Withdrawable Liquid, E.g., Dispenser Patents (Class 62/389)
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Patent number: 12209796Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a refrigerated compartment, a door that seals the compartment, a dispenser opening in an exterior surface of the door, and a dispenser outlet in the opening. The refrigeration device also includes a reservoir configured to hold a substance and a conveyor configured to convey the substance from the reservoir to the dispenser outlet. Measurement sensors of the refrigeration device are configured to generate first measurement signals that are indicative a gesture of a hand in the dispenser opening. A control unit of the refrigeration device is configured to ascertain a requested fill height based upon the first measurement signals. The control unit is further configured to generate signals that cause the conveyor to convey the substance from the reservoir to a container placed under the dispenser outlet and cease conveying the substance upon the container attaining the requested fill level.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: TRANSFORM SR BRANDS LLCInventors: Puneet Shivam, Angel Favila
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Patent number: 12050048Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator and a beverage supply device thereof. The beverage supply device comprises: a supporting seat, an adapting seat, a liquid outlet mechanism, and a blocking member for fitting with a mouth of a beverage container, the blocking member having a channel fitted with the liquid outlet mechanism, the blocking member being disposed on the adapting seat and rotating synchronously with the adapting seat when the blocking member is located at an initially-assembled position, the beverage container is fitted to the blocking member in a state where the mouth of the beverage container is higher than a liquid level of the beverage; when the blocking member is located at a fully-assembled position, the beverage container is vertically inverted on the blocking member.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD., HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.Inventors: Bo Mi, Yanqing Zhang, Jianjun Xue, Chuan Cui, Fangyou Zhang, Guoliang Mou
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Patent number: 12038210Abstract: A chilling unit includes a casing, a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat-source heat exchanger, a first expansion unit, a second expansion unit, and a refrigerant-to-heat medium heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe and through which refrigerant flows, the refrigerant circuit being placed in the casing, and an injection circuit in which a portion between the first expansion unit and the second expansion unit is connected to the compressor by an injection pipe, the injection circuit being placed in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Nobuhide Sakamoto, Takahito Hikone, Kimitaka Kadowaki
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Patent number: 12007160Abstract: An appliance door including an outer skin extending between first and second distal edges thereof, and an inner liner disposed adjacent the outer skin such that a space is formed therebetween. A first endcap is disposed at the first distal edge of the outer skin and the first endcap partially enclose the space formed between the outer skin and the liner. A wireless module is positioned on the first endcap and is configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device. The wireless module includes a printed circuit board and an antenna, wherein the antenna faces outwards and away from the first endcap.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Cleo Rudolph Fulgham, Jr., William T. Anniss, III
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Patent number: 11781803Abstract: A refrigerator utilizes a quick fill dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle that is easily removable for cleaning and/or dispensing independently of the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.Inventor: Eric Scalf
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Patent number: 11754334Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongho Yun, Siyeon An, Kyutae Park, Kyungsoo Park, Seonkyu Kim, Hyokku Kwon, Hangbok Lee
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Patent number: 11709014Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an upper storage space, a lower storage space and a machine room provided at a lower end of the cabinet. A dispenser is provided in an upper door of the upper storage space to dispense water or liquid, and an ice maker is provided inside the upper door to make ice. A pump assembly is provided inside the machine room to pump water through a water supply passage from a water tank to the dispenser and the ice maker. The water supply passage extends downward from the water tank after passing through a rear surface of the cabinet to connect to the pump assembly inside the machine room and extends upward from the pump assembly and passes through an upper surface of the cabinet to connect to the dispenser and the ice maker.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Jimin You
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Patent number: 11624548Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space, a hinge bracket configured to be installed on an upper wall of the cabinet and having a hinge shaft, a door configured to be connected to the hinge shaft and to open and close the storage space while rotating, and a hinge cover configured to be installed on the upper wall of the cabinet and to cover the hinge bracket, in which the hinge cover includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part disposed to be spaced apart in a horizontal direction, a bracket cover detachably mounted on one mounting part of the first mounting part and the second mounting part disposed at a position corresponding to the hinge bracket and configured to cover the hinge bracket, and a shielding member detachably mounted on another mounting part of the first mounting part and the second mounting part.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jongmoon Jang, Joonyong Hwang
