FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION A multi-purpose water dispenser
APPLICANTS
Crompton Greaves Limited, CG House, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030,
Maharashtra, India, an Indian Company
INVENTOR
Ganpule, Vaibhav of Crompton Greaves Limited, Appliances Division, Kanjur Marg (E),
Mumbai 400042, Maharashtra, India, an Indian National.
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to
be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to water dispensers and more particularly, to
water dispensers used for domestic purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Contamination of water leads to the prevalence of water-borne diseases. To
prevent the water borne diseases, drinking water is normally boiled, cooled, and then consumed by majority of people. To prevent water borne diseases, the drinking water is normally boiled, cooled and consumed. Typically, in order to purify water, the water is boiled using either LP gas stove or electric water kettle. This requires purchase of such electric water kettles. The water is at best heated up to a temperature of 100WC that removes the harmful diseases from the water, the water is then allowed to cool so that it becomes potable.
|0003] Geysers are also a very common electric appliance that is often used in urban
areas to heat the domestic water for bath. In geysers the water is heated up to maximum 75 to 80 deg C. Thereafter, the water is mixed with some cold water so that a person taking bath is comfortable using the hot water. However, one needs to shell out extra money to buy a separate geyser unit and get the same installed within the bathroom.
[0004] Till date there are no such appliances or water dispensers that have a multi-
purpose usage approach and that provides a user with the flexibility of both the drinking water as well as bathing water. Such water dispensers would allow the user to save considerable amount of money. Thus, there is a need to have a water dispenser that at least dispenses both the drinking water as well as water that could be used to multi-domestic purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Disclosed herein is a water dispenser for providing potable water and
multipurpose domestic usage water, the water dispenser including a first water tank disposed within a housing and fluidly connected with a feed water supply, the first water tank having an electrically controlled first heating element disposed therein for selectively heating the feed water supply to its boiling temperature, a second water tank disposed within the housing and fluidly connected with the feed water supply, the second water tank having an electrically controlled second heating element disposed therein for selectively heating the feed water supply to a temperature of about 80°C, the heated water adapted to be mixed with a water supply having a room temperature, a control unit disposed in electrical communication with the first heating element and the second heating element for controllably actuating the first and the second heating elements, and a heat exchanger disposed within the housing and connected with an outlet of the first water tank and the feed water supply, wherein heat exchange therebetween allows the boiled water to be transformed into the low temperature water.
(0006] In some embodiments, each of the first water tank and the second water tank
includes a temperature sensor and a level sensor, each of the temperature and the level sensors electrically connected with the control unit.
[0007] In some embodiments, each of the first water tank and the second water tank
further includes a solenoid disposed therein, each of the solenoids being electrically connected with a corresponding first heating element and the second heating element and with the control unit, the control unit selectively actuating each of the first and the second heating elements.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing has a user interface disposed thereon, the
user interface including a drinking water actuation button, a multi-purpose actuation button, and a display unit.
[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger has a temperature disposed therein
and wherein the heat exchanger has an expansion valve connected to an outlet thereof, the expansion valve being connected with the control unit and allowing dispensing of the low temperature water when the temperature of the boiled water has dropped to 40°C.
[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments of the invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a water dispenser according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the water dispenser of FIG. I illustrating
internal components of the water dispenser; and
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating internal electrical communication
between the various components of the water dispenser shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a water dispenser 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water dispenser 100 includes a housing 102 that has a first upper unit 104 and a second lower unit 106. The housing 102 acts as a cover to protect the internal electrical components, which are present within the water dispenser 100, from being exposed to conditions such as dust and water. The second lower unit 106 of the housing 102 has a user interface unit 108 provided on its outer surface. The user interface unit 108 has a drinking water button 110, a Multi-Purpose Domestic Usage (MPDU) button 112, and a display unit 114. The drinking water and the MPDU buttons 110, 112 may be actuated by a user depending upon his/her preferences and need. The display unit 114 acts as an interacting medium for the user by displaying the ON-OFF conditions of the water dispenser 100. The display unit 114 may also be programmed to display any error messages that may occur during operation of the water dispenser 100.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the first upper unit 104 of the housing 102 has a plurality
of indicators, namely a first indicator 116 for drinking water and a second indicator 118 for MPDU water. The first indicator 116 in ON-condition represents ready mode of the water

