US20090277199A1

US20090277199A1 - Refrigerator capable of stock monitoring by providing ideal storage conditions

Info

Publication number: US20090277199A1
Application number: US11/721,283
Authority: US
Inventors: Alphan Manas; Kerem Guvenc; Murat Armagan
Original assignee: Teknoloji Dizayn Studyo Produksiyon Ve Reklamcilik AS
Current assignee: Teknoloji Dizayn Studyo Produksiyon Ve Reklamcilik AS
Priority date: 2004-12-08
Filing date: 2005-12-08
Publication date: 2009-11-12
Also published as: WO2006062491A2; WO2006062491A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, which, by means of a control unit (2) equipped with a display (2.1) on the refrigerator body (1), allows users to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions, and to monitor the comprised stock without opening the refrigerator door. Under the light of detailed information recorded to the said control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or a barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units; the conditions of refrigerator compartments as determined by foodstuff characteristics and the monitoring of stock therein are shown to users via said display (2.1) without necessitating said user to open the refrigerator door.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions and to keep the inventory of such foodstuff therein.

PRIOR ART

Regarding the background art, refrigerators widely seen in the markets cannot present to users any data on the products kept therein. Data on amounts and expiry dates of stored products are not only too significant for consumers; they are also an important factor in determining the storage conditions of foodstuffs in refrigerator. Additionally, the provision of a control system for allowing the user to easily access the products positioned in the refrigerator and for dispensing such stored products to the user by means of a mechanism embodied internally, are other significant factors facilitating the usage and follow-up of such products.
In Patent Application JP2002296904, some data on diminishing products in the house or in refrigerator are obtained by means of various sensors and measurement devices such that such diminished products are replaced with new ones by means of an installed system. When the used method is examined, it becomes obvious that such system is not proper for refrigerators. Here, the data are obtained only for diminished products; however nothing is mentioned on regulating the energy amount to be consumed by the refrigerator according to the amount of stored products, and on providing automatic access to any product within the refrigerator.
In Patent Application JP60011963, a stock inventory is conducted in relation to the products positioned in the refrigerator. Also the days are counted as of such products are put in the refrigerator and the user alerted accordingly. Weight data on such stored products are collected and the stock inventory is updated based solely on this data.
In Patent Application JP2005037086, a refrigerator is disclosed that is capable of stock regulation according to daily diets. On ID-tages correlated with foodstuffs stored in refrigerator, the date data of storing such foodstuff are written by means of a reader/writer. This refrigerator further comprises a visual means displaying the storage date data, expiry date data, and product type data. In this application, however, nothing is mentioned on determining ideal storage conditions of compartments where products are maintained, and on carrying out the stock inventory according to the weight data.
In Patent Application JP2001317859, tags are mentioned that are provided on containers where products are saved in the refrigerator. Furthermore, a tag receiver is provided on the refrigerator that automatically controls the storage and removal of foodstuffs from the refrigerator. In this application, however, nothing is mentioned on, under which conditions and in which compartments such foodstuffs are to be maintained, and on how such data is to be reported to the user without opening the refrigerator door.
Consequently, the requirement towards a stock inventory refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions by making use of stock inventory and control data, and the inadequacy of the currently available solutions necessitated a development in the relevant technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

By meeting the aforesaid necessities, eliminating all such drawbacks, and bringing some additional advantages, the present invention provides a refrigerator that is capable to keep stock inventory and to ensure ideal storage conditions for foodstuff.
The objective of the present invention is to produce a refrigerator, which creates ideal storage conditions in containers and compartments, according to the amount and type of foodstuffs contained therein.
Another objective of the present invention is to produce a refrigerator, which has a technical basis for advising the user, as a result of providing accession to data such as the amount, type and expiry date of products in the refrigerator, without opening the refrigerator door.
Structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the present invention shall be made clear, thanks to annexed figures and a detailed disclosure written by making references to such figures described below; therefore the present invention is to be evaluated by taking these figures and this detailed disclosure into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 gives a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator and of the control unit positioned on the refrigerator body.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the open and closed positions of a balance, namely a weighing apparatus positioned on the subject refrigerator body.

FIG. 3 gives a side view of said weighing apparatus.

FIG. 4 gives a perspective view of the interior of the subject refrigerator while its door is open.

FIG. 5 gives a perspective view of a liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b give perspective views of a packaged foodstuff seizing apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b give perspective views of an egg storing apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c give exploded views of a foodstuff storing apparatus of the subject refrigerator.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are respectively perspective and top views of said foodstuff storing apparatus in a ready position for putting into the refrigerating unit.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c give structural views of storage containers present in said foodstuff storing apparatus.

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c illustrate a preferred positioning of said foodstuff storing apparatus in a refrigerating unit and the manner a storing container is removed there from.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show a storing container embodiment for providing vacuuming in a vacuumed foodstuff storing apparatus and the manner such vacuuming operation is carried out.

FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the foodstuff storing apparatus composed of storing containers providing the vacuuming operation opportunity.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b are respectively perspective and top views of a foodstuff storing apparatus, where storing containers are composed of mobile parts.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of the foodstuff storing apparatus consisting of storing containers composed of mobile parts.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are respectively exterior perspective and top views of a beverage-can storing and dispensing apparatus positioned in a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator so as to allow the storage of beverage cans.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of loading beverage cans into said storing and dispensing apparatus and their dispensing from said apparatus.

FIG. 18 gives a perspective view of an oil storing and dispensing apparatus used in the subject refrigerator.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of said oil storing and dispensing apparatus.

FIGS. 20 a and 20 b give respectively front and general perspective views of a cylinder, namely tube beverage storing apparatus used in the subject refrigerator.

FIG. 21 gives a perspective view of a dry foodstuff storing container used in a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator.

FIGS. 22 a and 22 b give a perspective view of said dry foodstuff compartment, the socket said compartment is positioned, and the relation there between.

FIGS. 23 a and 23 b give cross-sectional views showing the dispensing of foodstuff from said dry foodstuff storing compartment.

FIGS. 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c show a preferred embodiment of said dry foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus used in the subject refrigerator.


Reference Numbers used in Figures

	1.	Refrigerator body
	2.	Control unit
	2.1	Display
	3.	Weighing apparatus
	3.1	Weighing element
	3.2	Body
	3.3	Handle
	3.4	Apparatus socket
	3.5	Hook
	4.	Liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus
	4.1	Socket
	4.2	Mixing channel
	4.3	Product dispensing channel
	4.4	Latch
	4.5	Liquid transferring channel
	4.6	Indicator lamp
	4.7	Amount sensor
	4.8	Product
	5.	Packaged product seizing apparatus
	5.1	Latch bars
	5.2	Feedback button
	5.3	Contact socket
	5.4	Joint
	6.	Egg storing apparatus
	6.1	Body
	6.2	Egg socket
	6.3	Feedback button
	6.4	Product sensor
	7.	Foodstuff storing apparatus
	7.1	Storing container
	7.2	Container lid
	7.3	Container inner cavity
	7.4	Container positioning front socket
	7.5	Container positioning central socket
	7.6	Container positioning base
	7.7	Base segment
	7.8	Weighing element
	7.9	Base center
	7.10	Body
	7.11	Lid
	7.12	Container removing socket
	7.13	Container separating element
	8.	Vacuumed foodstuff storing apparatus
	8.1	Carrier body
	8.2	Lid
	8.3	Product container
	8.4	Sealing element
	8.5	Locking element
	8.6	Vacuum inlet
	8.7	Stopper
	8.8	Pivot
	8.9	Vacuum pipe
	9.	Product storing apparatus with mobile parts
	9.1	Body
	9.2	Blade
	9.3	Inner part blade carrying cylinder
	9.4	Outer part blade carrying cylinder
	9.5	Closure cylinder
	9.6	Closure cylinder
	9.7	Conveyor band
	9.8	Product inserting-removing gap
	9.9	Driver shaft
	9.10	Product
	10.	Beverage can storing and dispensing apparatus
	10.1	Refrigerating unit
	10.2	Body
	10.3	Product channel
	10.4	Joint
	10.5	Lid
	10.6	Product inlet gap
	10.7	Product outlet gap
	10.8	Product dispensing section
	11.	Oil storing and dispensing apparatus
	11.1	Drawer socket
	11.2	Drawer body
	11.3	Fastening latch
	11.4	Product socket
	11.5	Transferring pipe
	11.6	Product
	11.7	Product compartment
	12.	Cylinder beverage storing apparatus
	12.1	Socket
	12.2	Fluid cylinder
	12.3	Channel
	12.4	Dispensing part
	12.5	Cylinder sensor
	12.6	Level sensor
	12.7	Gas cylinder
	13.	Dry foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus
	13.1	Foodstuff storing container
	13.2	Label spot
	13.3	Container inlet
	13.4	Container inlet closure
	13.5	Amount sensor
	13.5.1	Conducting plates
	13.5.2	Insulating element
	13.5.3	Conductor strips
	13.5.4	Terminals
	13.6	Container socket
	13.6.1	Laber spot
	13.6.2	Control element
	13.6.3	Electrical connection sockets
	13.6.4	Foodstuff outlet
	13.7	Storing setup
	13.7.1	Container socket coupling means
	13.7.2	Cover
	13.7.3	Body

