Abstract: A water-dispensing device includes a reservoir tank, a dispense pump, one or more dispense valves, a spigot in selective fluid communication with the reservoir tank via at least the dispense pump and the dispense valves, an ice maker, an ice making, and an ice tank. The ice tank includes a melt tray in fluid communication with the ice maker. A melt pump is connected between the melt tray and the reservoir tank. A controller is configured to, upon receiving a signal to perform a water dispensing operation: (a) open one of the one or more dispense valves, (b) activate the dispense pump to move water from the reservoir tank toward the spigot, (c) if the ice making valve is not open, open the ice making valve, and (d) activate the melt pump to move water from the melt tray toward the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body which includes a storage compartment, a door which opens and closes the storage compartment and includes a dispenser, a water tank case disposed in the door, a water tank separably mounted in the water tank case, a water level sensor configured to sense a water level inside the water tank when the water tank is mounted in the water tank case, and a water tank valve configured to guide water supplied from a water supply source to the dispenser or the water tank and to prevent water from being supplied to the water tank when the water level sensor senses that a certain amount of water is stored in the water tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device includes: a distribution vessel in which a refrigerant liquid flows; a refrigerant inflow pipe connected to a top portion of the distribution vessel and supplied with a refrigerant liquid; a first refrigerant outflow pipe and a second refrigerant outflow pipe connected to a bottom portion of the distribution vessel to discharge the refrigerant liquid; and a float channel switching valve that floats in the refrigerant liquid in the distribution vessel. The flow channel switching valve switches a passage to the first refrigerant outflow pipe when an amount of the refrigerant liquid in one heat receiver does not reach a reference amount of liquid, and cuts off the passage communicating with the first refrigerant outflow pipe and switches the passage to the second refrigerant outflow pipe when the amount of the refrigerant liquid in the one heat receiver reaches the reference amount of liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for providing hands-free hydration to a person. Specifically, the invention comprises a case having a storage container with chilled fluid therein and a pump for circulating the chilled fluid. Additionally, the device further comprises several lines of tube for supplying water to a user when the user engages a bite valve.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A dispensing unit includes a liquid collecting apparatus having a drip tray and a drip tray cover. The drip tray cover has an upper surface which comprises a plurality of troughs for collecting liquids. The tray includes an intermediate wall about which the drip tray cover pivots thereby allowing easy removal of the drip tray cover.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a refrigerator door, comprising an inner door material and an outer door material, wherein a portion of the outer door material of the refrigerator is formed into a shape of a dispenser recess. The apparatus also includes a support structure, wherein the support structure is situated behind the dispenser recess of the outer door material and in front of the inner door material, and wherein the support structure facilitates implementation of one or more dispenser features. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided to prevent sustaining of injuries by users, and which is capable of being hygienically used. The refrigerator prevents users sustaining injuries from inadvertently bumping into a dispenser or a tray when passing by the refrigerator.

Abstract: Disclosed related to a refrigerator according to the present invention comprising a main body in which a cold air storage is provided; a door connected to the main body; a dispenser assembly mounted on the door; and a tray assembly selectively protrudably connected to the dispenser assembly therefrom in a front direction.

Abstract: According to the structure of the refrigerator and the dispenser for the same, water is easily dispensed as the water dispensing device and the ice dispensing device are separately provided and the water dispensing button is provided at the front of the chute cover, and the water dispensing device is minimally damaged due to the absorbing pad structure.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to refrigerators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a refrigerator which has a residue tray for holding residue of water or ice from a dispenser when the dispenser is pushed in the door, thereby permitting to make simple and effective disposing of the residue of water or ice from the dispenser in the door.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A dispensing unit includes a liquid collecting apparatus having a drip tray and a drip tray cover. The drip tray cover has an upper surface which comprises a plurality of troughs for collecting liquids. The tray includes an intermediate wall about which the drip tray cover pivots thereby allowing easy removal of the drip tray cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser of an icemaker in a refrigerator for maximizing an inner space when a total size is the same, and for minimizing the total size when the inner space is the same. The dispenser of the icemaker in the refrigerator includes an ice chute being a passage through which the ice produced from the icemaker is discharged; and a container supporter provided at an outer case and disposed to be perpendicular to an outer surface of the outer case when the ice is discharged outside through the ice chute, the contain supporter allowing a container seated thereon to receive the ice discharged from the ice chute. The ice chute is closed and not exposed outside when the ice-discharging process is finished, and the container supporter is not exposed to the outer surface of the outer case.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber, a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber, and a dispenser positioned on the door and configured to dispense ice pieces or water through the door when the door is oriented in a closed position. The refrigerator also includes a dispensing button unit configured to control a dispensing start time and a dispensing speed of the ice pieces or water dispensed through the dispenser based on a position of at least a portion of the dispensing button unit that results from movement of the portion of the dispensing button unit.