dispenser 100 for dispensing drinking water therefrom. Further, this ON-condition also represents that the temperature of the water has reached to the boiling temperature. The second indicator 118 in ON-condition represents the ready mode of the water heater for dispensing MPDU water therefrom. Further, this ON-condition also represents that the temperature of the water within the water dispenser 100 has reached to about 80°C. Also shown in FIG.l is a control unit 120 that has a microcontroller 122 and other related electronic components therein. The control unit 120 controls the various electronic and mechanical components within and outside the water dispenser 100 and operatively connected thereto.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 102 of the water dispenser 100 is
connected with water inlets and water outlets. Preferably, there are two separate water inlets fluidly connected with the housing 102 and separately providing feed water supply to the water dispenser 100. A first water inlet 124 carries feed water supply within the water dispenser 100 which is processed for obtaining drinking water. A second water inlet 126 carries feed water supply within the water dispenser 100 that is processed for obtaining the MPDU water. Accordingly, there is a first water outlet 128 and a second water outlet 130 connected to the housing 102 and separated with each other and fluidly connected with the water dispenser 100 for dispensing corresponding drinking and MPDU water after requisite processing.
[0019] Further, as seen in FIG. 1, each of the first and the second water inlets 124,
126 have a pressure reducing device 132, known in the art, connected with a corresponding first and second water inlets 124, 126. Preferably, the pressure reducing device 132 allows the feed water supply passing therethrough and within the water dispenser 100 to pass at a pressure of 50 psi. Additionally, each of the first water inlet 124 and the second water inlet 126 also has a corresponding first inlet valve 134 and a second inlet valve 136 connected thereto and

electrically coupled to the control unit 120. Similarly, each of the first water outlet 128 and the second water outlet 130 also has a corresponding first outlet valve 138 and a second outlet valve 140 connected thereto and electrically coupled with the control unit 120.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the water dispenser 100 is open
condition wherein the various electrical and mechanical components of the water dispenser 100 are shown. The first upper portion of the housing 102 has a first water tank 142 and a second water tank 144 disposed adjacent to each other. Each of the first water tank 142 and the second water tank 144 have a corresponding tank inlets and tank outlets for entering and leaving the water from the respective first and the second water tanks 142, 144. The first water inlet 124 that carries the feed water supply is fluidly connected with the inlet of the first water tank 142 whereas the second water inlet 126 is connected with the inlet of the second water tank 144. Preferably, the first water tank 142 includes a first heating element 146, a first temperature sensor 148 and a first level sensor 150 disposed therein. A first solenoid valve 152 is positioned within the housing 102 and positioned adjacent to the first water tank 142. The first solenoid valve 152 is electrically connected (not shown) with the first heating element 146. Similarly, the second water tank 144 includes a second heating element 154, a second temperature sensor 156 and a second level sensor 158 disposed therein. A second solenoid valve 160 is positioned within the housing 102 and positioned adjacent to the second water tank 144. The second solenoid valve 160 is electrically connected (not shown) with the second heating element 154. Furthermore, an outlet is accordingly connected with each of the first water outlet 128 and the second water outlet 130.
[0021] As seen in FIG. 2, a heat exchanger 162 is disposed within the second lower
unit 106 of the housing 102 of the water dispenser 100. The outlet of the first water tank 142 is

