IP Library Granted Patent US 8,359,969
Granted Patent B2
US 8,359,969 · App. 12/058,798 · Granted Jan 29, 2013

Apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator

Inventors: Tiemen Van Dillen (Varese, IT); Lukasz D. Skalski (Sterling Heights, MI); Luca Gamberoni (Ispra, IT); Steven J. Kuehl (Stevensville, MI)
Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,359,969
App. No.
12/058,798
Granted
Jan 29, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatuses, methods and systems for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator having a water outlet with one or more components to provide secondary water conditioning to dispense an enhanced beverage using water from the water outlet of the indoor water dispenser are provided.

Claims (6)

1. An apparatus for retrofitting a water dispenser having a water conduit with an outlet in fluid communication with a dispensing area and preexisting connection points, the apparatus comprising:

an adapter having one or more geometries to permanently or removably secure at the outlet of the water conduit of the water dispenser and allow for secondary conditioning of the water stream from the water dispenser; and

a water conditioning capsule adapted to removably attach to the adapter alone or by a capsule holder to provide an enhanced beverage.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water dispenser comprises a refrigerated water dispenser.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water conditioning capsule further combines a conditioning component with the water stream.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water conditioning capsule takes away a component existing in the water stream.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 31, 2008
From: VAN DILLEN, TIEMEN; SKALSKI, LUKASZ D.; GAMBERONI, LUCA; KUEHL, STEVEN J.
To: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 020725/0893 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20090241782A1 · Oct 1, 2009