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In this detailed description, preferred embodiments of the subject refrigerator that is capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions and to keep stock inventory are given solely for illustrative purposes in order to make clear the present invention without imposing any restrictions thereon.
FIG. 1 gives a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator and of the control unit (2) positioned on the refrigerator body (1). The subject refrigerator records and lists detailed data and positions of solid or liquid foodstuff positioned therein by means of a control unit (2) that is composed preferably of an LCD (2.1), which is large, color or black-white, touch-sensitive or equipped with the required number of keys, and with a computer system, in order to store such foodstuff under most ideal storage conditions for a maximal period, thereby the temperature, humidity, and vacuum conditions of individual compartments being determined by means of software previously installed on said control unit (2). Thanks to a menu on said display (2.1), the current or previous operation conditions of the refrigerator and the ideal operation conditions of individual compartments are controlled in an ideal manner. Additionally, while foodstuffs are placed in the refrigerator, their individual sensing is provided so as their weights are maintained in the system. When any product is removed and put back therein, the individual consumption amount of such foodstuffs is monitored by the system. The user can easily see on the display (2.1) of said control unit (2) any data on products present in the refrigerator, the lacking/missing products, their expiry dates etc. In addition, before such products are placed in the refrigerator, required or preferred data on products are entered to the system by means of data cards, called RF-tags that operate by radio signals, or barcode readers, or wired/wireless data loading units provided on said control unit (2), giving the opportunity to see even the positions of such products in the refrigerator. With the aid of RF-tags, the places/compartments of products in the refrigerator, their approaching or exceeded expiry dates, their inaccurate storage conditions are monitored. Additionally, the data on expiry dates, production dates, origins, contents, and on manufacturer firms are loaded to the memory of said control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or wired/wireless data loading units.
The required elements for providing all such features given above, are individual temperature, humidity, pressure sensors, RF-tag readers for all compartments, and electronic balances positioned in all compartments (or a single balance). A main processor shall process the data from such peripheral sensors and store and display them via a user-friendly interface on the display.
Thanks to a refrigerator illustration on the display (2.1), it is possible to individually monitor the data on storage conditions of all compartments, on the products with relatively closer expiry dates, and on the products to be exhausted soon for all compartments. For instance, when the user wishes to see the products with close expiry dates, the product with the closest expiry date from all such compartments is displayed by a warn-sign figure form on said refrigerator illustration on said display (2.1). When the user selects this compartment from the display, the relevant compartment image is zoomed in the display such that a list is provided with the products having relatively closer or the closest expiry dates placed on the top of such list. Then it becomes possible for the user to both remove and discard such products with expiry dates reached or exceeded from respective compartments, and to transmit an order information to a store where such products were purchased, according to the data on the RF-tag of the relevant product.
The control unit (2) is capable to save and process the following data by means of installed software.

- Name and type of product.
- Type of foodstuff to be stored by means of vacuuming.
- Respective storage temperatures of products.
- Proper compartments for products according to the size of the latter.
- The places and compartments the products are stored in.
- Expiry date of foodstuff.
- Weights of and weight changes in foodstuffs.