connected to the heat exchanger 162 for carrying hot water within the heat exchanger 162 whereas, the feed water supply from any one of the first water inlet 124 or the second water inlet 126 carrying feed water supply. The heat exchanger 162 also has a temperature sensor 164 disposed within for sensing temperature of the outgoing water coming from the first water tank 142. The first outlet valve 138 of the first outlet is electrically connected with the temperature sensor 164 of the heat exchanger 162. Further, both the first outlet valve 138 and the temperature sensor 164 of the heat exchanger 162 is electrically connected with the control unit 120.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3 that illustrates electrical communication between the
various electrical and mechanical components of the water dispenser 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. When the user desires to have a drinking water from the water dispenser 100, s/he actuates the drinking water button 110 provided on the first upper unit 104 of the housing 102. This actuation sends an electrical signal to a micro-controller 122 via a communication link 166. The microcontroller 122 then determines the current level of the water within the first water tank 142 by receiving signal from the first temperature sensor 148 and the first level sensor 150 disposed within the first water tank 142. The first temperature sensor 148 and the first level sensor 150 are electrically connected to the micro-controller 122 via communication links 168, 170, respectively. If it is determined by the microcontroller 122 that the water level within the first water tank 142 is below a predetermined level then the microcontroller 122, which is connected to the first inlet valve 134 via communication link 172, allows the first inlet valve 134 to open up so that feed water supply could rush in to occupy empty space within the first water tank 142. However, prior to opening the first inlet vaive 134, the microcontroller 122 also sends a signal to the display unit 114 that illustrates an error

indicating that there is less/no a water condition. The first solenoid valve 152 is electrically connected with the first heating element 146 via a communication link 174.
[0023] Once it is determined by the micro-controller 122 that adequate water is
present within the first water tank 142, the microcontroller 122 actuates the first solenoid which is connected with the first heating element 146. The first heating element 146 starts heating the water present within the tank to raise the temperature of the water present therein up to the boiling point of the water. Once the temperature of the water reached to the boiling point, the first temperature sensor 148, which is constantly monitoring the temperature within the first water tank 142, sends signal to the microcontroller 122. The microcontroller 122 then de-actuates the first solenoid valve 152 so that the first heating element 146 stops heating the water. Additionally, the microcontroller 122 will also allow the drinking water button 110 to turn ON indicating the user that the drinking water is ready for being collected. It is to be noted that due to this heating of the water up to its boiling point nearly all of the harmful impurities present within the water are wither evaporated or are settled down at the bottom of the first water tank 142 and relatively pure water is obtained from the outlet thereof. The first heating element 146 may be any of the heating devices known in the art and may be vertically or horizontally disposed within the first water tank 142. Further, positions of the first level sensor 150, the first temperature sensor 148, and the first solenoid should not be construed to be limiting only to the positions shown in the figures. Rather, any positions of these components that is capable of providing adequate respective signal to the microcontroller 122 should be construed to be within the scope of the present invention.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 3, if the user desires to have MPFD water from the
water dispenser 100, s/he actuates the MPFD water button 112 provided on the first upper unit

104 of the housing 102. This actuation sends an electrical signal to the micro-controller 122 via a communication link 176. The microcontroller 122 then determines the current level of the water within the second water tank 144 by receiving signal from the second temperature sensor 156 and the second level sensor 158 disposed within the second water tank 144. The second temperature sensor 156 and the second level sensor 158 are electrically connected to the microcontroller 122 via communication links 178, 180, respectively. If it is determined by the microcontroller 122 that the water level within the second water tank 144 is below a predetermined level then the microcontroller 122, which is connected to the second inlet valve 136 via communication link 182, allows the second inlet valve 136 to open up so that feed water supply could rush in to occupy empty space within the second water tank 144. The second solenoid valve 160 is electrically connected with the second heating element 154 via a communication link 184
[0025] Upon determining that there is adequate water present within the second water
tank 144, the microcontroller 122 actuates the second solenoid which is connected with the second heating element 154. The second heating element 154 starts heating the water present within the tank to raise the temperature of the water present therein to a temperature of about 80°C. Once the temperature of the water has reached to about 80°C, the second temperature sensor 156, which is constantly monitoring the temperature within the second water tank 144, sends signal to the microcontroller 122. The microcontroller 122 then de-actuates the second solenoid valve 160 so that the second heating element 154 stops heating the water.
[0026] It is to be noted that this heated water within the second water tank 144 may
be disposed out therefrom via the outlet provided on the second water tank 144. The second water outlet 130 is connected with the outlet of the second water tank 144 for receiving the

