Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-16
2003-04-22
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
C222S249000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06550496
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to refrigerators, and, more specifically, to water valves therein.
A refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment in which food is stored below room temperature but above freezing, and a freezer compartment in which frozen food is stored below freezing temperature.
The freezer commonly includes an automatic icemaker which is periodically supplied with water to fill an icetray therein for forming ice cubes. And, it is common to also include an accessible dispenser in the freezer door for dispensing ice cubes on demand, as well as dispensing cold water.
The refrigerator is connected to a common water supply tube and requires a suitable valve for periodically refilling the icetray, and a second valve for dispensing water when desired. The icemaker valve is typically operated using a timer to suitably refill the icetray. However, due to variation in water pressure in the water supply, timed operation of the icemaker valve may result in variation in ice cube size.
In the cross referenced application a specifically configured spool valve is used in combination with a two-compartment doser having a movable septum therein for alternately supplying doses of water to the icemaker.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved doser valve for use in the icemaker.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rotary doser valve includes a stator with a plurality of ports therein which stator cooperates with a rotor having a plurality of channels therein. The rotor is rotatable against the stator in first and second positions which alternately channel water to and from a doser for refilling an icemaker.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 2427429 (1947-09-01), Waite et al.
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patent: 3565287 (1971-02-01), Johnston
patent: 3892259 (1975-07-01), McClocklin
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patent: 4207994 (1980-06-01), Offlee Sr.
patent: 4371003 (1983-02-01), Goguen
patent: 5690144 (1997-11-01), Takahashi
patent: 5787929 (1998-08-01), Iwata
patent: 6161390 (2000-12-01), Kim
patent: 6220038 (2001-04-01), Marsh et al.
patent: 6222031 (2001-04-01), Wakabayashi et al.
patent: 6241967 (2001-06-01), Sachse et al.
Shapiro Andrew Philip
Tiemann Jerome Johnson
Whipple, III Walter
Clarke Penny A.
Fox John
Johnson Noreen C.
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