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Patent number: 11592232Abstract: A water dispensing system for a refrigeration appliance includes a three-way connector operably coupled to an inlet water source and configured to direct incoming water from the inlet water source into an ambient water holding portion and a cold water tank. A water dispenser is coupled with said refrigeration appliance. A three-way control valve is configured to provide water to the water dispenser from at least one of the ambient water holding portion and the cold water tank. A valve actuator is slidable between first, second, and third positions. The three-way control valve is configured to provide water from the ambient water holding portion when the valve actuator is in the first position, from the cold water tank when the valve actuator is in the second position, and from both the ambient water holding portion and the cold water tank when the valve actuator is in the third position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Swapnil R. Dhande, Deepak Dilipsingh Dixit, Pranav Madhup
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Patent number: 11460233Abstract: A refrigerator including a cabinet and a compartment formed inside the cabinet and having an open front portion. A compartment door is movably connected to the cabinet for closing at least partially the open front portion of the compartment. An ice maker assembly is arranged inside the compartment and includes an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice maker casing, a water tank and a water filter. The ice maker assembly is accessible inside the compartment when the compartment door is in an open position. The ice maker assembly includes a support housing arranged below the ice maker casing to receive the water tank and the water filter such that the ice maker casing and the support housing are provided as respective modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Electrolux do Brasil S. A.Inventors: Ivo Alberto Pinto Torres, Guilherme Cuman
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Patent number: 11299403Abstract: A system for water dispensing. The system includes a housing comprising a first and second portion; a water vapor distillation apparatus housed in the first portion of the housing, the water vapor distillation apparatus producing a distilled water product; at least one storage tank housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the water vapor distillation apparatus; at least one pump housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one storage tank; and at least one appliance located outside of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one pump, wherein the distilled water product is stored in the at least one storage tank and the pump pumps water from the at least one storage tank to the at least one appliance.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Dean Kamen
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Patent number: 10866016Abstract: A vessel for containing a refrigerant comprising an inner wall and an outer wall arranged concentrically and having an inner space bounded by the inner wall and outer wall, an inlet and an outlet for transport of refrigerant into and out of the inner space; a tube inside the inner space arranged turn around the inner wall; an input tube fluidly connected to the inner space and arranged to allow flow of the refrigerant through the input tube into the inner space; an output tube connected to the inner space and arranged to allow flow of the refrigerant out of the inner space into the output tube; a compressor arranged to receive the refrigerant from the output tube and to compress the refrigerant; and a condenser arranged to receive the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor, to condense the refrigerant, and to forward the compressed refrigerant into the input tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark LtdInventor: Wilhelmus Franciscus Schoonen
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Patent number: 10858743Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a hydrogen water dispenser unit and a refrigerator having the same, in which a hydrogen water generator disposed inside the refrigerator provides hydrogen water, as well as normal water, according to user preference.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Wang-Koo Lee
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Patent number: 10730738Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a water supply system with a supply conduit connectable to a pressurized water supply such that a flow of water is flowable through the supply conduit to an exit of the supply conduit positioned at a dispenser recess. A dispensing valve is coupled to the supply conduit downstream of a flow restriction. A water tank is connected to the supply conduit downstream of the flow restriction and upstream of the dispensing valve. The water tank is configured such that a compressible medium within the water tank is compressed by water from the supply conduit when the dispensing valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Andrew Reinhard Krause
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Patent number: 10647590Abstract: A removable water dispenser for an appliance having a manifold with a first water connected to a household water supply, a first water outlet connected to the first water inlet, a second water inlet, and a second water outlet connected to the second water inlet. The removable water dispenser also has a dispenser removably attached to a home appliance and having a housing, a cover coupled with the housing, a dispensing outlet, and a filter connected to the first outlet, the second inlet, and the dispensing outlet, and the dispenser dispenses filtered water to a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: David P. Cooper, Christopher A. Gregory, James C. Guarino, Beth M. Jackson, Steven J. Kuehl, Joseph R. Peters, Siew Siew Chun
