Stream detection and/or characterization for beverage dispensing in a refrigerator
US9010580B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
12References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/36
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.