Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a refrigerator that includes an icemaker that is operable to .form ice at a first rate during normal operation, and at a second, faster, rate upon demand for additional ice. More specifically, and in an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration circuit having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator connected in series. A condenser fan is positioned to blow air over the condenser and an evaporator fan is positioned to blow air over the evaporator. The icemaker is located in the freezer compartment and positioned so that the evaporator blows air over an ice mold of the icemaker. The refrigerator also includes a control coupled to a user interface and to the evaporator fan. The control includes a processor, and the processor is programmed to control energization of the evaporator fan upon selection of an ice rate booster mode at the user interface.

Abstract: An ice bucket assembly includes an ice bucket container and a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes a plurality of tabs configured to engage a plurality of openings disposed within the ice bucket container. The cover includes a plurality of tabs which permit a user to grasp the cover during removal or installation of the cover. When installed, the housing assembly is positioned above a dispensary opening at a front of the ice bucket container. As a result, crushed ice is immediately dispensed from the ice bucket container.

Abstract: A refrigerator airflow distribution assembly includes an airflow diverter in flow communication with freezer compartment air. The diverter includes a primary flow path and at least one diverter opening therethrough, and together with a cover forms a secondary flow path in flow communication with the first flow path through the diverter opening. Freezer compartment air is directed to the primary flow path, and a portion of the air in the primary flow path flows through the diverter openings and into the secondary flow path, and is introduced to the fresh food compartment through one or more vents in the cover. Metered airflow through the diverter reduces temperature gradients in the refrigerator, as well as provides a regulated temperature source for a storage drawer in the fresh food storage compartment.

Abstract: A condenser and fan assembly for a refrigerator is described. In an example embodiment, the assembly comprises a baseplate, a condenser, and a baseplate mounting bracket secured to the condenser for mounting the condenser to the baseplate. The assembly further comprises a fan subassembly comprising a fan motor, a fan blade hub, a plurality of fan blades extending from the fan blade hub. The hub is coupled to the fan motor, and a shroud positioned over the fan blades. A bracket is secured to the shroud. A fan mounting bracket is secured to the condenser for mounting the fan subassembly to the condenser. Specifically, the fan mounting bracket mates with the fan subassembly bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration system including a defrost heater and a controller operatively connected to the evaporator and a defrost heater is provided. The method comprises initiating a defrost cycle to energize the defrost heater to defrost the evaporator, monitoring a temperature of the evaporator, terminating the defrost cycle by de-energizing the defrost heater when a low temperature termination point of the evaporator is reached when in a low temperature defrost cycle, and terminating the defrost cycle by de-energizing the defrost heater when a high temperature termination point of the evaporator is reached when in a high temperature defrost cycle.

Abstract: A chilled water supply system for a refrigerator is provided. The system includes a water storage tank comprising an outlet leg, and a filter media disposed within said outlet leg.

Abstract: A storage drawer assembly for a freestanding range includes a base module, a storage drawer slidably connected to the base module, and a drawer insert attached to the storage drawer. The drawer insert includes a stop portion and a wedge portion. The wedge portion includes a first surface to prevent excessive deflection of the base module, and a second surface to center the drawer inside the base module.

Abstract: A convection, oven having a multi-speed fan for circulating hot air within the cooking chamber at a plurality of velocities, with the selection of the appropriate fan speed depending upon the food being cooked in the oven. The fan is disposed within a recess formed in a rear wall of the cooking chamber and is separated from the cooking chamber by a fan cover plate. The cover plate has an inlet opening proximate its center and three elliptical outlet openings equidistantly disposed around its. perimeter. The edge of each outlet opening is located proximate an edge of the recess in order to provide a smooth flow path for the air circulated by the fan. To minimize the influence of the circulating air on the operation of the gas heating element, and thereby minimizing the production of carbon monoxide, a first of the outlet openings is located at a position 45 degrees above horizontal.