Abstract: A dispenser has a dispenser cover having an accommodating space with an open front surface, a tray slidably retracted in the dispenser cover, and a protrusion elastically contacted with one of the dispenser cover and the tray to thusly be relatively moved. Accordingly, the sliding of the tray can smoothly be performed, and an unexpected tray separation due to a small external force applied thereto upon opening/closing the refrigerator door can be prevented.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser, a dispenser well, a control for regulating a dispensing operation, and a sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes at least one capacitive-type sensor mounted in the dispenser well. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a container in the dispenser well, an upper edge portion of the container and a level of liquid filling the container during the dispensing operation. The sensor signals the control to automatically cease the dispensing operation before the level of liquid reaches the upper edge portion of the container. The control is configured to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, while preventing any release of water or ice when an animate object is detected.

Abstract: A low profile ice maker/dispenser and water dispenser having a high ice making capacity, for ice nugget manufacture is provided, wherein ice nuggets are metered out of a storage bin via a nugget dispenser outlet, and whereby water is dispensed via a water dispenser outlet. A refrigeration cycle is used, wherein an auger compresses ice on a wall of an evaporator and delivers the ice to the ice bin, breaking it into nuggets along the way. An outer wall of the evaporator is comprised of part of the water reservoir. A baffle in the ice bin facilitates metering of the amount of ice discharged. The system comprises a closed system that enables efficient cleaning of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) including a dispenser (10) mounted to door, a nozzle (17) mounted to the dispenser for discharging water to an outside of the dispenser, and a residual water preventive unit (20) mounted close to the nozzle for preventing residual water from dropping, thereby preventing residual water from being dropped from a nozzle of a dispenser in the door of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. More particularly, the refrigerator is provided with a dispenser having a cavity for a cup, dispenser doors that open and close the cavity, and a door driver positioned in the dispenser that drives the dispenser doors. The dispenser doors may be automatically controlled to open and close, thereby improving cleanliness and an exterior appearance of the refrigerator by reducing dust accumulation in the dispenser during periods of non-use.

Abstract: An output unit of a refrigeration device having a niche with a rear wall, which is provided with a cover, and a method of installing the output unit. The cover includes a dish-shaped section, which is curved inward into the niche and bounded by opposite edge sections, which are connected with a niche frame. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the edge sections at front supporting surfaces of the niche frame are held in contact in an installation end position, wherein the dish-shaped section is pulled by fastening means against the rear wall of the niche. By these means, it is ensured that the narrowest or most uniform gap possible between the cover and the place of installation is guaranteed and, in addition, fastening means are not visible to the user.

Abstract: A preservation and dispensing apparatus integrated within a refrigerator door includes a wine preservation and dispensing apparatus and a door of a refrigerator within which the wine preservation and dispensing apparatus is integrated. The wine preservation and dispensing apparatus includes a housing framework composed of a rigid frame secured to the refrigerator door along an opening cut into the door.

Abstract: Disclosed related to a refrigerator according to the present invention comprising a main body in which a cold air storage is provided; a door connected to the main body; a dispenser assembly mounted on the door; and a tray assembly selectively protrudably connected to the dispenser assembly therefrom in a front direction.

Abstract: A liquid filtering and dispensing system can be formed as an integral unit and configured for placement within an appliance compartment. The system can have a manifold with a filter connection including inflow and outflow attachments for a filter cartridge, an inlet, at least one outlet forming a dispenser and a valve to control flow through the integral system. The system can include a cooling reservoir fluidly located prior to the dispenser. The system can include a removable carafe and a carafe mount configured such that the carafe can receive liquid from the dispenser. The carafe mount can be configured to supply liquid from the carafe to a remote dispensing assembly such as a refrigerator door dispenser. The carafe mount can be positioned within the refrigerator compartment or within the refrigerator door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to refrigerators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a refrigerator which has a residue tray for holding residue of water or ice from a dispenser when the dispenser is pushed in the door, thereby permitting to make simple and effective disposing of the residue of water or ice from the dispenser in the door.

