U.S. patent application number 11/721283 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for refrigerator capable of stock monitoring by providing ideal storage conditions.
This patent application is currently assigned to Teknoloji Dizayn Studyo Produksiyon Ve Reklamcilik Anonim Sirketi. Invention is credited to Murat Armagan, Kerem Guvenc, Alphan Manas.
Application Number | 20090277199 11/721283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36578337 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090277199 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manas; Alphan ; et
al. |
November 12, 2009 |
REFRIGERATOR CAPABLE OF STOCK MONITORING BY PROVIDING IDEAL STORAGE
CONDITIONS
Abstract
The present invention relates to a refrigerator, which, by means
of a control unit (2) equipped with a display (2.1) on the
refrigerator body (1), allows users to maintain foodstuff under
ideal storage conditions, and to monitor the comprised stock
without opening the refrigerator door. Under the light of detailed
information recorded to the said control unit (2) by means of
RF-tags or a barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units;
the conditions of refrigerator compartments as determined by
foodstuff characteristics and the monitoring of stock therein are
shown to users via said display (2.1) without necessitating said
user to open the refrigerator door.
Inventors: |
Manas; Alphan; (Istanbul,
TR) ; Guvenc; Kerem; (Istanbul, TR) ; Armagan;
Murat; (Istanbul, TR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Assignee: |
Teknoloji Dizayn Studyo Produksiyon
Ve Reklamcilik Anonim Sirketi
Istanbul
TR
|
Family ID: |
36578337 |
Appl. No.: |
11/721283 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/TR05/00066 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/129 ; 235/385;
62/389; 62/441 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20130101;
F25D 25/027 20130101; F25D 2700/08 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101;
F25D 2400/361 20130101; F25D 2331/807 20130101; F25D 23/04
20130101; F25D 2500/06 20130101; F25D 2700/06 20130101; F25D 23/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/129 ; 62/441;
62/389; 235/385 |
International
Class: |
G01K 13/00 20060101
G01K013/00; F25D 13/02 20060101 F25D013/02; B67D 5/62 20060101
B67D005/62; G06F 19/00 20060101 G06F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 2004 |
TR |
2004/03355 |
Dec 27, 2004 |
TR |
2004/03630 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
TR |
2004/03717 |
Mar 9, 2005 |
TR |
2005/00836 |
Mar 18, 2005 |
TR |
2005/00988 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
TR |
2005/01154 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
TR |
2005/01168 |
Apr 13, 2005 |
TR |
2005/01346 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
TR |
2005/01588 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
TR |
2005/02707 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
TR |
2005/02708 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage
conditions and to keep stock inventory by means of a control unit
(2) with a display (2.1) on the refrigerator body (1), said
refrigerator being characterized in that according to detailed data
saved on said control unit (2) memory by means of RF-tags or a
barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units; the info as to
which compartment must be used for which foodstuff according to the
characteristics of the latter and/or as to what the humidity and
temperature values of such storage compartments must be are
displayed by said display (2.1) to the user, and according to
detailed data saved on said control unit (2) memory by means of
RF-tags or a barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units;
the stock inventory of contained products is monitored by means of
said display (2.1) without having to open the refrigerator
door.
2. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
thanks to detailed data saved on said control unit (2) memory by
means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless
data loading units; the info as to which refrigerator compartment
contains which products, which products' expiry dates are
approached or exceeded, and which products are maintained under
incorrect storage conditions are displayed on said display (2.1) to
the user.
3. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the
data on products' expiry dates, production dates, origins,
contents, and on manufacturer firms are loaded to the memory of
said control unit (2) by means of said RF-tags or said barcode
reader or said wired/wireless data loading units.
4. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
thanks to the software installed on said control unit (2), the user
sends an order information to the vendor by making use of the data
related to the relevant product and making use of the communication
means such as the Internet, telephone etc. on the subject
refrigerator, when any product stock is diminished in any
compartment.
5. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
thanks to the data loaded by means of said RF-tags or said barcode
reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; detailed info on
liquid or solid foodstuff materials' name, type, amount etc. are
entered to the control unit (2) memory by the user and/or available
databases.
6. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means
of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data
loading units; the control unit (2) determines and visually
displays such determination result on said display (2.1) as to
which container is proper for which foodstuff sizes.
7. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means
of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data
loading units; the control unit (2) saves and processes the data as
to in which refrigerator compartments and containers the foodstuffs
are located in.
8. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means
of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data
loading units; the expiry date of foodstuff are saved and the
products with expiry dates approached or exceeded are displayed by
means of said display (2.1) in a listed manner.
9. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that
according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means
of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data
loading units; the data on weights of foodstuff or on any
alterations in such weights are transmitted to said control unit
(2) by means of sensors, and such transmitted data are displayed
visually to the user on said display (2.1) without necessitating
the user to open the refrigerator door for viewing the product
stock.
10. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the
database of said control unit (2) is categorized according to the
shelves and compartments within the refrigerator, each shelf and
compartment is adjusted in order to store foodstuffs under certain
categories, new data and additions are made by the user in said
categorized database, and new categories are downloaded from other
database by means of said RF-tags, internet or said wired/wireless
data loading units.
11. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the
user carries out operations such as reporting contained foodstuff
characteristics, their expiry dates, and amounts on said display
(2.1) in a touch-sensitive manner or by means of keys, and data are
transferred to said control unit (2) by means of Bluetooth, wi-fi,
cable and wired/wireless connection types and print-outs are taken
by direct connection to printer.
