Cleaning system and method for beverage appliance

Abstract

The beverage appliance of the present invention includes a venturi having a steam inlet and a milk inlet. The steam inlet and milk inlet each include a solenoid valve configurable between an open state and a closed state. The solenoid valves are electrically coupled to a processor and are controllable through first and second switches. In operation, upon activation of the first switch, the solenoid valves are controlled to their open states to deliver milk and steam to the venturi to produce frothed milk. When a desired amount of frothed milk has been dispensed, the user deactivates the first switch and the processor controls only the milk inlet solenoid valve to its closed state. The steam inlet solenoid valve remains in its open state for a predetermined amount of time such that a burst of steam only is forced through the venturi and distribution lines to purge them of milk.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cleaning system for a brewed beverage appliance, comprising:
 a venturi having a steam inlet for receiving steam from a steam source and a milk inlet for receiving milk from a milk reservoir;   a first solenoid valve associated with said milk inlet and configurable between an open state and a closed state;   a second solenoid valve associated with said steam inlet and configurable between an open state and a closed state; and   a processor electrically coupled to said first and second solenoid valves, said processor configured to control said first and second solenoid valves between said open and closed states.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first switch electrically coupled to said processor and configured to control said first solenoid valve between said open and said closed state; and   a second switch electrically coupled to said processor and configured to control said second solenoid valve between said open and said closed state;   wherein said first and said second solenoid valves are controllable between said open and closed states independently of one another through said first and said second switches.   
     
     
         3 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said processor is configured to maintain said second solenoid valve in said open position for a predetermined duration after said first solenoid valve is controlled to its closed state.