PT2370342E - A method of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD OF CLEANING AND WASHING A BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM "

Drink dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing establishments to efficiently deliver large quantities of beverage. Typically, beverage dispensing systems are used to deliver carbonated alcoholic beverages, such as draft beer and citron. However, non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, and non-fizzy drinks, such as wine and fruit juice, may also be distributed using a beverage dispensing system. Drinking-distribution systems are mainly used by professional users, such as in establishments such as bars, restaurants and hotels, but are also increasingly used by private users, such as private households.

Professional beverage distribution systems typically distribute beverages transported in large beverage barrels. These beverage barrels can hold 20-50 liters of beverage for a professional beverage dispensing system to typically allow 50-100 beverage dispensing operations before it is necessary to change the beverage keg. Typically, beverage barrels are made from solid materials, such as steel, and replenished several times. Between each refill, the beverage barrels are thoroughly cleaned. Insufficient cleaning can lead to unsafe drinking kegs, which in turn can lead to health problems for the consumer of beverages. Alternatively, the beverage barrels are constructed so as to be deformable to be used only once, due to the concern with the above-mentioned hygiene. An example of such a beverage dispensing system using deformable beverage kegs is the Draft-Master ™ system provided by the applicant company. In such beverage dispensing systems using deformable beverage barrels, the beverage barrel is typically installed in a pressure chamber.

When dispensing beverages from the beverage dispensing system, a fluid under pressure is allowed to enter the beverage barrel in the case of a metal barrel or in the pressure chamber if a deformable barrel is used. When using a metal barrel, the barrel itself can be regarded as the pressure chamber. During the dispensing of the beverage from the pressure chamber, the fluid under pressure acts on the beverage and causes the beverage to exit the pressure chamber. If a deformable beverage barrel is used, the beverage barrel deforms as the beverage is dispensed and the volume of the beverage barrel decreases in correspondence with the amount of beverage dispensed. The deformable beverage barrels are preferably made of a flexible and disposable material, such as plastic.

During the execution of a dispensing operation, the force of the pressure causes the beverage to flow out of the beverage container and into a drain line. The drain line leads to a drain device typically having a drain valve and a drain cock to enable an operator to control the drain valve and thus the beverage dispensing operation. The operator, such as an employee or barmaid, uses the drain device to control the beverage delivery rate. After each beverage dispensing operation, there will inevitably be residual drink in the drain line and in the drain device. After a certain period of time, a layer of waste beverage may be formed inside the drain line and the drain device. These waste beverage layers may solidify and end up clogging the drain line and / or drainage device, which will affect the beverage dispensing operation. However, well before the clogging of the drain line and / or drainage device, the residual beverage will be a hygiene problem. The drainage line and drainage device are areas where bacterial growth can be accelerated due to the presence of beverage, the large surface area compared to the volume of the beverage, the absence of sufficient cooling and the close proximity to the exterior . Bacterial growth due to lack of hygiene in the drainage line and in the drainage device may be a quality problem for the beverage consumer. In addition, the formation of solidified beverage crust may occur within the drain line. Therefore, there is a need for cleaning technologies of the drain line and the drainage device after a certain period of time or, alternatively, after a number of beverage dispensing operations.

For home users, the above mentioned problem can be solved by using a disposable drain line and a drainage device designed for single use. For a professional user, a drain line and disposable drain device would mean that the operator would have to reinstall the drain line and the drain device regularly. Frequent installation would require considerably more time than having the drain line and drainage device permanently installed in the facility. Some establishments may have the pressure chamber in a different location, such as in the basement, below the drainage site itself, which would require even greater effort to change the drainage line. In such establishments, the drainage device itself will typically be made of non-disposable materials as a matter of appearance.

In the pending and pending European patent application having application number 07388059.3 and filed on 20 August 2007, a beverage dispensing system having a separate rinsing line has been described. When using a specially designed drain valve, there may be an alternating intake of rinse or beverage fluid into the drain line. The rinse fluid is supplied by a separate pressure vessel. The relief valve includes safety features to prevent mixing between rinse and beverage fluid.

WO 2007/076584A2 discloses an automatic domestic multi-brew dispensing apparatus. The abovementioned publication briefly describes that a cleaning cartridge can be used to clean the beverage dispensing apparatus. However, the publication does not describe any details about how cleaning is done. 4

In EP-A-2163509, there is described a cleaning and washing cartridge for internal use. The cleaning and washing cartridge is installed in the pressure chamber similar to a barrel of beverage and dispensed in a manner similar to that of a beverage.

However, it may be advantageous to provide an external cleaning and washing system which can be operated while a beverage barrel or, alternatively, a beverage is further accommodated within the pressure chamber.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide technologies for cleaning and washing a beverage dispensing system using an external cleaning and washing unit. It is another object of the present invention to provide technologies for cleaning and washing a beverage dispensing system using an external cleaning and washing cartridge.

When a cleaning fluid is used to rinse the drain line and the drain device, it is important to ensure that the cleaning fluid is properly removed from the beverage dispensing system prior to commencing beverage dispensing operations. It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide technologies for removing cleaning fluid from a beverage dispensing system. To ensure that all cleaning fluid has been removed, the experiment has shown that a certain minimum amount of washing liquid must be passed through the beverage dispensing system. The aforementioned need and objects, together with numerous other objects and needs, which will be apparent from the following detailed description, are in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a method of cleaning and washing a beverage dispensing system comprising the presence of: a sealed pressure chamber containing a beverage, a multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge containing a washing fluid, a pressure source of fluid connected to the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid, a drain line for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid p for the drainage device, a discharge valve connected to the multi-chamber cartridge, the pressure chamber and the drainage line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, allowing the beverage dispensing position that the beverage is dispensed by the drainage device when the pressure chamber is pressurized, while preventing the cleaning and lavage fluids from being dispensed by the drainage device, allowing the rinsing position that the cleaning and washing fluids are dispensed by the drainage device when the multi-chamber cartridge is pressurized, while preventing the beverage from being dispensed by the drainage device, and preventing the dispensed position from dispensing any of the beverage , cleaning fluid or lavage fluid by the drainage device, further comprising the method, the positioning of the v discharge valve in the rinsing position and dispensing the cleaning fluid through the drainage device, and causing the cleaning fluid to flow from the first cartridge, to pass through the discharge valve through the drain line and to be dispensed by the cleaning device and sequentially distributing the lavage fluid through the drainage device and causing the lavage fluid to flow from the second cartridge, to pass through the discharge valve through the drainage line and to be dispensed by the drainage device . The beverage dispensing system may preferably constitute a professional system, which is preferably fixed in an establishment, such as a bar or a restaurant or the like. The method according to the first aspect of the present invention is preferably employed in association with the exchange of the beverage keg, e.r after removal of a barrel of empty beverage and prior to the installation of a new barrel of beverage. The method according to the first aspect of the present invention may alternatively be employed in the period of time until the barrel is changed, if a long period of time has elapsed since the last wash, since it is not necessary to open the pressure chamber for performing a cleaning and washing operation. The sealing pressure chamber itself may constitute a beverage keg or, alternatively, a deformable keg is installed in the pressure chamber. The multi-chambered cartridge is located outside the pressure chamber to allow rinsing of the drain line or drainage device while the beverage still remains in the pressure chamber. The multi-chambered cartridge is preferably reusable and refillable by the user and may preferably be made of metal or rigid plastic. The first and second cartridges, containing the cleaning and lavage fluid, respectively, may typically be significantly smaller than the beverage barrel, since the typically required volume of lavage and cleaning fluid is less than the volume which the typical beverage barrel may contain. The first cartridge containing the cleaning fluid is preferably marked to distinguish it from the second cartridge containing the lavage fluid. These marks may include a yellow and black ribbon, which is a warning sign.

