Abstract: A water circulation system for distributing bottled fluid to a remote location.

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.

Abstract: A water dispenser including a light source that shines into a column of water produced by a nozzle is disclosed. The nozzle may be opaque, clear or semi-transparent. The water dispenser may be located in a household faucet, a refrigerator or any other appliance. The light source may vary in color to indicate either a consumer preference or a change in condition. The color selected may be controlled by a processor that is operatively connected to a display and/or one or more sensors. When in use, water is run through the nozzle to form a column. The light source shines into the column of water and may change color to indicate a preference or a change in condition.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water conditioning cartridge having a filter for removing impurities from water and a temperature control unit for selectively developing cold and heated water that is released from a refrigerator dispenser. The temperature control unit is preferably formed from one or more thermal electric coolers. The thermal electric cooler(s) include a plurality of heat sinks that develop cool and hot temperatures to treat or condition the water. A fan is positioned adjacent the thermal electric cooler(s) to provide air exchange for the plurality of heat sinks. The temperature control unit conditions, i.e., heats or cools water passing from the filter to the dispenser depending upon a selected consumer preference.

Abstract: Devices and methods are set forth for providing a product dispenser comprising a refrigerating cavity designed to receive the product to be distributed in order to cool it down before its expulsion for use by a consumer.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle. The dispenser includes a first housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface closer to the beverage source and a second surface further from the beverage source. The dispenser also includes a beverage cooler including a second housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides defining an interior volume. A first circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a first set of fluid flow paths. A second circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths. A third circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths, wherein, the first, second, and third circuits defines an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser of an icemaker in a refrigerator for maximizing an inner space when a total size is the same, and for minimizing the total size when the inner space is the same. The dispenser of the icemaker in the refrigerator includes an ice chute being a passage through which the ice produced from the icemaker is discharged; and a container supporter provided at an outer case and disposed to be perpendicular to an outer surface of the outer case when the ice is discharged outside through the ice chute, the contain supporter allowing a container seated thereon to receive the ice discharged from the ice chute. The ice chute is closed and not exposed outside when the ice-discharging process is finished, and the container supporter is not exposed to the outer surface of the outer case.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided. The dispenser may include a cover which opens or shuts an opening of a duct that guides contents from an interior of the refrigerator to the dispenser for discharge. An actuator transmits an externally applied force to the cover to cause the cover to move and selectively open and shut the opening. A regulator controls action of the actuator to adjust movement of the cover.

Abstract: A method of visually enhancing water cooler having a base unit which receives an inverted water bottle. A first step involves providing an annular tank having an annular bottom with a transparent exterior sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom making the contents of the annular tank visible and an interior sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom which defmes a cylindrical central cavity. The cylindrical central cavity is selectively sized to slide over an inverted water bottle. A second step involves sliding the annular tank over the inverted water bottle of the water cooler, until the inverted water bottle is positioned within the cylindrical central cavity of the annular tank with the bottom of the annular tank resting upon the base unit. A third step involves filling the annular tank with a visual attraction viewable through the transparent exterior sidewall.

Abstract: A cold plate for a beverage chilling apparatus comprising a plurality of beverage conducting tubes sinuously arranged within a cast aluminum jacket. Interleaved between the beer conducting tubes are coolant conducting lines arranged in heat exchanging relation. The coolant lines are derived from a main coolant line pumping coolant to the cold plate, where a coolant inlet is divided into two separate smaller intermediate coolant segments at a first stage. Each intermediate glycol segment is then subdivided at a second stage into four heat exchanging coolant lines. At each subdivision of the coolant fluid conducting system, a pair of smaller lines equal distance from a feed line and having a smaller diameter than the feed line are incorporated using a two-for-one splitter so that each stage doubles the number of lines from the previous stage.