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Patent number: 10634421Abstract: In a water dispenser water-outlet assembly for a refrigerator, the water-outlet assembly includes a housing disposed in a side wall of the refrigerator body; a water-outlet switch and a trigger mechanism are included in the housing, and the trigger mechanism includes a triggering member and a driving member; the driving member is configured to drive the triggering member to one-dimensionally slide in a direction parallel to the side wall; the triggering member is slidably connected to the housing, and the triggering member is configured to one-dimensionally slide in a direction parallel to the side wall to trigger the water-outlet switch when it is driven by the driving member. The water dispenser water-outlet assembly of the present disclosure can be used in a water dispenser in a refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Hisense Ronshen (Guangdong) Refrigerator Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Shou, Kangfu Yan, Donghua Fu, Jianqun Zhou
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Patent number: 10337789Abstract: A refrigerator is described. The refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a door. The refrigerator further includes a water tank that is located at an inside of the door and that is configured to supply water. The water tank includes a storage unit that is configured to store water. The water tank further includes a valve that is configured to supply water stored in the storage unit. The water tank further includes a cover. The cover includes a cover support part that protrudes to a side of the storage unit and that is configured to be supported by an upper side of the storage unit. The cover further includes a gasket that comprises a protrusion that protrudes toward an inside wall of the storage unit at the side toward which the cover support part protrudes.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jisu Park
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Patent number: 10309945Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus for monitoring temperatures of food products. The system includes a temperature sensor and at least one server computer. The temperature sensor includes at least one processor, a sensor probe adapted for insertion in a food product, and a wireless transmitter, where the temperature sensor programmed or configured to sense temperature data for the food product, and wirelessly transmit the temperature data. The at least one server computer is programmed or configured to receive the temperature data wirelessly transmitted by the temperature sensor, and generate at least one user interface based at least partially on the temperature data.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Inteligistics, Inc.Inventors: Panduranga Rao Mandava, Erick John Muriungi Kithinji, Narayana Ponnaganti
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Patent number: 10065847Abstract: Beverage dispensing apparatus, systems, and related methods are provided that have a recirculation loop to cool fluids in a dispensing tube bundle that delivers beverage fluids to a beverage dispensing assembly. A beverage dispensing apparatus includes an adjustable bypass manifold having an adjustable flow restriction that is configurable to enable the use of the beverage dispensing apparatus with different chilled soda recirculation systems. The adjustable bypass manifold includes ports for connection to the recirculation loop and ports for connection to a soda recirculation system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.Inventors: Jim Tuyls, Thomas R. Hecht
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Patent number: 9998007Abstract: A power conversion device is provided that includes a rectifier, a booster circuit configured to boost an output voltage of the rectifier, a smoothing capacitor configured to smooth an output voltage of the booster circuit, and an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC voltage of the smoothing capacitor to an AC voltage and drive a motor forming a part of a device supplied with the voltage after the conversion. In addition, a reactor, a first backflow prevention element, a second backflow prevention element, a first switching element, a second switching element, an intermediate capacitor, and a controller configured to control the first switching element and the second switching element, are included.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kenta Yuasa, Shinsaku Kusube, Akihiro Tsumura, Akihiko Iwata
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Patent number: 9889478Abstract: A method of descaling a water dispensing system included in a refrigerator appliance with a water dispenser is disclosed. The method of descaling includes the step of removing a water filter cartridge from a filter port of the refrigerator appliance wherein the filter port is in fluid communication with the water dispenser. The method also includes the step of inserting a descaling cartridge containing descaling fluid into the filter port of the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes the step of advancing the descaling fluid from the descaling cartridge through the water dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kevin M. Chase, Thomas Dell Spicer, Lindsey Ann Wohlgamuth
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Patent number: 9839318Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking device (300) having a plurality of heating means (301 a-301 d) for heating a respective food item. The device is provided with control means (302) arranged to individually control energy supply to each of the heating means (301 a-301 d). According to the invention the device (300) includes a microprocessor (303) with downloading means (304) arranged to download a set of food cooking process data. The control means (302) is arranged to control the energy supply in response to the downloaded set of food cooking process data. The invention also relates to an electronic library (600) having a plurality of information units, which are arranged to be downloadable from external users. According to this aspect of the invention each information unit includes a set of food cooking process data. Each set includes at least two food item cooking instructions. Each food item instruction includes data defining a food item and one or more groups of operation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: BBBL INNOVATION ABInventor: Johan Lagerlöf
