WO2022003695A1

WO2022003695A1 - Water dispenser and heater for use during sabbath

Info

Publication number: WO2022003695A1
Application number: PCT/IL2021/050812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eyal Krystal; Omer Ben Baruch; Meital SHAFIR
Original assignee: Strauss Water Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-01
Filing date: 2021-07-01
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: CN113876197B; CN216822860U; CN113876197A; IL275789A

Abstract

Provided herein are devices and methods for dispensing hot water, specifically for use during the sabbath and other Jewish holidays. The devices comprise a reservoir chamber and a heating assembly, wherein the reservoir chamber comprises a heat exchange unit configured to transfer heat from the heating assembly to water contained inside the reservoir chamber thereby continuously heating them, and wherein the reservoir chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with a water source. The devices further comprise a dispensing outlet configured to enable dispensing of water from the reservoir chamber therethrough, upon user demand.

Description

WATER DISPENSER AND HEATER FOR USE DURING SABBATH

TECHNOUOGICAU FIEUD

The present disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for dispensing hot water, specifically for use during the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays in which operation of electrical devices or heating of water is not permitted due to religious restrictions.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US 7,672,576

- US 9,321,623

- US 2014/136109

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

Water dispenser devices configured to supply filtered or purified hot water or near boiling water on instant demand, are of great advantage to consumers, for both domestic and industrial uses. Such water dispenser devices typically contain a heating chamber adapted to receive and provide heat directly to unheated filtered water, utilizing electric heating elements. Following the dispensing of the heated water from the heating chamber, a new stream of unheated filtered water would be introduced into the heating chamber to replenish the supply of water, and then be directly heated by the heating element.

Due to various restrictions and regulations of the Jewish religion, the use of a water dispenser configured to supply kosher hot water on instant demand on the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays has several limitations. According to the Jewish religion, one may not perform an act of work on the Sabbath, meaning that it is forbidden to initiate the flow of electricity to directly heat water on the Sabbath. Additionally, it is forbidden to directly heat liquids beyond a certain threshold temperature on the Sabbath. Typically, such a threshold temperature may be in the range of about 40-45 °C.

Various technological solutions have been disclosed to overcome these limitations, such as initiating the flow of electricity prior to the onset of the Sabbath by means of a preprogramed timer, heating the water residing within the heating chamber prior to the Sabbath and maintaining the heating chamber at a constant elevated temperature (similar to the operation of an um), or devices containing several heating chambers, wherein the water is heated in a first chamber and is dispensed from a second chamber.

Nevertheless, there are several drawbacks associated with conventional or previously disclosed technologies, such as a limited amount of hot water supply which can be consumed on the Sabbath, or the incorporation of complex mechanisms that may result in large and cumbersome devices, unsuitable for use in domestic kitchens. There remains an unmet need for simple and cost-efficient devices and methods for heating and dispensing kosher hot water during the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays, while complying with regulations of the Jewish religion.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides devices and methods for heating and dispensing treated hot water, specifically for use during the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays, while maintaining the restrictions and regulations of the Jewish religion. Advantageously, the disclosed devices provide a compact system which meets domestic hot water consumption needs, specifically for use during the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays, while providing treated hot drinking water at controlled and pre -determined temperatures for unlimited continuous consumption.

As used herein, the term Sabbath is meant to include both the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) when the initiation of electricity flow and direct heating of water to temperatures of above about 40-45 °C is forbidden, and also during a non-Sabbath Jewish holiday that may be subject to similar restrictions.

Thus, by one of its aspects, the present disclosure provides a dispensing unit configured to provide a continuous supply of hot water for use during the Sabbath. The water dispenser comprises a reservoir chamber, a heating assembly chamber, and a dispensing outlet configured to enable dispensing of water from the reservoir chamber therethrough. The reservoir chamber is configured to receive and contain water from a water source, and comprises a heat exchange unit that is configured to transfer heat from the working fluid into the water contained within the reservoir chamber, thereby heating it to a predetermined temperature. The heating assembly chamber comprises a heating assembly that is in fluid communication with the heat exchange unit.

According to some embodiments, said water source is a water treatment unit configured to be in fluid communication and electric and/or data connectivity with the dispensing unit.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit further comprises a controllable valve configured to control the flow of water into the reservoir chamber, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises a control unit, and wherein said controllable valve is in electrical and/or functional communication with said control unit.

According to some embodiments, the heat exchange unit comprises a heating tube having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion extending between said first and second end portions, and wherein each one of the first and the second end portions extends through a respective bore formed at a wall of the reservoir chamber.

According to some embodiments, the heating assembly comprises a heating unit being in fluid communication with a pump, wherein the heating unit and the pump are in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit.

According to some embodiments, the heating unit is configured to receive, contain, and heat the working fluid residing therein to a preselected temperature.

According to further embodiments, the preselected temperature of the working fluid is selected from the range of about 45 to about 99 °C. According to further embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 45 to about 50 °C, about 50 to about 60 °C, about 60 to about 70 °C, about 70 to about 80 °C, about 80 to about 90 °C, or about 90 to about 99 °C. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to still further embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 75 to about 99 °C. According to yet still further embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 90 to about 99 °C. According to still further embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 95 to about 98 °C. According to some embodiments, the heat exchange unit, the heating unit and the pump are in fluid communication with each other, thereby forming a closed-loop heating system, configured to transfer heat from the working fluid into the water contained within the reservoir chamber, utilizing indirect contact therebetween through the heat exchange unit.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit further comprises at least two water level sensors, wherein each one is configured to measure the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber, and to generate measured level signals indicative thereof and transfer them to the control unit.

According to some embodiments, the at least two water level sensors are configured to determine whenever the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches or falls below a first threshold level and a second threshold level.

According to some embodiments, the reservoir chamber further comprises at least one thermal sensor, configured to measure the temperature of the water contained therein, and to generate temperature signals indicative thereof.

According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to perform at least one action selected from transferring, receiving and initiating communication signals to or from the various electronic components of the dispensing unit, wherein said various electronic components comprise the controllable valve, the heating unit, the pump, the thermal sensor and the at least two water level sensors.

According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to: periodically refill the reservoir chamber according to the water level residing therein at predetermined time intervals, and alternately activate and deactivate the pump and the heating unit in order to heat or continuously maintain the water contained within the reservoir chamber at the predetermined temperature.

According to some embodiments, the at least two water level sensors comprise a first water level sensor, a second water level sensor, and a third water level sensor, wherein the second water level sensor is indicative whenever the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches or falls below the first threshold level, and the third water level sensor is indicative whenever the level of the water contained within reservoir chamber reaches or falls below the second threshold level.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit further comprises a fluid conduit configured to be attached to the water source and allow fluid flow therethrough, and at least one DC electrical wire for establishing electric and data connectivity therebetween.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit further comprises at least one one-way valve fluidly coupled to the controllable valve, said at least one one-way valve is configured to allow water flow solely from the fluid conduit in the direction of the reservoir chamber.

According to some embodiments, the heating assembly is fluidly coupled to at least one one-way valve configured to allow fluid flow within the closed-loop heating system is a single direction.

According to some embodiments, the first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 0.5 to about 6 liters, contained within the reservoir chamber. According to further embodiments, the first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 2.5 liters. According to some embodiments, the second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 10 liters, contained within reservoir chamber. According to further embodiments, the second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 2 to about 4 liters.

According to some embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 40 to about 99 °C. According to further embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 75 to about 99 °C. According to some embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 45 to about 110 °C. According to further embodiments, the preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 90 to about 99 °C.

According to further embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 40 to about 50 °C, about 50 to about 60 °C, about 60 to about 70 °C, about 70 to about 80 °C, about 80 to about 90 °C, or about 90 to about 99 °C. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 75 to about 99 °C. According to yet still further embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 85 to about 98 °C. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 85 to about 95 °C. According to some embodiments, the predetermined temperature is above about 95 °C.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit extends from a dispensing unit bottom surface toward a dispensing unit top cover and further comprises a dispensing unit housing accommodating inner components of the dispensing unit, including the reservoir chamber, the heating assembly chamber and the control unit. According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit top cover comprises a circumferential seal configured to provide water-proof sealing between the dispensing unit housing and/or the reservoir chamber thereto.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit top cover comprises a top cover inner face and a top cover outer face accommodating therebetween a top cover inner space. According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit top cover further comprises at least one exhaust opening located at the top cover outer face and at least one fluid opening located at the top cover inner face, wherein the at least one exhaust opening is fluidly coupled to at least one fluid opening via the top cover inner space, wherein the at least one exhaust opening enables boiling water and/or steam/vapor flow therethrough, and wherein the top cover inner space is configured to allow boiling water and/or steam/vapor flowing therethrough to condense into liquid form and flow back into reservoir chamber through the at least one fluid opening.

