Automated Liquid Dispensing Device

Abstract

1. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a) a serving bowl configured to hold a liquid to be consumed by an animal; b) a new tank configured to store new liquid therein; c) a used tank configured to store used liquid therein, the used liquid being liquid that was already available for consumption by the animal; and d) a carousel having one or more circulation cups and one or more drainage cups, the carousel configured to rotate about its axis of rotation in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] <CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS> This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 325,480, filed March 30, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] <Technical field> The present teachings relate to devices and methods for operating an automatic liquid dispensing device, which may be beneficial in providing clean drinking water for animals. Clean drinking water can be achieved through a variety of modes: fill with clean water, circulate water, drain stale water, refill with clean water, or combinations thereof. The modes can be achieved through the use of a rotating carousel and valve assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Domestic animals often prefer running water, freshly poured water, and filtered water over still water that has been sitting in a bowl. This preference may be due to the fact that moving water is cooler, more oxygenated, and therefore tastier, filtered water tastes fresher, the sound of running water attracts the animals' interest, and even because animals cannot see stagnant water very well, so they rely on their other senses. To address these needs, there are some automatic watering devices adapted for use by pets. Conventional pet watering devices have shortcomings related to the water circulation system, the filtration system, and the refilling process.

[0004] One of the challenges associated with conventional waterers for captive animals is the use of pumps and tubing. The pumps may typically be centrifugal pumps. The pumps rely on an impeller assembly to provide centrifugal force to expel water and create negative pressure to draw water in. Often, after a period of use with city or well water, these waterers, including the pumps and associated tubing, experience mineral buildup and biofilm on surfaces that the water may come into contact with, including the inside and outside of the pump and the inside and outside of the piping. Users (e.g., pet owners) typically find it cumbersome and time-consuming to disassemble and wash the waterer and pump to remove the buildup. To make matters even more difficult, in some waterer assemblies, the pump and piping are not accessible for cleaning. Over time without maintenance on the components, the buildup of buildup can affect the taste of the water, causing animals to lose interest in the water provided by the waterer, and can even cause the waterer to stop working.

[0005] Another challenge associated with such watering systems is the refilling process or lack thereof. Generally, automatic watering systems may have a reservoir tank that either circulates a fixed volume or automatically adds water when the water level drops. In the case of a fixed volume watering system, as the water evaporates and is consumed, there is less water to dilute the contaminants and mineral and biofilm deposits that collect over time. In the case of a reservoir that automatically adds water to keep the volume of circulated water constant, the incremental volume of clean water added is relatively small compared to the volume circulated, and therefore the concentration of contaminants increases over time. Additionally, many of these watering systems do not provide a means to easily drain the previously circulated water. Thus, even when the owner refills the watering system, the new water is mixed with the old water that has been used. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present teachings relate to a liquid dispensing device comprising: a) a serving bowl configured to hold a liquid to be consumed by an animal; b) a new tank configured to store new liquid therein; c) a used tank configured to store used liquid therein, which is liquid that was already available for consumption by the animal; and d) a carousel having one or more circulation tubs and one or more drainage cups, the carousel being configured to rotate about its axis of rotation in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0007] The present teachings relate to a liquid dispensing, circulating and draining device comprising: a) a serving bowl that is perforated, removable and configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and configured to hold liquid to be consumed by an animal; b) one or more filters in fluid communication with the serving bowl; c) a reservoir configured to hold liquid and communicate water from the serving bowl to a carousel; d) a new tank configured to store new liquid therein; e) a used tank configured to store used liquid therein, which is liquid that was already available for consumption by the animal; and f) a carousel having one or more circulation cups and one or more drainage cups configured to rotate about an axis of rotation of the carousel in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0008] The present teachings may also relate to one or more methods of using the device. The device can be used in a fill mode, a circulation mode, a drain mode, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0009] The device of the present teachings can avoid the drawbacks associated with pumps and tubes of typical watering devices by avoiding the use of pumps and tubes altogether. The device of the present teachings can be constructed of components that are easy to access and disassemble, thereby providing a device that can be easily cleaned to remove deposits therefrom. The device of the present teachings can provide circulation of water through a filtration system that captures debris and deposits so that the deposits do not build up on the device surface. The device of the present teachings can include a fresh tank that holds water for later dispensing into a serving bowl, a reservoir, or both. The fresh tank can allow the owner to leave the fresh tank for several days before refilling it. The present teachings can include a used tank. The used tank can allow liquid, such as stale or previously circulated liquid, to be automatically drained from the reservoir before it is consumed or evaporated, thus allowing new and / or circulated liquid to be refilled into the serving bowl and / or reservoir. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a device that can be used as a liquid dispensing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device without the front housing. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the spout cover and supported components. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the spout cover and supported components. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device without the new tank. [Figure 14] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along section AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device without the new tank. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device without a new or used tank. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing and supported components. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a top view of the housing and supported components. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a used tank. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a used tank. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stopper valve assembly. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stopper valve assembly. [Figure 23A] FIG. [Figure 23B] FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an actuator assembly and a valve assembly. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a top view of the actuator assembly and the valve assembly. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the actuator assembly and the valve assembly. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the actuator assembly and the valve assembly. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the actuator assembly. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a top view of the carousel relative to the actuator assembly. [Diagram 30]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the carousel and actuator assembly. [Diagram 31] FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the carousel relative to the actuator assembly. [Diagram 33] FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is an enlarged inside view of the carousel tab. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is an enlarged bottom view of the tabs of the carousel. [Diagram 36] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the device. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The description and illustrations provided herein will acquaint those skilled in the art with the teachings, their principles, and their practical application. The specific embodiments of the teachings described are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations found in the following claims are also possible, and are also incorporated by reference herein into the written description.

[0012] <Liquid distribution device> The present disclosure relates to a device. The device may be referred to as a dispensing device, a circulation device, an evacuation device, a liquid dispensing device, an automatic dispensing device, an automatic liquid dispensing device, or a combination thereof. For example, the device may be referred to as a liquid dispensing device or a liquid dispensing circulation evacuation device. The device may function to dispense one or more liquid and / or solid consumables. The device may function to provide a liquid suitable for consumption by an animal. The liquid may include water, semi-liquid food, and / or the like. The animal may be any domestic animal. The domestic animals may include dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc., or any combination thereof. In a typical pet-keeping household, the domestic animals may include one or more cats, dogs, or both. The device may function in one or more modes. The one or more modes may include a fill mode, a circulation mode, an evacuation mode, or a combination thereof. The one or more modes may occur simultaneously. The device may include a carousel, a cap assembly, one or more valve assemblies (e.g., valve assembly, stopper assembly), an actuator assembly, one or more tanks (e.g., new tank, used tank), one or more housing portions (e.g., bottom, middle, and front), one or more spout covers, one or more serving bowls, one or more filters, one or more sensing devices, one or more sanitary devices, one or more lighting elements, and the like, or combinations thereof. Generally, the carousel may function similar to a water wheel to transfer liquid from one area of ​​the device to one or more other areas of the device. The carousel may rotate to receive and / or dispense fresh liquid, receive and / or dispense used liquid, or both. Fresh water may be dispensed from the tank via one or more actuator assemblies, valve assemblies, or both. The one or more actuator assemblies may be engaged by rotation of the carousel in one or more directions. The direction of rotation of the carousel may be determined by the mode in which the device is operating.

[0013] The device may include one or more carousels. The one or more carousels may function to transport liquids within the device, function as water wheels, or both. The one or more carousels may transport water from one or more tanks to one or more serving bowls, from one or more tanks to one or more spouts, from a reservoir to a spout funnel, from a reservoir to a channel, from a reservoir to a tank, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more carousels may have any shape that allows for rotating, collecting, and dispensing liquids, semi-solids, and / or solids. The one or more carousels may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially and / or partially circular, cylindrical, spherical, ovoid, hemispherical, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the carousels may have a shape that resembles a cross section of an annular cylinder and / or a spherical ring. The cross section may be taken perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the carousel. The one or more carousels may be a single carousel capable of rotating in one or more (e.g., two) directions. The one or more carousels may be two or more carousels each capable of rotating in one direction. The carousel may include an outer perimeter wall, an inner perimeter wall, a bottom surface, a track, a track surface, one or more cups, one or more cup openings, one or more cup spouts, one or more tabs, one or more frames, or any combination thereof. The carousel may include one or more cups integrated therein (e.g., a one-piece carousel) or may include one or more frames having one or more cups attached thereto (e.g., a multi-piece carousel). The frame may be a one-piece or multi-piece unit. For example, the frame may be molded. As another example, the frame may be constructed of multiple pieces that are articulated. The articulated pieces may be similar to chain links that define gaps for the cups. A one-piece carousel may be advantageous in that it simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly. A multi-piece carousel may be advantageous in that it is flexible in accommodating cup sizes (eg, volumes) to accommodate a variety of discharge and circulation rates and volumes.

[0014] The one or more carousels may be located above, below, adjacent, and / or spaced apart from the one or more tanks. The carousels may be located below, adjacent, or both of the new tanks. The carousels may be located above, adjacent, below, or combinations thereof of the used tanks. The one or more carousels may be located above, below, adjacent, and / or spaced apart from the one or more housing portions. The carousels may be supported by one or more housing portions. The carousels may be located above the front housing, the middle housing, the bottom housing, or any combination thereof. The carousels may be supported partially or entirely by the spout cover. The one or more carousels may be at least partially located within one or more reservoirs. The one or more carousels may be in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs. The one or more carousels may be located within one or more carousel cavities. One or more components of the device may have one or more portions of a carousel cavity formed therein. The cavity may be complementary to the overall contour of the carousel. The cavity may allow the carousel to be located therein, mounted therein, or both, while still allowing rotation. One or more carousels may be located around, within, and / or adjacent to a channel, a portion of a tank, a cap assembly, a valve assembly, an actuator assembly, a reservoir, or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0015] The carousel can define a cavity. The cavity can be defined by an inner circumferential wall (e.g., an inner surface). The cavity can be defined using a track. The cavity can be defined by a hub. The hub can be a driven hub that is centered or eccentric. The track and / or hub can have an engagement feature. The hub can engage directly or indirectly with a drive unit. For example, the hub can be a splined hub that is mated with a drive unit (e.g., to a drive shaft or the like). Located within the cavity can be a channel, a fill extension, a cap assembly, a valve assembly, an actuator assembly, a drive gear, a reservoir, or combinations thereof. The cavity can be concentric and / or eccentric with the axis of rotation of the carousel.

[0016] The carousel may be located at an angle within the device. The angle may be vertical, parallel, or any angle in between. The carousel may be located at an angle defined by the track, track surface, hub, and / or central axis. The angle may be sloped to be between parallel and vertical. The sloped arrangement may allow for space savings within the device. Spacing savings may be achieved by one or more components being located within a void, by ensuring a sufficient angle that also aids in the liquid flowing out of the cup by gravity, or both.

[0017] The carousel may be rotated in one or more directions. The one or more directions may include a first direction, a second direction, or both. The one or more directions may be associated with one or more modes of the carousel. The one or more modes may include fill, circulate, and / or drain. When rotated in a first direction, the carousel may function to fill the reservoir with new liquid (e.g., from a new tank), recirculate liquid from the reservoir to a serving bowl, or both. The first direction may be referred to as a fill direction and / or a recirculation direction. When rotated in a second direction, the carousel may function to dump used liquid from the reservoir to a used tank. The second direction may be referred to as a drain direction. The first direction, the second direction, or both may be clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The directions may be as viewed from the top down on the device. For example, the first direction may be counterclockwise and the second direction may be clockwise. The carousel may be driven by receiving a torque to rotate in one or more directions. The torque may be received from one or more gears (e.g., drive gears). The one or more gears may be part of a drive unit. The torque may be received by any portion of the carousel configured to engage with the drive unit. The torque may be received by a track of the carousel.

[0018] The carousel may or may not include a track. The track may function to receive torque, rotate the carousel about an axis of rotation, cooperate with a drive unit, or combinations thereof. The track may have any suitable configuration for cooperating with and being driven by a drive unit. The track may include or be gears, teeth, or both. The gears may be spur gears, helical gears, internal gears, etc., or combinations thereof. For example, the track may be a spur gear, the teeth of which are evenly spaced and protruding around the periphery. The track may mate and / or engage with one or more gears. The one or more gears may be one or more gears of a drive unit. The track may engage with one or more drive gears. For example, the track may engage with a drive gear. The track may engage with a drive gear at or near an upper portion, a front portion, a side portion, a rear portion, a lower portion, or any combination thereof. The track may be located along at least a portion or the entirety of the outer periphery, inner periphery, or both of the carousel. The track may at least partially or completely surround (e.g., perimeter) of the outer wall, inner wall, or both of the carousel. The track may surround and / or even define a cavity of the carousel. The track may be located at, biased toward, and / or near one or more edges of the peripheral wall (e.g., upper, outer, inner) of the carousel. The track may be located on the upper surface, the lower surface, extend partially and / or completely between the upper and lower surfaces, or any combination thereof. The track may be properly centered between the upper and lower surfaces of the carousel. The track may be biased to approach the upper and / or lower surfaces. The track may be substantially concentric, offset, or both with respect to the center, major circle, minor circle, or combination thereof of the carousel. The track may be attached to and / or integral with the body of the carousel, for example the track may be integral with the inner peripheral wall of the carousel.The track can be used to rotate the carousel about an axis of rotation during a fill mode, a circulation mode, and / or an eject mode. The track can be used to rotate the carousel clockwise, counterclockwise, or both.

[0019] The track can be in and / or form a plane referred to as the track surface. The track surface can be at an angle to the vertical, the horizontal, or a combination thereof. The track surface can be substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The track surface can be at an angle to the vertical. The track surface can be formed to form an angle with the vertical of about 0 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more, about 20 degrees or more, about 30 degrees or more, about 40 degrees or more, or even about 45 degrees or more. The track surface can be formed to form an angle with the vertical of about 90 degrees or less, about 80 degrees or less, about 70 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or even about 55 degrees or less. For example, the track surface can be formed to form an angle with the vertical of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees. The angle with the vertical can be an upward angle, an angle closest to the new tank, or both. The rotation of the track can rotate the carousel about the axis of rotation. The rotation of the track can rotate one or more cups about the axis of rotation.

[0020] The carousel may include one or more cups. The one or more cups may function to collect and / or transfer one or more liquids. The one or more cups may cooperate with one or more spouts to discard one or more liquids. The one or more cups may cooperate with one or more openings to contain one or more liquids therein. The one or more cups may be formed as one or more recesses in the carousel. The one or more cups may be open from the top surface, bottom surface, or both of the carousel. The cups may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the cups may have a cross-sectional shape where one side is oval, circular, and / or elliptical (e.g., curved walls) and the other side is more rectangular (e.g., more straight walls). The cross-section may be taken substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the carousel, parallel to the track surface, or both. The one or more cups may include one or more circulation cups, drainage cups, or both. The one or more circulation cups may function to recirculate liquid within the device. The one or more circulation cups may function to collect and transfer liquid from a reservoir to a spout funnel or spout. The one or more circulation cups may function to transfer liquid from a reservoir to a serving bowl. The one or more circulation cups may function to transfer liquid that has passed through a filter. The one or more drainage cups may function to discard liquid into a waste tank. The one or more drainage cups may function to collect and transfer liquid from a reservoir to a channel. The one or more drainage cups may function to transfer liquid from a reservoir to a waste tank. The one or more circulation cups may be adjacent to and / or spaced apart from one or more other circulation cups, drainage cups, or both. The one or more circulation cups and drainage cups may be arranged in an alternating, repeating pattern, and / or similar manner. For example, a circulation cup may be adjacent to a drainage cup, with this pattern repeating around the carousel.The alternating pattern may allow a nearly constant flow of circulated and / or used liquid to be collected by the cups and / or dispensed through the spouts. As another example, a circulation cup may be adjacent to a circulation cup, which may be adjacent to a drain cup, repeating this pattern around the carousel. Having more circulation cups may allow for quicker circulation and distribution of circulated liquid. As another example, a circulation cup may be adjacent to a drain cup, which may be adjacent to another drain cup, repeating this pattern around the carousel. Having more drain cups may allow for quicker drainage of used liquid before filling with clean liquid. A circulation cup may be adjacent to a drain cup. The circulation cup and drain cup may have a separation wall located between them. The one or more cups may include multiple cups. The multiple cups may be arranged in a circular (e.g., radial) manner within the carousel. The multiple cups may include two or more cups, four or more cups, six or more cups, or even eight or more cups. The plurality of cups may include 30 cups or less, 20 cups or less, 18 cups or less, 16 cups or less, or even 14 cups or less. By way of example, the plurality of cups may include between 10 and 16 cups.