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Patent number: 9841226Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongho Yun, Siyeon An, Kyutae Park, Kyungsoo Park, Seonkyu Kim, Hyokku Kwon, Hangbok Lee
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Patent number: 9739518Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a dispenser for a refrigerator and the dispenser includes a dispenser housing, a removable plate mounted to a top portion of the dispenser housing, an ice chute mounted to a bottom surface of the plate and configured to supply ice, a water outlet mounted to the bottom surface of the plate while being located in front of the ice chute, at a predetermined distance therefrom, and configured to supply water, a first lever mounted to the bottom surface of the plate while being located in front of the ice chute, a second lever mounted to the bottom surface of the plate while being located behind the ice chute, a first switch mounted to a top surface of the plate and configured to be turned on/off by the first lever, a second switch mounted to the top surface of the plate and configured to be turned on/off by the second lever and a control unit for controlling supply of water or ice by receiving a sensing signal from the first switch or the second switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Hyoung Kook Moon
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Patent number: 9726413Abstract: A refrigerator includes a door, a dispenser in the door, a water nozzle and an ice nozzle on the dispenser, the ice nozzle being arranged in a line with the water nozzle, and a single manipulation member under the water nozzle and the ice nozzle that is manipulated in a same direction as the arranged direction of the water nozzle and the ice nozzle, the manipulation member allowing selection between dispensing of water and ice. The refrigerator also includes a detection member on the dispenser for recognizing a manipulation of the manipulation member, a control unit for controlling a valve and a motor to dispense either the water or ice based on an input of the detection member, and a display unit on the dispenser for displaying a selected state of the water or ice according to a manipulated state of the manipulation member.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Jaeyoung Kim, Daesung Lee
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Patent number: 9726415Abstract: A cooler system comprising a cooler assembly and coolant material. The cooler assembly comprises a box, first and second doors, a lid, and a plate. The plate is arranged within the box member. When the cooler assembly is in a closed configuration, the box member, first and second door members, and the lid define a main chamber, at least portion of a front chamber portion of the main chamber is defined by the first and second doors, the partition, and the lid, at least a portion of a rear chamber portion of the main chamber is defined by the box, the partition, and the lid, and a port is formed between the plate and the lid to allow air flow between the front chamber portion and the rear portion. The coolant material is arranged within the rear chamber portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Inventor: Todd Spalti
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Patent number: 9310122Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a cabinet, a door, a dispenser, a water supply pipe, and a nozzle. The cabinet defines a storage space. The door opens and closes the storage space. The dispenser is disposed on a front surface of the door and dispenses water or ice. The water supply pipe is disposed on an inner part of the door and supplies water to the dispenser. The nozzle is removably coupled to an outer part of the dispenser. An end of the water supply pipe is inserted in the nozzle to dispense water.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jin Woo Kim, Se Joo Ryu, Ung Su Kim
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Patent number: 9078937Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with fragrance dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A method includes providing a fragrance dispenser in a housing, the housing disposed in a dispenser recess defined in the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes flowing a gas from an outlet conduit into the fragrance dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert Charles Beilfuss
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Patent number: 9038401Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage cooler having an in-line operating cooling unit for instant cooling of beverage flowing through the same, comprising a cooling container (5) having an inlet (10) and an outlet (11), for feeding the beverage to and from the cooling container, respectively, and a cooling tube (14) located inside the cooling container. The cooling container (5) is adapted to be located in an ambient temperature which is above the freezing point for the beverage, wherein the cooling tube (14) is adapted to carry a cooling fluid having a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage and is located such that the beverage can pass between the cooling tube and an outer wall of the cooling container (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.Inventors: Daniel L. Johansson, Ilan Cohen, Susanne Hedblom, Urban Wahlby, Richard Furberg
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Patent number: 9016082Abstract: A condensing unit has a fan selectively operable to draw air through the condensing unit along an airflow path, a first row of condenser tubes disposed along the airflow path, and a second row of desuperheater tubes disposed along the airflow path downstream relative to the first row of condenser tubes. A condensing unit has an airflow path, a desuperheater heat exchanger disposed along the airflow path, and a condenser heat exchanger disposed along the airflow path. A method of desuperheating a refrigerant includes causing air having a first air temperature to encounter a condenser tube comprising refrigerant having a first refrigerant temperature, raising the temperature of the air to a second air temperature, and causing the air having the second air temperature to encounter a desuperheater tube comprising refrigerant having a second refrigerant temperature higher than the first refrigerant temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventor: Stephen S. Hancock