According to some embodiments, the at least one fluid opening is located at the lowest position along the top cover inner face, thereby allowing condensed liquid water to efficiently flow back into the reservoir chamber.

According to some embodiments, the at least one exhaust opening is surrounded by a circumferential extension which extends vertically from the top cover outer face.

According to some embodiments, the top cover outer face is inclined downward from the region of the circumferential extension to the circumferential edges of the top cover.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for dispensing hot water from a dispensing unit, the method comprises: (a) connecting a dispensing unit as presented herein above to a water source, thereby forming fluid communication and electrical/data connectivity therebetween; (b) initiating the activation of the dispensing unit; (c) activating the controllable valve in order to initiate and periodically regulate the flow of water from the water source into the reservoir chamber of the dispensing unit; (d) activating the heating unit in order to heat the working fluid residing therein to a preselected temperature; (e) activating the pump in order to circulate hot working fluid through the heat exchange unit, for a predetermined time duration, thereby heating the water contained within the reservoir chamber to a predetermined temperature; and (f) continuously repeating steps (d) and (e).

According to some embodiments, the method further comprises periodically monitoring the level of the water flowing into or contained within the reservoir chamber during the operation of the dispensing unit, according to a first and a second threshold levels, and initiating various refilling commands accordingly.

According to some embodiments, if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber is between the first and the second threshold levels, the controllable valve is activated to initiate the flow of a first amount of water into the reservoir chamber, at a first predetermined time interval.

According to some embodiments, if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber is below a first threshold level, the controllable valve is activated to initiate the flow of water into the reservoir chamber until the level of the water contained therein reaches the first threshold level, at a second predetermined time interval.

According to some embodiments, if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches a second threshold level, the controllable valve will not be activated. According to some embodiments, only one of the pump, the heating unit, and the controllable valve can be activated at any given moment.

According to some embodiments, the water source is a water treatment unit. According to some embodiments, the working fluid comprise distilled water.

According to some embodiments, the method further comprises step (g) of disconnecting the dispensing unit from the water source.

According to some embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is selected from every about 1 to about 4 hours. According to further embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is about every 1 to about 3 hours.

According to some embodiments, the first amount is selected from the range of about 1 to about 300 ml. According to further embodiments, the first amount is selected from the range of about 1 to about 10 ml, about 10 to about 20 ml, about 20 to about 40 ml, about 40 to about 60 ml, about 60 to about 80 ml, or about 80 to about 100 ml. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. According to still further embodiments, the first amount is more than about 100 ml. According to yet still further embodiments, the first amount is selected from the range of about 1 to about 120 ml. According to still further embodiments, the first amount is selected from the range of about 5 to about 50 ml. According to yet still further embodiments, the first amount is selected from the range of about 10 to about 30 ml. According to still further embodiments, the first amount is about 20 ml.

According to some embodiments, the second predetermined time interval is selected from the range of every about 1 minute to about 2 hours. According to further embodiments, the second predetermined time interval is about every 1 to about 60 minutes.

According to further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 4 liters, about 4 to about 6 liters, about 6 to about 8 liters, or about 8 to about 10 liters. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 4.5 liters. According to yet still further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 2 to about 4 liters. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 2.5 to about 3 liters. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume of about 3 liters, contained within reservoir chamber. According to still further embodiments, the predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume of about 2.8 liters, contained within reservoir chamber.

According to some embodiments, the predetermined time duration is selected from the range of about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes. According to further embodiments, the predetermined time duration is about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a system comprising the dispensing unit and the water treatment unit fluidly coupled thereto, as disclosed herein above, wherein the water treatment unit comprises at least one liquid treatment device, and wherein the water treatment unit is configured to: receive a stream of raw liquid; utilizing the at least one liquid treatment device to apply at least one or more treatments thereto, and supply treated water to the dispensing unit.

According to some embodiments, the at least one or more treatments are selected from: filtration, disinfection, purification, distillation, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit is configured to apply at least one or more processes to the treated water contained therein prior to suppling treated water to the dispensing unit, wherein the processes are selected from heating, cooling, and/or freezing.

According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit comprise at least one of a heating chamber configured to heat and/or contain a certain amount of treated hot water; and a cooling chamber configured to cool and/or contain a certain amount of treated cold water.

According to some embodiments, the dispensing unit is configured to be in fluid communication and in electric and/or data connectivity with the water treatment unit.

According to some embodiments, the treated water is supplied to the dispensing unit directly after undergoing the at least one treatment, without being contained within at least one of the heating chamber and the cooling chamber of the water treatment unit.

According to other embodiments, the treated water is supplied to the dispensing unit directly from at least one of the heating chamber and the cooling chamber of the water treatment unit after undergoing the at least one liquid process.

According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit further comprises a dispensing outlet configured to dispense said treated water upon user demand. According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit further comprises one or more flow meters for measuring the amount of treated water supplied to the dispensing unit, and is configured to generate flow signals/data indicative thereof and transfer them to the control unit of the dispensing unit.

According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit further comprises at least one first valve configured to regulate the supply of raw liquid into the at least one liquid treatment device, and at least one second valve configured to regulate the supply of treated water to the dispensing unit therefrom.

According to some embodiments, the water treatment unit further comprises a controller configured to perform at least one action selected from transferring, receiving and initiating communication signals to and/or from various electronic components of the water treatment unit, and communicate with the dispensing unit.

The term about, as used herein, when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±10% as such variations are appropriate to the disclosed devices, systems and/or methods.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features shown in the drawings are meant to be illustrative of only some embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise implicitly indicated. In the drawings like reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Fig. 1A schematically illustrates details of a dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

Fig. IB schematically illustrates an exploded view of the dispensing unit of Fig. 1A;

Figs. 2A-2B show different perspective views of the dispensing unit, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit of Figs. 2A and 2B, with portions of its housing being removed to expose internal elements;

Fig. 4A is a side view of the dispensing unit of Fig. 3, with some further portions of its inner components being removed to expose further internal elements;

Fig. 4B is a side view of the dispensing unit of Fig. 4A, rotated by 180°; Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross section of the dispensing unit of Fig. 2A, along line

V-V;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the dispensing unit of Fig. 2B, along line

VI-VI;

Figs. 7A-7B are top perspective views of the dispensing unit and the top cover, respectively, according to another embodiment;

Figs. 8A-8B are a longitudinal cross section of the dispensing unit top cover of Fig. 7B, along line VIIIA-VIIIA, and a closeup view of detail X, respectively;

Figs. 8C-8D are a front cross section of the dispensing unit top cover of Fig. 7B, along line VIIIB-VIIIB, and a closeup view of detail XX, respectively; and

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method for dispensing treated hot water from the dispensing unit, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are to be considered as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. Elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, or in correct proportional relationships, which are not critical.

Reference is first being made to Figs. 1A-6. Exemplified is a dispensing unit 100, that extends from a dispensing unit bottom surface 111 toward a dispensing unit top cover 109, along a central vertical axis 101 (see Fig. 2A). Dispensing unit 100 comprises a dispensing unit housing 102 accommodating inner components, including a reservoir chamber 104, a heating assembly housing 149, and a control unit 170. The reservoir chamber 104 is located above the heating assembly housing 149, along the central vertical axis 101. The heating assembly housing 149 extends from dispensing unit bottom surface 111 toward the reservoir chamber 104, and the control unit 170 is attached to an external surface of the heating assembly housing 149, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Dispensing unit 100 is configured to be in fluid communication with a water source. The water source can be a main water line configured to provide water to residence homes, a stand-alone water reservoir, or another water supply unit/system.

In the exemplified dispensing unit, dispensing unit 100 is configured to be in fluid communication with a water treatment unit 10 (schematically illustrated in Fig. IB), that is configured to receive a stream of raw liquid (e.g., tap water), and apply one or more treatments (e.g., filtration, disinfection, purification, distillation, and/or suchlike) to the raw liquid stream, thereby obtaining treated water. The water treatment unit 10 can comprise at least one liquid treatment device (e.g., filter) which is configured to treat the liquid streaming or flowing therethrough. The water treatment unit 10 can be configured to apply one or more processes to the treated water contained therein (e.g., cooling, heating, freezing).