[0021] The one or more cups may include one or more openings (e.g., cup openings). The one or more openings may allow liquid to flow into the one or more cups. The one or more openings may be located at a leading edge and / or corner of the cup. The leading edge and / or corner may be an edge and / or corner of the cup that is first contacted as the carousel rotates. The one or more openings may be formed adjacent to a separation wall of the cup. The one or more openings may be mirror symmetric about the separation wall relative to one or more other openings. The one or more cups may be adjacent to and / or biased toward an outer periphery (e.g., peripheral wall, exterior surface) of the carousel. The one or more openings may be formed in a bottom surface, an upper surface, or both of the carousel. The one or more openings may be formed in the bottom surface. The bottom surface may be in contact with and / or submerged in the liquid. The bottom surface may be partially submerged in the liquid as it is rotated through the liquid in the reservoir.

[0022] One or more circulation cups can be rotated into and / or through the reservoir. When liquid is in the reservoir, it can enter the circulation cup through the cup opening. The liquid can enter the circulation cup through the cup opening. The liquid can flow into the circulation cup through the opening as the carousel rotates in a first direction. The liquid can flow from the circulation cup toward the circulation spout while the carousel continues to rotate (e.g., in a first direction).

[0023] The one or more drain cups may be rotated into and / or through the reservoir. When in the reservoir, liquid may enter the drain cup through the cup opening. The liquid may enter the drain cup through the cup opening. The liquid may flow into the drain cup through the cup opening when the carousel rotates in a second direction. The liquid may be directed to the spout via one or more guide walls. One or more guide walls in the spout may function to guide the flow of liquid away from the cup opening and towards the spout so that a sufficient amount of liquid accumulates and can then be dispensed by gravity (e.g., overcoming friction). The one or more guide walls may extend from within a central region of the cup towards an end of the spout. The one or more guide walls may be formed as ribs. Liquid received into the one or more cups via the one or more cup openings may be expelled from the cup via the one or more spouts.

[0024] The carousel may include one or more spouts (e.g., cup spouts). The one or more cup spouts may function to remove liquid from the carousel, to transfer liquid from the carousel to one or more other components of the device, or both. The one or more cup spouts may function to remove liquid toward another spout, toward a channel, toward a serving bowl, toward one or more tanks, or toward any combination thereof. The one or more spouts may direct liquid out of the cup and away from it. The one or more spouts may be at the inner periphery of the carousel, the outer periphery, within the carousel, or combinations thereof. The one or more spouts may be biased against and / or at the inner periphery of the carousel. The one or more cup spouts may be located generally opposite the one or more cup openings. The one or more spouts may project away from the carousel, toward another portion of the carousel, or both. The one or more spouts can project away from the inner peripheral wall of the carousel, toward the center of the carousel, toward the bottom surface of the carousel, toward the upper surface of the carousel, toward the outer peripheral wall, toward the inner peripheral wall, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more spouts can project toward the channel when the cup is rotated into position over the channel. The one or more spouts can project toward the spout or spout funnel when the cup is rotated into position over the spout funnel or other spout. The one or more spouts can be located adjacent to and / or share a separation wall. The separation wall can form one of the faces of the spout. The one or more spouts can include one or more circulation spouts, one or more used liquid spouts, or both. The one or more circulation spouts can project from, be in fluid communication with, and / or be part of, the one or more circulation cups. The one or more used liquid spouts can protrude from, be in fluid communication with, and / or be part of the one or more drainage cups. The one or more spouts can be rotated through a reservoir, on a spout funnel, on a channel, etc., or any combination thereof.One or more circulation spouts may be rotated above the spout funnel. When rotated to be above the spout funnel, any liquid in the cup (e.g., the circulation cup) may flow from the cup opening through the cup to the circulation spout and into the spout funnel. Such rotation may be a first direction of the carousel. When rotated to be above the channel, any liquid in the cup (e.g., the drain cup) may flow from the cup opening through the cup to the used liquid spout and into the channel. Such rotation may be a second direction of the carousel.

[0025] The carousel may include one or more tabs. The one or more tabs may function to cooperate with one or more actuator assemblies. The one or more tabs may have any shape suitable for engaging and / or bypassing one or more portions of the actuator assembly. The one or more tabs may be configured as one or more protrusions from a surface of the carousel. The one or more tabs may protrude from a bottom surface, an upper surface, an inner periphery, an outer periphery, or any combination thereof, of the carousel. The one or more tabs may have a shape suitable for engaging and / or bypassing a yoke of the actuator assembly. The one or more tabs may have a shape suitable for engaging and / or bypassing one or more tangs of the actuator assembly. The one or more tabs may have one or more actuating surfaces, bypass ramps, or both. The one or more actuating surfaces may be one or more surfaces that actuate the actuator assembly. Actuating means contacting a portion of the yoke, such as a tang, causing the yoke to rotate, or both. The one or more actuating surfaces can project at an angle such that the actuating surfaces are substantially parallel and / or flush with the inwardly facing flat surface of the tongue, the surface toward the tongue, or both when the actuating surfaces contact the tongue. The one or more bypass ramps can be one or more surfaces that bypass the actuator assembly. Bypassing can mean avoiding engagement of the yoke, avoiding causing rotation, or both. Bypassing can mean remaining in contact with the actuator assembly or avoiding contact. The one or more bypass ramps can be sloped (e.g., inclined). The sloped surface can allow the bypass ramp to contact a portion of the actuator assembly and prevent subsequent movement upon contact. The tabs can cooperate with one or more biasing devices to prevent subsequent movement. The one or more tabs can include one or more opening tabs, closing tabs, or both. The one or more opening tabs can cooperate with the actuator assembly to open the valve assembly.The one or more closing tabs can cooperate with the actuator assembly to close the valve assembly. The carousel may include one open tab and one closed tab, multiple open tabs and one closed tab, one open tab and multiple closed tabs, or even multiple open tabs and multiple closed tabs. The multiple open tabs and / or closed tabs may be evenly and / or unevenly spaced around the carousel.

[0026] The device may include one or more actuator assemblies. The actuator assemblies may function to prevent and / or allow the flow of liquid from one or more tanks to the reservoir. The actuator assemblies may or may not cooperate with the carousel to open and / or close the valve assemblies. The actuator assemblies may function to raise or lower one or more components, rotate one or more components, or both. The actuator assemblies may function to directly or indirectly cause the raising or lowering of the valve assemblies. By raising the valve assemblies, the actuator assemblies may unseal the new tank. By lowering the valve assemblies, the actuator assemblies may seal the new tank. The actuator assemblies may be located near and / or adjacent to one or more carousels. The actuator assemblies may be located within a central cavity of the carousels. The actuator assemblies may be attached (e.g., mounted) to one or more housing portions. The actuator assemblies may be attached to the intermediate housing. The actuator assembly may be attached to the mid-housing at the reservoir. The actuator assembly may be located adjacent to, spaced apart from, and / or between one or more tanks, housing portions, or both. The actuator assembly may be located between the new tank and the mid-housing. The actuator assembly may be located between the front housing and / or spout cover and the new tank and / or used tank. The actuator assembly may be electrical, mechanical, or both (e.g., electro-mechanical).

[0027] The actuator assembly may be an electromechanical actuator. The actuator assembly may function to convert an electronic control signal into a linear force, torque, or both. The actuator assembly may receive a control signal from a controller to open and / or close the valve assembly. The actuator assembly may include one or more electromechanical components. The electromechanical components may include a solenoid (e.g., a linear solenoid, a rotary solenoid) or another linear or rotary actuator. The actuator assembly may correspond to or form part of a valve assembly. For example, a portion of the solenoid may correspond to and be connected with a seal extension or seal. The electromechanical actuator assembly may be sealed from liquid in a reservoir, a new tank, or the like. For example, the solenoid may have a sleeve or the like around it or may be mounted below the reservoir and sealed from liquid. The rotary solenoid may function to rotate one or more other components of the actuator assembly. The rotary solenoid may be in rotational communication with a disk. The rotary solenoid can cause rotation of the disk in a first direction or a second direction upon receiving a control signal. The rotary solenoid can be used in place of a rotatable mount and yoke to cause rotational movement of the disk. The rotary solenoid can be mounted below the disk, below the mid-housing, outside the reservoir, or a combination thereof. Mounting away from the reservoir can allow the rotary solenoid to be sealed from the reservoir liquid while still being able to drive rotation of the disk. One or more sealing elements can be used for electromechanical components, such as a gasket or O-ring.

[0028] The actuator assembly may be a mechanical actuator. The actuator assembly may function to convert torque from the carousel into a linear force. The actuator assembly may function to convert torque from the carousel to open and / or close one or more tanks (e.g., new tanks). The actuator assembly may cooperate with one or more tabs on the carousel to receive torque, transmit torque, or both. The actuator assembly may include one or more yokes, rotatable mounts, pins, one or more tangs, disks, pushers, springs, inserts, stops, and the like, or combinations thereof. The inserts may function as support and / or stationary mounts for all or most of the components of the actuator assembly.

[0029] The actuator assembly may include a pusher. The pusher may function to advance the valve assembly to an open position, allow the valve assembly to seat in a closed position, or both. The pusher may cooperate with the valve assembly, the seal extender, the disk, the cap assembly, or any combination thereof. The pusher may be configured to move to a raised position and a lowered position. The pusher may have a shape that is substantially cylindrical, spherical, ovoid, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. The pusher may be partially and / or completely hollow or solid. The pusher may be hollow such that the seal extender can reside at least partially therein. The seal extender may be secured to an interior of the pusher. The pusher may include opposing ends. The ends of the pusher may be defined as edges.

[0030] The pusher may include one or more extensions. The one or more extensions may cooperate with the disk to push the pusher to an elevated position, to lower or to cause the pusher to go to a lowered position, or both. The one or more extensions may be attached to, integral with, or both of one or more edges of the pusher. The one or more extensions may protrude from a bottom edge of the pusher. The bottom edge may be an edge that is toward the disk, away from the pusher, or both. The one or more extensions may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or even four or more extensions. The one or more extensions may include ten or fewer, eight or fewer, or even six or fewer extensions. There may be the same or different numbers of extensions on the ramps. The one or more extensions may be positioned to protrude from an edge (e.g., a bottom edge). The multiple extensions may be evenly spaced (e.g., radially spaced) along the edge. The extensions may be evenly or unevenly spaced along the edge. The extensions may have any suitable shape for cooperating with the disk, such as the one or more inclined and / or non-inclined surfaces of the disk. The extensions may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially and / or partially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the extensions may have a cross-sectional shape that is partially circular or partially elliptical (e.g., semicircular, D-shaped). The cross-section may be taken substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pusher. The extensions may have a height that is approximately equal to, less than, and / or greater than the height of the inclined surface of the disk. Having a height that is approximately equal to and / or greater than the height of the inclined surface may allow the extensions to seat on the non-inclined surface of the disk when in the lowered position. The extensions may seat on the non-inclined surface of the disk when the pusher is in the lowered position. The one or more extensions can seat on an inclined surface of the disk when the pusher is in the raised position. The pusher can be rotationally fixed and / or rotatable to move from the lowered position to the raised position.The pusher may be fixed against relative rotation with respect to the seal extender, the disc, or both.

[0031] The actuator assembly may include one or more disks. The one or more disks may function to cooperate with the pusher, one or more rotatable mounts, an electromechanical actuator, or combinations thereof. The one or more disks may function to raise and / or lower the pusher. The one or more disks may function to receive torque from the yoke, one or more rotatable mounts, or both. The one or more disks may have any size and / or shape to receive torque from the yoke, convert rotary motion to linear motion, transmit force to the pusher, or any combination thereof. The disks may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially and / or partially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the disks may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The disks may have one or more mating features. The one or more mating features may function to mate with the rotatable mount. The one or more mating features may include one or more gear teeth. The disks may be formed as gears. The gears may be spur gears, helical gears, internal gears, sector gears, etc., or combinations thereof. For example, the disk may be formed as a sector gear with teeth facing and engaging with the rotatable mount. Forming the disk as a sector gear with teeth only on a portion of the disk's periphery may be useful to aid in partial rotation of the disk. The teeth may protrude from the periphery of the disk. The disk may include one or more inclined surfaces, non-inclined surfaces, or both. The inclined surfaces, non-inclined surfaces, or both may be formed on the upper surface. The upper surface may be adjacent to the gear teeth. The upper surface may face the pusher, one or more extensions, seal extender, cap, tank (e.g., new tank), or any combination thereof. The number of inclined surfaces and non-inclined surfaces may each correspond to the number of extensions of the pusher. The inclined surfaces may be disposed along the upper surface. The inclined surfaces may be evenly and / or unevenly spaced along the upper surface. The inclined surfaces may be radially spaced along the upper surface.

[0032] The actuator assembly may include one or more rotatable mounts. The one or more rotatable mounts may function to receive torque from the yoke, transmit torque to the disk, accommodate the yoke, assist in the rotation of the yoke, or any combination thereof. The rotatable mounts may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially and / or partially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the rotatable mount may have a cross-sectional shape that is a rounded trapezoid adjacent to a semicircular shape forming an overall oval shape. The rotatable mount may include one or more engagement features. The one or more engagement features may function to mate with one or more engagement features of the disk, transmit torque to the disk, or both. The one or more engagement features may include one or more gear teeth. The rotatable mount may be formed as a gear. The gear may be a spur gear, a helical gear, an internal gear, a sector gear, etc., or a combination thereof. For example, the rotatable mount may be formed as a sector gear with teeth facing and engaging with the disk. Forming the rotatable mount as a sector gear with teeth only on a portion of its periphery may be useful to support partial rotation of the rotatable mount. Rotation of the rotatable mount may be limited by one or more stops. The one or more stops may be located on either side of the rotatable mount to limit rotation, apply an opposing force, or both. The one or more stops may be part of an insert. The opposing force may be applied when one or more tabs of the carousel contact one or more tangs of the yoke to transmit torque. An upper surface may be adjacent to a peripheral surface of the rotatable mount. One or more brackets may protrude from the upper surface. The one or more brackets may include two or more opposing brackets. The two or more opposing brackets may be spaced apart from one another to form a gap therebetween. The two or more opposing brackets may support the yoke therebetween.

[0033] The two or more opposing brackets can hold the yoke via one or more pins. The one or more pins can extend from one bracket across a gap to the opposing bracket. The pins can be located through the yoke. The pins can allow the yoke to rotate about an axis of the pin. The pins can cooperate with a biasing device.

[0034] The actuator assembly may include one or more biasing devices. The one or more biasing devices may allow the one or more yokes to deflect, rotate at least partially about one or more pins, bias the yoke into position, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more biasing devices may have any configuration that allows the device to bias the yoke in one direction, bias the yoke in an opposite direction, or both. The one or more biasing devices may be one or more springs. The one or more springs may include one or more compression springs, coil springs, torsion springs, spring belts, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more biasing devices may be attached to the yoke, the rotatable mount, the pins, a surface of the reservoir (e.g., spout cover, mid-housing), etc., or combinations thereof. The one or more biasing devices may be located between two brackets of the rotatable mount. The one or more biasing devices may be located between the yoke and the rotatable mount. The one or more biasing devices may be located between the yoke and a bracket of the rotatable mount. The one or more biasing devices may be attached to the pins. For example, two torsion springs may be attached to the pin, one on each side of the yoke, between the yoke and a bracket on the rotatable mount. One or more biasing devices may be attached to the yoke on opposite sides of one or more tanks. One or more biasing devices may be attached to the yoke on opposite sides of one or more tangs at the axis of rotation of the yoke, the pin, or both. For example, a compression spring may be located between the yoke and the rotatable mount and attached to the yoke on opposite sides of one or more tangs about the pin. One or more biasing devices may allow the yoke to deflect. For example, a force may be applied to one or more tangs that causes the yoke to rotate about the pin and compress the springs. The force may be applied by one or more tabs on the carousel. One or more biasing devices may return the yoke to a normal seated position. For example, a spring may apply a force to the yoke to rotate about the yoke pin and return to its proper position when the force is released from the one or more tangs.

