Withdrawable Liquid, E.g., Dispenser Patents (Class 62/389)
  • Publication number: 20090158766
    Abstract: A system for locking control systems of an appliance includes a lock control that is configured to selectively place at least one of the user-controllable systems in a locked condition while allowing another of the user-controlled systems to remain in an unlocked condition. The system generally includes an appliance operation control, at least one interface and the lock control. The appliance operation control is configured to control user-adjustable controllable systems of the appliance in response to input received by the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is on the appliance and is in communication with the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is configured to receive input via the interface to control at least two of the user-controllable systems of the appliance. When a user-controllable system is in the locked condition, the locked control system is inoperative or unable to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Cooper, Josh Kopecky, Jerrod Kapler, Ranjan Damodar
  • Patent number: 7549299
    Abstract: A water reservoir for a refrigerator having a refrigerating compartment provided with a front door having an internal panel in which shelves and a water reservoir are removably affixed. The front door having an external face carrying a dispensing valve supplied by the water reservoir. The recipient is superiorly opened and removably affixed to the internal panel of the door between the fixation positions of two consecutive shelves, and incorporates a lower outlet nozzle projecting through the door so as to be maintained in fluid communication with the dispensing valve. The reservoir including a lid removably fitted onto the recipient and provided with an opening; and an over-lid provided with a window and mounted to the lid, in order to be selectively and manually displaced in a plane parallel and adjacent to the mounting plane of the lid between an open position, in which its window is aligned with the opening of the lid and a closed position, in which the opening of the lid is blocked by the over-lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Ricardo Kolb Filho, Rodolfo Floeter Júnior, Claiton Emílio do Amaral, Edson Isaltino Bento
  • Patent number: 7543453
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a water dispenser for dispensing water from a source of water through a user accessible water outlet. The water dispenser can include a water valve, a dispensing actuator, and a water dispensing control connected to the water valve and to the dispensing actuator to control operation of the water valve. The water dispenser can include a microcontroller including a user operable calibration routine to determine a calibrated flow rate based on the time to dispense a standard quantity of water, and a non-volatile storage to store the calibrated flow rate. The microcontroller can store the most recent calibrated flow rate in the non-volatile storage. The water dispenser control can include a measured fill mode of operation. The microcontroller can be arranged to calculate a measured fill time to dispense a user selected amount of water based on the calibrated flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Boarman, Justin A. Woehler
  • Publication number: 20090139258
    Abstract: A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory Gene Hortin
  • Publication number: 20090133433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having at least one refrigeration space and/or freezing space as well as having at least one drawer arranged in the refrigeration space and/or freezing space, with a space being located beneath the drawer in the refrigeration space and/or freezing space, with one or more components of the unit being arranged in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Viktor Laube, Matthias Wiest, Klaus Oelmaier
  • Publication number: 20090126392
    Abstract: A water tank for a dispenser capable of improving convenience when the user injects water into the water tank and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The water tank for a dispenser includes a reservoir which stores water and has an opening, a cover which covers the opening and has an injection port to inject water into the reservoir, and an opening/closing unit which opens and closes the injection port, the opening/closing unit being operated by loading of water above and into the injection port to open the injection port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Koog An, Jung Rae Kim, Jong Yeob Kim
  • Publication number: 20090126393
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator including a liquid, cool air supplied to supercool the liquid, and a preventing means for preventing the liquid from existing as a solid phase, and a method of operating the refrigerator. The preventing means is at least one of an energy generator for supplying energy to the liquid supplied with the cool air to maintain the liquid in the supercooled state, a restricting member for interrupting the motion of the liquid, and a heater for converting the liquid converted into a solid phase into the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    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: 20090120122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water supply device for the water supply of an ice cube maker and/or water dispenser of a refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a water tank, which includes a filling hole for manually filling the water tank and an outlet connection for connecting the water tank to a supply conduit of the ice cube maker and/or water dispenser. The invention furthermore relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with such a water supply device. The invention is based on the idea to combine the advantages of a fixed water connection with the advantages of a manually fillable water tank. In accordance with the invention, it is proposed to use a manually fillable water tank on which a fixed water connection is provided for connection of the water tank to a stationary water conduit. The water supply device thereby can selectively be operated manually, in particular when no fixed water connection is provided, or automatically, when such fixed water connection is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Manfred Gradl, Thomas Obererlacher
  • Patent number: 7516623
