compartment201. The liquid which is received by inlet206is for cleaning nozzle106and will be more fully described below.

Inlet206is desirably configured so that liquid flowing through inlet206flows through the center of compartment201. Thus, inlet206is positioned at the center of the bottom of compartment201. Fluid flowing under pressure through inlet206flows along dotted line C shown inFIG. 2with a sufficient amount of pressure and for a sufficient amount of time to clean nozzle106. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flows through inlet206upward a sufficient distance to reach all of the interior surfaces of nozzle106when nozzle106is sitting within holster200. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flows through inlet206for a minimum of thirty seconds (and at least once per day). Inlet206is desirably positioned to cause fluid to flow through the center of compartment201(line C) because, when nozzle106is placed in holster200, the opening of nozzle106is desirably in the center of compartment201. Thus, by orienting inlet206so that fluid flows through the center of compartment201, the internal surfaces of nozzle106are cleaned as a result of impact by the fluid.

Within compartment201, and attached to the exit of inlet206, a spray nozzle214may be situated. This optional spray nozzle may direct fluid flowing through inlet206into any desired pattern in order to clean nozzle106. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a spray nozzle with a spray pattern of 25 degrees may be used.

In many restaurants, there is more than one dispenser100. Many restaurants have multiple dispensers100in order to accommodate the number of customers who wish to be served beverages.FIG. 3illustrates that restaurants include multiple holsters200(200a-200b) in order to accommodate multiple dispensers100. Each holster desirably includes a tube which allows fluid in each holster to flow into a drain. Each holster also includes a respective inlet206(206a-206b). Valve outlets312a-312bprovide pressurized fluid to each inlet206a-206brespectively. Valve outlets312a-312bare described in detail below.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of cleaning apparatus300which, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, provides fluid to each holster200. Cleaning apparatus300illustrated inFIG. 4thus provides fluid under pressure which is received by inlet106and which is then propelled upwards towards nozzle106in order to clean nozzle106.

Cleaning apparatus300shown inFIG. 4is controlled by transmitter330. Transmitter330allows fluid to be directed into inlet106at one or more specified times. Transmitter330may receive instructions from microprocessor based controller335which is programmed to instruct transmitter330to signal power supply320. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, controller335is 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, 6th Edition, Rev. C, February 2013 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Transmitter330via controller335is used to control valves310a,310bwhich permit fluid to flow into inlets206of respective holsters200, thus cleaning respective nozzles106located within holsters200. Thus, controller335has stored therein the current clock time (controller335increments the current clock time as time progresses so that the current clock time stored in controller330is correct). Basically, when the current clock time stored in controller330reaches a predetermined time, controller330instructs valves310a,310bto open, thus causing fluid to flow into holsters200. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, controller335instructs valves310a,310bto close, thus causing fluid to cease flowing into harnesses200. Controller335then waits until the next time that valves310a,310bare to be opened, and then repeats the cycle of opening and closing valves310a,310b.

Controller335instructs valves310a,310bto open and close via power supply320. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, power supply320is 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.

Controller335signals power supply320via controller outputs331a,331b.Power supply320subsequently provides 12 volt signals to valves310a,310bresponsive to being signaled by outputs331a,331brespectively. Thus, a positive signal on controller output331acauses power supply320to transmit a 12 volt signal on power supply output321a.Furthermore, a positive signal on controller output331bcauses power supply320to transmit a 12 volt signal on power supply output321b.When the positive signal is removed from controller output331a,output321aceases to provide a 12 volt signal. When the positive signal is removed from controller output331b,output321bceases to provide a 12 volt signal.

Valves310a,310bare valves which regulate flow of liquid. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, valves310a,310bare 12 VDC solenoid valves (i.e. valves with 12 volt relays) plastic ½″ manufactured by Zilong. When valves310a,310breceive 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' output. When the 12 volt signals are removed from each valves' control inputs, the valves close and fluid is not permitted to flow out of each valves' output. A desirable flow rate for the output of each valve is, for example, 1 gallon per minute.

Thus, power supply outputs321a,321bare connected between power supply320and valves310a,310b.When power supply320places a 12 volt signal on power supply output321a,valve310aopens. When power supply320places a 12 volt signal on power supply output321b,valve310bopens. When the respective 12 volt signals are removed from each respective power supply output, the respective valve closes.