heated water from the housing 102. The microcontroller 122 which is electrically connected with the second outlet valve 140 via link 186 allows the second outlet valve 140 to open up for disposing the water therefrom. This heated water is thereafter mixed with relatively cold water kept at room temperature, 24°C, dispensed from a tank retaining water at room temperatures. As a result the overall temperature of the heated water received via the second water outlet 130 decreases. This water may be used for multi-purpose domestic usage for example, for bathing, washing clothes, etc. Additionally, the microcontroller 122 also turns ON the MPUD button 112 provided on the housing 102 of the water dispenser 100. Thus, the water dispenser 100 has the capability of providing multipurpose domestic usage water.
[0027] As noted above, the boiled water from the first water tank 142 is received by
the heat exchanger 162. Preferably, a plurality of tubes 188 of the heat exchanger 162 is filled with the boiled water whereas the ambient areas within the heat exchanger 162 are filled with feed water supply introduced from the second water inlet 126 carrying the feed water supply. Heat exchange between the boiled water and the feed water supply, which is at room temperature, allows the temperature of the boiled water to decrease, at about 35°C-40°C. Preferably, when the temperature of the boiled water reaches 35°C-40°C, it is sensed by the temperature sensor 164 present within the heat exchanger 162. The temperature sensor 164 sends signal to the microcontroller 122 which in turn opens the first outlet valve 138 connected to the first water outlet 128 of the housing 102. As seen from FIG. 3, the first outlet valve 138 is electrically connected to the microcontroller 122 via the electrical link 190. The low temperature water from the first outlet valve 138 is made to enter a filter mesh that filters out nearly all the settled impurities during boiling. This allows the boiled water to be transformed into potable water. Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the heated feed water

supply from the heat exchanger 162 is allowed to be mixed with the MPDU water obtained from the second water outlet 130.
[0028] It will be appreciated by a skilled person in the art that the water dispenser
100s explained above in the various embodiments of the present invention could easily find application in house hold appliances such as geysers. Such geysers could be installed in bathrooms with the first water outlet 128 delivering drinking water having connection in the Kitchens. Further, in various other embodiments of the present invention, the user interface unit 108 provided on the housing 102 may be separated from the water dispenser 100 and installed at a convenient location within the house such as outside the kitchen. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that such water dispenser 100s could also find applications in large scale industries requiring drinking water as well water for washing hands, or water used for various maintenance work.
[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

We Claim:
1. A water dispenser for providing potable water and multipurpose domestic usage water
comprising:
a first water tank disposed within a housing and fluidly connected with a feed water supply, the first water tank having an electrically controlled first heating element disposed therein for selectively heating the feed water supply to its boiling temperature;
a second water tank disposed within the housing and fluidly connected with the feed water supply, the second water tank having an electrically controlled second heating element disposed therein for selectively heating the feed water supply to a temperature of about 80°C, the heated water adapted to be mixed with a water supply having a room temperature;
a control unit disposed in electrical communication with the first heating element and the second heating element for controllably actuating the first and the second heating elements; and
a heat exchanger disposed within the housing and connected with an outlet of the first water tank and the feed water supply, wherein heat exchange therebetween allows the boiled water to be transformed into the low temperature water.
2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each of the first water tank and the second water tank includes a temperature sensor and a level sensor, each of the temperature and the level sensors electrically connected with the control unit.
3. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each of the first water tank and the second water tank further includes a solenoid disposed therein, each of the solenoids being electrically connected with a corresponding first heating element and the second heating element and with

the control unit, the control unit selectively actuating each of the first and the second heating elements.
4. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a user interface disposed thereon, the user interface including a drinking water actuation button, a multi-purpose actuation button, and a display unit.
5. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the feed supply water has a pressure reducer connected thereto for reducing the pressure of the incoming feed supply water, the pressure reducer being set at 50 psi.
6. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger has a temperature disposed therein and wherein the heat exchanger has an expansion valve connected to an outlet thereof, the expansion valve being connected with the control unit and allowing dispensing of the low temperature water when the temperature of the boiled water has dropped to 40°C.
7. The water dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the dispensed the low temperature water is passed through a filter mesh that removes impurities therefrom so as to convert the low temperature water into potable water.