Abstract: A beverage fountain includes a container and removable freezable member for containing and chilling a beverage. The removable freezable member is placed in or above the interior of the beverage container, in the flow path of a beverage circulating through the fountain to lower the temperature of the beverage. The removable freezable member is maintained in a position within the flow path without disrupting or interfering with circulation of the beverage. The removable freezable member may be a component of the fountain, such as a portion of the central support or one of the trays secured to the central support.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance comprises at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and means 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.

Abstract: A system for producing drinking water includes an air-condensing device for generating water by condensing moisture contained in air, the air condensing device being disposed in a first case, a purifying part for filtering off impurities contained in the water generated by the air condensing means, the purifying part being disposed in a second case and connected to the air condensing device through a tube, and a water supply part for supplying the water purified by the purifying part to a user. The air condensing device and the water supply part are disposed in separated sets disposed at a difference place.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a housing supporting a display device. The housing is configured to support at least one drink supply container which can contain a drink syrup associated with a carbonated beverage. The refrigerator has an input device coupled to the drink supply container which enables a user to cause carbonated beverage to flow to a beverage collector.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which includes a cabinet with a first openable door providing access to a first refrigeration compartment and a second openable door providing access to a second refrigeration compartment. The second openable door has a portion thereof positioned below a portion of the first openable door. A rail separates the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment. A water dispenser is contained in the rail, as well as electronic controls for the refrigeration appliance. The dispenser is arranged to be stationary relative to the refrigeration appliance while the doors are open or closed. The rail may be removed and replaced, and with the water and electronic controls located in the rail, repairs are performed more efficiently and flexibility in manufacturing is enhanced. A drip tray is formed in an exterior side of the second openable door below the dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser that extends forwardly from the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a retractable ledge to support a container, a sloped back wall to provide increased storage space in the door, a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water, an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor, and a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for sampling cryogenic liquids, and an air separation unit provided with at least one such system. The cryogenic liquid is introduced into a vaporizer, through heat exchange with the compressed air. The liquid passes through the vaporizer generally downwards. The walls of the vaporizer that are intended to come into contact with the cryogenic liquid are maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature or the boiling point of the least volatile impurity contained in this liquid. Downstream of the vaporizer, a gaseous phase coming from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is withdrawn and at least some of the gaseous phase is sent to an analyzer.

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.

Abstract: A water product dispensing system includes a dispenser mounted for selectively releasing a water product, a display provided on the dispenser and a sensor operatively coupled to the dispenser. The dispensing system also includes a sensor for determining a fault condition. In the event that a fault condition exists, the fault condition is presented upon the display only upon operation of the dispensing system. The water product dispensing system also includes a water filter, with the fault condition indicating a need to replace the water filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact and short profile portable bottled beverage dispenser for gravitationally dispensing a liquid from an inverted standard sized bottle such as the 3- or 5-gallon bottles commonly used in the drinking water industry.

Abstract: Dispenser assembly in the refrigerator having a body and a door for opening/closing a front surface of the body, including a dispenser in the front surface of the door for supplying water, a hinge coupled between the door and the body, a water supply pipe passed through insides of the hinge and the door, and connected to the dispenser, and a curved holding member above the hinge to surround and hold the water supply pipe, thereby holding the water supply pipe securely.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing soft serve frozen food product, such as soft serve ice cream and the like, provides the ability to select the fat content or other characteristic of the ice cream dispensed from the machine.

Abstract: A method for operating a water cooler, wherein the water cooler includes a cooling system, a storage compartment assembly, a water dispenser assembly, and a climate control assembly including a thermostat and a control capillary, includes coupling the control capillary to the thermostat, and coupling the thermostat to the cooling system such that the thermostat controls the operational state of the cooling system. The method includes positioning the control capillary adjacent each of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly, determining the temperature of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the control capillary, and cooling the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the cooling system.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a door of a refrigerator includes a tray of flap construction which is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the tray is received within a cavity of the dispenser assembly to present a support surface for a container such as a water glass. The tray is pivotable into a second position outside of the dispenser assembly so that an area normally underneath the tray is open to provide a second support surface for supporting larger containers than is possible with the tray in its first position. The now exposed bottom of the flap provides a third support surface outside of the cavity. The dispenser assembly can be used for dispensing water, ice, combinations thereof and may include lighting and other features.

