Autoclavable bucketless cleaning system
Inventors
CALIO, Rosario S. • Churchvara, Jeffrey • VELLUTATO, JR., Arthur
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10478866-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cleaning system, including a vessel with an inside for storing fluid under pressure (the vessel including a first connection point for dispensing fluid from the vessel that is configured to be in a closed position when not connected and a second connection point for pressurizing the vessel that is configured to be in a closed position when not connected), an outlet autoclave stem for installing in the cleaning system so that steam may pass through the first connection point during autoclaving, and an inlet autoclave stem for installing in the cleaning system so that steam may pass through the first connection point during autoclaving.
Core Innovation
The invention is a bucketless, pressurized-fluid cleaning system with a vessel for storing fluid under pressure. The vessel has self-closing connection points for dispensing fluid and pressurizing the vessel. Outlet and inlet autoclave stems open the respective connection points and enable steam to pass through them during autoclaving, allowing the vessel and system to be autoclaved.
The described system also includes inlet and outlet regulator assemblies and components including a pressure-closing inlet regulator, a vessel-mounted relief valve and purge valve, a pressure gauge, and a proportional-flow metering valve. These features address charging, purging, pressure safety, and dispensing control. The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the problem described there is not explicitly available.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims identify two inventive features: a cleaning system and a method of autoclaving that system.
Cleaning system with autoclave stems
A vessel stores fluid under pressure and has a first connection point for dispensing fluid and a second connection point for pressurizing the vessel; both automatically close when disconnected. An outlet autoclave stem opens the first connection point, and an inlet autoclave stem opens the second connection point, enabling steam passage through each during autoclaving.
Autoclaving a cleaning system vessel
The method concerns autoclaving a vessel that has self-closing connection points for dispensing fluid and pressurizing the vessel. Outlet and inlet autoclave stems open the respective connection points and enable steam to pass through them during autoclaving of the vessel.
The two independent claims cover the cleaning system's self-closing vessel connections and the corresponding autoclave stems, and the use of those stems in autoclaving the vessel.
Stated Advantages
The system simplifies charging and purging.
The system improves pressure safety and dispensing control.
The vessel, regulator assemblies, and cleaning applicators can be sterilized by autoclaving.
Documented Applications
A pressurized-fluid cleaning system for dispensing cleaning solution.
Dispensing cleaning solution through interchangeable autoclavable applicators, including a sprayer, sponge mop, or fogger.
Autoclaving the cleaning-system vessel, with steam passing through its dispensing and pressurizing connection points.
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