Abstract: A refillable fluid container for a fluid dispenser is provided. The refillable fluid dispenser includes a body, an output port and a dispensing mechanism. The body includes at least one wall that defines a reservoir for storing fluid therein. The output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism is associated with the output port. The dispensing mechanism is selectively operable between a closed position and an opened position. A fluid dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: An Apparatus for drawing beverages, such as beer, includes a casing in which there is housed a compression refrigeration unit and has a receptacle located superiorly and adapted to contain the barrel of the beverage. The receptacle is refrigerated by the refrigeration unit. The casing is provided with a compartment, located frontally and also refrigerated by a refrigeration unit, configured to contain drinking glasses accessible through an openable front door of the casing.

Abstract: A drinking water dispenser heats and cools drinking water supplied from a water supply bottle, and provides heated and cooled drinking water. The dispenser includes a cold water tank, a hot water tank, a water supply pipe, a valve, a by-pass pipe, a by-pass valve and a control unit. The valve opens and closes a water outlet for taking in the drinking water from the water supply bottle according to a level of the drinking water in the cold water tank, limits supply of the drinking water to the cold water tank, and, while the water outlet is shut, suppresses convection of the drinking water and/or heat of the drinking water between the water supply bottle and the cold water tank.

Abstract: A replaceable flow assembly for use in a water cooler or similar bottled liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir 7 and a manifold 48 incorporating a bottle connector 5, 49 for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed on an inverted bottle. The manifold is mounted on the reservoir and incorporates a first pathway for conducting liquid from a feed tube 5 to the reservoir 7, and a second pathway for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a discharge outlet 53. A third pathway within the manifold conducts atmospheric air through an air filter 28 and into the interior of the bottle through the feed tube 5 without passing through the reservoir 7. The manifold preferably also incorporates a dispense valve between the reservoir 7 and the discharge outlet 53 (e.g. in arm 52), which co-operates with a fixed valve-operating member within the dispenser.

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

Abstract: A beverage and cooling dispensing apparatus for holding both containerized and non-containerized beverages including a cooler unit adaptable for holding and cooling containerized products such as bottled and canned beverages and other chilled products, an internal container adaptable for holding non-containerized free-standing beverages which is positionable within the main cooler unit, and a dispensing mechanism accessible from the exterior of the cooler unit for dispensing the non-containerized beverage from the internal container. The internal container includes a first coupling mechanism which is engageable with a second coupling mechanism associated with the dispensing mechanism for providing fluid communication between the dispensing mechanism and the internal container when the first and second coupling mechanisms are engaged.

Abstract: A cooler (100) for supplying cooled drinking water, particularly at remote outdoor locations, includes a reservoir (101) that supplies water to a conduit (119) for indirect cooling by a cooling medium, for example ice, contained in a container (105). A water bottle (103) is installed in the cooler (100) such that a feed tube (111) of the reservoir (101) penetrates and engages the hygienic seal (201) of the water bottle (103). The conduit (119) is connected to a discharge (113) on the reservoir (101) and a spigot (125). When the spigot (125) is opened, water passes through the conduit (119) and is indirectly cooled. As water is withdrawn from the cooler (100) at the spigot (125), air that replaces the withdrawn water enters the reservoir (101) through an air intake (115). The cooler (100) can have a filter (211) at the air intake (115) to prevent contamination by ambient air.

Abstract: A combination water cooler and refrigerator unit is provided including a lower cabinet defining a refrigerated compartment, and an upper water reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a water source, such as an inverted water bottle. A refrigeration system mounted within the cabinet includes a chiller coil having a first segment for chilling the refrigerated compartment, and a second segment for chilling water within the water reservoir. In addition, a lower end of the water reservoir is positioned in heat transfer relation with an upper region of the refrigerated compartment, and a single thermostatic temperature control sensor is mounted within the refrigerated compartment for regulating the refrigeration system for substantially eliminating risk of reservoir or refrigerator freeze up.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water cooler assembly including a receptacle to hold water to be cooled and from which water can be dispensed; a cover attached to said receptacle via a hinge, said cover including formations to receive and hold a water bottle, and further including an inlet passage through which water from said bottle can flow into said receptacle; said cover having mountings to receive a cooling assembly, said cooling assembly being mounted in said cover close and extending away from said cover. The present invention also provides a water cooler assembly including a receptacle to hold water to be cooled and from which water can be dispensed, means to receive and hold a water bottle, and further including an inlet passage through which water from said bottle can flow into said receptacle; a cooling means associated with said receptacle to cool said water, and a trough attached to said inlet, from which trough water can enter said receptacle to be cooled.

