The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 17, 2006
Filed:
Jun. 28, 2002
Peter W. Carhuff, Eau Claire, WI (US);
Edward L. Dickinson, Littleton, MA (US);
Andrew C. Harvey, Waltham, MA (US);
Edward M. Kolvek, West Newbury, MA (US);
Takeshi Masu, Ridgefield, CT (US);
Peter W. Carhuff, Eau Claire, WI (US);
Edward L. Dickinson, Littleton, MA (US);
Andrew C. Harvey, Waltham, MA (US);
Edward M. Kolvek, West Newbury, MA (US);
Takeshi Masu, Ridgefield, CT (US);
Nestec S.A., Vevey, CH;
Abstract
The present invention relates to the dispensing of a microbiologically sensitive fluid, in particular low acid food fluid, in a hygienic manner so as to avoid micro-organism growth in the line dispensing the fluid as well as in any mechanical components of a dispensing unit that may enter into contact with the fluid. The invention relates to a device for hygienically supplying microbiologically sensitive fluid from a removable container that has a terminal connecting portion to a dispensing unit. The device includes a coupling mechanism adapted to connect the terminal connecting portion and a component for delivering a cleaning or rinsing fluid within the terminal connecting portion.