CZ20022450A3 - Process and apparatus for disinfecting packaged water vending machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for cleaning and sanitizing of equipment like water coolers and the like. The device consists of a house (3) with a cover (1) and gasket (2) and a closing device (8), heating element (5), and a conduit for steam (4) extending from under the cover (1) and through the bottom of the house. The invention also discribes a process for sanitizing a water cooler.

Description

Method and apparatus for disinfecting bottled water machines

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting bottled water dispensers and a device for disinfecting bottled water dispensers. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of steam disinfecting bottled water machines and a device for steam disinfecting bottled water machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bottled water dispensers are found in huge quantities worldwide to provide a safe and healthy source of drinking water. Such vending machines are commonly found, for example, in workshops, offices, reception rooms, premises and other public areas, as well as in private residences. As public awareness is increasing and the consciousness of the benefits of drinking purified water is increasing, the number of bottled water vending machines is increasing.

To ensure that the water obtained from such dispensers is protected from contamination, it is important to regularly clean and disinfect those parts of the bottled water dispensers that come into contact with water. In a bottled water dispenser, bacteria, algae and other contaminants may develop within the fluid passages, particularly over time. Without regular cleaning and disinfection of fluid passages, such contaminants can end up in the drinking water produced by such a dispenser.

Conventional bottled water dispensers are available in various designs. Most vending machines are designed to accept plastic containers, such as 5 gallon bottles (approx. 20 liters) containing spring or clean • ·

- water, which are placed on the machine in the reverse position. Although the design of bottled water dispensers currently on the market varies considerably, most dispensers contain certain standard components in contact with water that require regular cleaning and disinfection. For example, conventional dispensers typically include a reservoir intended to maintain a supply of water ready to be dispensed from the reservoir via an outlet conduit including a faucet (i.e., a dispensing valve). In fact, some dispensers contain a reservoir designed to maintain water at several temperatures. Such containers often include a cooling element designed to maintain the water at a chilled temperature in a particular section of the container. The container may also comprise a separate section to maintain water at room temperature (i.e., kitchen temperature). Some dispensers further comprising a heating element to provide hot water in a particular section of the container. Water dispensers designed to dispense water at several temperatures typically have a reservoir divided into several sections, and have an outlet conduit having a plurality of taps (i.e., hot, cold or kitchen tap).

The bottled water dispensers also typically include a collecting member that provides an inlet conduit to allow water to flow from the inside of the inverted water bottle to the reservoir and to allow air to flow from the reservoir to the interior of the inverted water bottle. In some vending machines, the retaining member supports at least a portion of the weight of the inverted water bottle, while in other vending machines the weight of the inverted water bottle is supported by other components, such as the cover plate of the vending machine. In modern vending machines, this catch component is often equipped with a spillage system designed to provide a flow path that is practically protected from contamination for the water from the inverted bottle of water to the water tank. Such systems usually allow the user of the dispenser to install and remove a filled bottle of water without spilling water from the bottle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,152 discloses an example of a spillage system whose contents are:

is incorporated herein by reference.

The retaining member of many spillage systems includes a dispensing probe to be coupled to a special bottle bottle cap to provide a contaminated flow path from inside the water bottle to the reservoir. The retaining member may also include sealing means to provide a seal between the collecting member and the interior of the cartridge. By sealing the retaining member against the inside of the container, the spillage system helps prevent dirt from the air from contaminating the water in the container. Such an anti-spill system also often includes a separate air duct that allows the external air to be connected to the reservoir and the interior of the inverted bottle of water. The air duct may comprise a conventional air filter to prevent air contaminants from entering the components of the water dispenser through the air duct.

In order to maintain the disinfected flow path for the contaminated liquid inside the bottled water dispenser, all parts in contact with water should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. As mentioned above, such water contacting components may include at least an inlet conduit, a reservoir and an outlet conduit comprising taps. Also, the air duct should be regularly cleaned and disinfected when included in the appropriate dispenser. In fact, however, it has turned out that conventional methods for cleaning and disinfecting components of bottled water dispensers are time consuming, laborious, environmentally friendly and generally unsatisfactory.

One common way to clean a bottled water dispenser is by washing. In this method, the parts requiring cleaning are removed from the dispenser and cleaned in a dishwasher approved for commercial kitchens. This method has numerous disadvantages. For example, the washing process is laborious, as machine parts tend to jam and are often difficult to remove;

install again. In addition, for bottled water dispensers with air ducts, it may not be practical to remove the air duct from the dispenser and wash it. In addition, there is a risk of contamination of components when they are reinstalled in the dispenser.