Abstract: A portable water dispensing module is mounted to a refrigerator door inner liner. The liner has side walls with aligned vertically spaced module supports. The water dispensing module comprises a reservoir having a fill chamber located above a main reservoir. The fill chamber has a lid that has an opening closed by a cap. The reservoir supports the fill chamber and has side walls with anchoring supports that releasably and matingly engage with the module supports on the liner side walls to mount the water dispensing module against the liner walls. A lower recessed portion of the front wall of the reservoir protects a spigot, mounted into the recess, from inadvertent contact with a user. The reservoir further includes recessed handle portions on the side walls located forward of the refrigerator door liner side walls and below the fill chamber to facilitate the portability of the water dispensing module from the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A device for cooling and tapping of beverages that are delivered in containers. It integrates a cooling unit to an insulated casing. Inside the casing a cooling volume is formed, that is closed by a bonnet. The cooling volume is formed as a tub. Beverage containers are inserted into this tub. The casing is swivel-mounted on a stand and is equipped with a tapping unit.

Abstract: A spirit chilling apparatus comprising a drink chilling tube (4) concentric within an insulated container (6) filled with a constant boiling cryogen (8), such as acetone and solid carbon dioxide or similar azeotropic mixture. The innertube (4) is held in relatively poor thermal contact with the vessel (6) containing the liquid so that over a period of time it will adopt the temperature of the liquid (8) but when a measure of spirit is poured through it the specific heat of the tube (4) will be sufficient to result in a net temperature of −5° C. for both the spirit and the tube (4), the heat flow from the surrounding vessel (6) being insufficient to materially affect this. If the tube (4) is left in place it will again cool to the previous temperature so that a further measure of spirit can be cooled.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water chiller system for cooling fluids, and including a cold sink which defines quiescent areas where convection currents are minimized to facilitate ice formation around the cold sink is provided. The cold sink cooperates with water held in a sealed tank. A cover member which covers the cold sink can be employed which would cooperate with the tank to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. Components needing periodic cleaning are preferably removable from the system, but the tank could be permanently installed. A fan-cooled thermoelectric module assembly is used to form the ice block adjacent the bottom of the tank which chills the water. A variable-speed fan and current to the thermoelectric module are controlled by a control circuit with inputs from various temperature sensors positioned on and within various portions of the chiller system, including sensors to monitor ambient air temperature about the chiller system.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a storage tank for receiving purified water, and supplying the water to hot and cold water tanks disposed beneath the storage tank. Dispensing valves are connected to the hot and cold water tanks for dispensing water therefrom. A water level detector is provided for maintaining a water level in the storage tank at a predetermined first elevation. An expansion tank has an outlet and inlet situated at a second elevation disposed above the first elevation. The inlet of the expansion tank communicates with the top of the hot water tank so that the presence of water in the storage tank situated above the second elevation forces water to flow from the hot water tank and through the expansion tank. Also, excess water in the hot water tank caused by thermal expansion is forced through the expansion tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water dispensing system having a water tank disposed in the refrigerator, and a water dispensing pipe extending from the tank to the door of the refrigerator. The tank is disconnected from the pipe and removable from the refrigerator to be refilled or cleaned. When the tank has been removed, valves on the tank and pipe, respectively, close to prevent water leakage. When the tank is reinstalled, both valves become re-opened. In another aspect of the invention, a case disposed in the refrigerator door is adapted to receive water receptacles which are inserted upside down. Upon insertion, the receptacles become opened to discharge water into a water groove disposed in the case. A pump discharges water from the groove to a dispensing outlet when a switch is actuated.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing cooled, heated or ambient temperature liquids from a liquid tank which contains therein a cold sink member for maintaining the liquid at a preselected temperature. The cold sink member may be formed in the shape of a cup-like finned member or a tree-like shaped member having outwardly extending fingers in order to greatly increase the transfer of heat energy within the liquid tank and to reduce the thickness of boundary layer formation in the cold sink member. The apparatus includes adapter means operable to supply separately controlled, selective dispensing of any of the chilled, heated, or ambient temperature liquids.

Abstract: A portable cooler for carrying and chilling a standard beverage container having a threaded cap. The container cap is removed, and the container is threaded into the cooler. The beverage container is inverted when the cooler is upright. The container neck threads into a socket which is in liquid communication with a faucet external to the cooler. A shroud engages the base of the cooler, sealing a chilled chamber defined between the beverage container and the shroud, and retaining the beverage container therein. In an alternative embodiment, the container can be oriented in an upright position, and used in that position. An optional cap cooperates with the shroud or the beverage container. The cap is removable to expose the container, or may be provided with spill and vent holes through which beverage is dispensed. A handle is also optionally provided, so that the cooler can be handled in a manner likened unto a mug or pitcher.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water-chiller system for cooling bottled water, and including a mixing valve which enables dispensing of chilled water, room-temperature water, or a mixture of chilled and room-temperature water. Components needing periodic cleaning are readily removable from the system. A fan-cooled thermoelectric-chip assembly is used to form an ice block which chills the water, and a variable-speed fan is controlled by a temperature sensor to slow the fan speed when chilling to a desired temperature is achieved, and to maintain the ice block at an optimum size.

