Liquid Container Or Flow Line Within Cooled Enclosure Patents (Class 62/338)
  • Patent number: 10976093
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet structure having an exterior wrapper and a liner operably coupled to one another to define an insulating space therebetween. The cabinet structure includes a refrigerator compartment. A water storage system includes a first portion disposed within the insulating space and a second portion fluidically coupled to the first portion and positioned within the refrigerator compartment. The first portion of the water storage system is exposed to a temperature level of the insulating space, and the second portion of the water storage system is exposed to a temperature level of the refrigerator compartment that is lower than the temperature level of the insulating space to define a thermal gradient therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Jessica Patricia Casanova
  • Patent number: 10487560
    Abstract: A domestic appliance has an appliance body, a door supported in a rotatable manner on the appliance body, a door actuator for driving the door, an activatable appliance function component and an actuator controller for activating the door actuator. The actuator controller is configured to monitor an activity status of the appliance function component and the actuator controller is configured only to activate the door actuator when the activatable appliance function component is inactive in response to receipt of an activation signal to activate the door actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Kempfle
  • Patent number: 10088217
    Abstract: A refrigeration device contains a water tank for drinking water. The water tank has a water channel for storing the drinking water, a vent channel for venting the water channel, and a constriction being formed in the venting channel for stemming the flow of the drinking water through the venting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Baeuerle, Eugen Gaplikow, Andreas Lindel, Ulrich Schlander
  • Patent number: 10040679
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus may include a dispenser housing at which a container accommodation part accommodating a container is formed to be recessed; a water nozzle provided at an inner surface of the dispenser housing which defines an upper surface of the container accommodation part; a water level detecting member provided at the inner surface of the dispenser housing close to the water nozzle and configured to detect a level of water filled in the container; a target water level input part provided to input the level of water filled in the container; and a water level indicating unit provided at an inner surface of the dispenser housing which defines a side surface of the container accommodation part to indicate a water level on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byoungsuk Choi, Shinhyun Park, Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 9791198
    Abstract: A structure of an ice making compartment of a side by side type refrigerator to enhance ice making efficiency and to reduce energy consumption. The ice making compartment may be separately provided between a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and be insulated from the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. A portion of a refrigerant pipe is inserted into the inside of the ice making compartment so as to directly cool down the ice making compartment. A front opening of the ice making compartment can be closed by an ice bucket, and the ice bucket can be inserted into or drawn from the ice making compartment with being accessible without opening a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Jae Seung Lee, Sung Cheol Kang, Sang Hyun Park, Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 9506688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2), at least one door (3) situated on the body (2), a water dispenser (4) situated on the door (3) and enabling the user to receive water without opening the door (3), a storage tank (5) situated on the inner wall of the door (3), a cover (6) situated on the storage tank (5) and having a closed position wherein the cover (6) almost completely covers the top of the storage tank (5) and an open position wherein the cover (6) at least partially opens the top of the storage tank (5), a locking mechanism (7) that enables the cover (6) to be fixed to the storage tank (5) when the cover (6) is in the closed position and a recess (8) arranged on the inner wall of the door (3), behind the storage tank (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Oktay Aygun, Ahmet Onur Moza, Arda Ozsu
  • Patent number: 9297573
    Abstract: An appliance includes a main body defining an access opening; a door movably attached to the main body and configured to close the access opening in a closed position, the door comprising a front, a back, a side surface extending from the front to the back, and a recess formed in the side surface, the back facing the main body when the door is in the closed position; and a water filtration system comprising a filter disposed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Russell J Fallon, Vinayak Reddy, Lorina June White
  • Patent number: 9174833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage dispense apparatus that maintains syrup containers in a housing, thereby eliminating plumbing required by prior art Bag-in-Box dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Klaus Wiemer, Sreekanth Pushpala, Nishant Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9170040