Both the first and second cartridges should each have an output connector, which should be connected to the first pressure chamber connector to allow fluid passage, so that the outlet connector is connected to the first watertight mode. The cartridge outlet connector and the first connector of the pressure chamber are preferably disposed on the bottom end of the cartridge and the pressure chamber, respectively. The pressurized fluid may preferably interact with the cleaning and washing fluid on a fluid-fluid surface located at an opposite top end of the cartridge ensuring the emptying of the cleaning and lavage cartridges before the fluid under pressure enters the line drainage system. The first and second cartridges of the multi-chamber cartridge should be configured to allow emptying of the first cartridge before allowing the second cartridge to empty. This can be achieved by providing a control valve to control the switching between the first and second cartridges. The control valve may comprise a 3-way valve operated manually or automatically. The cleaning fluid should be chosen from efficient fluids for the removal of solid or liquid residual beverage from the drain line or from the drainage device. Preferably, the cleaning fluid has no toxic properties or exhibits only a low toxicity to avoid any health risks. In addition, the cleaning fluid preferably has no corrosive properties or is only slightly corrosive to prevent any damage or excessive wear on the beverage dispensing system. The cleaning fluid is preferably dyed to distinguish it from the lavage fluid. The cleaning fluid may also be dyed with a color to distinguish it from the dispensed beverage, e.g. When distributing beer, which has a yellowish color, the dye may preferably be any of the red, green or blue colors, so that it can be visually observed when the beer is distributed. cleaning fluid. Suitable cleaning fluids may include alcohol, soap, alkali or acidic chemicals or the like. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid may comprise a gas, such as steam.

To ensure that no cleaning fluid remains inside the beverage dispensing system, the drain line and the drain valve must be washed by the introduction of a lavage fluid prior to initiating the beverage dispensing operations. The lavage fluid should be inexpensive, non-toxic and neutral flavor. Preferably, pure water is used as the washing fluid. The lavage fluid is introduced by the second cartridge into the drain line, after emptying the first cartridge. The lavage fluid is propelled through the drain line and the dispensing device to the outside. The lavage fluid is preferably transparent so that an operator can visually detect any traces of cleaning fluid remaining within the beverage dispensing system. At the end of the wash only rinse fluid should appear on the dispensing device. The amount of lavage fluid in the lavage fluid container must be chosen so as to ensure that no cleaning fluid remains in the drainage line. If cleaning fluid still appears at the end of the wash, the wash must be restarted until the cleaning fluid is completely removed from the beverage dispensing system. The cleaning fluid may, otherwise, influence the taste of the beverage and possibly be detrimental to the beverage consumer. When the wash is completed, the cleaning and washing system can be removed. The fluid pressure source may be a compressor or the like for supplying fluid under pressure, in particular air, to the pressure chamber when using a deformable barrel containing a pre-gassed beverage. When a conventional non-deformable container or barrel is used, the source of fluid pressure may preferably consist of a bottle of pressurized carbon dioxide and the fluid under pressure may be comprised of CO 2 for the pressurizing of the beverage. When the multi-chamber cartridge is sealed and fluid under pressure is introduced, the cleaning and washing fluid may be forced out of the multi-chamber cartridge. The fluid under pressure may preferably be any gas, such as e.g. pressurized air. The pressure source may be e.g. a compressor. If a membrane is used between the cleaning and washing system and the fluid under pressure, a liquid under pressure, such as water, may be used as an alternative to a gaseous fluid under pressure. The membrane prevents the cleaning fluid from mixing with the fluid under pressure. The membrane may e.g. e.g., be comprised of a deformable cartridge or a liner. The fluid under pressure may preferably act directly on the cleaning fluid, such that when the discharge valve is opened, the cleaning fluid is propelled through the drain line and the drain device into the outside. The drain device may be constituted by a valve and a tap for selectively withdrawing a beverage into a cup or the like. The drainage device is furthermore used to distribute the cleaning fluid and the lavage fluid when the beverage dispensing system is rinsed. The cleaning fluid cleans and rinses the drain line and the discharge valve during passage through the beverage dispensing system. After leaving the dispensing device, the cleaning fluid may flow into a drain system 11, which is typically provided below the dispensing device for excessly dispensed beverage collection. If a highly toxic cleaning fluid is used, it may be necessary to separate it separately for proper disposal. The drainage line may consist of a plastic or metal tube that is attached to the establishment. The drain line connects the discharge valve to the drain device to convey cleaning fluid and lavage fluid from the discharge valve to the drain device. The relief valve is preferably located in close connection with the pressure chamber or is, alternatively, part of the pressure chamber. The discharge valve consists of a three-port valve connected to the drain line, the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge. The discharge valve may assume three different positions. The first position constitutes a beverage dispensing position in which the pressure chamber is connected to the drain line and the multi-chamber cartridge is disconnected from the drain line. The beverage dispensing position permits the transportation of beverage located in the pressure chamber to the drain device and its selective dispensing by the tap handle of the drain device. In the beverage dispensing position, cleaning and flushing fluids can not enter the drain line or drain device. The second position of the discharge valve constitutes a rinsing position, wherein the multi-chamber cartridge is connected to the drain line and the pressure chamber is disconnected from the drain line 12. In the rinsing position, the cleaning fluid and lavage fluid are transported through the drain line and can be dispensed by tapping the drain device. In the rinsing position, the beverage can not enter the drain line or drain device. The drain valve should also be designed to prevent mixing of the cleaning and washing fluids with the beverage. Thus, when in the rinsing position, the pressure chamber must be isolated from the drain line and the multi-chamber cartridge. Accordingly, when in the beverage dispensing position, the multi-chamber cartridge must be isolated from the pressure chamber and the drain line. The third position constitutes a closed position in which the beverage and the cleaning and washing fluids can not enter the drain line. The multi-chamber cartridge should be designed to firstly distribute the cleaning fluid and then, after all the cleaning fluid has been dispensed, to distribute the washing fluid. The cleaning and washing fluid should therefore be stored in two separate cartridges within the multi-chamber cartridge. The multi-chamber cartridge can e.g. to include a valve, which automatically switches the distribution of cleaning fluid to the lavage fluid distribution after the cleaning fluid has been dispensed. It is further envisaged that the multi-chamber cartridge should be oriented in a specific position to accommodate and distribute the cleaning and washing fluids.

In the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is important that the first and second cartridges do not mix. If the first and second cartridges are mixed, i. i.e., if the cleaning fluid is introduced into the beverage dispensing system after washing, the cleaning fluid will continue to be present in the beverage dispensing system when the beverage dispensing operations begin. This is a problem, since the cleaning fluid can contaminate the beverage and cause the beverage to taste undesirably. In some cases, the cleaning fluid may also be hazardous to the health of the beverage consumer.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the multi-chamber cartridge defines a fluid inlet for connecting the fluid pressure source to the second cartridge, to allow the fluid under pressure to flow from the pressure source of fluid to the second cartridge and further providing: a cartridge connection connecting the first and second cartridges and allowing the cleaning fluid and the pressurized fluid to flow from the second cartridge to the first cartridge, and a fluid outlet to allow passage of fluid between the first cartridge and the discharge valve.

By providing a fluid passageway between the first and second cartridges, the lavage may start automatically when cleaning is complete. The pressurized fluid may enter the second cartridge through the fluid inlet and thus act on the washing fluid, which in turn acts on the cleaning fluid, urging the cleaning fluid through the inlet fluid outlet of the drainage line and through the drainage device. When the cleaning fluid has been dispensed, the lavage fluid, which had already advanced to the first cartridge, may flow into the fluid outlet and continue through the drain line to the drain device. The above configuration eliminates the need for any valve. In some embodiments, mixing the cleaning fluid and lavage fluid can be avoided by using fluids of substantially different density or other fluids which generally do not blend well.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the multi-chamber cartridge defines a position of emptying to distribute the cleaning and washing fluids, in the emptying position of which the first cartridge defines a first upper end and a first end and the second cartridge defines a second upper end and a second lower end, the fluid inlet being located in the second upper end of the second cartridge, the cartridge connecting the fluid passageway between the second lower end of the second cartridge and first upper end of the first cartridge, and the fluid outlet being connected to the first lower end of the first cartridge.

