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An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir
of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere
by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted
water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway
that permits air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly
mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm
is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response
to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open
position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air
into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its
closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids
through the ventilation passageway.
A water cooler replenishing system which is designed to collect
drinking water from a conventional supply bottle and dispense the
water into a container, on top of a freestanding water cooler, and
be repeatedly refilled. The water cooler replenishing system includes
a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port. A water container
is also included which is shaped and configured to rest on a freestanding
water cooler and receive water for filling the container. A supply
tube is provided for collecting water from a conventional supply
bottle and the supply tube is connected, by fluid conduit to the
inlet port. A filler tube is provided for dispensing water into
the water container and the filler tube is connected, by fluid conduit
to the outlet port. The pump may be selectively energized to collect
water from the supply bottle and dispense the water to fill the
container.
A water cooler with a drip tray in which liquid in the drip tray
drains through a drain hole connected to a pump. When liquid is
detected, the pump activates to pump the liquid to a remote drain.
An optional filter between the drip tray and the pump traps overly-large
particles. Optionally, the drip tray is covered by a removable strainer.
A vent in the hose between the drip tray and pump includes a pressure
relief vent. Optionally, an access point between the drip tray and
vent provide drainage for another source of liquid. The pump is
activated by a sensor that detects the presence of liquid in the
inlet hose and remains on for a period after liquid is no longer
detected so that the liquid is pumped the full distance to the drain.
A supply system for providing water from a bottled water cooler
includes a pump which pumps water from an upright bottle of water.
A pressure sensor turns the pump off when the bottle of water is
empty. A prime pump control starts the pump to initiate the flow
of water from a new bottle of water.
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