[0035] The actuator assembly may include one or more yokes. The yoke may function to receive torque from the carousel, transmit torque, or both. The yoke may be formed by a main body having one or more tangs protruding therefrom. The main body may have a shape that matches the rotatable mount. The main body may have a shape that is substantially cylindrical, spherical, ovoid, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the main body may have a substantially cube-like shape to be complementary to a portion of the rotatable mount. The main body may be attached to the rotatable mount. The main body may be located in a gap in the rotatable mount. The main body may be rotatably attached to the rotatable mount. The main body may be located between two brackets of the rotatable mount. The main body may be attached to the rotatable mount via a pin. The main body may be at least partially rotatable about the pin. An axis of the main body that is rotatable about the pin may be generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotatable mount.

[0036] The one or more yokes may include one or more tangs. The tangs may function to receive torque from a carousel, such as one or more tabs on the carousel, to transmit torque from the carousel to the body of the yoke, or both. The one or more tangs may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially and / or partially circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the one or more tangs may have a cross-sectional shape that combines a rectangle and a semicircle to form a P-shape. The cross-section may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the yoke, or both. The one or more tangs may include a single or multiple tangs. A multiple may include more than two tangs. The two or more tangs may be bifurcated and / or branched from a main body. The two or more tangs may branch to create a branch angle. The branch angle may be an angle formed between two tangs. The divergence angle may be about 10 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, about 20 degrees or more, about 30 degrees or more, or even about 35 degrees or more. The divergence angle may be about 90 degrees or less, about 80 degrees or less, about 70 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or even about 50 degrees or less. For example, the divergence angle may be about 30 degrees or more to about 50 degrees or less. The divergence angle may refer to an angle observed when looking at the yoke from the top down. The one or more tangs may protrude from the main body at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body. The angle may be acute, obtuse, and / or substantially perpendicular. The angle may be an angle facing the rotatable mount between the tang and the main body. The angle may be about 90 degrees or more, about 100 degrees or more, about 110 degrees or more, or even about 120 degrees or more. The angle may be about 180 degrees or less, about 160 degrees or less, about 150 degrees or less, or even about 140 degrees or less. For example, the angle can be from about 120 degrees to about 140 degrees. The one or more tangs can include an upper tang, a lower tang, or both. Each tang can cooperate with an associated tab on the carousel.

[0037] The device may or may not include one or more cap assemblies. The one or more cap assemblies may function to seal liquid to the tank, allow liquid to flow from the tank, allow liquid to flow into a reservoir, cooperate with one or more actuator assemblies, cooperate with one or more valve assemblies, or any combination thereof. The cap assemblies may include a cap, a valve assembly, or both. The cap assemblies may be attached to, located within, and / or adjacent to the one or more tanks. The cap assemblies may be attached to the new tank. The cap assemblies may be attached to one or more walls of the tank. The cap assemblies may be attached to a bottom wall of the new tank. The cap assemblies may be located within and / or around a fill extension of the new tank. The cap assemblies may close and / or be located at one or more outlets, inlets, or both of the tank.

[0038] The cap of the cap assembly may have any size and / or shape that is attached around an inlet, outlet, extension, etc., or any combination thereof, of a wall (e.g., bottom wall) of a tank (e.g., a new tank). The cap may have a single continuous shape or multiple shapes. The cap may have a shape at least partially similar to an inlet, outlet, extension, pusher, etc., or any combination thereof. The cap may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially cylindrical, cube-like, spherical, ovoid, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the cap may have a first cylindrical portion that is attached to and / or integral with a second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion may have a larger or smaller diameter than the second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion may be located around or within an inlet, outlet, and / or extension of the tank. The first cylindrical portion may be located around or within a seal, seal extender, pusher, or combination thereof. The second cylindrical portion may be located around or within the pusher, seal extender, and / or seal. The cap may be partially and / or completely hollow to allow liquid to pass therethrough, have a valve assembly present therein, or a combination of both. The seal may have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the hollow interior of the cap. The seal may seat on a surface between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion of the cap, on a surface of the first cylindrical portion adjacent to the second cylindrical portion, on a surface of the second cylindrical portion adjacent to the first cylindrical portion, or a combination thereof.

[0039] The device may include one or more valve assemblies. The one or more valve assemblies may function to seal the tank to prevent the flow of liquid from the tank, to unseal the tank to allow the flow of liquid from the tank, to cooperate with an actuator assembly, to cooperate with a cap, or any combination thereof. The valve assembly may function with a reservoir, gravity, liquid in the new tank, liquid in the reservoir, or any combination thereof. The valve assembly may function as a flow control valve. The valve assembly may function to allow liquid to be dispensed from the new tank while the valve assembly is open, while there is a gap between the liquid in the reservoir and the liquid in the new tank, or both. The valve assembly may be in an open position while the carousel is rotating in one or more directions, while in a rest position, or both. The valve assembly may include a seal extender, a seal, or both.

[0040] The valve assembly may include a seal. The seal may have any shape and / or size to seal the inlet, outlet, or both of the tank, the opening in the cap, or any combination thereof. The seal may have any configuration to prevent the flow of liquid from the tank, block the opening, or both. The seal may have a shape that is at least partially complementary to the opening of the tank, the cap, or both. The seal may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially cylindrical, cube-like, spherical, ovoid, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the seal may have a partially conical (e.g., truncated cone) shape. For example, the seal may be a rubber stopper.

[0041] The seal may receive a propulsive force, a retracting force, or both from the seal extender. The retracting force may be a force where the seal rests within the opening, where the seal has a friction and / or interference fit with the opening, where the seal prevents the flow of liquid from the opening, or any combination thereof. The retracting force may be axial, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal extender and / or pusher, or any combination thereof. The retracting force may be towards the disk, away from the tank, away from the cap, or any combination thereof. The propulsive force may be a force where the seal is at least partially displaced from within the opening, where the seal allows the flow of liquid, where a gap is created between the seal and the opening, or any combination thereof. The propulsive force may be axial, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal extender and / or pusher, opposite the retracting force, or any combination thereof. The propulsive force may be away from the disk, towards the tank, towards the cap, or any combination thereof.

[0042] The valve assembly may include a seal extender. The seal extender may be fixed relative to the pusher, the seal, or both. The seal extending may be attached to or integral with the seal. The seal extender may be attached to or integral with a portion of the actuator assembly. For example, the seal extender may be attached to a linear solenoid. The seal extender may be located in and / or around the pusher. The seal extender may be attached to the pusher at an end opposite that attached to the seal. The seal may be attached to an end of the seal extender located in the cap, the tank, an extension of the tank, or a combination thereof. The seal extender may have any configuration to prevent the flow of liquid from the tank, block an opening, or both. The seal extender may have any suitable shape to reside in one or more portions of the cap, the pusher, or both. The seal extender may have any suitable shape to receive a propulsive force, a retractive force, or both from the pusher, the disk, or both. The seal extender may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially cylindrical, cubic, spherical, ovoid, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. The seal extender may have portions with different widths (e.g., diameters). The seal may have a shaft portion attached to and / or integral with a head portion. The head portion may have a width greater than that of the shaft. The head portion may function to attach the seal extender to the pusher, receive propulsive and / or retractive forces from the pusher, or both. The seal extender may enable the valve assembly to depend on the actuator assembly, the carousel, or both. Alternatively, the valve assembly may be independent of the carousel.

[0043] The device may include a serving bowl. The serving bowl may function to hold one or more consumables (e.g., liquid, food), allow the animal to drink and / or eat one or more consumables, cooperate with other components of the device to receive fresh and / or filtered food and / or liquid, cooperate with other components of the device to remove food and / or liquid therefrom, provide a shallower depth area for liquid consumption, or any combination thereof. The serving bowl may have any shape and / or size to hold one or more consumables, allow the animal to drink and / or eat therefrom, or both. The serving bowl may have a shape that is substantially cylindrical, conical, cubic, cube-like, etc., or combinations thereof. The serving bowl may have a shape that is substantially similar and / or complementary to a portion of one or more housing portions. The serving bowl may have a shape that is substantially similar and / or complementary to the serving cavity. The serving bowl may be substantially bowl-shaped. The serving bowl may have a base with a protruding wall. The wall can extend along the entire perimeter. The wall can function to retain the consumable within the serving bowl. The wall and base can form a hollow interior of the serving bowl. The base can be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. The base can have a slope or can be absent. The slope can lead to one or more drains. The slope can guide liquid or other consumables towards a drain to facilitate recirculation, drainage, and / or disposal. The serving bowl can be located at the front, rear, side, or combinations thereof of the device. The serving bowl can be seated in (e.g., contained by) one or more housing portions of the device. The serving bowl can be seated in the middle housing, the bottom housing, or both. The serving bowl can be seated within a serving cavity of a housing portion. The serving bowl can be insertable into the serving cavity. The serving bowl can be nested within the serving cavity. The serving bowl can be removable.The serving bowl may be referred to as a removable serving bowl. The serving bowl may be located under the spout. The serving bowl may be located partially under the spout pocket, the spout housing, or both. The serving bowl may receive one or more consumables, such as liquids, from the spout. The serving bowl may drain one or more consumables through one or more perforations. The one or more perforations may be part of a drain. The perforated serving bowl may be referred to as a perforated serving bowl.

[0044] The serving bowl may include one or more drains. The one or more drains may function to transfer liquid from the serving bowl to the drain channel, the reservoir, or both. The drains may include one or more holes formed in the surface of the serving bowl that fluidly connect the drain channels. The drains may include multiple holes or a single hole. The drains may be formed in the base of the serving bowl. The drains may be formed toward the front and / or rear of the serving bowl. The drains may be formed toward the portion of the serving bowl closest to the cavity of the device and / or the portion located within the cavity. The drains may be formed toward the portion of the serving bowl closest to the location of the animal while drinking the liquid. The drains may be formed toward a lower point of a slope within the serving bowl. The drains may be formed toward the portion of the serving bowl closest to the drain channel of the housing portion. The base of the serving bowl may slope toward the drain, toward the rear of the serving bowl, toward the front of the serving bowl, or any combination thereof. The liquid flowing through the drain may pass through one or more filters.

[0045] The device may include one or more filters. The one or more filters may function to provide a physical barrier, block or trap debris and / or bacteria passing therethrough, or a combination thereof. The one or more filters may function to filter one or more liquids passing therethrough. By filtering the liquid, the filters may remove unpleasant tastes and odors from the liquid, keep the liquid fresher for longer, or both. The one or more filters may filter liquid being circulated during a circulation mode, a filling mode, or both, etc. The one or more filters may filter liquid passing through the filter as it flows from the serving bowl towards the reservoir during a filling mode and a circulation mode, etc. The one or more filters may have any size and / or shape suitable for filtering the liquid as it passes through. The one or more filters may have a shape complementary to the location of the device where the filter is located. The filter may have a shape that is substantially cylindrical, ovoid, spherical, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the filter may have a disk-like shape. For example, the filter may have a cube-like shape. The one or more filters may be any filter suitable for filtering liquids, such as water, so that the liquid is suitable for consumption, more desirably for consumption by an animal, or both. The one or more filters may include one or more mechanical filters, absorption filters, isolation filters, ion exchange filters, reverse osmosis filters, and the like, or combinations thereof. The one or more filters may include ceramic, carbon, polyphosphate, and the like, or combinations thereof. The one or more filters may be located anywhere between the serving bowl and the one or more water storages and / or the receiving area of ​​the device. The one or more filters may be located within one or more housing portions, such as a mid-housing. The one or more filters may be located between the serving bowl and the serving cavity, reservoir, channel, carousel, or any combination thereof.The one or more filters may be located between the serving bowl and the serving cavity. The one or more filters may be located between the serving cavity and the reservoir. The one or more filters may be located in the drain channel. The one or more filters may be located downstream of the drain, adjacent to the drain or the one or more perforations, or both.

[0046] The device may include one or more housing portions. The one or more housing portions may function to hold (e.g., house) and / or support one or more components of the device, an outer shell of the device, or both. The one or more housing portions may include a bottom housing, a middle housing, a front housing, and / or any combination thereof. One or more housing portions assembled with one or more other housing portions may be referred to as a housing, a housing assembly, a housing subassembly, and / or the like.

[0047] The one or more housing portions may include a bottom housing. The bottom housing may support one or more components of the device. The bottom housing may support the middle housing, the serving bowl, the used tank, the scale, or any combination thereof. The bottom housing may cooperate with the seating surface such that the device can sit on the seating surface, remain level with the seating surface, or both. The seating surface may be a floor, a table, and / or other support surface. The bottom housing may have a bottom surface that is substantially planar, flat, residing in one plane, or a combination thereof. The bottom housing may include one or more seating supports. The one or more seating supports may or may not be configured to conform to a non-flat surface. The one or more seating supports may include one or more feet, ridges, and / or the like. The one or more seating supports may be adjustable to allow the device to sit horizontally on the seating surface. The bottom housing may have an overall shape similar to the overall profile shape of the device. The bottom housing may have a shape similar to the overall device when viewed from above. The bottom housing may have a two-dimensional shape that is substantially circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the bottom housing may have a two-dimensional shape that is a circle adjacent to a partial circle (e.g., similar to the number 8). The two-dimensional shape may refer to the shape of the device when viewed from above.

[0048] The one or more housing portions may include a middle housing. The middle housing may support a serving bowl, a carousel, a drive unit, a filter, an actuation assembly, one or more tanks (e.g., new tank, used tank), a channel, a front housing, a spout cover, etc., or combinations thereof. The middle housing may include and / or house a serving cavity, a drain channel, a reservoir, a carousel cavity, a tank support, a drive unit cavity, etc., or combinations thereof. The serving cavity may be in fluid communication with the reservoir via the drain channel. The serving cavity may have a substantially similar and / or complementary shape to the serving bowl. The serving cavity may lead to, be adjacent to, and / or be connected to the drain channel. The drain channel may be in fluid communication with the drain. The drain channel may be capable of receiving one or more liquids from the serving bowl via the drain. The drain channel may provide a fluid connection between the serving cavity and the reservoir. The drain channel may be a narrowed portion in the intermediate housing. The drain channel may lead to, be adjacent to, and / or be connected to a reservoir. The reservoir may function to house the valve assembly, cooperate with the carousel, or both. The reservoir may function to receive used water from a serving dish, receive fresh water from a fresh tank, or both. The reservoir may function to hold liquid to be received by the carousel. The reservoir may lead to, be adjacent to, and / or be connected to a carousel cavity. The carousel cavity may have a substantially similar and / or complementary shape to at least a portion of the carousel. For example, the carousel cavity may have a partially annular and / or crescent shape. The carousel cavity may include one or more alignment features. The one or more alignment features may function to maintain the carousel aligned within the carousel cavity.The one or more alignment features may include one or more protrusions (e.g., tabs), walls, etc., or a combination thereof. The carousel cavity may be formed adjacent to a tank support. The tank support may provide a base that supports the one or more tanks. The tank support may allow a used tank to be seated thereon. The tank support may allow a used tank to be adjacent to and / or in fluid communication with a portion of the channel (e.g., a channel outlet).

[0049] The one or more housing portions may include a front housing. The front housing may function to conceal one or more internal components of the device, prevent access to one or more components by animals and / or humans, support one or more components, or any combination thereof. The front housing may function to house and / or contain one or more spouts, drive units, spout covers, image sensors, etc., or any combination thereof. The front housing may include one or more panels. The front housing may include a front panel. The front housing may or may not include a bottom panel. The front panel may have a shape that is substantially continuous with the shape of the one or more tanks. The front panel may have a shape that is continuous with the shape of the outer wall of the new tank. The front panel may cooperate with the new tank to form a continuous outer wall around the upper portion of the device. The front housing may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may function as windows, through holes, or both. The one or more openings may include one or more sensor windows, spout openings, or both. The one or more openings may be formed in the front panel. The one or more sensor windows may be aligned with the one or more sensors. The one or more sensor windows may be proximate to the spout opening. The front panel may include one or more recesses and / or ridges formed therein. The front panel may include a spout pocket. The spout pocket may be formed as a concave contour. The spout pocket may be positioned adjacent to and / or behind the serving bowl. The spout pocket may allow a cavity for the serving bowl to be formed therebelow. As an alternative to a spout pocket, the front panel may include a spout housing formed as a ridge. The ridge may protrude from the profile of the front panel. The ridge may allow a portion of the spout cover to be seated therein, hidden, or both. The spout housing may allow the spout to be positioned above the serving bowl.The front housing may have a spout opening formed therein. The spout opening may be a hole in the front panel. The spout opening may be formed in the spout pocket, the spout housing, or both. The spout opening may allow the spout to be located within the spout opening, extend through the spout opening, or both. The spout may be formed as part of the spout cover. The front housing may mate or otherwise engage with the spout cover.

