Abstract:
An elongated polymeric ribbon is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the door and at least one electrical conductor is integrally formed in the ribbon, which also integrally includes at least one fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the ribbon is mounted in association with an elongated spine, such that a module can be mounted anywhere along the spine and coupled to the polymeric ribbon for receiving operating utilities therefrom. This system provides the manufacturer with the capability of positioning a module requiring operating utilities at any desired location within a refrigerator/freezer cabinet and/or on the doors of the refrigerator/freezer. The ribbon connector is accessed by connections which allow dealers to customize refrigerators for individual consumers.
Abstract:
A backsplash includes a faucet that provides point-of-use dispensing of water to a cooktop container. The backsplash includes controls that allow a user to select a desired amount of water to be dispensed, as well as the temperature of water to be dispensed. A filter assembly includes a replaceable filter that allows for filtered water dispensation. Optionally, the backsplash can be connected to one or more appliances in the kitchen in order to communicate information and/or power. The backsplash may also include a ventilation channel to direct vented air from a range to a ventilation shaft.
Abstract:
A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.
Abstract:
A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
Abstract:
A mechanism for dispensing ice in each of three selected forms, namely, cubed, crushed and shaved. This mechanism includes a reservoir arranged to hold a supply of ice cubes, a dispensing zone, a delivery mechanism arranged for dispensing ice cubes from said reservoir to said dispensing zone, an ice crushing mechanism located in said dispensing zone arranged to selectively crush ice, an ice shaving mechanism located in said dispensing zone arranged to selectively shave ice, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively activate said ice crushing mechanism and said ice shaving mechanism upon receipt of an appropriate input from a user.
Abstract:
A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.
Abstract:
An ice making, transferring and storing system includes an icemaker located in the fresh food compartment and an ice storage bin, located in one of the fresh food and freezer compartments, for receiving ice from the icemaker. A first ice transfer mechanism delivers ice from the icemaker to the ice storage bin. An ice dispenser is located in one of the fresh food and freezer doors. A second ice transfer mechanism selectively delivers ice from the ice storage bin to the ice dispenser.
Abstract:
A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.
Abstract:
A clear ice making system and method utilizes an ice forming tray pivotally connected to opposing side walls of an icemaker housing. Ice forming fingers of a dedicated evaporator extend into fluid within the ice forming tray, and are cooled by communication with the refrigerant circulating system of the refrigerator. A motor oscillates the ice forming tray about a longitudinal axis at a frequency of about 0.4-0.6 hertz as fluid channels freezes on the ice forming fingers over time, forming clear ice pieces. During an ice dispensing event, the motor pivots the ice making tray about the longitudinal axis such that fluid remaining within the ice making tray drains into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming fingers are then heated to release the clear ice pieces for transfer from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment of the refrigerator.
Abstract:
A refrigeration system for a refrigerator having a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, an icemaker in the fresh food compartment includes distinct freezer, fresh food and icemaker evaporators and associated valving operating in conjunction with a common compressor and condenser in order to effectively regulate temperatures in specified zones of the refrigerator throughout various operational modes including at least a freezer cooling mode, a fresh food cooling mode and an ice harvesting mode. The icemaker can be serially linked with the fresh food evaporator during cooling of the fresh food compartment, while being also being selectively isolated for the ice harvesting mode.