Pour-in Displacement Discharge Type Tank Patents (Class 392/442)
  • Patent number: 10722100
    Abstract: A household dishwasher includes a wash container for holding dishes to be washed and a fill reservoir attached to the wash container. The fill reservoir is filled with fresh water from a fresh water network, and a quantity of fresh water required for the wash sub-cycle is removed from the fill reservoir and feed into the wash container. A heat pump includes an evaporator which is thermally coupled to the fill reservoir to extract heat energy from stored fresh water, and a condenser via which heat energy is fed into an interior space of the wash container. Disposed between the interior space of the wash container and an interior space of the fill reservoir is a single-layer or multilayer insulation material system to reduce a heat flow from the wash container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Heinle, Hans-Peter Nannt, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 10111554
    Abstract: Systems for and methods of controlling liquid food or beverage product creation are disclosed. A dispenser for producing a food or beverage liquid product from a frozen contents in a receptacle includes a chamber configured to hold the receptacle and a non-diluting heater configured to heat the receptacle and/or the frozen contents within the receptacle; the non-diluting heater does not add liquid to an interior of the receptacle. The dispenser also includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid. The reservoir includes a reservoir outlet configured to withdraw liquid from the reservoir. The beverage dispenser further includes a product outlet configured to withdraw a food or beverage liquid product from the receptacle and a controller that causes the dispenser to selectively perform at least one of: heating at least one of the receptacle and the frozen contents using the non-diluting heater and withdrawing liquid from the reservoir through the reservoir outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Meltz, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Roberts, Paul Kalenian, Douglas M. Hoon, Karl Winkler
  • Patent number: 9974412
    Abstract: A device for preparing a liquid comestible is disclosed. The device may include a beverage preparation means for supply of a beverage and/or a brewing unit designed for receiving an ingredient-containing capsule and preparing the beverage from the ingredients by means of injection of hot pressurized liquid into the capsule. The device may further include a receptacle support means designed to support and to selectively connect to a receptacle for receiving the resulting beverage, beverage delivery means adapted to collect and/or guide the resulting beverage from the beverage preparation means/brewing unit to the receptacle support means, and/or injection means adapted to selectively open a portion of an outer wall of the receptacle connected to the receptacle support means and to establish a fluid communication between the beverage delivery means and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventor: Alexandre Kollep
  • Patent number: 9468332
    Abstract: A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. A spout configured for selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. A water level sensor is configured for assessing a level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. The flow of water from the spout may automatically fill the reservoir of the beverage dispenser based at least in part upon signals from the water level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Joel Erik Hitzelberger, Bart Andrew Nuss, Michael Glenn Mattingly
  • Patent number: 9463972
    Abstract: A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes an inlet conduit that extends from a pressurized water source to a spout of the docking station. A removable water filter is coupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Erik Hitzelberger, Bart Andrew Nuss, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9427105
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients is described. The beverage preparation machine is configured for controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Hansen, Andrew Charles Bentley, Elizabeth Jane Hinckley, Mark Richard Thomas Norton
  • Patent number: 8909033
    Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: David Kreutzman
  • Patent number: 8567306
    Abstract: A fryer is provided which, during a standby for cooking, can keep the temperature of a cooking oil slightly lower than a cooking temperature and, during cooking, can quickly raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature. The fryer also has capabilities of easily performing a heat exchange operation on the cooking oil, preventing degradation of the cooking oil, securing a good kitchen environment and enhancing a work efficiency. The fryer comprises a fryer tank having oil and water for cleaning the oil stored in two layers one upon the other; and a heater installed in the oil layer; wherein the water in the water layer is drawn out from a water suction opening at a bottom of fryer tank, cleaned by a filtering water tank and then delivered into the fryer tank almost horizontally in an off-centered direction from a water supply opening formed in a lower, side wall of the fryer tank, thus rotating the water in the fryer tank in a swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mermaid Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Haruo Tanaka, Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8290354
    Abstract: A deicing system includes a heating element configured to impart heat to water within a water-retaining structure, a guard configured to prevent the heating element from abutting surfaces of the water-retaining structure, and a securing spring that securely fastens the heating element to the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 8208800
    Abstract: A rapid heating, highly efficient and reliable hot water drinking apparatus comprises: a water machine (1); a tank (2); a water boiler (3); a funnel (4); a liquid level switch (8); a salver (9); and a weight sensor mechanism (91). Said potable water heating device is characterized in that: three heating devices (31) are disposed inside said water boiler (3), said heating device (31) consists essentially of a hot-resistant chamber (32), whose one opening is connecting to the tank (2) and the other opening is connecting to the funnel (4); a cap (33) covering one opening of said chamber (32); a hyperthermal electric heating tube (34), disposed axially inside said chamber (32), whose one end is protruded through said cap (33); and a baffle (35), disposed helicoidally on the exterior of said heating tube (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Hsien Mu Chiu, Chung Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8001885