Another common purification method is the chemical process. In this method, similar to the washing method, the parts requiring cleaning can be removed from the bottled water dispenser. These components can then be cleaned with bactericidal chemicals and flushed with clean water. As with the rinsing method, the chemical method is laborious, carries the risk of contamination of components when reinstalled, and may not be satisfactory with air pipe machines. It may also be difficult to determine when bactericidal chemicals have been completely flushed from the components. The possibility of failing to adequately flush out chemicals from the machine components is a significant drawback of this method, since the basic purpose of the bottled water machine is to provide clean and natural water, free of contaminants.

An additional method of cleaning is the replacement method. In this method, parts requiring cleaning are removed and replaced with new parts. This method is laborious, environmentally friendly and expensive because the components used are often discarded. In addition, in this method, as with both previous ones, there is a risk of contamination of the components when they are reinstalled in the dispenser.

Yet another method of purification is the ozonation process. The method comprises flushing the liquid passages in the dispenser with ozonized water. However, this method requires special equipment and at times is not quite effective.

In light of the above, there is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for disinfecting bottled water dispensers.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as expressed and widely described herein, the present invention includes a method of disinfecting bottled water vapor machines. The method may include transporting the portable boiler to a bottled water dispenser. The method may also include generating steam in the portable boiler at the site of the bottled water dispenser and flowing steam through the exit of the portable boiler. The method may further comprise flow connecting the outlet of the portable boiler to an opening of the bottled water dispenser, which opening leads to a flow path of the bottled water dispenser. The method may additionally comprise flowing steam through the flow path through the orifice of the bottled water dispenser, and maintaining steam flow in at least a portion of the flow path for a time sufficient to disinfect that portion of the flow path.

In one aspect, the method may further comprise transporting the portable boiler to the site of another bottled water dispenser and disinfecting at least a portion of the flow path of the other bottled water dispenser.

In another aspect, the method may include a fluid connection of a portable boiler outlet to a nozzle, a fluid connection of a container of a bottled water dispenser to an adapter adapted to be releasably sealed to an opening of the container, and a fluid connection of a nozzle to an adapter inlet.

In another aspect, the invention includes a device for disinfecting a bottled water vapor dispenser. The apparatus may comprise a housing and a heating element configured to generate steam in the body. For example, the housing and the heating element may be part of a portable boiler. If the apparatus comprises a housing, the apparatus may further comprise an outlet from the body configured to dispense steam from the body. This device can also •

- include a nozzle adapted to engage the orifice of the bottled water dispenser leading to a fluid flow path. The nozzle is optionally designed to fluidically connect the outlet of the body to the orifice of the bottled water dispenser to provide a disinfecting steam environment in the fluid flow path of the bottled water dispenser.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Overview of the drawings

The accompanying drawing is part of this application and is intended to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawing shows individual embodiments of the invention and together with the description serves to explain the principle of the invention, in which Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device for disinfecting a bottled water dispenser. Fig. 2 schematically shows a nozzle and protective cover shown in Fig. 1, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the nozzle and shield shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the shield shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; Fig. 4C is a schematic view showing the first side of the shield shown in Figs. 4A and 4B; and Fig. 4D is a schematic view showing the second side of the shield. 4A, 4B, and 4C, FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of an adapter for connection to a bottled water dispenser; Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a prior art bottled water dispenser for use in connection with the invention;

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9 9

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the prior art bottled water dispenser of Fig. 6 with the water bottle removed; Fig. 8 illustrates a retaining component of the prior art bottled water dispenser of Figs. 6 and 7; 6 to 8, FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of an adapter for connection to a packaged water machine, and FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of a nozzle and a gripping member of a prior art bottled water dispenser; adapter for connection to a bottled water dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used for like or similar parts.

According to the invention, a device is provided for the disinfection of vapor-bottled water dispensers. Referring now to Figure 1, the device 100 and the gripping member 40 of the bottled water dispenser are shown. The apparatus 100 may include a steam generating boiler 110 and a steam pipe 120. The boiler 110 may be portable. Alternatively, the boiler 110 could be arranged at a particular location and the bottled water dispenser could be transported to the boiler 110. For example, the portable boiler 110 may be part of a wallpaper stripper. The portable boiler 110 may include a housing 130 and a heating element configured to generate steam in the housing 130. The heating element may be, for example, a 2300 W electric heating element arranged in the housing 130. The steam generated by the portable boiler 110 may have a temperature of about 100 ° C. the steam temperature may vary depending on the local atmospheric pressure. The steam may also be slightly overheated (i.e.