The treatment unit 10 may comprise at least one water chamber for receiving and containing a certain amount of treated water, and optionally provide at least one liquid process thereto (e.g., cooling, heating, freezing). For this purpose, the treatment unit 10 can comprise at least one of a heating chamber configured to heat and/or contain a certain amount of hot water; and/or a cooling chamber configured to cool and/or contain a certain amount of cold/chilled water. The water treatment unit 10 also comprises a dispensing outlet (e.g., a manual/electrical faucet) configured to dispense treated water upon user demand, for example from at least one of the cooling chamber and the heating chamber, and/or treated water at room temperature (i.e., about 25 °C).

Water treatment unit 10 is configured to supply a stream of treated water to dispensing unit 100, typically after undergoing at least one treatment within the water treatment unit 10 (e.g., filtration, disinfection, purification, distillation, and/or suchlike), and/or at least one liquid process (e.g., cooling or heating).

Dispensing unit 100 is configured to be in fluid communication and in electric and data connectivity with the water treatment unit 10. The electrical connectivity between the dispensing unit 100 and the water treatment unit 10 can be performed over electric wires connecting therebetween and/or wirelessly (e.g., via wireless communication protocols such as ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the like).

Dispensing unit 100 can further comprise a cable assembly 132, configured to transfer streams of treated water from the water treatment unit 10 thereto, and to enable electric/data connectivity therebetween. Cable assembly 132 can also be configured to transfer electrical power from an electric/power grid to the dispensing unit 100. For example, cable assembly 132 may comprise a fluid conduit 126 for streaming the treated water therethrough, at least one DC electrical wire 128 for establishing electrical/data connectivity between the dispensing unit 100 and the water treatment unit 10, and optionally an AC electrical cable 130 for transferring electrical power from the electrical grid to the dispensing unit 100. The AC electrical cable 130 can be separate from cable assembly 132; alternatively, the AC electrical cable 130, the fluid conduit 126 and the at least one DC electrical wire 128 are separate from each other.

The at least one DC electrical wire 128 is configured to transfer communication signals/data between the water treatment unit 10 and the dispensing unit 100, and optionally transfer electrical direct current (DC) thereto; while the AC electrical cable 130 is configured to power the dispensing unit 100 by transferring electrical alternating current (AC) from the electric grid thereto. The cable assembly 132 can further comprise an isolating sleeve/jacket (not shown) tightly holding at least the fluid conduit 126 and the DC electrical cable 128, and optionally the AC electrical cable 130.

Dispensing unit 100 is configured to be detachably attached to the water treatment unit 10 via the cable assembly 132. For this purpose, cable assembly 132 can comprise a connector (e.g., socket/plug) configured be detachably attached to water treatment unit 10 and enable fluid communication and electric/data connectivity therethrough.

Turning back to dispensing unit 100, reservoir chamber 104 comprises a reservoir chamber bottom surface 106 and a reservoir chamber circumferential surface 110 extending vertically therefrom towards dispensing unit top cover 109. Reservoir chamber 104 is configured to receive and contain streams of the treated water, streamed thereto through a reservoir chamber inlet port 112, the reservoir chamber inlet port 112 extending through a bore formed at a wall of the reservoir chamber 104, such as a bore in the reservoir chamber bottom surface 106 (not shown).

Reservoir chamber 104 is configured to be in fluid communication with the water treatment unit 10. Fluid conduit 126 is fluidly coupled to a reservoir chamber inlet conduit 140 via a controllable valve 134 that is configured to control the flow of the treated water into the reservoir chamber 104, and is in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170. Reservoir chamber inlet conduit 140 is fluidly coupled to reservoir chamber inlet port 112 in order to allow water flow therethrough into reservoir chamber 104. The controllable valve 134 can be a solenoid electric valve or any other controllable valve known in the art.

Reservoir chamber inlet conduit 140 is further fluidly coupled to at least one one way valve 105, configured allow water flow solely from fluid conduit 126 in a direction toward the reservoir chamber 104, and to prevent water contained within reservoir chamber 104 from flowing backward toward fluid conduit 126, as shown in Fig IB. Reservoir chamber inlet conduit 140 can further be fluidly coupled to at least one flow meter (not shown) configured to measure the amount of the treated water flowing into the reservoir chamber 104. The controllable valve 134 can include flow meter functionality, thereby enabling it to measure the amount of the treated water flowing therethrough. Alternatively or additionally, a flow meter may be provided as a distinct component which is fluidly coupled to fluid conduit 126 (not shown), configured to measure the amount of the treated water flowing through the controllable valve 134. The flow meter can be in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170.

Reservoir chamber 104 typically comprises a reservoir chamber outlet port 172 which is in fluid communication with a dispensing outlet 168 located, for example, at a front face of an external surface of the dispensing unit housing 102, enabling dispensing of hot water from the reservoir chamber 104 therethrough, upon direct user demand, as illustrated in Figs. 1A and 5. It will be clear that while the dispensing outlet 168 is shown at the front face of an external surface of the dispensing unit housing 102 in the illustrated embodiments, this is merely for illustrative purpose, and that the dispensing outlet 168 may be located, in alternative implementations, at any other external surface of the dispensing unit housing 102, such as a sidewall of the dispensing unit housing 102.

Dispensing of water from the dispenser is permitted by operation of a user- operable dispensing mechanical lever 167. Dispensing mechanical lever 167 comprises a safety feature (not shown) configured to prevent accidental dispensing and/or child use. As noted, hot water can be dispensed from the reservoir chamber 104 upon direct user demand, i.e. by manual activation of the dispensing mechanical lever 167 by the user in order to dispense water through the dispensing outlet 168.

Reservoir chamber 104 can further comprise at least two water level sensors 114, wherein each one is configured to measure the level/volume of the water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, and to generate measured level signals/data indicative thereof. Each one of the at least two water level sensors 114 is in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170. The at least two water level sensors 114 of this example comprise a first water level sensor 114A, a second water level sensor 114B and a third water level sensor 114C, with each water level sensor being positioned at a different height relative to the reservoir chamber bottom surface 106, spaced from each other in parallel to the central vertical axis 101, as illustrated at Figs. IB, 4A and 4B. Each of the first water level sensor 114A, the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C is attached to the reservoir chamber circumferential surface 110 at a different location.

Reservoir chamber 104 can further comprise at least one thermal sensor 116, being in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170, and configured to measure the temperature of the treated water contained therein, and to generate temperature signals/data indicative thereof. At least one of the first water level sensor 114A and the at least one thermal sensor 116 is attached to reservoir chamber bottom surface 106.

Reservoir chamber 104 can further comprise a heat exchange unit 142 configured to transfer heat to the water contained inside reservoir chamber 104. Heat exchange unit 142 comprises a heating tube having a first end portion 145, a second end portion 146, and a middle portion 144 extending between first end portion 145 and second end portion 146. The middle portion 144 can be a coiled portion 144, as illustrated at Figs. 1A, 4A and 4B. Alternately, middle portion 144 can be U-shaped, square -shaped, or have any other suitable shape thereof (not shown).

Each of the first end portion 145 and the second end portion 146 typically extends through a respective bore formed in a wall of the reservoir chamber 104, such as respective bores extending through the reservoir chamber bottom surface 106 (not shown). Both respective bores can be formed at the reservoir chamber circumferential surface 110 or bottom surface 106 (not shown). Alternatively, one bore is formed at the reservoir chamber circumferential surface 110 and the other bore is formed the reservoir chamber bottom surface 106 (not shown).

Heat exchange unit 142 is configured to allow a working fluid flow within the heating tube, from the first end portion 145 through the middle portion 144, and on toward the second end portion 146. The working fluid is circulated, continuously or periodically, within the heating tube of heat exchange unit 142. Heat exchange unit 142 is configured to allow heat transfer from the working fluid flowing therewithin into the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, thereby heating them to a predetermined temperature, which may be optionally selected from the range of about 40 to about 110 °C.

The heating tube comprises a thermal conducting material configured to allow adequate heat transfer therethrough, and can be selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, copper-nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium, alloys and combinations thereof; preferably the thermal conducting material is stainless steel.

Heating assembly housing 149 accommodates a heating assembly 150 that comprises a heating unit 152 in fluid communication with a pump 156, with at least one of the heating unit 152 and/or the pump 156 is in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170. Heating unit 152 can be in electrical communication with the electrical grid via the AC electrical cable 130, thereby receiving electrical power therefrom, as illustrated at Fig. IB.