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Patent number: 9020635Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Gregory G. Hortin
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Patent number: 9010144Abstract: A refrigerator having a water storage vessel detachably mounted thereto, in which a supply passage configured to connect the water storage vessel, the ice making apparatus and the dispenser to supply the water in the water storage vessel to the ice making apparatus and the dispenser sage, a first check valve and a second check valve installed at a front position and a rear position of the one point of a first sub passage, to prevent water flowing backward to the water storage vessel, a third check valve and a fourth check valve installed at a front position and a rear position of the one point of a second sub passage, to prevent water flowing backward to the water storage vessel, and a pump installed at the third sub passage and configured to rotate the clockwise direction and the counter clockwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Min Park, Dong Jo Shin, Jae Koog An, Hae Ryong Jeon
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Patent number: 9010580Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Robert J. Rolek
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Patent number: 8985396Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: PepsiCo. Inc.Inventors: Steven T. Jersey, William W. Segiet, Tom Siegel, Eddie Kali, Joseph Boggs, Robert Balstad
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Patent number: 8973786Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush, Peter F. McNamee
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Patent number: 8966927Abstract: An output unit of a refrigeration device having a niche with a rear wall, which is provided with a cover, and a method of installing the output unit. The cover includes a dish-shaped section, which is curved inward into the niche and bounded by opposite edge sections, which are connected with a niche frame. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the edge sections at front supporting surfaces of the niche frame are held in contact in an installation end position, wherein the dish-shaped section is pulled by fastening means against the rear wall of the niche. By these means, it is ensured that the narrowest or most uniform gap possible between the cover and the place of installation is guaranteed and, in addition, fastening means are not visible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventors: Peter Eckartsberg, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Arno Matzner, Frank Placke, Matthias Stahl, Ulrich van Pels
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Patent number: 8966928Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle switchable between a heat pump cycle and a cooler cycle, a heat core configured to heat air to be blown into a vehicle compartment by using coolant of an engine of the vehicle as a heat source, and a controller configured to control operation of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The controller controls the vapor compression refrigeration cycle to be operated as the cooler cycle so as to perform a defrosting control of the outdoor heat exchanger, and outputs an operation request signal to the engine, when the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Mitsuyo Oomura, Hiroyuki Hayashi, Yukihiko Takeda, Yoshinori Ichishi
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Patent number: 8955336Abstract: A temperature control system (400) for a liquid comprises two sets of temperature control elements oppositely disposed to one another and define between them a temperature control zone. A conduit system within the temperature control zone defines a liquid flow path (300, 302) that is configured to have one or more first segments in proximity to and in heat-conducting association with one of the two sets and one or more second segments in proximity to and in heat-conducting association with the other of the two sets. The temperature control system (400) may be used as a liquid cooling or heating module in a cold liquid dispensing device or system, such as a drinking water or other beverage dispensing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Strauss Water Ltd.Inventors: Haim Wilder, Rami Ronen, Eyal Krystal, Omri Bar-On
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Patent number: 8955349Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a water filter assembly for a refrigerator is described. The water filter assembly includes a door that includes a mover element for engaging a removable water filter such that in the closed position the mover element holds the removable water filter water inlet and water outlet in fluid communication with the water inlet and water outlet, respectively, of a manifold assembly, and in the open position the mover element allows for removal of the removable water filter which is not in fluid communication with the manifold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Andrew Reinhard Krause
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Publication number: 20150040604Abstract: The refrigerator includes a main body having a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment. A refrigerating compartment door opens and closes the access to the refrigerating compartment. A dispenser is disposed on a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door, and the dispenser has a cavity to dispense at least one of water and ice. An opening is defined in the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door, and the opening is disposed below the cavity. An accommodation chamber is defined in the refrigerating compartment door to communicate with the opening, and the accommodation chamber has a bottom surface inclined downward toward the opening to accommodate a plurality of beverage containers. An auxiliary door is opened and closed to allow access to the opening. An insertion hole, through which the beverage container is inserted, is provided in a rear side of the accommodation chamber, and a cover allows access to the insertion hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Myung Dong YOU, Hyungki KIM, Junyi HEO