A data base is kept in the refrigerator's control unit (2) where detailed data are saved in relation to foodstuff in order to provide optimum storage conditions and periods. This database is categorized according to the shelves and compartments within the refrigerator. Each shelf and compartment can be adjusted in order to store foodstuffs in certain categories. The user can add new data to the categorized database by means of RF-tags and download new foodstuff data from the Internet or from other external connections. The user can determine his/her favorite categories. Thanks to the data loaded on RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units, it becomes possible to receive data and storage condition instructions in relation to such categories from food packages.
The user can monitor by means of the display (2.1) on the control unit (2) the foodstuff in the refrigerator, their features, and their storage conditions. Thus R becomes easier to arrange orders for diminishing products and to report those products consumed with dietary and other medical causes. In addition to foodstuff categorization, the shelves and compartments can be adjusted in line with size categorization.
Operations such as reporting of characteristics, amounts etc. of products in the refrigerator can be carried out via the display (2.1) in a touch-sensitive manner; data can be transferred to the control unit (2) by means of connections such as bluetooth, wi-fi, and wired/wireless connections; and print-outs can be taken by a direct connection to a printer. As a result of data obtained from reporting, the diminished products can be determined before shopping or the dietician can be reported on the foodstuffs consumed daily.
By means of communication means (such as the Internet, telephone, etc.) on the subject refrigerator, any diminished products can be ordered by means of the installed software under the shopping option. The control unit (2) software in the refrigerator can save the products to be ordered in different shopping lists according to their significance, their daily consumptions, and can immediately order the urgent products.
FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the open and closed positions of a weighing apparatus (3) positioned on the subject refrigerator body (1). When said weighing apparatus (3) is out of use, a socket (3.4) is formed on the body (1) in order to put it (3) within the refrigerator body (1). Said weighing apparatus (3) can be opened and closed in said socket (3.4) like a drawer. This apparatus comprises a cylindrical body (3.2), a circular weighing element (3.1) positioned on said body (3.2), and a handle (3.3) coupled to the body (3.2) used by the user while placing or removing said apparatus (3) in/from the socket (3.4) in the refrigerator body (1). There is also provided a hook (3.5), as illustrated in FIG. 3, under said weighing apparatus (3.2) for positioning bags when foodstuff in bags are weighed. After some amount of foodstuff in the refrigerator is used, the weight of the remaining foodstuff is measured on the weighing apparatus (3) and the weighing result is saved on the control unit (2) in order to determine the product remaining in the stock and to keep stock inventory. The final or current amount of used product can be seen by the user on the control unit's (2) display (2.1), and the stock inventory can easily be viewed without opening the refrigerator's door.
FIG. 4 gives a perspective view of the interior of the subject refrigerator while its door is open. A liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4), a packaged product seizing apparatus (5), and an egg storing apparatus (6) are provided respectively from top to bottom on the interior of the refrigerator door.
FIG. 5 gives a perspective view of such liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4). A multitude number of sockets (4.1) are embodied on the refrigerator door. Liquid transferring channels (4.5) are provided on orifices opened on said sockets (4.1). Said liquid transferring channels (4.5) are connected to a mixing channel (4.2). Opening-closing latches (4.4) are embodied on the contact points of the mixing channel (4.2) with said liquid transferring channels (4.5). Said latches (4.4) control the liquid transfer from a liquid transferring channel (4.5.) to said mixing channel (4.2). The mixing channel (4.2) is connected to a cock on the product dispensing compartment (4.3). A product to be dispensed (4.8) is positioned in a packaged form in said sockets (4.1). When such product (4.8) is positioned in said packaged socket, a liquid transferring channel (4.5) is positioned on the mouth piece on such product (4.8). When a product (4.8), which is entered to said control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units, is placed in such packaged socket (4.1), an indicator light (4.6) provided on the socket is activated. This indicator lamp blinks to warn the user when the expiry date of a product is approached or reached. Additionally, fruit juices placed in separate sockets (4.1) of multitude number can be transferred to said mixing channel (4.2) in desired variety and amounts, so as to obtain a mix of various fruit juices. Also by means of amount sensors (4.7) positioned on the connection points between said sockets (4.1) and liquid transferring channels (4.5), the fruit juice amount in the package is sensed and transmitted to the control unit (2) such that when this amount falls down below a predetermined level, the control unit (2) sends a signal to light up the indicator lamp (4.6) in a different color and warns the user.
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b give perspective views of a packaged foodstuff seizing apparatus positioned in the subject refrigerator. A multitude number of latched control apparatus contact sockets (5.3) are embodied on the refrigerator door. The latch device is positioned in said contact socket (5.3) by means of a joint device (5.4) it is connected to. Said joint (5.4) is embodied in a cylindrical form. Two latch bars (5.1) are coupled to the joint (5.4). A feedback button (5.2) is provided on the joint (5.4) in order to report the user by means of a warning lamp whether or not the expiry date of a packaged product is approached or exceeded. Detailed data on the expiry date, product characteristics of such packaged products are saved on the control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units. The product is positioned between the latch bars of said packaged product seizing apparatus (5). After such product is positioned in said latch apparatus, the feedback button (5.2) is depressed in order to send the data to the control unit as to which latch apparatus in which position among such latch apparatuses is sent the relevant packaged product, and this data is saved in the control unit. When the expiry date of a product is approached or exceeded, the control unit (2) sends a signal to the feedback button (5.2) such that the light color of said feedback button (5.2) is changed to alert the user.
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b give perspective views of an egg storing apparatus (6) positioned in the subject refrigerator. In this embodiment, a body (6.1) with a shelf-form is positioned on the refrigerator's door section. A multitude number of egg sockets (6.2) are embodied on the body (6.1) to place eggs therein. Feedback buttons (6.3) are provided on each egg socket (6.2) on the body (6.1) in order to report the user by means of a warning lamp whether or not the expiry date of such eggs is approached or exceeded. Product sensors (6.4) are provided in egg sockets (6.2) in order to let the control unit (2) sense the circumstance that an egg is placed in said egg socket (6.2). The expiry date of eggs are entered to the control unit (2) and saved therein. An egg with the product data already entered is positioned in the egg socket (6.2). After an egg is positioned in the egg socket (6.2), the feedback button (6.3) is depressed in order to send the data to the control unit as to which egg socket (6.2) in which position in said apparatus is positioned the egg, and this data is saved in the control unit (2). Also the egg is sensed by the control unit (2) by means of a product sensor (6.4) in the egg socket (6.2) the egg is positioned in. When the expiry date of an egg is approached or exceeded, the control unit (2) sends a signal to the feedback button (6.3) such that the light color of said feedback button (6.3) is changed to alert the user.
FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c give exploded views of a foodstuff storing apparatus (7) of the subject refrigerator. A preferred placement of said storing compartments (7.1) is illustrated in these figures, said compartments being composed of elements making up a circle once combined and/or surrounded around a center and dividing the body into a desired number, preferably to 6 segments. As can be understood from the exploded view, storing containers (7.1) are placed around a center (7.9) on a container positioning base (7.6) so as to be put into the apparatus body (7.10). The interior of said apparatus body (7.10) is designed in an annular form to easily accommodate the storing containers (7.1). A lid (7.11) is provided on the front of said body (7.10) that (7.11) becomes visible on the exterior of refrigerator. A container removing socket (7.12) is embodied between the lid (7.11) and storing containers (7.1) as seen in FIG. 9 b. The container positioning base (7.6) comprises base segments (7.7) preferably on the amount that corresponds to the number of containers (7.1), said segments (7.7) being aligned around the base center (7.9) and providing an easy placement of said containers. Preferably a weighing element (7.8) is provided on that base segment (7.7) that is on the side of the container removing socket (7.12).
In the perspective and top views of FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the storing containers (7.1) accommodated in the body (7.10) represent an integral appearance. The user inserts his/her hand through a gap opened preferably on the lid (7.11) and provides an easy placement by preferably pushing the apparatus body (7.10). The base is preferably fixed, and a container separating element (7.13) positioned on the base is rotated around the center (7.9) manually and/or by means of a motor. The containers (7.1) are placed on the base (7.6) preferably by means of said reservoir separating element (7.13). Said containers (7.1) can both be positioned between small separating elevations embodied on said separating element (7.13), and be accommodated by means of upright elements having a height from the base up to the container height.
The containers (7.1) are preferably on the same height and as seen in FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c, each container (7.1) comprises a container lid (7.2) and front and central container positioning sockets (7.4, 7.5). Foodstuffs are placed in the inner cavity (7.3) of said containers.
FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 11 c illustrate a preferred positioning of the foodstuff storing apparatus (7) in the refrigerator and its usage. As seen in FIG. 11 a, the user pulls out said foodstuff storing apparatus (7) manually by inserting his/her hand through a gap opened on the lid (7.11) that is positioned on the front of said apparatus. The apparatus is moved out like a drawer until the base center (7.9) so as to accommodate a container (7.1) The preferred foodstuff product rotates the container separating element (7.13) manually or by means of a motor controlled by the control unit (2), such that the container (7.1) where such preferred product is stored is moved to the front segment where the lid is present. The user inserts his/her hand into the container removing socket (7.12) and pulls the container (7.1) upwards to remove it from its socket.
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show a storing container embodiment for providing vacuuming in a vacuumed foodstuff storing apparatus (8) and the manner such vacuuming operation is carried out. FIG. 12 a gives a perspective illustration of a vacuumed compartment embodiment in the foodstuff storing apparatus (8), an alternative embodiment of the foodstuff storing apparatus (7). In this embodiment, a storing container (8.3) is embodied to store a product. Locking means (8.5) are provided on said storing container (8.3). A lid (8.2) is connected to said container by means of a hinge or coupling element. On the surface the lid (8.2) contacts the container, a seal is provided as a sealing element (8.4). A vacuum pipe (8.9) is provided on the mouth of a vacuum inlet (8.6) opened on the storing container and connected to the refrigerator compressor (FIG. 12 b). In order to avoid air inlet through the vacuum inlet (8.6) into such vacuumed container (8.3), a seal is provided on the container side of the vacuum inlet (8.6) in the role of a stopper (8.7). Said vacuum compartment is positioned on a carrier body (8.1) with an annular form embodied on the refrigerator. After any foodstuff to be stored is placed into the container (8.3), the container lid (8.2) is closed by means of a locking element (8.5). The closed vacuuming compartment position is saved on the control unit (2) and positioned on said carrier body (8.1). The end of said vacuum pipe (8.9) is inserted into the vacuum inlet (8.6) of the vacuum compartment placed on the carrier body (8.1). The air in said compartment is vacuumed by means of a compressor connected to the vacuum pipe (8.9). Once the vacuuming operation is completed, the vacuum pipe (8.9) is removed from the vacuum inlet (8.6). A seal functioning as a stopper (8.7) on the vacuum inlet (8.6) closes said inlet in order to avoid air inlet to the container. Said foodstuff storing apparatus (8) is capable to rotate around a pivot (8.8).
FIGS. 14 a and 14 b are respectively perspective and top views of a foodstuff storing apparatus (9), where storing containers are composed of mobile parts. A preferred embodiment is illustrated where the foodstuff storing apparatus has mobile parts in refrigerating units (10.1) particularly of annular shapes. In this embodiment, a driver shaft (9.9) that is driven by means of an annular refrigerating unit (10.1) motor is provided on the annular body (9.1) carrying said apparatus and the annular gap formed on the center of the body. Gears are formed on the periphery of the driver shaft (9.9) and base center so as to engage to each other. Said driver shaft (9.9) is at the same time passed through the center of an annular blade carrying cylinder (9.3). Gear sockets are opened on the interior of said blade carrying cylinder (9.3) so as to face the gears on the driver shaft (9.9). A multitude number of blades (9.2) are formed along the periphery of said blade carrying cylinder (9.3). Inserting-removing gap closure cylinders (9.5, 9.6) capable to rotate a full circle around their own axes are provided between the body (9.1) and blades (9.2) on the blade carrying cylinder (9.3). Said cylinders (9.5, 9.6) are rotated by being driven by the gears they are positioned on. A product inserting-removing gap (9.8) is formed on the body (9.1), inner and outer part blade carrying cylinders (9.3, 9.4), and closure cylinders (9.5, 9.6). A conveyor band (9.7) is positioned on the body (9.1), between the inner part blade carrying cylinder (9.3) and the product inserting-removing gap (9.8) on the body (9.1). Detailed data on the product (9.10) are entered to RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units in the control unit (2) and thus to the control unit (2). Such product is put through said inserting/removing gap (9.8) on the conveyor band (9.7). Said conveyor band (9.7) transfers the product (9.1) to the product storing compartment formed between two blades. Thanks to the rotation of cylinder that the blades (9.2) are connected to around their own axes, the product (9.10) on the blade carrying band (9.7) is displaced. When identification data (9.10) about the product are entered to the control unit (2) positioned on the refrigerator, the related product is brought to the product transferring band (9.7) and is dispensed from the product inserting/removing gap (9.8) to the user.
FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of the foodstuff storing apparatus (9) consisting of storing containers composed of mobile parts.
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are respectively exterior perspective and top views of a beverage-can storing and dispensing apparatus (10) positioned on a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator so as to allow the storage of beverage cans. Said apparatus is embodied on a refrigerating unit (10.1). The beverage can storing apparatus body (10.2) that supports the apparatus is positioned on a shaft (9.9) that is coupled to the refrigerator unit's (10.1) motor and positioned on the apparatus center (10.4). Said body (10.2) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise a full circle on the shaft's origin (9.9). A multitude number of product channels (10.3) are embodied on the body (10.2) to place beverage cans. A cylindrical lid (10.5) is provided on said body (10.2). A product inserting gap (10.6) is embodied on the lid (10.5) whereby such products are translated to said product channels (10.3). A product outlet gap (10.7) is embodied aside said lid (10.5) whereby such products are transferred to the section they are dispensed to the user. Detailed data on the product to be stored in the apparatus are entered to the control unit (2) by means of RF-tags or barcode readers or wired/wireless data loading units. Once such product is sensed by the control unit (2), the product channel (10.3) set by the control unit (2) in relation to said product is brought in front of said product inserting gap (10.6) and the product loaded. When the user wishes to take out such product, he/she enters the name of the relevant product on the control unit (2) display (2.1) in a touch-sensitive manner. The desired product is brought to the front of the related product channel (10.3) by the rotation of the body (10.2) around its own axis and transferred from the product outlet gap (10.7) to the product dispensing part (10.8).
FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of loading beverage cans into said storing and dispensing apparatus (10) and their dispensing there from when desired.
FIG. 18 gives a perspective view of an oil storing and dispensing apparatus (11) used in the subject refrigerator. In this embodiment, a drawer socket (11.1) is formed in the refrigerator body (1). The drawer body (11.2) is positioned in the drawer socket (11.1) by means of a sledge means. Said drawer body (11.2) is displaceable forward and backward on said socket. A multitude number of product sockets (11.4) are formed on said drawer body (11.2). A fastening latch (11.3) is embodied on each product socket (11.4) in order to fasten a product (11.6) to be positioned on such socket (11.4). A product dispensing part (11.7) is formed on the front of said drawer body (11.2) for dispensing the product to the user. The connection between the product socket (11.4) and the product dispensing part (11.7) is ensured by a transferring pipe (11.5). One end of the transferring pipe (11.5) is positioned in the product (11.6) package placed in the product socket (11.4). A product (11.6) entered to the control unit (2) is positioned in the product socket (11.4) and the transferring pipe (11.5) is inserted into the product (11.6) package. The liquid oil product in the package is transferred to the product dispensing part (11.7) by means of said transferring pipe (11.5). The product (11.6) is transferred to a product dispensing container by means of a cock on the product dispensing part (11.7). The control unit (2) controls the oil amount and alerts the user by means of the display (2.1) when this amount falls down below a predetermined amount.
FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of said oil storing and dispensing apparatus (11).
FIGS. 20 a and 20 b give respectively front and general perspective views of a cylinder beverage storing apparatus (12) used in the subject refrigerator. A multitude number of cylindrical sockets (12.1) are embodied on the subject refrigerator body (1). Cylinders (12.2) with fluids stored therein are positioned on the sockets (12.1). Gas cylinder (12.7) comprising pressurized gas is provided in one of such sockets. Such fluid is transferred to the dispensing part (12.4) by means of the pressurized gas (12.7). Two channels (12.3) are provided in said cylinders (12.2) in order to discharge beverage to the dispensing part (12.4). Cylinder beverage storing apparatus (12) is controlled by means of the control unit (2). Cylinder sensors (12.5) are provided in the sockets (12.1) in order to transmit the presence of cylinders (12.2) in sockets (12.1) to the control unit (2). The amount of fluid in the cylinders (12.2) is controlled by means of level sensors (12.6) and a relevant signal is send to the control unit (2) when the fluid amount is finished. When said signal is transmitted to the control unit (2), a signal is send to the beverage cylinder vendor, requesting cylinder (12.2) supply by means of a GSM module coupled to the control unit (2), thus the consumed cylinders replaced.
FIG. 21 gives a perspective view of a dry foodstuff storing container (13.1) used in a preferred embodiment of the subject refrigerator. The foodstuff reserving container (1) basically comprises a label spot (13.2) on the front where a label can be adhered or attached in order to indicate the type of foodstuff content, a container inlet (13.3) to load and take out such foodstuff; a container inlet closure (13.4) avoiding any accidental outlet of such stuff; and an amount sensor (13.5) producing an electrical signal according to the pressure exerted by the foodstuff in relation to the stuff amount.
The foodstuff container (13.1) is settled on a container socket (13.6) as seen in FIGS. 22 a and 22 b. Said container socket (13.6) comprises electrical contact sockets (13.6.3) providing the contact between the terminals (13.5.4) of amount sensor (13.5) provided preferably in the container (13.1), a label spot (13.6.1) where a data label can be provided in relation to the foodstuff type, a control element (13.6.2) providing the removal of foodstuff and formed preferably in the form of a latch, and a foodstuff outlet (13.6.4) allowing the removal or outlet of such foodstuff by means of said control element (13.6.2).
FIGS. 23 a and 23 b give cross-sectional views showing the dispensing manner of foodstuff from a filled container (13.1) by means of said control element (13.6.2). When said control element (13.6.2) embodied preferably in the form of a latch is driven by the user toward the front of the container (13.1), the foodstuff outlet (13.6.4) is opened and the foodstuff outlet. Said latch (13.6.2) comprises preferably a spring-equipped mechanism and automatically closes the foodstuff outlet (13.6.4) when released.
FIGS. 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c give a preferred dry foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (13), where multiple containers (13.1) and container sockets (13.6) are positioned side-by-side and back-to-back. Said apparatus (13) is embodied preferably in the form of a drawer. Different embodiments may also be obtained. In this preferred embodiment, all container sockets (13.6) are mounted on a container socket coupling means (13.7.1) positioned vertically in the center of said drawer. Thus it becomes possible to place said container sockets (13.6) in a side-by-side and back-to-back manner. A cover (13.7.2) is fastened on the front side both to produce a unity with the refrigerator or the ambience, and to provide the forward and backward displacement of the container socket coupling means (13.7.1). All containers (13.1) can be taken in a body (13.7.3) by means of a pulling-pushing gap opened on said cover (13.7.2) with a size to allow the entrance of a human hand. Said body (13.7.3) comprises preferably refrigerating elements and provides the maintenance of foodstuff in all containers (13.1) in a cool ambience. Each container (13.1) is individually and practically removed from container sockets (13.6) and is filled through the container inlet (13.3), a single opening. When said inlet (13.3) is closed with the container inlet closure (13.4), the container is turned upside down and settled into the container socket (13.6). After the containers (13.1) are filled as desired, they are translated to their places by means of said cover (13.7.2) and placed into the body (13.7.3). In this embodiment, a body (13.7.3) is embodied on a preferred zone of the subject refrigerator. A body cover (13.7.2) is positioned on the body (13.7.3) by means of a sledge mechanism. Said cover (13.7.2) is displaceable forward and backward on the socket. A multitude number of container socket (13.6) is formed on said cover (13.7.2). A fastening latch (13.6.2) is embodied on each container socket (13.6) in order to fasten a product or container (13.1) to be positioned on such socket (13.6). When a container (13.1) is filled with foodstuff, an electrical signal is produced by the amount sensor (13.5) provided on the base in relation to the stuff amount in container or the content level of the container (13.1). Here, the pressure amount exerted by the foodstuff on the container (13.1) base, thus the fullness rate of the container is determined by means of an insulating element (13.5.2) positioned there, between two conducting plates (13.5.1). Since the pressure exerted shall be relatively high when the container (13.1) is filled completely, the resistance of conducting plates (13.5.1) shall reduce, and the current rate passing through the circuit they are connected to shall increase proportionally. The pressure exerted to the base and thus to the amount sensor (13.5) shall be reduced as much as foodstuff is discharged from the container (13.1). Since this circumstance shall increase the resistance, the current rate passing from both terminals is reduced proportionally. Thus in this preferred embodiment used in amount measurement, a current alteration is obtained on the amount sensor terminals (13.5.4) by means of conducting strips (13.5.3), said alteration being in direct proportion with the pressure. So this data is converted to an amount data by means of the control unit (2). The user can determine from this data displayed on the display (2.1), how much foodstuff remains in the containers (13.1).
The protection scope of this application is set forth in the following claims and can not be restricted with the disclosures given above for illustrative purposes only. It is obvious that a person skilled in the relevant art can produce the subject invention by making use of similar embodiments and/or can apply the subject embodiment to other fields with similar purposes. Therefore it is further obvious that such embodiments shall lack the novelty and inventive step criterion.