Optionally, but not necessarily, pump 156 may be located below heating unit 152 along the central vertical axis 101, as illustrated at Fig. 4A. According to some embodiments, heating unit 152 is fluidly coupled to pump 156 by a heating unit outlet conduit 154, as illustrated at Fig. 1A.

Heating unit 152 may be fluidly coupled to pump 156 by a heating unit outlet conduit 154 and a bend connector 155, as illustrated at Figs. IB, 4A and 4B. The heating unit outlet conduit 154 can extend from heating unit 152 towards the bend connector 155, and is fluidly coupled thereto, wherein the bend connector 155 is fluidly coupled to pump 156.

Pump 156 is fluidly coupled to the first end portion 145 of heat exchange unit 142 by a heat exchange inlet conduit 159, with the second end portion 146 of heat exchange unit 142 is fluidly coupled to heating unit 152 by a heat exchange outlet conduit 160.

Heat exchange outlet conduit 160 can be further fluidly coupled to at least one one-way valve 105, configured to allow fluid flow solely from heat exchange unit 142 towards heating unit 152, in the direction of fluid flow direction 103, and to prevent fluid flowing in the opposite direction, as illustrated at Fig IB. The valve 105 is configured allow fluid flow solely from pump 156 towards heat exchange unit 142, in the direction of fluid flow direction 103, and to prevent fluid flowing in the opposite direction, as illustrated at Fig IB. Advantageously, utilization of one-way valves 105 to ensure unidirectional flow as disclosed hereinabove, serves to prevent unintentional mixing between the water entering the boundaries of the heat exchange unit 142 within the reservoir chamber 104, and water heated within the heating unit 152 prior to entrance into the boundaries of the heat exchange unit 142 within the reservoir chamber 104, which may be of significance with respect to restrictions associated with the heating arrangement during Sabbath and/or Jewish holidays. Heating unit 152 comprises a base 176 and body surface 178 attached thereto, defining an internal heating chamber 180 therebetween, accommodating a heating element 182 therewithin. In the exemplary embodiment, the base 176 may be in the form of a flat circular surface, and the body surface 178 may be dome-shaped; however it should be understood that this is but a mere example and the shape of the base and/or body surface can have any other suitable configuration. The heating element 182 is typically attached to the base 176 and extends into the internal heating chamber 180 therefrom, as illustrated at Figs. 5 and 6. The heating element 182 can be a coiled-shaped electric heating element as illustrated at Fig. 6, or alternately, U-shaped, square-shaped, or any other shape suitable for electric heating elements.

The heating element 182 is in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170, and is the internal heating chamber 180 is configured to accommodate the working fluid therein. The heating element 182 is configured to heat the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 to a preselected temperature, which may be optionally selected from the range of about 45 to about 110 °C.

Internal heating chamber 180 can comprise at least one thermal sensor 117 (illustrated at Fig. 5) disposed within, configured to measure the temperature of the heated working fluid contained therein, and to generate temperature signals/data indicative thereof. The thermal sensor 117 can be similar to thermal sensor 116. The at least one thermal sensor 117 is typically in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit 170.

The control unit 170 is configured to control the activation and deactivation of heating unit 152. As used herein, the phrase “ activation of the heating unit ” refers to the activation of the heating element 182, which is configured to heat the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 as described herein above. As used herein, the phrase “ deactivation of the heating unit ” refers to the deactivation of the heating element 182.

The working fluid can be selected from water, organic oils, and combinations thereof. According to further embodiments, the working fluid comprises distilled water.

The heat exchange unit 142, heating unit 152 and pump 156 are in fluid communication with each other, thereby forming a closed-loop heating system. According to some embodiments, heating unit 152 is configured to receive, contain and heat the working fluid to the preselected temperature. As a result of the heating, the working fluid can boil or be transformed into steam. Pump 156 is configured to allow the flow of the heated working fluid between heating unit 152 and the heat exchange unit 142, such that the working fluid flowing within the heating tube of heat exchange unit 142 is configured to transfer heat to the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, through indirect contact via the heating tube. Resulting from the heat transfer, the working fluid cools or undergo condensation into fluid. Advantageously, the working fluid does not come into direct contact with the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, thereby separating between the vessel within which working fluid is heated, and the vessel containing the treated water.

As noted, dispensing unit 100 comprises a closed-loop heating system configured to transfer heat from a working fluid into water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, utilizing indirect contact therebetween through the heat exchange unit 142. The use of heat exchangers to heat water is conventionally implemented for large tank boiler systems adapted to heat large quantities of water, typically for the purpose of domestic bathing or washing, wherein such systems are held outside of the residence home or kitchen due to their large size. Such large tank boiler systems typically utilize large heat exchange coils which takes up significant amount of inner tank volume. Coiled heat exchangers are not used in combination with conventional fluid dispensers, due to the unfavorable volume thereof, requiring enlargement of the water tanks to contain the same volume of fluid therein.

Advantageously, the dispensing unit 100 disclosed herein utilizes the closed-loop heating system to heat the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 for the dispensing of kosher hot water, thereby providing an elegant and economic dispenser, while overcoming restrictions/regulations of the Jewish religion relating to heating water during the Sabbath, due to the indirect contact between the working fluid and the reservoir chamber 104. Additionally, the dispensing unit 100 of the present invention was developed in order to incorporate an unconventional small sized heat exchange unit 142, in order to provide an economic dispensing unit 100 which can fit into a kitchen counter inside a residence home.

Heating unit 152 can be fluidly coupled to a drip tray 166 by a safety valve conduit 164, configured to allow fluid flow in the direction 103, as illustrated at Fig. IB. Drip tray 166 is typically positioned substantially parallel to dispensing outlet 168, wherein drip tray 166 is configured to receive spilled water during the dispensing therethrough. Safety valve conduit 164 is further coupled to at least one safety valve 119 configured to regulate the flow therethrough towards drip tray 166 (shown at Fig. IB). Safety valve 119 can be an electric valve, similar to controllable valve 134, and is configured to control or limit the pressure that may form within heating unit 152 during the heating/boiling of the working fluid therein. Safety valve conduit 164 is configured to receive fluid from heating unit 152 in order to relive pressure that may from therewithin.

Control unit 170 is typically configured to transfer, receive or initiate communication signals/data to and/or from, the various electronic components of the dispensing unit 100, including controllable valve 134, heating unit 152, pump 156, first water level sensor 114A, second water level sensor 114B, third water level sensor 114C, thermal sensor 116, and thermal sensor 117. Control unit 170 is configured to initiate and/or receive communication signals/data to and/or from the water treatment unit 10. The communication signals/data can be transferred over the DC electrical wires 128 connecting the control unit 170 with said various electronic components (as illustrated in Fig. IB), and/or wirelessly (not shown). The communication signals/data can include command/control signals.

Control unit 170 typically comprises at least one processor (not shown) configured to send, receive or initiate data (such as, but not limited to, digitized signals, control data, etc.) to and from the various electronic components of dispensing unit 100, and is configured to initiate and/or execute program instructions for generating the control signals used to operate the dispensing unit 100. The processor can be selected from, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable device or a combination of devices that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.

Control unit 170 further comprises a communication module (not shown) comprising electronic communication systems and methods, including a wireless link, that can incorporate any suitable wireless connection technology known in the art, including but not limited to NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other radio frequencies, Infra-Red (IR), GSM, CDMA, GPRS, 3G, 4G, W-CDMA, EDGE or DCDMA200 and similar technologies. According to some embodiments, the communication module further comprises a radio-frequency (RF) antenna. The communication module can further comprise at least one of a transmitter module and/or a receiver module, and is typically, albeit not exclusively, configured to perform wireless communication utilizing Bluetooth. The communication module can be is embedded within the processor or is mounted on the PCB, and is in electrical and/or functional communication with the processor, thereby enabling the transmitting and/or receiving of signals/data therebetween. The communication module can be configured to communicate signals/data with external devices/equipment and/or computer systems, such as, but not limited to, smart devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets), remote computer machines/servers and/or databases, remote and/or local data networks, etc.

According to some embodiments, control unit 170 further comprises a timer configured to measure time. The timer, as used herein, refers to a software embedded feature, which upon activation is adapted to measure time.