12. A refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal
storage conditions and to keep stock inventory by means of a
control unit (2) with a display (2.1) on the refrigerator body (1),
characterized in at least one weight measuring apparatus (3)
embodied on said refrigerator body (1) measures the weight of
product remaining after consumption in order to determine the stock
product in the refrigerator and to keep the stock inventory, such
measurement result is saved to said control unit (2), the final
amount of product is displayed to the user by means of said display
(2.1) to keep stock inventory, and also to regulate the storage
conditions of the compartment where the relevant product is kept by
means of thermoelectric calculations performed based on this
measured weight; at least one egg storing apparatus (6) positioned
in the refrigerator is comprised, the expiry dates of eggs are
entered to said control unit (2) before they are placed in said egg
storing apparatus (6), such egg with the data already entered is
placed in an egg socket (6.2) formed on said egg storing apparatus
(6), and is reported to said control unit (2) by depressing a
feedback button (6.3) on said socket (6.2) in order to specify the
egg socket such egg is positioned in, and said control unit (2)
alters the light color of said feedback button (6.3) in order to
report the user that the expiry date of the egg placed in the
relevant egg socket (6.2) is approached or exceeded; at least one
liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4) is positioned
in the refrigerator, detailed data on such packaged liquid
foodstuff are entered to said control unit (2) by means of said
RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading
units, such product with the data already entered is placed on a
socket (4.1) formed on said liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing
apparatus (4), a indicator lamp (4.6) on said socket (4.1) is
activated and lit after such product is placed, and the control
unit (2) makes said indicator lamp (4.6) blink when the related
product's expiry data is approached or exceeded in order to alert
the user; and at least one packaged product seizing apparatus (5)
is comprised, detailed data on such packaged product are entered to
said control unit (2) by means of said RF-tags or said barcode
reader or said wired/wireless data loading units, such product with
data already entered is placed between latch bars (5.1) of said
product seizing apparatus (5), the feedback button (5.2) is
depressed on the joint (5.4) that said latch bars (5.1) are
connected to after such product is placed, said control unit (2) is
reported as to which latch bars (5.1) the packaged product is
placed, said control unit (2) sends a signal to said feedback
button (5.2) when the packaged product's expiry date is approached
or exceeded, and the light color of said feedback button (5.2) is
altered in order to alert the user on the circumstance.
13. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that
said weight measuring apparatus (3) is opened and closed in the
form of a drawer in an apparatus socket (3.5) embodied on said
refrigerator body (1).
14. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that
said weight measuring apparatus (3) has a body (3.2); a circular
weight measuring element (3.1) is positioned on said body (3.2),
weight data on a product measured by said weight measuring element
(3.1) is saved in said control unit (2), said weight data is
displayed to the user by means of said display (2.1) whenever the
user wishes so in order to view the stock inventory, and the
storage conditions are regulated of the compartment containing such
product by means of thermoelectric calculations based on such
determined weight.
15. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that at
least one hook (3.5) is positioned beneath said body (3.2) to hang
bags when the weights of foodstuffs in bags are to be measured.
16. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that
product sensors (6.4) are provided in said egg sockets (6.2) to let
the control unit (2) sense the presence of any egg in said egg
socket (6.2) without depressing said feedback button (6.3).
17. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in
comprising liquid transferring channels (4.5) connected to openings
opened on said sockets (4.1) of said liquid foodstuff storing and
dispensing apparatus (4), a mixing channel (4.2) where said liquid
transferring channels (4.5) are coupled, and opening-closing
latches (4.4) formed on the connection points of said liquid
transferring channels (4.5) and said mixing channel (4.2) in order
to control the liquid transfer.
18. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that
amount sensors (4.7) are comprised on the connection points of said
sockets (4.1) with said liquid transferring channels (4.5), fruit
juice content in packages are sensed by means of said amount
sensors (4.7), and such data transmitted to said control unit
(2).
19. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that
said control unit (2) sends a signal such that said indicator lamp
(4.6) lights with a different color to alert the user when the
amount measured by said amount sensors (4.7) falls down a
predetermined level.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator capable to
maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions and to keep the
inventory of such foodstuff therein.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Regarding the background art, refrigerators widely seen in
the markets cannot present to users any data on the products kept
therein. Data on amounts and expiry dates of stored products are
not only too significant for consumers; they are also an important
factor in determining the storage conditions of foodstuffs in
refrigerator. Additionally, the provision of a control system for
allowing the user to easily access the products positioned in the
refrigerator and for dispensing such stored products to the user by
means of a mechanism embodied internally, are other significant
factors facilitating the usage and follow-up of such products.
[0003] In Patent Application JP2002296904, some data on diminishing
products in the house or in refrigerator are obtained by means of
various sensors and measurement devices such that such diminished
products are replaced with new ones by means of an installed
system. When the used method is examined, it becomes obvious that
such system is not proper for refrigerators. Here, the data are
obtained only for diminished products; however nothing is mentioned
on regulating the energy amount to be consumed by the refrigerator
according to the amount of stored products, and on providing
automatic access to any product within the refrigerator.
[0004] In Patent Application JP60011963, a stock inventory is
conducted in relation to the products positioned in the
refrigerator. Also the days are counted as of such products are put
in the refrigerator and the user alerted accordingly. Weight data
on such stored products are collected and the stock inventory is
updated based solely on this data.
[0005] In Patent Application JP2005037086, a refrigerator is
disclosed that is capable of stock regulation according to daily
diets. On ID-tages correlated with foodstuffs stored in
refrigerator, the date data of storing such foodstuff are written
by means of a reader/writer. This refrigerator further comprises a
visual means displaying the storage date data, expiry date data,
and product type data. In this application, however, nothing is
mentioned on determining ideal storage conditions of compartments
where products are maintained, and on carrying out the stock
inventory according to the weight data.
