With Heating Or Cooling Means Patents (Class 222/146.1)
  • Publication number: 20140263449
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus, comprising a housing; a mineral water container positioned within the housing and formed as a bag and box package unit; a chilled water faucet and a hot water faucet configured to dispense chilled mineral water and hot mineral water from the apparatus. In some cases, the apparatus further comprises a cold water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply cold water to the cold water faucet and a hot water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply hot water to the hot water faucet. The apparatus may comprise a pump for pumping water from the mineral water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NEVIOT NATURE GALILEE LTD
    Inventor: Yehuda FORTE
  • Patent number: 8820593
    Abstract: A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aqua Car Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Pesach
  • Publication number: 20140190990
    Abstract: A Sabbath compliant water dispenser, which comprises a hot water chamber, a heating element that is positioned in the hot water chamber for heating a body of water which is retained within the hot water chamber and a tap, through which hot water is dispensable. The water dispenser is controlled by a controller which is operable in a Sabbath mode to command the heating element to maintain the body of water at an essentially constant temperature which is near to scalding temperature and to command introduction of unheated water into the hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected. This way, overheating of the heating element is prevented, while also preventing the introduced, water from being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Zuri Naaman Victor Ltd.
    Inventors: Raoven Raoven, Gidon Ben-Moshe
  • Patent number: 8758678
    Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 8746505
    Abstract: A multi-sensory product able to disperse chemical actives using reeds or other wicks, as well as providing a light show is disclosed. The product includes a form-within-a-form design wherein the inner form or vase is able to store the chemical actives, as well as mount the reeds or other wicks. The outer vase complements the aesthetics of the inner vase while at the same time concealing the electronics of the device. The electronics of the device can include a power source, as well as a circuit board for driving LEDs mounted thereon. The LEDs can generate a light show which can be refracted and diffused through the glass or polymer material forming the inner and outer vases thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing and multi-sensory experience through the use of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Simon M. Conway, Kevin Harrity, Scott D. Walter, David R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8734640
    Abstract: A water purifying apparatus, comprises: a filtering unit for filtering water supplied from a wellhead into purified water; a water tank unit including a cold water tank for storing the purified water in a cold water state, and a hot water tank for storing the purified water in a hot water state; a discharging unit for selectively discharging out the purified water stored in the water tank unit; a state detecting unit for detecting an operation state of at least one of the filtering unit, the water tank unit, and the discharging unit; a controller for comparing the information detected by the state detecting unit with a preset reference, thereby judging an abnormal state of the water purifying apparatus; and a state displaying unit for displaying the abnormal state information to outside. When the water purifying apparatus has a breakdown, mal-operated components of the water purifying apparatus may be checked by being displayed on the state displaying unit, without being checked by an A/S specialist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Yong Shin, Deul-Re Min
  • Patent number: 8733590
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further has a control system, at least one controllable valve and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further has a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Francis Bartlett, Jonathan E. Deline, John E. Ingold, Michael Lawrence Jennings
  • Publication number: 20140116269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for heat exchange with a product, comprising: a tubular recipient internally housing the product, where the tubular recipient comprises a cross-section comprising a U-shaped geometry; at least one thermal device for heating or cooling the product, where said at least one thermal element comprises an inflow duct and an outflow duct for a heat transfer fluid; and at least one scraper blade inside the tubular recipient and configured for entraining the product inside said tubular recipient; which allows accelerating the product heating or cooling time as a result of a great improvement in the heat transfer; as well as simplifying the design of the components forming part the machine object of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HRS INVESTMENTS LTD.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Abad Ruiz, Marcos Antonio Al'arcon Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8708197
    Abstract: A portable refrigeration system having a refrigerator unit with a door surface, aperture surface, dispenser surface, and inner cavity, a door pivotally attached to the door surface which can move between an open and closed position allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity, the unit further having standard refrigeration components for cooling the inner cavity, a base, the unit is mounted atop the base such that a gap exists between the dispenser surface and base, a first, second, third and fourth aperture are in the aperture surface, a lid removably attached to the aperture surface functioning to temporarily cover the apertures, which can move between an open and closed position allowing and preventing access to the aperture, a dispenser on the dispenser surface having a first dispenser for water or liquid and a second dispenser for ice, and a plurality of control buttons on the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Brewer
  • Patent number: 8701940
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Krause, Justin Berger, Christopher Bissig, David Calvert, Bernhard Klaus, Robert Lewis, Vinayak Reddy, Edward Strauss, Jarvis Ward, Joseph Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 8695371