-8 • ·· 9 «·· ·· ·· _ • 9 · 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 * • · 999999 9 9 · 9 9 ♦« ·· ··· · 99 * 999 * may have a higher temperature than boiling water).

The housing 130 may include an outlet 140 configured to connect (directly or indirectly) to the steam pipe 120. The housing 130 may also include a feed opening 160 and a closure 162 at the feed opening 160 to facilitate filling of the housing 130 with running water. In one embodiment, the sheath 130 may be filled with up to about 4 liters or more of tap water for conversion into steam. Depending on the type of portable boiler, as well as the amount and temperature of the flowing water added to the housing 130 of the portable boiler 110, the time required for the portable boiler 110 to generate steam may vary. For example, it may take approximately 15 minutes for the portable boiler 110 to generate steam. Alternatively, the portable boiler 110 may be capable of generating steam within seconds. The portable boiler 110 may also optionally include a relief relief valve to prevent pressure build-up in the housing 130.

In one embodiment of the apparatus 100 that includes a steam tube 120, the steam tube 120 has a first end 122 and a second end 124. The first end 122 may be intended to communicate with the outlet 140 of the portable boiler 110. The steam tube 120 may be a flexible hose. however, the steam pipe could also be a rigid or semi-rigid pipe. Alternatively, the device 100 need not include a steam pipe 120, and the outlet 140 of the portable boiler 110 may be arranged to flow in fluid communication with the opening of the bottled water dispenser, without the use of a steam pipe.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an exemplary prior art bottled water dispenser that could be used in accordance with the present invention. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottled water dispenser may be in a variety of embodiments, and the example shown in the drawing and described in the description is for explanatory purposes only.

The dispenser 10 may include a housing 20 and a cover plate 30 at the top of the housing 20. The dispenser 10 may optionally include a collecting member 40 coupled to the dispenser container. The cartridge may be arranged

-999 99

9 9 »• · 9 · <· * 9 999 999 9

9 9 9 ·

99 99 9999 to maintain the supply of water for dispensing. Alternatively, the container 10 may be arranged to dispense water directly from the water bottle through a conduit that may optionally heat or cool the water prior to dispensing. Figure 8 illustrates a gripping member 40 removed from the dispenser 10. The gripping member 40 may include a sealing member 92 to seal the gripping member 40 against the interior of the dispenser container 10. The gripping member 40 may also include a tubing dispensing probe 50 provided with an aperture 52 The gripping member 40 also optionally includes an air filter 60 at one end of the air duct 62 to allow air flow between the cartridge and the outer portion of the dispenser 10.

The dispenser 10 may further comprise an outlet conduit for flowing water from the reservoir. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet conduit may include a first outlet conduit 70 and a second outlet conduit 72. The first outlet conduit 70 may include a metering valve 74. For example, the first outlet conduit 70 may be connected to a section of the reservoir configured to provide chilled water. The second outlet conduit 72 may comprise a second metering valve 76. For example, the second outlet conduit 72 may be connected to a section of the reservoir arranged to provide either hot water or room temperature water.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle 200 and a shield 300 similar to the nozzle and shield shown in FIG. 1. The nozzle 200 may be arranged to direct the steam flowing from the steam tube 120 to at least a portion of the flow path of the dispenser. W for bottled water. In one embodiment, the flow path of the dispenser 10 may comprise at least a reservoir, a dispensing probe 50, first and second outlet conduits 70, 72, and an air conduit 62. Alternatively, the fluid flow path may include various combinations of these components or other components of the bottled water dispenser. The nozzle 200 may optionally be adapted to communicate with one or more dispensing probes 50 first

