The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 03, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 10, 2001
Chun Kuen Sham John, Hong Kong, HK;
Kumkit Kunavongvorakul, Thailand, TH;
Pentalpha Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong, HK;
Abstract
The water dispenser of the present invention preferably has a draw tube mechanism for extending and retracting a draw tube with respect to a water bottle, a water pump for pumping water therefrom through the draw tube, and a dispensing outlet through which water is dispensed. The draw tube mechanism is preferably a rack and pinion set to which the draw tube is connected for moving the draw tube with respect to the water bottle. By preferably employing a substantially rigid draw tube (as opposed to conventional flexible draw tubes), the draw tube is consistently positioned to draw water from the bottom of the water bottle, thereby drawing all water from the water bottle and reducing waste. Some preferred embodiments provide for partial or full automation of the draw tube mechanism, such as by using one or more sensors to detect water bottle position, dispenser door closure, and the like.