Select fill sensor system for refrigerator dispensers
US9057556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/361
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and a select fill sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. An optical sensing system includes a camera within the dispenser well in communication with a controller for sensing the fill rate of a container within the dispenser well. The dispensing rate of product is adjusted depending on the product fill rate of the container such that optimum fill rates are obtained without overflow or spilling events. In this manner, a hands-free dispenser is provided that can be utilized regardless of the shape or size of container utilized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.