Claims

1. A refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions and to keep stock inventory by means of a control unit (2) with a display (2.1) on the refrigerator body (1), said refrigerator being characterized in that

according to detailed data saved on said control unit (2) memory by means of RF-tags or a barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units; the info as to which compartment must be used for which foodstuff according to the characteristics of the latter and/or as to what the humidity and temperature values of such storage compartments must be are displayed by said display (2.1) to the user, and

according to detailed data saved on said control unit (2) memory by means of RF-tags or a barcode reader or wired/wireless data loading units; the stock inventory of contained products is monitored by means of said display (2.1) without having to open the refrigerator door.

2. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that thanks to detailed data saved on said control unit (2) memory by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; the info as to which refrigerator compartment contains which products, which products' expiry dates are approached or exceeded, and which products are maintained under incorrect storage conditions are displayed on said display (2.1) to the user.

3. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the data on products' expiry dates, production dates, origins, contents, and on manufacturer firms are loaded to the memory of said control unit (2) by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units.

4. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that thanks to the software installed on said control unit (2), the user sends an order information to the vendor by making use of the data related to the relevant product and making use of the communication means such as the Internet, telephone etc. on the subject refrigerator, when any product stock is diminished in any compartment.

5. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that thanks to the data loaded by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; detailed info on liquid or solid foodstuff materials' name, type, amount etc. are entered to the control unit (2) memory by the user and/or available databases.

6. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; the control unit (2) determines and visually displays such determination result on said display (2.1) as to which container is proper for which foodstuff sizes.

7. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; the control unit (2) saves and processes the data as to in which refrigerator compartments and containers the foodstuffs are located in.

8. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; the expiry date of foodstuff are saved and the products with expiry dates approached or exceeded are displayed by means of said display (2.1) in a listed manner.

9. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that according to data entered to said control unit (2) memory by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units; the data on weights of foodstuff or on any alterations in such weights are transmitted to said control unit (2) by means of sensors, and such transmitted data are displayed visually to the user on said display (2.1) without necessitating the user to open the refrigerator door for viewing the product stock.

10. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the database of said control unit (2) is categorized according to the shelves and compartments within the refrigerator, each shelf and compartment is adjusted in order to store foodstuffs under certain categories, new data and additions are made by the user in said categorized database, and new categories are downloaded from other database by means of said RF-tags, internet or said wired/wireless data loading units.

11. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the user carries out operations such as reporting contained foodstuff characteristics, their expiry dates, and amounts on said display (2.1) in a touch-sensitive manner or by means of keys, and data are transferred to said control unit (2) by means of Bluetooth, wi-fi, cable and wired/wireless connection types and print-outs are taken by direct connection to printer.

12. A refrigerator capable to maintain foodstuff under ideal storage conditions and to keep stock inventory by means of a control unit (2) with a display (2.1) on the refrigerator body (1), characterized in

at least one weight measuring apparatus (3) embodied on said refrigerator body (1) measures the weight of product remaining after consumption in order to determine the stock product in the refrigerator and to keep the stock inventory, such measurement result is saved to said control unit (2), the final amount of product is displayed to the user by means of said display (2.1) to keep stock inventory, and also to regulate the storage conditions of the compartment where the relevant product is kept by means of thermoelectric calculations performed based on this measured weight;

at least one egg storing apparatus (6) positioned in the refrigerator is comprised, the expiry dates of eggs are entered to said control unit (2) before they are placed in said egg storing apparatus (6), such egg with the data already entered is placed in an egg socket (6.2) formed on said egg storing apparatus (6), and is reported to said control unit (2) by depressing a feedback button (6.3) on said socket (6.2) in order to specify the egg socket such egg is positioned in, and said control unit (2) alters the light color of said feedback button (6.3) in order to report the user that the expiry date of the egg placed in the relevant egg socket (6.2) is approached or exceeded;

at least one liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4) is positioned in the refrigerator, detailed data on such packaged liquid foodstuff are entered to said control unit (2) by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units, such product with the data already entered is placed on a socket (4.1) formed on said liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4), a indicator lamp (4.6) on said socket (4.1) is activated and lit after such product is placed, and the control unit (2) makes said indicator lamp (4.6) blink when the related product's expiry data is approached or exceeded in order to alert the user; and

at least one packaged product seizing apparatus (5) is comprised, detailed data on such packaged product are entered to said control unit (2) by means of said RF-tags or said barcode reader or said wired/wireless data loading units, such product with data already entered is placed between latch bars (5.1) of said product seizing apparatus (5), the feedback button (5.2) is depressed on the joint (5.4) that said latch bars (5.1) are connected to after such product is placed, said control unit (2) is reported as to which latch bars (5.1) the packaged product is placed, said control unit (2) sends a signal to said feedback button (5.2) when the packaged product's expiry date is approached or exceeded, and the light color of said feedback button (5.2) is altered in order to alert the user on the circumstance.

13. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that said weight measuring apparatus (3) is opened and closed in the form of a drawer in an apparatus socket (3.5) embodied on said refrigerator body (1).

14. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that said weight measuring apparatus (3) has a body (3.2); a circular weight measuring element (3.1) is positioned on said body (3.2), weight data on a product measured by said weight measuring element (3.1) is saved in said control unit (2), said weight data is displayed to the user by means of said display (2.1) whenever the user wishes so in order to view the stock inventory, and the storage conditions are regulated of the compartment containing such product by means of thermoelectric calculations based on such determined weight.

15. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one hook (3.5) is positioned beneath said body (3.2) to hang bags when the weights of foodstuffs in bags are to be measured.

16. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that product sensors (6.4) are provided in said egg sockets (6.2) to let the control unit (2) sense the presence of any egg in said egg socket (6.2) without depressing said feedback button (6.3).

17. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in comprising liquid transferring channels (4.5) connected to openings opened on said sockets (4.1) of said liquid foodstuff storing and dispensing apparatus (4), a mixing channel (4.2) where said liquid transferring channels (4.5) are coupled, and opening-closing latches (4.4) formed on the connection points of said liquid transferring channels (4.5) and said mixing channel (4.2) in order to control the liquid transfer.

18. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that amount sensors (4.7) are comprised on the connection points of said sockets (4.1) with said liquid transferring channels (4.5), fruit juice content in packages are sensed by means of said amount sensors (4.7), and such data transmitted to said control unit (2).

19. A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that said control unit (2) sends a signal such that said indicator lamp (4.6) lights with a different color to alert the user when the amount measured by said amount sensors (4.7) falls down a predetermined level.