It should be understood that the emptying position means the position where the multi-chamber cartridge is installed and ready for use. The first and second cartridges are oriented such that fluid pressure acts on the upper end surface of the lavage fluid in the second cartridge and allows the lavage fluid to exit the lower end 15 of the second cartridge. The lavage fluid is led to the upper end of the first cartridge to act on the upper end surface of the cleaning fluid. Thus, the cleaning fluid is propelled towards the discharge valve and the drain line through the outlet which is positioned at the bottom end of the first cartridge.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fluid pressure source generates pressurized gas when it pressurizes the multi-chamber cartridge, the first cartridge of the multi-chamber cartridge further comprising a float valve located in the first the lower end of the first cartridge and preventing the entry of the pressurized gas into the drain line after emptying the cleaning and washing fluids of the multi-chamber cartridge.

Typically, when the cleaning and lavage fluid has left the first and second cartridges, the pressurized fluid will enter the drain line. The pressurized fluid, typically high pressure gas, will flow out of the drainage device at a high speed, which can lead to damage and possible personal injury. The existence of a float valve comprising a valve body having a lower density than the cleaning and washing fluids but greater than the fluid under pressure will prevent the pressurized fluid from entering the drain line after the cleaning fluids have left the first and second cartridges.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first cartridge defines a first volume and a first direction, along which the cross-section of the first volume is substantially constant, further comprising the multi-chamber cartridge a first piston sealed against the multi-chamber cartridge and dividing the cleaning fluid from the fluid under pressure, the first piston allowing the fluid under pressure in the multi-chamber cartridge to act on the cleaning fluid in the first cartridge, a connector connected to the first cartridge to allow passage of fluid to the discharge valve, a lavage fluid valve connected to the first and second cartridges and having a cleaning position and a lavage position, the lavage fluid valve being in the its cleaning position when it distributes the cleaning fluid and the first piston moves along the first direction and changing the first the lavage fluid valve, upon completion of emptying the cleaning fluid, from its cleaning position to its lavage position to allow the lavage fluid to be dispensed through the lavage fluid valve and the lavage valve. The lavage fluid valve will prevent any mixing of the cleaning fluid in the first cartridge with the lavage fluid in the second cartridge. When the pressure chamber is pressurized, the fluid under pressure may apply a force directly into the lavage fluid and the cleaning fluid through the piston. The piston is typically located in front of the flushing fluid valve and connector so that, when the flushing valve is opened, the piston spreads toward the flushing fluid valve and the connector and allows the flushing valve cleaning fluid flows through the connector and toward the drain line. The lavage fluid can only exit through the lavage fluid valve and the connector after the piston opens the lavage fluid valve after emptying the first cartridge. When the piston opens the lavage fluid valve, the lavage fluid may flow out of the lavage fluid valve 17 through the connector, and toward the drain line and drain device. After the lavage fluid leaves the multi-chamber cartridge, the multi-chamber cartridge can be depressurised and removed, and the piston and lavage fluid valve can recover their initial positions.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second cartridge defines a second volume and a second direction, along which the cross-section of the second volume is substantially constant, the multi-chamber cartridge further comprising second piston to the second cartridge and dividing the lavage fluid from the multi-chamber cartridge, the second piston allowing the fluid under pressure in the multi-chamber cartridge to act on the lavage fluid and the second piston moving along the first piston direction during dispensing of the washing fluid.

To prevent any pressurized fluid from flowing out through the lavage fluid valve and further through the connector, the drain line and the dispensing device, the second cartridge may be provided with a second piston. The fluid under pressure will act on the second piston in the second cartridge, which will act on the washing fluid. The second piston is preferably located on the side opposite the lavage fluid valve and also the connector. When the first piston reaches the wash fluid valve and the wash fluid can exit through the wash fluid valve and the connector, the second piston will propagate toward the wash fluid valve. When the second piston reaches the lavage fluid valve and the lavage fluid has exited through the first connector, the second piston will stop and prevent any pressurized fluid from flowing out through the second connector. The present embodiment is preferably used in association with a liquid fluid under pressure to prevent the mixing of fluid under pressure with washing fluid / cleaning fluid.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first cartridge is deformable and further comprises a perforating member for creating an aperture in the first cartridge upon completion of the emptying of the cleaning fluid, thereby permitting the dispensing fluid through the fluid outlet. The first cartridge may be comprised of a pre-filled flexible container filled with cleaning fluid which is installed in the fluid outlet of the multi-chamber cartridge. The space between the first cartridge and the outer wall of the multi-chamber cartridge then defines the second cartridge. After the first cartridge is installed, the second cartridge may be filled with lavage fluid and the cleaning and lavage process may be initiated, allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the fluid outlet towards the dispensing device. When the cleaning fluid cartridge has been emptied, it will be pierced or ruptured by the piercing member and the lavage fluid may enter the fluid outlet.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the multi-chamber cartridge defines a position of emptying to distribute the cleaning and washing fluids, and, prior to dispensing the cleaning fluid, the volume of cleaning fluid defines a first center of gravity, the volume of the lavage fluid defines a second center of gravity and, when the multi-chamber cartridge is in the emptying position, the first center of gravity is located below the second center of gravity.

To ensure that all of the cleaning fluid left the first cartridge prior to perforating the first cartridge, the center of gravity of the first cartridge is preferably located below the center of gravity of the second cartridge.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cleaning fluid is provided in the form of a solid cleaning pellet which is dissolved in the wash fluid prior to or during the delivery of the cleaning fluid. Generating the cleaning fluid in place using a cleaning insert and washing fluid eliminates the need to carry cleaning fluid into the establishment. The cleaning pellet may be dissolved prior to the start of the cleaning operation or may be dissolved in the wash fluid during the cleaning process. If the cleaning tablet is dissolved during the cleaning process, it should be ensured that sufficient washing fluid is left after the cleaning tablet has been completely dissolved to thoroughly wash the drain line, so that cleaning fluid or cleaning insert do not remain in the drain line. The aforementioned need and the above-mentioned objects, together with numerous other objects and needs, which will be apparent from the following detailed description, are in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, obtained by a cleaning and comprising a sealed pressure chamber containing a beverage, a multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge containing a washing fluid , a pressure source of fluid connected to the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing the beverage, cleaning fluid and the lavage fluid, a drain line for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the lavage fluid a drain valve connected to the multi-chamber cartridge, the pressure chamber and the drain line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, allowing the beverage dispensing position that the beverage is dispensed by the drainage device when the pressure chamber is pressurized, while preventing the cleaning and lavage fluids from being dispensed by the drainage device, allowing the rinsing position that the The cleaning and washing fluids are dispensed by the drainage device while the multi-chamber cartridge is pressurized, while preventing the beverage from being dispensed by the drainage device, and the dispensing position of any one of beverage, cleaning fluid or washing fluid by the drainage device. It is evident from the foregoing description that the cleaning and washing system according to the second aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with the methods according to the first aspect of the present invention. The above-mentioned need and the above-mentioned objects, together with numerous other objects and needs, which will be apparent from the following detailed description, are in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, obtained by a method of filling a a cleaning and washing system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a sealed pressure chamber containing a beverage, a multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge containing a lavage fluid, a pressure source of fluid connected to the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the washing fluid, a drain line for dispensing the beverage the cleaning fluid and the lavage fluid for the drainage device, a discharge valve connected to the multi-chamber cartridge, the pressure chamber and the drainage line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, the beverage dispensing position allowing the beverage to be dispensed by the drainage device when the pressure chamber is pressurized, while preventing the cleaning and washing fluids from being dispensed by the dispensing device the cleaning and lavage fluids being dispensed by the drainage device when the multi-chamber cartridge is pressurized, while preventing the beverage from being dispensed by the drainage device, and avoiding the position the dispensing of any of the beverage, cleaning fluid or washing fluid from the drain the method further comprising positioning the multi-chamber cartridge in a substantially vertical position and positioning the discharge valve in the closed position, filling the first cartridge with a specific amount of the cleaning fluid and filling the second cartridge with a or the filling of the second cartridge and the first cartridge with a specific amount of the washing fluid and sequentially dissolving a cleaning tablet in the wash fluid contained in the first cartridge.