Valves310a,310breceive fluid via valve inlets311a,311brespectively. Valve inlets may be pipes or tubes (e.g. flexible tubes) having, for example, a diameter of ⅜″. Valve inlets311a,breceive fluid via pressurized fluid source315. Pressurized fluid source315includes branch316which directs fluid under pressure to valve inlets311a,b.Thus, when valve310aopens, fluid from valve inlet311ais permitted to flow through valve outlet312a.Furthermore, when valve310bopens, fluid from valve inlet311bis permitted to flow through valve outlet312b.Valve outlet312ais connected to inlet206aand valve outlet312bis connected to inlet206b.Thus, when valves310a,310bopen, fluid is directed to holsters200in order to clean nozzles106.

Pressurized fluid source315delivers 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. 5Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which fluid is stored in tank410. Pump414pumps fluid out of tank410via supply tube412and into pressurized fluid source315. Pump414may be actuated by controller335(via power supply320). Pump414should have sufficient power (suction) to pump fluid out of tank410to holster(s)200. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, pump414is a PM300 Perimax pump manufactured by Simply Pumps.

The fluid used to clean nozzle106may 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 tank410. 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 tank410. Exemplary fluids which may be used within tank410include, 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. Water may also constitute a “fluid.” Furthermore, fluid source315may optionally include a y-junction420and valves416,418which allows the fluid flowing into pressurized fluid source315to alternate between the fluid stored in tank410and water obtained from a commercial water supply430. Controller335can thus allow solution from tank410to clean nozzle(s)106for a first amount of time (by actuating valve416), and to then allow water from a commercial water source to clean nozzle106for a second amount of time (by actuating valve418).

In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, tank410is eliminated and all cleaning is done simply using fluid from water source430. Water source430, 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 nozzle106.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an additional pump435is used with the water from water source430in order to increase the pressure of water being received from water source430. Pump435may be used, for example, on demand. Thus, for example, a water pressure of 40 PSI from water source430may be desirable to clean nozzle106. Pump435may be omitted if the water pressure from water source430is approximately 40 PSI or higher. The pump435may be included if the water pressure from water source430is below 40 PSI. If the pump435is operated on an on demand basis, the pump435is activated if water pressure from water source430is below 40 PSI and the pump435is deactivated (allowing water to pass through without boosting water pressure) if water pressure from water source430is 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 pump435is desirable may be higher or lower depending upon individual circumstances.

FIG. 4andFIG. 5Aillustrate various exemplary valves310a,310band418. 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 nozzles106. When the single valve is closed (and/or fluid pressure is not available), fluid is not sprayed to all nozzles106(or to no nozzles106). Exemplary locations to place a single valve include just prior to branch316, or at a point downstream from pump414(if pump414is included) or pump435(if pump435is included).

FIG. 5Billustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, fluid is directed under pressure to different nozzles106of respectively different dispensers100. Fluid arrives under pressure via pressurized fluid source315and is directed to valve outlets312a,312bvia branch316. There are several ways that fluid under pressure is provided to pressurized fluid source315:

Pump414and valve416may be provided. Fluid from a source of fluid pumped with pressure via pump414to valve416. When valve416is open, fluid under pressure arrives at pressurized fluid source315. When valve416is closed, fluid is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source315. Valve416and pump414can be controlled by controller335and power supply320as described above.

Pump414may be provided and valve416may be omitted. When pump414is on, fluid from a source of fluid is pumped with pressure via pump414to pressurized fluid source315. When pump414is off, fluid from a source of fluid (not under pressure) is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source315. Pump414can be controlled by controller335and power supply320as described above.

Valve416may be provided and pump414may be omitted. This embodiment may be used if the source of fluid is providing fluid to valve416under 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 nozzles106. Thus, when valve416is open, fluid from a source of fluid flows to pressurized fluid source315. When valve416is closed, fluid from a source of fluid is prevented from arriving at pressurized fluid source315.

Each of the above alternative embodiments enables pressurized fluid from a single source to arrive at pressurized fluid source315, to flow through branch316, and to then be sprayed onto multiple nozzles106via valve outlets312a,312b.