The dispensing unit 100 also comprises a user interface device (not shown) configured to receive user's inputs (e.g., using push buttons such as an On/Off button, and/or a touchscreen/touchpad), and/or present information to the user (e.g., using liquid crystal display - LCD, or touchscreen). The user interface device can be configured to exchange signals/data with the control unit 170, indicative of the user's inputs and/or of the information to be thereby presented to the user. The user interface device can be configured to indicate the temperature of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104. The user interface device can include at least one LED light, that may be configured to provide a visual indication during the activation of the controllable valve 134 in order to fill or refill the reservoir chamber 104 with treated water. Advantageously, the user interface device can indicate whenever the reservoir chamber 104 is being filled or refilled with treated water, thereby alerting the user not to dispense water by activating the dispensing mechanical lever 167 during this time. Therefore, said indication can assist in preserving restrictions/regulations of the Jewish religion relating to heating and dispensing water during the Sabbath.

The dispensing unit 100 can also comprise at least one On/Off push button or switch, which may be an integral part of the user interface device, or alternately distanced therefrom and located at a different position along the dispensing unit housing 102. Upon activation by the user, the On/Off button can initiate the activation or deactivation of the dispensing unit 100. The second water level sensor 114B is typically configured to generate measured level signals/data and transfer them to control unit 170, such that the measured level signals/data are indicative of whether the level of the treated water contained within reservoir chamber 104 reaches/falls below a predetermined first threshold level. According to some embodiments, the predetermined first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 0.5 to about 6 liters, contained within reservoir chamber 104.

A third water level sensor 114C is configured to generate measured level signals/data and transfer them to control unit 170, which are indicative of whether the level of the treated water contained within reservoir chamber 104 reaches or surpasses a predetermined second threshold level. The predetermined second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 10 liters, contained within reservoir chamber 104.

The first and the second threshold levels are illustrated at Fig. IB. Typically, the first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1 to about 4 liters and the second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 2 to about 5 liters, contained within reservoir chamber 104.

Prior to initial activation of the dispensing unit 100 before the onset of Sabbath and other Jewish holiday, the user may manually connect cable assembly 132 to the water treatment unit 10 (in order to form fluid communication and electrical connectivity therebetween) and optionally the AC electrical cable 130 to the electrical grid (in order to power the dispensing unit 100), if such a cable assembly 132 is not already connected thereto. Upon initial activation of the dispensing unit 100, the control unit 170 can be configured to transfer control signals to the water treatment unit 10, thereby requesting to activate any respective water treatment unit 10 valve(s) for streaming/flowing the treated water therefrom into dispensing unit 100. The control unit 170 can be further configured to transfer control signals to the controllable valve 134, thereby initiating the activation thereof, in order to allow the flow of the treated water into the reservoir chamber 104. During the activation of the controllable valve 134, the pump 156 and the heating unit 152 are typically deactivated.

Once the level of the treated water flowing into the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the first threshold level, the second water level sensor 114B generates measured level signals indicative thereof, and transfers them to control unit 170. Upon receiving said measured level signals from the second water level sensor 114B, and while the third water level sensor 114C is indicative that the water level has not yet reached the second threshold level, the control unit 170 is configured to regulate the activation and deactivation of the controllable valve 134 in order to provide a periodic filling of the reservoir chamber 104 with a first amount of treated water at repeating intervals. The periodic filling is implemented by initiating the flow of the first amount of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104 at a first predetermined time interval. The supply of the first amount at the first predetermined time interval may be designed to provide periodic filling of reservoir chamber 104 while preventing overfilling/spillage of water from reservoir chamber 104.

The water treatment unit 10 can comprise one or more flow meters for measuring the amount of treated water supplied to dispensing unit 100, and is configured to generate flow signals/data indicative thereof and transfer them to control unit 170 of dispensing unit 100. The control unit 170 can accordingly regulate the activation and deactivation of the controllable valve 134. According to other embodiments, dispensing unit 100 comprises at least one flow meter configured to measure the amount of the treated water flowing into the reservoir chamber 104, and regulate the activation and deactivation of the controllable valve 134 accordingly.

As long as the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is maintained above the first threshold level, the controllable valve 134 is typically configured to be activated by the control unit 170, thereby initiating the flow of the first amount of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104, at the first predetermined time interval of every about 0.5-5 hours. Further, and while the third water level sensor 114C is indicative that the water level has not yet reached the second threshold level, the controllable valve 134 is configured to be activated at the first predetermined time interval of about every 0.5-4 hours by the control unit 170, and initiate the flow of the first amount of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104. According to some embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is selected from the range of about 1-3 hours. According to further embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is selected from the range of about 0.5-2.5 hours, e.g. about 2 hours.

Once the level of the treated water flowing into the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the second threshold level, the third water level sensor 114C generates measured level signals indicative thereof and transfers them to control unit 170. Upon receiving said measured level signals from the third water level sensor 114C, the control unit 170 is configured to deactivate the controllable valve 134, until the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches/falls below the first threshold level, due to user consumption. Once the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches/falls below the first threshold level, the control unit 170 is configured to continue to regulate the activation and deactivation the of the controllable valve 134 as described herein, in order to “refill” the reservoir chamber 104 with treated water.

As long as the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is maintained below the first threshold level due to user consumption, the controllable valve 134 is configured to be activated by the control unit 170, thereby initiating the flow of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104, until the level of the treated water contained therein reaches the first threshold level, at a second predetermined time interval of every about 1 minute to about 3 hours, in order to refill the reservoir chamber 104 with treated water. The controllable valve 134 is configured to be activated by the control unit 170 at the second predetermined time interval of every about 1 to about 90 minutes, and initiate the flow of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104, until the level of the treated water contained therein reaches the first threshold level. According to some embodiments, the second predetermined time interval is selected from the range of about 5 to about 60 minutes, for example the range of about 10 to about 40 minutes, e.g. about 30 minutes.

Once the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the first threshold level, the control unit 170 is configured to continue to regulate the activation and deactivation the of the controllable valve 134 as described herein above.

The control unit 170 is typically configured to regulate the activation and deactivation of heating unit 152. Upon receiving the measured level signals from the second water level sensor 114B indicating that the level of the treated water residing within the reservoir chamber 104 reached the first threshold level for the first time, the control unit 170 is configured to activate heating unit 152, thereby heating the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 to the preselected temperature as presented herein above. The preselected temperature can be determined by the control unit 170 according to a preprogramed protocol, or optionally determined by the user. Once the temperature of the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 reaches the preselected temperature, the control unit 170 is configured to deactivate heating unit 152. According to some embodiments, during the activation of heating unit 152, the controllable valve 134 and the pump 156 are deactivated.

The water treatment unit 10 may be configured to determine the preselected temperature and to generate temperature signals/data indicative thereof and transfer them to control unit 170 of dispensing unit 100. The control unit 170 receives said temperature signals/data and can execute various calculations or data manipulations thereto, thus altering the preselected temperature. The control unit 170 can accordingly regulate the activation and deactivation of heating unit 152 as described herein above. The preselected temperature can be selected according to environmental conditions, such as altitude and atmospheric pressure, as well as the type of the working fluid.

The control unit 170 may also be configured to regulate the activation and deactivation of pump 156. Following the deactivation of heating unit 152, the control unit 170 is configured to activate pump 156, thereby flowing/circulating the working fluid within the closed-loop heating system comprising the heat exchange unit 142, for a predetermined time duration selected, for example, from the range of about 10 seconds to about 2 hours, e.g. about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, or even about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes. According to some embodiments, the predetermined time duration is about 2 minutes.

According to some embodiments, activation of pump 156 can be delayed after deactivation of heating unit 152. As heating unit 152 still provides some heating functionality after it has been deactivated, activation of the pump 156 can be delayed, e.g. of between about 10 and 30 seconds (for example about 15 seconds) in order to prevent circulation of water that are still being heated (i.e. passively, by the residual heat of heating unit 152 during its cooling -off after deactivation).

During the flow of the heated working fluid within the heat exchange unit 142, heat is transferred from the heated working fluid into the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, thereby heating them. Following the predetermined time duration, the control unit 170 is configured to deactivate pump 156.

During the activation of pump 156, the controllable valve 134 and the heating unit 152 are deactivated. Once pump 156 is deactivated, the control unit 170 is configured to reactivate heating unit 152, thereby heating the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 to the preselected temperature, regardless of the current temperature of the working fluid. The control unit 170 may be configured to continue to alternately regulate the activation and deactivation of heating unit 152 and pump 156 as described herein, in order to periodically circulate hot working fluid within the closed-loop heating system.

