Abstract: An icemaking assembly (“icemaker”) is provided which includes an improved construction including an ice mold separate but attached to a structural base. The structural base includes integral elements such as a water fill cup, stripper, and mounting configuration. The integral nature of the stripper, combined with its “living hinge” feature, allows for an improved method and apparatus for fixing the ice tray in place. The combination provides an icemaker having improved thermal properties, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies. Other improvements include an improved control system, as well as other cost-saving features.

Abstract: An icemaking assembly ("icemaker") is provided which includes an improved construction including an ice mold separate but attached to a structural base. The structural base includes integral elements such as a water fill cup, stripper, and mounting configuration. The integral nature of the stripper, combined with its "living hinge" feature, allows for an improved method and apparatus for fixing the ice tray in place. The combination provides an icemaker having improved thermal properties, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies. Other improvements include an improved control system, as well as other cost-saving features.

Abstract: A through-the-door ice and cold water dispenser for domestic refrigeration units provides a housing positioned within a recess formed in the door insulation. The dispenser provides an actuation cradle formed with a smoothly curved concave surface in combination with a switch operating system which requires low forces for operation so that the dispenser can be actuated by fragile containers, such as polystyrene foam cups. An insulated damper door is closed when the dispenser is not operating to prevent heat transfer into the freezer compartment where the ice is produced and stored. A heater positioned against the damper door operates to release the damper door should it become frozen in the closed position. All of the controls for the dispenser are located in the upper portion of the housing and are accessible with a minimum amount of disassembly when service or maintenance-is required. A spill tray is located in the bottom of the dispenser recess to contain and retain spilled water and melted ice water.

Abstract: A through-the-door ice and cold water dispenser for domestic refrigeration units provides a housing positioned within a recess formed in the door insulation. The dispenser provides an actuation cradle formed with a smoothly curved concave surface in combination with a switch operating system which requires low forces for operation so that the dispenser can be actuated by fragile containers, such as styrofoam cups. An insulated damper door is closed when the dispenser is not operating to prevent heat transfer into the freezer compartment where the ice is produced and stored. A heater positioned against the damper door operates to release the damper door should it become frozen in the closed position. All of the controls for the dispenser are located in the upper portion of the housing and are accessible with a minimum amount of disassembly when service or maintenance is required. A spill tray is located in the bottom of the dispenser recess to contain and retain spilled water and melted ice water.

Abstract: A through-the-door ice and cold water dispenser for domestic refrigeration units provides a housing positioned within a recess formed in the door insulation. The dispenser provides an actuation cradle formed with a smoothly curved concave surface in combination with a switch operating system which requires low forces for operation so that the dispenser can be actuated by fragile containers, such as styrofoam cups. An insulated damper door is closed when the dispenser is not operating to prevent heat transfer into the freezer compartment where the ice is produced and stored. A heater positioned against the damper door operates to release the damper door should it become frozen in the closed position. All of the controls for the dispenser are located in the upper portion of the housing and are accessible with a minimum amount of disassembly when service or maintenance is required. A spill tray is located in the bottom of the dispenser recess to contain and retain spilled water and melted ice water.

Abstract: A through-the-door ice and cold water dispenser for domestic refrigeration units provides a housing positioned within a recess formed in the door insulation. The dispenser provides an actuation cradle formed with a smoothly curved concave surface in combination with a switch operating system which requires low forces for operation so that the dispenser can be actuated by fragile containers, such as styrofoam cups. An insulated damper door is closed when the dispenser is not operating to prevent heat transfer into the freezer compartment where the ice is produced and stored. A heater positioned against the damper door operates to release the damper door should it become frozen in the closed position. All of the controls for the dispenser are located in the upper portion of the housing and are accessible with a minimum amount of disassembly when service or maintenance is required. A spill tray is located in the bottom of the dispenser recess to contain and retain spilled water and melted ice water.

Abstract: An ice dispenser provides a storage bin in which ice cubes manufactured by an ice maker are stored until used. A powered agitator within the bin operates to move cubes to an exit end where they enter a lifting and metering drum. From the lifting and metering drum the ice cubes, in one embodiment, pass through an adjustable ice crusher which functions to crush the ice into particles the size of which can be changed by adjustment of the crusher. In one position, the crusher can be adjusted so that uncrushed cubes pass through the crusher. In a second embodiment, a deflector is provided to allow the ice cubes to bypass the crusher when uncrushed cubes are required. The deflector is moveable to a position to cause the cubes to pass through the crusher and for delivery of crushed ice. The lifting and metering drum operates at a lower speed than the agitator or crusher and is driven by gearing connecting the lifting and metering drum with the agitator.

Abstract: A safety package (54) for preventing accidental skin pricking by a hypodermic syringe type needle (16) having a needle hub (14) joining the needle (16) to the syringe (18) and comprising a first tubular section (12) securable at its first end to the needle hub (14). A second tubular section (54) is secured at a first end to a hinge (56) and surrounds the needle (16) in a first position (FIG. 1) with a longitudinal slot (58) formed therein and positioned to pivot about the hinge (56) and away from the needle (16) to a second position (FIG. 2) with the needle (16) passing through the longitudinal slot (58, FIG. 3) to expose the needle (16) for use and, after use of the needle, to pivot the second tubular section (54) back to its first position.