초록 ▼

A water purifier filters and stores tap water in heated and cooled tanks and selectively discharges heated or cooled water through respective dispensing pipes. If the water in the purifier is suspected of being contaminated, an electrically actuated water discharge valve is opened by means of an ele

A water purifier filters and stores tap water in heated and cooled tanks and selectively discharges heated or cooled water through respective dispensing pipes. If the water in the purifier is suspected of being contaminated, an electrically actuated water discharge valve is opened by means of an electric switch to drain all water from the purifier through a discharge pipe. When the switch is first manipulated, a water discharge lamp on a display flashes on and off, and a predetermined time period, e.g., three seconds, is initiated. If the user manipulates the switch a second time before the three second expires, the lamp stays on, and the water discharge valve is opened to drain all water. If the user manipulates the switch a third time, subsequent to the three-second period and before the water has been entirely drained, the water discharge valve closes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [2.] A method of operating a water purifier, the water purifier comprising filters for purifying water, a main tank for storing purified water, a hot water tank and a cold water tank for receiving water from the main tank and cooling and heating, respectively, the received wat

[ What is claimed is:] [2.] A method of operating a water purifier, the water purifier comprising filters for purifying water, a main tank for storing purified water, a hot water tank and a cold water tank for receiving water from the main tank and cooling and heating, respectively, the received water, dispensing pipes for dispensing cooled water and heated water, respectively, an electrically actuated water discharge valve openable to drain all water from the main tank, hot water tank, and cold water tank through a discharge pipe, a switch electrically connected to the valve for opening and closing the valve, and a display having a water discharge lamp; the method comprising the steps of:A. manipulating the switch a first time, causing the water discharge lamp to flash on and off and initiating a predetermined time period; andB. manipulating the switch a second time within the predetermined time period, causing the water discharge lamp to stay on and opening the valve.