Refrigerator appliance with timed preheating for dispensed fluids
US11427459B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/06
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A refrigerator appliance, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a door, a dispensing assembly, a heating element, and a controller. The controller may be configured to initiate a dispensing operation. The dispensing operation may include providing a first time, TIME-1, by which a fluid is to be ready at a first temperature, TEMP-1, within the cabinet; ascertaining a first time period, Δt1, required to heat the fluid to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; initiating detection of a container within a dispenser recess prior to the first time, TIME-1; and directing a heating element prior to the first time, TIME-1, based on initiating detection of the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.