[0050] The device may include a spout cover. The spout cover may function to accommodate one or more drive units, spouts, carousel cavities, lighting elements, sterilization elements, etc., or combinations thereof. The spout cover may cooperate with one or more housing parts, one or more tanks, or both. The spout cover may be located between the front housing and the new tank. The spout cover may be located between the carousel and the new tank. The spout cover may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may include one or more gear through-holes, one or more spouts, one or more spout funnels, or combinations thereof. The spout cover may include one or more collars and / or bosses to support components (e.g., a portion of the drive unit). The spout cover may cooperate with the front housing and / or the middle housing to form a spout cavity. The spout cavity may be a gap formed between the front housing, the middle housing, and the spout cover. All or a portion of the drain channel and / or reservoir may be located within the spout cavity. The spout cover can house a sterilizing element. The spout cover can hold a sterilizing element over the drain channel, the reservoir, or both. The spout cavity can house a drive unit, a mounting plate, a mounting bracket, a spout, one or more gears, etc., or any combination thereof. The spout cover can mate with one or more housing portions, a new tank, or both. The spout cover can mate with a front housing, a bottom of a new tank, or both. The spout cover can include one or more flanges and / or rims.

[0051] The spout cover can support at least a portion of the carousel. The spout cover can have a portion at an angle. The angle can be obtuse, acute, and / or substantially vertical. The angle can be at an angle substantially similar to the angle of the carousel, the track surface, or both.

[0052] The spout cover may have a spout funnel. The spout funnel may be integrally formed as part of the spout cover. The spout funnel may include an opening extending through the spout cover. The spout funnel may extend outwardly and taper to the spout. The spout funnel may have a shape at the opening that is at least partially complementary to one or more components of the device. Shape may refer to the peripheral shape of the spout funnel (e.g., the edge that defines the entrance to the funnel). The spout funnel may have a shape substantially similar to a portion of the carousel at the opening. The opening may have a shape substantially similar and / or complementary to the inner periphery of the carousel. The opening may have a shape similar to a segment of a ring shape (e.g., bow, arch). The spout funnel may be located adjacent to the carousel cavity.

[0053] The carousel cavity may be formed in the spout cover. The carousel cavity may have a substantially similar and / or complementary shape to the carousel. The carousel cavity may cooperate with a carousel cavity formed in one or more housing parts, the tank, or both. The carousel cavity may cooperate with a carousel cavity formed in the intermediate housing, the new tank, or both. The carousel cavity of the spout cover may abut with the carousel cavity of the intermediate housing. The two carousel cavities together may form a substantially complementary shape to a portion of the carousel. For example, the two carousel cavities may form an annular shape. The carousel cavity may abut with one or more other opposing carousel cavities. The opposing carousel cavities may be part of one or more tanks. The carousel cavity and the opposing carousel cavity together may form an annular cylinder and / or a spherical ring.

[0054] The device may include one or more drive units. The drive units may function to apply one or more drive forces, rotate the carousel in one or more directions, generate rotation of the carousel so that the carousel is in a fill mode, a circulation mode, and / or an ejection mode, or combinations thereof. The drive units may be engaged with, in rotational communication with, or both of the carousel. The drive units may be engaged with a track of the carousel, a hub of the carousel, or both. The drive units may be centered or eccentric with respect to the carousel. One or more portions of the drive unit may be eccentric or centered and other portions may be centered or eccentric. The drive units may be located partially or completely within one or more housing portions. The drive units may be located between a housing portion and the tank, the spout cover, or both. The drive units may be located between a front housing and the spout cover. The drive units may be located within the spout cavity. The drive unit or a portion thereof may be located between the front housing and the new tank, between the front housing and the spout cover, between the mid housing and the spout cover, between the mid housing and the new tank, between the spout cover and the new tank, or any combination thereof. A portion of the drive unit may be mounted in a complementary cavity in the mid housing. A portion of the drive unit may extend through an opening in the spout cover. The drive unit may include one or more cogs, pulleys, sprockets, gears, belts, direct drives, motors, drive shafts, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0055] The drive unit may include a drive source. The drive source may convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The drive source may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. The power source may be an outlet, direct current, alternating current, etc., or a combination thereof. The drive source may be a motor or other power supply. The drive source may be an electric motor, a pneumatic power supply, a hydraulic power supply, another power supply, or a combination thereof. The drive source may be mounted to a mounting plate. The drive source may transmit or produce torque for the drive shaft.

[0056] The drive unit may include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may receive torque from the drive source, output torque, or both. The drive shaft may be in communication with the drive source. The drive shaft may be non-rotatably attached to the drive source. The drive shaft may extend through the mounting plate.

[0057] The drive unit may include and / or be in communication with one or more gears. The drive source, the drive shaft, or both may be in rotational communication with the one or more gears. The drive source, the drive shaft, or both may transmit torque and / or drive the one or more gears. The one or more gears may include one or more drive gears. The one or more gears may be directly engaged or in communication with the drive shaft. The one or more gears may be configured to engage and / or mate with the carousel. The one or more drive gears may be configured to engage and / or mate with a track of the carousel.

[0058] The drive unit can apply a torque in a first direction, a torque in a second direction, or both. The torque in the first direction can be opposite to the torque in the second direction. The torque in the first direction can rotate the carousel in a first direction, counterclockwise, in a fill and / or recirculation direction, or any combination thereof. The torque in the second direction can rotate the carousel in a second direction, clockwise, in a discharge direction, or any combination thereof. The torque in one or more directions can be applied during one or more modes of the device. The torque in the first direction can be applied during a fill and / or circulation mode. The torque in the second direction can be applied during a discharge mode. The torque in one or more directions can expel new liquid from the new tank, recirculate liquid within the device, transfer liquid into the used tank, or any combination thereof.

[0059] The device may include one or more tanks. The one or more tanks may function to hold one or more consumables, new liquids, used liquids, or any combination thereof. The one or more tanks may include one or more new tanks, used tanks, or both. The one or more tanks may have any suitable shape and / or size for holding a desired volume of a consumable (e.g., liquid).

[0060] A plurality of tanks can be assembled to form a tank assembly. The tank assembly can include a new tank assembled to a used tank. The tank assembly can include a cap, a handle, a new tank, a new tank bottom, a used tank, a used tank lid, a stopper valve assembly, a tank cap assembly, a valve assembly, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0061] The one or more tanks may include a new tank. The new tank may function to hold and / or store new liquid, dispense new liquid into a reservoir, provide new liquid to refill a serving bowl, or any combination thereof. The new tank may cooperate with a cap, a handle, a cap assembly, a valve assembly, a retainer, a reservoir, a channel, one or more housing parts, a carousel, or any combination thereof. The new liquid may be liquid that has not yet been circulated, is still in the carousel, or both. The new tank may have any suitable size and / or shape for holding liquid, directing liquid towards an outlet, cooperating with a carousel, cooperating with one or more housing parts, cooperating with a handle, etc., or any combination thereof. The new tank may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially cylindrical, spherical, ovoid, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. The three-dimensional shape may further be oblique, slanted, or both. The new tank may have a generally angled, cylindrical three-dimensional shape. The new tank may be located above, below, adjacent to, and / or spaced apart from the used tank. The new tank may be supported by one or more other tanks, housing portions, or both. The new tank may be supported by, seated on, or both of the one or more used tanks. For example, the new tank may be seated on and above the used tanks. The new tank may include a bottom wall, an outer wall, a top wall, an inlet opening, an outlet opening, an extension, a handle, or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0062] The outer wall can project from the bottom wall, towards the top wall, or both. The outer wall can project at an acute angle, perpendicular, and / or obtuse angle to the bottom wall. The outer wall can project at an acute angle such that the outer wall tapers from the bottom wall towards the top wall. The bottom wall, the outer wall, and the top wall can define a hollow interior of the new tank. The bottom wall can be located opposite the top wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, or both can be partially or completely parallel or curved with respect to each other. For example, a portion of the bottom wall can be at least partially sloped. The bottom wall can be sloped such that one side of the new tank has a smaller height than the opposing side of the new tank. The height can be measured as the distance from the bottom wall to the top wall. The sloped portion can form a portion of a carousel cavity. The carousel cavity can be formed in the bottom wall. The carousel cavity may be complementary to, similar to, abutting with, and / or mating with a carousel cavity of a spout cover, a mid-housing, a used tank, or any combination thereof.

[0063] The new tank may include one or more openings. The openings may function to allow liquids or other consumables to be disposed in and / or out of the new tank. One or more walls may include one or more openings. The top wall may or may not include an inlet opening. The inlet opening may be configured to cooperate with a cap, a handle, or both. The top wall may accommodate a handle but be devoid of an inlet opening. The inlet opening may include a threaded interior surface. The threaded interior surface may mate with a cap and associated threads. The bottom wall may include an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be an outlet opening or may be both an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be formed as part of an extension. The extension may be a neck and / or a funnel that protrudes from the bottom wall. The extension may be referred to as a fill extension. The fill extension may include a valve assembly therein. The fill extension may define a fill opening. The fill opening may be the same as the outlet. The fill opening may be defined as a hole in the valve seat. The valve seat may be a surface near the outlet of the fill extension. The opening may include a hollow interior of the extension. The extension may have or be free of a retainer, cap, or both around at least a portion of its periphery. The extension may protrude away from the bottom wall, toward the reservoir, toward the actuator assembly, over and / or around the valve assembly, or combinations thereof. The extension may be located in, extend through, or both of the voids of the carousel.

[0064] The new tank may have an internal volume of about 0.25 gallons (0.95 liters) or more, about 0.5 gallons (1.89 liters) or more, or even about 1 gallon (3.79 liters) or more. The new tank may have an internal volume of about 3 gallons (11.36 liters) or less, about 2 gallons (7.57 liters) or less, or even about 1.5 gallons (5.68 liters) or less.

[0065] The one or more tanks may include a used tank. The used tank may function to hold used liquid. The used tank may cooperate with the channel, the channel outlet, or both to receive used liquid from the carousel. The used tank may cooperate with a handle, a stopper valve assembly, or both to hold used liquid, dispense used liquid, or both. The used liquid may be liquid that has already been circulated one or more times through the device, that was already in a serving bowl of the device, or both. The used tank may have any suitable size and / or shape to hold liquid, receive liquid from a channel, cooperate with the carousel, cooperate with one or more housing portions, cooperate with another tank, or the like, or any combination thereof. The used tank may have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially or partially lunate, cylindrical, spherical, ovoid, cube-like, conical, pyramidal, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the used tank may have a substantially crescent cylindrical shape. The used tank may have a volume equal to, smaller than, or even larger than the new tank. The used tank may be located adjacent to the channel. The used tank may be located below, above, adjacent to, and / or spaced apart from the new tank. The used tank may be supported by one or more housing portions. The used tank may be seated on the middle housing, the bottom housing, or both. The used tank may be seated behind the spout cover. The used tank may be located on the side of the device facing the serving dish.

[0066] The used tank may include a bottom, an outer wall, a lid, one or more inlets and / or outlets, etc., or a combination thereof. The outer wall may protrude from the bottom wall, towards the top wall, or both. The top wall may be in the form of a removable lid and / or may be integral with the outer wall. The bottom wall, the top wall, and the outer wall may form a hollow interior. The bottom wall may be located opposite the top wall (e.g., the lid). The top wall may be a substantially solid surface or may be substantially open. The top wall, the bottom wall, or both may be partially or completely parallel or curved relative to each other. The top wall or the lid may be offset at an angle relative to the bottom wall. The top wall or the lid may slope downward from the rear to the front (e.g., towards the carousel, the serving bowl).

[0067] The used tank may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may function to allow liquid to be disposed into or from the new tank, or both. The one or more openings may include an inlet opening, an outlet opening, or both. The outlet opening may be formed by the outer wall when the lid (e.g., top wall) is removed. The outlet opening may be formed at the bottom of the used tank in the bottom wall. The outlet opening may be blocked by a stopper valve. The outlet opening may be referred to as a drain opening. The outlet opening may be on the opposite side of the lid. The inlet opening may be configured to cooperate with the channel and / or the channel outlet. The inlet opening may be aligned with and / or receive a portion of the channel outlet therein. The inlet opening may receive used liquid from the channel outlet. The inlet opening may be formed in the outer wall, the top wall, the lid, or a combination thereof. The inlet opening may be formed as a void. The inlet opening may be complementary to the profile and / or cross-sectional shape of the channel outlet. The inlet opening is sometimes referred to as a channel opening.

[0068] The device may include one or more caps. The one or more caps may function to prevent access to one or more reservoirs, allow access to one or more reservoirs, close an inlet opening, allow removal of one or more reservoirs, etc., or combinations thereof. The cap may have any suitable shape that allows placement and / or removal of the cap relative to one or more other components of the device. The cap may have at least a portion that is substantially complementary to an inlet opening of the new reservoir. The cap may include a hand grip. The hand grip may include one or more recesses, openings, protrusions, or both. The hand grip may be formed by opposing recesses and / or openings. The recesses and / or openings may have any suitable shape that allows for gripping of the handle body. The recesses and / or openings may have a cross-sectional shape that may be substantially D-shaped, rectangular, and / or the like. The cross-sectional shape may be taken in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The handle body may be a surface of the hand grip located between the recesses and / or openings. As an example, the opposing recesses or openings may be spaced apart from one another to form a handle body therebetween. One or more caps may be removably attached to one or more tanks. One or more caps may be removably attached to a new tank. The caps may be attached to the new tank via a machine fit (e.g., a threaded fit), a friction fit, a snap fit, a locking tab, or the like, or a combination thereof. The caps may be attached to the tank at the inlet opening. The caps may be partially seated within the inlet opening. The caps may function as a cover for the new tank. The caps may have an overall shape configured to mate with the inlet opening of the tank. The handles may have a shape complementary to the inlet opening of the tank.

[0069] The device may include one or more handles. The one or more handles may function to grip one or more tanks, house one or more stopper valve assemblies, or both. The one or more handles may include one or more handle portions, channel portions, stopper valve assemblies, release buttons, or any combination thereof. The one or more handles may be attached to one or more tanks. The one or more handles may be attached to a new tank, a used tank, or both. The handles may be segmented into portions. The handle portion may be attached to a new tank. The channel portion may be attached to a used tank. The handle portion and the channel portion may abut against each other to form a continuous channel. The handle portion may house a release button. The release button may be translatable and / or may be translated by a translation rod. The translation rod may be in the housing portion, the channel portion, or both. The translation rods may be separate pieces that abut against each other to apply and transmit force to each other and fit into separate portions of the handles. The translation rod may be movably attached to the stopper valve assembly.

[0070] The device may include one or more stopper valve assemblies. The one or more stopper valve assemblies may function to seal the tank to prevent the flow of liquid from the tank, to unseal the tank to allow the flow of liquid from the tank, to cooperate with a handle, to cooperate with a release button, or any combination thereof. The stopper valve assembly may cooperate with the used tank, the handle, or both. The stopper valve assembly may function to allow the used liquid to be dispensed from the used tank while the stopper valve assembly is open. The stopper valve assembly may block a drain opening of the used tank when the stopper valve assembly is closed. The stopper valve assembly may include a valve link, a link pin, a stopper valve, a spring, or any combination thereof. The valve link may rotate about the pin when subjected to a downward translational force from the translation rod. The downward force may be produced by depressing the release button. Upon rotation, the downward force is converted to an upward force by the valve link. The valve link then exerts an upward force on the stopper valve. The stopper valve is moved upwardly over the drain opening in the used tank. Such movement unseals the drain opening and allows used liquid to flow out through it. When force is no longer being applied to the release button, a biasing force from a biasing device (e.g., a spring) is applied to the valve link. The biasing force is transferred as an upward force to the translating rod. The translating rod moves upward and returns the release button to its normal, undepressed position. The biasing force causes the valve link to apply a downward force to the stopper valve. The stopper valve rests in and seals the drain opening.