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water conditioning cartridge having a filter for removing impurities from water and a temperature control unit for selectively developing cold and heated water that is released from a refrigerator dispenser. The temperature control unit is preferably formed from one or more thermal electric coolers. The thermal electric cooler(s) include a plurality of heat sinks that develop cool and hot temperatures to treat or condition the water. A fan is positioned adjacent the thermal electric cooler(s) to provide air exchange for the plurality of heat sinks. The temperature control unit conditions, i.e., heats or cools water passing from the filter to the dispenser depending upon a selected consumer preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Boarman, Daniel John Aust
  • Patent number: 8657161
    Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Patent number: 8651330
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a hot water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a hot water storage tank. The tank has a tank body, a heater in the tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the hot water storage tank via flow of water into the hot water storage tank. The reduced pressure communicates with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. Refrigeration devices with premises line pressure water distribution systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr., Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Arun Talegaonkar, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Lorina June White, Russell James Fallon, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Jason Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8650902
    Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided in the cabinet; and a dispenser provided in the door to supply water outside the door, the dispenser comprising a power supply part which is able to be connected with an external device containing predetermined liquid, to supply an electric power to the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Taeyoung Shin
  • Patent number: 8651331
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140042187
    Abstract: A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Moshe PESACH
  • Patent number: 8640924
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inspiration Trend, LLC
    Inventors: Gonzalo Almada, Ian Kovacevich, Kevin Dahlquist, Thomas Philpott
  • Patent number: 8636175
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid may include a first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a first reservoir configured to contain a supply of first fluid for being dispensed and a first variable volume chamber in flow communication with the first fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be configured to provide pressure for dispensing the first fluid. The second fluid circuit may include a second reservoir, a pump, fluid passages configured to provide fluid flow within the second fluid circuit, and a second variable volume chamber in flow communication with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be a closed-loop circuit, and the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber are associated with one another, such that flow of fluid in the second circuit controls dispensing and temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8590745
    Abstract: An improvement in a liquids dispensing means comprising a niche for accommodating a container to be filled with liquid, the niche being associated with the outer panel (12) of a cabinet, being lighted from the rear wall thereof (21, 56), a part of the light flux impinging on a window provided with a sheet of translucent material (29) located in the closing means (21, 51) of the niche, the window being in substantial alignment/register with the lighting means (36, 37, 54) provided on the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux do Brasil S.A.
    Inventors: Mario Gnypek Filho, Jacques E. Miranda, Rodrigo Telles Wolff, Lizandro Chrestenzen, Luis Fernando Zeni Filho, Adriano Davin
  • Patent number: 8584897
    Abstract: A system for cooling a beverage and dispensing a beverage cooling medium comprises a beverage line connectable to a beverage supply for transporting beverage from the beverage supply through a conduit to a beverage dispense valve at a dispensation site, and a cooling line for transporting a cooling medium through the conduit so as to allow heat exchange between the cooling medium in the cooling line and the beverage in the beverage line. The cooling line is connectable to the beverage supply or to a second beverage supply such that the cooling medium is a beverage cooling medium. The system further comprises a cooling medium dispense valve in communication with the cooling line at the dispensation site for dispensing the beverage cooling medium. The system is further operative for dispensing a frozen particle-containing beverage through a python.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Scottish & Newcastle Limited
    Inventor: Robert David John Belcham
  • Publication number: 20130256333
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Fair Oaks Farms Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8523018
    Abstract: Diesel exhaust fluid systems are provided. The diesel exhaust fluid systems include a fluid reservoir having an inner surface and an opening therethrough, a fluid reservoir heating device positioned within the fluid reservoir, and a fluid reservoir spacer positioned within the fluid reservoir and between the inner surface of the fluid reservoir and the fluid reservoir heating device. The fluid reservoir spacer includes first and second portions on opposing sides of the opening through the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Charles O. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8511221
    Abstract: A machine for preparing coffee and milk based beverages having a steam generator, a first apparatus for producing coffee as well as a source of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product. The second apparatus includes a beverage preparation device associated with a second dispenser connected via first line to a first connector unit of the second apparatus to receive a concentrated fluid product pre-diluted in the first connector unit and, via a second line, to the source of liquid milk to complete dilution and obtain a diluted product to be dispensed from the beverage preparation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Sala, Andrea Coccia
  • Patent number: 8499978
