Refrigerator with automatic liquid dispenser
US10077183B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2600/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A shelf unit is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported by the shelf unit. A fill mechanism is positioned vertically above the container and the container is configured to receive liquid from the fill mechanism. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container or liquid received in the container. A control is in communication with the sensor and regulates a dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property. The sensor utilizes a capacitive sensor located adjacent to the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.