Abstract: A cooler and dispenser for use with upright water bottles operates to (1) pump chilled water from a vertical bottle through a top opening, (2) filter the air that is drawn in to replace the water, (3) and provide the user with an indication of the level in the bottle. The dispenser cap is designed to fit snugly over the top of standard 3.0 and 5.0 gallon refillable water bottles in the vertical orientation. A small pump in the dispenser cap draws water from the bottom of the bottle and dispenses it through a tube that extends past the side of the bottle. The vacuum created within the bottle during the pumping process draws air in through a filter that keeps foreign particles from entering the bottle. Further, the airflow through the filter is constricted so as to ensure that a partial vacuum exists even after the pump has been turned off, and this draws residual water back through the delivery tube thereby preventing drips.

Abstract: A cooler and dispenser for use with upright water bottles operates to (1) pump chilled water from a vertical bottle through a top opening, (2) filter the air that is drawn in to replace the water, (3) and provide the user with an indication of the water level in the bottle. The dispenser cap is designed to fit snugly over the top of standard 3.0 and 5.0 gallon refillable water bottles in the vertical orientation. A small pump in the dispenser cap draws water from the bottom of the bottle and dispenses it through a tube that extends past the side of the bottle. The vacuum created within the bottle during the pumping process draws air in through a filter that keeps foreign particles from entering the bottle. Further, the airflow through the filter is constricted so as to ensure that a partial vacuum exists even after the pump has been turned off, and this draws residual water back through the delivery tube thereby preventing drips.

Abstract: A high performance thermoelectric system is taught which is capable of rapidly cooling a thermal load with a thermoelectric module. A thermal ballast is in simultaneous thermal communication with both the thermoelectric module and the thermal load, and compensates for the difference between the characteristics of the thermoelectric module and the demands of the thermal load, allowing a thermoelectric module to handle significantly larger thermal loads than would normally be possible, albeit for a reduced period of time. Also taught is a means to implement a demand cooler for drinking water. Also taught is a means to implement a high performance cooler for removable fluid containers, adaptable to the rapid cooling of wine bottles and the like.

Abstract: A pressure actuated fill tube for toilet tanks is taught which is capable of reducing the flow of water into the toilet tank to a minimum rate when a shower or other water use appliance is running, substantially reducing the likelihood of a shower scalding incident if someone flushes the toilet while someone else is in the shower, and allowing the toilet tank to fill over time. Also taught is a means to implement the required pressure sensitive valve as an integral part of the pressure actuated fill tube for toilet tanks. Also taught is a pressure actuated fill system for toilet tanks that is configured with the pressure sensitive valve located inside the toilet tank.

Abstract: A compact cooler/ice maker is taught which is capable of maintaining a uniform cooling or freezing temperature using a heat conductive liner continuous over a bottom liner wall and front, rear and side linear walls. Also taught is a means to provide a small forward voltage when the thermoelectric module is turned off, to prevent back flow through the heat sink. Also taught is a cooler with a beverage dispensing door located proximal to the bottom of said front and with inside walls adapted to form a beverage stack.

Abstract: A compact combination ice maker and cooler is taught which is capable of maintaining a uniform freezing or cooling temperature across the surface of a heat conductive liner continuous over bottom liner wall and, front, rear, and side walls. Also taught is a means to provide an intermediate heat sink to assist in maintaining the uniform freezing or cooling temperature upon the introduction of a new thermal load, and a means to provide a small forward voltage when the thermoelectric module is turned off in order to prevent the back flow of heat through the thermoelectric module. Also taught is a cooler with a combination beverage inspection/dispensing door located proximal to the bottom of said front and with inside walls adapted to form a beverage stack and contoured to maintain improved thermal communication with the bottommost beverage can.

Abstract: A water cooler is disclosed suitable for standing on a counter top and to be used with standardized water bottles. The water cooler utilizes a thermoelectric device which cools by means of the Peltier effect. The cooling unit comprises a seat for the water bottle spaced and thermally insulated from a heat sink. The thermoelectric device is connected between the seat and a heat sink. Preferably the thermoelectric device is connected between a spacer block extending downwardly from the seat and the heat sink. A fan dissipates heat from the heat sink.