Abstract: An appliance cabinet with at least one openable door has a hinge at a pivoting edge of the door to allow the door to open about the pivoting edge. An endcap is secured to an edge of the door adjacent to the pivoting edge. A first conduit extends from an in-door apparatus 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. The hinge is movable from the pivoting edge of the door to an opposite edge of the door. The second conduit is arranged to exit from either adjacent one corner or adjacent an opposite corner of the cabinet to be adjacent to the pivoting edge. In this arrangement, the two conduits are joinable within the endcap at the end connector to form a continuous conduit.

Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof. The evaporator can be integrated with a beverage dispenser and an ice dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet, at least one door and a chilled water dispenser. The at least one door is mounted to the cabinet for movement between a closed position and an open position. The chilled water dispenser includes a nozzle extending from the cabinet. The dispenser is associated with the door and is accessible when the door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A machine mounting adapter accommodates mounting of a variety of differently dimensioned machines on top of a standard sized base machine, and in particular enables any one of a number of differently sized ice machines to be mounted on top of a given ice dispenser. The adapter includes both a specially configured cover that replaces a standard cover normally found on the ice dispenser and a pair of rigid bars that together with the specially configured cover are supported on a top perimeter edge defined around an open upper end of an ice retaining bin of the ice dispenser. An ice machine mounts on top of the cover with an ice drop hole in the cover providing access for ice made by the ice machine to enter the bin.

Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar water cooler, which includes a water tank, a condensing panel, and an auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the water tank has an insulating panel transversely embedded into the water tank for separating the water tank into an upper cooling chamber and a lower chilling chamber, a pair of inner conduits for respectively communicating the cooling chamber to the chilling chamber, each of the cooling chamber and the chilling chamber has a water inlet port and a water outlet port, a plurality of conduits for respectively communicating the water tank to the condensing panel and the auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the auxiliary refrigerating device electrically powered by solar cells and by thermocells.

Abstract: A container system with rigid and flexible components has a rigid container including a lower insulated storage portion and an upper storage portion configured to close and insulate the lower portion. The upper storage portion has a removable lid for quick access. The upper storage portion is removably attached to the lower portion to allow access when needed. The flexible component is configured to be combined with the rigid container by placing the rigid container in an upper pouch in the flexible component. The flexible component is further configured to contain ice and to selectively remove any melted ice via an inner lining to allow a user access to drinkable water when needed.

Abstract: A refrigerating device for a water station comprises cold storage cabinet, cold water container and refrigerating system. Said cold water container is installed in the cold storage cabinet, one end of which is connected to a water storage pail via a pipeline, and the other end is provided with a water intake pipeline. The cold water container is used for holding water that needs temperature drop. Said refrigerating system comprises compressor, condensator, capillary tubes, first evaporator and refrigerating pipelines. Said first evaporator can be installed in the cold storage cabinet or can also be installed outside the cold storage cabinet in coordination with it. Said compressor is installed under the cold storage cabinet, said refrigerating pipelines are filled with refrigerating liquid.

Abstract: A cooling sink is positioned within a cooling chamber having a 0.75-1.50 gallon capacity, for directly contacting pressurized beer therein, the cooling sink having a substantial surface portion in contact with the beer for enabling heat extracted from said beer to be rapidly conveyed to said cooling device. The cooling sink has a deep trench therein for reducing the mass of the cooling portion while increasing the surface area contacting the beer. A valve is employed at the top of the cooling chamber to allow the cooling reservoir to be completely filled with beer during periods of use, and any developing undesired foam can be removed from time to time by opening this valve. Also, the pickup tube attached to the dispensing tap picks up beer from the bottom of the cooling chamber, to minimize foam in the beer dispensed.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

Abstract: A dispenser of a conventional refrigerator supplies only cold water. Therefore, the dispenser cannot meet a variety of users' needs. Further, the conventional refrigerator has a problem in that various kinds of water supplied from a water source cannot be properly purified. The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a main body with a storage space defined therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

Abstract: A beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink syrups and CO2 gas supplies. The computerized system can automatically detect dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is disclosed, which enables an effective usage of the inner space of the refrigerator and enables to always provide fresh water to a user. The dispenser includes a first pipe connected with a water supply source; a reservoir installed inside a door of the refrigerator and connected with the first pipe, for temporarily storing water supplied from the water supply source; a second pipe connected with the reservoir; and a discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging the water supplied from the reservoir depending on a user's necessity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for a refrigerator.

Abstract: A drink dispenser assembly includes: a dispenser device (2, 37) provided with a dispensing head (18, 29) for accommodating a dispensing line (17, 28), and a container (7, 27) containing drink, in particular carbonated drink, connected during use to the dispensing line (17, 28) which has a coupling element at an outlet end for connection to the dispensing head (18, 29). The drink dispenser assembly is characterised in that the coupling element comprises a shut-off valve (19, 32) that can be closed when placing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) into the dispensing head (18, 29) and, respectively, removing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) from the dispensing head (18, 29).

Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided having a container for holding a liquid beverage, a spigot extending from the container for dispensing the liquid beverage therefrom, preferably a telescopically extendable boom attached to a side of the container, a solar panel adjustably attached to an end of the telescopically extendable boom so that the solar panel may be repositioned about the end of the telescopically extendable boom so as to point the solar panel in a direction toward a source of solar energy, and one or more active elements in thermal contact with the container and the liquid beverage therein and electrically connected to the solar panel. Thermoelectric elements powered by the solar panel may be used to cool or heat the liquid beverage within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pressure limiting valve for preventing transmission of elevated pressure to components downstream of the apparatus. Preferably, the pressure limiting valve is used in combination with a flow regulating device that maintains a substantially steady flow rate through the apparatus even when subject to a wide range of applied pressure. The apparatus of the present invention is preferably suitable for use with filter systems wherein the pressure limiting valve is placed upstream of filter components that have limited burst and fatigue life capabilities. By isolating the downstream filter components from pressures that are greater than the target pressure range for a given application, the filter components can be designed to operate at much lower pressure, can be produced at a smaller size, and at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots) used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and method.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water dispenser and gas line operable to pressurize a drink supply container. The drink supply container contains drink syrup. The drink syrup and the water from the water dispenser are used to produce a beverage.

Abstract: An icemaker adapter is suitable for use with different beverage dispensers available from different beverage dispenser manufacturers. The icemaker adapter includes a first member movably engaged with a second member, and a passage therebetween. The first and second members move toward or away from each other to adjust for a dispenser depth dimension. In use, the icemaker adapter resides on top of a beverage dispenser and above a storage chamber of the beverage dispenser. An icemaker is mounted onto a top portion of the icemaker adapter, such that ice from a dispensing zone of the icemaker falls through the passage to a storage chamber of the beverage dispenser. In alternative embodiment, the icemaker adapter adjusts for a side-to-side dimension of the beverage dispenser. In still another embodiment, the icemaker adapter adjusts in two perpendicular directions to accommodate by a width and a depth of the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A method for producing a desired amount of ice crystal formation in a beverage comprising the steps of cooling said beverage to a temperature below its ordinary freezing temperature at atmospheric pressure to form a cooled beverage; maintaining said beverage at a pressure sufficient to inhibit freezing of said beverage; dispensing said cooled beverage into a vessel; obtaining a cooled surface, having a temperature sufficiently low to cause flash freezing of a portion of said cooled beverage which comes into contact therewith; and presenting said cooled surface to said beverage for a time sufficient to form a desired amount of said ice crystals in said beverage. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.