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a refrigerating compartment; a door to open and close the refrigerating compartment; an icemaker to make ice; a dispenser to dispense water; a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source to the icemaker and the dispenser; a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment; a valve provided at a junction of a hose connecting the filter to the water tank and the icemaker to selectively supply the water, purified by the filter, to the water tank or the icemaker; and a case to receive the filter, the water tank and the valve, the case being integrally positioned in the refrigerating compartment and between a front of the refrigerating compartment and a rear of the refrigerating compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 9038410
    Abstract: An ice making system includes a flavored liquid, an ice machine and a refrigerated storage bin. The ice making system continuously produces flavored ice pieces for storage in an ice storage bin. A refrigeration system cools the ice storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl G. Erbs, John P. Myers, Cary J. Pierskalla
  • Patent number: 8938985
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water purifying unit including a filter unit to purify water supplied from a water supply source is arranged adjacent to a drawer type storage container in an otherwise useless space of a storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Jae Koog An, Jong Eun Chae, Sang Min Park
  • Publication number: 20140305155
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water tank supporter arranged in a cabinet, a water tank that is connected to the water tank supporter and that defines a cavity, and a water supply platform that is movably connected to the water tank. The water supply platform includes a body portion that has a water inlet, a water outlet configured to discharge water to the cavity, and a water supply flow passage connected between the water inlet and the water outlet. The water supply platform also includes a movable portion configured to move the body portion such that the water inlet moves from an inside of the cabinet to an outside of the cabinet or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jimin YOU, Siyeon AN, Yonghyun KIM
  • Patent number: 8833100
    Abstract: Refrigeration devices that have a water dispensing system to dispense water to an exterior water dispenser from a water supply line have need of a water vessel for storing water under pressure within the refrigeration device until dispensed. The water vessel has an inlet for receiving water from the water supply line and an outlet for dispensing water to the exterior water dispenser. A plurality of pressure resistant walls are formed between the inlet and the outlet to form an internal volume to reservoir water within the water vessel. The water vessel is constructed to reservoir water within the vessel under hydrostatic pressure from the water supply line until dispensed through the outlet when requested by the exterior water dispenser and/or the icemaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyerholtz, Manoj K. Shrestha, Jeffrey J. Smale, Larry A. Lutz
  • Patent number: 8820583
    Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator includes a cavity provided at one side of a door and a discharge opening provided at an upper surface of the cavity. A cover is movable to inside of the cavity, and configured to open and close the cavity. An inclination surface is provided on an inner surface of the cavity. A switch on the inclination controls dispensing of water or ice from the discharge opening. Under this configuration, water or ice is dispensed from the discharge opening if the switch is actuated as the cover moves to the inside of the cavity to contact the inclination surface. The cover is coplanar with an outer surface of the door to close the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Taik Kim
  • Patent number: 8783055
    Abstract: A refrigerator in which a water tank and a filter, which have conventionally been located in a storage compartment, are installed to a rear surface of a door and are arranged in parallel to a dispenser, which expands a storage space of the storage compartment and shortens a water supply path between the water tank and the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Ho Yang, Sang Woon Jeon
  • Patent number: 8726685
    Abstract: A water tank for a refrigerator that withstands high pressure and prevents leakage of water and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a plurality of water storage containers to store water and at least one communication member through which the water storage containers communicate with each other. The water storage containers and the at least one communication member are integrally formed by injection molding. Joints are considerably reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, simplifying a manufacturing process, and improving productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 8640481
    Abstract: A water feed system usable with a refrigerator having an icemaker and a dispenser, which assures efficient utilization of a storage space. The refrigerator includes a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source to the icemaker and the dispenser, a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment, and a valve provided at a junction of a hose connecting the filter to the water tank and the icemaker to selectively supply the water, purified by the filter, to the water tank or the icemaker. The filter, the water tank and the valve are received in a case so as to be integrally positioned in the refrigerating compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Koog An
  • Patent number: 8567209
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
  • Publication number: 20130255304
