Abstract: A method for operating a refrigerator having a driving assembly and an ice storage bin. The driving assembly is releasably engageable with the ice storage bin. The driving assembly has a motor fork. The ice storage bin supports an axle, to which a coupler is secured. The method includes engaging the motor fork with the coupler secured, rotating the motor fork in a first direction based on a user's input, and rotating the motor fork in a second direction opposite to the first direction for a predetermined time or by a predetermined angle at the end of the user's input.

Abstract: A method for operating a refrigerator having a driving assembly and an ice storage bin. The driving assembly is releasably engageable with the ice storage bin. The driving assembly has a motor fork. The ice storage bin supports an axle, to which a coupler is secured. The method includes engaging the motor fork with the coupler secured, rotating the motor fork in a first direction based on a user's input, and rotating the motor fork in a second direction opposite to the first direction for a predetermined time or by a predetermined angle at the end of the user's input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for crushing ice within a refrigerator are disclosed. The apparatus includes an ice making, storage and dispensing compartment; an ice storage bin, an agitator, an axle, and a crusher. The crusher includes a plurality of fixed blades, a plurality of rotatable crusher arms affixed to the axle, a front wall having an opening vertically above the fixed blades, sidewalls sealing a portion of the front wall to a portion of the back wall, leaving a predetermined void and a motor for rotating the axle to drive the agitator and crusher. The method includes the steps of rotating an axle, in first direction and second directions to dispense whole ice cubes or crushed ice cubes, respectively, from the ice dispenser.