Bottled water cooler having vent on demand delivery system
US5042689A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/00118
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The vent on demand system for bottled water coolers employs a suction wand having water suction tube, vent tube and air pressure tube for sensing the water level within the bottle. The plumbing system is only exposed to atmospheric air during water dispensing. Air pressure trapped within a bulb well located at the lowermost end of the wand responds to water level within the bottle by changing air pressure which is sensed by a pressure switch employed to disengage the pump when water levels approach empty. A check valve prevents air from entering the water suction tube during bottle replacement and the vent tube is coupled through a vent valve which maintains the water delivery system in a sealed state, only venting to atmosphere during actual water delivery. The vent valve is simultaneously actuated when either hot or cold water buttons are depressed with the pump being actuated momentarily thereafter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.