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door structure comprises a first wall having a first edge, outer sidewalls that extend from the first edge to a perimetrical lip, a first inner surface and a first outer surface. A second wall has a second inner surface, a second outer surface and a second edge coupled to the perimetrical lip forming a cavity volume. The second wall includes inner sidewalls defining a second wall opening. The inner sidewalls extend to a back wall and define a second wall offset. A tubular member includes a first end coupled to a first conduit opening in the first wall and a second end coupled to a second conduit opening in the second wall offset. A barrier layer is disposed on the first and second walls and the tubular member. A cavity insulation material is disposed within the cavity volume which is hermetically sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nihat Cur, Guolian Wu
  • Patent number: 8434318
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8353179
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. A water supply passage unit of the refrigerator is installed going around a freezing compartment but via an outer side of the main body. Therefore, the water supply passage unit is not frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Jae Kim, Ill-Shin Kim, Seung-Hwan Oh, Sang-Ho Park, Nam-Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 8281608
    Abstract: The tubular conduit system of this invention allows modules requiring utilities to be positioned at any desired location within a cabinet, such as a refrigerator. The conduit is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the doors thereof and includes at least one electrical conductor positioned between the outer and inner walls and at least one fluid conduit within the inner wall. The conduit can be made of joined sections using connectors to also couple a module to the conduit such that modules can be installed at consumer selected locations prior to delivery of the refrigerator/freezer to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear
  • Patent number: 8272232
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator with a water tank for supplying water to an ice tray by closing of a door. A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber for storing an article at a low temperature, an ice tray positioned in the cooling chamber and filled with water, for making ice, a water tank with a water supply hole for storing water and supplying water to the ice tray, and a valve for selectively opening and closing the water supply hole. In addition, a refrigerator includes a cooling chamber for storing an article at a low temperature, a main body for defining the cooling chamber, a door for opening and closing the cooling chamber, an ice tray positioned inside the door and filled with water, for making ice, a water tank with a water supply hole for storing water and supplying water to the ice tray, and a valve for selectively opening and closing the water supply hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae-Yeon Kim, Seung-Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 8230692
    Abstract: A water dispenser is provided, which includes a cold water container configured to store water therein, having a hollow portion; a water purification device fluidly connected to the cold water container and configured to purifying the water supplied from the cold water container, the water purification device being installed inside the hollow portion of the cold water container; and a cooling device installed outside the cold water container and configured to cool the water stored in the cold water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: CLOVER Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Mu Moon, Hyung Min Park, Young Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20120180516
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUKASZ D. SKALSKI, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20120181304
    Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator includes a cavity provided at one side of a door and a discharge opening provided at an upper surface of the cavity. A cover is movable to inside of the cavity, and configured to open and close the cavity. An inclination surface is provided on an inner surface of the cavity. A switch on the inclination controls dispensing of water or ice from the discharge opening. Under this configuration, water or ice is dispensed from the discharge opening if the switch is actuated as the cover moves to the inside of the cavity to contact the inclination surface. The cover is coplanar with an outer surface of the door to close the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Seong Taik KIM
  • Patent number: 8166769
    Abstract: A self-cooled electronic component comprising a vertical monolithic circuit, in which the vertical monolithic circuit is electrically connected in series with a Peltier cooler so that the D.C. current flowing through the circuit supplies the cooler and in which the circuit and the cooler are placed against each other so that the cold surface of the cooler is in thermal contact with the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Morand
  • Publication number: 20120080445
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a door that includes a liquid dispensing system. A gas cylinder mounted on the refrigerator provides regulated gas flow to ports on the dispensing system. A bottle with a dispense head attached then can have liquid displaced by utilization of a valve component of the dispense head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Nick Moezidis, Morris Taradalsky, Ross Rittiman, Jeffrey Brooks
  • Patent number: 8075074
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigeration compartment defined by surrounding walls and an open side. There is at least one cabinet door arranged to move relative to the cabinet to selectively open and close the open side. At least one component is located in the cabinet door requiring information to be transmitted between the cabinet and the door. A first mating hub is located on one of the surrounding walls of the refrigeration compartment. A second mating hub is carried on the cabinet door, such that when the cabinet door is moved into a closed position relative to the cabinet, the first and second mating hubs will be arranged in alignment. The hubs have terminal connections for transmitting information from one hub to the other when aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Fulton