Abstract: A drop-in beverage dispensing unit and ice bin combination having a beverage dispenser and an ice bin assembly. The beverage dispenser can have a tower assembly onto which dispensing valves are mounted. An ice bin lid provides access to the ice stored within the ice bin assembly and aids in protecting the ice from contamination while it is stored within the ice bin assembly. A drain pan is located below the dispensing valves to catch any spillage and direct it to the drain piping. The drain pan can have a primary drain pipe and a secondary drain pipe. The ice bin assembly can have an outer wall structure and an inner wall structure. The outer wall structure can be seamless.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dispenser and a refrigerator having the same, the dispenser comprising a dispenser cover having an accommodating space with a front surface open, a trey slidably retracted in the dispenser cover, and a protrusion elastically contacted with one of the dispenser cover and the trey to thusly be relatively moved. Accordingly, the sliding of the trey can smoothly be performed, and an unexpected trey separation due to a small external force applied thereto upon opening/closing the refrigerator door can be prevented.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes an ice maker, a dispenser and the other related components installed to a refrigerator door that opens and closes a storage space of a main body of the refrigerator, the walls of which are formed of insulating layers. A water supply tube is provided in the door to pass through a lower hinge and extend through the door so that water can be supplied to a filter in a filter chamber defined within the door. The water purified in the filter is supplied through a valve to the ice maker and dispenser. The filter chamber is configured to be opened and closed by a service door so that a user can more easily exchange the filter. The service door is provided in front of the door. Since the ice maker, the dispenser and the related components are integrated within the door, the storage space defined by the main body of the refrigerator can be further increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water cooler assembly including a receptacle to hold water to be cooled and from which water can be dispensed; a cover attached to said receptacle via a hinge, said cover including formations to receive and hold a water bottle, and further including an inlet passage through which water from said bottle can flow into said receptacle; said cover having mountings to receive a cooling assembly, said cooling assembly being mounted in said cover close and extending away from said cover. The present invention also provides a water cooler assembly including a receptacle to hold water to be cooled and from which water can be dispensed, means to receive and hold a water bottle, and further including an inlet passage through which water from said bottle can flow into said receptacle; a cooling means associated with said receptacle to cool said water, and a trough attached to said inlet, from which trough water can enter said receptacle to be cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates an apparatus to extract clean, cooled or heated bottled water from a water cooler/dispenser for distribution to a refrigerator or ice maker or other remote outlet. More specifically, the invention relates to an originally installed, or retrofitted using a self-piercing saddle valve, remote dispensing apparatus for use with conventional water heating/cooling dispensers employing bottled water for dispensing the water substantially instantaneously to a remote outlet.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing water or ice cubes, and refrigerator fitted with the same, the dispenser including a dispenser casing having a cup receiving space recessed from an outside surface of one side of a refrigerator, and view securing means provided in an upper front part for identifying a water level of a cup when a user looks down the cup receiving space from an upper front side, at least one lever fitted to the cup receiving space, and a dispensing device built-in the refrigerator for cold, or frozen storage of water supplied from outside of the refrigerator, and supplying the water or ice cubes to the cup when the cup presses the lever. The dispenser is fitted to an outside of the refrigerator, particularly, to an outside of the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerated beverage dispenser, specifically designed for delivering fruit juicies, tea, mineral water, wine and the like, which comprises an inlet (1) for water or drink to be delivered, downstream of which is arranged a refrigerating device (2). On the delivering duct a pump (3) and a solenoid valve (4), controlled by a central processing unit (10), are applied. Moreover, a sanitizing auxiliary device (30), controlled by said central processing unit (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A portable water dispensing module is mounted to a refrigerator door inner liner. The liner has side walls with aligned vertically spaced module supports. The water dispensing module comprises a reservoir having a fill chamber located above a main reservoir. The fill chamber has a lid that has an opening closed by a cap. The reservoir supports the fill chamber and has side walls with anchoring supports that releasably and matingly engage with the module supports on the liner side walls to mount the water dispensing module against the liner walls. A lower recessed portion of the front wall of the reservoir protects a spigot, mounted into the recess, from inadvertent contact with a user. The reservoir further includes recessed handle portions on the side walls located forward of the refrigerator door liner side walls and below the fill chamber to facilitate the portability of the water dispensing module from the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A gravity-feed unit that dispenses cool drinks form a carboy includes a breakable inner seal. The carboy is supported by its neck, which is centered on a striker. The striker includes a discharge passage for the carboy that communicates with a coiled pipe to cause the beverage to flow through a secondary exchanger. A heat transferring agent is previously cooled in a primary exchanger and brought to the secondary exchanger by a pump. Actuation is controlled by a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heat transfer agent in the secondary exchanger. The primary exchanger includes a heat source that causes the heat transfer agent to pass continuously inside a closed circuit mutually connecting the primary and secondary exchangers regardless of whether the pump is operating.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid storage, delivery, and automatic fill apparatus and method for a semi-frozen or chilled liquid beverage machine having a bowl to contain semi-frozen beverage. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one refrigerated storage cavity in the housing for receiving a bulk storage container of liquid beverage. The housing includes a planar surface, the planar surface adapted to support the beverage machine thereon. A fluid conduit is provided for passing the beverage from the bulk storage container to the beverage machine.