    Abstract: A device receives water from a source (S), to be dispensed, by a single nozzle (18), in a container (R) at a final value of a plurality of temperature values. A first feed conduit (25a) is arranged between source (S) and includes a first heat exchanger (26) to cold water, yet been provided a second feed conduit (25b) and a third feed conduit (25c), this latter including a heat exchanger (46) which heats water. A control valve (24, 34, 44) is provided in each feed conduit (25a, 25b, 25c) and operated to supply water to the nozzle (18), at either conditions of cold water, normal water and hot water. Control valves (24, 34, 44) can be operated automatically, to dispense water at a predetermined temperature in a range defined from cold water to hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Carlos Dalchau, André Oliveira Pires, João Eduardo Santana Borges
  • Patent number: 8495893
    Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for cooling water and air while heating water and storing heated water includes a refrigeration system, a first water tank, a water inlet and heat transfer unit for transferring heat from the refrigeration system into a portion of the water from the water inlet. The apparatus also has a conduit for delivering heated water to a first insulated water tank and to a tap for drawing off heated water. In addition, the cooler has a water cooling system and a conduit for cooling a portion of the water from the water inlet and delivering the cooled water to a second water tank. A conduit is also provided for drawing water from the second water tank to a tap of cold water. Further, the cooler includes an air cooler that has a coil and a water pump for pumping cooled water through the coil plus a fan for blowing air across the coil to thereby cool the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ali Alajimi
  • Publication number: 20130186913
    Abstract: The present invention provides low viscosity energy-activated room temperature polymer compositions, equipment, systems and methods for handling, activating and dispensing the thermodynamically unstable, high solids, activatable liquid compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: H.B. Fuller Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Jorgenson, Danielle E. Koeth, Jeffrey C. Krotine, JR.
  • Patent number: 8485394
    Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a carbonated beverage as a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a carbonator 51 for manufacturing carbonated water; a beverage supply circuit 7 for supplying a carbonated beverage manufactured by the carbonator 51 to the outside; a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling; and a primary cooling device 13, the carbonator 51 mixes a carbonic acid gas supplied from a gas regulator 54 which supplies a pressurized carbonic acid gas, syrup and diluting water to manufacture the carbonated beverage, and the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling cools the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less to release the supercooled state in the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130175006
    Abstract: A system is provided to change a temperature of an environment. A first plurality of containers store metal hydride, while a second plurality of containers store metal alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen atoms at a pressure less than a storage pressure of the metal hydride. Valved conduits link container pairs of metal hydride and metal alloy. When the valves are opened, hydrogen atoms desorbed from the metal hydride are transported through the conduit and are absorbed by the metal alloy. Desorption of the hydrogen cools the metal hydride containing container and heats the metal alloy containing container, which are each in thermal communication with the environment to cool or heat the environment via fluid circulation means. One or more container pairs may be operated to cool/heat the environment, while one or more other container pairs may be regenerated using a renewable power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kyle W. ROBINSON, Jerry A. HENKENER, Marshall L. Nuckols
  • Patent number: 8479953
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser capable of supplying a supercooled beverage without being influenced by a type of raw water. In various embodiments, the beverage dispenser includes a raw water treatment device that deaerates or filters raw water, a primary cooling device that cools the raw water to an ice point or so, and a secondary cooling device that cools the raw water into a supercooled state. In certain embodiments, the beverage dispenser further includes an anti-freezing liquid tank, a refrigerant circuit that cools the anti-freezing liquid to a supercooling temperature, and a brine circuit that circulates the anti-freezing liquid. According to certain aspects of the embodiments, a supercooled beverage can be quickly and reliably phase-changed to a different state when discharged to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Takeshi Ishii, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8459503
    Abstract: A dispenser for relative rapid cooling or heating of the contents of a liquid storage container provides a receptacle for receiving the liquid storage container therein and positioning a thermal transfer portion of the liquid storage container in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal conduction pad associated with the receptacle. Thermal energy is effectively and efficiently transferred from the thermal conduction pad to the liquid in the liquid storage container. The thermal conduction pad is controlled to provide and maintain the desired temperature to the liquid. The liquid is dispensed directly from the container. Various types of containers can be used in the dispenser, with a special bag-in-box container having a inner container and outer box with thermal conduction windows in the box to provide good heat transfer between the thermal conduction pads and the inner container constituting an aspect of the invention. A special rigid container can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: R. Clay Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 8443850
    Abstract: A filling device for beverages includes a store tank for receiving a beverage supply, and a filling valve for filling packages with the beverage from the store tank. To reduce idle times in this filling device, a heat exchanger is integrated into the store tank and/or into the filling valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Sollner, Holger Muller, Markus Riedl
