Abstract: An ice dispensing assembly is provided that can be mounted within an appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance. The ice dispensing assembly includes an ice dispenser crusher mechanism having features that facilitate dispensing and crushing of ice. The construction of dispenser crusher mechanism provides a horizontal axis motor coupling with a vertical axis agitator and crusher for dispensing and crushing ice.

Abstract: An ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance includes a resilient silicone mold and a lifter mechanism positioned below the resilient mold for selectively deforming the mold and raising the ice cubes formed therein. A sweep assembly is positioned over the resilient mold and moves to an extended position after the cubes are raised to discharge the ice cubes at a top of the ice making assembly. A drive mechanism such as a motor drives the lifter mechanism using a cam-follower arrangement and the sweep assembly using a slotted yoke mechanism.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and ice maker apparatus are included herein. The ice maker apparatus may include a casing, an auger, a discrete flange, and an extruder die. The casing may define a chamber about a central axis. The casing may extend along the central axis between a top portion and a bottom portion. The casing may include a first material. The auger may be disposed within the chamber of the casing. The discrete flange may be selectively mounted on the casing. The discrete flange may include a second material that is unique from the first material. The extruder die may be attached to the discrete upper flange and positioned above the casing.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber, and a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet for accessing the fresh food chamber. The door further defines an ice box. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice maker disposed within the ice box, and a container defining a storage volume for receipt of ice produced by the ice maker. The refrigerator appliance further includes a drain assembly for draining melt water from the container. The drain assembly includes a male connector mounted to the door for flowing melt water therethrough, and a first duct providing fluid communication between the container and the male connector. The drain assembly further includes a female connector mounted within the fresh food chamber for flowing melt water therethrough from the male connector, and a second duct providing fluid communication from the female connector.

Abstract: An ice dispensing assembly is provided that can be mounted within an appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance. The ice dispensing assembly includes an ice dispenser crusher mechanism having features that facilitate dispensing and crushing of ice. The construction of dispenser crusher mechanism provides a horizontal axis motor coupling with a vertical axis agitator and crusher for dispensing and crushing ice.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber including a fresh food portion a freezer portion. A door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet at a front portion of the chilled chamber. The door rotates between a closed position where the door sealingly encloses the fresh food portion and the freezer portion of the chilled chamber and an open position to permit access to the fresh food portion and the freezer portion of the chilled chamber. The door also includes an outer casing comprising a thermally insulated wall that defines a freezer chamber and a front panel rotatably mounted to the outer casing of the door such that the front panel of the door permits access to the freezer chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber. A door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet at a front portion of the fresh food storage chamber. The door includes an outer casing comprising a thermally insulated wall that defines a flexible chamber and a front panel rotatably mounted to the outer casing of the door such that the front panel of the door permits access to the flexible chamber when the door is in the closed position. The refrigerator appliance also includes a sealed cooling system. The sealed cooling system includes a first evaporator in fluid communication with the flexible chamber and the fresh food chamber. The sealed system also includes a second evaporator in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice bucket with an agitator rotatably mounted within the ice bucket. The agitator may be rotated by a dispenser motor. The agitator may be coupled to the dispenser motor via a fork connected to the motor and a socket connected to the agitator. The fork is selectively engagable with the socket, and the fork transfers torque from the dispenser motor to the agitator via the socket when the fork engages the socket. The ice making assembly may be provided in a refrigerator appliance.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. A radial sleeve bearing engages the auger at the extruder die. A radial and thrust bearing engages the auger at the bottom portion of the casing. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and ice maker apparatus are included herein. The ice maker apparatus may include a casing, an auger, a discrete flange, and an extruder die. The casing may define a chamber about a central axis. The casing may extend along the central axis between a top portion and a bottom portion. The casing may include a first material. The auger may be disposed within the chamber of the casing. The discrete flange may be selectively mounted on the casing. The discrete flange may include a second material that is unique from the first material. The extruder die may be attached to the discrete upper flange and positioned above the casing.

Abstract: A filter assembly that includes one or more features that enhance installation, inspection, and replacement of the filter is provided. In one exemplary aspect, the filter assembly includes a manifold and a filter media assembly that includes a filter media and an end cap attached thereto. The end cap and manifold include features that provide for secure mounting of the filter media assembly with the manifold so as to facilitate inspection, installation, and removal of the filter assembly.

Abstract: An ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making assembly includes an icebox defining an ice making chamber and a heat exchanger aperture. The icebox is mounted to a refrigerator door and surrounded by a door liner defining a circulation duct for receiving cooled airflow. A heat exchanger is positioned within the heat exchanging aperture and includes a first side positioned within the ice making chamber and a second side positioned outside the ice making chamber within the circulation duct. An icemaker is positioned within the ice making chamber and a fastener removably attaches the icemaker to the first side of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber below the fresh food chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice maker disposed within the cabinet outside of the freezer chamber and proximate to the fresh food chamber. The ice maker is in thermal communication with a freezer evaporator via a fan, a supply duct, and a return duct. The ice maker includes a harvest heater and the freezer evaporator is deactivated while the harvest heater is active.

Abstract: An icemaker appliance includes an ice maker positioned within a cabinet. A circulation conduit extends from a sump to the ice maker. A pump is connected to the circulation conduit such that the pump is operable to flow liquid water from the sump to the ice maker through the circulation conduit. A deionization filter assembly is coupled to the circulation conduit. A sensor is operable to measure a total dissolved solids value of the liquid water flowing through the circulation conduit.

Abstract: A control system for delivering filtered liquid to a reservoir of a beverage machine. The liquid level within the reservoir is monitored, and when the liquid level is at or below a predetermined level, a valve opens to allow liquid to flow to the reservoir. Once the liquid level has reached or obtained a predetermined liquid fill level, the valve is closed.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. A motor is positioned above the extruder die. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. The auger is coupled to a shaft of the motor with a threaded connection such that the auger is rotatable with the motor along a rotational direction within the chamber of the casing. The threaded connection between the auger and the shaft of the motor is wound opposite the rotational direction of the auger. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. A radial sleeve bearing engages the auger at the bottom portion of the casing. A radial and thrust bearing engages the auger at the extruder die. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a vent system. The vent system includes an inner standpipe, a check valve, an outer standpipe and a cover. A sidewall of the check valve extends around the inner standpipe, and an end wall of the check valve is positioned over the inner standpipe. A sidewall of the cover extends around the outer standpipe, and an end wall of the cover is positioned over the outer standpipe.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is disposed within the casing. A female inlet port and a female outlet port are mounted to the casing at an end portion of the casing. The female inlet port is offset from the female outlet port along the radial direction at the end portion of the casing.

Abstract: An icemaker appliance includes an ice maker positioned within a cabinet. A circulation conduit extends from a sump to the ice maker. A pump is connected to the circulation conduit such that the pump is operable to flow liquid water from the sump to the ice maker through the circulation conduit. A deionization filter assembly is coupled to the circulation conduit. A sensor is operable to measure a total dissolved solids value of the liquid water flowing through the circulation conduit.