Abstract: A defrost control system for a self-defrosting refrigerator is configured to monitor a compressor load, determine whether at least a first defrost cycle is required based on the compressor load, execute at least one defrost cycle when required; and regulate the defrost cycle to conserve energy. A controller is operatively coupled to a compressor, a defrost heater, and a refrigeration compartment temperature sensor. The controller makes defrost decisions based on temperature conditions in the refrigeration compartment in light of other events, such as refrigerator door openings, completed defrost cycles, and power up events. Defrost cycles are automatically adjusted as operating conditions change, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption that would otherwise occur in a fixed defrost cycle.

Abstract: A reversible cooktop grate includes a first side having a flat surface; and a second side extending opposite the first side. The second side includes a curved surface for accommodating a curved-bottomed cooking vessel.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker is described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet comprising and inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling to the grommet outlet. The fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof. In another embodiment, the assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of the fill tube for facilitating heating at least the fill tube portion.

Abstract: An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared to a predetermined value to determine when ice is frozen and ready for harvesting. Harvesting is delayed a pre-selected time based upon the position of the feeler arm to avoid premature harvesting. A harvest fix algorithm is executed when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period by operating a heater at an elevated temperature and by de-energizing a motor. A water fill algorithm determines whether the mold is full of water based upon a change in the thermistor reading.

Abstract: A system for displaying a temperature of a refrigerator compartment including at least one temperature sensor is provided that emulates the function and behavior of a thermostat to control and display refrigerator compartment temperature in a simple and intuitive manner. The system includes a controller including a processor and a memory and operatively coupled to the temperature sensor. A human machine interface board includes a display and is coupled to the controller and configured for receiving user input of a refrigerator compartment setting. The controller is configured to accept a set temperature of the at least one compartment, monitor actual temperature of the compartment; and display a damped temperature value based on operating conditions of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a damper having a closed position and an open position for providing flow communication between a first cooled compartment and a second cooled compartment is provided. The method includes toggling the damper from an initial position of the damper to a position different from the initial position and then back to the initial position on a periodic basis.

Abstract: An oven light assembly includes a lens, a housing, a lamp base and a light bulb. The lens and housing protect the light bulb from the oven environment. The housing includes a rim having cantilever beams and louvers that engage flanged lips on an outer edge of the lens. Cantilever beams apply an upward force to maintain the flanged lips in the louvers. The housing maintains the lens properly positioned and allows removal of the lens without the use of tools.

Abstract: A thermal compensation system for an oven including at least one visible light cooking element includes a thermistor in thermal communication with an oven cavity, and a microcomputer coupled to the thermistor and operatively connected to the cooking element from control thereof. When the oven cavity temperature exceeds a minimum threshold prior to cooking operation, the microcomputer reduces a power level of the cooking unit to compensate for latent heat in the oven cavity and avoid overcooking the food.

Abstract: A control system for a glass touch cooktop includes a control panel including a plurality of touch control areas with touch toggle controls that correspond to a plurality of surface heater elements, and a toggle lock control that disables the touch controls areas when activated. The toggle lock control is separated from the touch control, identified with a conspicuous icon, and includes an integral indicator to readily alert a user that the system is locked. Graphical icons and integral indicators are incorporated into touch controls for user-friendly operation of the heating elements.

Abstract: A grease resistant oven grille includes an injection molded plastic structure having a plurality of air passages therethrough and a grease resistant powder coating layer overlying the plastic structure for withstanding oven exhaust of about 275° F. (135° C.) without color change. The grease resistant powder is a polyester resin that is electrostatically applied to the plastic structure after priming the grille with a conductive primer.

Abstract: A jumper tube for connecting a flow restricting capillary tube and an evaporator in a refrigerator system includes a transition portion in between a cavity portion and a cylindrical portion. The transition portion is crimped and folds a portion of the jumper tube sidewall onto itself to form a passage in the shape of clam shell. The transition portion prevents the creation of popping sounds in the jumper tube due to uncontrolled expansion of refrigerant exiting the capillary tube.

Abstract: A false bottom for an oven having a bake element inside an oven chamber covers the bake element and provides an easy-to-clean surface above the bake element. The false bottom is removable to further facilitate cleaning of the false bottom, as well as allowing access to the bake element from the front of the oven for cleaning and repair.