[0071] The device may include one or more channels. The one or more channels may function to receive used liquid from a carousel, to discard used liquid to a used tank, or both. The one or more channels may cooperate with a new tank, a used tank, a spout cover, a carousel, or combinations thereof. The one or more channels may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be a partial circle joined to a triangle with rounded edges. The channel may have a cross-sectional shape that resembles a question mark. The cross-sectional shape may be parallel to the seating surface of the device, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, or both. The channel may have a bottom surface, one or more outer walls, and one or more inner walls. The one or more outer walls and inner walls may protrude from the bottom surface. The one or more outer walls and inner walls together with the bottom surface may create a trough. The trough may extend along the opening of the channel. The inner wall may define an inner periphery of the channel. The outer wall can define an outer perimeter of the channel. The inner wall and / or the outer wall may or may not include one or more engagement features. The one or more engagement features can function to attach the channel to a channel retainer, an extension of the new tank, the new tank, or any combination thereof. The outer wall may or may not extend completely around the channel. The outer wall can define a portion of a channel outlet. The channel outlet can be a spout of the channel. The channel outlet can direct liquid from the channel towards the used tank. The channel outlet can be located within, against and / or towards the inlet opening of the used tank. The one or more channels can have an opening formed therein. The opening can allow the channel to cooperate with the extension. The opening can be aligned with the cap assembly, the fill extension, or both. The one or more channels can be located within and / or adjacent to the carousel. The one or more channels can be located within a void of the carousel. The one or more channels may be located adjacent to a spout funnel, a used tank, a new tank, or any combination thereof.The one or more channels may be located between the spout funnel and the used tank. The one or more channels may be seated in the spout cover. The one or more channels may be located adjacent to, near, or both the new tank. The one or more channels may be located around an extension of the new tank. The one or more channels may be engaged with the extension of the new tank via a retainer. The retainer may have a threaded and / or other locking engagement with both the channel and the extension.

[0072] The device may include one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may function to sense the presence, distance, amount, or combination thereof of liquid or other consumables in a serving bowl, a new tank, a used tank, a reservoir, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices may sense the amount and / or quality of liquid or other consumables in the device. The one or more sensing devices may sense one or more aspects of the surrounding environment. The one or more sensing devices may include one or more image sensors, level measurement sensors, quality sensors, environmental sensors, or combinations thereof. The one or more level measurement sensors may include one or more mass sensors, ultrasonic level sensors, pressure sensors, radar level sensors, open channel level sensors, capacitive level sensors, etc., or combinations thereof. The one or more quality sensors may include one or more pH sensors, temperature sensors, conductivity sensors, residue sensors, turbidity sensors, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensors, chemical oxygen demand (COD) sensors, ammonia nitrogen ion sensors, etc., or combinations thereof. The one or more environmental sensors may detect one or more aspects of the surrounding environment in which the device is located. The one or more environmental sensors may be any sensor that measures ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more environmental sensors may include one or more thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, etc., or any combination thereof. As an alternative to having one or more environmental sensors located internally, the device may be in communication with one or more environmental sensors. For example, one or more ambient conditions may be received from one or more environmental devices via a communication module. The devices may include one or more thermostats (e.g., smart home thermostats), local weather applications, etc., or combinations thereof. The one or more sensing devices may be attached to one or more housing portions, spout covers, mounting brackets, tanks, etc., or combinations thereof. The one or more sensing devices may be located within or probe the liquid containing area of ​​the component. The one or more sensing devices may sense one or more conditions of the device.One or more sensed conditions can trigger one or more operations in one or more modes of the device.

[0073] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more mass sensors. The one or more mass sensors may measure the weight / mass of the liquid contained within the device or a portion of the device, the weight / mass of the device as a whole including the liquid contained therein, or both. The measured mass may be converted to volume by the controller and / or processor. The one or more mass sensors may include one or more strain gauges (including load cells), impedance sensors (e.g., capacitive weight sensors), hydraulic sensors, air pressure sensors, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be located at the base of the device. The base of the device may include or refer to the bottom housing, foot, scale, or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be located directly below the serving bowl, directly below the new tank, directly below the used tank, below the reservoir, below the middle housing, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be generally aligned (e.g., centered) with the center of gravity of the device, or may be off-centered. The center of gravity may be when the new tank is full and the used tank is empty, when the new tank is being emptied, or a combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be integrated into a scale. The scale may be part of or attached to the bottom housing.

[0074] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more cameras (e.g., camera modules). The one or more cameras may be suitable for capturing one or more videos, images, frames, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be positioned in a setting that has a line of sight to the serving bowl, the animal, the surrounding environment, or any combination thereof. Line of sight may mean that at least some or all of the serving bowl, the animal drinking from the serving bowl, the animal approaching the device, the surrounding environment, or any combination thereof, is in the camera's field of view. The camera may be located behind the front housing, between the front housing, the middle housing, and the spout cover, adjacent to the serving bowl, or combinations thereof. The camera may be mounted on the rear side of the front housing. The camera may be aligned with one or more sensor windows in the front housing.

[0075] The device may include one or more temperature control devices. The one or more temperature control devices may function to maintain and / or modify the temperature of the liquid in the device at a desired temperature for one or more animals to encourage consumption of the liquid, prevent bacterial growth, or both. The one or more temperature control devices may function to maintain, reduce, and / or increase the temperature of the liquid. The one or more temperature control devices may control the temperature of the liquid contained in a new tank, a used tank, a reservoir, a serving bowl, a carousel, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more temperature control devices may function by direct and / or indirect contact with the liquid. The one or more temperature control devices may include one or more probes, plates, and / or the like. The one or more temperature control devices may be one or more thermoelectric devices. The one or more thermoelectric devices may include one or more Peltier elements. The one or more temperature control devices may convert electrical power into cooling power. The one or more temperature control devices may include one or more cooling elements. The one or more cooling elements may be pre-cooled and placed in the device. The one or more cooling elements may include one or more cold packs. The cold packs may be reusable or disposable. The cold packs may be freezeable silica gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polymers, and / or the like. The one or more temperature control devices may be at least partially located within the new tank, the used tank, the reservoir, the serving bowl, the bottom housing, the intermediate housing, or any combination thereof. For example, the thermoelectric device or the cooling element may be located below the serving bowl. The temperature control device may be housed within the serving cavity, within the drawer, or both. The drawer may be removably attached to the bottom housing and may be located below the serving cavity, the serving bowl, or both. The one or more temperature control devices may be part of one or more surfaces of the new tank, the used tank, the reservoir, the serving bowl, the carousel, the bottom housing, the intermediate housing, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0076] The device may include one or more sterilizing elements. The one or more sterilizing elements may function to reduce and / or prevent bacterial growth in one or more portions of the device, in liquids held in the device, or both. The one or more sterilizing elements may cooperate with one or more filters or may work independently from the filters. The one or more sterilizing elements may function to eliminate bacteria that are too small to be captured by the one or more filters. The one or more sterilizing elements may sterilize liquids contained in one or more new tanks, used tanks, drain channels, reservoirs, serving bowls, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more sterilizing elements may be part of or separate from the one or more filters. The one or more sterilizing elements may be located downstream, upstream, or both of the one or more filters. The one or more sterilizing elements may include one or more ultraviolet sterilizing elements. The one or more sterilizing elements may be located in and / or adjacent to one or more new tanks, used tanks, drain channels, reservoirs, serving bowls, carousels, or any combination thereof. The one or more germicidal elements may be positioned such that ultraviolet radiation contacts and passes through the liquid. The one or more germicidal elements may be positioned between the spout cover, the front housing, and the intermediate housing. The one or more germicidal elements may be mounted on the spout cover, the bottom wall of the new tank, the intermediate housing, or any combination thereof. The one or more germicidal elements may be positioned below the liquid and irradiate the liquid from below. The one or more housing portions may include one or more transparent windows. The one or more transparent windows may be positioned below where the liquid is contained. The one or more transparent windows may allow the germicidal elements to pass through the liquid to sterilize it. The intermediate housing may include a transparent window. The transparent window may be in the drain channel, the reservoir, or both. The transparent window may be sealed. The germicidal element may be mounted on the bottom housing, between the bottom housing and the intermediate housing, or both.

[0077] The device may include one or more lighting elements. The one or more lighting elements may function to illuminate the flow of liquid, attract animals to the liquid, or both. The one or more lighting elements may provide ambient lighting. The one or more lighting elements may be mounted to illuminate the serving bowl, the flow of water from the spout, or both. The one or more lighting elements may be any type of light suitable for approaching and illuminating the liquid and animals. The one or more lighting elements may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The one or more lighting elements may include one or more light pipes. The one or more light pipes may be inserted into, through, or even extend beyond the spout opening, the spout, the spout funnel, or any combination thereof. The one or more light pipes may be aligned with the flow of liquid dispensed from the spout. The one or more light pipes may illuminate the flow of liquid as it passes through the spout.

[0078] The device may be in communication with or may include one or more power sources. The power source may function to provide power to one or more components of the device. The power source may be any typical power source for a consumer product. The power source may be an outlet, direct current, alternating current, or the like, or a combination thereof. The device may house an adapter for the power source, such as in the bottom housing and / or the middle housing.

[0079] The device may include one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may function to receive one or more signals, transmit one or more signals, control operation of one or more components of the device, or combinations thereof. The one or more controllers may be in communication with one or more sensors, communication modules, other components, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from one or more sensors. The one or more controllers may be in electrical communication with one or more sensing devices. The one or more controllers may interpret one or more signals from the one or more sensors as one or more status signals. The one or more controllers may automatically receive, interpret, and / or transmit the one or more signals. The one or more controllers may automatically control one or more operations of the one or more components upon receiving one or more signals or commands. The controller may be housed and / or supported by the housing portion, the spout cover, or both. The controller may be located between the front housing and the spout cover. The controller may be located between the bottom housing and the middle housing. The one or more controllers may include one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, processors, storage media, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may include one or more computing devices, processors, storage media, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be in communication with one or more other computing devices, processors, storage media, or any combination thereof.

[0080] The device may include and / or communicate with one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices may function to receive and / or transmit one or more signals and convert the one or more signals into data inputs, transmit one or more data inputs to a storage medium, store one or more data inputs, retrieve one or more data inputs from a storage medium, calculate one or more algorithms and apply one or more rules, or any combination thereof. The one or more computing devices may include or communicate with one or more other computing devices, processors, storage media, databases, or any combination thereof. The one or more computing devices may communicate with one or more computing devices, processors, storage media, databases, or any combination thereof. Communications between the computing devices may be controlled or managed via a managed cloud service. The one or more computing devices may include one or more non-transitory storage media. The non-transitory storage media may include one or more physical servers, virtual servers, or a combination of both. The one or more servers may include one or more local servers, remote servers, or both. The one or more computing devices may include one or more processors of a device, a personal computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, etc.), a mobile computing device (e.g., tablet, mobile phone, etc.), or a combination thereof. The one or more computing devices may use one or more processors.

[0081] The one or more computing devices may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may function to analyze one or more signals from the device, one or more storage media, databases, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be located within or in communication with one or more computing devices, servers, storage media, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may communicate with one or more other processors. The one or more processors may function to process data, execute one or more algorithms to analyze data, apply one or more rules, evaluate data against one or more rules, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may process data automatically, execute one or more algorithms, apply one or more rules, evaluate data, or any combination thereof, wait for instructions or signals from a user, or the like, or any combination thereof. Data processing may include receiving, transforming, outputting, executing, or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be part of one or more hardware, software, systems, or any combination thereof. The one or more hardware processors may include one or more central processing units, multi-core processors, front-end processors, or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more software processors may include one or more word processors, document processors, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more system processors may include one or more information processors, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more processors suitable for use as part of the one or more controllers within the device may include microcontrollers such as product number PIC18F45K22 and / or product number PIC18F46J50, produced by Microchip Technology Inc., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.The one or more processors may be located in the same or different non-resident storage medium as one or more storage media, other processors, communication modules, communication hubs, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be ARM-based processors. Exemplary ARM-based processors may include one or more of the Cortex-M family of versions ARM to ARMv6 (ARM 32-bit), versions ARMv6-M to ARMv9-R (ARM 32-bit Cortex), versions ARMv8-A to ARMv-9 (ARM 64 / 32-bit), etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may include one or more cloud-based processors. The cloud-based processors may be part of or can communicate with a dispatch interface, an interaction interface, an authentication portal, or any combination thereof. The cloud-based processors may be located remotely from the device, the computing device, one or more other processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more processors can be in a non-transitory storage medium located remotely from the device, the computing device, the processor, the database, or any combination thereof. The one or more cloud-based processors may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based processor may be Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud™ (EC2™) offered by Amazon Web Services®, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Another suitable platform for a cloud-based processor may include Lambda™ offered by Amazon Web Services, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The one or more processors may convert data signals into data inputs to be stored in one or more storage media. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms to analyze the one or more data inputs and / or data signals.The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms stored in one or more memory storage media. The one or more algorithms accessed by the one or more processors may be located on the same or different storage media or servers as the processors.

[0082] The one or more computing devices may include one or more memory storage media. The one or more memory storage media may include one or more hard drives (e.g., hard drive memory), chips (e.g., random access memory "RAM"), disks, flash drives, memory cards, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more storage media may include one or more cloud-based storage media. The cloud-based storage media may be located remotely from the device, the computing device, one or more processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more storage media may reside in a non-transitory storage medium that is located remotely from the device, the computing device, the processor, other databases, or any combination thereof. The one or more cloud-based storage media may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based storage medium may be Amazon S3™ provided by Amazon Web Services, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The one or more memory storage media may store the one or more data inputs in a native format, an external format, or both. The one or more memory storage media may store the data inputs as objects, files, blocks, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory storage media may include one or more algorithms, rules, databases, data inputs, and the like stored therein. The one or more memory storage media may store data in the form of one or more databases.

[0083] The device may include one or more communication modules. The one or more communication modules may enable the device to receive and / or transmit one or more signals from one or more computing devices, be integrated into a network, or both. The one or more communication modules may have any configuration that may enable one or more data signals from one or more controllers to be relayed to one or more other controllers, communication modules, communication hubs, networks, computing devices, processors, etc., located outside the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more communication modules may include one or more wired communication modules, wireless communication modules, or both. The wired communication module may be any module that can transmit and / or receive one or more data signals via a wired connection. The one or more wired communication modules may communicate over one or more networks via a direct wired connection. The wired connection may include a local area network wired connection via an Ethernet port. The wired communication module may include a PC card, a PCMCIA card, a PCI card, etc., or any combination thereof. The wireless communication module may include any module that can transmit and / or receive one or more data signals via a wireless connection. The one or more wireless communication modules can communicate over one or more networks via wireless connections. The one or more wireless communication modules can include a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter, an infrared transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter, an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transmitter, a cellular radio signal transmitter, a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) transmitter, or the like, or any combination thereof. The Wi-Fi transmitter can be any IEEE 802.11 compliant transmitter. The communication module can be single band, multi-band (e.g., dual band), or both. The communication module can operate at 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz, or the like, or any combination thereof.The cellular wireless signal transmitter may be any transceiver compatible with any cellular frequency band (e.g., 500, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz) and / or network (3G, LTE, LTE Cat1, LTE M, 4G, 5G). The communications module may communicate with one or more other communications modules, computing devices, processors, or any combination thereof, directly, through one or more communications hubs, networks, or both, through one or more interaction interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0084] <Operation mode of liquid dispensing device> A liquid dispensing device according to the present teachings can be operable in one or more modes. The present device may be particularly useful for being operable in multiple modes to allow the serving bowl to be refilled with new liquid, to allow circulation of liquid already in the serving bowl, and / or to drain liquid already consumed by the animal. The device may have a fill mode, a circulation mode, a drain mode, or a combination thereof. One or more modes may operate simultaneously. For example, the fill mode and the circulation mode may operate simultaneously or may be the same mode. As another example, the circulation mode and the drain mode may operate simultaneously or may be the same mode. As yet another example, the fill mode and the drain mode may operate simultaneously or may be the same mode. The one or more modes may be determined by the direction of motion of the drive unit, the direction of rotation of the carousel, the position of the actuator assembly, the position of the valve assembly, or any combination thereof.

[0085] The one or more modes may include a fill mode, which may function to transfer fresh liquid from a fresh tank to a reservoir, a carousel, a serving bowl, or any combination thereof.

[0086] The fill mode can be activated by one or more drive units. One or more sensing devices can activate the one or more drive units. Torque can be transmitted to one or more gears. The drive shaft can transmit torque from the motor to the one or more gears. The one or more drive units can transmit torque to the carousel. The one or more gears can be engaged with the carousel. For example, a drive gear can be engaged with a track of the carousel. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction can transmit torque to the carousel. The carousel can rotate in a first direction. Rotation of the carousel can actuate one or more actuator assemblies, valve assemblies, or both to an open position.