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a chilled beverage from a storage area to a beverage dispenser comprises a beverage conduit, a coolant source or reservoir, a coolant pump, a coolant conduit, an insulating sleeve encircling the conduits and supporting them in positions enabling heat transfer between such conduits, and a common support for the coolant and coolant pump. The common support is so constructed as to enable mounting of the coolant reservoir and pump in any selected one of a number of different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Glastender, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon D. Hall, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090090124
    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: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Publication number: 20090090123
    Abstract: A refrigerator which supplies water by driving a water valve installed on a flow path connected between a water supply source and a dispenser and a control method thereof are disclosed. A driving voltage is applied to the water valve in a start-up operation and the phase of the driving voltage applied to the water valve is controlled after the start-up operation to reduce an average voltage, thereby preventing a malfunction due to overheat of the water valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Jun Son, Seong Ki Jeong, Young Woon Kwon, Jin Oh Seok
  • Patent number: 7513122
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Peter F. Wolski, Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Kyle B. Elsom, Eric Schertz, Daniel C. Leaver, Kevin Brandt, Todd Manisco
  • Publication number: 20090077995
    Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a frame and a door that surround a cooling chamber as well as a water pipe that extends inside the frame and the door. A coupling that is separated when the door is open while being connected when the door is closed is disposed between a section of the water pipe extending in the frame and a section of the water pipe extending in the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Ihle, Wolfgang Kentner
  • Publication number: 20090071184
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a housing and a dispensing device for flowable and/or pourable chilled material, the dispensing device being located in a front recess of the housing. The front of the housing is covered at least in part by an adjustable decorative plate. The recess is accessible through a hole in the decorative plate while a case that is open towards the dispensing device and the hole of the decorative plate is adjustably mounted in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Kasim Yazan
  • Publication number: 20090056363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching apparatus of a dispenser for a refrigerator. The switching apparatus of the present invention comprises a switch 31 for providing a signal to control discharge of an object from the dispenser 23 provided on a refrigerator door 22 and a switch actuating portion 32 for switching on or off the switch 31. Further, the switch actuating portion 32 is elastically deformed and at least one end of the switch actuating portion is moved in a direction perpendicularly to a driving force to switch on the switch 31 when the driving force is applied thereto to discharge the object, and the switch actuating portion 32 is restored to switch off the switch 31 when the driving force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Chang-Lim Lee
  • Patent number: 7493774
    Abstract: A control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser includes an actuation switch, at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water, a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit, and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system, motor activation relay and drive unit(s). Preferably, the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches, e.g. a water activation switch and a water/ice activation switch, each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and/or ice respectively. Current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and/or ice. Multiple processor circuits are preferably employed, with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Brian Midlang, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20090044560
    Abstract: A refrigeration device comprising a heat-insulated housing, which contains a storage compartment, a water tank, a fan for propelling a stream of cold air that passes through an evaporator and a distribution unit for the controlled distribution of the stream of cold air along at least two circulation paths, the first of which is in closer thermal contact with the water tank than the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Kasim Yazan
  • Patent number: 7490739
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for gravitationally dispensing a liquid from a bottle such as standard sized bottles commonly used in the drinking water industry. The dispenser preferably includes a removable top closeable over a space large enough to hold and fully enclose the inverted bottle, a base having a substantially flat bottom surface for maintaining the bottle in an inverted position and mating surfaces for receiving the removable top, a collar having an aperture sized to receive a neck portion of the bottle and disposed within the base for supporting the bottle in the inverted position, a reservoir attached to the collar for receiving the liquid from the bottle, whereby the neck portion of the inverted standard sized bottle extends downward through the aperture of the collar, and a spigot extending from the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Prabucki
  • Patent number: 7490475
    Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090013708
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has an access door in which is located a recess containing a dispensing unit. The recess can include an upper surface, a rear surface and opposed side surfaces. The dispensing unit includes at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid such as water and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice. The dispensing unit also includes at least one emitting source for emitting a beam of light and a respective receiver for receiving the beam of light from each of the at least one emitting source. Each of the at least one emitting source and the respective receiver comprise a light couple. The emitting source and receiver of each light couple are arranged so that the light passing between the emitting source and the receiver passes substantially vertically beneath at least one of the at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 7475555
    Abstract: A water dispenser assembly used for a dispensing system includes an inlet configured to receive water from a water supply, and a flow meter in communication with the inlet. The flow meter is configured to measure an amount of water passing therethrough. A first valve is arranged in communication with the flow meter, and the first valve is configured to enable and restrict water flow to an outlet. A controller is operatively coupled to the flow meter and the first valve. The controller is configured to control the dispensing of water based on the measured amount of water passing through the flow meter and based upon a volume error factor correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Janardhanam, Kenneth Hanley, Abdel Hamad, John Kenneth Hooker, Anil Kumar Tummala, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric Paez, Eric Scott Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090007585
    Abstract: A food storage apparatus enables dispensation of contents (e.g., ice and/or water) stored in the food storage apparatus and collects residual contents after the dispensation of the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong Jae KIM, Nam Gi LEE
  • Publication number: 20080314065
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided to prevent sustaining of injuries by users, and which is capable of being hygienically used. The refrigerator prevents users sustaining injuries from inadvertently bumping into a dispenser or a tray when passing by the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyeon Jin KIM
  • Patent number: 7464567
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling and dispensing wine from a wine-filled bag of a prepackaged wine box, generally comprising an insulated parallelpiped box with molded handles, an upper front panel and a lower front panel with semi-circular notches forming a circle into which the wine tap for such wine-fulled may be locked into place for dispensing wine. One embodiment employs a cold or frozen freezable liquid pack placed on each side of the wine-filled bag, while another embodiment provides freezable, liquid-filled side, top, and rear panels. A drip reservoir is provided to prevent messy wine drippage. A name tag identifying the type of wine being dispensed may be placed into a nameplate slot centered on the upper front panel. The present apparatus may be made in a variety of colors and decorative exterior designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Rita J. Crossley, William E. Crossley
  • Publication number: 20080302124
    Abstract: Keg refrigerator with an insulated refrigerator housing where the major portion of the housing is rectangular in shape but the front hinged door portion of the housing is curved to match the shape of a standard cylindrical keg which can snuggly reside within the refrigerator housing. A standard refrigerator mechanism including compressor and refrigeration coils keeps the keg within the housing cool. A standard fluid connection connects the contents of the keg to a spigot located above the top surface of the refrigerator housing. A set of castor wheels mounted to the underside of the refrigerator housing allows the refrigerator to be easily rolled from one location to another. A preferred embodiment includes the refrigerator housing is sized to snuggly retain a keg that is approximately twenty three and one quarter inches tall and seventeen inches in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Gregg Bond
  • Publication number: 20080282724
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush, Peter F. McNamee
  • Publication number: 20080276641
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispensing tower located remote from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has a cold plate and the tower has a heat exchanger. To deliver chilled beverage components to and for dispensing by the tower, a closed-loop water circulating circuit extends between and includes a fluid chilling circuit of the cold plate and a heat exchange circuit of the heat exchanger. The closed-loop circuit is fluid coupled to a beverage valve of the tower to deliver chilled water to the valve, and a supply of beverage syrup is fluid coupled to the tower valve through a fluid chilling circuit of the heat exchanger for delivery of chilled syrup to the valve for mixing with chilled water in the dispensing of a beverage from the tower valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Peter F. Wolski, Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Kyle B. Elsom, Eric Schertz, Daniel C. Leaver, Kevin A. Brandt, Todd Manisco
  • Publication number: 20080264092
    Abstract: A sensing system for a refrigerator dispensing system is used to sense the presence, positioning, height and shape of a container placed in a dispensing well. When the presence of the container is sensed in the dispensing well and the container is properly positioned relative to a dispensing nozzle of the well, a dispensing operation can be performed. The actual dispensing operation is regulated based on the height and shape of the container. In this manner, dispensing operations can only be performed when a container is appropriately arranged in the dispensing well and the dispensing operation will be timely terminated based the size and shape of particular container employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KEVIN M. CHASE, RANDELL L. JEFFERY, MATTHEW J. NIBBELINK, BRIAN WENDLING, RAHUL MEHTA, VASHISHTHA KADCHHUD, GREG HATCH, MOROUNKEJI FATUNDE
  • Publication number: 20080264093
    Abstract: An insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line provides enhanced temperature control of one or more beverages conveyed through the transport line. A plurality of coolant lines carrying a re-circulated coolant makes contact with the one or more product lines. One or more empty lines, referred to as packers, may be placed between the coolant lines and the product lines to provide a dimensionally stable and tight group of lines that are bundled together. An external insulation is provided over the bundle of lines to further enhance insulation for the beverage being transported through the product lines. At least one dedicated coolant return line may be placed remote from the other lines. The dedicated coolant return line carries the highest temperature coolant found in a beverage transport system. Independent and separate insulation of this dedicated coolant return line prevents inadvertent heat transfer to the one or more product lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: COORS BREWING COMPANY
    Inventor: Kevin Winters
  • Patent number: 7442301
    Abstract: A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. The filter housing has a sump for enclosing the filter media, a filter head, and at least one standoff protruding outwards for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold. The filter manifold supports the filter housing with a filter locator. A filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism secures and holds the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted. The rotator actuating mechanism has tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff. The internal shutoff has an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress. The internal shutoff tabs slidably contact and align the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Stephen P Huda
  • Publication number: 20080245092
    Abstract: A portable, potable-water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of water vapor from ambient air. The generator employs an air filter to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber cools the filtered air to its dew point and collects droplets of condensate into a condensate collector. Before discharge, the collected dew is treated in a bacteriostat loop to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. A recirculation loop provides the ability to recirculate stored condensate, including during periods of inactivity. Further, quick disconnect fittings and variable length flexible tubing allows use of the invention to serve remote dispensers and/or appliances and allow use of municipal water treated through the apparatus in low condensate situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Francis C. Forsberg, Clayton Colbert
  • Patent number: 7428824
    Abstract: A vending machine. The vending machine has a selector for a plurality of beverage types and a selector for a plurality of ice types. The vending machine has a first store for storing a supply of the plurality of beverage types and a second store for storing a supply of the plurality of ice types. The vending machine also has a dispenser for dispensing into a container a selected beverage type and a selected ice type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Michael William Malachowsky, Jeffrey Wayne Malachowsky, Chris Alan Malachowsky
  • Publication number: 20080228318
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an device and method for controlling a dispenser for a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jin-Sug Roo, Kyung-Ah Choi, Mi-Soon Ahn, Chang-Woo Song
  • Patent number: 7419073
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a water supplier, fluid director and fluid director access door. The fluid director is removable. The fluid director access door enables users to remove, clean and replace the fluid director.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Beverage Works, In.c
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Todd Erik Duff
  • Patent number: 7418828
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes water storage tank (17) disposed at a higher place inside the door, water feeder (16) placed on a front face of the door, and water feeding tube (18) coupling tank (17) to feeder (16). Tube (18) slants upward from water feeder (16) to storage tank (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Himori
  • Patent number: 7418830
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a forward projecting dispenser that extends forward a front panel of the door. The door has an outer door pan with an outer door cavity and an inner liner having an inner liner cavity. An ice chute may be placed through both the inner liner cavity and the outer door cavity to move ice to the forward projecting dispenser. The dispenser may have a housing that positions a control panel and water outlet forward the front panel. The dispenser may extend to the door handle of the refrigerator or beyond the handle. The distance the dispenser extends forward the front panel of the door is minimized using a slight diagonal rear side of the dispenser housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Bowen, Lawrence J. Ertz, Bruce A. Kopf
  • Publication number: 20080202148
    Abstract: A beverage cooling apparatus including a first circuit forming a first set of fluid flow paths, a second circuit forming a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths, and a third circuit forming a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Gagliano
  • Publication number: 20080202147
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a dispenser to extract water is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door opening and closing the storage chamber, and a dispenser disposed to discharge water, the dispenser including a button installed to be movable in a backward and forward moving direction, a switch pressed to cause water to be discharged, and a lever rotatably installed sideward with respect to the forward/backward moving direction of the button having one end disposed at a rear side of the button and an other end disposed on the switch and performing a seesaw movement sideward as the button moves in the forward/backward moving direction to press the switch. Thus, the dispenser can be formed to have a small thickness in a forward/backward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Sung Il Park
  • Publication number: 20080202144
    Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7415834
    Abstract: A refrigerator with at least one openable door has a hinge at a pivoting edge of the door allowing the door to open about the pivoting edge. A water dispenser, positioned on the door, has a paddle which is moved horizontally by a user to cause water to be dispensed. The paddle engages a toggle that is attached to the dispenser housing, causing the toggle to rotate into engagement with a microswitch. The microswitch is mounted on a user interface control board which communicates with a power supply electronic control board. The power supply control board operates a water dispenser solenoid valve to cause water to flow to the dispenser when the toggle engages the microswitch. An endcap is secured to an edge of the door adjacent to the pivoting edge. A first conduit extends from the water dispenser to an end within the endcap. A second conduit extends from within the cabinet to an end exterior of the cabinet and within the endcap. An end connector is provided to receive the ends of the first and second conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Diane E. Marret, Guy E. Garrison, Jill C. Moeller, Johnny R. Revlett, Mark G. Steffenhagen, Daryl L. Reuter, Jeff J. Smale
  • Publication number: 20080196422
    Abstract: Disclosed are a refrigerator for discharging water contained in a water tank when a predetermined time has passed to supply fresh water to a user and a method of controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a main body, a door pivotally mounted to the main body, a dispenser provided in the door to dispense water to the exterior, a water tank connected to the dispenser to accommodate the water, a water supply valve connected to the water tank to control a flow of the water to be supplied to the water tank, and a controller connected to the water supply valve and the dispenser to control the same and to discharge the water to the exterior when the water is accommodated in the water tank for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Lee, Doo Lee Kim
  • Publication number: 20080190132
    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: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE, KEVIN J. GILBOE, PATRICK J. BOARMAN, DARYL L. HARMON, GARY W. WILSON, JERRY M. VISIN
  • Publication number: 20080184710
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a system for controlling the temperature of water in a water reservoir includes a water reservoir, an inlet operable to deliver water to the water reservoir, an outlet operable to dispense at least a portion of the water from the water reservoir, and a staged water cooler having a first thermoelectric cooler stage coupled to a second thermoelectric cooler stage, the staged water cooler operable to control the temperature of the water in the water reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Roger S. DeVilbiss
  • Publication number: 20080184730
    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: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Jerry M. Visin
  • Publication number: 20080178626
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae Jang, Seung-Beom Chae, II-Wook Joung, Sang-Ho Park, Yong-Chul Kwon, Hyeon-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080178628
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator configured to be actuated concurrently with the ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing mechanism configured to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, and a liquid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator. The refrigerator dispenser also includes a controller configured to cause the ice dispensing mechanism to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, to cause the liquid dispensing mechanism to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator, and to prevent the ice dispensing mechanism and the liquid dispensing mechanism from both dispensing responsive to concurrent actuation of both the ice dispensing actuator and the liquid dispensing actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-jae Jang, Seung-beom Chae, II-Wook Joung, Sang-ho Park, Yong-chul Kwon, Hyeon-jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080178627
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes a dispenser assembly housing that is accommodated by a door surface hole having a sizing ratio that is defined by dividing a height with a width of the door surface hole. The dispenser assembly housing is configured to define a dispenser assembly cavity in at least a portion of the dispenser assembly housing. The dispenser assembly cavity has an opening at a front surface of the dispenser assembly housing and has a sizing ratio that is defined by dividing a height with a width of the dispenser assembly cavity along the opening. A control panel extends along at least one of a horizontal and vertical dimension of the front surface of the dispenser assembly housing proximate to the opening. The sizing ratio of the door surface hole is different than the sizing ratio of the dispenser assembly cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae Jang, Seung-Beom Chae, II-Wook Joung, Sang-Ho Park, Yong-Chul Kwon, Hyeon-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080174219
    Abstract: There is provided a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a storage space receiving food, a door, and a dispensing apparatus. The door selectively opens and closes the storage space. The dispensing apparatus dispenses contents stored in the storage space without opening the door. The dispensing apparatus substantially protrudes from an outer surface of the door. According to the refrigerator, since the internal structure of the door is simplified, fabrication of the refrigerator becomes easy. In addition, the internal space of the refrigerator is enlarged and a user can use a container of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the thickness of the door is prevented from becoming thin, thereby reducing a heat loss in the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong Jae KIM, Hyeong Kook LEE, Kyung Han JEONG
  • Publication number: 20080173037
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute oriented closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator and the ice dispensing chute, and a liquid dispensing chute oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, and the liquid dispensing actuator. The ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, the liquid dispensing actuator, and the liquid dispensing chute are arranged in a serial order, along a vertical plane that extends substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the refrigerator door within which the cavity exists, from a relatively deep position within the cavity to a relatively shallow position within the cavity or the front of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae Jang, Seung-Beom Chae, II-Wook Joung, Sang-Ho Park, Yong-Chul Kwon, Hyeon-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080169308
    Abstract: A water circulation system for distributing bottled fluid to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene M. Martin