By filling the cleaning and washing system according to the method according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure that a sufficient amount of cleaning fluid and washing fluid is used. Depending on the size of the beverage dispensing system and, in particular, the length of the drain line, cleaning and washing cartridges of different sizes may be used. By providing a cleaning fluid cartridge having a size in accordance with the specific beverage dispensing system, the amount of cleaning fluid is specified to obtain a good cleaning result. Accordingly, the amount of lavage fluid is also specified, to allow all cleaning fluid to exit the beverage dispensing system. Thus, the filling process makes the cleaning and washing process safe to avoid the existence of beverage residues and cleaning fluid residues within the beverage dispensing system upon completion of the cleaning and washing process. The method according to the third aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with the methods and systems according to the first and second aspects of the present invention. The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a series of figures showing an external cleaning and washing cartridge, Fig. 2 is a series of figures showing a Fig. 3 is a series of figures showing a pre-filled cleaning cartridge; Fig. 4 is a series of figures showing a cleaning tablet in dissolution, Fig. 5 is a series of figures Fig. 6 is a top and side view of an external cleaning and washing cartridge; Fig. 7 is an external cleaning and washing cartridge installed in a cleaning chamber; Fig. Fig. 8 is a set of interconnected pressure chambers for an external and centralized cleaning and washing unit, Fig. 9 is a base part for a pressure chamber, Fig. 10 is a centralized rinsing system in e mode Fig. 11 is a centralized rinsing system in beverage dispensing mode, Fig. 12 is a closed-mode centralized rinsing system, Fig. 13 is a rinsing-mode local rinsing system, Fig. Fig. 14 is a local rinsing system in beverage dispensing mode, Fig. 15 is a closed-mode local rinsing system, Fig. 16 is a discharge valve in beverage dispensing mode, Fig. is a rinse-off valve, and Fig. 18 is an alternate embodiment of the centralized rinse system.

There follows a detailed description of the figures of some presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 1A shows a most preferred embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit. The cleaning and washing unit 20 comprises an outer chamber constituting a lavage cartridge 36 having a volume of about four liters and an inner chamber constituting a cleaning fluid cartridge 46 having a volume of about one liter. The one and four liter volumes are, respectively, typical values suitable for most of the 26 beverage dispensing systems. The lavage fluid cartridge 36 communicates in fluid terms with the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 via a cartridge interconnect 40 which interconnects the lower portion of the lavage fluid cartridge 36 with the upper portion of the cartridge 46 of cleaning fluid. The lavage fluid may flow into the cartridge interconnect 40 in a lavage fluid outlet 38 located at the bottom of the lavage fluid cartridge 36 and flow through the cartridge interconnect 40 to the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 via a lavage fluid port 42 located on the top of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46. A check valve 43 is provided at the lavage fluid port 42 to prevent the flow of cleaning fluid into the lavage fluid cartridge 36. The rinse fluid outlet 24 is provided in the bottom of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46. It is contemplated that, in the present context, the rinsing fluid comprises any of the cleaning fluids and the rinsing fluids. A rinse line 25 connects the rinse fluid outlet 24 to a rinse connector 27 located on the side of the cleaning and rinsing unit 20. A float valve 50 is provided within the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to prevent leakage of fluid under pressure in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to the lavage outlet 24. The float valve 50 will allow the flow of liquids, i. cleaning fluid and washing out through the lavage outlet 24 and preventing gas, i. i.e., pressurized fluid, flows out through the lavage outlet 24. A set of flanges constituting a float valve carrier 52 will ensure that the float valve 50 is positioned in a closed and fixed state in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 when there is no cleaning fluid present in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46. A pressurized fluid tube 29 delivers pressurized fluid from the side of the cleaning and lavage unit to the interior portion of the wash fluid cartridge 36 to prevent any cleaning fluid from entering the pressure fluid tube 29 when the cartridge 36 of the washing fluid is full. The cleaning and washing unit 20 may be prepared by introducing wash fluid, i.e. e.g., water, the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and the wash fluid cartridge 36. The lavage fluid cartridge 36 is subsequently hermetically sealed to the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 by a lavage fluid cap 56. The lavage fluid cap 56 seals the cleaning fluid cartridge, but allows access to the cleaning fluid cartridge through an aperture 54. When the lavage fluid cartridge 36 is suitably separated from the cleaning fluid cartridge 46, cleaning chip 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46, transforming the washing fluid accommodated in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 into cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning component may be provided as a powder, liquid or paste, or a combination thereof, preferably in a specifically metered amount or unit dose. Thereafter, the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is sealed by a cleaning fluid cover 58. Fig. 1B shows the cleaning and washing unit 20 of Fig. 1A when it is installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). By providing fluid under pressure, e.g. pressurized air to the cleaning fluid cartridge 36 through the pressure fluid tube 29, the fluid under pressure causes the washing fluid in the cleaning fluid cartridge 36 to enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 through of the cartridge interconnect 40. The lavage fluid exits the lavage fluid cartridge 36 through the lavage fluid outlet 38 and enters the lavage fluid cartridge 46 through the lavage fluid port 42, thereby causing the cleaning fluid in the lavage fluid 46 of the cleaning fluid is expelled through the rinse fluid outlet 24 and further through the rinse line 25 and the rinse connector 27. The directions of the fluid flow are indicated in the figure by arrows. The rinsing connector 27 should be connected to the drain line and to the beverage tap of the beverage dispensing system, which is to be cleaned (not shown). The beverage cock (not shown) is located at the opposite end of the drain line and is typically located at a bar counter. The cleaning fluid is distinguished from the washing fluid in the figure by small bubbles. 1C shows the cleaning and washing unit 20 of Fig.

Fig. 1A when the wash fluid cartridge 36 is empty and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is filled with wash fluid. The fluid under pressure is causing the lavage fluid to be expelled through the lavage outlet 24. When the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is empty, the floating valve 50 has hit the bottom of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and prevents any pressurized fluid from being expelled through the rinse fluid outlet 24. 2A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20 '. The external cleaning and washing unit 20 'comprises a lavage fluid cartridge 36 constituting the major part of the interior of the cleaning and washing unit 20'. A cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'is provided in the form of a flexible container pre-filled with cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'comprises a perforating member and connector 60 constituting a sharp knife or needle, or a like breaking member. The connector 60 is connected to the rinse fluid outlet 24, providing a fluid passageway between the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'and the rinse line 25. After the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'is installed, the wash fluid cartridge 36 is filled with wash fluid and the lid 58 is coupled, sealing the wash fluid cartridge 36. Fig. 2B shows the cleaning and washing unit 20 'of Fig. 2A when installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown). The fluid under pressure entering the cleaning fluid cartridge 36 through the pressure fluid tube 29 causes the washing fluid to subject the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'to a pressure force. The cleaning fluid is thus expelled through the connector 60, towards the rinsing line 25, while the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'deforms. The cleaning fluid cartridge 46 'deforms over the connector 60 and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' will be punctured or ruptured by the connector 60. Fig. 2C shows the cleaning and lavage unit 20 of Fig. cartridge 36 is empty and torn or alternatively perforated, allowing the lavage fluid to be expelled through the lavage outlet 24. Fig. 3A shows another embodiment of a unit 20 " cleaning and washing. Unit 20 " cleaning and washing comprises a washing fluid cartridge 36 constituting the major part of the interior of the unit 20 " cleaning and washing. A cartridge 46 " ' of cleaning fluid is provided at the bottom of the wash fluid cartridge 36. The cartridge 46 '" of cleaning fluid is pre-filled with cleaning fluid and connected to the rinse fluid outlet 24. The input 42 " of the cartridge wash fluid 46 " of cleaning fluid is located in front of the rinse fluid outlet 24. The lavage cartridge 36 is provided with a float valve 50. Fig. 3B shows the unit 20 " cleaning and washing apparatus of Fig. 2A when installed in the beverage dispensing system (not shown). The fluid under pressure entering the cleaning fluid cartridge 36 through the pressure fluid tube 29 causes the cleaning fluid to enter the cartridge 46 ' of cleaning fluid through the lavage fluid inlet 42 '. The cleaning fluid is thus expelled through the rinse fluid outlet 24 in the direction of the rinse line 25. Fig. 3C shows the unit 20 " 3A when the cartridge 46 " of cleaning fluid is filled with washing fluid. The fluid under pressure is causing the lavage fluid to be expelled through the lavage outlet 24. When the wash fluid cartridge 36 is empty, the floating valve 50 has reached the bottom of the cartridge 46 '" of cleaning fluid and prevents the expulsion of any fluid under pressure through the rinse fluid outlet 24. Fig. 4A-C shows another embodiment of a unit 20 " cleaning and washing apparatus very similar to that of Fig. 3A-C, with the exception of the cartridge 46 '" of cleaning fluid comprises a cleaning pellet 59 which dissolves and creates cleaning fluid when the cleaning fluid flows into the cleaning fluid cartridge as described above in association with Fig. 3B. When about 1 liter of washing fluid passes through the cartridge 46 " ' of cleaning fluid, the cleaning pellet 59 is completely dissolved and the remaining washing fluid continues to flow through the rinse fluid outlet 24. Fig. 5A shows another embodiment of a unit 20 " " cleaning and washing. The unit 20 " " and comprises a cartridge 36 'of external lavage fluid and a cartridge 46' " of internal cleaning fluid, similar to that of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

In addition to a pressurized fluid tube 29, which delivers pressurized fluid to the top of the wash fluid cartridge 36 ', a fluid auxiliary tube 29' is provided under pressure to supply fluid under pressure to the top of the cartridge 46 " "; of cleaning fluid in the inlets 44 ', 44 " of pressurized fluid. Both the cartridge 46 " " of cleaning fluid such as the lavage cartridge 36 'are filled with lavage fluid and a cleaning pellet 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge to create cleaning fluid. Fig. 5B shows the division of the lavage cartridge 36 'and the cartridge 46' " of cleaning fluid in a respective upper space and lower space by an internal piston 53 and an external piston 55, respectively. The respective lavage and cleaning fluids are housed in respective lower spaces, below the respective inner and outer piston 53, 55. The fluid under pressure may enter the upper space of the cartridge 46 " " of cleaning fluid and acts on the inner piston 53, which, in turn, presses out the cleaning fluid through the rinse fluid outlet 24 '. The lower spaces of the lavage fluid cartridge 36 'and the cartridge 46' " of cleaning fluid are interconnected by a lavage fluid inlet 42 '. A flushing fluid valve 57 is located in the bottom and interior of the cartridge 46 " of cleaning fluid and prevents the ingress of lavage fluid into the cartridge 46 " " of cleaning fluid from the lavage cartridge 36 '. The lavage valve 57 defines a plurality of airtight orifices relative to the wall between the cartridges 36 ', 46 " washing and cleaning fluid. As the inner piston 53 is pressed by the fluid under pressure towards the rinsing fluid outlet 24 ', the inner piston 53 will act on the wash fluid valve 57 and push the wash fluid valve 57 into a valve recess 51. When the lavage fluid valve 57 comes into contact with the bottom of the valve recess 51, the inner piston 53 will have reached its final position and the orifices located in the lavage valve 57 will be aligned with the fluid inlet 42 ' of washing. A fluid communication is established between the lavage cartridge 36 'and the cartridge 46' " of cleaning fluid through the washer fluid valve 57 and the washer fluid inlet 42 '. 5C shows the lavage fluid to be pressed out of the lavage outlet 24 'by the external piston 55 while the pressurized fluid may enter the upper space of the lavage fluid cartridge 36' through the inlet 44 ' of pressurized fluid. The flow direction of the washing fluid is indicated by arrows in the figure. When the external piston 55 has reached its final position, the external piston 55 will prevent the fluid under pressure from entering the rinsing fluid outlet 24 ', thereby eliminating the need for a ball valve for this purpose. The present embodiment has the advantage of physically separating the fluid under pressure from the washing and cleaning fluids and can therefore be preferably used in association with a fluid under liquid pressure. Such liquid pressurized fluids may comprise water. Fig. 6A shows a top view of the embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20, as shown in Fig. 1. The cleaning and washing fluid is expelled by the cleaning and washing unit 20 through the cleaning and washing unit 20 rinsing. The rinsing connector 27 may be connected to a pressure chamber or beverage dispensing system (not shown). Two pressure fluid connectors 28 are located on either side of the rinsing connector 27 to supply fluid under pressure to the cleaning and lavage unit 20 through the pressure fluid tube 29 (not shown in the present view). The pressure fluid connectors 28 are interconnected as part of a safety system, which will be explained in more detail in association with Figs. 13-15. Fig. 6B shows a detailed view of the embodiment of an external cleaning and washing unit 20, as shown in Fig. 1. When the cleaning and washing unit is empty, the float valve 50 seals the outlet 24 of rinse fluid and prevents any pressurized fluid from leaving the cleaning and rinsing unit 20 through the rinsing connector 27. In the present view, the pressure fluid connectors 28 are not visible. Fig. 7 shows the installation of a cleaning and washing unit 20 outside a pressure chamber 10. The pressure chamber 10 may preferably accommodate a deformable beverage container. The pressure chamber is accommodated in a housing 114. The beverage container (not shown) can be accessed by oscillating or rotating the pressure chamber from its present vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and subsequently removing the upper portion constituting a lid 14 of the pressure chamber 10 using the handles 12. The cleaning and washing unit 20 is preferably fabricated from rigid plastic or, alternatively, metal. The cleaning and washing unit 20 may preferably be at least partially transparent to allow an outside observer to determine the level of cleaning and washing fluid accommodated within the cleaning and washing unit 20. In order to distinguish between cleaning and washing fluids, the cleaning fluid may be dyed with a specific color, such as green, red or blue. The cleaning and washing unit 20 is preferably cylindrical in shape. Fig. 8 shows a plurality of chambers 10, 10 ', 10 " pressure. The chambers 10, 10 ', 10 " are individually connected to a centralized cleaning and lavage unit through a set of rinsing fluid delivery means 128 and together to a fourth pressure tube 142. A control valve 124 controls the flow of fluid under pressure from the fourth pressure pipe 142 to a discharge valve (not shown here, but to be described next in Figures 9-18 and indicated with reference numeral 72) constituting a barrel coupler from the pressure chamber 10. The control valve 124 will further be described in association with the 35

Fig. 10-12. The cleaning and lavage fluid is provided by a centralized cleaning and rinsing unit (not shown here but described below in Figs. 10-12 and denoted by reference numeral 118), attached to the far end of the cleaning assembly means 128 for supplying washing fluid. The centralized cleaning and rinsing unit (not shown below, but to be described hereinafter) may comprise a cleaning and rinsing unit 20, as described above in association with any of Figures 1-6, but which may be, however, , significantly larger, depending on the number of pressure chambers 10 and / or drain lines / beverage taps intended for serving. 9 shows a set of beverage dispensing base portions 66 for use with any of the aforementioned embodiments of the pressure chamber (not shown here, but described in Figs. 7-8 and to be described below in Fig. 10-15 and designated by the reference numeral 10). A drain line 68 is provided at the back of the base portion 66. A beverage container (not shown) may be installed at the top of the base portion 66 and connected to a beverage outlet 70. The drain line 68 provides beverage, as well as cleaning and lavage fluid, to the beverage tap (not shown). The base portion 66 includes a delivery valve 72 for selectively allowing a beverage from the beverage outlet 70 or a cleaning / lavage fluid from the first lavage delivery medium 128 to be dispensed through the lavage line 68 drainage. The pressure chamber is pressurized through a pressure fluid conduit 74 and a pressure fluid inlet 76. It is envisaged that the above-mentioned embodiment of a base portion 66 may also be used as the local cleaning and washing units as described above in association with Fig.

