Anti run-on device for refrigerator water dispenser
US6763976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An anti run-on device is provided for use in a refrigeration appliance, wherein the refrigeration appliance includes a water dispenser including a water reservoir, a water conduit extending downstream from the water reservoir to a water spout, and a user operable valve positioned in the water conduit upstream of the reservoir and the water spout. The anti run-on device comprises a constriction in the conduit between the valve and the water spout, a small hole in the conduit located either at or just downstream of the constriction, and a vacuum chamber in communication with the small hole. A Venturi or knife edge effect is created when water is flowing through the conduit to evacuate the vacuum chamber, so that when the valve is closed, water between the small hole and the water spout is drawn into the vacuum chamber, thereby precluding dripping from the water spout.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.