[0087] Rotation of the carousel in a first direction may move the actuator assembly to an open position. As the carousel rotates, one or more tabs on the carousel may contact one or more tangs on the actuator assembly. An actuating surface of the open tab may contact the lower tang. The actuating surface may contact a flat surface, an inwardly facing surface, or both, of the yoke. Upon contact, the one or more tabs may transmit torque to the actuator assembly. The yoke may rotate to the open position when subjected to torque. The torque may be transmitted to the rotatable mount, the disk, or both. The torque may be transmitted from the yoke to the rotatable mount and then to the disk. The disk may cooperate with the valve assembly to convert rotational motion to linear motion. Rotation of the disk may force the pusher upward. Upward rotation of the pusher may open the valve assembly.

[0088] When the valve assembly moves to an open position, liquid may be dispensed from one or more tanks (i.e., the new tanks). The valve assembly may include a seal extender. The seal extender may receive an axial force from a pusher of the actuator assembly. The axial force may be in a direction that unseats the seal from the opening of the tank. The axial force may be in a direction toward the tank. For example, upward movement of the pusher causes the seal extender to move upward. The seal extender may transmit the axial force to the seal. The seal may then move away from the opening of the new tank to create a gap. Liquid may flow from the gap through the opening. Liquid may then flow into the reservoir. This liquid may be referred to as new liquid (e.g., liquid dispensed from the new tank to the reservoir).

[0089] Once the liquid flows into the reservoir, it may then flow through the drain channel towards the serving bowl, or both. The liquid may flow from the new tank until the liquid in the reservoir reaches a level position. The level position may be a position when the liquid is at or near the height of the seal, the opening of the new tank, or both. The valve assembly may remain in an open position when the carousel is rotating, when the carousel stops rotating (i.e., at rest position), or both. This may allow the new liquid to flow from the new tank using gravity when the liquid is consumed, evaporated, or both, without the need for the carousel to rotate, the actuator assembly to be further actuated, or both.

[0090] In addition to or in addition to gravity filling, new liquid may be collected by the carousel as it continues to rotate in the first direction. As the carousel rotates, one or more cup openings may pass through the new liquid. The one or more cup openings may pass through the new liquid contained in the reservoir. As the cup openings pass through the new liquid, the new liquid may enter a corresponding cup (e.g., a circulation cup) through the one or more cup openings. As the carousel continues to rotate, the new liquid may remain in the cup until the carousel reaches a spout funnel. When the carousel rotates such that the cup containing the new liquid is located above the spout funnel, the new liquid may move toward the spout of the cup. The spout may be a circulation spout. The new liquid may then be dispensed from the circulation spout to the spout funnel. The new liquid may be transferred from the spout funnel to the spout and then dispensed into a serving bowl.

[0091] The new liquid can stop flowing to the serving bowl when the liquid is at the level of the valve assembly, when the carousel stops rotating, or both.

[0092] The one or more modes can include a circulation mode, which can function to circulate liquid already in the reservoir and / or serving bowl, force liquid through a filter, provide moving liquid to attract animals to the device, or any combination thereof.

[0093] The circulation mode can be activated by one or more drive units. One or more sensing devices can activate the one or more drive units. Torque can be transmitted to one or more gears. A drive shaft can transmit torque from a motor to the one or more gears. The one or more drive units can transmit torque to the carousel. The one or more gears can engage with the carousel. For example, a drive gear can engage with a track of the carousel. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction, a second direction, or both can transmit torque to the carousel. The carousel can rotate in a first direction, a second direction, or both.

[0094] As the carousel rotates in the first direction or the second direction, used liquid may be collected by the carousel. The used liquid may be filtered liquid. The used liquid may be liquid that is in a serving bowl, has passed through one or more filters, and then flowed to a reservoir. As the carousel rotates, one or more cup openings pass through the used liquid. The one or more cup openings may pass through the used liquid contained in the reservoir. As the cup openings pass through the used liquid, the used liquid may pass through the one or more cup openings into a corresponding cup (e.g., a circulation cup). As the carousel continues to rotate, the used liquid may remain in the cup until the carousel reaches a spout funnel. When the carousel rotates such that a cup containing the used liquid is positioned above the spout funnel, the used liquid may move toward the spout of the cup. The spout may be a circulation spout. The used liquid may then be dispensed from the circulation spout to the spout funnel. The spent liquid is transferred from the spout funnel to the spout and can then be dispensed into a serving bowl.

[0095] The recirculation mode may be completed simultaneously with the fill mode. For example, new liquid may be dispensed into a reservoir that also has used liquid therein. The recirculation mode may be completed separately from the fill mode. The recirculation mode may be performed when the new tank is empty but there is still liquid in the device's serving bowl, reservoir, or both.

[0096] The one or more modes may include a drain mode. The drain mode may function to transfer liquid from a serving bowl, a reservoir, a carousel, or a combination thereof to a used tank. The drain mode may function to discard liquid that has already been consumed at least once.

[0097] The ejection mode can be activated by one or more drive units. Torque can be transmitted to one or more gears. A drive shaft can transmit torque from a motor to one or more gears. The one or more drive units can transmit torque to the carousel. The one or more gears can engage with the carousel. For example, a drive gear can engage with a track of the carousel. Rotation of the drive gear in a second direction can transmit torque to the carousel. The carousel can rotate in the second direction.

[0098] As the carousel rotates in the second direction, it may pass through the used liquid in the reservoir. The used liquid may be liquid that has already been consumed by the animal, previously circulated, or both. The used liquid may be collected by the carousel for distribution to a used tank. As the carousel rotates, one or more cup openings may pass through the used liquid. The one or more cup openings may pass through the used liquid contained in the reservoir. As the cup openings pass through the used liquid, the used liquid may pass through the one or more cup openings into a corresponding cup (e.g., a drain cup). As the carousel continues to rotate, the used liquid may remain in the cup until the carousel reaches the channel. When the carousel rotates such that the cup containing the used liquid is positioned above the channel, the used liquid may move toward a spout of the cup. The spout may be a used liquid spout. The used liquid may then be dispensed from the used liquid spout into the channel. The used liquid may be transferred from the channel to a channel outlet. The spent liquid may then be dispensed from the channel outlet into a spent liquid tank.

[0099] Rotation of the carousel in a second direction can move the actuator assembly to a closed position. As the carousel rotates, one or more tabs on the carousel can contact one or more tangs on the actuator assembly. An actuating surface of the closing tab can contact the upper tang. The actuating surface can contact a flat surface, an inwardly facing surface, or both, of the yoke. Upon contact, the one or more tabs can transmit torque to the actuator assembly. The yoke can rotate to a closed position when subjected to torque. The torque can be transmitted to the rotatable mount, the disk, or both. The torque can be transferred from the yoke to the rotatable mount and then to the disk. The disk can cooperate with the valve assembly to convert rotational motion to linear motion. Rotation of the disk can force a pusher downward. Rotation of the pusher downward can close the valve assembly.

[0100] When the valve assembly moves to the closed position, liquid can no longer be dispensed from one or more of the reservoirs (i.e., the new reservoir). The valve assembly can include a seal extender. The seal extender can receive an axial force from a pusher of the actuator assembly. The axial force can be in a direction such that the seal rests in an opening of the new reservoir. The axial force can be in a direction away from the new reservoir. For example, downward movement of the pusher causes the seal extender to move downward. The seal extender can transmit the axial force to the seal. The seal can then move toward the opening of the new reservoir to seal the gap. Liquid can stop flowing from the gap through the opening.

[0101] The carousel can rotate in a second direction and then rotate in the first direction such that the device can first enter a drain mode to drain used liquid into a used tank and then move into a fill mode and / or a recirculation mode to refill the reservoir and / or serving bowl with new liquid, recirculate the liquid, or both.

[0102] The rotation can stop after rotating in the first direction for a period of time, such that the device can remain in the fill mode, stop the recirculation mode, or both, which can allow new liquid to continue to be dispensed from the new tank as liquid is consumed, evaporated, and the like.

[0103] The carousel can rotate in a second direction, rotate in the first direction, and then rotate again in the second direction, causing the device to first enter a drain mode to drain used liquid into a used tank, then move into a fill mode and / or a recirculation mode to refill the reservoir and / or serving bowl with new and / or recirculated liquid, and then seal the new tank with the valve assembly in a closed position.

[0104] <Filling, Circulation and Draining Algorithms> The devices and methods of the present teachings may rely on one or more algorithms to activate and / or deactivate one or more modes of operation, learn the consumption habits of the animal, or both. The one or more algorithms may be stored in one or more memory storage devices, executed by one or more processing devices, or both. The one or more computing devices, memory storage devices, processing devices, or combinations thereof may be located within and / or remote from the device. The one or more algorithms may rely on input from one or more sensing devices, historical operation of the device, or both. The one or more algorithms may determine the amount of liquid consumed. Consumption may be determined based on determining the liquid consumed, used up, evaporated, drained, filled, or any combination thereof.

[0105] Evaporation may be determined based on one or more environmental sensors and / or environmental inputs (e.g., a weather app on a smartphone). Evaporation may be determined based on relative (ambient) humidity, ambient temperature, or both. Use-up may be calculated by determining a change in water level over time. Water level may be determined by one or more water level sensors. Emission may be calculated by one or more water level sensors located in the used tank, measuring the input of used liquid into the used tank, or both. Consumption may be determined based on evaporation, use-up, evacuation, etc.

[0106] For example, to determine the amount of liquid evaporated versus consumed, the device can be weighed to determine a baseline weight, a total weight, and an in-use weight. The weights can be determined automatically by one or more mass sensors and one or more processors. The baseline weight can be the weight of the device with any liquid completely drained. The total weight can be the weight of the device when the new tank is fully filled with liquid and is currently positioned on the device. The total weight can also mean that the used tank is empty when the new tank is fully filled. Once the device is in use (i.e., consuming liquid), the ambient temperature and relative humidity can be used to determine the evaporation rate. The ambient temperature and relative humidity can be determined by one or more of the sensing devices. Once the device is in use, the use-up rate can also be determined. The use-up rate can be determined by the change in liquid level over time. By comparing the evaporation rate to the use-up rate, the consumption rate and amount consumed can be determined. Knowing the amount and / or rate of consumption, rather than simply knowing the amount used up and / or rate of use up, can provide the animal owner with more insight into the animal's drinking habits, provide a more accurate prediction of when the device will need to be refilled, or both.

[0107] Illustrative Examples 1 and 2 show device 1. Device 1 is a liquid dispensing device. Device 1 includes a serving bowl 10. Serving bowl 10 includes a drain 12. Between serving bowl 10 and drain 12 is a filter 13. Serving bowl 10 and filter 13 are held in place by mid-housing 20. A bottom housing 30 underlies and supports mid-housing 20. Bottom housing 30 includes a number of feet 35. A front housing 40 is located above mid-housing 20. Front housing 40 includes a spout pocket 42. Device 1 includes a new tank 50. New tank 50 includes a cap 65. Device 1 includes a handle 60. Handle 60 includes a release button 67. A used tank 80 is also located below new tank 50.

[0108] 3 is an exploded view of the device 1. The device 1 includes a carousel 100. The carousel 100 is supported by a spout cover 110. The spout cover 110 houses a drive unit 120. The drive unit 120 drives the carousel 100. The spout cover 110 is carried by a front housing 40. The front housing 40 includes a spout pocket 42. The front housing 40 is assembled to a middle housing 20. The middle housing 20 includes a serving cavity 22 and a reservoir 24. The cavity 22 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 24 via a drain channel 26. A filter 13 may be located within the drain channel 26. A serving bowl 10 is carried by the middle housing 20. The serving bowl 10 is located within the serving cavity 22. The middle housing 20 is supported by a bottom housing 30. The bottom housing 30 includes a drawer 37. The drawer 37 is located below the serving bowl 10 and the serving cavity 22. Within the drawer 37 is a cooling element 39. The front housing 40, the mid housing 20, the bottom housing 30, and even the spout cover 110 may be collectively referred to as a housing or housing assembly. The device includes an actuator assembly 200 (not shown). The actuator assembly 200 is engaged with a valve assembly 56 (not shown). The device 1 includes a channel 140. The channel 140 is in fluid communication with both the carousel 100 and the used tank 80. The device 1 includes a tank assembly. The tank assembly may refer to a new tank 50 assembled to the used tank 80. The carousel 100 is housed below the new tank 50. The new tank 50 sits on the used tank 80. The used tank 80 includes a lid 82. The used tank 80 sits behind the mid housing 20. The new tank 50 also includes a new tank outer wall 51 and a new tank bottom 53. The outer wall 51 and the bottom 53 are assembled together to form a hollow interior of the new tank 50. A cap 65 is located on top of the new tank 50.Also located on top of the new tank 50 is a handle 60. The handle 60 includes a handle portion 61a and a channel portion 61b. The handle portion 61a is attached to the new tank 50. The channel portion 61b is attached to the used tank 80. The used tank 80 is sealed via a stopper valve assembly 300. The stopper valve assembly 300 is attached to the channel portion 61b.

[0109] 4 is a front view of the device 1. The device 1 includes a front housing 40 having a spout pocket 42. The spout pocket 42 includes a sensor window 46. An image sensor 48 is aligned with the sensor window 46. The spout pocket 42 includes a spout opening 44. A spout 112 is located within the spout opening 44. A light pipe 47 of a lighting element 45 projects from the spout 112. The spout 112 and the spout opening 44 are located above a serving bowl 10. The serving bowl 10 resides in a serving cavity 22. The serving cavity 22 is part of a middle housing 20. The middle housing 20 is supported by a bottom housing 30. The bottom housing 30 includes a foot 35. A new tank 50 rests on the front housing 40. The new tank 50 includes a cap 65.

[0110] 5 is a rear view of device 1. Device 1 includes handle 60. A portion of handle 60 surrounds cap 65. Handle 60 is attached to new tank 50. New tank includes new tank outer wall 51 and new tank bottom 53. Device 1 includes used tank 80. Used tank 80 is covered by used tank lid 82. Handle 60 extends down and is also attached to used tank 80. Used tank 80 is supported by mid-housing 20. Mid-housing 20 sits on bottom housing 30.

[0111] 6 and 7 are side views of the device 1. The device 1 includes a cap 65. The cap 65 seals the new tank 50. The device includes a handle 60. The handle 60 is attached to both the new tank 50 and the used tank 80. The new tank 50 includes a new tank bottom 53 and a new tank outer wall 51. In front of the new tank 50 is the front housing 40. The front housing 40 includes a spout pocket 42. The spout pocket 42 is located above the serving bowl 10. The serving bowl 10 sits within the serving cavity 22. The serving cavity 22 is part of the middle housing 20. The used tank 80 sits on the middle housing 20. The middle housing 20 sits on the bottom housing 30.

[0112] 8 is a top view of the device 1. The device includes a new reservoir 50. The new reservoir 50 is sealed by a cap 65. The cap 65 may have a threaded engagement with the interior of the opening 63 of the new reservoir 50. The device 1 includes a handle 60. The handle 60 is supported on the new reservoir 50. The handle 60 includes a cap portion 62. The cap portion 62 surrounds the cap 65. In front of the new reservoir 50 is a front housing 40. The front housing 40 rests partially above the serving bowl 10.

[0113] 9 is a bottom view of device 1. Device 1 includes a bottom housing 30. Bottom housing 30 includes a bottom surface 32. Bottom housing 30 includes a plurality of feet 35. Feet 35 are substantially evenly distributed across bottom surface 32.

[0114] 10 is a perspective view of device 1 with front housing 40 (not shown) removed. Device 1 includes a spout cover 110. Spout cover 110 includes a spout 112. A light pipe 47 projects from spout 112. Light pipe 47 is part of lighting element 45. Spout 112 is positioned above serving bowl 10. Serving bowl 10 sits on mid-housing 20. Drive unit 120 sits within mid-housing 20. Drive unit 120 includes motor 122. Attached to motor 122 is drive shaft 124 (not shown). Drive gear 126 (not shown) may be engaged with drive shaft 124 such that they cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0115] 11 is a rear perspective view of the spout cover 110. The spout cover 110 includes a spout 112. A light pipe 47 of the lighting element 45 extends into the spout 112. The spout cover 110 includes a drive housing 113. The drive housing 113 is formed as a hollow protrusion. A portion of the drive unit 120 protrudes through the drive housing 113. A drive shaft 124 extends through and mates with a drive gear 126. The drive unit includes the drive gear 126.

[0116] 12 is a bottom perspective view of the spout cover 110. The spout cover 110 houses a portion of the drive unit 120. The spout cover 110 supports a germicidal element 250. The germicidal element 250 may be a UV light 252.

[0117] 13 is a partial view of device 1 with new tank 50 removed. Device 1 includes carousel 100. Carousel 100 includes track 102. Track 102 is a gear that is integral with the interior periphery of carousel 100. Track 102 mates with drive gear 126. Drive gear 126 is supported by spout cover 110.