  • Patent number: 8028534
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Thomas C. Anell
  • Patent number: 8020403
    Abstract: An improved bottom mount refrigerator is provided with water and lighting systems housed in a space adjacent the top of the fresh food compartment between a false ceiling and the top wall of the liner. The water system includes a filter manifold, filter cartridge, storage tank, and valve mounted to a bracket. The lighting system, including the fixtures and wiring harness, are also mounted in the bracket. The water and lighting systems are pre-assembled on the bracket, which is then secured to the liner. The false ceiling includes a tank cover, a pivotal filter cover, and a removable light cover. The false drop ceiling hides the water and light systems and the mounting bracket. A front façade closes the gap between the ceiling and the liner. The ceiling and façade provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the upper portion of the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Rotter, David A. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 7823407
    Abstract: A water filter capable of preventing breakdown thereof due to freezing and a refrigerator having the same. The water filter includes a filter housing having entrance and exit ports to allow water to flow into and out of the filter housing, respectively, a filter member housed in the filter housing, and an expansion compensation part provided in the filter housing to compensate for expansion due to freezing of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Tae Lim, Jung Rae Kim
  • Patent number: 7814763
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and device for maintaining the water reservoir at a predetermined temperature. The piping system is designed for allowing a recirculation of water from and to the water reservoir in order to assure that the water delivered by the dispenser is at the correct temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Stefano Tavolazzi, Lorenzo Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7810345
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus, particularly a household refrigerator, has a liquid-supply system for a user device forming part of the apparatus, particularly a dispenser of a consumable product. The apparatus further comprises a protection system arranged for preventing flooding deriving from possible leakage of liquid, in particular from at least one of said supply system and said user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Nebbia, Costanzo Gadini, Giovanni Perucca, Fiorenzo Pivetta
  • Patent number: 7810344
    Abstract: Disclosed are a water tank and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a tank main body provided with a water storage space formed therein and a discharge hole; a tank cover connected to the tank main body for opening and closing the water storage space; a valve movably installed in the tank main body for opening and closing the discharge hole; and a valve driving unit moving the valve using magnetic force so as to cause the valve to open and close the discharge hole. The water tank is opened and closed by the magnetic force of magnets and the restoring force of elastic members, and thus it is possible to prevent water stored in the water tank from leaking out in a process of attaching or detaching the water tank to or from the rear surface of a door or a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Yoon, Byeong Gyu Kang, Jae Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 7603869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a dispenser. In the present invention, the dispenser is provided in a concave portion of a door to be exposed toward a front surface of the door. A water tank is installed between a rear surface of the dispenser and a door liner defining a rear surface of the door. The water tank stores the water delivered from an external water supply source while the water in maintained at a relatively low temperature and then discharges the water to the outside through the dispenser. Furthermore, in the present invention, a nozzle, through which the water is discharged from the water tank, is directly connected to a drainpipe of the dispenser, so that users may always take out the water maintained at a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Ook Kim, Ill-Shin Kim, Si-Yeon An, Dong-Yeol Yoo, Oh-Chul Kwon, Bum-Sik Lee, Joo-Won Park
  • Patent number: 7568356
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring or transporting water from a water source to a consumer can be used and performed while maintaining water quality. Containers housing or transporting the water maintain the water in an essentially liquid state at a low temperature. Consumers are connected to the water supply through taps in a larger system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Hillberg Innovation AN
    Inventor: Arne Hillberg
  • Patent number: 7549299
    Abstract: A water reservoir for a refrigerator having a refrigerating compartment provided with a front door having an internal panel in which shelves and a water reservoir are removably affixed. The front door having an external face carrying a dispensing valve supplied by the water reservoir. The recipient is superiorly opened and removably affixed to the internal panel of the door between the fixation positions of two consecutive shelves, and incorporates a lower outlet nozzle projecting through the door so as to be maintained in fluid communication with the dispensing valve. The reservoir including a lid removably fitted onto the recipient and provided with an opening; and an over-lid provided with a window and mounted to the lid, in order to be selectively and manually displaced in a plane parallel and adjacent to the mounting plane of the lid between an open position, in which its window is aligned with the opening of the lid and a closed position, in which the opening of the lid is blocked by the over-lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Ricardo Kolb Filho, Rodolfo Floeter Júnior, Claiton Emílio do Amaral, Edson Isaltino Bento
