Drinking water dispensing unit and method
US4597509A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S261/07
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The dispenser of the present invention is operative to dispense both uncarbonated and carbonated drinking water. It consists of a reservoir for retaining uncarbonated drinking water and a first heat exchange associated with the reservoir and supplied with a fluid refrigerant, for maintaining the water at an optimum drinking temperature. The reservoir has a direct connection to a dispensing faucet for dispensing uncarbonated water. In conjunction with this, the unit makes use of a carbonator for dispersing carbon dioxide in water, and a second heat exchanger located within the reservoir in contact with the uncarbonated water. A pump is arranged to take drinking water from the reservoir and delivers it to the carbonator the carbonated water is supplied to the inlet of the second heat exchanger. A second faucet is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger to dispense the carbonated water. The invention also includes the method in which the dispensing unit is operated to supply either chilled uncarbonated or carbonated water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.