10-15 show two specific embodiments of a centralized and rinsing system 110, 116, respectively, having a safety system for controlling the rinsing and dispensing of beverages. The safety system prevents the rinsing start if the pressure chamber 10 is not pressurized or if the flushing valve 72 is not in the rinsing position. Fig. 10-12 shows a centralized rinsing system for a plurality of pressure chambers, while Figs. 13-15 show a local rinse system for only one pressure chamber. Each centralized and rinsing system 110, 116 comprises two identical pressure chambers 10, 10 '.

Fig. 10 shows a central rinsing system 110 in the rinsing mode. The centralized rinsing system comprises an air compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10, a second pressure chamber 10 'and a centralized cleaning and lavage unit 118. The air compressor 112 is connected by a first pressure tube 136 to the first pressure chamber 10 through a primary safety valve 120 and a secondary safety valve 122. When a beverage barrel is installed in the pressure chamber 10, the primary safety valve 120 allows the flow of compressed air from the air compressor 112 towards the secondary safety valve 122. The secondary safety valve 122 allows the compressed air to pressurize the pressure chamber 10 when the pressure chamber assumes the vertical orientation shown in Fig. 7, which indicates that the first pressure chamber 10 is ready for dispensing beverages. The secondary safety valve 122 prevents compressed air from pressurizing the first pressure chamber 10 after the pressure chamber 10 has assumed horizontal orientation. Any one of the pressure chambers 10, 10 'can be rotated to its horizontal orientation when it is desired to install a new beverage barrel, e.g. when the original beverage barrel is empty. In the horizontal orientation, the compressed air may leave the pressure chamber 10, thereby allowing the pressure chamber 10 to be safely removed and the beverage barrel replaced. When the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the pressure will also act on a control valve 124 through a second pressure pipe 138. The control valve 124 will be described in more detail below. The first and second pressure chamber 10, 10 'are housed in first and second housings 114, 114', respectively. The air compressor 112 is further connected by a third pressure pipe 140 to the centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118. The cleaning and flushing unit 118 is further connected by a fourth pressure tube 142 to the control valve 124 so that a pressure acts on the control valve 124 when the rinsing unit 117 is pressurized. When the control valve 124 is subjected to a pressure from the cleaning and rinsing unit 118 and the first pressure chamber 10, it will allow the pressurized fluid to act on a discharge valve 72 and cause it to take over the washing position and rinsing. The discharge valve 72 is of the same type as the discharge valve 72 described above in association with Fig. 9. The same type of relief valve is further described in Figs. 16-17 with the same reference. After the flushing valve 72 takes over the rinsing position, the cleaning and lavage fluids can enter the flushing valve 72 through a first flushing fluid delivery means 128 and leaving the flushing valve 72 through a flushing line 68. At the same time, the beverage is prevented from entering the discharge valve 72, thereby avoiding any contact between the rinsing fluid and the beverage. The second pressure chamber 10 'is connected by a second rinse fluid delivery means 130 to the cleaning and rinsing unit 118, separately from the first pressure chamber 10. For safety reasons, the two pressure relief valves 72, 72 'of the pressure chambers 10, 10' will assume the rinsing position if they are pressurized. This is to avoid dispensing a drink and rinse from different taps at the same time, which would constitute a danger, since the cleaning fluid may accidentally be mistaken for the beverage. A switch may be provided in the cleaning and lavage unit 118 to selectively provide cleaning and lavage fluids to one of the first or second pressure chambers 10, 10 '. In an alternate embodiment, the two drain lines 68 of the pressure chambers 10, 10 'can receive cleaning and washing fluids simultaneously. Fig. 11 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 in the beverage dispensing mode. In the beverage dispensing mode, the air compressor 112 may provide pressurized air to the cleaning and lavage unit 118. However, the pressurized air can not act on the control valve 124 through the fourth pressure pipe 142 because the fourth pressure pipe 142 is discharging into the atmosphere in the beverage dispensing mode by means of a valve not shown in the drawings. When the control valve 124 is not subjected to the pressure from the first pressure chamber 10 and the cleaning and lavage unit 118, the control valve 124 will prevent the air pressure from acting on the discharge valve 72. This causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage dispensing position. When the discharge valve 72 assumes the beverage dispensing position, the beverage may flow from the first pressure chamber 10 to the drain line 68. At the same time, the rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the discharge valve 72. 12 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 in a closed mode. The closed mode implies that the primary safety valve 120 and / or the secondary safety valve 122 are closed, i. i.e., that the pressure chamber 10 is turned to the horizontal position or a beverage barrel is not present within the first pressure chamber 10. The pressurized air is prevented from pressurizing the first pressure chamber 10 and, consequently, the control valve 124 will not provide any fluid under pressure to the discharge valve 72. In the closed mode, both the beverage and the rinsing fluid are prevented from entering the discharge valve and flowing towards the drain line 60. Fig. 13 shows a local rinse system 116 in the rinse mode. Like the central rinsing system 110 described above, the local rinsing system 116 comprises a compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10 and a second pressure chamber 10 '. The cleaning and lavage unit 118 described above in association with Figs. 10-12 has been replaced by a first rinse cartridge 132 mounted in connection with the first pressure chamber 10 and a second rinse cartridge 132 'mounted in connection with second pressure chamber 10 '. The first and second rinse cartridges 132 and 132 ', respectively, may be of the type described above in association with Figs. 1-7. The first pressure chamber 10 is connected to the first rinsing cartridge 132 through the second pressure pipe 138, whereby, when the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the first rinsing cartridge 132 is also pressurized. The first rinsing cartridge 132 is further connected to the discharge valve 72 whereby, when the first rinsing cartridge is pressurized, the pressure acts on the discharge valve 72 through the fourth pressure tube 142 so that the release valve 72 to assume the rinsing position. In the rinsing position, the rinsing fluid can flow from the first rinsing cartridge 132, through the discharge valve 72, toward the drain line 68 '. Fig. 14 shows a local rinsing system 116 in a beverage dispensing mode. To assume the beverage dispensing mode, the first rinse cartridge 132 is simply removed from the first pressure chamber 10. When the first rinsing cartridge 132 is removed, a check valve (not shown) prevents pressurized air from leaving the first pressure chamber 10 through the second pressure tube 138. Accordingly, there is no pressurized air action on the discharge valve 72, which causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage dispensing position. The beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to flow through the relief valve 72 'toward the drain line 68'. Fig. 15 shows a local rinsing system 116 in a closed mode The closed mode for the local rinsing system 116 corresponds to the closed mode of the central rinsing system 110 and therefore will not be discussed. 16 is a schematic and detailed sectional view of a discharge valve 72, as shown in the drawings above. The discharge valve 72 comprises a stem 174, which is located within the coupling housing 192 and which is adapted to act on a sealing ball 176. The sealing ball 176, in the present embodiment, is not part of the coupling housing 192, but is part of the beverage container 168. The sealing ball 176 is received in the base portion 186. The discharge valve 72 can be actuated between three possible positions, which constitute a first position, a second opposed position and an intermediate position. As will be described in more detail below, the intermediate position constitutes the beverage dispensing position, while the first and second positions constitute the rinsing position and the closed position, respectively. The sealing ball 176 is located in the base portion 186, in a space defined between an inlet throttling 178 and an outlet throttling 180. The inlet choke 178 and the outlet choke 180 both include an aperture or passageway to allow the beverage to flow from the beverage container 168 through the inlet and outlet throttles 178, 180, and then through the casing 192, to a beverage outlet 182. Both the inlet choke 178 and the outlet choke 180 constitute valve seats 42, which the sealing ball 176 may sealingly close. The sealing ball 176 will establish a seal against the inlet throttling 178 or the outlet throttling 180, or remain in the intermediate position, shown in Fig. 16, which constitutes the beverage dispensing position. The coupling housing 192 accommodates the stem 174 and engages the base portion 186. The coupling housing 192 is secured to the floor such that, when the pressure chamber 10 and the beverage container 168 are rotated or rotated to the horizontal orientation, the coupling housing 192, including the stem 174, remains with the wall and the discharge valve 72, including the sealing ball 176, remains with the beverage container 168. The stem 174 and the coupling housing 192 may thus be made of rigid and non-disposable materials, such as metal.