[0118] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1. The device 1 includes a cap 65. The cap 65 is located in the opening 63 of the new tank 50. In front of the new tank 50 is the front housing 40. Between the new tank 50 and the front housing 40 is a spout cover 110. The spout cover 110 includes a spout 112. The spout 112 extends into the spout opening 44 of the front housing 40. A lighting pipe 47 extends through the spout 122. The spout 112 is located above the serving bowl 10. The serving bowl 10 is located in the serving cavity 22. The serving cavity 22 is part of the intermediate housing 20. The intermediate housing 20 also forms the reservoir 24. The intermediate housing 20 is seated in the bottom housing 30. The intermediate housing 20 supports the used tank 80. The used tank 80 is covered by a used tank lid 82. Between the intermediate housing 20 and the new tank 50 is a carousel 100. The carousel 100 includes a track 102. The track defines a track plane TP. The track plane TP is angled with respect to both the horizontal plane HP and the vertical plane VP. The new tank 50 extends through the carousel 100. In particular, a fill extension 54 is formed in the bottom wall 53 of the new tank 50. The fill extension 54 includes a valve seat 125 through which a fill opening 55 is formed. Within the fill extension 54 is a valve assembly 56. The valve assembly 56 includes a seal 57 and a seal extender 59. The valve assembly 56 is movably engaged with an actuator assembly 200. The carousel 100 interacts with the actuator assembly 200. The actuator assembly 200 is configured to move the seal extender 59 and seal 57 of the valve assembly 56 within the fill extension 54 to seal and unseal the fresh tank 50. When the fresh tank 50 is unsealed by the valve assembly 56 (e.g., the seal 57 and seal extender 59 are raised), liquid may flow from the fresh tank 50 into the reservoir 24.To unseal, the seal 57 and seal extender 59 of the valve assembly 56 are moved up within the fill extension 54. To seal the new tank 50, the seal 57 and seal extender 59 of the valve assembly 56 are moved down within the fill extension 54. When moved down, the seal 57 seats on the valve seat 125. The valve assembly 56 is moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position, and vice versa, by the actuator assembly 200.

[0119] FIG. 15 shows the device 1 with the used tank 80 exposed. The device 1 includes a carousel 100. The carousel 100 is supported by a spout cover 110. Within the central cavity of the carousel 100 is a cap assembly 58. Also within the central cavity of the carousel 100 is a channel 140. The channel 140 may be held in place by being supported by the spout cover 110 and / or by being attached to the underside of a new tank 50 (not shown). The channel 140 is in fluid communication with the carousel 100 and the used tank 80. The carousel 100 includes a plurality of used liquid spouts 104. The channel 140 includes a channel outlet 142. The channel outlet 142 is in fluid communication with the used tank 80. Once liquid has collected in the channel 140, it then exits the channel 140 via the channel outlet 142 to the used tank 80. Liquid enters the channel 140 from the carousel 100 via the used liquid spout 104. When the carousel 100 rotates in a second direction D2 (e.g., a discharge direction, clockwise when viewed from above), it collects liquid from the reservoir 24 into a drain cup 105. When the carousel 100 rotates in the second direction D2, it drains the liquid via the used liquid spout 104. When rotating in the opposite first direction D1 (not shown), the carousel 100 can fill the reservoir 24 with liquid and / or recirculate the liquid into the serving bowl 10 via the spout 112 (not shown).

[0120] Figures 16 and 17 are rear perspective views of the device 1. In both figures, the new tank 50 and the used tank 80 have been removed. Figure 16 shows the carousel 100. The carousel is supported by both the spout cover 110 and the mid-housing 20. The mid-housing 20 sits on the bottom housing 30. Together, the spout cover 110 and the mid-housing 20 form the reservoir 24. The spout cover 110 includes a channel cavity 115. A portion of the channel 140 (not shown) can reside within and may be supported by the channel cavity 115. Figure 16 exposes the spout funnel 111, which tapers towards the spout (not shown).

[0121] 18 is a top view of the device 1 with the new tank 50 and carousel 100 removed to expose the spout cover 110 and mid-housing 20. The spout cover 110 includes a spout funnel 111. The spout funnel 111 tapers towards the spout 112 (not shown).

[0122] 19 and 20 show a used tank 80. The used tank 80 includes an exterior wall 81. The exterior wall 81 can define a hollow interior of the used tank 80. The used tank 80 can include a used tank lid 82. The used tank lid 82 can be engageable with the bottom wall 53 of the new tank 50 (not shown). The used tank lid 82 includes a channel opening 83. The channel opening 83 can align with and / or receive a portion of the channel outlet 142 (not shown). On the opposite side of the used tank lid 82 is a stopper valve assembly 300. The stopper valve assembly 300 blocks the drain opening 84 of the used tank 80. The stopper valve assembly 300 is assembled to the handle 60.

[0123] 21 and 22 show a portion of the handle 60 and the stopper valve assembly 300. That portion of the handle 60 may be the channel portion 61b. The handle 60 is hollow to form a channel. Within the handle 60 is a translation rod 301. When a release button 67 (not shown) on the handle 60 is pressed, the translation rod 301 is forced downward. When the translation rod 301 translates downward, it causes the rotation of the valve link 302. The valve link 302 rotates about a link pin 303. The rotation of the valve link 302 causes the upward movement of the stopper valve 304. When the stopper valve 304 moves upward, it opens the drain opening 84 (not shown), so that liquid can flow out through the drain opening 84. When the release button 67 (not shown) is released, a spring 305 may bias the valve link 302 to cause the downward movement of the stopper valve 304. The bias further causes valve link 302 to translate translation rod 301 upward.

[0124] 23A and 23B are front perspective views of a new tank 50. The new tank 50 includes an outer wall 51 and a bottom wall 53. The bottom wall 53 has a fill extension 54 formed therein. In FIG. 23A, the bottom wall 53 also has a boss 70 formed therein. The boss 70 can receive a fastener for the channel 140 (not shown) to attach the channel 140 to the new tank 50. In FIG. 23A, a valve assembly 56 is engaged with the fill extension 54. In FIG. 23B, the fill extension 54 is engaged with a cap assembly 58. The cap assembly 58 can be used to engage and retain the channel 140 (not shown). The cap assembly 58 includes the valve assembly 56 therein.

[0125] 24-27 show the actuator assembly 200 and the valve assembly 56 in an open position OP. FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the actuator assembly 200. The actuator assembly 200 includes a yoke 202. The yoke 202 includes an upper tang 208 and a lower tang 210. The yoke 202 is attached to a rotatable mount 204. The yoke 202 and the rotatable mount 204 are rotatable. The rotation occurs in a closing direction CD and / or an opening direction OP. The rotatable mount 204 is rotatably mounted on an insert 224. The insert 224 includes a stop 226. The stop 226 limits the rotation of the yoke 202 and the rotatable mount 204. The yoke 202 is attached to the rotatable mount 204 via a pin 206. The yoke 202 can rotate about the pin 206. The yoke 202 is biased via a spring 220 (as shown in FIG. 28). A spring 220 can be between the inside of the wall of the rotatable mount 204 and the outside of the yoke 202. The spring 220 can be located on the pin 206. The rotatable mount 204 includes gear teeth 212. The gear teeth 212 mesh with gear teeth 212 (not shown) of a disk 214. The disk 214 includes an inclined surface 216 and a non-inclined surface 217. Above the disk 214 is a pusher 218. The pusher 218 includes an extension 222. The pusher 218 is configured to remain stationary such that it cannot rotate relative to the disk 214. The pusher 218 is configured to translate longitudinally (e.g., up and down) via rotation of the disk 214. The actuator assembly 200 is attached to a valve assembly 56. The valve assembly 56 includes a seal 57 and a seal extender 59. The pusher 218 is attached to the seal extender 59. The seal extender 59 is attached to the seal 57 .

[0126] 29 and 30 are top views of the actuator assembly 200 and the carousel 100. The carousel 100 is rotatable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The carousel 100 includes a plurality of drain cups 105 and circulation cups 107. The drain cups 105 and circulation cups 107 each include a cup opening 108. The cup openings 108 allow the drain cups 105 and circulation cups 107 to be in fluid communication with a reservoir 24 (not shown). When rotating in the first direction D1, the carousel 100 passes through the reservoir 24 (not shown). Liquid in the reservoir 24 enters the circulation cup 107 through the cup openings 108. When rotating in the second direction D2, the carousel 100 passes through the reservoir 24 (not shown). Liquid in the reservoir 24 enters the drain cup 105 through the cup openings 108. When the drain cup 105 or circulation cup 107, respectively, is rotated to the drain range ER, liquid can flow out of the drain cup 105 or circulation cup 107 through the respective used liquid spout 104 or circulation spout 106. Liquid flowing out of the used liquid spout 104 can flow into the channel 140 (as shown in Figures 12 and 13). Liquid flowing out of the circulation spout 106 can flow into the spout funnel 111 (as shown in Figures 12-14).

[0127] 31 is a close-up view of the drain cup 105 and circulation cup 107 of the carousel 100. The circulation cup 107 includes a cup opening 108. Opposite the cup opening 108 is a circulation spout 106. The drain cup 105 includes a cup opening 108. The cup openings 108 of adjacent circulation cups 107 and drain cups 105 are substantially mirror images of one another. The drain cup 105 includes a guide wall 254. The guide wall 254 leads to the used liquid spout 104.

[0128] 32 and 33 are bottom views of the carousel 100, including the actuator assembly 200 in FIG. 32. The carousel 100 includes a track 102 along an inner periphery 103. The track 102 allows for rotation about an axis of rotation AR. The track 102 is closer to the upper surface 101a than to the lower surface 101b. The carousel 100 includes an inner surface 103b. The inner surface 103b tapers from the lower surface 101b toward the upper surface 101a of the track 102. The inner surface 103b of the carousel 100 includes two tabs 109. The two tabs 109 include an open tab 109a and a closed tab 109b.

[0129] 34 and 35 are close-up views of the tabs 109 of the carousel 100. Both tabs 109 include an actuating surface 127 and a bypass bevel 128. The actuating surfaces 127 of both tabs 109 face each other. Each bypass bevel 128 is generally opposite and inclined (e.g., an offset angle between parallel and perpendicular) relative to the actuating surface 127 of the same tab 109. The two tabs 109 are offset from each other in terms of distance from the downward edge 101b.

[0130] Figures 36 and 37 show device 1. Device 1 is a liquid dispensing device. Device 1 includes a serving bowl 10. Serving bowl 10 is held by mid-housing 20. A bottom housing 30 is below and supports mid-housing 20. Bottom housing 30 houses a scale 400. Scale 400 includes a number of feet 35. A front housing 40 is located above mid-housing 20. Front housing 40 includes a spout housing 41. A spout 112 is located within spout housing 41. Device 1 includes a new tank 50. New tank 50 includes a cap 65. A used tank 80 is also located below new tank 50.

[0131] FIG. 38 shows device 1. Device 1 is a liquid dispensing device. Device 1 includes a serving bowl 10. Serving bowl 10 includes a drain 12. Between the drain 12 and the interior of device 1 is a filter 13. Serving bowl 10 and filter 13 are held in place by mid-housing 20. A bottom housing 30 is below and supports mid-housing 20. A front housing 40 is located above mid-housing 20. Front housing 40 includes a spout housing 41. Device 1 includes a new tank 50. Device 1 includes a cap 65 and a handle 60. A used tank 80 is also located below the new tank 50. EXAMPLES

[0132] Example A: Actuator Assembly and Carousel

[0133] See exemplary teachings in Figures 24-35.

[0134] The actuating surface 127 of the open tab 109a is configured to contact the flat side of the lower tongue 210. The contact occurs when the carousel 100 is rotated in the first direction D1. The contact between the contact surface 127 of the open tab 109a and the lower tongue 210 actuates the actuator assembly 200. The contact between the contact surface 127 of the open tab 109a and the lower tongue 210 transfers torque from the carousel 100 to the yoke 202. When torque is applied, the yoke 202 is rotated in the same direction as the carousel 100. As the yoke 202 rotates, the rotatable mount 204 also rotates. As the rotatable mount 204 rotates, the torque is transferred and the disk 214 rotates. As the disk 214 rotates, the inclined surface 216 also rotates. The inclined surface 216 is rotated to a position that raises the pusher 218. The lifting of the pusher 218 opens the valve assembly 56. When the valve assembly 56 is opened, liquid is dispensed from the fresh tank 50 into the reservoir 24.

[0135] The bypass ramp 128 of the closing tab 109b is configured to contact the rounded side of the upper tang 208 when rotating in the first direction D1. When the bypass ramp 128 and the rounded side of the upper tang 208 contact each other, the yoke 202 pivots about the pin 206. The yoke 202 is rotated such that the tongues 208 and 210 rotate upward and the yoke 202 compresses the spring 220. The rotation of the upper tang 208 allows the opening tab 109a to bypass the yoke 202. After the closing tang 109b bypasses the yoke 202, the spring 220 biases the yoke 202 back to the seated position.

[0136] The actuating surface 127 of the closing tab 109b is configured to contact the flat side of the upper tongue 208. The contact occurs when the carousel 100 is rotated in the opposite direction. The opposite direction is a second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1. The contact between the contact surface 127 of the closing tab 109b and the upper tongue 208 actuates the actuator assembly 200. The contact between the contact surface 127 of the closing tab 109b and the upper tongue 208 transfers torque from the carousel 100 to the yoke 202. When torque is received from the carousel, the yoke 202 is rotated in the same direction. The rotation of the yoke 202 by the closing tab 109b is opposite to the rotation by the opening tab 109a. When the yoke 202 rotates, the rotatable mount 204 also rotates. The rotation of the rotatable mount 204 is transferred to the disk 214, causing it to rotate. As the disk 214 rotates, so do the inclined surface 216 and non-inclined surface 217. The inclined surface 216 and non-inclined surface 217 are rotated to a position which lowers the pusher 218. As the pusher 218 is lowered, the valve assembly 56 is closed. When the valve assembly 56 (not shown) is closed, liquid from the new tank 50 is prevented from being dispensed and is sealed within the new tank by the valve assembly 56.

[0137] The bypass ramp 128 of the open tab 109a is configured to contact the rounded side of the lower tongue 210 when it rotates in the second direction D2. When the bypass ramp 128 and the rounded side of the lower tongue 210 contact, the yoke 202 pivots about the pin 206. The yoke 202 is rotated such that the tongues 208, 210 rotate upward and the yoke 202 compresses the spring 220. The rotation of the lower tongue 210 allows the open tab 109a to bypass the yoke 202. After the open tab 109a bypasses the yoke 202, the spring 220 biases the yoke 202 back to the seated position.

[0138] Example B: Actuator Assembly

[0139] See exemplary teachings of Figures 14 and 23-35.

[0140] 23-27 show the actuator assembly 200 and valve assembly 56 in an open position OP. In the open position, the rotatable mount 204 is rotated in an open direction OP. The rotation of the rotatable mount is stopped by a stop 226. The rotation of the rotatable mount 204 drives the disk 214. The rotation of the disk 214 moves the inclined surface 216 and the non-inclined surface 217. The inclined surface 217 is rotated toward the extension 220. The non-inclined surface 217 is rotated away from the extension 220. As the inclined surface 216 is rotated toward the extension 220, the extension 220 is pushed up to the highest portion of the inclined surface 216. As the extension 220 is pushed up, the pusher 218 is pushed upward. As the pusher 218 is pushed upward, the actuator assembly 200 is in the open position OP. The upward movement of the pusher 218 urges the valve assembly 56 to the open position OP.

[0141] To be moved to a closed position (not shown), the rotatable mount 204 is rotated in a closed direction CD, which is opposite the open direction OD. The rotatable mount 204 is prevented from over-rotating by a stop 226. Rotation of the rotatable mount 204 drives the disk 214. Rotation of the disk 214 moves the inclined surface 216 and the non-inclined surface 217. The inclined surface 216 is rotated away from the extension 220. The non-inclined surface 217 is rotated towards the extension 220. As the non-inclined surface 217 is rotated towards the extension 220, the extension 220 is lowered to the non-inclined surface 217. As such, the pusher 218 is lowered and seats against the non-inclined surface 217, placing the actuator assembly 200 in the closed position. The lowering of the pusher 218 then forces the valve assembly 56 (not shown) to the closed position.