Abstract: A dispener comprising a liquid supply and a cooling reservoir, the cooling reservoir having an entry port and an exit port. The cooling reservoir is shaped so as to position a pocket of air at the top of the reservoir when the reservoir contains liquid, and the entry port communicates with the air pocket. The dispenser has a conduit connected on one end to the liquid supply and on the other end to the entry port of the cooling reservoir. The dispenser further comprises a cooling element disposed inside the cooling reservoir and a first pump for moving the liquid from the liquid supply to the cooling reservoir through the conduit.

Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can selectively drink drinks such as juice, barley-boiled water and the like including water through the dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water dispensing system having a water tank disposed in the refrigerator, and a water dispensing pipe extending from the tank to the door of the refrigerator. The tank is disconnected from the pipe and removable from the refrigerator to be refilled or cleaned. When the tank has been removed, valves on the tank and pipe, respectively, close to prevent water leakage. When the tank is reinstalled, both valves become re-opened. In another aspect of the invention, a case disposed in the refrigerator door is adapted to receive water receptacles which are inserted upside down. Upon insertion, the receptacles become opened to discharge water into a water groove disposed in the case. A pump discharges water from the groove to a dispensing outlet when a switch is actuated.

Abstract: A manifold design which provides for highly efficient cooling or heating of flowing liquids using a small number of thermoelectric elements is constructed of a thermally insulting material. On exterior surface of at least two sides of the manifold, open channel are formed for use in defining a liquid flow path. On the interior of the manifold there are a plurality of internal chambers, one internal chamber for each side having an exterior channel. These internal chambers are essentially equal in size and are preferably symmetrically disposed within the manifold in alignment with the sides. The channels on the outside of the manifold and the chambers on the inside of the manifold are connected in such a way that liquid would flow in an alternating series of channel and chamber in a single liquid flow path through the manifold. The channels on the exterior of the manifold are sealed by placing a thermally conductive cover plate over each side of the manifold.

Abstract: A device for producing and dispensing frozen confection is provided. At least one collapsible bag assembly is disposed within a refrigerated compartment within the dispensing apparatus and means are provided to collapse the collapsible bag and dispense the soft served frozen confection therefrom. Moreover, the frozen confection dispensing apparatus includes means to store frozen confection therein in collapsible containers prior to use.

Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a coaxial cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container enclosing drinking water or other potable liquid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto. An upstanding probe or feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. A removable mounting apparatus is also provided to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and defines an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon.

Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a removable mounting apparatus adapted to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and to define an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon. The mounting apparatus also defines a tapered entry portion having a closed inner wall extending downwardly and inwardly from the annular ring for receiving the neck of the inverted container therein. The container neck opening is closed by a cap having a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto.

Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container enclosing drinking water or other potable liquid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion integrally formed with a frangible connection therebetween. A feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for breaking the frangible connection and separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. A mounting apparatus is also provided to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and defines an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon.

Abstract: A counter with internal carbonated beverage dispenser is disclosed. A counter with a bottom platform, a refrigerating unit disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter, a mixing drum disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter, and a carbon dioxide cylinder disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter so that all of the unsightly components are hid under the counter.

Abstract: A system for supplying liquid in large bottles from a point where they are filled to a dispenser having a reservoir for receiving the liquid. The bottles each have a neck which carries a cap unit for closing the spout thereof. Each cap unit has an outlet valve that is normally closed. The reservoir has means for supporting another normally closed inlet valve in a neck-receiving socket. When the neck is slipped into the socket the outlet valve of the cap unit is opened and substantially simultaneously the inlet valve for the reservoir is opened thus allowing flow of water from the bottle into the reservoir. When the bottle is removed from the reservoir as the cap unit is withdrawn from the neck-receiving socket, the outlet valve in the bottle neck cap unit is positively closed and the inlet valve of the reservoir automatically closes.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and controlling the concentrate of a juice product in which the product is made up of a juice concentrate and water. The concentrate is dispensed by pump operation and the water is dispensed by solenoid operation. The system basically provides for the control of the solenoid and the pump and for the initiation of a dispensing cycle so as to initiate operation of the solenoid and pump substantially at the same time. A timer responds for operating the solenoid and pump over a preselected dispensing period. The control of the pump to provide concentration control is provided by a speed control circuit having multiple selectable positions for providing multiple pump speeds so as to in turn provide variable concentration of the final dispensed juice product.