[0006] In Patent Application JP2001317859, tags are mentioned that
are provided on containers where products are saved in the
refrigerator. Furthermore, a tag receiver is provided on the
refrigerator that automatically controls the storage and removal of
foodstuffs from the refrigerator. In this application, however,
nothing is mentioned on, under which conditions and in which
compartments such foodstuffs are to be maintained, and on how such
data is to be reported to the user without opening the refrigerator
door.
[0007] Consequently, the requirement towards a stock inventory
refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage
conditions by making use of stock inventory and control data, and
the inadequacy of the currently available solutions necessitated a
development in the relevant technical field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0008] By meeting the aforesaid necessities, eliminating all such
drawbacks, and bringing some additional advantages, the present
invention provides a refrigerator that is capable to keep stock
inventory and to ensure ideal storage conditions for foodstuff.
[0009] The objective of the present invention is to produce a
refrigerator, which creates ideal storage conditions in containers
and compartments, according to the amount and type of foodstuffs
contained therein.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to produce a
refrigerator, which has a technical basis for advising the user, as
a result of providing accession to data such as the amount, type
and expiry date of products in the refrigerator, without opening
the refrigerator door.
[0011] Structural and characteristic features and all advantages of
the present invention shall be made clear, thanks to annexed
figures and a detailed disclosure written by making references to
such figures described below; therefore the present invention is to
be evaluated by taking these figures and this detailed disclosure
into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 gives a general perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the subject refrigerator and of the control unit
positioned on the refrigerator body.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the open and closed
positions of a balance, namely a weighing apparatus positioned on
the subject refrigerator body.
[0014] FIG. 3 gives a side view of said weighing apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 4 gives a perspective view of the interior of the
subject refrigerator while its door is open.
[0016] FIG. 5 gives a perspective view of a liquid foodstuff
storing and dispensing apparatus positioned in the subject
refrigerator.
[0017] FIGS. 6a and 6b give perspective views of a packaged
foodstuff seizing apparatus positioned in the subject
refrigerator.
[0018] FIGS. 7a and 7b give perspective views of an egg storing
apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator.
[0019] FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c give exploded views of a foodstuff
storing apparatus of the subject refrigerator.
[0020] FIGS. 9a and 9b are respectively perspective and top views
of said foodstuff storing apparatus in a ready position for putting
into the refrigerating unit.
[0021] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c give structural views of storage
containers present in said foodstuff storing apparatus.
[0022] FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c illustrate a preferred positioning
of said foodstuff storing apparatus in a refrigerating unit and the
manner a storing container is removed there from.
[0023] FIGS. 12a and 12b show a storing container embodiment for
providing vacuuming in a vacuumed foodstuff storing apparatus and
the manner such vacuuming operation is carried out.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the foodstuff
storing apparatus composed of storing containers providing the
vacuuming operation opportunity.
[0025] FIGS. 14a and 14b are respectively perspective and top views
of a foodstuff storing apparatus, where storing containers are
composed of mobile parts.
[0026] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of the foodstuff
storing apparatus consisting of storing containers composed of
mobile parts.
[0027] FIGS. 16a and 16b are respectively exterior perspective and
top views of a beverage-can storing and dispensing apparatus
positioned in a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator so
as to allow the storage of beverage cans.
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of loading
beverage cans into said storing and dispensing apparatus and their
dispensing from said apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 18 gives a perspective view of an oil storing and
dispensing apparatus used in the subject refrigerator.
[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of said oil
storing and dispensing apparatus.
[0031] FIGS. 20a and 20b give respectively front and general
perspective views of a cylinder, namely tube beverage storing
apparatus used in the subject refrigerator.
[0032] FIG. 21 gives a perspective view of a dry foodstuff storing
container used in a preferred embodiment of the subject
refrigerator.
[0033] FIGS. 22a and 22b give a perspective view of said dry
foodstuff compartment, the socket said compartment is positioned,
and the relation there between.
[0034] FIGS. 23a and 23b give cross-sectional views showing the
dispensing of foodstuff from said dry foodstuff storing
compartment.
[0035] FIGS. 24a, 24b, and 24c show a preferred embodiment of said
dry foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus used in the subject
refrigerator.
TABLE-US-00001 Reference Numbers used in Figures 1. Refrigerator
body 2. Control unit 2.1 Display 3. Weighing apparatus 3.1 Weighing
element 3.2 Body 3.3 Handle 3.4 Apparatus socket 3.5 Hook 4. Liquid
foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus 4.1 Socket 4.2 Mixing
channel 4.3 Product dispensing channel 4.4 Latch 4.5 Liquid
transferring channel 4.6 Indicator lamp 4.7 Amount sensor 4.8
Product 5. Packaged product seizing apparatus 5.1 Latch bars 5.2
Feedback button 5.3 Contact socket 5.4 Joint 6. Egg storing
apparatus 6.1 Body 6.2 Egg socket 6.3 Feedback button 6.4 Product
sensor 7. Foodstuff storing apparatus 7.1 Storing container 7.2
Container lid 7.3 Container inner cavity 7.4 Container positioning
front socket 7.5 Container positioning central socket 7.6 Container
positioning base 7.7 Base segment 7.8 Weighing element 7.9 Base
center 7.10 Body 7.11 Lid 7.12 Container removing socket 7.13
Container separating element 8. Vacuumed foodstuff storing
apparatus 8.1 Carrier body 8.2 Lid 8.3 Product container 8.4
Sealing element 8.5 Locking element 8.6 Vacuum inlet 8.7 Stopper
8.8 Pivot 8.9 Vacuum pipe 9. Product storing apparatus with mobile
parts 9.1 Body 9.2 Blade 9.3 Inner part blade carrying cylinder 9.4
Outer part blade carrying cylinder 9.5 Closure cylinder 9.6 Closure
cylinder 9.7 Conveyor band 9.8 Product inserting-removing gap 9.9
Driver shaft 9.10 Product 10. Beverage can storing and dispensing
apparatus 10.1 Refrigerating unit 10.2 Body 10.3 Product channel
10.4 Joint 10.5 Lid 10.6 Product inlet gap 10.7 Product outlet gap
10.8 Product dispensing section 11. Oil storing and dispensing
apparatus 11.1 Drawer socket 11.2 Drawer body 11.3 Fastening latch
11.4 Product socket 11.5 Transferring pipe 11.6 Product 11.7
Product compartment 12. Cylinder beverage storing apparatus 12.1
Socket 12.2 Fluid cylinder 12.3 Channel 12.4 Dispensing part 12.5
Cylinder sensor 12.6 Level sensor 12.7 Gas cylinder 13. Dry
foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus 13.1 Foodstuff storing
container 13.2 Label spot 13.3 Container inlet 13.4 Container inlet
closure 13.5 Amount sensor 13.5.1 Conducting plates 13.5.2
Insulating element 13.5.3 Conductor strips 13.5.4 Terminals 13.6
Container socket 13.6.1 Laber spot 13.6.2 Control element 13.6.3
Electrical connection sockets 13.6.4 Foodstuff outlet 13.7 Storing
setup 13.7.1 Container socket coupling means 13.7.2 Cover 13.7.3
Body
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0036] In this detailed description, preferred embodiments of the
subject refrigerator that is capable to maintain foodstuff under
ideal storage conditions and to keep stock inventory are given
solely for illustrative purposes in order to make clear the present
invention without imposing any restrictions thereon.