FIG. 6is a flow chart diagram which illustrates an algorithm which may be used by controller335in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At step610a clock is activated with a time (e.g. the current time). At620, the time from the clock activated at step610is compared with a prestored time. If, at step630the clock and the prestored time are the same, then at step640controller335signals for valves310a,310bto open so that fluid flows through valve outlets312a,312band nozzle(s)106can be cleaned. The valves are signaled to remain open until, at step650, enough time has passed that nozzle(s)106are 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 step660, processing waits until the following day. Processing then proceeds to step620where the loop is repeated.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to allow fluid to be sprayed out of valve outlets312a,312bat predetermined times. Thus, when a predetermined time is reached (e.g. 4 AM, 8 AM etc.) valves310a,310bare opened and pressurized fluid flows out of valve outlets312a,312band towards nozzle106. The predetermined time may be chosen based upon times that beverages are typically not being served from dispenser100(such as a when a bar or restaurant is closed). At such times, nozzles106are resting in holsters200as they are not being used.

As previously explained, it may be desirable for dispenser100to be lifted out of holster200as quickly as possible. Furthermore, it may be desirable for dispenser100to be inserted into holster200(and thus “mated” to holster200) as quickly as possible. This potential need to quickly mate dispenser100to holster200and to quickly remove dispenser100to holster200may add to the desirability of opening valves310a,310bbased on time, and to not rely on a sensor. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, there is no sensor that is needed to determine whether dispenser100is mated to holster200so that cleaning of nozzle106may be initiated. A sensor may have the disadvantage of not accurately detecting whether dispenser100is mated to holster200. If a sensor does not detect that dispenser100is mated to holster200(even though in fact it is mated), then nozzle106will not be cleaned. In the exemplary embodiment, the possibility of a sensor not correctly determining that dispenser100is mated to holster200is a non-issue because no sensor is used for such detection. Nozzle106is simply cleaned with pressurized fluid from valve outlets312a,312bat a time when dispenser100is typically not being used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to ensure that sufficient pressure is delivered to each nozzle102, valves310a,310bcan be opened sequentially instead of at the same time. Thus, valve310acan be opened, kept open, and closed before valve310bis opened, kept open and closed.

While the above exemplary embodiment illustrates controller335, it is understood that controller335can be replaced with other methods and apparatus for controlling cleaning apparatus300. For example, controller335can be located at a remote site and can communicate with transmitter330via a Wi-Fi connection. Thus, a Wi-Fi receiver can receive signals over a wireless connection and can then signal power supply320to 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.

In actual practice, it is desirable for power supply320and controller335(or a Wi-Fi receiver if power supply320is controlled remotely) to be mounted in a box, such as a box with a screw on panel, in order to protect power supply320and controller335from tampering. Valves310aand310bcan be mounted, for example, next to such a box and near tank410and/or a commercial water supply. The box and valves310a,310bcan be located away from the bar area in order to avoid unnecessary crowding of the bar area. Valve outlets312a,312bcan be routed through walls and/or floors to be connected to inlet206. In this manner, power supply320and controller335can be placed in a desirable location in order to clean a plurality of dispensers100located in respectively different physical locations.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fluid that is flowing through valve outlets312a,312bcan be heated. In this manner, effectiveness of the fluid in disinfecting nozzle106can 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 nozzle106. Exemplary locations to place an instant hot water dispenser include along valve outlets312a,312b,valve inlets311a,311b,or anywhere before or after valve416and/or valve418.

The above description and illustrations show fluid flowing into two valve outlets312a,312bvia branch316. 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 nozzles106of respective dispensers100can be included in accordance with the exemplary embodiments set forth above.

The above description describes opening valves and/or engaging a pump for a certain amount of time in order to clean nozzles106. One or ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are methods for determining how much cleaning fluid is sprayed on each nozzle106. For example, instead of measuring the amount of time fluid is being sprayed onto nozzles106, one can spray cleaning fluid onto nozzles106based 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 nozzles106. Permitting and then stopping cleaning fluid from spraying onto nozzles106can thus be a function of the amount of cleaning fluid sprayed, the amount of time during which cleaning fluid is sprayed, or both.

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 holster200. This is desirable because the area behind a bar is very crowded with machinery and beverages. The area under holster200can 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 holster200. Thus, for example, controller335and power supply320may be located in a place which is away from customers and/or away from directly behind a bar. Controller335and power supply320can be housed in a “Bud” box and valves310a,310bcan be located near the “Bud” box. Valve outlets312a,312bcan be comprised of many feet of tubing. The tubing can be hidden under a bar counter and the tubing can extend to each dispenser100. In this manner, multiple nozzles106can be cleaned without placing the equipment needed to clean nozzles106in inconvenient locations where a bar tender is attempting to work. The length of the tubing may determine the amount of power desirable in pump414to be able to pump fluid to each holster200to clean each nozzle106.