Due to user consumption, the level of the heated treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 changes. The control unit 170 can be configured to periodically regulate the activation and deactivation of the controllable valve 134 at predetermined time intervals in order to refill the reservoir chamber 104 as was described herein above. Thus, control unit 170 is configured regulate water refilling according to sensed water level measured at constant predetermined time intervals, as opposed to real-time reaction to user consumption. Furthermore, the control unit 170 is configured to continuously regulate the activation and deactivation the of heating unit 152 and pump 156 in order to heat and/or continuously maintain the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 to the predetermined temperature.

According to some embodiments, at any given time, only one of heating unit 152, controllable valve 134 and pump 156 can be activated. If one of the heating unit 152 or the pump 156 are activated while the control unit 170 is required to initiate the activation of the controllable valve 134 according to the predetermined time intervals in order to refill the reservoir chamber 104, the control unit 170 will allow the current process (i.e. the activation of heating unit 152 or pump 156) to end, and then initiate the activation of the controllable valve 134 as needed. When the refill process ends, the controllable valve 134 is deactivated, and the control unit 170 can resume the activation of heating unit 152 or pump 156 as needed. For example, if heating unit 152 is activated to heat the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 as detailed above, when the control unit 170 is required to refill the reservoir chamber 104, the control unit 170 will allow the heating unit 152 to finish heating the working fluid as desired, deactivate the heating unit 152, and then initiate the activation of the controllable valve 134 as needed to refill reservoir chamber 104. When the refill process ends, the controllable valve 134 is deactivated, and the control unit 170 initiates the activation of pump 156 in order to circulate the hot working fluid within the closed-loop heating system.

Once activated, dispensing unit 100 is configured to periodically draw treated water from the water treatment unit 10, heat them, and enable the dispensing thereof, according to a predetermined protocol initiated by control unit 170, comprising: continuously refilling reservoir chamber 104 according to the water level residing therein at specific predetermined time intervals; and alternately activating and deactivating pump 156 and heating unit 152 in order to continuously maintain the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 at a predetermined temperature as described herein above. Advantageously, since the predetermined protocol is initiated prior to the beginning of Sabbath, and enables to periodically flow treated water into the reservoir chamber 104 at predetermined time intervals, the dispensing unit 100 is able to comply with various restrictions/regulations of the Jewish religion relating to heating and dispensing water during the Sabbath, and to provide kosher drinking water.

The dispensing unit 100 is configured to maintain its continuous operation as detailed herein, until the user deactivates dispensing unit 100 and/or manually disconnects the cable assembly 132 from the water treatment unit 10.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-8B. Dispensing unit top cover 109 is detachably attached to the dispensing unit housing 102. However, it is also contemplated that dispensing unit top cover 109 may be integrally formed with the dispensing unit housing 102.

Dispensing unit top cover 109 comprises a top cover inner face 109a and a top cover outer face 109b, wherein the top cover inner face 109a is configured to face the reservoir chamber 104, and the top cover outer face 109b is configured to face the outer environment. Dispensing unit top cover 109 can further comprise a circumferential seal 191 surrounding the top cover inner face 109a, and is configured to provide water-proof sealing between the dispensing unit top cover 109 and the dispensing unit housing 102, and/or the reservoir chamber 104. It is contemplated that during the heating of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, as mentioned herein above, hot and/or boiling water (/. e. , steam or vapor) may leak or flow out of the reservoir chamber 104 in the absence of adequate sealing between the reservoir chamber 104 and the dispensing unit top cover 109, which can result in water loss due to condensed water flowing along an outer surface of the dispensing unit housing 102, as well as undesirably wetting the external surfaces of the dispensing unit 100. Advantageously, the dispensing unit top cover 109 comprises a circumferential seal 191 configured to provide adequately water proof sealing between the dispensing unit top cover 109 and the dispensing unit housing 102, and/or the reservoir chamber 104, thereby preventing undesirable hot water and/or steam leakage therethrough.

Dispensing unit top cover 109 further comprises at least one exhaust opening 190 located at the top cover outer face 109b, and configured to allow hot/boiling water and/or steam/vapor flow therethrough, from reservoir chamber 104 towards the outer environment. The at least one exhaust opening 190 can be positioned in the center of the top cover outer face 109b, thereby distancing the point of steam or vapor exit from the dispensing outlet 168 so as to minimize accidental contact between hot steam and/or vapor and the user. The at least one exhaust opening 190 may be have any suitable shape, e.g. an ellipse, a circle, square, rectangle, trapeze, U-shaped, or any other shape.

As used herein, the term center refers to a position along the top cover outer face 109b located at the same distance from at least two, optionally four, opposite edges of top cover outer face 109b.

The top cover inner face 109a and the top cover outer face 109b accommodate therebetween a top cover inner space 193 that comprises at least one fluid opening 192, configured to allow hot/boiling water and/or steam/vapor flow therethrough. Exhaust opening 190 is fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid opening 192 via the top cover inner space 193. In this specific example, fluid opening 192 comprises a first fluid opening 192a and a second fluid opening 192b which are distanced from each other, each configured to allow hot/boiling water and/or steam/vapor flow therethrough from reservoir chamber 104, through top cover inner space 193, towards the at least one exhaust opening 190, as illustrated by fluid path lines 193a in Fig. 8A. According to some embodiments, the top cover inner space 193 is shaped as a maze-like inner structure, thereby facilitating condensation of vapor and/or steam flowing therethrough.

It is contemplated that during the heating of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, as described herein above, boiling water or steam/vapor may form therein. In order to prevent pressure buildup within the reservoir chamber 104, the at least one exhaust opening 190 enables boiling water and/or steam to flow therethrough, thereby reliving pressure that may form within the reservoir chamber 104. Top cover inner space 193 is configured to allow boiling water and/or steam/vapor flowing therethrough to condense into liquid form, and flow back into reservoir chamber 104 through the first fluid opening 192a and the second fluid opening 192b, thereby preventing or reducing loss of water. According to further embodiments, the first fluid opening 192a and the second fluid opening 192b are located at the lowest positions along the top cover inner face 109a, as illustrated in Figs. 8A-8B, thereby allowing condensed liquid water to efficiently flow back into the reservoir chamber 104.

Dispensing unit top cover 109 can further comprise at least one exhaust member 195, that can be a sealing member. According to some embodiments, the top cover outer face 109b is inclined downward from the region of circumferential extension 194 to the circumferential edges of the top cover, as illustrated at Figs. 8C-8D. It is contemplated that this inclination will prevent, or at least minimize, flow of water from the external environment into the reservoir chamber 104 through the at least one exhaust opening 190, and reduce the risk of debris accumulation therein. Similarly, the circumferential extension 194 and the inclined shape of the top cover outer face 109b may enable condensed water to flow around the at least one exhaust opening 190 along the top cover outer face 109b.

Advantageously, dispensing unit top cover 109 comprises various features as described herein, which may reduce loss of water during the heating of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, thereby allowing economic and improved performance of the dispensing unit 100.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9, showing a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for dispensing treated hot water from dispensing unit 100, according to some embodiments. Method 200 comprises an optional step 202 of manually connecting the cable assembly 132 of dispensing unit 100 to a water source, preferably the water treatment unit 10, prior to the beginning of the Sabbath, in order to allow fluid communication and electrical/data connectivity therebetween. Step 202 further comprises connecting the AC electrical cable 130 to the electrical grid, in order to provide power to the dispensing unit 100. This step is optional as it is not required if the dispensing unit 100 is already connected via cable assemble 132 to the water source, and/or to the electrical grid.

Method 200 further comprises step 204 of initiating the activation of dispensing unit 100 by activating a user interface device connected thereto as described herein above, or alternately activating an On/Off button. Dispensing unit 100 automatically performs initial activation thereof upon connecting to the water treatment unit 10; upon the activation of dispensing unit 100 or connecting dispensing unit 100 to the water treatment unit 10, the water treatment unit 10 automatically enters a “Sabbath-mode”, in which its water heating and/or cooling functionalities and the dispensing thereof through the treatment unit dispensing outlet are disabled. The user can manually activate the “Sabbath-mode” of water treatment unit 10 upon demand.

Dispensing from said treatment unit dispensing outlet of the water treatment unit 10 may be disabled during the “Sabbath-mode”, in order to prevent accidental water refdling of the respective water chamber(s) disposed within the water treatment unit 10. However, it is to be understood that during said “Sabbath-mode”, the treatment unit 10 can still perform certain functions, such as regulate the activation of respective valve(s), flow meter(s), receive and treat raw liquid (e.g., fdtration disinfection, purification, distillation, and the like), and electrically and/or functionally communicate with dispensing unit 100. According to some embodiments, step 204 further comprises transferring control signals by control unit 170 to the water treatment unit 10, thereby requesting to activate any respective water treatment unit 10 valve(s) for streaming/flowing the treated water therefrom into dispensing unit 100. If the treatment unit 10 is required to receive and treat raw liquid while streaming/flowing treated water into the dispensing unit 100, it will allow the current process (i.e. streaming/flowing treated water into the dispensing unit 100) to end, and then initiate the activation of respective valve(s) as needed (in order to receive raw liquid and provide treatments thereto).