[0037] FIG. 1 gives a general perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the subject refrigerator and of the control unit (2)
positioned on the refrigerator body (1). The subject refrigerator
records and lists detailed data and positions of solid or liquid
foodstuff positioned therein by means of a control unit (2) that is
composed preferably of an LCD (2.1), which is large, color or
black-white, touch-sensitive or equipped with the required number
of keys, and with a computer system, in order to store such
foodstuff under most ideal storage conditions for a maximal period,
thereby the temperature, humidity, and vacuum conditions of
individual compartments being determined by means of software
previously installed on said control unit (2). Thanks to a menu on
said display (2.1), the current or previous operation conditions of
the refrigerator and the ideal operation conditions of individual
compartments are controlled in an ideal manner. Additionally, while
foodstuffs are placed in the refrigerator, their individual sensing
is provided so as their weights are maintained in the system. When
any product is removed and put back therein, the individual
consumption amount of such foodstuffs is monitored by the system.
The user can easily see on the display (2.1) of said control unit
(2) any data on products present in the refrigerator, the
lacking/missing products, their expiry dates etc. In addition,
before such products are placed in the refrigerator, required or
preferred data on products are entered to the system by means of
data cards, called RF-tags that operate by radio signals, or
barcode readers, or wired/wireless data loading units provided on
said control unit (2), giving the opportunity to see even the
positions of such products in the refrigerator. With the aid of
RF-tags, the places/compartments of products in the refrigerator,
their approaching or exceeded expiry dates, their inaccurate
storage conditions are monitored. Additionally, the data on expiry
dates, production dates, origins, contents, and on manufacturer
firms are loaded to the memory of said control unit (2) by means of
RF-tags or wired/wireless data loading units.
[0038] The required elements for providing all such features given
above, are individual temperature, humidity, pressure sensors,
RF-tag readers for all compartments, and electronic balances
positioned in all compartments (or a single balance). A main
processor shall process the data from such peripheral sensors and
store and display them via a user-friendly interface on the
display.
[0039] Thanks to a refrigerator illustration on the display (2.1),
it is possible to individually monitor the data on storage
conditions of all compartments, on the products with relatively
closer expiry dates, and on the products to be exhausted soon for
all compartments. For instance, when the user wishes to see the
products with close expiry dates, the product with the closest
expiry date from all such compartments is displayed by a warn-sign
figure form on said refrigerator illustration on said display
(2.1). When the user selects this compartment from the display, the
relevant compartment image is zoomed in the display such that a
list is provided with the products having relatively closer or the
closest expiry dates placed on the top of such list. Then it
becomes possible for the user to both remove and discard such
products with expiry dates reached or exceeded from respective
compartments, and to transmit an order information to a store where
such products were purchased, according to the data on the RF-tag
of the relevant product.
[0040] The control unit (2) is capable to save and process the
following data by means of installed software. [0041] Name and type
of product. [0042] Type of foodstuff to be stored by means of
vacuuming. [0043] Respective storage temperatures of products.
[0044] Proper compartments for products according to the size of
the latter. [0045] The places and compartments the products are
stored in. [0046] Expiry date of foodstuff. [0047] Weights of and
weight changes in foodstuffs.
[0048] A data base is kept in the refrigerator's control unit (2)
where detailed data are saved in relation to foodstuff in order to
provide optimum storage conditions and periods. This database is
categorized according to the shelves and compartments within the
refrigerator. Each shelf and compartment can be adjusted in order
to store foodstuffs in certain categories. The user can add new
data to the categorized database by means of RF-tags and download
new foodstuff data from the Internet or from other external
connections. The user can determine his/her favorite categories.
Thanks to the data loaded on RF-tags or barcode readers or
wired/wireless data loading units, it becomes possible to receive
data and storage condition instructions in relation to such
categories from food packages.
[0049] The user can monitor by means of the display (2.1) on the
control unit (2) the foodstuff in the refrigerator, their features,
and their storage conditions. Thus R becomes easier to arrange
orders for diminishing products and to report those products
consumed with dietary and other medical causes. In addition to
foodstuff categorization, the shelves and compartments can be
adjusted in line with size categorization.
