Water Dispensing Apparatus Comprising a Modular and Removable Hot Water Expansion Tank, Systems and Methods of Using
AssigneeNatural Choice Corporation
InventorsGeorge Knoll, Kerry Roosmalen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Water dispensing apparatus comprises modular components including but not limited to an easily accessible water heating module and a water cooling module. The water dispensing apparatus further comprises a bracket for holding at least one of a valve and an expansion tank onto a hot water tank for easy removal of the same in case of repair or replacement. Moreover, the expansion tank comprises a check valve that opens to allow heated water to flow thereinto and closes after heated water has drained therefrom.
Claims21
A water dispensing apparatus comprising:
- a hot water tank for heating water comprising an outlet for withdrawing heated water from the hot water tank, wherein the outlet comprises a first water path to an expansion tank having a vent, wherein heated water flows into and out of the expansion tank through the first water path, and further wherein the first water path comprises a valve comprising a first blocking element that opens to allow heated water to flow into the expansion tank and closes over the first water path after the heated water within the expansion tank is drained from the expansion tank through the first water path.
10-20. (canceled)
A method of moving heated water between a hot water tank and an expansion tank within a water dispensing apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a water dispensing apparatus comprising a hot water tank for heating water, the hot water tank comprising an outlet for withdrawing heated water from the hot water tank, wherein the outlet comprises a first water path to an expansion tank having a vent, wherein heated water flows into and out of the expansion tank through the first water path, and further wherein the first water path comprises a valve comprising a first blocking element that opens to allow heated water to flow into the expansion tank and closes over the first water path after the heated water within the expansion tank is drained from the expansion tank through the first water path;
- heating water within the hot water tank;
- moving heated water from the hot water tank into the expansion tank through the first water path;
- withdrawing heated water from the hot water tank to a water dispenser;
- moving the heated water within the expansion tank back into the hot water tank through the first water path;
- and
- closing the first water path with the first blocking element after the heated water moves back into the hot water tank through the first water path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.