-104 44

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4 · 44

44

4 4

4 4

4 4

4444 or the second outlet conduit 70, 72 and the outlet end of the air conduit.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the nozzle 200 may include a first portion 210 and a second portion 220. The first portion 210 comprises a first face 212 of the nozzle 200 and the second portion 220 comprises a second face 222 of the nozzle 200. The first portion 210 may be tapered such that the portion 210 has a smaller cross section at the first face 212 of the nozzle 200. The second portion 220 may be tapered so that the second portion 220 has a smaller cross section at the second face 222 of the nozzle 200. The first face 212 of the nozzle 200 may be arranged to connect to the second end 124 The second face 222 of the nozzle 200 may be configured to engage the collecting member 40 of the dispenser 10.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a nozzle 200 that is in fluid communication with the dispensing probe 50 of the gripping member 40. In one embodiment, the second nozzle portion 220 has an inner wall 226 having a diameter greater than the outer wall diameter 54 of the dispensing probe 50. the dispensing probe 50 is positioned at least partially inside the second portion 220 through an opening in the second face 222. defining an inner wall 226 and an outer wall 54 defines a gap 56. The nozzle 200 may be adapted to direct steam flowing from the nozzle 200 into the gap 56 and into the apertures 52 50, thereby disinfecting the outer wall 54 and interior 58 of the dispensing probe 50. In one embodiment, the gap may be about 3 mm to ensure that the nozzle 200 does not come into contact with the dispensing probe 50, thereby causing contamination between the nozzle 200 and the dispensing probe. 50.

The nozzle 200 may also be configured so that the steam flowing from the nozzle 200 creates a pressure in the gap 56 sufficient to expel the steam from the gap 56 into the apertures 52 of the dispensing probe 50. The nozzle may be sized such that the dispensing probe 50 is positioned at least substantially therein. and for the second face 222 of the nozzle 220 to be in contact with the lower surface 82 of the cylindrical portion 80 of the engagement member 40.

-11 • 99 • 9 9 ·

9 ·

9 9

9 9

9999

In one embodiment, the nozzle 200 may optionally include a sealing member 290 (e.g., an "O" ring) on a second portion 220 sized to seal against the wall 84 of the cylindrical portion 80. The apparatus 100 may include an adapter to be coupled to the nozzle 200 for sealing against the wall 84 For example, the adapter could be a circular member comprising an "O" ring groove, machine-made circumferentially, with an "O" ring in that groove. The adapter may be adapted to engage the nozzle 200 and the wall 84 of the cylindrical portion 80. Alternatively, the adapter and the nozzle 200 may be formed as one piece of unitary construction.

In another embodiment, the nozzle 200 may be arranged to seal against the wall 86 of the gripping member 40. For example, according to FIG. 11, the device 100 may include an adapter 700. dimensioned to connect to the wall 86 of the gripping member 40. The adapter 700 may include a circular portion 702 provided with an inlet 704. the inlet 704 may include a groove 706 for receiving a sealing element that may be on the nozzle 200. The annular portion 702 may also include a groove 708 that may include a sealing member to seal the wall 86. Alternatively, the annular portion 702 may be an adapter 700 Designed for detachable connection to the inside of the bottled water tank.

Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4A to 4D, the device may also include a guard 300 arranged to protect the operator's hand from contact with high temperature steam flowing from the nozzle 200. The guard 300 may include a grip portion 310 adapted to the protective cover may also comprise a cylindrical portion 320 having a first face 322 and a second face 324. The first face 322 may include a gripping portion 310 and the second face 324 may include an aperture. Advantageously, the outer portion of the cylindrical portion 320 may be provided with a gripping portion for the operator of the device 100. The cylindrical portion 320 may be tapered from a larger cross section at the second face 324.

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999 99 99 99 9999 to a smaller cross section at the first face 322.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the engagement portion 310 may include a tubular member 330 extending through the first face 322 of the cylindrical portion 320. The tubular member 330 has an inlet end 332 and an outlet end 334. The inlet end 332 may be adapted to engage a second end of the steam. The outlet end 332 may comprise a threaded portion 336 adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of the second end 124 of the steam tube 120.

Referring to Fig. 3, an alternative embodiment of the nozzle 200 and shroud 300 connection is shown. In this embodiment, the outlet end 334 of the tubular member 330 can optionally be adapted to engage the second face 222 of the nozzle 200. 120 by means of a tubular member 330, the device 100 may be used to supply steam from the first face 212 of the nozzle 200. for example to the housing 20 of the dispenser 10. Supplying steam from the first face 212 of the nozzle 200 may advantageously provide a higher velocity stream than the second face 222. speed can be beneficial for cleaning, for example, the exterior of the dispenser 10.

