Patent ID: 6889603

Claim:
An automated food product dispenser comprising: an interface connection configured to receive a supply of a milk-based fluid from a milk-based fluid reservoir; a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk-based product; a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device to dispense the milk-based product, a milk-based flowpath configured to direct the milk-based fluid to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device and a product flow path configured to direct the milk-based product to flow from the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and including a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the milk-based and product flowpaths, a buffer reservoir configured to receive a buffer volume of the cleaning or sanitizing fluid, a loop line associated with the reservoir and configured to provide circulation of the fluid from the buffer reservoir through the product flowpath and back to the buffer reservoir, wherein the fluid cleans the product flowpath through which it flows, and a drain associated with the assembly to remove fluid therefrom.