Abstract: A dispensing system suitable for dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator is disclosed.

Abstract: A clear ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one fluid outlet aperture in fluid communication with a bottom fluid chamber. During an ice making event, portions of an ice forming evaporator extending through the housing are exposed to water flowing into the fluid channels from the upper fluid chamber. The ice forming evaporator is formed with microchannels through which refrigerant flows such that water flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the exposed portions of the ice forming evaporator over time, forming clear ice pieces. In a harvesting operation, the ice pieces are released from the ice forming evaporator and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. An insulation layer is disposed between the forward wall and the rearward wall. An exterior skin is disposed adjacent to the forward wall and substantially covers the forward wall. A plenum is defined by the space between the exterior skin and the forward wall and is adapted to receive utility lines.

Abstract: A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

Abstract: A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected to the interior side of the door. A component door is hingedly-connected to the base and includes a viewing area. The component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and the base and the component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. An air hose extends from the modular component. The air hose has a proximal end and a distal end. A fastener system is disposed on one of the component door and the base. The fastener system is adapted to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base. A heat sealer is disposed on one of the base and the component door.

Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. A frame defines an aperture extending through the door from the interior side to the exterior side. A module is disposed in the aperture. The module includes a first component and a second component. The second component disengageably connects with the first component. A pivot member is operably coupled with the module and with the frame. The module is rotatable about the pivot member thereby allowing access to both the first component and the second component from the exterior side of the door body.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes the ability to mount a variety of modules requiring utilities, such as electricity and fluids, within adjustable locations in the door of the refrigerator. The door includes a conduit extending in at least one direction and including one or more plug-in connectors for allowing a module with a mating connector to be positioned on the door for supplying operating utilities to the module. This allows the purchaser of the refrigerator to add components and accessories to the refrigerator after purchase or select desired features at the time of purchase.

Abstract: An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance.

Abstract: A dispensing system suitable for dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator is disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter or an appliance for use with an independently operable consumer electronic device having a user interface. The adapter comprises a holding device forming a device cavity capable of admitting the consumer electronic device in a predetermined orientation. An access opening into the device cavity exposes a portion of the consumer electronic device when the consumer electronic device is in the predetermined orientation. The portion of the consumer electronic device exposed includes at least a portion of the user interface.

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 acoustic chamber as part of adapter for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.

Abstract: An acoustic chamber as part of adapter or appliance for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.

Abstract: A modular cabinet for a family of drawer appliances including an insulated liner defining a drawer space, a machine compartment, a wiring harness leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space, a passage leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space and an air passage leading from the machine compartment to the front of the cabinet and a drain leading from the liner space to the machine compartment. The family of drawer appliances can include refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine and warming drawers. A drawer can have two compartments and can be maintained at two temperatures. The drawers include an insulated front and a bin and can be slidably carried in the drawer space. The modular cabinet and control can be used for each member of the family of drawer appliances.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities.

Abstract: A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes the ability to mount a variety of modules requiring utilities, such as electricity and fluids, within adjustable locations in the door of the refrigerator. The door includes a conduit extending in at least one direction and including one or more plug-in connectors for allowing a module with a mating connector to be positioned on the door for supplying operating utilities to the module. This allows the purchaser of the refrigerator to add components and accessories to the refrigerator after purchase or select desired features at the time of purchase.