Abstract: An ice dispenser includes an ice storage bin with a drive shaft aperture and an ice dispensing aperture; an ice dispensing chute connected to the storage bin in proximity to the ice dispensing aperture; a paddlewheel inside the storage bin; and a drive mechanism, including a drive shaft passing through tile drive shaft aperture, for rotation of the paddlewheel. The drive shaft is connected to tile paddlewheel in such a fashion that the paddlewheel is prevented from disengaging from the drive shaft during normal operation of the ice dispensing apparatus, but the drive shaft can be disengaged from the paddlewheel in order to be able to remove the drive mechanism from the ice dispenser without accessing the ice storage bin.

Abstract: An ice dispenser includes an ice storage bin with a drive shaft aperture and an ice dispensing aperture; an ice dispensing chute connected to the storage bin in proximity to the ice dispensing aperture; a paddlewheel inside the storage bin; and a drive mechanism, including a drive shaft passing through the drive shaft aperture, for rotation of the paddlewheel. The drive shaft is connected to the paddlewheel in such a fashion that the paddlewheel is prevented from disengaging from the drive shaft during normal operation of the ice dispensing apparatus, but the drive shaft can be disengaged from the paddlewheel in order to be able to remove the drive mechanism from the ice dispenser without accessing the ice storage bin. The paddlewheel may be molded plastic, and include a rigid coupler molded into the paddlewheel having first and second axial openings at opposite ends for receiving the drive shaft and the agitator shaft.

Abstract: A drawer and latching mechanism for a beverage brewer, and preferably, a brewer that utilizes a pod of coffee grounds or another beverage component, has a housing of the brewer including a pivotable cover and a drawer for retaining a pod of a beverage component below the brew head. In an open position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted away from the drawer to allow access to the pod, while in a closed position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted toward and locked relative to the drawer to secure the pod below the brew head for brewing.

Abstract: A control mechanism for simultaneously supplying air to a refrigerated compartment in two separate air streams includes a housing having an inlet communicating with first and second outlets. A first valve seat interconnects the inlet and first outlet and a second valve seat interconnects the inlet and second outlet. A unitary valve member rotatably mounted in the housing is movable between a closed condition engaging both of the valve seats to block air flow from the inlet to both of the outlets and an open condition out of engagement with both of the valve seats to permit air flow from the inlet to both of the outlets. A temperature responsive mechanism senses the temperature in the compartment and controls the condition of the valve member in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with doors of household refrigerators includes an elongated stiffener member in the shape of a channel having a base and projecting sides. A number of apertures are spaced along the base. Each end of the member is formed with offset portions. A body of thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A Durometer hardness of no more than about 50 is injection molded about the stiffener member. The elastomer fills the apertures and surrounds the offset portions.