  • Patent number: 8444016
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing milk-based beverages comprises a milk container (4), a pump (8) for conveying the milk from the milk container (4) to a milk outlet (20), supply means (13, 14) for supplying at least one flavoring agent to the milk and means for mixing the at least one flavoring agent with the milk. To this end, a coolable cabinet (2), into which the milk container (4) can be inserted, is arranged in a housing (1). Via a hose line (7), the milk in the milk container (4) reaches a mixing apparatus (9) in a meterable quantity, conveyed by the pump (8) disposed in the hose line (7). At least one flavoring agent is able to be additionally supplied in a metered manner into the mixing apparatus via the supply means (13, 14), and is able to be mixed with the milk; the mixed beverage thus obtained reaches, via an outlet (20), a vessel (21) which can be provided beneath this outlet (20). Flavored cold milk-based beverages can thereby be produced in an optimal way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schaerer AG
    Inventor: André Lüssi
  • Publication number: 20130108249
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a hot water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a hot water storage tank. The tank has a tank body, a heater in the tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the hot water storage tank via flow of water into the hot water storage tank. The reduced pressure communicates with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. Refrigeration devices with premises line pressure water distribution systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, JR., Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Arun Talegaonkar, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Lorina June White, Russell James Fallon, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Jason Andrew May
  • Patent number: 8424724
    Abstract: System for storing an additive solution and injecting it into the exhaust gases of an engine, said system comprising two tanks for storing the solution and one pump for supplying the solution from these tanks to an injection line, these two tanks being in parallel and each being connected to the pump by a branch of a supply line, a first branch coming from the first tank giving rise to lower pressure drops than a second branch coming from the second tank so that the solution is normally withdrawn mainly from the first tank and is withdrawn from the second tank, and is only withdrawn from the second tank when the first tank is non-operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Joel Op De Beeck, Francois Dougnier, Larry Tipton
  • Patent number: 8408420
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inspiration Trend, LLC
    Inventors: Gonzalo Almada, Ian Kovacevich, Kevin Dahlquist, Thomas Philpott
  • Publication number: 20130068793
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Krause, Justin Berger, Christopher Bissig, David Calvert, Bernhard Klaus, Robert Lewis, Vinayak Reddy, Edward Strauss, Jarvis Ward, Joseph Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 8397952
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body having a cooling chamber and a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a water source positioned at the cooling chamber or the door and configured to accommodate water. The refrigerator further includes a hot water supply unit positioned at the body or the door and configured to receive water from the water source, heat the water, and supply the heated water to outside of the body in response to a start signal. In addition, the refrigerator includes a hot water transferring unit that is connected to the hot water supply unit and configured to transfer the water remaining in the hot water supply unit after supplying the heated water to outside of the body is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Jae Kim, Nam-Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 8387828
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a beverage includes a main body. A first vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives and displays a display bottle in an upright configuration. A second vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives an inverted dispensing bottle. A dispensing tap spigot is in valved fluid communication with the inverted dispensing bottle. Opening the dispensing tap spigot enables liquid fluid within the inverted dispensing bottle to flow from the dispensing tap spigot under the influence of gravity and closing of the dispensing tap spigot terminates the flow. A thermoelectric temperature control member selectively generates cold or heat and is positioned in heat transfer relation to the inverted dispensing bottle. The main body is aesthetically designed to provide a connotation of coolness when a cooled beverage is to be dispensed and of heat when a heated beverage is to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Moothart
  • Patent number: 8376184
    Abstract: A device for removing condensation from an ice duct of an ice dispenser for a refrigerator. The device may include a flap, which is arranged to seal an output opening of the ice dispenser and a controller for the flap, which is designed to move the flap between a closed position, in which the inner side of the flap contacts the edge of the outlet opening and a dispensing position in which the flap is withdrawn from the edge of the outlet opening to permit the dispensing of ice cubes. Further, the controller is designed to open the flap after expiry of a first time period, during which the flap is not moved by the action of a user or by the controller and to close the flap after expiry of a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Jürgen Diebold, Irene Dumkow, Klaus Flinner, Markus Hanichl, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Günter Raubold, Gerald Schmidt, Martin Schweyer
  • Patent number: 8365385
    Abstract: There is provided a work processing apparatus including a plurality of work conveyance lines on which works are to be moved, a stopping unit to stop a work in a predetermined processing position on each of the work conveyance lines, a processing unit to make a desired process on the work stopped by the stopping unit, and a moving unit to move the processing unit between the work conveyance lines. Works are sequentially processed on the plurality of work conveyance lines. While a work is being processed in the processing position on one of the work conveyance lines, another work can be carried in to the other work conveyance line. Therefore, immediately after a work is completely processed on the one work conveyance line, processing of another work can be started. As a result, the production rate is higher and the apparatus can be designed smaller in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8356731
    Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler. Additionally, various other, alternative features may be included, such as: a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and various programmable dispensing and visual display modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: MTN Products Inc
    Inventors: Tony Xiao, Chun Yen Wang
  • Publication number: 20130015199
    Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stefano TAVOLAZZI
  • Publication number: 20130015208
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for providing a configurable fluid temperature. The assembly including: an adjustment interface; a mixing valve having a plurality of fluid ingress apertures and at least one fluid egress aperture; the mixing valve being adjustable to dispense fluid at a configurable temperature; and a dispenser element, in fluid communication with the at least on egress aperture of the mixing valve and adapted to selectively dispense water there from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventor: Richard Harrod
  • Patent number: 8348175
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for preventing and removing fog at an airport runway. The apparatus includes: a water tank 10 buried in a ground around a runway; a water tank temperature sensor 20 for sensing a water temperature in the water tank; a heater 30 provided inside the water tank, for heating water contained in the water tank; a cooling device 40 provided inside the water tank, for cooling water contained in the water tank; the sprinklers 50 installed at opposite sides along the runway and over the ground around the runway, and supplied with the water from the water tank to spray water towards the atmosphere over and around the runway; and a controller 60 controlling, on the basis of the water temperature of the water tank measured using the temperature sensor, operation of the sprinklers, the heater, and the cooling device, according to an externally inputted operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Choon San Kim
  • Publication number: 20120318823
    Abstract: A hot water supply device of a cold/hot water dispenser capable of preventing hot water kept in a hot water storage unit from flowing backward to thus minimize a heat loss and preventing water kept in the hot water storage unit from being expanded to increase pressure to thus stably guide discharging of hot water is provided. The hot water supply device of a cold/hot water dispenser includes: a hot water storage unit allowing water to be introduced thereto and discharged therefrom and having a heating device for heating water; an outlet cock discharging hot water kept in the hot water storage unit to the outside; and an auxiliary storage unit storing water flowing from the hot water storage unit when the water stored in the hot water storage unit is heated according to an operation of a heating device to exceed the capacity of the hot water storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: WINIX INC.
    Inventor: Hee-Jong Yoon
  • Publication number: 20120318820
    Abstract: A Multiple Liquid Dispenser of the invention holds at least one or a plurality of liquids that are dispensed from a single appliance. The dispenser may contain liquids including beverages, sanitizers, hand soap and dish washing soap. The dispenser also has an elongated spout, a stable wide base and the option for a liquid temperature controller. Using a single appliance minimizes the amount of separated liquids containers that might be otherwise placed near the sink of the bathroom or kitchen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAKAR INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: Allan Amsel, Eliyahu Horowitz
  • Publication number: 20120305596
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal dispensing device having temperature control. The liquid crystal dispensing device is to mount at least one temperature controller on a liquid crystal tank, a delivery pipe or a liquid crystal dropping nozzle to reduce viscosity of liquid crystal before dropping the liquid crystal on a substrate, so as to reduce the impact made on the alignment film of the substrate when dropping the liquid crystal and thereby reduce occurrence of drop-mura defect after dropping liquid crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Pang Lee
  • Patent number: 8322574
    Abstract: A drinking water dispensing system for automobiles and associated method preferable includes a reservoir; an egress spout, a pump; temperature adjusting mechanism; a user interface; a thermodynamic conduit including first and second valves; cooling elements; heating elements and first and second insulating layers. The first and second passageways are coaxially oriented along the conduit and cooperate with the cooling/heating elements such that cold/hot water streams are independently transferred to the egress spout while maximizing/minimizing heat transfer losses. Separate water streams are passed through the first/second passageways by selectively toggling the first/second plurality of valves between open and closed positions upon receiving instructions signals from the user interface. Such a system provides users with a readily available source of hot/cold water for drinking while traveling, without requiring the use of separate water-transfer conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Larry K. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120248154
    Abstract: Bottled water dispensers that include a cabinet having an exterior portion, which includes side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The water dispensers include at least one water dispensing actuator, which includes a cap portion having an exterior top surface that is flush with the top wall of the bottled water dispenser. The cap portion also includes a button that is substantially parallel with a side wall of the dispenser. The exterior top surface of the cap portion must be pressed downwards, and the button must be pushed inwards, in order to release water from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: George M. Yui
  • Patent number: 8277747
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Stokley-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok S. Dhruv, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael J. Mastio