Abstract: A machine dispenses viscous, chilled alcoholic beverage and has a housing forming an enclosure with side, top and bottom surfaces. The side, top and bottom surfaces are of such dimension to form a housing of a size to be placed on the countertop of a bar and the like. A refrigeration cooling unit is contained within the enclosure and includes a compressor, condenser and evaporator coil. A beverage faucet is mounted on the side surface of the housing and a manifold is mounted in a top portion of the housing. A cooling tank is mounted at a vertical height above the beverage faucet. Beverage is received from the manifold into the tank. At least a portion of the evaporator coil extends within the tank for cooling alcoholic beverage contained therein. A beverage delivery tube connects between the cooling tank and the beverage faucet for delivering cooled beverage by gravity flow from the cooling tank to the beverage faucet. At least one bottle mount extends from the manifold upward through the housing.

Abstract: A modular liquid dispensing apparatus having a housing with a reservoir for holding liquid. A readily replaceable liner is positioned within the reservoir to minimize the need for sanitizing the reservoir. The liquid dispensing apparatus is modular in that it can be field converted to dispense hot water, cold water and/or room temperature water depending on the desires of the end user.

Abstract: An adaptor for converting a domestic bottle fed water cooler into a device supplied from the local piping system. The adaptor comprises a circular body attached to the bottle support ring of the cooling unit and incorporates a float valve to maintain the water level in the cooler constant. The connection between the water supply piping system and the adaptor is made by a conduit incorporating a filtering system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting a bottled water dispenser for use with a continuous source of water are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, means for reducing the pressure and filtering the continuous source of water are provided. In a most preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to substantially reside within the existing dispenser apparatus, thus eliminating the need for bottled water. A housing is provided which contains a filter in an upper portion thereof, the lower portion shaped to conform to an existing tank within the bottled water dispenser in order to provide good thermal communication between the apparatus of the present invention and the existing refrigeration means. Chilled water is retained in the lower portion of the housing and is filtered upon demand, thus providing freshly filtered water to the user at a pressure and velocity substantially the same as that produced using a bottled source, without the contaminants expense and inconvenience associated with bottled water.

Abstract: A bottled water supply system comprises a base unit into which a standard five gallon water bottle may be installed. The cover of the base unit supports the bottle in an inverted position such that the neck of the bottle projects into a water reservoir within the unit. A pump, also housed within the unit, draws water from the reservoir and pumps it to the water supply line of an appliance. Power for the pump is controlled by a pressure actuated switch so that the pressure in the supply line is maintained a predetermined level. A pair of magnetic reed switches are housed within a water tight tube in the reservoir below the normal water level. A magnetic float surrounding the tube actuates one of the reed switches when the water level falls below the neck of the water bottle, thereby actuating an alarm indicating that the bottle is empty. The second switch is actuated just before the water level drops to the level of the pump supply tube and interrupts power to the water pump.

Abstract: A closure assembly for conveying air to the interior of an inverted water bottle and for conveying water from the interior of an inverted water bottle having a downwardly pointing spout including a closure connectable to the spout of a water bottle, the closure having an opening therein through which water may flow from the inverted water bottle, a hollow cylinder having an open first end and a partially closed second end, the first end being connected to the closure, the second end being located in the interior of the water bottle and having an air inlet for conveying air from the interior of the hollow cylinder to the interior of the water bottle, the second end having a water inlet for conveying water from the interior of the inverted water bottle to the interior of the cylinder the closure having an opening therein in alignment with first end of the hollow cylinder, and a float slidably received in the cylinder for sealing the water inlet.

Abstract: A combination sealing, venting, mounting and filter element is positioned between a replaceable inverted water bottle and a water reservoir from which the water is dispensed. The element is snugly fitted within the mouth portion of the reservoir or olla of plastic material into which a dispensng valve is threaded. The element includes a venting channel in communication with a filter housing which is releasably secured to such element adjacent to an upwardly extending flange portion, the flanged portion being apertured for venting and also shaped to provide a sealing portion engaging the bottle. Also the element has a downwardly extending portion near its periphery for engagement of a flat surface of a housing for the reservoir.