When the pressure chamber is disposed in an upright position, an attachment 198 closely seals the zone between the base portion 186 and the coupling housing 192. The attachment 198 is moved downwardly to allow the pressure chamber 10 to rotate to the horizontal orientation.

When the stem 174 is in the beverage dispensing position, i. i.e. in the active or intermediate position as shown in Fig. 16, the beverage may flow from the beverage container 168 through the sealing ball 176 and through the beverage outlet 182. The beverage outlet 182 communicates, in terms of fluid, with the drain line.

Initially, when a new sealed beverage container 168 is installed, the base portion 186 is sealed by a laminated seal in the outlet throttling 180. The laminated seal 43 is broken by the rod 174 during the installation of the beverage container 168. This allows the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage container 168.

When the coupling housing 192 and thus also the stem 174 are separated from the beverage container 168, the beverage, indicated in the shading in the figure, will exert a force on the sealing ball 176, pushing the sealing ball 176 against the throttling 180, defining the closed position, i. the second passive position, thereby sealingly closes the beverage container 168.

In Fig. 16, the sealing ball 176 is positioned between the inlet choke 178 and the outlet choke 180, allowing the beverage to flow from the beverage container 168, through the sealing ball 176 and continuing through the beverage outlet 182 until to the drainage line. The beverage container 168 is equipped with the base portion 186, in which the top of the discharge valve 72 is received. The sealing ball 176, the inlet throttling 178 and the outlet throttling 180 are components of the base part 186. From the beverage dispensing position shown in Fig. 16, the stem 174 can be moved toward the beverage container 168 or into the beverage outlet 182 and drain line 68. A spring 184 presses the stem 174 away from the beverage container 168 into the closed position. Discharge valve 72 is preferably used in conjunction with the security system described in Fig. 10-15. The pressure chamber may be pressurized only during beverage dispensing permit, i. i.e., when a beverage barrel 168 is installed and the pressure chamber has been turned to the vertical orientation. Accordingly, the pressure within the pressure chamber can be utilized for the application of an intermediate force on the spring 184, securing the stem 174 in the beverage dispensing position shown in Fig. 16. By adding the force applied by the safety system , the stem 174 moves toward the beverage container 168, into the rinsing position described in more detail in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a schematic and detailed cross-sectional view of the same assembly shown in Fig. 16 , with the discharge valve 72 rotated slightly about the vertical axis to reveal a rinse fluid port 190 and a rinse fluid delivery medium 128, not shown in Fig. 16, and the stem 174 in the rinsing position and not at

beverage dispensing position shown in Fig. 16. The rinse fluid inlet 190 is, as shown, located in the coupling housing 192. The rinse fluid port 190 is used to perform rinsing of the discharge valve 72 and the drain line. A rinse fluid may be introduced through the rinse fluid port 190 and rinses the space within the discharge valve 72.

When the stem 174 is in the rinsing position, the sealing ball 176 is pushed so as to come into contact with the inlet throttle 178 so as to create a sealing effect, ensuring that the rinsing fluid does not enter the interior of the beverage container 168, which would contaminate the beverage stored in the beverage container 168. 45

When the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, i. i.e., in the first position, as shown in Fig. 17, the sealing ball 176 and the inlet throttle 178 establish a seal preventing rinse fluid from entering the beverage container 168 and, however, allowing the rinse fluid wash and rinse the discharge valve 72 and the drain line. Upon opening the drink cock when the stem 174 is in the rinsing position, the rinsing fluid flows out of the beverage tap and washes and flushes the discharge valve 72, as well as the drain line and the tap. beverage (not shown). The coupling housing 192 interconnects the outlet throttling 180 of the discharge valve 72 and the beverage outlet 182. The rinse fluid port 190 is also attached to the coupling housing 192, but in a position below a rinse valve seat 196. When the stem 174 is in the rinsing position, a corresponding rinsing valve member 194 permits fluid communication between the rinse fluid port 190 and the engagement housing 192. When the stem is moved away from the rinsing position to the dispensing position, or to the closed position, the rinsing valve member 194 contacts the rinse valve seat 196 and prevents fluid from passing between the housing 192 of coupling and the rinse fluid inlet 190. This avoids mixing between the beverage and the rinsing fluid when the stem 174 is in the dispensing position. 46

After the cleaning fluid, washing fluid is introduced, i. e., tap water through the rinse fluid port 190 to flush the outlet valve 72 and the drain line so that there is no distribution of waste cleaning fluid with the beverage in the first beverage dispensing operation after rinsing. 18 shows an alternate embodiment of the centralized rinse system 110 '. By providing a separate cleaning and lavage unit 118, a fluid under pressure may be selectively supplied to one of the control valves 124, 124 '. In the presently shown embodiment, the pressurized fluid is supplied only to the control valve 124 'belonging to the second pressure chamber 10'. A switch can be used for this purpose. As the two pressure chambers 10, 10 'are pressurized, the discharge valve 72 belonging to the first pressure chamber 10 will assume the beverage dispensing position and the discharge valve 72' of the second pressure chamber 10 'will assume the rinsing mode. Thus, cleaning and washing fluid may be supplied to the discharge valves 72, 72 'of the two pressure chambers 10, 10'. However, since only the relief valve 72 'of the second pressure chamber 10' is in the rinsing position, the cleaning and lavage fluid can be propagated through the second rinse fluid delivery medium 130 and line 68 ' of the second pressure chamber 10 ', and the rinsing and washing fluid will be prevented from entering the drain line 68 belonging to the first pressure chamber 10. It should be noted that the beverage and cleaning fluid may be dispensed simultaneously in the present embodiment and therefore the present embodiment does not satisfy the narrower safety level given that the beverage and the rinsing fluid may be accidentally mixed up by a careless operator. The present embodiment, however, is somewhat more flexible with respect to the rinsing operation and at the same time provides some basic safety requirements such as preventing the rinsing operation when the pressure chamber is open and is not pressurized.

List of Characteristics in the Figures: 10. Pressure Chamber 12. Handle 14. Cover 20. External Cleaning and Washing Unit 24. Rinse Outlet 25. Rinse Line 27. Rinse Connector 28. Pressurized Fluid Connector 29 Pressure fluid tube 36. Wash fluid cartridge 38. Wash fluid outlet 72. Discharge valve 74. Pressure fluid tube 76. Pressure fluid inlet 110. Centralized rinse system 112. Air compressor 114. Housing 116. Local rinse system 118. Centralized cleaning / flushing unit 120. Primary safety valve 122. Secondary safety valve 124. Control valve 48 40. Cartridge interconnection 42. Washing fluid inlet 43. Valve Retainer 44. Pressure fluid inlet 46. Cleaning fluid cartridge 50. Float valve 51. Valve recess 52. Float valve bracket 53. Internal piston 54. Opening 55. P external valve 56. Flushing fluid cap 57. Flushing fluid valve 58. Cleaning fluid cap 59. Cleaning tablet 60. Connector (perforating member) 65. Valve 66. Base portion 128. First delivery medium of rinse fluid 130. Second rinse fluid delivery means 132. Rinse cartridge 136. First pressure tube 138. Second pressure tube 140. Third pressure tube 142. Fourth pressure tube 168. Beverage container 174. Stem 176. Sealing sphere 178. Inlet choke 180. Outlet choke 182. Outlet 184. Spring 186. Base part 190. Rinse fluid inlet 192. Coupling housing 194. Rinse valve element 49 68. Line drain valve 70. Drink outlet 196. Rinse valve seat 198. Accessory

Lisbon, May 31, 2013 50

Claims (12)