Because controller335can begin allowing cleaning fluids to clean nozzle(s)106at any time, it is not necessary to detect whether nozzle106is in holster200. Mechanisms to determine if nozzle106is in holster200can be expensive, require modifications to dispenser100, 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)106at a time that nozzle(s)106will normally be in their respective holster(s). Exemplary times when nozzle(s)106will 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 nozzles102when the bar or restaurant is closed, it is unnecessary to clean nozzles102after each use. When the bar or restaurant is closed and nozzles102are not being used, fluid can be directed to nozzles102for 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.

As shown inFIG. 7, an embodiment for a cleaning system500for a beverage dispenser510is provided. The cleaning system500includes a housing502including a control system for providing hot water to the beverage dispenser510. The housing502is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated waterproof enclosure. The cleaning system500includes a solenoid520with an intake port522and an outlet port524. The cleaning system500includes a controller530that selectively operates the solenoid520. A pressurized water supply540is connected to the intake port522of the solenoid520. A housing550is configured to receive a beverage dispensing assembly560adjacent to a spray nozzle562that is in fluid communication with the outlet port524of the solenoid520and sprays the beverage dispensing assembly560in response to the controller530activating the solenoid520. A power source570is in electrical communication with the controller530. The pressurized water supply540provides water at at least 120 degrees.

In one embodiment, the spray nozzle562is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) spray nozzle. In another embodiment, the spray nozzle562is a stainless steel nozzle. The spray nozzle562provides hot water to the beverage dispensing assembly560, more specifically a beverage gun dispenser, to clean the beverage dispensing assembly560of any residue. The fluid provided by the spray nozzle562is hot water, which is effective at breaking up debris, residue, and sugar. The controller530is programmable to run a timed cycle. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system500cycles on for one minute, and off for one minute for a total of six cycles per one day. The cleaning system500and the controller530can be programmed to only run during non-business hours. The controller530includes a 12 volt 2 amp power adapter, and an AC to DC converter to supply a single channel 12 volt electronic timer. A DIN rail531is provided for the controller530. A diode525is also provided for the controller530.

An intake tube526connects the pressurized water supply540to the intake port522of the solenoid520, and the intake tube526has an inner diameter of at least ⅜ inches. A dispensing tube528connects the outlet port524of the solenoid520to the spray nozzle562, and the dispensing tube528has an inner diameter no greater than ¼ inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the dispensing tube528is no greater than 11/64 inches. The inner diameter of the intake tube526is at least 50% larger than an inner diameter of the dispensing tube528.

A drainage line580is connected to the beverage dispenser510and provides drainage for water sprayed from the spray nozzle562. The drainage line580is connected to a drainage port582of the beverage dispenser510.

A secondary dispensing tube628extends from a T-fitting connector532provided between the dispensing tube528and a spray nozzle tube534. The secondary dispensing tube628can be provided for a secondary beverage dispenser (as shown inFIG. 8). A shutoff valve536is provided in the line from the pressurized water supply540. The shutoff valve536allows for a quick shutoff of the water supplied to the solenoid520.

FIG. 8illustrates another embodiment of a cleaning system600. This cleaning system includes similar elements as the cleaning system ofFIG. 7, but includes multiple beverage dispensers610,710,810, and910. Beverage dispensers710,810, and910are illustrated schematically but include an identical construction as the beverage dispenser610, and their own respective spray nozzle662. In this embodiment, the housing602includes a solenoid620including two sub-solenoids620a,620b.Each of the sub-solenoids620a,620bincludes an outlet port624a,624b.A single intake port622is provided for the solenoid620. The controller630also has an increased capacity to operate both of the sub-solenoids620a,620b.All of the remaining elements, which are annotated but not described, are similar to the corresponding elements discussed with respect toFIG. 7.

The embodiments ofFIGS. 7 and 8do not require a pump and instead rely on the standard pressure provided by the pressurized water supply. The pressurized water supply can include a water supply from a local municipality or water company. Due to a diameter differential between the intake tube and the dispensing tube, the fluid pressure increases, and the fluid provided by the spray nozzle is sufficiently high to remove debris from the beverage dispenser.

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.