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 dishwasher comprises a bulk wash aid dispenser than can store both solid and liquid bulk wash aids and dispense controllable amounts therefrom during dishwashing cycles. The controllable amounts are typically single charges, the amount required during a selected dishwashing cycle. The single charges can be dispensed individually or simultaneously and all at once or at various intervals.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly in a vehicle has a suction nozzle and controls for the vacuum all located within a reach zone of the driver sitting the driver's seat. The suction nozzle is mounted to the vehicle, either as part of the central vacuum system or on a portable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A refrigerator contains a battery pack for providing a DC current to drive a refrigeration system and alternatively is connectable to an AC power source for driving the refrigeration system from the AC power source. The DC battery pack is utilized during peak loads on the AC source of power, and the AC source of power is utilized during reduced loads on the AC power source. The electrical circuitry and components of the AC and DC power circuits are contained within a mechanical compartment located within the refrigerator.

Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can be positioned in an insulated module in the refrigerator compartment opposite an ice dispenser positioned on the refrigerator compartment door. The insulated module is maintained at temperatures below 0° C. for forming and storing ice cubes. Air ducts from the evaporator compartment or an auxiliary ice maker evaporator can be provided to maintain below 0° C. temperatures in the insulated module.

Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Abstract: An dispensing system suitable for lifting and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator or lifting and dispensing ice from an undercounter ice maker to a dispenser on the countertop.

Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.

Abstract: A method of washing dishes in a dishwasher that includes a Start Stop sequence in a wash segment of one or more of the dishwashing cycles. The Stop Start sequence includes the steps of pausing the operation of the wash pump, operating the wash pump to circulate wash water in the dishwasher for a short period of time, and repeating the steps of pausing and operating the wash pump for a short period of time a predetermined number of times. The Stop Start sequence is preceded by, and may be followed by, a period of continuous operation of the wash pump.

Abstract: Novel polymer blends are provided comprising a linear low density copolymer of ethylene with an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms (LLDPE) compounded with a minor amount of an at least partially isotactic, partially crystalline butene-1 polymer comprising at least about 80 wt. % of polymerized butene-1. The blends can be fabricated with better processability and reduced blocking into blown films having improved impact properties.