Water distillation unit for a refrigerator
US5511388A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for distilling water in combination with a home use refrigerator (11) includes a water source (29) which feeds water into a preheater (23) in which the water is passed by a portion of the condenser coil (22) in heat exchange relationship. The water exiting the preheater (23) moves to a solenoid valve (31) which controls the flow of water into a boiler (32). Heated by a hot plate (33), water in the boiler (32) generates steam which is condensed in a condenser conduit (36) chilled by the refrigerator (11). The condensed purified water runs into a water collection chamber (34) for storage until either the water dispenser (12) or ice maker (15) requires water, at which time the appropriate valve (39, 41) will open and a pump (38) will pump the water to the appropriate device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.