Abstract: A downspout for delivering water to an ice tray in a refrigerated appliance includes a cavity defined by at least one flute and at least one lobe. The downspout includes an inlet port for receiving water. The at least one flute and at least one lobe are configured to create a substantially laminar flow of the water received from the inlet port along the at least one flute and the at least one lobe.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus that includes: at least one module which operatively and selectively treats one or both of an original household hot water received from the household hot water line and water flowing through the module and treats cold water received from an original household cold water line that flows through; a process control unit whereby a user selects a desired treatment option for the water flowing through the apparatus to be dispensed to the user; one or more plumbing connections which operatively divert the original household hot and cold water flow to the user selected water treatment module so as to dispense to the user the selected treated water; and one or more valves which operatively cooperate with the process control unit to direct the water flow within the apparatus so as to provide the user with the selected treated water.

Abstract: A downspout for delivering water to an ice tray in a refrigerated appliance includes a cavity defined by at least one flute and at least one lobe. The downspout includes an inlet port for receiving water. The at least one flute and at least one lobe are configured to create a substantially laminar flow of the water received from the inlet port along the at least one flute and the at least one lobe.

Abstract: A beverage machine system that includes: an insulated potable liquid storage tank having an interior volume; a liquid carbonator spaced within the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank and submerged therein; a high pressure potable liquid pump configured to pump potable liquid from the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank through a potable liquid conduit to a spray nozzle within an interior volume of the liquid carbonator; and a cooling coil positioned in a spaced apart relationship but wound around the carbonator such that the cooling coil does not physically touch an exterior surface of the carbonator submersed within the chilled potable liquid and the space between the cooling coil and the carbonator is at least substantially free of any other structure other than periodic frozen potable liquid adjacent the cooling coil.

Abstract: A single-serving capsule holding liquid and powdered beverage concentrates and dispensing systems/machines related thereto. The capsule is self-piercing and does not require a mechanical device to create water fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings in the capsule. The capsule can be used to make both hot and cold beverages.

Abstract: A beverage machine system that includes: an insulated potable liquid storage tank having an interior volume; a liquid carbonator spaced within the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank and submerged therein; a high pressure potable liquid pump configured to pump potable liquid from the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank through a potable liquid conduit to a spray nozzle within an interior volume of the liquid carbonator; and a cooling coil positioned in a spaced apart relationship but wound around the carbonator such that the cooling coil does not physically touch an exterior surface of the carbonator submersed within the chilled potable liquid and the space between the cooling coil and the carbonator is at least substantially free of any other structure other than periodic frozen potable liquid adjacent the cooling coil.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus that includes: at least one module which operatively and selectively treats one or both of an original household hot water received from the household hot water line and water flowing through the module and treats cold water received from an original household cold water line that flows through; a process control unit whereby a user selects a desired treatment option for the water flowing through the apparatus to be dispensed to the user; one or more plumbing connections which operatively divert the original household hot and cold water flow to the user selected watertreatment module so as to dispense to the user the selected treated water; and one or more valves which operatively cooperate with the process control unit to direct the water flow within the apparatus so as to provide the user with the selected treated water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include disposable filter cartridges for use with a water dispenser that dispenses hot water, flavored water, and chilled, sparkling water. An exemplary filter cartridge may be assembled by screwing or inserting a filter into filter cap until the filter cap engages a lock, such as an agnail lock, on the filter. Once engaged, the lock permanently secures the filter to the filter cap without adhesives, heat treatment, or curing. The filter cartridge includes one or more protrusions, or partial flanges, that twist into a recess formed by an injection-molded, two-piece locking assembly affixed to the water dispenser. Twisting the filter cartridge to a predetermined angle with respect to the locking assembly locks the filter cartridge into place. In some embodiments, the locking assembly and the filter cartridge audibly “click” or “snap” to indicate that they are secured together.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a main inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled water line, including: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to the carbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectively direct carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water line outlet. The apparatus may be integrated in a refrigerator or other major appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration, such as, for example, filtration systems and units (and components thereof) and filtration methods.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for mechanically dispensing flavor from a flavor pod, the apparatus including: a casing; a pod delivery and retaining unit, and a flavor extraction unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a first inlet, a second inlet, and a third inlet; a chamber in fluid communication with first, second and third inlets, and a dispenser nozzle in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a main inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled water line, including: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to the carbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectively direct carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water line outlet. The apparatus may be integrated in a refrigerator or other major appliance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include disposable filter cartridges for use with a water dispenser that dispenses hot water, flavored water, and chilled, sparkling water. An exemplary filter cartridge may be assembled by screwing or inserting a filter into filter cap until the filter cap engages a lock, such as an agnail lock, on the filter. Once engaged, the lock permanently secures the filter to the filter cap without adhesives, heat treatment, or curing. The filter cartridge includes one or more protrusions, or partial flanges, that twist into a recess formed by an injection-molded, two-piece locking assembly affixed to the water dispenser. Twisting the filter cartridge to a predetermined angle with respect to the locking assembly locks the filter cartridge into place. In some embodiments, the locking assembly and the filter cartridge audibly “click” or “snap” to indicate that they are secured together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compact apparatus for providing a continuous flow of carbonated water. The apparatus atomizes the water into microscopic particles allowing for significantly increased interaction between the water and the carbon dioxide. The water and the carbon dioxide then travel into a mixing chamber where further mixing takes place. The invention does not require the use of a pump or the use of a large carbonator vessel.