Appliance feature module enabled by energy or materials sourced from the host appliance
US8739568B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2317/043
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.