Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway providing a means for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispenser that is adapted to fit into a refrigerator and that is more user friendly is disclosed. The liquid dispenser includes a hollow body, a top, a bottom, and at least one wall therebetween. The body creates a receptacle for a liquid. The top includes an inlet for the receptacle and the at least one wall includes an outlet for the receptacle. A handle located near a central axis of the body is adapted to carry the liquid dispenser. The liquid dispenser may be stacked vertically with similar configured dispensers.

Abstract: A primarily cylindrical beverage cooling despiser (10), devised of two separate portions, by which collectively make up the exterior and interior. The upper portion consists of two separate chambers, one interior chamber (14) for containment of ice for cooling, and one exterior chamber (12) for containment of beverage. Both chambers though mutually exclusive of each other, once filled with their intended containment by virtue of their connective proximity to one another associate a thermal communication with one another resulting in the cooling of contained beverage. Additionally the upper portion includes a lid (56), comprised as a common two-in-one combination lid. The bottom portion of the exterior is represented as the base (16), which supports the upper portions contents and additionally supports a tap/faucet (18), and tap/faucet handle (20) arrangement for the controlled release of the contained beverage content.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a beverage dispenser for filtering and dispensing liquid beverages. The device includes an upper reservoir for receiving a liquid therein and is adapted to releasably secure a filter. The filter is arranged for communication with a lower reservoir for receiving the liquid beverage therein. The lower reservoir includes means for dispensing the filtered liquid and the filtered liquid therein may be heated or cooled by means of heating or cooling devices. The beverage dispenser is compact, portable and housed in an aesthetically appealing canister. Removal of the filter allows other beverages, such as lemonade, or tea, to be stored and dispensed on demand.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for dispensing a liquid whitener and a liquid additive in a cup or the like. The apparatus comprises a source of liquid whitener and a whitener tube having a whitener outlet and a source of liquid additive and an additive line having an additive outlet. The apparatus also comprises a whitener control connected to the whitener tube, an additive control connected to the additive line and a control board having at least one switch actuatable by a user for allowing the user to select a liquid whitener and a liquid additive. In operation, the whitener control allows dispersion of a predetermined amount of the selected liquid whitener through the whitener outlet, the additive control allows dispersion of a predetermined amount of the selected liquid additive through the additive outlet.

Abstract: A water dispensing unit (10) for providing substantially treated or distilled water includes a display panel (88) at a housing (92) of the unit. The display panel is operable to convey an advertising message to a user of the water dispensing unit. The water dispensing unit may be a distillation unit which comprises a boiling unit (14), a steam tube (16), a condensing unit (18), a holding tank (20) and at least one dispensing nozzle (12).

Abstract: A miniature, stand-alone, countertop freezer primarily for domestic use, and a soft-serve dispensing method, that allows extended storage of a food product at an optimum soft-serve sub-freezing temperature prior to dispensing. Its housing has a compact configuration for freezer-like insulated food product storage. However, when soft-serve dispensing is desired, the housing is vertically extended to expose a decorator pattern cap. A press plate in the upper portion of the housing is activated, either manually or otherwise, to push downwardly on the food product container, and thus force the food product through the pattern cap below the food product container and into a receiving vessel. The pattern cap may be a part of the dispenser or a part of the food product container. Although not limited thereto, use is contemplated with ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, sorbet, and other frozen dessert products. Alternative power supply sources are contemplated.

Abstract: A portable ice storage and dispensing device has a portable container for housing the ice to be dispensed. An opening is formed on the portable insulated container. The opening is used for dispensing the ice out of the portable insulated container. An ice dispenser is located internal to the portable insulated container and extends partially out of the portable insulated container. The ice dispenser is used for moving and directing the ice out of the opening.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The automatic drink server will provide users with security, convenience, accessibility, and luxury of cocktails and other drinks in limousines, airplanes, and boats. The automatic drink sever can also be used in private settings such as bathrooms, kitchens, rotunda, gardens, porches, and balconies. This invention will leave people hands free and permit greater interpersonal interactions during parties and/or traveling. It can be placed near a bathtub for one to use during romantic baths or quiet evenings in balconies, gardens, or boats.

Abstract: An assembly of a container (1) for drink and a drink dispensing device (11), each of which is provided with positioning elements (13,13′; 16, 16′) for orientation of the air connector (20, 48) and the dispensing opening (4) of the container (1) with an air channel (22) and a dispensing line (5) in the lid (25) of the dispensing device (11).

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus includes a housing having an exterior and an insulated interior cavity. The cavity is accessible through an access opening. A closure is provided for selectively closing the access opening to the cavity. Means are provided for cooling the cavity. A flow channel is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned on a bottom of the cavity. The second end is positioned on the exterior of the housing. Liquids flow by force of gravity from the cavity to the exterior of the housing. A coupling is positioned at the first end of the flow channel. The coupling is adapted to couple the flow channel with a liquid container positioned within the cavity. A valve is positioned at the second end of the flow channel to control the flow of liquid flowing through the flow channel.

Abstract: A filter monitor system is provided in a bottled water cooler for automatically tracking a filter service interval, and for indicating that filter cleaning or replacement is required for continued efficient cooler operation. In the preferred form, the water cooler includes a thermoelectric chiller module for chilling at least a portion of water contained within a cooler reservoir. An air filter is mounted on a filter frame which is removably positioned for filtering air drawn by a fan to circulate over a heat sink associated with the thermoelectric chiller module. The filter monitor system includes a reset switch engaged by the filter frame to initiate and track a predetermined filter service time interval, such as thirty days, and to energize a signal such as an indicator light at the conclusion of this service interval to indicate that the air filter should be removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drinks dispensing device (1, 25) is provided with a cooling chamber and a tap head for receiving a shut-off valve (32) of a drinks container which has been positioned in the cooling chamber. The tap head comprises a displacement member (45) and a seat (42) which is connected thereto. A handle (33) is removably connected to the seat and can be removed therefrom. Without the handle (33), it is difficult or impossible for the displacement member (45) to be moved by a user by hand, and consequently the drinks dispensing device cannot be operated by children. It is also possible for the user to exchange the handle for a handle of a specific appearance which matches the interior or is distributed by the producer of the drink which is to be dispensed in the event of promotional activities.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a housing and a dispense valve mounted to the housing. The water dispenser further includes a removable reservoir disposed within the housing. The removable reservoir connects to the dispense valve to deliver water thereto. Upon removal from the housing, the removable reservoir is disposable. The housing is adapted to support a water container that delivers water into the removable reservoir.

Abstract: A water cooler has three vertically elongate arcuate walls 2, 3 and 4 and a removable top cover 6 which is adapted to receive and support an inverted bottle with its neck passing through an aperture 15 in the top cover. An internal platform is mounted below the top cover to receive a removable coupling member which incorporates a feed tube for insertion into the neck of the container. The platform also contains an opening in registration with a thermal receptacle mounted below the platform for receiving a reservoir connected to the feed tube to receive water from the container, and may also receive other replaceable components such as an air filter. An apertured ventilation duct 5 extends vertically at the junction between the side walls 3 and 4 and is rigidly connected to two structural members by the platform, a base plinth 1 and an internal bulkhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator door dispenser spill shelf drain system that is connected at one end to the spill collection tray of the dispensing unit and is connected at the other end to a collector pan. The water is routed through tubing from the spill shelf to the collector evaporator pan, which is mounted atop the condenser of the refrigerator. The heat from the condenser helps to evaporate the water that accumulates there after draining from the spill shelf.

Abstract: A method of controlling semi-frozen liquid beverage in a dispensing machine having a bowl to contain the beverage, a motor to turn a helical auger blade within the bowl to scrape the semi-frozen beverage, and a compressor to cool the beverage. The method includes the steps of actuating the compressor to the bowl until the temperature of the beverage is cool to reach an initial set point. The compressor is deactivated after temperature of the beverage is cooled at or below a set point. Torque on the motor caused by resistance to the auger blade is sensed after a defined time period following switching off of the compressor. The compressor is activated if the torque on the motor is below a certain level and the temperature set point is lowered from the initial set point to a lower set point in order to cool the product.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A selection manifold for use for use with a beverage dispenser apparatus for dispensing both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and including a plurality of dispensing valves with a syrup and a water line feeding each dispensing valve further comprising a selection manifold connected between at least one of the water lines and sources of both carbonated and non-carbonated water, the manifold having a selecting mechanism allowing a user of the apparatus to easily switch between directing carbonated and non-carbonated water through the water line to the dispensing valve. In a preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a portion that enables a viewer to easily determine whether carbonated or non-carbonated water is selected. In another preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a lock to prevent inadvertent switching of the mechanism.

Abstract: In an ice discharging mechanism of an ice storage box according to the present invention, a swinging solenoid 24 is mounted by means of a swing shaft 23 fixed onto arm portions 22 of a bracket 21. A support plate 27 is welded onto a lower part of the bracket 21. One end of a plunger 33 and one end of a link member 34 are coupled with each other by means of a coupling shaft 31 inserted through a long hole 29 of the support plate 27. In a lower end portion of the bracket 21, a pivoting plate 37 that forms an opening/closing door is pivotably mounted to a fulcrum shaft 35 that is provided parallel to the swing shaft 23. A moving shaft 41 provided to the other end of the link member 34 is inserted through the pivoting plate 37 whereby the plunger 33 and the pivoting plate 37 are connected with each other.

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 cold beverage dispensing device comprising a removable container with a spout for holding and dispensing ingredient powder, a cold water source, a mixing bowl in communication with the powder and cold water for combining the powder and water to form a beverage, an outlet for dispensing the beverage; a drinking cup system for placing a cup to capture the beverage as it is dispensed from the outlet.

Abstract: A command module, draw switch, blending and dispensing assembly, and multiple ingredient storage and delivery modules are added to a conventional milk shake freezer and dispensing machine. A selector panel is provided to enable the operator to dispense a shake-like product according to a customer flavor or mix order, upon raising the standard draw handle on the original dispenser head of the conventional machine. The blending and dispensing assembly includes a high speed auger with backflow inducers for blending and moving the base and ingredient product.

Abstract: A machine (10) for making products such as iced beverages and the like comprises a tank (11) to contain the product in which cooling means (12) and stirring means (13) are present. The tank comprises a product-dispensing tap (14) having a slidable piston (15) and which is provided with sealing elements (17, 18) to offer a hydraulic outward seal to the tank when the tap is in a closed condition. The piston portion (23) between the sealing elements and in contact with the product in the tank has a reduced section to form regions (19) of free circulation of the product around the piston. The tank may comprise surfaces (20) for conveying the product towards such regions so as to facilitate circulation thereof. Thus the product stagnation that may cause bacteria and pollutant formation is avoided and the cleaning operation with use of sanitising solutions is facilitated.

Abstract: A fluid delivery cooling system which includes at least one cooling plate containing at least one fluid delivery line, said cooling plate being contacted on either side thereof by a gasket containing coolant channels.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit 10 for flash cooling beer includes a main body 12 provided with an internal flow path 14 having an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a void 20 in fluid communication therebetween. The void 20 is formed from four cylindrical chambers 22a-22d that are interlinked so as to be in mutual fluid communication with each other. Chambers 22 are formed in a thermal insulating block 26 held within the main body 12. Conduits 30c-30d are disposed within chambers 22a-22d respectively. Each conduit has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The outlet 34 is connected directly to a dispensing tap 36. The heat transfer fluid 45 passes through the fluid flow path 14 and thus flows through and about the conduits 30. Beer enters through inlet 32, passes through the conduit 30 and is dispensed through tap 36. The beer is cooled by virtue of a heat exchange with the fluid 45 flowing through the chambers 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for a countertop ice dispenser or ice and beverage dispenser is made from a single piece plastic ice bin. Parts for the dispenser are assembled into sub-assemblies before final assembly. The ice bin may be made by a rotomolding process. This uses relatively inexpensive molds with reasonable control over the thickness of the resulting bin, while allowing up to 0.005″ of variation per inch of length in the overall size of the ice bin. The resulting ice bin has hollow walls that can be filled with insulating foam. An attractive dispenser may be assembled from such an ice bin, with metal panels and a plastic base. If a combined ice/beverage dispenser is desired, a cold plate and dispensing valve may be included. The plastic base and a plastic drain pan have integral attachments that mate for assembly. The dispenser may also be easily disassembled for repair.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for beverages such as cold tea, coffee and the like comprises:

Abstract: A vacuum water making method and device, the vacuum water making device comprises a water storage tank, a first gas extraction pipeline, a vacuum container connected to one end of the first gas extraction pipeline and the water storage tank, an intake pipeline disposed in the vacuum container, a mild water temperature control portion disposed between the intake pipeline and the water storage tank, a bottle filling injection pipeline with one end connected to the water storage tank, and an isopiestic continuous room disposed below the bottle filling injection pipeline. The vacuum water is produced by said device.

Abstract: An auger apparatus for conveying ice, together with the auger itself and an apparatus for storing ice in a storage bin which uses such an auger apparatus is provided. The auger is disposed in a tube, and does not require cylindrical bearings at its ends. The auger is rotationally molded, of one-piece hollow molded construction, preferably of a plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine or champagne. The apparatus provides a housing having a container support for holding wine or champagne bottles, a plurality of removable stoppers for insertion in the bottles, a nitrogen generator for generating a nitrogen rich gas from air, a nitrogen storage tank for storing the generated nitrogen rich gas, a cooling system for cooling certain bottles and dispensers for providing wine or champagne from the bottles to a user. The nitrogen generator draws in ambient air, adsorbs the oxygen from the air and stores nitrogen rich gas in the nitrogen storage tank. The nitrogen storage tank supplies the nitrogen rich gas to the bottles for preserving the wine or champagne. The stoppers include a nitrogen line and a supply line. The nitrogen line communicates nitrogen rich gas into the bottles and the supply line communicates wine or champagne from the bottles to the dispensers.

Abstract: A refillable water bottle system includes a container having a neck defining an outlet and receivable by a conventional bottled water dispenser. Opposite the neck, the container includes a cap defining an inlet for receiving water into the container. A first lever is coupled to the cap and pivotally movable about a horizontal axis between a closed configuration covering the inlet and an open configuration displaced therefrom. A second lever is coupled to the cap and pivotally movable about the same horizontal axis. A ball valve is suspended within the container and tethered to the second lever such that movement thereof seals or unseals the outlet. The second lever is larger than the first lever and longitudinally aligned therewith, making the first lever inaccessible at its closed configuration when the second lever is at its unsealed configuration. This prevents a user from opening the inlet prior to sealing the outlet.

Abstract: A water treatment tank for use with water purification apparatus including an ultra-violet lamp within a bulb onto which incoming water is directed to provide a thin laminar flow about the bulb. The tank may have two compartments, one above the other, formed by a separating baffle. The lower compartment has cooling coils about the walls for cooling the water therein relative to the water in the upper compartment. The ultraviolet lamp and a bulb extends through both compartments and the baffle to purify the water. A controller operates a switch to turn the normally off UV lamp on before opening a fill valve to replenish water in the tank. The lamp is turned off after a first run time. The water level is sensed by a low and high level limit which allow for a volume of water in the tank which may be utilized without necessitating operation of the lamp upon each dispensing of water from the tank.

Abstract: A system for dispensing slushy or frozen beverages having an ingredient of interest or importance to a customer. A container of this ingredient is visible to the prospective customer, and an indicator establishes that this ingredient is being supplied while the total beverage is being withdrawn from a mixer.

Abstract: A dispenser system includes a product source, a cooling unit, an agitator, a dispensing station coupled with the product source, a sensor, and a controller. The cooling unit cools product delivered to the dispensing station from the product source. The agitator is disposed in the cooling unit and circulates cooling fluid contained in the cooling unit. The sensor measures an operating parameter of the dispenser system and outputs a signal representative thereof. The controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a lower speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is operating in a desired stable state. Alternatively, the controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a higher speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is not operating in the desired stable state.

Abstract: A self-contained juice dispensing station (10) is provided for use with a mixer (190). The station (10) includes a liner (20) having a cavity (21). A plurality of containers holding the liquid concentrate or juice are positioned in the cavity (21) on trays (25). A mixer housing (70) is operatively connected to the liner (20) and has a cavity (77) for positioning a mixer (190). An ice bin is removably connected to the station (10). A plurality of pumps (90-93) are positioned in the station for pumping the liquid, thereby forming a self-contained ice cube/juice/mixer station.

Abstract: An oxygenated water dispensing system and method of operating the same for dispensing oxygen enriched water from at least one water source. Upon insertion of a payment into a payment acceptor system, a portion of oxygenated water is dispensed. In a second embodiment, a water source, either pressurized or non-pressurized in operatively attached to a soda fountain for dispensing water having an enhanced oxygen content.

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: An improved mounting adapter is provided for use in a bottled water cooler of the type having an upwardly open cooler reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The improved adapter includes a compact and substantially unitized adapter body or shell for removable snap-fit mounting onto the cooler reservoir at the open upper end thereof. The adapter additionally includes an upstanding feed tube or probe for operatively engaging a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted orientation over the cooler reservoir. In one form, the adapter may carry a seal ring gasket for sealingly engaging an inner wall surface of the cooler reservoir, and an air filter may be provided to filter ambient air drawn into the reservoir.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing equipment that includes a dispensing head that maintains a liquid or beverage line and delivery tip at a cool temperature so as to avoid contamination of the beverage. The liquid dispensing equipment also includes a storage refrigerator that cools a container of the beverage. A fan assembly is disposed to develop a cool airflow that flows through the storage refrigerator and a passage of the dispensing head. The liquid line and a delivery tip are disposed in the passage. A baffle arrangement maintains a volume of the cool airflow in a chamber adjacent the delivery tip so as to provide a shield against warmer ambient temperatures.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides a chilled beverage dispense system including a beverage recirculation loop and a glycol recirculation loop, a first chiller to cool the beverage and a second chiller to cool the glycol, a heat exchanger through which the cooled beverage and the cooled glycol are passed to further cool the beverage and a dispense valve located in the beverage recirculation loop downstream of the heat exchanger. The glycol recirculation loop including a bypass valve upstream of the heat exchanger, whereby in a standby, non-dispense mode the glycol bypasses the heat exchanger and when a beverage dispense is required, the glycol is diverted through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an oxygen containing gas (generally air) and/or water in an appliance such as a refrigerator washing machine, dryer or dishwasher with ozone so as to disinfect the water used within the appliance and use the ozone in the air to disinfect the interior space and the contents of the appliance. Arrangements may be made to provide disinfected water on demand. The ozone containing gas is provided when needed, or in the case of a refrigerator, at a time of the day when the refrigerator is not generally in use. The generator may include a source of ultraviolet radiation, a plenum for the air and a plenum for the water. The plenum for the water may be in the form of a tube which is transparent to ultraviolet. The diameter of the tube is preferably selected so that plug flow of water through the tube occurs. The ozone containing air and the disinfected water may be provided to a location remote from the appliance.

Abstract: A dispenser for providing a number of frozen products. The dispenser includes a refrigeration system and a product delivery system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor and the product delivery system includes three product barrels. The dispenser thus may provide three frozen products and up to two blends of the products. The dispenser also may have a frame. The frame may have a width of about seventeen (17) to about twenty-four (25) inches and a length of about twenty-four (24) to about forty (40) inches.

Abstract: A primarily cylindrical beverage cooling despiser (10), devised of two separate portions, by which collectively make up the exterior and interior.

Abstract: A cooler for cooling a plurality of brands of liquid beverages for delivery at taps for dispensing to customers at a desired chilled temperature. The cooler has a heat exchanger with a shell having channels passing through it, each communicating with a keg containing a beverage and a dispensing tap. Chilled coolant, controlled by the heat exchanger flows through the shell to cool the beverage flowing through the channels to the desired temperature. The temperature of the coolant is controlled by a temperature controller to maintain a narrow desired temperature range, just above the freezing temperature. The cooler is capable of cooling each of the channels without having to be installed in a walk-in cooler, allowing its installation proximate the serving taps. Also, the kegs containing the various brands of beer which are connected to the heat exchanger do not have to be kept in a walk-in cooler. 30° F. to 34° F. range.

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 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.