Method 200 can further comprise step 206 of activating controllable valve 134 by the control unit 170 in order to initiate the flow of treated water through cable assembly 132 into the reservoir chamber 104. The controllable valve 134 is configured to fill reservoir chamber 104 until the level of the treated water flowing into/contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the first threshold level. The first threshold level represents a water volume contained within reservoir chamber 104 which is selected from the range of about 0.5 to about 6 liters, preferably 1.5 to about 2.5 liters, or more preferably about 2 liters. Once the level of the treated water flowing into the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the first threshold level, the second water level sensor 114B issues and transfers an indication thereof to control unit 170. In response thereto, the control unit 170 deactivates controllable valve 134. During the activation of the controllable valve 134, the pump 156 and the heating unit 152 are typically deactivated.

Method 200 further comprises step 208 of activating heating unit 152 by the control unit 170, in order to heat the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 to the preselected temperature, wherein said preselected temperature is selected from the range of about 45 to about 99 °C, preferably about 75 to about 99 °C, or more preferably about 90 to about 98 °C. Once the temperature of the working fluid reaches the preselected temperature, the control unit 170 is configured to deactivate heating unit 152. During the activation of heating unit 152, the controllable valve 134 and the pump 156 are typically deactivated.

Method 200 further comprises step 210 of activating pump 156 by the control unit 170, in order to flow/circulate the hot working fluid within the closed-loop heating system, namely through the heat exchange unit 142, for a predetermined time duration selected from the range of about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, or more preferably about 2 minutes. As noted above, activation of pump 156 can be delayed, for example for a period of time of between about 10 second to about 30 second (e.g. about 15 seconds), to prevent circulation of water during passive/residual heating of water during the cooling-off of heating unit 152. During the flow/circulation of the heated working fluid within the heat exchange unit 142, heat is transferred from the heated working fluid through the heating tube into the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104, thereby heating them to the predetermined temperature, selected from the range of about 40 to about 99 °C, preferably about 75 to about 99 °C, or more preferably about 85 to about 98 °C. Following the predetermined time duration, the control unit 170 is configured to deactivate pump 156. According to some embodiments, during the activation of pump 156, the controllable valve 134 and the heating unit 152 are deactivated.

Once pump 156 is deactivated, method 200 returns back to step 208, where the control unit 170 reactivates heating unit 152, thereby heating the working fluid residing within the internal heating chamber 180 to the preselected temperature, regardless of the current temperature of the working fluid. Method 200 is typically configured to continuously repeat steps 208 and 210, thereby continuously heating and maintaining the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 at the predetermined temperature as disclosed herein. The user can continuously dispense hot treated water upon demand from the dispensing outlet 168 utilizing dispensing mechanical lever 167 through the Sabbath as long as the dispensing unit 100 is connected to the water treatment unit 10. Method 200 can further comprise step 214 of periodically monitoring and/or measuring the level of the treated water flowing into and/or contained within the reservoir chamber 104 utilizing the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C, during the operation of dispensing unit 100.

It is to be understood that each level measurement by each one of the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C has a level measurement duration. The level measurement duration of each one of the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C may be less than about 1 second, e.g. less than about 0.5 second, or even less than about 150 milliseconds (ms). In some embodiments, the level measurement duration is less than about 100 ms, less than about 50 ms, less than about 10 ms, or less than about 5 ms. In other embodiments, the level measurement duration about 2 ms.

The periodic measurement of the level of the treated water flowing into and/or contained within the reservoir chamber 104, by each one of the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C, is performed at repeating intervals occurring every about 1 ms to about 10 seconds. According to some embodiments, the periodic measurement the level of the treated water flowing into and/or contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is performed at repeating intervals occurring every about 1 ms to about 50 ms, about 50 ms to about 100 ms, about 100 ms to about 200 ms, about 200 ms to about 500 ms, about 500 ms to about 1 second, or about 1 second to about 10 seconds. According to other embodiments, the periodic measurement the level of the treated water flowing into and/or contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is performed at repeating intervals occurring every about 100 ms.

Each of the second water level sensor 114B and the third water level sensor 114C is typically configured to measure the treated water level of the reservoir chamber 104, within less than about 10 ms every about 50 ms to about 150 ms.

Since the user can continuously dispense various amounts of treated hot water from the reservoir chamber 104, the volume of the treated hot water residing within can change. The control unit 170 is configured to periodically monitor/measure the level of the treated water flowing into/contained within the reservoir chamber 104 during the operation of the dispensing unit 100, and initiate various refilling commands according to a predetermined protocol. If the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is below the first threshold level, as detected at step 214, the controllable valve 134 is activated by the control unit 170 at step 220, thereby initiating the flow of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104 until the level of the treated water contained therein reaches the first threshold level (refill to the first threshold level). The first threshold level indicates a volume of about 0.5 to about 6 liters, preferably 1.5 to about 2.5 liters, or more preferably a volume of about 2 liters. Step 220 is configured to be repeated at a second predetermined time interval of about every 1 minute to about 2 hours, preferably about 5 to about 60 minutes, or more preferably about every 30 minutes, as long as the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is maintained below the first threshold level. Once the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the first threshold level, method 200 returns back to step 214 of periodically monitoring/measuring the level of the treated water flowing into/contained within the reservoir chamber 104.

If the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 is between the first and the second threshold levels, as detected at step 216, the controllable valve 134 is activated by the control unit 170 at step 222, thereby initiating the flow of the first amount of treated water into the reservoir chamber 104 (refill the first amount), at the first predetermined time interval. The first predetermined time interval is selected from about 0.5-4 hours, preferably 1-3 hours, or more preferably about 2 hours, while the first amount is selected from the range of about 1 to about 120 ml, preferably about 5 to about 50 ml, or more preferably about 20 ml. Once the first amount of treated water entered the reservoir chamber 104, method 200 returns back to step 214 of periodically monitoring/measuring the level of the treated water flowing into/contained within the reservoir chamber 104.

If the level of the treated water contained within the reservoir chamber 104 reaches the second threshold level, as detected at step 218, the control unit 170 does not activate controllable valve 134 at step 224 (no refill), thereby allowing the level of the treated water contained within to reach/fall below the first threshold level, due to user consumption. Following step 224, method 200 returns back to step 214 of periodically monitoring/measuring the level of the treated water flowing into/contained within the reservoir chamber 104. If control unit 170 is required to refill reservoir chamber 104 during the operation of one of the pump 156 or the heating unit 152, it will allow the current process (i.e. the activation of heating unit 152 or pump 156) to end, and then initiate the activation of the controllable valve 134 as needed (in order to refill reservoir chamber 104 accordingly). When the refill process ends, the controllable valve 134 is deactivated, and control unit 170 can resume the activation of heating unit 152 or pump 156 as needed, according to steps 208 and 210 as presented above.

In some cases, reservoir chamber 104 can be thoroughly depleted of treated water due to user consumption. If the reservoir chamber 104 is thoroughly depleted of treated water, control unit 170 is configured to continuously repeat steps 208 and 210 as described herein above, thereby alternately activating and deactivating pump 156 and heating unit 152. The reservoir chamber 104 will be refilled according to the various refilling commands as described herein above.

Method 200 can further comprise step 212 of deactivating dispensing unit 100 and/or manually disconnects the cable assembly 132 from the water treatment unit 10, preferably as the end of the Sabbath and/or holiday. Advantageously, due to the periodic refilling of the reservoir chamber 104 according to the various refilling commands issued by the control unit 170, the dispensing unit 100 can supply the user with unlimited kosher hot water supply during the Sabbath.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A dispensing unit configured to provide a continuous supply of hot water for use during the Sabbath, said water dispenser comprising: a reservoir chamber configured to receive and contain water from a water source, and comprising a heat exchange unit configured to transfer heat from the working fluid into the water contained within the reservoir chamber, thereby heating it to a predetermined temperature; a heating assembly chamber comprising a heating assembly in fluid communication with said heat exchange unit, wherein said heating assembly is configured to alternately heat and circulate a working fluid within the heat exchange unit; and a dispensing outlet configured to enable dispensing of water from the reservoir chamber therethrough.

2. The dispensing unit of claim 1 , wherein said water source is a water treatment unit configured to be in fluid communication and electric and/or data connectivity with the dispensing unit.

3. The dispensing unit of claim 1 or 2, comprising a controllable valve configured to control the flow of water into the reservoir chamber, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises a control unit, and wherein said controllable valve is in electrical and/or functional communication with said control unit.

4. The dispensing unit of claim 3, further comprising at least two water level sensors, wherein each one is configured to measure the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber, and to generate measured level signals indicative thereof and transfer them to the control unit.

5. The dispensing unit of claim 4, wherein the at least two water level sensors are configured to determine whenever the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches or falls below a first threshold level and a second threshold level.

6. The dispenser unit of claim 5, wherein the first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 0.5 to about 6 liters, contained within the reservoir chamber.

7. The dispenser unit of claim 5 or 6, wherein the second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 10 liters, contained within reservoir chamber.

8. The dispensing unit of claim 3, wherein the at least two water level sensors comprise a first water level sensor, a second water level sensor, and a third water level sensor, wherein the second water level sensor is indicative whenever the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches or falls below the first threshold level, and the third water level sensor is indicative whenever the level of the water contained within reservoir chamber reaches or falls below the second threshold level.

9. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control unit is configured to perform at least one action selected from transferring, receiving and initiating communication signals to or from the various electronic components of the dispensing unit, wherein said various electronic components comprise the controllable valve, the heating unit, the pump, the thermal sensor and the at least two water level sensors.

10. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 3 to 9, further comprising at least one one-way valve fluidly coupled to the controllable valve, said at least one one-way valve is configured to allow water flow solely from the fluid conduit in the direction of the reservoir chamber.

11. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a heating tube having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion extending between said first and second end portions, and wherein each one of the first and the second end portions extends through a respective bore formed at a wall of the reservoir chamber.

12. The dispensing unit of claim 11, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating unit being in fluid communication with a pump, wherein the heating unit and the pump are in electrical and/or functional communication with the control unit.

13. The dispensing unit of claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to periodically refill the reservoir chamber according to the water level residing therein at predetermined time intervals, and alternately activate and deactivate the pump and the heating unit in order to heat or continuously maintain the water contained within the reservoir chamber at the predetermined temperature.

14. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heating unit is configured to receive, contain, and heat the working fluid residing therein to a preselected temperature.

15. The dispensing unit of claim 14, wherein the heat exchange unit, the heating unit and the pump are in fluid communication with each other, thereby forming a closed-loop heating system, configured to transfer heat from the working fluid into the water contained within the reservoir chamber, utilizing indirect contact therebetween through the heat exchange unit.

16. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the reservoir chamber further comprises at least one thermal sensor, configured to measure the temperature of the water contained therein, and to generate temperature signals indicative thereof.

17. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a fluid conduit configured to be attached to the water source and allow fluid flow therethrough, and at least one DC electrical wire for establishing electric and data connectivity therebetween.

18. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heating assembly is fluidly coupled to at least one one-way valve configured to allow fluid flow within the closed-loop heating system is a single direction.

19. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the predetermined temperature is selected from the range of about 40 to about 99 °C.

20. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the dispensing unit extends from a dispensing unit bottom surface toward a dispensing unit top cover and further comprises a dispensing unit housing accommodating inner components of the dispensing unit, comprising the reservoir chamber, the heating assembly chamber and the control unit, wherein the dispensing unit top cover comprises a circumferential seal configured to provide water-proof sealing between the dispensing unit top cover and the dispensing unit housing and/or the reservoir chamber.

21. The dispensing unit of claim 20, wherein the dispensing unit top cover comprises a top cover inner face and a top cover outer face accommodating therebetween a top cover inner space, wherein the dispensing unit top cover further comprises at least one exhaust opening located at the top cover outer face and at least one fluid opening located at the top cover inner face, wherein the at least one exhaust opening is fluidly coupled to at least one fluid opening via the top cover inner space, wherein the at least one exhaust opening is configured to enable boiling water and/or vapor to flow therethrough, and wherein the top cover inner space is configured to allow boiling water and/or vapor flowing therethrough to condense into liquid form and flow back into the reservoir chamber through the at least one fluid opening.

22. The dispensing unit of claim 21, wherein the at least one fluid opening is located at the lowest position along the top cover inner face, thereby allowing condensed liquid water to efficiently flow back into the reservoir chamber.

23. The dispensing unit of claim 21 or 22, wherein the at least one exhaust opening is surrounded by a circumferential extension which extends vertically from the top cover outer face.

24. The dispensing unit of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the top cover outer face is inclined downward from the region of the circumferential extension to the circumferential edges of the top cover.

25. A method for dispensing hot water from a dispensing unit, the method comprises:

(a) connecting a dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24 to a water source, thereby forming fluid communication and electrical/data connectivity therebetween;

(b) initiating the activation of the dispensing unit;

(c) activating the controllable valve in order to initiate and periodically regulate the flow of water from the water source into the reservoir chamber of the dispensing unit;

(d) activating the heating unit in order to heat the working fluid residing therein to a preselected temperature;

(e) activating the pump in order to circulate hot working fluid through the heat exchange unit, for a predetermined time duration, thereby heating the water contained within the reservoir chamber to a predetermined temperature; and

(f) continuously repeating steps (d) and (e).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises periodically monitoring the level of the water flowing into or contained within the reservoir chamber during the operation of the dispensing unit, according to a first and a second threshold levels, and initiating various refilling commands accordingly.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein:

(i) if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber is between the first and the second threshold levels, the controllable valve is activated to initiate the flow of a first amount of water into the reservoir chamber, at a first predetermined time interval;

(ii) if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber is below a first threshold level, the controllable valve is activated to initiate the flow of water into the reservoir chamber until the level of the water contained therein reaches the first threshold level, at a second predetermined time interval; and/or

(iii) if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber reaches a second threshold level, the controllable valve will not be activated.

28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein only one of the pump, the heating unit, and the controllable valve can be activated at any given moment.

29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the water source is a water treatment unit.

30. The method of any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the working fluid comprise distilled water.

31. The method of any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the method further comprises step (g) of disconnecting the dispensing unit from the water source.

32. The method of any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the first predetermined time interval is selected from every about 1 to about 4 hours.

33. The method of any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the first amount is selected from the range of about 1 to about 120 ml.

34. The method of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein if the level of the water contained within the reservoir chamber is below a first threshold level, the controllable valve is activated to initiate the flow of water into the reservoir chamber until the level of the water contained therein reaches the first threshold level, at a second predetermined time interval selected from the range of every about 1 minute to about 2 hours.

35. The method of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein (i) the first threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 0.5 to about 6 liters, contained within the reservoir chamber, and/or (ii) the second threshold level represents a water volume selected from about 1.5 to about 10 liters, contained within reservoir chamber.

36. The method of any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the predetermined time duration is selected from the range of about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes.

37. A system comprising the dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24, and a water treatment unit fluidly coupled to the dispensing unit and comprising at least one liquid treatment device, the water treatment unit being configured to: receive a stream of raw liquid; utilize the at least one liquid treatment device to apply at least one or more treatments selected from filtration, disinfection, purification, distillation, and combinations thereof, to the raw fluid to obtain treated water, and supply said treated water to the dispensing unit.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the water treatment unit is configured to apply at least one or more processes to the treated water contained therein prior to suppling treated water to the dispensing unit, wherein the processes are selected from heating, cooling, and/or freezing.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the water treatment unit comprise at least one of: a heating chamber configured to heat and/or contain a certain amount of treated hot water; and a cooling chamber configured to cool and/or contain a certain amount of treated cold water.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the treated water is supplied to the dispensing unit from the water treatment unit: directly after undergoing the at least one treatment, without being contained within at least one of the heating chamber and the cooling chamber, or directly from at least one of the heating chamber and the cooling chamber.

41. The system of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the water treatment unit further comprises at least one of: a dispensing outlet configured to dispense said treated water upon user demand; one or more flow meters for measuring the amount of treated water supplied to the dispensing unit; at least one first valve configured to regulate the supply of raw liquid into the at least one liquid treatment device, and at least one second valve configured to regulate the supply of treated water to the dispensing unit therefrom, and a controller configured to perform at least one action selected from transferring, receiving and initiating communication signals to or from various electronic components of the water treatment unit, and communicate with the dispensing unit.