[0050] Operations such as reporting of characteristics, amounts
etc. of products in the refrigerator can be carried out via the
display (2.1) in a touch-sensitive manner; data can be transferred
to the control unit (2) by means of connections such as bluetooth,
wi-fi, and wired/wireless connections; and print-outs can be taken
by a direct connection to a printer. As a result of data obtained
from reporting, the diminished products can be determined before
shopping or the dietician can be reported on the foodstuffs
consumed daily.
[0051] By means of communication means (such as the Internet,
telephone, etc.) on the subject refrigerator, any diminished
products can be ordered by means of the installed software under
the shopping option. The control unit (2) software in the
refrigerator can save the products to be ordered in different
shopping lists according to their significance, their daily
consumptions, and can immediately order the urgent products.
[0052] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the open and closed
positions of a weighing apparatus (3) positioned on the subject
refrigerator body (1). When said weighing apparatus (3) is out of
use, a socket (3.4) is formed on the body (1) in order to put it
(3) within the refrigerator body (1). Said weighing apparatus (3)
can be opened and closed in said socket (3.4) like a drawer. This
apparatus comprises a cylindrical body (3.2), a circular weighing
element (3.1) positioned on said body (3.2), and a handle (3.3)
coupled to the body (3.2) used by the user while placing or
removing said apparatus (3) in/from the socket (3.4) in the
refrigerator body (1). There is also provided a hook (3.5), as
illustrated in FIG. 3, under said weighing apparatus (3.2) for
positioning bags when foodstuff in bags are weighed. After some
amount of foodstuff in the refrigerator is used, the weight of the
remaining foodstuff is measured on the weighing apparatus (3) and
the weighing result is saved on the control unit (2) in order to
determine the product remaining in the stock and to keep stock
inventory. The final or current amount of used product can be seen
by the user on the control unit's (2) display (2.1), and the stock
inventory can easily be viewed without opening the refrigerator's
door.
[0053] FIG. 4 gives a perspective view of the interior of the
subject refrigerator while its door is open. A liquid foodstuff
storing and dispensing apparatus (4), a packaged product seizing
apparatus (5), and an egg storing apparatus (6) are provided
respectively from top to bottom on the interior of the refrigerator
door.
[0054] FIG. 5 gives a perspective view of such liquid foodstuff
storing and dispensing apparatus (4). A multitude number of sockets
(4.1) are embodied on the refrigerator door. Liquid transferring
channels (4.5) are provided on orifices opened on said sockets
(4.1). Said liquid transferring channels (4.5) are connected to a
mixing channel (4.2). Opening-closing latches (4.4) are embodied on
the contact points of the mixing channel (4.2) with said liquid
transferring channels (4.5). Said latches (4.4) control the liquid
transfer from a liquid transferring channel (4.5.) to said mixing
channel (4.2). The mixing channel (4.2) is connected to a cock on
the product dispensing compartment (4.3). A product to be dispensed
(4.8) is positioned in a packaged form in said sockets (4.1). When
such product (4.8) is positioned in said packaged socket, a liquid
transferring channel (4.5) is positioned on the mouth piece on such
product (4.8). When a product (4.8), which is entered to said
control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or barcode readers or
wired/wireless data loading units, is placed in such packaged
socket (4.1), an indicator light (4.6) provided on the socket is
activated. This indicator lamp blinks to warn the user when the
expiry date of a product is approached or reached. Additionally,
fruit juices placed in separate sockets (4.1) of multitude number
can be transferred to said mixing channel (4.2) in desired variety
and amounts, so as to obtain a mix of various fruit juices. Also by
means of amount sensors (4.7) positioned on the connection points
between said sockets (4.1) and liquid transferring channels (4.5),
the fruit juice amount in the package is sensed and transmitted to
the control unit (2) such that when this amount falls down below a
predetermined level, the control unit (2) sends a signal to light
up the indicator lamp (4.6) in a different color and warns the
user.
[0055] FIGS. 6a and 6b give perspective views of a packaged
foodstuff seizing apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator.
A multitude number of latched control apparatus contact sockets
(5.3) are embodied on the refrigerator door. The latch device is
positioned in said contact socket (5.3) by means of a joint device
(5.4) it is connected to. Said joint (5.4) is embodied in a
cylindrical form. Two latch bars (5.1) are coupled to the joint
(5.4). A feedback button (5.2) is provided on the joint (5.4) in
order to report the user by means of a warning lamp whether or not
the expiry date of a packaged product is approached or exceeded.
Detailed data on the expiry date, product characteristics of such
packaged products are saved on the control unit (2) by means of
RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units.
The product is positioned between the latch bars of said packaged
product seizing apparatus (5). After such product is positioned in
said latch apparatus, the feedback button (5.2) is depressed in
order to send the data to the control unit as to which latch
apparatus in which position among such latch apparatuses is sent
the relevant packaged product, and this data is saved in the
control unit. When the expiry date of a product is approached or
exceeded, the control unit (2) sends a signal to the feedback
button (5.2) such that the light color of said feedback button
(5.2) is changed to alert the user.
[0056] FIGS. 7a and 7b give perspective views of an egg storing
apparatus (6) positioned in the subject refrigerator. In this
embodiment, a body (6.1) with a shelf-form is positioned on the
refrigerator's door section. A multitude number of egg sockets
(6.2) are embodied on the body (6.1) to place eggs therein.
Feedback buttons (6.3) are provided on each egg socket (6.2) on the
body (6.1) in order to report the user by means of a warning lamp
whether or not the expiry date of such eggs is approached or
exceeded. Product sensors (6.4) are provided in egg sockets (6.2)
in order to let the control unit (2) sense the circumstance that an
egg is placed in said egg socket (6.2). The expiry date of eggs are
entered to the control unit (2) and saved therein. An egg with the
product data already entered is positioned in the egg socket (6.2).