The cover 300 may also include a cover member 340 on the cylindrical portion 320. The cover member 340 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of steam flow from the second end 124 of the steam pipe 120 when the steam pipe 120 is connected to the tubular member 330 of the shield 300. member 340 may provide additional steam protection to the operator of the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the protective cap 300 may be arranged such that an air barrier is formed between the interior 326 of the cylindrical portion 320 of the protective cap 300 and the outer portion 240 of the nozzle 200 when the nozzle 200 and the protective cap 300 are connected to each other. barrier

-13 9 9 * * 9 ·· • 9 «9 * 9 9 9

9 · β 9 · · · 9 999

9 9 9 9 • 99 · · 9 9 9

99

9 9 9

9 9

9 9

9 9

9999 may form a thermal insulation layer between the cylindrical portion 320 and the nozzle 200 to further protect the operator of the device 100 from the heat generated by the steam.

The protective cap 300 may further comprise one or more recesses 350 and the nozzle 200 may further comprise one or more protrusions 230 to facilitate the connection of the nozzle 200 and the protective cap 300. The recesses 350 and the protrusions 230 may be arranged such that the protrusions 230 engage the recesses 350 The protrusions 230 may, for example, snap into the recesses 350 when the operator slides the protrusions 230 into the recesses 350 and rotates the nozzle 200 against the protective hood 300.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an adapter 400 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge 500. The cartridge 500 schematically represents a cartridge of the type typically provided in bottled water dispensers. The adapter 400 may be used in conjunction with the disinfection of bottled water dispensers that do not include a spillage system or other inlet components allowing easy connection to the nozzle 200 to create a vapor environment in the fluid flow path of the bottled water dispenser. The adapter 400 may be configured to releasably seal the opening of the cartridge 500 (see also the adapter 700 described above in Figure 11). For example, adapter 400 may include a circular member comprising an "O" ring groove machine-made circumferentially. The adapter 400 may further comprise a sealing member 420 for sealing the interior of the cartridge 500. The sealing member 420 may be, for example, an "O-ring" sized to fit in the "O" ring groove machined around the perimeter of the adapter 400. arranged in connection with the second face 222 of the nozzle 200. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter 400 and the nozzle 200 may be formed as one piece of unitary construction.

FIG. 10 shows an adapter 600 for detachably connecting the nozzle 200 to one of the dispensing valves 74, 76 of the bottled water dispenser 10.

• «* 4 » 4 » • · • • · Φ • • · • · · • • ··· * · • « * 4 • • ♦ • • 4 «« « * · · « »· · «··

The adapter 600 may include a ring member 602 provided with a first portion 604 for receiving dispensing valves 74, 76, and a second portion 606 for receiving a nozzle 200. The first portion 604 may include a groove 608 for accommodating a sealing member (e.g., an "O" ring). When the groove 608 includes a sealing member, the sealing member may be configured to form a substantially sealed connection between the adapter 600 and the metering valves 74, 76. The second portion 606 may also include a groove 610 for receiving a sealing member that may be on the nozzle 200. For example, the second portion 606 may be configured such that the nozzle 200 may be molded into the second portion 606. In one embodiment, the adapter 600 and the nozzle 200 may be formed as one piece of unitary construction.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of disinfecting a bottled water dispenser 10 with steam. The method may include transporting the portable boiler 110 to the location of the bottled water dispenser 10. For example, a bottled water distributor may transport the portable boiler 110 to a customer having a bottled water dispenser that requires disinfection. Alternatively, the bottled water dispenser 10 can be transported to the boiler at a particular location. The method may also include generating steam in the portable boiler 110 and flow connecting the outlet 140 of the portable boiler 110 to the orifice of the bottled water dispenser 10 leading to the flow path of the bottled water dispenser 10. When disinfecting the dispenser 10, the portable boiler 110 could be flow-connected to any of the components of the dispensing probe 50, the first discharge conduit 70, the second discharge conduit 72, and the air conduit 62. The method may further comprise flowing steam into the flow path of the packaged automaton 10. water through one of the aforementioned orifices, and maintaining steam flow in at least a portion of the flow path for a time sufficient to disinfect the portion of the flow path. For example, the steam may flow through the opening in the reservoir, through the openings 52 of the dispensing probe 50, the first or second

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4 • 44 • 44

Optionally, steam flow may be maintained in one or more of the reservoirs, dispensing probe 50, first or second discharge pipes 70, 72, or air ducts for a time sufficient to disinfect them. In one embodiment, the minimum time to maintain steam flow is at least twenty seconds. In another embodiment, the minimum time to maintain steam flow is at least three minutes.

In one aspect, the method may further comprise transporting the portable boiler 110 from the location of the bottled water machine 10 to the location of another bottled water machine to disinfect the flow path of the other bottled water machine.