A method of cleaning and washing a beverage dispensing system comprising: a sealed pressure chamber (10) containing a beverage, a multi-chambered cartridge (20) located outside said chamber (10) comprising a first cartridge (46) containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge (36) containing a lavage fluid, a fluid pressure source (112) attached to said pressure chamber (10) and said cartridge (20) ) means for pressurizing said pressure chamber (10) and said multi-chamber cartridge (20) by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said multi- a drain line (68) for distributing said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said lavage fluid to said drainage device, a drain valve (72) attached to said lavage fluid; said multi-chamber cartridge (20), said pressure chamber (10) and said drain line (68), said discharge valve (72) having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a said beverage dispensing position enabling said beverage to be dispensed by said drainage device when said pressure chamber (10) is pressurized, while at the same time preventing said cleaning and lavage fluids from being dispensed by said drainage device, said rinsing position allowing said cleaning and lavage fluids to be dispensed by said drainage device when said multi-chamber cartridge (20) is pressurized, while preventing said beverage is dispensed by said drainage device, and said closed position avoiding the distribution of any of said b said cleaning valve or said lavage fluid by said drainage device, the method further comprising the positioning of said drainage valve (72) in said rinsing position and the dispensing of said cleaning fluid by said lavage device (72), through said drain line (68) and is dispensed by said drainage device, said drainage means (68) is connected to said first drainage device and sequentially dispensing said lavage fluid by said drainage device, and causing said lavage fluid to flow from said second cartridge (36), passes said lavage valve (72) through the outlet said drain line (68) and is distributed by said drainage device. A method according to claim 1, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge (20) defines a fluid inlet (28) for connecting said fluid pressure source (12) to said second cartridge (36), to allow said fluid under pressure to flow from said fluid pressure source (12) to said second cartridge (112), and further providing: a cartridge connection (40) connecting said first and second cartridges (36, 46) and allowing said cleaning fluid and said pressurized fluid to flow from said second cartridge (36) to said first cartridge (46), and a fluid outlet (27) to allow fluid to pass between the first cartridge said first cartridge (46) and said discharge valve (72). A method according to claim 2, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge (20) defines a position of emptying to distribute said cleaning and washing fluids, in the emptying position of which said first cartridge (46) defines a first upper end and a first lower end, and said second cartridge (36) defines a second upper end and a second lower end, said fluid inlet (28) located at the second upper end of said second cartridge (36) , Said cartridge connecting (40) providing fluid passage between said second lower end of said second cartridge (36) and said first upper end of said first cartridge (46), said outlet (27) of fluid attached to said first lower end of said first cartridge (46). A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said fluid pressure source (112) generates pressurized gas when it pressurizes said multi-chamber cartridge (20), further comprising said first cartridge (46) of the manifold said multi-chamber cartridge (20) a float valve (50) located in said first lower end of said first cartridge (46) and preventing the entry of said pressurized gas into said drain line (68) after emptying said fluids for cleaning and washing said multi-chamber cartridge. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first cartridge (46) defines a first volume and a first direction, along which the cross-section of said first volume is substantially constant, said cartridge further comprising a multi-chamber cartridge (20) first sealing piston (53) against said multi-chamber cartridge (20) and dividing said fluid cleaning fluid under pressure, said first piston (53) allowing said fluid under pressure in said multi-chamber cartridge (20) acts on said cleaning fluid in said first cartridge (46), and further providing a connector (24) connected to said first cartridge (46) to allow the passage of fluid into said first cartridge said flushing valve (72), a flushing fluid valve (43) connected to said first and second cartridges (46, 36) and having a cleaning position and a washing position, said flap valve (53) moves along said first direction, and said first piston (53) changing said lavage fluid valve, after said lavage liquid is discharged to said first lavage valve, concluding the emptying of said cleaning fluid from its cleaning position to its washing position to enable said washing fluid to be distributed through said lavage fluid valve (43) and said connector (24) . A method according to claim 5, wherein said second cartridge (36) defines a second volume and a second direction, along which the cross-section of said second volume is substantially constant, said cartridge further comprising a second piston (55) sealed against said second cartridge (6) and dividing said lavage fluid from said multi-chamber cartridge (20), said second piston (55) allowing said second cartridge pressurized fluid in said multi-chamber cartridge (20) acts on said lavage fluid, and said second piston (55) moving along said first direction during delivery of said lavage fluid. A method according to claim 5, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge (20) further comprises a fluid inlet (29) coupled to said second cartridge (36), allowing the flow of a fluid from the said multi-chamber cartridge (20) for said first cartridge (46) and allowing a fluid under pressure in said multi-chamber cartridge (20) to act on said washing fluid. A method according to claim 2, wherein said first cartridge (46) is deformable and further comprises a perforating member (60) for creating an aperture in said first cartridge (46) upon completion of emptying the cartridge said cleaning fluid, thereby allowing subsequent dispensing of said lavage fluid through said fluid outlet (24). A method according to claim 8, wherein said multi-chamber cartridge (20) defines a position of emptying to distribute said cleaning and washing fluids, and, prior to dispensing said cleaning fluid, the volume of said cleaning fluid defines a first center of gravity, the volume of said lavage fluid defines a second center of gravity and, when said multi-chamber cartridge (20) is in said emptying position, said first center of gravity is located below said second center of gravity. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said cleaning fluid is provided provided in the form of a solid cleaning tablet (59) which is dissolved in the washing fluid, before or during the dispensing of said cleaning fluid cleaning fluid. 6 A cleaning and lavage system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a vented pressure chamber (10) containing a beverage, a multi-chamber vial cartridge (20) located outside said pressure chamber (10) comprising a first cartridge (46) containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge (36) containing a lavage fluid, a fluid pressure source (112) attached to said pressure chamber (10) and said multi- chamber means for pressurizing said pressure chamber (10) and said multi-chamber cartridge (20) by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said washing fluid , a drain line (68) for delivering said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said lavage fluid to said drainage device, a discharge valve (72) attached to said multi-chamber cartridge, to said pressure chamber (10) and to said drain line (68), said drain valve (72) having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, said dispensing position said drink being dispensed by said drainage device when said pressure chamber (10) is pressurized, while preventing said cleaning and washing fluids from being dispensed by said drainage device, allowing said beverage chamber said cleaning and lavage fluids are dispensed by said drainage device when said multi-chamber cartridge (20) is pressurized, while at the same time preventing said beverage from being distributed by said drainage device, and said closed position preventing the dispensing of any one of said beverage, said cleaning fluid or said lavage fluid by said drainage device. A method of filling a cleaning and washing system for a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a sealed pressure chamber (10) containing a beverage, a multi-chambered cartridge (20) located outside said beverage dispensing system a pressure chamber (10) comprising a first cartridge (46) containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge (36) containing a lavage fluid, a fluid pressure source (112) attached to said pressure chamber (10) and to said multi-chamber cartridge (20) for pressurizing said pressure chamber (10) and said multi-chamber cartridge (20) by the use of a fluid under pressure, a drainage device for dispensing said beverage, (68) for distributing said beverage, said cleaning fluid and said lavage fluid to said drainage device, a cleaning valve (72) for cleaning said cleaning fluid and said washing fluid, a drain line is connected to said multi-chamber cartridge, said pressure chamber (10) and said drain line (68), said discharge valve (72) having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a position said beverage dispensing position allowing said beverage to be dispensed by said drainage device when said pressure chamber (10) is pressurized, while preventing said cleaning and lavage fluids from being dispensed by said beverage dispensing position. the said lavage and lavage fluids are dispensed by said drainage device when said multi-chamber cartridge (20) is pressurized, while preventing said beverage from being distributed by said drainage device, and said closed position avoiding the distribution of any of the re said cleaning fluid or said lavage fluid by said drainage device, the method further comprising positioning said multi-chamber cartridge (20) in a substantially vertical position and positioning said valve (72) discharging into said closed position filling said first cartridge (46) with a specified amount of said cleaning fluid and filling said second cartridge with a specified amount of said washing fluid or, alternatively, filling said second cartridge (36) and said first cartridge (46) having a specific amount of said washing fluid and, sequentially, dissolving a cleaning tablet (59) in said washing fluid contained in said first cartridge (46). Lisbon, May 31, 2013 10