After an egg is positioned in the egg socket (6.2), the feedback
button (6.3) is depressed in order to send the data to the control
unit as to which egg socket (6.2) in which position in said
apparatus is positioned the egg, and this data is saved in the
control unit (2). Also the egg is sensed by the control unit (2) by
means of a product sensor (6.4) in the egg socket (6.2) the egg is
positioned in. When the expiry date of an egg is approached or
exceeded, the control unit (2) sends a signal to the feedback
button (6.3) such that the light color of said feedback button
(6.3) is changed to alert the user.
[0057] FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c give exploded views of a foodstuff
storing apparatus (7) of the subject refrigerator. A preferred
placement of said storing compartments (7.1) is illustrated in
these figures, said compartments being composed of elements making
up a circle once combined and/or surrounded around a center and
dividing the body into a desired number, preferably to 6 segments.
As can be understood from the exploded view, storing containers
(7.1) are placed around a center (7.9) on a container positioning
base (7.6) so as to be put into the apparatus body (7.10). The
interior of said apparatus body (7.10) is designed in an annular
form to easily accommodate the storing containers (7.1). A lid
(7.11) is provided on the front of said body (7.10) that (7.11)
becomes visible on the exterior of refrigerator. A container
removing socket (7.12) is embodied between the lid (7.11) and
storing containers (7.1) as seen in FIG. 9b. The container
positioning base (7.6) comprises base segments (7.7) preferably on
the amount that corresponds to the number of containers (7.1), said
segments (7.7) being aligned around the base center (7.9) and
providing an easy placement of said containers. Preferably a
weighing element (7.8) is provided on that base segment (7.7) that
is on the side of the container removing socket (7.12).
[0058] In the perspective and top views of FIGS. 9a and 9b, the
storing containers (7.1) accommodated in the body (7.10) represent
an integral appearance. The user inserts his/her hand through a gap
opened preferably on the lid (7.11) and provides an easy placement
by preferably pushing the apparatus body (7.10). The base is
preferably fixed, and a container separating element (7.13)
positioned on the base is rotated around the center (7.9) manually
and/or by means of a motor. The containers (7.1) are placed on the
base (7.6) preferably by means of said reservoir separating element
(7.13). Said containers (7.1) can both be positioned between small
separating elevations embodied on said separating element (7.13),
and be accommodated by means of upright elements having a height
from the base up to the container height.
[0059] The containers (7.1) are preferably on the same height and
as seen in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c, each container (7.1) comprises
a container lid (7.2) and front and central container positioning
sockets (7.4, 7.5). Foodstuffs are placed in the inner cavity (7.3)
of said containers.
[0060] FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c illustrate a preferred positioning of
the foodstuff storing apparatus (7) in the refrigerator and its
usage. As seen in FIG. 11a, the user pulls out said foodstuff
storing apparatus (7) manually by inserting his/her hand through a
gap opened on the lid (7.11) that is positioned on the front of
said apparatus. The apparatus is moved out like a drawer until the
base center (7.9) so as to accommodate a container (7.1) The
preferred foodstuff product rotates the container separating
element (7.13) manually or by means of a motor controlled by the
control unit (2), such that the container (7.1) where such
preferred product is stored is moved to the front segment where the
lid is present. The user inserts his/her hand into the container
removing socket (7.12) and pulls the container (7.1) upwards to
remove it from its socket.
[0061] FIGS. 12a and 12b show a storing container embodiment for
providing vacuuming in a vacuumed foodstuff storing apparatus (8)
and the manner such vacuuming operation is carried out. FIG. 12a
gives a perspective illustration of a vacuumed compartment
embodiment in the foodstuff storing apparatus (8), an alternative
embodiment of the foodstuff storing apparatus (7). In this
embodiment, a storing container (8.3) is embodied to store a
product. Locking means (8.5) are provided on said storing container
(8.3). A lid (8.2) is connected to said container by means of a
hinge or coupling element. On the surface the lid (8.2) contacts
the container, a seal is provided as a sealing element (8.4). A
vacuum pipe (8.9) is provided on the mouth of a vacuum inlet (8.6)
opened on the storing container and connected to the refrigerator
compressor (FIG. 12b). In order to avoid air inlet through the
vacuum inlet (8.6) into such vacuumed container (8.3), a seal is
provided on the container side of the vacuum inlet (8.6) in the
role of a stopper (8.7). Said vacuum compartment is positioned on a
carrier body (8.1) with an annular form embodied on the
refrigerator. After any foodstuff to be stored is placed into the
container (8.3), the container lid (8.2) is closed by means of a
locking element (8.5). The closed vacuuming compartment position is
saved on the control unit (2) and positioned on said carrier body
(8.1). The end of said vacuum pipe (8.9) is inserted into the
vacuum inlet (8.6) of the vacuum compartment placed on the carrier
body (8.1). The air in said compartment is vacuumed by means of a
compressor connected to the vacuum pipe (8.9). Once the vacuuming
operation is completed, the vacuum pipe (8.9) is removed from the
vacuum inlet (8.6). A seal functioning as a stopper (8.7) on the
vacuum inlet (8.6) closes said inlet in order to avoid air inlet to
the container. Said foodstuff storing apparatus (8) is capable to
rotate around a pivot (8.8).
[0062] FIGS. 14a and 14b are respectively perspective and top views
of a foodstuff storing apparatus (9), where storing containers are
composed of mobile parts. A preferred embodiment is illustrated
where the foodstuff storing apparatus has mobile parts in
refrigerating units (10.1) particularly of annular shapes. In this
embodiment, a driver shaft (9.9) that is driven by means of an
annular refrigerating unit (10.1) motor is provided on the annular
body (9.1) carrying said apparatus and the annular gap formed on
the center of the body. Gears are formed on the periphery of the
driver shaft (9.9) and base center so as to engage to each other.
Said driver shaft (9.9) is at the same time passed through the
center of an annular blade carrying cylinder (9.3). Gear sockets
are opened on the interior of said blade carrying cylinder (9.3) so
as to face the gears on the driver shaft (9.9). A multitude number
of blades (9.2) are formed along the periphery of said blade
carrying cylinder (9.3). Inserting-removing gap closure cylinders
(9.5, 9.6) capable to rotate a full circle around their own axes
are provided between the body (9.1) and blades (9.2) on the blade
carrying cylinder (9.3). Said cylinders (9.5, 9.6) are rotated by
being driven by the gears they are positioned on. A product
inserting-removing gap (9.8) is formed on the body (9.1), inner and
outer part blade carrying cylinders (9.3, 9.4), and closure
cylinders (9.5, 9.6). A conveyor band (9.7) is positioned on the
body (9.1), between the inner part blade carrying cylinder (9.3)
and the product inserting-removing gap (9.8) on the body (9.1).
Detailed data on the product (9.10) are entered to RF-tags or
barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units in the control
unit (2) and thus to the control unit (2). Such product is put
through said inserting/removing gap (9.8) on the conveyor band
(9.7). Said conveyor band (9.7) transfers the product (9.1) to the
product storing compartment formed between two blades. Thanks to
the rotation of cylinder that the blades (9.2) are connected to
around their own axes, the product (9.10) on the blade carrying
band (9.7) is displaced. When identification data (9.10) about the
product are entered to the control unit (2) positioned on the
refrigerator, the related product is brought to the product
transferring band (9.7) and is dispensed from the product
inserting/removing gap (9.8) to the user.
[0063] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of the foodstuff
storing apparatus (9) consisting of storing containers composed of
mobile parts.
[0064] FIGS. 16a and 16b are respectively exterior perspective and
top views of a beverage-can storing and dispensing apparatus (10)
positioned on a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator so
as to allow the storage of beverage cans. Said apparatus is
embodied on a refrigerating unit (10.1). The beverage can storing
apparatus body (10.2) that supports the apparatus is positioned on
a shaft (9.9) that is coupled to the refrigerator unit's (10.1)
motor and positioned on the apparatus center (10.4). Said body
(10.2) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise a full circle
on the shaft's origin (9.9). A multitude number of product channels
(10.3) are embodied on the body (10.2) to place beverage cans. A
cylindrical lid (10.5) is provided on said body (10.2). A product
inserting gap (10.6) is embodied on the lid (10.5) whereby such
products are translated to said product channels (10.3). A product
outlet gap (10.7) is embodied aside said lid (10.5) whereby such
products are transferred to the section they are dispensed to the
user. Detailed data on the product to be stored in the apparatus
are entered to the control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or barcode
readers or wired/wireless data loading units. Once such product is
sensed by the control unit (2), the product channel (10.3) set by
the control unit (2) in relation to said product is brought in
front of said product inserting gap (10.6) and the product loaded.
When the user wishes to take out such product, he/she enters the
name of the relevant product on the control unit (2) display (2.1)
in a touch-sensitive manner. The desired product is brought to the
front of the related product channel (10.3) by the rotation of the
body (10.2) around its own axis and transferred from the product
outlet gap (10.7) to the product dispensing part (10.8).
[0065] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of loading
beverage cans into said storing and dispensing apparatus (10) and
their dispensing there from when desired.
[0066] FIG. 18 gives a perspective view of an oil storing and
dispensing apparatus (11) used in the subject refrigerator. In this
embodiment, a drawer socket (11.1) is formed in the refrigerator
body (1). The drawer body (11.2) is positioned in the drawer socket
(11.1) by means of a sledge means. Said drawer body (11.2) is
displaceable forward and backward on said socket. A multitude
number of product sockets (11.4) are formed on said drawer body
(11.2). A fastening latch (11.3) is embodied on each product socket
(11.4) in order to fasten a product (11.6) to be positioned on such
socket (11.4). A product dispensing part (11.7) is formed on the
front of said drawer body (11.2) for dispensing the product to the
user. The connection between the product socket (11.4) and the
product dispensing part (11.7) is ensured by a transferring pipe
(11.5). One end of the transferring pipe (11.5) is positioned in
the product (11.6) package placed in the product socket (11.4). A
product (11.6) entered to the control unit (2) is positioned in the
product socket (11.4) and the transferring pipe (11.5) is inserted
into the product (11.6) package. The liquid oil product in the
package is transferred to the product dispensing part (11.7) by
means of said transferring pipe (11.5). The product (11.6) is
transferred to a product dispensing container by means of a cock on
the product dispensing part (11.7). The control unit (2) controls
the oil amount and alerts the user by means of the display (2.1)
when this amount falls down below a predetermined amount.
[0067] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of said oil
storing and dispensing apparatus (11).
[0068] FIGS. 20a and 20b give respectively front and general
perspective views of a cylinder beverage storing apparatus (12)
used in the subject refrigerator. A multitude number of cylindrical
sockets (12.1) are embodied on the subject refrigerator body (1).