In another embodiment, the method may comprise using a device 100 provided with various combinations of optional features of the device 100 described above to disinfect a bottled water dispenser.

In another embodiment, the method may comprise disinfecting a bottled water dispenser provided with a dispensing probe 50 of known external diameter using a portable boiler 110 to which the nozzle 200 is attached. The nozzle 200 may be configured such that the inner wall 226 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer wall 54 of the dispensing probe 50 (ie, the inner diameter of the nozzle 200 is greater than the outer diameter of the dispensing probe 50). The method may include a flow connection of the nozzle 200 and the orifices 52 of the dispensing probe 50 by placing the dispensing probe 50 at least partially inside the nozzle 200 so as to form a gap 56 between the outside diameter of the dispensing probe 50 and the inside diameter of the nozzle 200. into the apertures 52 of the dispensing probe 50, and thereby to disinfect the outer portion and the inner portion of the dispensing probe 50. In one embodiment, the outer portion and the inner portion of the dispensing probe 50 can be disinfected simultaneously. The method may further comprise flowing steam into the gap 56 to increase the pressure in the gap 56 so that the steam is forced out of the gap 56 into

The method may further comprise a fluid connection of the nozzle 200 and the dispensing probe 50 by placing the nozzle 200 over the dispensing probe 50 such that the second face 222 of the nozzle 200 is in contact with the lower surface 82 of the cylindrical portion 80.

In one embodiment, the nozzle may be tapered such that the inner diameter of the nozzle 200 at the second face 222 of the nozzle 200 is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the dispensing probe 50. For example, the nozzle 200 may include a sealing member to form a seal 280 between the outer wall 54 and the inner wall 226 at the second face 222 of the nozzle 200. In this embodiment, the nozzle 200 may have a larger internal diameter and a short distance from the second face 222 such that the gap 56 is formed between the outer wall 54 and the inner wall 226. Creating a sealing member 280 may facilitate pressure increase in the gap 56 to expel steam into the orifices 52 of the dispensing probe 50.

In yet another embodiment, the method may include connecting some parts of the device 100. For example, the operator of the device 100 may connect the portable boiler 110 to the steam pipe 120. The steam pipe 110 may be connected to both the shroud 300 and the nozzle 200. portable boiler 110 with water. When the dispenser arranged to provide hot water is disinfected, the operator can fill the casing 130 with hot water from the dispenser to reduce the time required for the portable boiler 110 to begin steam generation.

In one embodiment, the steam may be supplied to the flow path of the dispenser for at least twenty seconds, and may also be delivered for three minutes or more. The temperature of the water contacting components may be at least about 75 ° C to about 100 ° C to ensure that the components are disinfected (i.e., algae, bacteria, or other living contaminants are killed or otherwise removed).

In another embodiment, before supplying steam to the fluid flow path, the air filter 60 may be removed from the air duct 62.

At least one of the metering valves 74, 76 may be opened. The metering valves 74, 76 may be kept open using special staples or other suitable devices. Removing the air filter 60 and opening the metering valves 74, 76 may facilitate steam flow through the fluid flow path.

In yet another embodiment, the method may include connecting the nozzle 200 to one of the metering valves 74, 76 to supply steam to one of the first or second conduits 70, 72 via an adapter, such as an adapter 600 shown in Figure 10. In the method, the dispensing valves 74, 76 may be held in the open position using a suitable clip or other device. It may be possible for steam supplied to the outlet conduit (e.g., first and second outlet conduits 70, 72) to flow to and from the container to the air conduit 60 and dispensing probe 50.

In yet another embodiment, the method may include connecting the nozzle 200 to the outlet end of the air duct 62. Prior to connecting the nozzle 200 to the air duct 62, the air filter 60 may be removed. After the nozzle 200 and the air duct 62 are coupled, steam may be supplied to the air duct 62, and it may be allowed to flow into the reservoir and from the reservoir to the dispensing probe 50 and to the first and second outlet conduits 70, 72.

In yet another embodiment, the method may include disinfecting a bottled water dispenser that does not include a collecting member including a dispensing probe 50. Referring to Fig. 5, this embodiment of the method may include a flow connection of port 140 of portable boiler 110, flow connection of container 500 to adapter 400. sealing the adapter 400 with the cartridge 500, and flow connection of the nozzle 200 to the inlet 410 of the adapter 400. After the steam has passed from the nozzle 200 to the cartridge 500 via the adapter 400, the adapter 400 can be

This embodiment of the method may alternatively include using the adapter 700 of FIG. 11 when the adapter 700 is sized to be detachably connected to the inner portion of the container of the bottled water dispenser.

