Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an ice bin assembly for a refrigerator is described. The ice bin assembly further includes an ice storage container having at least one upper guide element and at least one lower guide element. The upper guide element is located above a plane that intersects a center of mass of the ice storage container and the lower guide element is located below the plane that intersects the center of mass of the ice storage container. The upper guide element is configured to contact the upper docking element when the ice storage container is seated on the base and the lower guide element is configured to contact the lower docking element when the ice storage container is seated on the base.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance is provided with features for securing a dispenser to a door of the appliance. The dispenser can include a top wall, a bottom wall and a back wall that define a dispenser recess. An insert includes at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall. The insert is mounted to a back of a front panel of the door. As a result, the dispenser can have a trim-less appearance on the front panel of the door.

Abstract: An ice storage bin and an icemaker apparatus are disclosed. The ice storage bin has a body for defining an ice collection cavity and a channel surrounding at least a substantial portion of the body for permitting fluid flow through the channel. The icemaker apparatus is disposed in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The icemaker apparatus has an ice maker, above the ice storage bin, and an icemaking compartment for accommodating the ice maker and the ice storage bin.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an ice bin assembly for a refrigerator is described. The ice bin assembly further includes an ice storage container having at least one upper guide element and at least one lower guide element. The upper guide element is located above a plane that intersects a center of mass of the ice storage container and the lower guide element is located below the plane that intersects the center of mass of the ice storage container. The upper guide element is configured to contact the upper docking element when the ice storage container is seated on the base and the lower guide element is configured to contact the lower docking element when the ice storage container is seated on the base.

Abstract: An ice dispenser system for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker located within the refrigeration appliance for making ice cubes. The ice maker has an ice making state and a paused state. An ice bucket is located within the refrigeration appliance located so as to receive the ice cubes from the ice maker. The ice bucket is removably securable in the refrigeration appliance in an ice-making position. A sensor is located within the refrigeration appliance, the sensor sensing and providing a signal as to whether the ice bucket is in the ice making position. The ice maker is placed in the ice making state only when the sensor provides a signal that the ice bucket is in the ice making position. A related refrigeration appliance and method of making ice are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ice storage bin and an icemaker apparatus are disclosed. The ice storage bin has a body for defining an ice collection cavity and a channel surrounding at least a substantial portion of the body for permitting fluid flow through the channel. The icemaker apparatus is disposed in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The icemaker apparatus has an ice maker, above the ice storage bin, and an icemaking compartment for accommodating the ice maker and the ice storage bin.

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: An ice harvester has an ice cube tray having at least two compartments for holding ice cubes; a rotating member used to remove ice cubes from the ice cube tray; at least two arms extending from the rotary member for removing ice cubes from the ice cube tray; a motor coupled to the rotary member for powering rotation of the member; and a divider wall formed in the ice cube tray extending vertically between the arms having an edge, wherein the arms are rotated toward the edge to remove ice cubes from said tray, and wherein the edge breaks a web formed between adjacent ice cubes in the tray during rotation of the arms. The arms can be offset from each other along a circumference of the sweeping member. The edge of the divider wall can have ramped portions to facilitate the breaking apart of the cubes to reduce required motor torque.

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.