Cylinders (12.2) with fluids stored therein are positioned on the
sockets (12.1). Gas cylinder (12.7) comprising pressurized gas is
provided in one of such sockets. Such fluid is transferred to the
dispensing part (12.4) by means of the pressurized gas (12.7). Two
channels (12.3) are provided in said cylinders (12.2) in order to
discharge beverage to the dispensing part (12.4). Cylinder beverage
storing apparatus (12) is controlled by means of the control unit
(2). Cylinder sensors (12.5) are provided in the sockets (12.1) in
order to transmit the presence of cylinders (12.2) in sockets
(12.1) to the control unit (2). The amount of fluid in the
cylinders (12.2) is controlled by means of level sensors (12.6) and
a relevant signal is send to the control unit (2) when the fluid
amount is finished. When said signal is transmitted to the control
unit (2), a signal is send to the beverage cylinder vendor,
requesting cylinder (12.2) supply by means of a GSM module coupled
to the control unit (2), thus the consumed cylinders replaced.
[0069] FIG. 21 gives a perspective view of a dry foodstuff storing
container (13.1) used in a preferred embodiment of the subject
refrigerator. The foodstuff reserving container (1) basically
comprises a label spot (13.2) on the front where a label can be
adhered or attached in order to indicate the type of foodstuff
content, a container inlet (13.3) to load and take out such
foodstuff; a container inlet closure (13.4) avoiding any accidental
outlet of such stuff; and an amount sensor (13.5) producing an
electrical signal according to the pressure exerted by the
foodstuff in relation to the stuff amount.
[0070] The foodstuff container (13.1) is settled on a container
socket (13.6) as seen in FIGS. 22a and 22b. Said container socket
(13.6) comprises electrical contact sockets (13.6.3) providing the
contact between the terminals (13.5.4) of amount sensor (13.5)
provided preferably in the container (13.1), a label spot (13.6.1)
where a data label can be provided in relation to the foodstuff
type, a control element (13.6.2) providing the removal of foodstuff
and formed preferably in the form of a latch, and a foodstuff
outlet (13.6.4) allowing the removal or outlet of such foodstuff by
means of said control element (13.6.2).
[0071] FIGS. 23a and 23b give cross-sectional views showing the
dispensing manner of foodstuff from a filled container (13.1) by
means of said control element (13.6.2). When said control element
(13.6.2) embodied preferably in the form of a latch is driven by
the user toward the front of the container (13.1), the foodstuff
outlet (13.6.4) is opened and the foodstuff outlet. Said latch
(13.6.2) comprises preferably a spring-equipped mechanism and
automatically closes the foodstuff outlet (13.6.4) when
released.
[0072] FIGS. 24a, 24b, and 24c give a preferred dry foodstuff
storing and dispensing apparatus (13), where multiple containers
(13.1) and container sockets (13.6) are positioned side-by-side and
back-to-back. Said apparatus (13) is embodied preferably in the
form of a drawer. Different embodiments may also be obtained. In
this preferred embodiment, all container sockets (13.6) are mounted
on a container socket coupling means (13.7.1) positioned vertically
in the center of said drawer. Thus it becomes possible to place
said container sockets (13.6) in a side-by-side and back-to-back
manner. A cover (13.7.2) is fastened on the front side both to
produce a unity with the refrigerator or the ambience, and to
provide the forward and backward displacement of the container
socket coupling means (13.7.1). All containers (13.1) can be taken
in a body (13.7.3) by means of a pulling-pushing gap opened on said
cover (13.7.2) with a size to allow the entrance of a human hand.
Said body (13.7.3) comprises preferably refrigerating elements and
provides the maintenance of foodstuff in all containers (13.1) in a
cool ambience. Each container (13.1) is individually and
practically removed from container sockets (13.6) and is filled
through the container inlet (13.3), a single opening. When said
inlet (13.3) is closed with the container inlet closure (13.4), the
container is turned upside down and settled into the container
socket (13.6). After the containers (13.1) are filled as desired,
they are translated to their places by means of said cover (13.7.2)
and placed into the body (13.7.3). In this embodiment, a body
(13.7.3) is embodied on a preferred zone of the subject
refrigerator. A body cover (13.7.2) is positioned on the body
(13.7.3) by means of a sledge mechanism. Said cover (13.7.2) is
displaceable forward and backward on the socket. A multitude number
of container socket (13.6) is formed on said cover (13.7.2). A
fastening latch (13.6.2) is embodied on each container socket
(13.6) in order to fasten a product or container (13.1) to be
positioned on such socket (13.6). When a container (13.1) is filled
with foodstuff, an electrical signal is produced by the amount
sensor (13.5) provided on the base in relation to the stuff amount
in container or the content level of the container (13.1). Here,
the pressure amount exerted by the foodstuff on the container
(13.1) base, thus the fullness rate of the container is determined
by means of an insulating element (13.5.2) positioned there,
between two conducting plates (13.5.1). Since the pressure exerted
shall be relatively high when the container (13.1) is filled
completely, the resistance of conducting plates (13.5.1) shall
reduce, and the current rate passing through the circuit they are
connected to shall increase proportionally. The pressure exerted to
the base and thus to the amount sensor (13.5) shall be reduced as
much as foodstuff is discharged from the container (13.1). Since
this circumstance shall increase the resistance, the current rate
passing from both terminals is reduced proportionally. Thus in this
preferred embodiment used in amount measurement, a current
alteration is obtained on the amount sensor terminals (13.5.4) by
means of conducting strips (13.5.3), said alteration being in
direct proportion with the pressure. So this data is converted to
an amount data by means of the control unit (2). The user can
determine from this data displayed on the display (2.1), how much
foodstuff remains in the containers (13.1).
[0073] The protection scope of this application is set forth in the
following claims and can not be restricted with the disclosures
given above for illustrative purposes only. It is obvious that a
person skilled in the relevant art can produce the subject
invention by making use of similar embodiments and/or can apply the
subject embodiment to other fields with similar purposes. Therefore
it is further obvious that such embodiments shall lack the novelty
and inventive step criterion.
* * * * *