  • Publication number: 20090126390
    Abstract: The water tank for a refrigerator, and refrigerator having the same, is capable of reducing a material loss, being easily manufactured, withstanding a high water pressure and easily adjusting a storage capacity according to demands by changing installation conditions. The water tank for a refrigerator includes a plurality of reservoir containers each having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one connecting pipe which is bendable to connect the reservoir containers in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Min Park
  • Patent number: 7490475
    Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7490474
    Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7434417
    Abstract: A cooling air flow passage of a refrigerator is provided. The cooling air not only flows through the passage so as to make ice in an ice making chamber but is also sent so as to cool water in a water storage tank. Therefore, the cooling air flow passage of the refrigerator and the overall structure of the refrigerator are simplified, which increases the efficiency of the refrigerator and reduces the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Wook Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20080216504
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser and a refrigerator with the same is disclosed wherein a level of liquid to be ejected into a receptacle can be established, and a display module is mounted to thereby enhance a user convenience, and wherein the automatic liquid dispenser is mounted on the refrigerator to allow being independently driven and manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Jong Hwan Kim, Ju Hwan Yun, Young Hyun Lee, Dong Joo You
  • Patent number: 7418828
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes water storage tank (17) disposed at a higher place inside the door, water feeder (16) placed on a front face of the door, and water feeding tube (18) coupling tank (17) to feeder (16). Tube (18) slants upward from water feeder (16) to storage tank (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Himori
  • Publication number: 20080173037
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute oriented closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator and the ice dispensing chute, and a liquid dispensing chute oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, and the liquid dispensing actuator. The ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, the liquid dispensing actuator, and the liquid dispensing chute are arranged in a serial order, along a vertical plane that extends substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the refrigerator door within which the cavity exists, from a relatively deep position within the cavity to a relatively shallow position within the cavity or the front of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae Jang, Seung-Beom Chae, II-Wook Joung, Sang-Ho Park, Yong-Chul Kwon, Hyeon-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080134707
    Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at a relatively upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a relatively lower portion of the refrigerator body, which comprises an ice-making chamber which is partitioned in the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls and includes an icemaker for making ice and an ice storage for storing the ice made in the icemaker. The temperature in the refrigerating chamber can be accurately controlled, the loss of cold air can be minimized and the structures for supplying water into the icemaker and the dispenser can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin KIM, Seon-Il YU, Kun-Jun SEOK, Yong-Chol KWON
  • Publication number: 20080110194
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for a refrigerator includes a storage tank in fluid communication with a water inlet. The storage tank is configured to retain water flowing into the water inlet. An auxiliary tank is in fluid communication with the storage tank. The auxiliary tank includes a housing with a piston disposed therein. The piston is movable in a first direction to fill a portion of an interior volume of the housing with water and in a second direction to expel water from the interior volume of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Toby Whitaker, Mark Wayne Wilson, John Joseph Roetker
  • Patent number: 7370491
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank includes a wall defining a cavity therewithin. An inlet opening is formed through the wall and provides communication between a fluid source and the cavity. A projection and at least one obstruction are positioned within the cavity. The projection directs a flow of a fluid entering the cavity through the inlet opening towards the obstruction. The obstruction interferes with and disperses the flow within the cavity. An outlet opening is formed through the wall and provides communication between the cavity and a fluid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Krzysztof Struminski, Ramesh Janardhanam, Balaji Parthasarathy, Pravin Naphade
  • Patent number: 7287397
    Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has a modular water tank assembly housed in a cavity in the back wall of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Ron S. Paulsen, Lester J. Ott, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp, Mauro M. Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7269960
    Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle B. Elsom, Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Daniel C. Leaver, Michael A. Zizas, Donald E. Wiley, Jr.