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Publication number: 20150034668Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus includes a first drawer assembly including a first drawer containing a first product; and one or more refrigerated cylinders that is operable to receive the first product; where the first drawer is selectively movable from a first position to a second position, the second position extending outwards and away from the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: James J. Minard, Thomas J. Franken
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Publication number: 20150027159Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus which includes a tank, a liquid inlet and a fluid dispensing system which includes a dispensing fluid conduit having a helical portion at least substantially vertically oriented within the interior volume of the tank. The beverage dispensing apparatus also includes a fluid circulating system that includes at least one fluid circulation conduit having an inlet portion positioned proximate the bottom portion of the tank and at least one outlet. A fluid cycling device is also included in the beverage dispensing apparatus and is configured to move fluid from the bottom portion of the tank to the fluid circulation conduit. The at least one outlet is configured to produce a fluid flow tangential to the orientation of the dispensing fluid conduit configuration. Evaporator coils extend around a perimeter of the tank's exterior sidewall surface and are configured to chill the fluid within the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, ALEXANDRE AZEVEDO, NIHAT O. CUR, ALISSON COSTA DASILVA, GUSTVO LAZZARIS DEBONA, MARCOS HEINZLE, LEANDRO BERNO LIDIO, VERNE H. MYERS
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Patent number: 8935935Abstract: Methods for monitoring a sensor of a refrigerator appliance are provided. The methods include activating an auto-fill feature of the refrigerator appliance and receiving a signal from a sensor of the refrigerator appliance. The method also includes displaying a message on a display of the refrigerator appliance if the sensor does not detect the container within the dispenser recess. The message can provide a user with feedback regarding the auto-fill feature and assist the user with properly operating the auto-fill feature.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Joseph Thomas Waugh, Tyler James Doering, Jonathan Charles Crosby, Ryan Michael Hartlage
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Patent number: 8925344Abstract: A fitting assembly is provided that includes a bracket comprising at least one fitting having a first opening and a second opening, in which the second opening includes at least one ledge on an inner sidewall of the fitting and the first opening is interconnected with a first tube, in which the bracket, the fittings and the first tube are a unitary structure. A seal assembly is present in the second opening of the at least one fitting of the bracket, and a second tube in engaged to the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a frictional bore surface and at least one gasket, which are in contact with the second tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Christopher David Hunter
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Patent number: 8881951Abstract: Provided is a dispenser of a refrigerator. A body of the dispenser can move back and forth. Only when a water or ice dispensing command is input, the body is moved to form a container receiving space. Thus, it is difficult to discriminate the dispenser from a refrigerator door when the dispenser is not operated.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jungyeon Hwang, Jinwon Kang, Myungdong You, Woonkyu Seo, Hanjin Jung
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Patent number: 8881949Abstract: A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, William Edwards, Teresa Bradley
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Patent number: 8881545Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator provided with the freezing cycle is provided to be movable outdoors, making it possible to freshly preserve food outdoors.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Su-Won Lee, Kee-Joo Kim, Sung-Eun Kim
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Patent number: 8875732Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber and an ingredients source including a gas source connected to the product chamber. A flow control device is configured to control ingredients flow from the ingredients source to the product chamber. A pressure measurement device is configured to output a gas pressure signal, and a controller is configured to receive the gas pressure signal and determine a gas flow control signal based on the gas pressure signal. The controller outputs the gas flow control signal to the flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: FBD PartnershipInventor: Craig Cloud
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Patent number: 8875538Abstract: The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. A dispenser is not exposed to the outside when the dispenser is not used, such that the design of the refrigerator can be upgraded and the injection of foreign materials into the dispenser is blocked, such that sanitary conditions can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Su-Won Lee, Hee Uhk Park, Sung-Eun Kim
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Publication number: 20140305151Abstract: A compact beverage dispensing unit includes a cooling system and a housing. A dispensing channel is defined in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: NOTTINGHAM SPIRK DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventor: NOTTINGHAM SPIRK DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC.