With Plural Liquid Outlets Or Sources, E.g., Distributing System Patents (Class 62/390)
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Patent number: 11937734Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water dispensing device, and the water dispensing device includes a water tank, a drain pipeline, a beverage making chamber, in which a capsule support for receiving a beverage powder capsule and a capsule piercer for puncturing the capsule operatively are provided; and a dispenser, communicated with an outlet of the beverage making chamber, including a beverage outlet of which the prepared beverage flows out. The refrigerator has a water dispensing device capable of making a beverage, such as coffee, milk tea, or the like, based on demands from a user, thereby satisfying diverse drinking demands from people and solving problem of a single function of an existing refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.Inventors: Lihua Zuo, Yanqing Zhang, Weishou Sun, Jianjun Xue, Chuan Cui
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Patent number: 11851316Abstract: The invention relates to a tank system for cooling, storing and removing a liquid, comprising a tank for cooling the liquid and storing the liquid in a volume along a stratification axis of the volume for thermal stratification along the stratification axis, wherein the tank can be filled through a filling device having a filling inlet in an inlet region along the stratification axis and can be emptied via an outlet in an outlet region opposite the inlet region along the stratification axis. For the purpose of flexible handling, in order to prevent mixing, the supplied liquid is conveyed into a flow, which extends completely or partly in a plane perpendicular to the stratification axis, and is supplied to the liquid stored in the tank, such that the flow runs tangentially to a circular arc that extends in a plane perpendicular to the stratification axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: AQUIS SYSTEMS AGInventor: Andreas Wawrla
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Patent number: 11572266Abstract: A beverage dispenser configured for servicing from the front. A front cover is coupled to a cabinet and positionable in open and closed positions. A housing is positioned in an interior of the cabinet and supports cartridges containing ingredients for dispensing a beverage. The housing at least partially defines a cavity within the interior of the cabinet. An electronics box is configured for coupling to the cabinet in an operating position within the cavity and also in a service position in front of the housing. The cavity is accessible from the front of the cabinet when the front cover is in the open position and the electronics box is in the service position.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignees: Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc., The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Shishirdas Kasaragod Ravindran, Mark Miller, Dusan N. Ivancevic, Fernando Jose Aguilar Harrison, Zersis Mehta, Tim Blevins, Kenyon Hall
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Patent number: 11542009Abstract: A cooling arrangement for a kitchen provided for installation in a means of transport comprises a cooling circuit which can have a cooling medium flowing through it and in which a condenser and an evaporator are arranged. The condenser is accommodated in a condenser housing and is arranged in a first installation space which is intended to form a first sub-region of the kitchen. The evaporator is accommodated in an evaporator housing formed separately from the condenser housing, and is arranged in a second installation space which is intended to form a second sub-region of the kitchen.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Torsten Truemper, Ekkehard Lohse
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Patent number: 11274869Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a cabinet in which a refrigerating compartment is provided; a first door connected to the cabinet to open and close the refrigerating compartment and having an opening; a housing provided in the first door and accessible through the opening therein; an ice making room provided in the housing; a storage room that is provided below the ice making room and maintained at a temperature different from that of the refrigerating compartment; a guide duct provided below the ice making room to guide discharge of ice; a second door connected to the first door; a dispenser disposed on a front surface of the second door; and a discharge duct provided in the second door, wherein, when the second door is closed, the guide duct communicates with the discharge duct, and ice made in the ice making room is discharged to the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Donghoon Lee, Donghoon Lee, Wookyong Lee, Seungyoon Cho, Heejun Lee, Seungseob Yeom
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Patent number: 11248834Abstract: A refrigerator that may include a cabinet to define a storage space, a door to open and close the storage space, a dispenser provided in the door to dispense hot water, a hot water tank through which water flows so as to heat water introduced into the door, a heater provided in the door to heat the hot water tank, a water inflow passage through which water is supplied to the hot water tank, a water discharge passage guiding hot water discharged from the hot water tank to the dispenser, a flow rate sensor provided in the water inflow passage to measure a flow rate of water flowing through the water inflow passage, a water inflow valve provided in the water inflow passage to adjust a flow of water in the water inflow passage, a water discharge valve provided in the water outlet passage, an input provided in the door to input a temperature of the hot water to be dispensed and a hot water dispensing command, and a controller to control the water inflow valve and the water discharge valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Yonghyun Kim
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Patent number: 11234541Abstract: Provided herein is a multiple-compartment pitcher. The pitcher in one embodiment comprises openings for downspouts arranged in a bottom portion of the pitcher body, and in which each opening communicates with one of a respective compartment. A lid is provided with openings providing for fluid communication with each compartment to allow venting of air, thereby facilitating discharge of liquid contents from a compartment when a downspout is opened. In another embodiment, the pitcher has spouts formed in the top portion of the pitcher body and in which the spouts are arranged at an angle relate to the handle of the pitcher to facilitate ease of pouring.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventor: Robert R. J. Johnson
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Patent number: 11079157Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet that includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment door that is located at a left or a right side of the refrigerator compartment, wherein an ice maker and a dispenser are located at the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator includes a main water tank that is located in the refrigerator compartment, and that is configured to cool water. The refrigerator includes a water purifying device that is located at the cabinet, and that is configured to purify water. The refrigerator includes a sub-water tank that is located on the refrigerator compartment door, and that is configured to additionally cool water cooled by the main water tank. The refrigerator includes a water supply path that is defined by connections between the water purifying device, the main water tank, the sub-water tank, the dispenser, and the ice maker.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Wonsu Kim
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Patent number: 11052007Abstract: A system for cooling a pressurized hyperbaric chamber without pressure change includes an air compressing unit, an air cooling unit, and an air discharging hose. The pressurized hyperbaric chamber, the air compressing unit, the air cooling unit, and the air discharging hose are in fluid communication with each other. A flow of output warm air from the pressurized hyperbaric chamber is withdrawn and discharged into the air cooling unit by the air compressing unit. A heat exchanger of the air cooling unit then removes heat energy from the flow of output warm air to convert the flow of output warm air into a flow of input cold air, as the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with stored ice water within an insulated reservoir of the air cooling unit. The flow of input cold air is then discharged back into the pressurized hyperbaric chamber through the air discharging hose.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventor: Bruce Elgin McKeeman
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Patent number: 11034568Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for a beverage dispensing system configured to form one of a plurality of available types of carbonated and non-carbonated beverage types in response to a user selection.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: AQUEDUCT HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Davide Gabrieli
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Patent number: 10654699Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided. The liquid dispenser may include a water tank to store water, a cooling module provided in the water tank to circulate cooling water to cool the water to make cold water, a drain valve that connects to the water tank and protrudes from the water tank to discharge the cooling water in the water tank, and a foam insulator that covers an outer circumferential surface of the water tank and contacts the drain valve to prevent the drain valve from being exposed to air.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Seulki Kim
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Patent number: 10288344Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongho Yun, Siyeon An, Kyutae Park, Kyungsoo Park, Seonkyu Kim, Hyokku Kwon, Hangbok Lee
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Patent number: 10168094Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a door for opening or closing the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment, a filter unit disposed within the refrigerating compartment for purifying water supplied from a water supply source outside the main body, water tank for receiving the purified water from the filter unit and to cool the received water by using cool air within the refrigerating compartment, and a dispenser disposed in the door to dispense the cooled water stored in the tube tank assembly. The tube tank assembly includes a tube defining a cold water passage that can allow the cooled water to flow therethrough, and a tube support around which the tube is wound multiple times.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dongbeen Tae, Kyunghoon Koak, Siyeon An
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Patent number: 9901886Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method thereof are provided. The refrigerator includes a carbonated water producing apparatus configured to produce carbonated water by supplying water and carbon dioxide gas to a carbonated water tank, a user interface configured to display information of carbonated water concentration, and a control unit configured to control the carbonated water producing apparatus to produce the carbonated water according to the information of carbonated water concentration, wherein the user interface displays a set concentration of the carbonated water and a present concentration of the carbonated water.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Woo-Sung Kim, Jung Yeob Kim, Sung Ho Cho, Kyung-Tae Ko
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Patent number: 9556011Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for conditioning a liquid stream with a liquid dispensing system associated with a refrigerator, preparing an enhanced beverage using one or more of the individually conditioned liquid streams and a liquid enhancement device and minimizing the potential for back contamination of the liquid dispensing system are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Tiemen Van Dillen, Lukasz D. Skalski, Luca Gamberoni, Ronald L. Voglewede, Nihat O. Cur, Gregory G. Hortin
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Patent number: 9366475Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for chilling and dispensing a beverage from a bottle is provided. The device comprises mounting rail configured to attach to a bar top structure and having a top rail plate and a rail freezing and chilling mechanism under the top rail plate. The device also includes a dome configured to attach to the top rail plate and having a dome plate, interior storage tank and a dome freezing and chilling mechanism between the dome plate and the interior storage tank. The rail freezing and chilling mechanism and the dome freezing and chilling mechanism are configured to build a layer of frost on top of the top rail plate and along the dome plate from humidity of ambient air. The dome is configured to seat the bottle in an inverted position and chill and dispense the beverage from the interior storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Inventor: Martin J Abraham, III
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Patent number: 9266708Abstract: A method of dispensing carbonated beverage comprises the step of providing a beverage dispensing system (12) comprises a pressure chamber (24), which chamber accommodates a collapsible beverage container (48) made of a flexible material. The collapsible beverage container includes a beverage space, a head space, a dispensing device (76), a tapping line (18), and an interruption valve (40). The method further comprises the step of maintaining a first elevated pressure within the pressure chamber (24), which acts on the collapsible beverage container (48) for crumpling the collapsible beverage container (48) at a container crumpling pressure and establishing a second elevated pressure, the first elevated pressure being equal to the sum of the second elevated pressure and the container crumpling pressure. The method still further comprises the step of operating the dispensing device (76) from the non-beverage dispensing position to the beverage dispensing position.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/SInventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg
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Patent number: 8978169Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventors: Larry Berglund, Reed Hoyt
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Patent number: 8973786Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush, Peter F. McNamee
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Patent number: 8938987Abstract: Applicants provide a portable, modular table top system for dispensing chilled carbonated water, chilled non-carbonated water, and ambient (non-chilled) non-carbonated water therefrom. The table top water dispenser includes a cold plate that is chilled by evaporation of a refrigerant, which is part of a cold plate cooling circuit, which includes a compressor and a condenser. A pump and a motor move non-carbonated water through the cold plate to a dispensing valve engaged therewith. The same motor and pump typically drive non-carbonated water through the cold plate, through the carbonator where it becomes carbonated, and through the cold plate again, and out a second dispensing valve. A third dispensing valve is engaged to the remote source of pressurized water and bypasses the cold plate and, also, typically the pump for dispensing from a third dispensing valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.Inventors: A. A. “Jud” Schroeder, William Edwards
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Patent number: 8899072Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.Inventors: Shaji Kulangara Veettil, Nishant Kulkarni, Douglas Anderson
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Patent number: 8857206Abstract: A refrigerator includes refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, an ice and water dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing ice and water through the door, the ice and water dispenser including a multifunction dispensing actuation pad having a plurality of actuation points and wherein ice or water is dispensed upon selectively applying a pressure to one of the plurality of actuation points on the dispensing actuation pad. A method of operating a refrigerator includes the steps of providing a refrigerator and selectively applying pressure to at least one of a plurality of actuation points on a dispensing actuation pad of the refrigerator to select an ice and water dispenser function.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Timothy A. Fulton, Daryl L. Harmon
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Patent number: 8763422Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator comprises a water conduit for directing water supplied from an external water source to the main body of the refrigerator. An inlet valve distributes the water supplied from the water conduit into a hot water conduit and a separate cold water conduit. A cold water tank is mounted to one of the main body and the door for cooling the water supplied through the cold water conduit and then storing the cooled water therein. A hot water tube is mounted to one of the main body and the door for receiving the water supplied through the hot water conduit. The hot water tube includes a heater operably installed within the hot water tube and in direct contact with the water therein. The heater generates heat through the application of electric power thereto to heat the water within the hot water tube to a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanInventors: Martin Zentner, John J. Roetker, Mahesh Natarajan, Umakant Suresh Katu, Suresh Palanki
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Patent number: 8733595Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is disposed within the cabinet. The beverage dispensing system has a fluid line, a fluid enhancement line, and a cleaning subsystem for cleaning the fluid component line and the fluid enhancement line.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Philip A. Anselmino, Kevin M. Chase
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Patent number: 8708197Abstract: A portable refrigeration system having a refrigerator unit with a door surface, aperture surface, dispenser surface, and inner cavity, a door pivotally attached to the door surface which can move between an open and closed position allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity, the unit further having standard refrigeration components for cooling the inner cavity, a base, the unit is mounted atop the base such that a gap exists between the dispenser surface and base, a first, second, third and fourth aperture are in the aperture surface, a lid removably attached to the aperture surface functioning to temporarily cover the apertures, which can move between an open and closed position allowing and preventing access to the aperture, a dispenser on the dispenser surface having a first dispenser for water or liquid and a second dispenser for ice, and a plurality of control buttons on the unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Kenneth L. Brewer
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Patent number: 8701436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hyeon Jin Kim
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Patent number: 8695371Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Patrick J. Boarman, Daniel John Aust
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Patent number: 8640486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Millercoors LLCInventor: Kevin Winters
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Patent number: 8640484Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Heon-jae Jang, Seung-beom Chae, Il-wook Joung, Sang-ho Park, Yong-chul Kwon, Hyeon-jin Kim
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Patent number: 8561839Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing iced food products such as granitas, sorbets or slush drinks and the like includes a tank for containing and processing the product to be dispensed. A dispensing tap is mounted near the bottom of the tank and a power-driven stirring mechanism and an evaporator of a cooling circuit are both located inside the tank. A counter for counting an amount of product dispensed includes a unit for measuring the amount of product dispensed and a unit for enabling measurement. The measurement enabling unit includes a temperature sensor located at the dispensing tap, along the product dispensing path.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Ali S.p.A.—Divisione GBGInventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
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Patent number: 8495767Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Larry Berglund, Reed Hoyt
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Patent number: 8496823Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Timothy T. Murphy, Michael A. Kahwaji, Paul B. Allard, Guolian Wu, Claiton E. Amaral, Marcos Heinzle
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Patent number: 8434318Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
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Patent number: 8354024Abstract: A water filter for a refrigeration appliance has a housing (1), which contains a filter material and has a fitting for mounting in a filter socket (2) at one end. A grip portion (8) is attached to an opposite end (3) of the housing (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Hans Ihle, Andreas Kempte
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Patent number: 8336741Abstract: An ice dispenser includes an ice storage bin with a drive shaft aperture and an ice dispensing aperture; an ice dispensing chute connected to the storage bin in proximity to the ice dispensing aperture; a paddlewheel inside the storage bin; and a drive mechanism, including a drive shaft passing through tile drive shaft aperture, for rotation of the paddlewheel. The drive shaft is connected to tile paddlewheel in such a fashion that the paddlewheel is prevented from disengaging from the drive shaft during normal operation of the ice dispensing apparatus, but the drive shaft can be disengaged from the paddlewheel in order to be able to remove the drive mechanism from the ice dispenser without accessing the ice storage bin.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLCInventors: Kenton J. Graviss, Merritt Todd Teague, Dennis Lee Heinz
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Patent number: 8282820Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Timothy T. Murphy, Michael A. Kahwaji, Paul B. Allard, Guolian Wu, Claiton E. Amaral, Marcos Heinzle
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Patent number: 8272536Abstract: The present invention provides improved retention of O-rings and easier O-ring replacement by using an O-ring retainer in a bar gun. Furthermore, the assembly of the butterfly plates of the bar gun is improved by using molded ball bearing clusters that fit in recesses in the butterfly plates, thus eliminating the welding of the balls to the butterfly plates and the need to purchase such precise and intricately small balls. The O-ring retainer and molded ball bearing cluster are preferably made from bearing quality acetal plastic materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.Inventors: Mojtaba Valiyee, Juha K. Salmela
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Patent number: 8252174Abstract: A vehicle-integrated water harvesting system is provided that enables water-vapor or condensation in a vehicle to be captured, and made available onboard the vehicle for drinking or other uses. The system includes a water emitting component and may include a purification system operatively connected to the water emitting component. The purification system at least partially purifies the water and then sends the purified water to a storage reservoir or directly to a dispenser or outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas A. Jones, Therese A. Tant, Gregory A. Major, Frances H. James, Jeffrey M. Pleune
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Patent number: 8196425Abstract: A freeze type dispenser having a refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, expansion means and evaporator in the form of one or more freeze chambers in an enclosure is provided with a sub-cooler or auxiliary coil. The sub-cooler is located downstream of the condenser but upstream of the expansion means and is supplied with condensed refrigerant liquid. The sub-cooler is located adjacent the freeze chamber enclosure to prevent or reduce condensation of the same, without adversely affecting, and in fact increasing cooling performance or capacity.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventor: Nikolay Popov
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Publication number: 20120104024Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is disposed within the cabinet. The beverage dispensing system has a fluid line, a fluid enhancement line, and a cleaning subsystem for cleaning the fluid component line and the fluid enhancement line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: PHILIP A. ANSELMINO, KEVIN M. CHASE
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Patent number: 8113248Abstract: A food storing apparatus capable of dispensing a content stored in the apparatus is disclosed. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray composite device configured to function as a switch to control the dispensation of the content, but also configured to function as a tray for receiving a residual content discharged after the content dispensation.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Nam Gi Lee, Seong Jae Kim, Dong Jeong Kim
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Patent number: 8104305Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator capable of purifying water discharged to a spout just before the water is dispensed. The refrigerator includes a spout, a water delivery system guiding water to the spout, and a water purification filter installed on the spout in order to purify the water just before the water is dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Koog An, Sang Min Park, Young Gwi Park
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Patent number: 8083104Abstract: A variable temperature dispensing system and method for dispensing a variable temperature controlled fluid in an appliance includes a first fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at one temperature and a second fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at another temperature that is elevated relative to the one temperature of the first fluid storage tank. A dispenser outlet is fluidly connected to the first and second fluid storage tanks by at least one fluid line. A proportioning device is disposed along the at least one fluid line between the dispenser outlet and the first and second fluid storage tanks to proportion the fluid delivered from the first and second fluid storage tanks to the dispenser outlet. The proportioning device allows for the selection of a specific temperature for the fluid to be dispensed through the dispenser outlet and delivers the fluid at the selected specific temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John J. Roetker, Carl T. Whitaker
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Publication number: 20110302935Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a refrigerator including a door, a liquid reservoir, a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, and a pump in communication with the dispenser. Further provided is a method of operating a refrigerator including the steps of providing a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a liquid reservoir, and a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid through the door, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, providing a pump having an inlet in communication with the liquid in the liquid reservoir and an outlet in communication with the dispenser, and providing a user interface in communication with the pump, whereby selectively entering a dispensing function input into the interface actuates the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT CUR, GREGORY G. HORTIN, DEBRA E. STEEL
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Publication number: 20110303693Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for single or multiple dispensing of beverages from a bulk container in a refrigerator includes a support or receiver for an interchangeable bulk liquid container on the inside of a refrigerated compartment door. A fluid conduit is adapted to be installed into the bulk container inside the refrigerator and extend through the door to a dispensing station accessible by a user from the exterior of the door. A pumping mechanism can be actuated to move liquid from the bulk container through the door to the dispensing station. Upon user choice or exhaustion of liquid from the bulk container, the conduit can be removed from the container, a new container substituted, the conduit reinserted, and a new source of single or multiple dispension is available at the exterior dispensing station of the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: BRIAN K. CULLEY, JOHN D. KROONBLAWD
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Patent number: 8006502Abstract: Refrigerator including a door, a dispenser mounted to the door, the dispenser having a dispensing opening for dispensing content, a button and tray combination device for controlling the dispensing of the content, as well as holding residue from the dispensing opening after the dispensing of the content, and a sensing device for sensing a height of the residue in the button and tray combination device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong Jae Kim, Nam Gi Lee
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Patent number: 8001796Abstract: A food storing apparatus dispenses a content stored in the apparatus. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray that functions as a switch to control dispensing of different contents in accordance with different moved positions of the button tray, but also functions as a tray to receive a residual content discharged after dispensing the content.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong Jae Kim, Nam Gi Lee
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Patent number: 7958742Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a dispenser installed at a door so as to enable a user to extract water or ice without opening a door. The dispenser includes a case forming an extraction section which is a space through which the desired object is extracted, a push button installed to the case and causing the desired object to be extracted by push operation, a cover having an opening formed by cutting out part thereof and pivotably installed to the case so as to open and close the extraction section, and a lever hinged to the cover so as to open and close the opening and pushing the push button while the opening is open. Therefore, a front appearance of the refrigerator is beautifully maintained. Further, the refrigerator prevents foreign materials such as dust from entering extraction ports through which the desired objects are extracted.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Pil Park, Jong Su Jeon
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Publication number: 20100307185Abstract: An appliance including a housing and a cylindrical dispenser supported by the housing, the cylindrical dispenser including a body which defines an opening and a plurality of outlets arranged around a bottom portion of the body and around the opening. The appliance includes a water supply apparatus supported by the housing and in fluid communication with the cylindrical dispenser, a container holder supported by the housing and configured to removably hold a plurality of containers, and a plurality of pumps supported by the housing and configured to operate with the water supply apparatus and the containers held by the container holder. The appliance also includes a user beverage requester supported by the housing and a computer supported by the housing, the computer connected to the user beverage requester and configured to control the plurality of pumps to cause the dispensing of a beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Beverage Works, Inc.Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
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Patent number: 7823411Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Niagara Dispensing Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gagliano, Iver J. Phallen, Douglas Vogt