In another embodiment of FIG. 3, the method may include flow connecting the second face 222 of the nozzle 200 to the outlet end 334 of the cylindrical member 330 and supplying steam from the first face 212 of the nozzle 200 to the exterior of the dispenser 10 (e.g. and disinfecting the outer portion of the dispenser 10. The outer portion of the dispenser 10 may be disinfected either before or after disinfecting the components defining the fluid flow path.

In another embodiment, after the device 100 has been transported to the bottled water dispenser 10, the water bottle 90 installed on the dispenser 10 can be removed from the dispenser 10 (see FIG. 6). The operator must drain the water from the reservoir and disinfect the device according to any of the above described embodiments of the method. The operator must also replace one or more components on the dispenser 10. For example, the operator must replace the air filter 60 with a new air filter or replace the gripping member 40 with a new gripping member. Upon completion of the disinfection, the operator must reinstall the water bottle (either the same or a new one) on the dispenser 10. The dispenser 10 may advantageously allow bottled water distributors and others to disinfect the dispenser on site without using harsh chemicals or requiring substantial disassembly of the dispenser.

Although this method has been primarily described in this application in connection with a bottled water dispenser, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the method can be used in conjunction with a water dispenser that supplies water from sources other than bottled water. For example, the method may include disinfecting drinking water fountains or sites of use of water dispensers. Such machines can be permanently connected to •

-19 water source or may have a reservoir that is manually filled with water.

In a complementary embodiment, the method may include disinfecting a potable fluid dispenser that dispenses a fluid other than water. For example, such a vending machine may dispense fruit drinks.

As used herein, the term &quot; connected &quot; The term “joined” does not mean that it requires direct physical contact between the connected parts. The term "flow-connected" means location in a flow-through connection.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In light of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the present invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (25)

