Automatic valve assembly for a water cooler reservoir
US7051902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D3/0038
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway that permits air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.