Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus comprising a diagnostic unit configured to communicate with a rules engine to determine whether a transmission detected in a vehicle is classified as unauthorized wireless device usage based on characteristics of RF signals received by a Detector Module collocated with the vehicle, geographic location data, and, optionally, additional secondary data, such determination being made by an external Rules Engine that is in communication with the Detector Module. The Rules Engine can provide instructions to and modify various threshold values used for preliminary RF signal analysis by the Detector Module.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking ice clumps in a refrigerator. The apparatus includes an ice storage bin, an axle rotatably supported by an ice storage bin, an actuator operatively coupled to the axle and an ice breaker operatively coupled to the actuator. The ice breaker moves in a reciprocal manner upon the driving of the axle and the actuator. Such reciprocal movement of the ice breaker breaks ice clumps in the storage bin.

Abstract: This present application is directed to imaging devices and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provides a portable data device with that is capable of capturing location information and capable of wirelessly connecting to one or more imaging devices. The portable data device is configured to, among other things, associate location information and/or other information with images and/or or videos captured by imaging devices. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a portable data device that includes, among other things, location module, a wireless interface, a battery, and a user interface.

Abstract: This present application is directed to imaging devices and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provides a portable data device with that is capable of capturing location information and capable of wirelessly connecting to one or more imaging devices. The portable data device is configured to, among other things, associate location information and/or other information with images and/or or videos captured by imaging devices. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a portable data device that includes, among other things, location module, a wireless interface, a battery, and a user interface.

Abstract: A dispensing motor apparatus includes a motor assembly for driving a dispenser, the motor assembly having a motor. The dispenser is driven by the motor. One or more relays having electrical contacts can be integrated with the motor assembly. The motor changes its direction of rotation when its polarity is switched by relay(s). Additionally, a controller can communicate with the relay(s) and the motor assembly, such that the controller permits the relay(s) to switch the position of the contacts of the relay(s) before power is turned on with respect to the motor through the electrical contacts and switch the position of the electrical contacts of the relay(s) to a default state after the power is removed from the motor through the electrical contacts. The relay(s) is subject to mechanical cycling without the contacts of relay(s) being required to perform a current switching duty.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking ice clumps in a refrigerator. The apparatus includes an ice storage bin, an axle rotatably supported by an ice storage bin, an actuator operatively coupled to the axle and an ice breaker operatively coupled to the actuator. The ice breaker moves in a reciprocal manner upon the driving of the axle and the actuator. Such reciprocal movement of the ice breaker breaks ice clumps in the storage bin.

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.

Abstract: An ice dispenser having a safety apparatus is disclosed. The ice dispenser includes a bin for storing ice to be dispensed; a chute in communication with the bin; a device for at least one of crushing the ice and moving the ice from the bin to the chute; a controller for activating the device in response to a dispensing signal; and a safety apparatus configured to determine a presence of an object in the chute and to provide an indication responsive to the determined presence to the controller. The controller deactivates the device after receiving the indication. A refrigerator incorporating such an ice dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator with an ice dispenser is shown. The ice dispenser has a user dispense panel. The user dispense panel comprises a dispense control and an ice outlet. A ice storage compartment defines a first interior volume. An ice chute flow connects the ice storage compartment and the ice outlet. The chute comprises a first end in flow communication with the ice storage compartment and a second end in flow communication with the ice outlet. A member is configured between the first and second ends. The member comprises an interior volume in flow communication with the first and second ends. A flow axis is formed from the first end to the second end. The member has a restriction.