• · · · PATENT CLAIMS Method for disinfecting a bottled water machine, characterized in that the portable boiler is first transported to the bottled water machine, steam is generated in the portable boiler at the bottled water machine, the outlet of the portable boiler is flow-connected to the slot of the machine to the bottled water, which opening leads to the flow path of the bottled water machine, further allowing steam to flow through the portable boiler outlet, further allowing steam to flow through the orifice of the bottled water machine, and maintaining steam flow for at least a portion of the flow path for sufficient to disinfect this portion of the flow path. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow path comprises a reservoir for storing water, wherein the steam flow is maintained in the reservoir for a period of time which is sufficient. to disinfect this container. The method of claim 2, wherein the flow path comprises an inlet conduit configured to allow water and air to flow between the reservoir and the inverted bottle of water on the bottled water dispenser, and wherein the steam flow is maintains in the inlet pipe for a time sufficient to disinfect the inlet pipe. The method of claim 3, wherein the flow path comprises an outlet conduit configured to allow dispensing of water from the reservoir, wherein the steam flow is maintained in the outlet conduit for a time sufficient to disinfect the outlet conduit. • » -21 The method of claim 1, wherein the flow path further comprises an air conduit arranged to allow air to flow into the container from outside the water dispenser, the steam flow being maintained in the outlet conduit for a time sufficient to disinfect the outlet conduit. The method of claim 3, wherein the flow path comprises a metering probe provided with at least one orifice, wherein the flow connection comprises flow connecting the outlet of the portable boiler to the at least one orifice of the dosing probe, so that the vapor flow! at least into the one opening of the dispensing probe. The method of claim 4, wherein the flow connection comprises flow connection of the portable boiler outlet to the outlet conduit such that steam flows into the flow path through an opening in the outlet conduit. The method of claim 7, further comprising opening the metering valve on the outlet conduit, wherein the flow connection comprises flow connection of the portable boiler outlet to the metering valve such that steam flows into the flow path through the metering valve. The method of claim 5, wherein the flow connection comprises flow connection of the portable boiler outlet to the air conduit such that steam flows into the flow path through an opening in the air conduit. 10. The method of claim 5, further comprising removing the air filter at the end of the air duct. 4 -2211. The method of claim 1, wherein the minimum time to maintain steam flow is about three minutes. The method of claim 2, wherein the flow connection comprises a flow connection of a portable boiler outlet to a nozzle, a flow connection of a container of a bottled water dispenser to an adapter arranged to be releasably sealed to a container opening, with a nozzle, and a flow connection of the nozzle to the interior of the adapter. The method of claim 1, further comprising transporting the portable boiler from the location of the bottled water machine to the location of another bottled water machine and disinfecting at least a portion of the flow path of said other bottled water machine. 14. A method of disinfecting a bottled water dispenser having a dispensing probe of known outside diameter, wherein steam is first generated in the boiler at the bottled water dispenser, and steam is passed through the nozzle having an inside diameter greater than the known outer diameter of the dosing probe, so that when the nozzle is placed over the dosing probe, a gap is formed between the outer diameter of the dosing probe and the inner diameter of the nozzle opening, further connecting the nozzle to the dosing probe by flowing the dosing probe at least partially inside the nozzle; aperture in the dispensing probe to disinfect at least the inner portion of the dispensing probe and finally allow steam to flow into the gap between the nozzle and the dispensing probe to disinfect the outer portion of the dispensing probe while at least the inner portion of the dispensing probe has been disinfected. * »· #» · 9 -23 9 · 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said vapor flow to said gap is increased in the gap by sufficient pressure. for discharging steam from the gap into at least one aperture of the dispensing probe. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein, to prevent injury to the operator's hand, steam is blocked from the gap to the gripping portion by forming a protective steam cover between the nozzle opening and the gripping portion. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the boiler is portable, wherein the portable boiler is transported to the site of a bottled water dispenser. 18. A device for disinfecting a bottled water vapor dispenser having a dispensing probe, wherein said dispensing probe comprises at least one opening allowing air and water to flow between the container of the bottled water dispenser and the inverted bottle of water on the bottled water dispenser. comprising a nozzle having an aperture on one face sized to receive over the end of the dispensing probe, said nozzle having an inner wall with a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer wall of the dispensing probe, said inner and outer walls defining a gap when the dispensing probe is positioned at least partially inside said nozzle, and further comprising a protective cap configured to communicate with the nozzle to protect the operator's hand from the steam flowing from the gap. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a portable steam generating boiler, wherein said boiler comprises an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with said nozzle, wherein: - said nozzle is adapted to simultaneously direct the steam flowing from said outlet of said portable boiler to said gap and at least one aperture of the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe is located at least partially within said nozzle, said device being configured to disinfect the outer portion; an inner portion of said dispensing probe. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said nozzle is configured such that steam flowing from said nozzle exerts a pressure in the gap sufficient to expel steam from the gap into at least one opening in the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe is positioned at least partially. inside said nozzle. 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said shroud and said nozzle are configured to form an air barrier between an inner portion of said shroud and an outer portion of said nozzle when said shroud and said nozzle are connected to each other, wherein said air shroud the barrier forms a layer of thermal insulation between said protective cover and said nozzle. 22. An apparatus for disinfecting a bottled water vapor dispenser comprising a housing, a heating element configured to generate steam in said housing, an outlet of said housing, said outlet configured to dispense steam from said housing, and a nozzle adapted to engage the orifice of the bottled water dispenser leading to a flow path, said nozzle for flow connecting the jacket outlet to the orifice of the bottled water dispenser, thereby providing a disinfecting steam environment in the fluid flow path of the bottled water dispenser . • · ► »» »» »» I · 9 9 9 999 9999 · 9 9 * 9 9 • t t t t t -2523. Apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a steam pipe connecting said housing to said nozzle. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a protective cap configured to communicate with said nozzle to protect the operator's hand from the steam flowing from said nozzle. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said shroud and said nozzle are configured to form an air barrier between an inner portion of said shroud and an outer portion of said nozzle when said shroud and said nozzle are connected to each other, wherein said air barrier forms a layer of thermal insulation between said protective cover and said nozzle. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising an adapter configured to be releasably sealed with an opening of the bottled water dispenser, said adapter having an inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the nozzle. 27. A method of disinfecting a potable liquid dispenser comprising first transporting a portable boiler of a potable liquid dispenser, further generating steam in a portable boiler at a potable liquid dispenser, and then flowing the port of the portable boiler to an orifice. the beverage machine, the vapor flowing through the exit of the portable boiler, the vapor flowing through the beverage vending machine opening, and maintaining steam flow at least in part of the flow path along the sufficient time to disinfect this portion of the flow path. The method of claim 27, wherein the potable fluid dispenser is a water dispenser, wherein the transport comprises transporting the portable boiler to the location of the water dispenser.