Sensor system for a refrigerator dispenser
US8151596B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F11/284
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a dispenser, a dispenser well, a control for regulating a dispensing operation, and a sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes at least one capacitive-type sensor mounted in the dispenser well. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a container in the dispenser well, an upper edge portion of the container and a level of liquid filling the container during the dispensing operation. The sensor signals the control to automatically cease the dispensing operation before the level of liquid reaches the upper edge portion of the container. The control is configured to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, while preventing any release of water or ice when an animate object is detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.