[0142] Rotation of the actuator assembly 200 is caused by the carousel 100. The carousel includes tabs 109 (as shown in Figures 32-35). The contact surfaces 127 of the tabs 109 while the carousel 100 rotates contact and push against the respective tangs 208, 210 until contact is broken and / or the rotatable mount 204 contacts one or more stops 226. The one or more stops 226 prevent the rotatable mount 204 from further rotation. When torque is applied to the tangs 208, 210 via the tabs 109, the rotatable mount rotates. The rotation of the rotatable mount 204 drives the disk 214.

[0143] When the actuator assembly 200 is rotated to the closed position, the pusher 218 moves to a lowered position. In that lowered position, the pusher 218 rests on the non-inclined surface 217 of the disk 214. The pusher 218 in the lowered position allows the valve assembly 56 to be fully seated within the fill opening 55 of the fill extension 54. To be fully seated, the seal 57 seats on the valve seat 125 and has an interference fit with the fill opening 55. By being fully seated in the fill opening 55, the valve assembly 56 seals the fresh tank 50 to prevent liquid from remaining in the fresh tank 50 and entering the reservoir 24.

[0144] When the actuator assembly 200 is rotated to the open position OP, the pusher 218 moves to a raised position. In the raised position, the pusher 218 rests on the inclined surface 216 of the disk 214. In the raised position, the pusher 218 pushes the valve assembly 56 past the fill opening 55 and further into the fresh tank 50. A gap is created between the seal 57 and the valve seat 125. This gap allows liquid in the fresh tank 50 to flow out into the reservoir 24.

[0145] Unless otherwise specified, any numerical value described herein includes all values ​​from the lower value to the higher value in increments of one unit, provided that there is a spread of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if the amount of a component, property, or process variable value, such as temperature, pressure, time, etc., is specified to be, for example, 1 to 90, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 70, then intermediate range values ​​(e.g., 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc.) are intended to be within the scope of the teachings herein. Similarly, individual intermediate values ​​are also intended to be within the scope of the teachings. For values ​​less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest values ​​listed should be considered to be expressly set forth in this application as well.

[0146] Unless otherwise specified, all ranges include the endpoints and all numerical values ​​between those endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both endpoints of that range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" encompasses "about 20 to about 30," inclusive of at least the endpoints specified.

[0147] The term "generally" or "substantially" describing an angular measurement may mean about ±10° or less, about ±5° or less, or even about ±1° or less. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing an angular measurement may mean about ±0.01° or more, about ±0.1° or more, or even about ±0.5° or more. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing a linear measurement, percentage, or ratio may mean about ±10% or less, about ±5% or less, or even about ±1% or less. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing a linear measurement, percentage, or ratio may mean about ±0.01% or more, about ±0.1% or more, or even about ±0.5% or more.

[0148] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a combination is intended to include the identified elements, components, ingredients, or steps, and such other elements, components, ingredients, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, components, ingredients, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of or even consist of the elements, components, ingredients, or steps. A plurality of elements, components, ingredients, or steps may be provided by a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step may be separated into separate elements, components, ingredients, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, component, ingredient, or step does not exclude additional elements, components, ingredients, ingredients, or steps.

[0149] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and many applications other than the examples provided will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined without reference to the above description, but instead with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all papers and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. If any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is omitted in the following claims, this omission should not be deemed to be a waiver of such subject matter, nor should it be deemed that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed subject matter of the present invention.

Claims

1. a) a serving bowl configured to hold a liquid for consumption by the animal; b) a freshness tank configured to store fresh liquid therein; and c) a used tank configured to store therein used liquid, at least a portion of the liquid already available for consumption by the animal; d) one or more carousels having one or more circulation cups and one or more discharge cups; Equipped with A liquid dispensing device, wherein the one or more carousels are configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction about an axis of rotation of the one or more carousels.

2. 2. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the fresh tank includes a valve assembly configured to seal the fresh tank when in a closed position and to open the fresh tank when in an open position.

3. The liquid dispensing device of claim 2 , wherein the valve assembly includes a seal and a seal extender.

4. The liquid dispensing device of claim 3 , wherein the seal rests within and seals the opening of the new tank when the valve assembly is in a closed position.

5. 5. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the opening of the fresh tank is formed in a fill extension, and the valve assembly is at least partially located within the fill extension.

6. The liquid dispensing device of claim 5 , wherein the fill extension is formed as a neck projecting downwardly from the fresh water tank.

7. 7. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein the seal extender is attached to or integral with the seal such that axial movement of the seal extender causes the same axial movement of the seal.

8. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 2 , comprising an actuator assembly configured to move the valve assembly to the open position, the closed position, or both.

9. The liquid dispensing device of claim 8 , wherein the actuator assembly is an electrical, mechanical, and / or electromechanical actuator assembly.

10. The liquid dispensing device of claim 9 , wherein the actuator assembly is an electromechanical actuator that causes linear actuation, rotational actuation, or both.

11. The liquid dispensing device of claim 10 , wherein the electromechanical actuator is configured to actuate the valve assembly.

12. 9. The liquid dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the actuator assembly includes a pusher movable along an axis and attached to a valve assembly, such that axial movement of the pusher causes the same axial movement of one or more portions of the valve assembly.

13. 13. The liquid dispensing device of claim 8 or 12, wherein the actuator assembly includes a disk that converts rotational motion into the axial motion.

14. The liquid dispensing device of claim 13 , wherein the disk includes one or more inclined surfaces.

15. 15. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the disc is attached to the pusher, and rotation of the disc causes the axial movement of the pusher.

16. 16. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the actuator assembly includes a yoke, the yoke configured to receive torque in one or more directions from the one or more carousels.

17. The liquid dispensing device of claim 16 , wherein the yoke includes one or more tangs projecting therefrom.

18. The liquid dispensing device of claim 17 , wherein the one or more tangs are two tangs bifurcated from a body of the yoke.

19. The liquid dispensing device of claim 17 or 18, wherein the one or more tangs include an upper tang and a lower tang.

20. 20. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the one or more tangs are configured to contact and receive torque from one or more tabs of the one or more carousels.

21. the one or more carousels include the one or more tabs; The liquid dispensing device of claim 20 , wherein the one or more tabs are located on an inner surface and / or a bottom surface of the carousel.

22. 22. The liquid dispensing device of claim 20 or 21, wherein the one or more tabs are two tabs.

23. The liquid dispensing device of claim 22, wherein the two tabs are spaced and offset from each other.

24. 24. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the one or more tabs include one or more bypass ramps that enable the carousel to avoid engagement with the yoke when rotating.

25. 25. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the one or more tabs include one or more actuating surfaces that enable the carousel to engage the yoke and cause it to rotate.

26. A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein when the one or more carousels rotate in the first direction, a torque is applied to the one or more tongues in a first direction, and when the one or more carousels rotate in the second direction, a torque is applied to the one or more tongues in a second direction.

27. 23. A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the yoke is attached to the rotatable mount such that the rotatable mount rotates in a first direction or a second direction when subjected to a torque in the first direction or the second direction.

28. 28. The liquid disbursement device of claim 27, wherein the rotatable mount is rotatably attached to an insert, the insert including one or more stops that limit the degree of rotation of the rotatable mount in the first direction, the second direction, or both.

29. 28. The liquid dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the rotatable mount is rotatably engaged with a disk.

30. 30. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the device comprises one or more filters.

31. 31. The liquid dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the one or more filters are configured to filter the liquid passing therethrough as it flows from the serving bowl towards a reservoir.

32. 32. The liquid dispensing device of claim 30 or 31, wherein the one or more filters are located in a drain channel between the serving bowl and a reservoir, below the serving bowl, or both.

33. 33. The liquid dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the serving bowl includes one or more drains, perforations, or both.

34. The interior of the device includes a reservoir; 34. The liquid dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive the fresh liquid, the filtered liquid, the used liquid, or any combination thereof.

35. The new liquid is received into the reservoir from the new tank; and / or 32. The liquid dispensing device of claim 31 , wherein the filtered liquid and / or the used liquid is received from the serving bowl.

36. 36. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more circulation cups are a plurality of circulation cups and the one or more drainage cups are a plurality of drainage cups.

37. 37. The liquid dispensing device of claim 36, wherein the plurality of circulation cups and the plurality of drainage cups are arranged in an alternating manner.

38. 38. The liquid dispensing device of claim 36 or 37, wherein the plurality of circulation cups and the plurality of drainage cups are radially arranged around the one or more carousels.

39. 39. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the plurality of circulation cups and the plurality of drainage cups are arranged on and / or form an upper surface of the carousel.

40. 40. The liquid dispensing device of claim 39, wherein the plurality of circulation cups and / or the plurality of drainage cups are formed as cavities in the carousel.

41. 41. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more circulation cups, the one or more drainage cups, or both, include one or more cup openings.

42. 42. The liquid dispensing device of claim 41, wherein when the one or more circulation cups, the one or more drainage cups, or both, pass through a reservoir storing the new liquid and / or the used liquid therein, the one or more cup openings are configured to allow the new liquid and / or the used liquid to flow from the reservoir into the one or more circulation cups, the one or more drainage cups, or both.

43. 43. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the one or more circulation cups are in fluid communication with one or more circulation spouts attached thereto.

44. The liquid dispensing device of claim 40, wherein the one or more circulation spouts are integrally formed as part of the one or more carousels.

45. 45. A liquid dispensing device as described in claim 43 or 44, wherein the one or more circulation spouts are directed away from an upper surface of the carousel, protrude toward a bottom surface of the carousel, are directed toward a spout of the device, or both.

46. 46. ​​A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the one or more circulation spouts are configured to transport the fresh liquid and / or the used liquid recirculated into a spout, a spout funnel, or both.

47. 47. The liquid dispensing device of claim 46, wherein when the one or more carousels are rotated in the first direction, the new liquid and / or the used liquid flows out of the one or more circulation cups through the one or more circulation spouts when the one or more circulation cups are positioned generally above the spout funnel, the spout, or both.

48. the spout funnel is in fluid communication with and / or defines the spout; 48. A liquid dispensing device as claimed in claim 46 or 47, wherein the spout is located above the serving bowl.

50. 50. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the one or more drain cups are in fluid communication with one or more used liquid spouts attached thereto.

51. 51. The liquid dispensing device of claim 50, wherein the one or more discharge spouts are integrally formed as part of the one or more carousels.

52. 52. A liquid dispensing device as described in claim 50 or 51, wherein the one or more discharge spouts are directed away from an inner periphery of the carousel, towards a channel, towards the axis of rotation of the carousel, or any combination thereof.

53. 53. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the one or more used liquid spouts are configured to transport the used liquid from a reservoir into the used tank, channel, or both.

54. 54. The liquid dispensing device of claim 53, wherein when the one or more carousels are rotated in the second direction, the used liquid flows out of the one or more drain cups through the one or more used liquid spouts when the one or more drain cups are positioned generally above the channel.

55. the channel is located at least partially within a cavity of the carousel; 55. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the channel receives the used liquid from the one or more used liquid spouts.

56. 56. The liquid dispensing device of claim 55, wherein the gap of the one or more carousels is a central gap of the carousel formed by a generally annular carousel.

57. 57. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein the liquid dispensing device comprises a drive unit.

58. 58. The liquid dispensing device of claim 57, wherein the drive unit is configured to drive rotation of the one or more carousels in the first direction, the second direction, or both.

59. 59. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the drive unit comprises one or more gears.

60. 60. The liquid dispensing device of claim 59, wherein the one or more gears are one or more drive gears engaged with the one or more carousels and driving rotation of the one or more carousels in the first direction, the second direction, or both.

61. 61. The liquid dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the one or more carousels include a track, a hub, or both.

62. the track is located along at least a portion of an outer periphery, an inner periphery, or both, of the carousel; and / or 57. The liquid dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the hub is located within the carousel and is either centered or off-centered.

63. 63. The liquid dispensing device of claim 61 or 62, wherein the hub is rotatably engaged with the drive unit.

64. 63. The liquid dispensing device of claim 61 or 62, wherein the track comprises one or more teeth.

65. 65. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the track is rotatably engaged with one or more gears.

66. 66. The liquid dispensing device of claim 65, wherein the one or more gears are one or more drive gears.

67. 67. The liquid dispensing device of claim 66, wherein the one or more drive gears are located within a cavity of the one or more carousels.

68. 68. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein the device comprises one or more sensing devices.

69. 69. The liquid dispensing device of claim 68, wherein the one or more sensing devices are configured to sense the amount of liquid in the new tank, the used tank, the serving bowl, a reservoir, the liquid device as a whole, or the like, or any combination thereof.

70. the one or more sensing devices being one or more mass sensors configured to sense a mass of one or more portions of the liquid dispensing device; 70. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 68 or 69, wherein the one or more sensing devices and / or one or more processors are configured to determine a volume of available liquid based on the sensed mass.

71. 71. The liquid dispensing device of any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein the one or more sensing devices are configured to sense one or more ambient conditions around the liquid dispensing device.

72. 72. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises one or more sterilising elements.

73. 73. The liquid dispensing device of claim 72, wherein the one or more germicidal elements include one or more ultraviolet germicidal elements.

74. 68. The liquid dispensing device of claim 66 or 67, wherein the one or more sterilizing elements are positioned above and / or below the liquid to be consumed, the fresh liquid, the used liquid, or any combination thereof.

75. 75. The liquid dispensing device of claim 74, wherein the one or more sterilizing elements are mounted within the liquid dispensing device so as to be positioned above and / or below the used liquid flowing from the serving bowl towards the reservoir, above the serving bowl, above the liquid in the reservoir, or any combination thereof.

76. 76. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 75, wherein the liquid dispensing device comprises one or more lighting elements configured to illuminate the flow of liquid while it flows from a spout.

77. 77. The liquid dispensing device of claim 76, wherein the one or more lighting elements include one or more light pipes, the light pipes being located within the spout and in a flow path of the flow of the liquid as it flows from the spout.

78. 78. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 77, wherein the liquid dispensing device comprises one or more temperature control devices.

79. 80. The liquid dispensing device of claim 78, wherein the one or more temperature control devices include one or more thermoelectric devices.

80. 80. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 79, wherein the used tank includes a drain opening sealed by a stopper valve assembly.

81. 82. The liquid dispensing device of claim 81, wherein the stopper valve assembly is urged by a translation rod to unseal the drain opening.

82. 82. The liquid dispensing device of claim 81, wherein a direction of linear movement of a translation rod is converted to an opposite direction of movement by a valve link of the stopper valve assembly.

83. 83. The liquid dispensing device of claim 81 or 82, wherein the translating rod is located within the spent tank, in a channel portion attached to the exterior or interior of the spent tank, or both.

84. 84. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 81 to 83, wherein the translation rod is in communication with and moveable by a release button portion of a handle portion.

85. 85. The liquid dispensing device of claim 84, wherein the handle portion is attached to the new tank.

86. 86. The liquid dispensing device of claim 85, wherein the channel portion and the handle portion are aligned when the new tank is assembled with the used tank.

87. a) a serving bowl that is removable and configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and configured to hold liquid to be consumed by the animal; b) one or more filters in fluid communication with the serving bowl; c) a reservoir configured to hold the liquid and communicate water from the serving bowl to the carousel; d) a fresh tank configured to store fresh liquid therein; and e) a used tank configured to store therein used liquid, the liquid already available for consumption by the animal; f) a carousel having one or more circulation cups and one or more drainage cups configured to rotate about an axis of rotation of the carousel in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction; A liquid distribution, circulation and discharge device comprising:

88. 88. A liquid distribution, circulation and discharge device as claimed in claim 87, having one or more of the features as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 86.

89. 1. A method of operating a liquid dispensing device, comprising: a) rotating the carousel in a first direction, causing the actuator assembly to move the valve assembly to an open position within the fresh tank to allow fresh liquid to flow into the reservoir; b) flowing said new liquid and optionally used liquid (e.g., circulating) through one or more cup openings into a plurality of circulating cups of said carousel while rotating in said first direction; c) flowing said new liquid and optionally said used liquid from said circulation cup into a spout funnel and through a spout into a serving bowl; A method comprising:

90. d) rotating said carousel in a second direction opposite said first direction, whereby said actuator assembly moves said valve assembly to a closed position to stop said new liquid from flowing into said reservoir and to cause said reservoir to fill with used liquid; e) flowing the used liquid through the one or more cup openings into a plurality of drain cups of the carousel while rotating in the second direction; and f) flowing said used liquid from said drain cup into a channel and then into a used tank; 90. A method of operating the liquid dispensing device of claim 89, comprising:

91. 91. The method of claim 89 or 90, wherein the liquid dispensing device is a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 88.

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