Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-02-13
Bomberg, Kenneth (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S146600, C222S181100, C222S214000, C222S105000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186361
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to dispensers for dispensing a liquid food product, such as cream. More particularly, it relates to such a liquid dispenser having a clamping means to regulate liquid flow from the dispenser and a cooling means to cool the liquid to the dispensing point and as it flows from the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Liquid dispensers are well-known in food service applications. One example of such a liquid dispenser is a cream dispenser. Typically, such dispensers include a dispenser housing, which contains a reservoir for holding the liquid to be dispensed, and a valve assembly for dispensing the cream. Generally, the housing and reservoir are made of stainless steel, plastic, or other durable material acceptable for food contact, and the housing is usually provided with suitable thermal insulation. The reservoir may comprise a container or frame that supports a bag or liner that is pre-filled with the liquid to be dispensed. The liquid stored in the reservoir is cooled in the dispenser by a cooling system, such as a mechanical refrigeration system or refreezable eutectic device.
These existing liquid food dispensers have a number of disadvantages. The metal housings of such dispensers are relatively expensive to manufacture. To use such dispensers having a refillable reservoir, one must fill the reservoir from the carton or other container in which the liquid is packaged.
In the prior application, an inventive cream dispenser was described. The dispenser is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and it is convenient to use and easier to clean than prior art dispensers having storage reservoirs which require cleaning. In addition, it is relatively compact in size yet can dispense cream from multiple storage containers at one time.
The present invention provides an alternative liquid dispenser, which accommodates a variety of container sizes, provides a means for cooling the liquid as it is dispensed from the various containers and yet is still compact and convenient to use. The dispenser of the present invention is also easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean. It can be operated using as the reservoir a choice of a refillable container or pre-filled disposable container, including a pre-filled bag or liner.
SUMMARY
A liquid dispenser in accordance with the present invention includes a clamping means for regulating the flow of liquid from the dispenser, support means for holding the container in a substantially elevated position above a sliding closure means and connector means having a passage extending from an opening end through the sliding closure means to a discharge end for communicating with the interior of the container to permit the gravity flow of liquid from the container. In a preferred embodiment, a cooling device is positioned between the sliding closure means and the container for cooling the liquid as it passes through the connector.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container can include a container frame for holding a pre-filled bag or liner. Optionally, the liquid dispenser can include adjustable guide means positioned on the support means for adjusting the area in which the container is held to accommodate at least two volume sizes of the container.
The liquid dispenser also includes means for controlling the temperature of the liquid stored in the container when the container is in the loaded position. In a preferred embodiment, the means for controlling the temperature includes a hermetic refrigeration system. In another embodiment, the means for controlling the temperature includes a heat pump, preferably a thermoelectric module. In still another embodiment, the means for controlling the temperature includes a refreezable eutectic cooling device.
The support means of the dispenser can include a housing having a generally horizontal shelf for supporting a platform having means for vertically slidably receiving the container into the loaded position, at least one upwardly projecting container pedestal for contacting a bottom wall of the container when the container is in the loaded position. Preferably, the platform includes a catch basin having an inclined or slanted bottom providing a low drain point and a drain spout positioned therein for diverting liquid condensation accumulated in the catch basin away from the platform. Also it is preferable that the support means includes means for removably receiving the platform so that the platform can be removed for cleaning.
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Bomberg Kenneth
CreaMiser Products Corporation
Oney Richard E.
LandOfFree
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