초록 ▼

A liquid, e.g., water, dispenser is disclosed which includes a programmed processor which controls many dispensing functions, including controlling liquid dispensing, controlling heating and cooling of liquid, monitoring uv sterilization, monitoring liquid in the drip tray, selecting and setting liq

A liquid, e.g., water, dispenser is disclosed which includes a programmed processor which controls many dispensing functions, including controlling liquid dispensing, controlling heating and cooling of liquid, monitoring uv sterilization, monitoring liquid in the drip tray, selecting and setting liquid temperature and displaying information relating to dispensing. The dispenser monitors uv sterilization by sensing uv light passing through the liquid to be dispensed. The dispenser prevents dispensing of the sterilized liquid if sterilization is not proceeding satisfactorily, and prevents dispensing of liquid altogether if the drip tray is full.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] A liquid dispenser comprising:a programmed processor;a first sensor coupled to the programmed processor which senses the temperature of a liquid in the dispenser;at least one of a heater and a refrigeration unit which changes the temperature of the liquid as controlled by

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] A liquid dispenser comprising:a programmed processor;a first sensor coupled to the programmed processor which senses the temperature of a liquid in the dispenser;at least one of a heater and a refrigeration unit which changes the temperature of the liquid as controlled by the programmed processor for changing the temperature of the liquid;a liquid flow control device coupled to a source of liquid to be dispensed which allows the flow of liquid therethrough and prevents the flow of the liquid therethrough as controlled by the programmed processor;a liquid outlet in communication with the liquid flow control device;a manually operated input device coupled to the programmed processor;a drip tray positioned below the liquid outlet so as to receive liquid dispensed therefrom not received in a container placed between the liquid outlet and the drip tray; anda second sensor coupled to the programmed processor which senses the level of liquid in the drip tray;an ultraviolet lamp positioned to emit ultraviolet light into the liquid to be dispensed; anda third sensor coupled to the programmed processor which senses the ultraviolet light passing through at least a portion of the liquid to be dispensed;the programmed processor being programmed to:cause the at least one of the heater and the refrigeration to change the temperature of the liquid in response to a set temperature and the temperature sensed by the first sensor; andcause the liquid flow control device to pass liquid therethrough in response to the input device and not to pass liquid therethrough in response at least one of the second and third sensors.