Withdrawable Liquid, E.g., Dispenser Patents (Class 62/389)
  • Publication number: 20100326119
    Abstract: A refrigerator, including a distribution unit and a recess that has a rear wall. The rear wall includes a removable cover; and the refrigerator further includes at least one lead-guiding device that is provided in a region behind the removable cover towards the rear wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Eckartsberg, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Arno Matzner
  • Publication number: 20100326120
    Abstract: A refrigeration device having a water tank with at least one wall surface and a bottom surface and a flat heating system that is arranged on the water tank, wherein the flat heating system extends at least partially over the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Nathan Wrench, Kasim Yazan
  • Patent number: 7856832
    Abstract: A refrigerator that allows a user to receive supercooled beverage through a dispenser in the refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body having a compartment and a door opening and closing the compartment, a supercooling compartment in the main body to supercool a beverage, and a dispenser in the door to dispense supercooled liquid from the supercooling compartment without opening the door. A supercooled liquid tank is detachably installed in the supercooling compartment to supercool beverage. The supercooling compartment is installed in the rear side of the door such that a supercooling compartment door may be installed in the front side of the door to open and close the supercooling compartment in front of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Hak Lim, Yong Han Kim, Jeong Han Kim, Young Shik Shin, Won Jae Yoon, Jae Seung Lee, Hye Ran Lee, Jung Soo Lim, Joo Young Ha, Kyung Hee Hahm
  • Publication number: 20100319901
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved compact grille cabinet for room air conditioners operable in normal and extreme climatic conditions with optimized efficiency mode comprising of: an insulated box chiller (B) with louvers, the insulated box being mounted on a window air conditioner; a hinge (C) allowing partial opening of the cabinet at angles up to 180° (120 and 130); an additional lid (A) opening upwards to accommodate an ice box compartment (210) or a tubular grille storing a liquid; an additional outlet (D) consisting of a small grilled aperture; an electronic control panel (E) adaptable with various programme modes indicating different temperatures of the cabinet and controlling the variable opening of the cabinet according to temperature to be maintained in a room; and a means to maintain opening angles of louvers proportional to the angle of the cabinet door to operate the air-conditioning device in a refrigerating, heating or air-conditioning mode facilitating heat exchange between ice tray, coole
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Sanjiv Agarwal
  • Publication number: 20100319389
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun Ho YANG, Sang Woon Jeon, Jae Moon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100319388
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yun Ho Yang, Sang Woon Jeon, Jae Moon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100307184
    Abstract: A dispenser and a refrigerator with the same are provided, the dispenser comprising a dispenser housing with an accommodating space therein, and a water supply unit disposed in the accommodating space, and implemented to adjust at least one of height and direction thereof, whereby the position of water outlet can be varied so as to facilitate a water reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Si-Young Jung
  • Publication number: 20100308073
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for sensing parameters related to water and/or ice being dispensed from a dispensing station of a refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a sensing system positionable at the dispensing station at the point of dispension for liquid and/or ice to sense a parameter related to dispensed water and/or ice and produce a sensing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: GRANT J. DEVILBISS, JONATHAN C. VALENTINE, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20100293986
    Abstract: Provided is a water supply device of a refrigerator. The water supply device includes a dispenser housing, a removable water tank, a dispensing lever, and a valve unit. The dispenser housing is disposed at an opening of a refrigerator door. The removable water tank is disposed on a side of the dispenser housing. The dispensing lever is rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to supply water from the water tank. The valve unit communicates with outside air and is coupled to a side of the dispenser housing to receive the water tank and is adapted such that supply of the water is controlled by operation of the dispensing lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Eunkyung Jung
  • Publication number: 20100293985
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Patent number: 7836720
    Abstract: Disclosed related to a door for a refrigerator may include an outer door forming the front exterior; a cap decoration formed at the upper and lower sides of the outer door; a water pipe drawn into the door through the cap decoration and through which water flows; and a fixing member on which a depression part fixing the water pipe is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyeon Po Cho, Jong Gon Kim, Oh Chul Kwon, Bon Young Koo, Myung Soo Kim, Yoo Min Park, Young Hoon Gwak
  • Publication number: 20100287971
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method thereof are disclosed. A refrigerator is able to supply water preserved in a cool state to an ice maker. The refrigerator includes an ice-making chamber, an icemaker provided in the ice-making chamber, a dispenser for dispensing water, and a water tank connected to the dispenser and the icemaker. The water tank stores water in a cool state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dong Hoon LEE, Tae Hee LEE, Dong Hoon LEE
  • Publication number: 20100281909
    Abstract: A reusable apparatus and process for dispensing, cooling and collecting a beverage are disclosed. In particular it relates to a beverage dispensers which may be used in a drinking establishment or party environment, which combines elements of decor or aesthetics with those of beverage cooling in a visible way. The dispensing part of the invention is via gravity induced flow, as the beverage is poured in to the top, flows along a channel on the surface of or through a tube within a container which holds chilled or frozen material but keeps it out of contact with the beverage, and releases the beverage to a receptacle, thus cooling the beverage flowing over or through the container. Methods and apparatus for using and enhancing the decorative nature of the container and cooling process are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Carpanzano
  • Publication number: 20100275637
    Abstract: The water tank for a refrigerator, and refrigerator having the same, is capable of reducing a material loss, being easily manufactured, withstanding a high water pressure and easily adjusting a storage capacity according to demands by changing installation conditions. The water tank for a refrigerator includes a plurality of reservoir containers each having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one connecting pipe which is bendable to connect the reservoir containers in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Min Park
  • Publication number: 20100263400
    Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage. [Solving Means] The present invention provides a beverage dispenser 1 which supplies a beverage brought into a supercooled state at a solidifying point or less and which releases the supercooled state in the outside, and the beverage dispenser includes a primary cooling device 13 which cools the beverage to an ice point or so, a beverage supply circuit 7 which supplies the beverage cooled by the primary cooling device 13 to the outside, a brine circuit 31 through which an antifreezing liquid cooled to the solidifying point or less of the beverage is circulated, and a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling the beverage, which performs heat exchange between the beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 and the antifreezing liquid flowing through the brine circuit 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Takeshi Ishii, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7814763
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and device for maintaining the water reservoir at a predetermined temperature. The piping system is designed for allowing a recirculation of water from and to the water reservoir in order to assure that the water delivered by the dispenser is at the correct temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Stefano Tavolazzi, Lorenzo Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7810344
    Abstract: Disclosed are a water tank and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a tank main body provided with a water storage space formed therein and a discharge hole; a tank cover connected to the tank main body for opening and closing the water storage space; a valve movably installed in the tank main body for opening and closing the discharge hole; and a valve driving unit moving the valve using magnetic force so as to cause the valve to open and close the discharge hole. The water tank is opened and closed by the magnetic force of magnets and the restoring force of elastic members, and thus it is possible to prevent water stored in the water tank from leaking out in a process of attaching or detaching the water tank to or from the rear surface of a door or a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Yoon, Byeong Gyu Kang, Jae Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 7810345
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus, particularly a household refrigerator, has a liquid-supply system for a user device forming part of the apparatus, particularly a dispenser of a consumable product. The apparatus further comprises a protection system arranged for preventing flooding deriving from possible leakage of liquid, in particular from at least one of said supply system and said user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Nebbia, Costanzo Gadini, Giovanni Perucca, Fiorenzo Pivetta
  • Patent number: 7810343
    Abstract: A dispenser, a food dispensing appliance with a dispenser, and a system including a food dispensing appliance for providing at least one service to a consumer electronic device. The dispenser has a service interface providing at least one service for a consumer electronic device. The appliance comprises a cabinet, a door movably mounted to the cabinet and having a peripheral edge, and a dispenser on the door. A service interface is provided on the dispenser and provides at least one service for use by a consumer electronic device. The system comprises an appliance with a dispenser and service interface supplying the at least one service and an adapter capable of coupling to the service interface to receive the service and supply it to the consumer electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. McCoy, James W. Kendall, Douglas D. LeClear, Christopher S. Moes
  • Publication number: 20100252575
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body having a cooling chamber and a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a water source positioned at the cooling chamber or the door and configured to accommodate water. The refrigerator further includes a hot water supply unit positioned at the body or the door and configured to receive water from the water source, heat the water, and supply the heated water to outside of the body in response to a start signal. In addition, the refrigerator includes a hot water transferring unit that is connected to the hot water supply unit and configured to transfer the water remaining in the hot water supply unit after supplying the heated water to outside of the body is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Jae Kim, Nam-Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 7805956
    Abstract: An additive-storing tank assembly includes: a tank body having an additive-storing space defined in the tank body, in which an additive is stored; a plunger-holding tube provided at one side of the tank body in order to connect the additive-storing space with a water supply pipe for supplying water to a dispenser of a refrigerator; and an opening/closing means for selectively connecting the additive-storing space with the water supply pipe so that the additive stored in the additive-storing space is dissolved in the water flowing through the water supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7802444
    Abstract: An ice crusher is attached to an ice dispenser or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin, the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select. In one embodiment the selected crushed ice or cubed ice are both dispensed though the same ice dispensing chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry L. Landers, Gregory K. Thompson, William Derek Slone, Greg A. Glass, John M. Grady
  • Publication number: 20100236274
    Abstract: The present invention covers a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having at least one wall or door which has a cut-out in which a dispensing unit, in particular for ice, a liquid or the like, is located or through which such a dispensing unit is accessible, wherein a frame is provided to cover the dispensing unit and wherein fastening means are provided by means of which the frame can be fixed. In accordance with the invention, the fastening means include at least one fastening apparatus which is adjustable by means of a thread in the thickness direction of the wall or door and which has connection means, in particular latching means, by means of which the frame or another part of the unit can be connected, preferably releasably, to the fastening apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE OCHSENHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Rother, Juergen Gerner
  • Publication number: 20100236270
    Abstract: A dispenser for refrigerator is disclosed. The dispenser for refrigerator includes a pushing member formed in a planar shape and configured to be movable in back and forth direction; a switch configured to be operated by a pushing force applied to be parallel with the pushing member; and a motion conversion unit cooperating with the motion of the pushing member so as for the switch to be pushed. The motion conversion unit includes an oblique member configured to be protruded with being oblique from one side of a rear surface of the pushing member; and a transfer member coming in contact with the oblique member and the switch and having one side fixed to be rotatable in parallel with the pushing member. According to the dispenser for refrigerator, since the motion conversion unit is provided so as to operate the switch resulting from that the transfer member is rotated in parallel with the rear surface of the dispenser housing, it is capable of decreasing an installation space for the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Dae-Jin Choi
  • Publication number: 20100229592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water purifying unit including a filter unit to purify water supplied from a water supply source is arranged adjacent to a drawer type storage container in an otherwise useless space of a storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Jae Koog An, Jong Eun Chae, Sang Min Park
  • Publication number: 20100218510
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for supercooling and a method of maMng slush thr?gh supercooling which generate a supercooled liquid by supplying cool air and energy, control the state of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooled liquid, generate slush by applying an external force to the supercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply the slush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Cheong Kim, Jong-Min Shin, Su-Won Lee, Cheol-Hwan Kim, Yong-Chol Kwon, Ku-Young Son
  • Publication number: 20100218541
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung KIM
  • Publication number: 20100199705
    Abstract: An appliance having a housing including a body defining a compartment and a door attached to the body, a water supplier including a first valve actuator configured to cause water to be dispensed by the water supplier, a supply container holder configured to hold a supply container for a liquid supply, at least one user input device including a touch screen configured to enable a user to make an input to request dispensing of the liquid supply from the supply container, a supply dispenser including a second valve actuator and configured to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be selectively dispensed from the supply container based on the input made by the user using the touch screen, and a dispensing computer configured to receive a dispense signal from the touch screen, in response to receipt of the dispense signal, cause the second valve actuator to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be dispensed from the supply container for a first period of time to dispense an appropriate am
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: BEVERAGE WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Roger Tanner
  • Publication number: 20100199704
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for operating dispenser in a refrigerator, comprising a base member having a switch by which a dispenser of a refrigerator is operated: a pushing member for transferring a pushing force to the switch; a plurality of connection units connecting the pushing member and the base member to each other so that the switch may be pushed even if any position of the pushing member is pushed. According to the dispenser operating apparatus for a refrigerator, since the pushing member for transferring the pushing force to the switch is respectively supported at right and left side ends of the upper portion and the lower portion thereof by the plurality of connection units, the pushing force can be transferred to the switch even if any position of the pushing member is pushed, which may be convenient to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Min-Bon Koo
  • Patent number: 7762088
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Fiske, Horatio Quinones, Phil Maiorca, Alec Babiarz, Robert Ciardella
  • Patent number: 7762292
    Abstract: A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, said device comprising a dispenser opening for the products, which is situated in a recess on the front of the device and a support that can be removed from the recess and has at least one first tray surface for a container that is to be filled from the dispenser opening. The support comprises a base part that is detachably fixed in the recess and a tray part, on which the first tray surface is formed. Said tray part is connected to the base part in such a way that it can be displaced between a first position, in which the first tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a first distance and a second position, in which the tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a second distance that is greater than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Kasim Yazan
  • Publication number: 20100175417
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. A dispenser is provided inside the refrigerator. A water discharge port can be withdrawably disposed to conveniently utilize the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Seong Wook KIM
  • Publication number: 20100175783
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator with a dispenser assembly capable of sensing the height of a vessel and water level using a remote sensor by employing changes in electrostatic capacitance, in order to enable a user to automatically dispense water to a desired level regardless of the material or size of a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Seong Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20100175415
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator and a control method thereof. In the refrigerator and control method thereof, when hot water is dispensed from a dispenser, a safety tap is withdrawn to prevent splashing of water and enable hot water to be safely dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Seong Wook KIM
  • Publication number: 20100175416
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body and a refrigerator door. A dispenser for dispensing at least water and a storage box in which a specific material for adding fragrance or taste to the water is received are provided in the refrigerator main body or the refrigerator door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Hee Uhk PARK
  • Publication number: 20100170284
    Abstract: A water filter device including a filter unit to receive water from an external water supply source and to purify the received water, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, and a case to receive the filter unit and the storage tank unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Koog An, Sang Min Park, Young Gwi Park, Jong Yeob Kim
  • Patent number: 7748233
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sanitizing a water dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption is disclosed. The dispenser can be in the form of any dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption employing a reservoir that dispenses water through one or more spigots. Water in the reservoir is sanitized with an air/ozone gas mixture that is transmitted to a porous polymeric diffuser having a central bore and a porous wall. The porosity of the porous wall defines bubble size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James J. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7743624
    Abstract: A beverage dispense font incorporating a portable cooling device is provided wherein the portable cooling device cools an outer housing of the dispense font in order to encourage ice formation on the dispense font. Unique visual effects can be obtained with ice formation on the outer housing of the dispense font, and the portable cooling device therefore enables independent cooling of the outer housing without redesign or modification of the existing glycol cooling system used to cool the dispensed beverage. The portable cooling device can be inherently small in size due to relatively minimal cooling capacity requirements for cooling just the outer housing of the dispense font. The dispense font and portable cooling device may be moved from location to location thereby greatly enhancing the capability to provide a frozen-appearing dispense font to many locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Millercoors LLC
    Inventors: Lynette S. Schneller, David Milliken, Kevin Winters
  • Publication number: 20100155415
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and a select fill sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. An optical sensing system includes a camera within the dispenser well in communication with a controller for sensing the fill rate of a container within the dispenser well. The dispensing rate of product is adjusted depending on the product fill rate of the container such that optimum fill rates are obtained without overflow or spilling events. In this manner, a hands-free dispenser is provided that can be utilized regardless of the shape or size of container utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: FARHAD ASHRAFZADEH, KEVIN M. CHASE, BRIAN P. JANKE, SHREECHARAN KANCHANAVALLY
  • Publication number: 20100154459
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUKASZ D. SKALSKI, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20100147008
    Abstract: An ice making apparatus for a refrigerator is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ice making compartment; an icemaker disposed in the ice making compartment and including an ice mold body, the ice mold body defining therein a plurality of ice cavities for containing water therein for freezing into ice cubes, and a channel for transport of a working medium, the channel having an outlet; and a temperature sensor disposed in the ice making compartment and adjacent the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Eric K. WATSON, Omar Haidar, Kenneth U. Nsofor, Mathew William Davis, Ronald Scott Tarr, Joseph Waugh
  • Patent number: 7726136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MooBella, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Baxter, Steven A. Lowe, Paul R. Kateman, Charles S. Brunner, John M. DeCarlo, Roderick H. Beaulieu, Christopher T. Zirps, Jennie Kwo
  • Publication number: 20100126943
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-saving type safe drinking water discharge device to treat cold water from a cooling reservoir (110), in which water is temporarily stored and cooled, prior to discharging the water to the outside through a tap valve (120). A connecting tube (10), provided around an outer circumference thereof with a coolant tube (40), is provided between the cooling reservoir and the tap valve, such that the water, which is primarily cooled to a predetermined temperature in the cooling reservoir, is secondarily cooled while passing through the connecting tube, prior to being discharged through the tap valve. The discharge device is used to sterilize and cool water in a public or domestic drinking water appliance, thereby minimizing contamination of water and allowing a user to always drink cold water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Banpo Distribution Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoen Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20100126210
    Abstract: An improved bottom mount refrigerator is provided with water and lighting systems housed in a space adjacent the top of the fresh food compartment between a false ceiling and the top wall of the liner. The water system includes a filter manifold, filter cartridge, storage tank, and valve mounted to a bracket. The lighting system, including the fixtures and wiring harness, are also mounted in the bracket. The water and lighting systems are pre-assembled on the bracket, which is then secured to the liner. The false ceiling includes a tank cover, a pivotal filter cover, and a removable light cover. The false drop ceiling hides the water and light systems and the mounting bracket. A front façade closes the gap between the ceiling and the liner. The ceiling and façade provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the upper portion of the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad J. Rotter, David A. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 7721567
    Abstract: A cooling, carbonation and dispensing system for use with a liquid in a keg includes a cooling ring mounted on top of the keg. The cooling ring includes a toroidal-shaped shell into which dry ice is placed. The cooling ring and dry ice provide contact cooling of the keg, as well as carbon dioxide gas by sublimation of the dry ice to carbonate the liquid in the keg and pressure on the liquid so that it may be dispensed from the keg. A chilling unit having a hose bundle is mounted on top of the cooling ring. A liquid dispensing hose from the keg coupler on the keg connects to the hose bundle, so that liquid from the keg passes through the hose bundle. A lid having a tower is attached to the top of the chilling unit and latched to it to form a water-tight seal. Another hose connects to the hose bundle in the chilling unit and conducts the liquid to a dispensing hose attached to a dispenser in the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Travis Dalton, Michael Klatzo, Michael Lee Kjer, Andrew Jin
  • Patent number: 7721568
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit beverage tapper conversion kit includes a door cover. The door cover includes a nylon sheet sewn into the shape of a generally concave cap. The regular door is replaced with the door cover. At least one insulating layer is attached to an inside surface of the cap. An inside perimeter of the door cover is sized to be slipped over an outside perimeter of an open end of the refrigerator unit. An elastic loop is retained on an open perimeter of the door cover for sealing an open end of the refrigerator unit. The refrigerator unit beverage tapper conversion kit may also include a carbon dioxide bottle, a gas regulator, a sankey, a faucet support, a faucet, a faucet shank, a carbon dioxide tube and a beverage tube. The faucet is disposed on the refrigerator door cover for dispensing a beverage in a half barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Grutza, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7712328
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and beverage dispenser on both the front and the back of the refrigerator improves efficiency and utilization of the refrigerator. Home floor plans include passageways through interior walls whereby a user can access a second dispenser of the kitchen refrigerator from an adjacent room, thus increasing access to the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Teresa L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100101254
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Richard DeVos, Jeff Donald Drake, Michael F. Finch, Ronald Gary Foster, Darin Franks, William Newton, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Timothy Dale Worthington
  • Publication number: 20100082159
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber, a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber, and a dispenser positioned on the door and configured to dispense ice pieces or water through the door when the door is oriented in a closed position. The refrigerator also includes a dispensing button unit configured to control a dispensing start time and a dispensing speed of the ice pieces or water dispensed through the dispenser based on a position of at least a portion of the dispensing button unit that results from movement of the portion of the dispensing button unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Jae Kim, Nam-Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 7685836
    Abstract: The present invention is a water cooler with refrigerator or wine cellar, having a water tank inside of the water cooler connected to a water bottle, a water tank lower part connected with a hot tank assembly and a cold tank assembly through a hot tank inlet tube and cold tank inlet tube. Cold tank and hot tank connect with two water taps through a cold tank outlet tube and a hot tank outlet tube, on the top of cold tank. There is an exhausting tube connecting with water tank, which connect with a compressor. On the back of the cooler a condenser is installed. The cold tank assembly is placed horizontally inside of a cold compartment at its highest point. The cold tank assembly includes a cold tank, evaporator coiled on the outside of cold tank the two parts are separated by separate pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: George Yui