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method and kit for use with a beverage producing device. Included are a fitting and an insulating tube for insulating water being introduced into a heated water tank from heated water retained in the tank. Use of an insulating tube helps to reduce the heat transfer between the heated water retained in the tank and the water being introduced to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Pope, John Roth
  • Patent number: 7773866
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for preventing a water tank from overheating. The apparatus includes a water delivery system for delivering water to a reservoir for receiving water. The reservoir includes a level sensor and an associated heater for heating water in the reservoir. The system includes a water dispensing system for dispensing heater water from the reservoir. A controller is provided to control the operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Victor D. Goeckner
  • Publication number: 20100027981
    Abstract: The present invention is a warmer for heating liquids for use with powdered infant formula. In an exemplary embodiment the device comprises a water reservoir and pump, heating element, and carafe demarcated in ounces to allow the user to easily add the appropriate amount of infant formula after the water is warmed. In use, up to 64 ounces of water is placed in the water reservoir. The reservoir warms the water to the optimum temperature and fills the carafe through a water outlet. The carafe rests on a platform that is not heated so as to not bring the temperature above the optimum temperature for making formula. As further described herein, the system ensures a smooth and silky mixed formula of the proper concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Deborah Callantine
  • Publication number: 20090139978
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water/powdered milk mixing device, capable of mixing water and powdered milk, which are independently stored, at a predetermined concentration when a mixing switch is manipulated. The device has a water heating means (11) for heating water stored in a water storage container. The water heating means and a temperature sensor are controlled by a control unit (50). A predetermined amount of water is dispensed from the water storage container using a water supply pump, and the driving speed of a powdered-milk dispensing means (21) is controlled so that an amount of powdered milk corresponding to the concentration set using a concentration-control-switch is continuously dispensed to a powdered-milk outlet (22). Further, a mixing switch (40) is provided to control the ON/OFF operation of a water supply pump and the powdered-milk dispensing means, thus allowing a user to set the dispensed amount of mixed milk as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Chong-Kyu Ha
  • Patent number: 7378619
    Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: William Rogers
  • Patent number: 7316249
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing infant formula including, a steriliser (2) for sterilising a bottle, a milk powder container (4) for dispensing milk powder into the bottle, a water container (3) for dispensing water into the bottle and a controller (8) to control operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: How Onn Cheong
  • Publication number: 20070280657
    Abstract: A baby bottle/food heating system includes means for permitting the simultaneous heating of at least two bottles and a timer mechanism that automatically shuts off a heater element of the system after a pre-set time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jennifer Loia
  • Patent number: 7095954
    Abstract: A fountain apparatus for use with a flowable food media includes a recipient for receiving the food media therein, a recipient and an output port. The recipient is heatable within a predetermined temperature range for maintaining the food media within the temperature range. The output port connects to the recipient downstream of an aperture extending through a wall thereof and has a passageway extending there through for receiving the food media from the aperture. The passageway defines an inlet opening that is in fluid communication with the recipient via the aperture and an outlet opening that has an opening mechanism to selectively control the opening thereof. A heating member is thermally connected to the output port for warming up the same to maintain the food media therein within the temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Michel Esnault
  • Patent number: 7043149
    Abstract: In order to heat and warm only the amount of water required in immediate future and to reduce a power consumption by avoiding warming of unnecessary water, a main body provided with a water storage container and a water heating container can be attached and detached and a water heating amount or a water warming amount to be heated at one time is reduced and divided, thus, power consumption during warming is reduced. Furthermore, since the water storage container is provided independently, water supply can be carried out conveniently regardless of the state of the water-heating container. Water supply to the water-heating container is carried out automatically using a water amount sensor, hence no operation by a user is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Morimoto, Tadashi Tanno, Toyoaki Takeshita, Masanobu Yamada, Masashi Kanbara, Masaharu Ohashi, Fumitaka Ogasawara, Hisashi Wada
  • Patent number: 6906289
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking appliance comprising a case (1) and a vessel (2). Said vessel is intended to receive a cooking bath and is equipped with a draining device (10) which is used to drain the contents of the vessel (2) into a draining container (3), said container being removably-disposed in relation to the case (1). According to the invention, the draining device (10) comprises a thermostatic valve (16) consisting of a heat-sensitive mechanical element which moves according to the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Gerald Serres Vives, Patrick De Wasseige
  • Patent number: 6766106
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Publication number: 20020127005
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Patent number: 6411777
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Publication number: 20010012448
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Patent number: 6253028
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Patent number: 6196162
    Abstract: A water heater and dispenser includes a heater reservoir and an expanded liquid reservoir. An outlet line includes a venturi valve with a port from the expanded liquid reservoir. Heated water in the expanded liquid reservoir is hence made use of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Beta Valve Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian E. Sparrowhawk
  • Patent number: 6173117
    Abstract: A beverage preparing machine that includes reservoirs for storing a quantity of powdered drink mix, such as a powdered baby formula mix, and a volume of water, a water dispensing mechanism that includes a heating element for dispensing a given volume of heated water into a mixing nozzle and a powdered drink mix dispensing assembly for simultaneously dispensing a volume of powdered drink mix into the mixing nozzle. The mixing nozzle having a dispensing opening for filling a container such as a baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bobbye L. Clubb
  • Patent number: 6118933
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Patent number: 6069996
    Abstract: The device for heating a drinkable liquid, having a liquid-storage container (9) and an electric heating element (11) arranged therein, the liquid-storage container (9) having a valve which is arranged at the bottom in the base (12) of the liquid-storage container (9) and of which one sealing surface is the border of an opening (14) in the base (12) and which opens, in a manner which cannot automatically be reversed, on account of the base curving outwards at a predetermined internal pressure in the container, and the power supply to the heating element (11) being designed such that it is interrupted when the pressure in the liquid-storage container (9) is essentially equal to the atmospheric pressure, which device can be positioned on a collecting container for the liquid, is distinguished in that the other sealing surface of the valve is a plate-like element (15) which consists of elastic material and, in its non-loaded state, is shaped essentially conically, with the cone tip directed towards the interior
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Eberhard Timm
  • Patent number: 5671325
    Abstract: An free-standing apparatus stores and heats a supply of water in a reservoir to a temperature desirable for instant consumption by an infant. The apparatus is portable and especially adapted to dispense warm water into a standard baby bottle that is then mixed with powdered baby formula for instant feeding. The apparatus includes controls for ensuring that water in the reservoir does not exceed or overshoot a maximum safe temperature for feeding formula to an infant. Visual indicator that the temperature of the water is in a safe range is provided to reassure the caregiver of proper temperature. The size of the reservoir is limited to prevent stagnation of water while providing sufficient volume to a hold a supply of water for one nights feedings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Danny J. Roberson
  • Patent number: 5437002
    Abstract: A water heating system for a commercial coffee brewer includes a control circuit having a dry bowl cut out circuit. The system includes a control circuit, tank, and heater. The dry bowl cut out circuit receives a differentiated temperature signal and generates a control signal when the differentiated signal is above a predetermined threshold. The control signal represents that the tank is empty. The heater is turned OFF in response to the control signal. Also, the control circuit includes an operating temperature circuit and high limit temperature circuit for controlling the heater. A switch in the heater is electromagnetically coupled to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Paragon Electric Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5388178
    Abstract: A safety control system for a boiling clothes washing machine has paired wash water temperature detecting devices and heater temperature detecting devices, for accurately detecting and controlling the temperature of the wash water, and for preventing the heater from overheating. One embodiment of the system, for use in a washing machine including a wash water heater, includes a first water temperature detector for detecting the temperature of wash water by means of direct contact with the wash water; a second water temperature detector for detecting the temperature of wash water by means of direct contact with the wash water; and a circuit, responsive to the second water temperature detector, for controlling the operation of the heater during an abnormal operation of the first water temperature detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung H. Moon
  • Patent number: 5218667
    Abstract: A low wattage two-four cup displacement water heating apparatus includes a fill basin positioned above a thermostatically controlled electrically heated water reservoir and communicating therewith through a fill tube extending downwardly from the basin to the lower portion of the reservoir. A dome in communication with the reservoir protrudes upwardly therefrom into the basin. A discharge tube having an entry end located in the dome and positioned approximately the bottom level of the basin extends downwardly through the reservoir to an external discharge end. The dome and a venting tube associated with the discharge tube minimize evaporative water loss from the reservoir through the discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Martin
  • Patent number: 5142610
    Abstract: A liquid heating appliance having a dispensing valve which is supported by a liquid reservoir and which includes an axially compressible conduit connected at its upper end to the reservoir and supporting at its lower end a nozzle, the nozzle supporting a valve member which is unseated by compressing the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Augustine, Mark Shershen
  • Patent number: 5058195
    Abstract: An elongate hollow tubular assembly mounts a temperature sensing element in a reservoir to determine the temperature of a liquid in the reservoir. The tubular assembly includes an inner tubular member constructed of a thin, light-weight, electrically insulating and thermally conducting material, an intermediate tubular member constructed of a thin, heat-sealable, dielectric material, having an end thereof which extends into the reservoir heat-sealed; and an outer tubular member constructed of a moldable, water-impervious, heat-resistant and durable material. A sealing arrangement is provided for sealing an end of the outer tubular member which extends into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Knepler
  • Patent number: 5023927
    Abstract: A cast cup provided with a heating element is secured to the bottom plate of a reservoir for a percolator. The cup is inserted into an opening in the bottom plate of the reservoir and has an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flange is secured to the top surface of the bottom plate by means of swaging. The seal is water-tight. The lower flange has a sealing compound applied to it and is sealed against the underside of the bottom plate when the upper flange is swaged to the top surface of the reservoir's bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Regal Ware, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Bardell