Abstract: A filter assembly and a method of operating the same to detect water leaks are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter housing for receiving a filter cartridge and at least partially defining a drain trough positioned below the filter cartridge for collecting leaked water. A light source is positioned proximate the drain trough for directing light through the drain trough and a light sensor is positioned proximate the drain trough for sensing the light directed through the drain trough. A controller uses the light sensor to monitor the light generated by the light source and determines that a leak exists when an intensity of sensed light is reduced by the leaked water.

Abstract: A contaminant measurement system is provided. The system is operable to detect and measure a concentration level of a preselected contaminant, e.g., lead, in water disposed within a chamber of the system. The system includes a detection agent that is operable to interact with the preselected contaminant in the water. The detection agent can be a plurality of polymeric beads or a membrane, for example. The system has a sensing circuit that includes a pair of electrodes spaced from one another and both at least partially disposed in the water. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensing circuit and is configured to receive one or more electric signals from the sensing circuit. The controller determines a parameter indicative of the concentration level of the preselected contaminant based on the one or more electrical signals. The controller then determines and outputs the concentration level of the preselected contaminant.

Abstract: An egg boiler device for a refrigerator appliance is provided. In one aspect, a refrigerator appliance has a refrigerator door that defines a dispenser recess. The egg boiler device includes an end cap and a canister for receiving one or more eggs for cooking. The egg boiler device is positioned within the dispenser recess and the end cap is mounted to a dispenser assembly. A dispenser of the dispenser assembly directs a volume of heated water into the egg boiler device. The heated water imparts thermal energy to the eggs, and consequently, the eggs are cooked.

Abstract: A system and method are directed to detecting the presence of heavy metals in a flowing fluid, such as a drinking water supply. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a filtered portion of the fluid and a second chamber for receiving an unfiltered portion of the fluid. A test device measures electrical properties of the filtered fluid in the first chamber and the unfiltered fluid in the second chamber, such as an electric potential difference, and a controller can use the measured electrical properties to detect the presence or quantity of one or more heavy metals within the fluid, such as lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel, and/or copper.

Abstract: A system and method are directed toward the synthesis of polymeric capsules using a phase inversion process by extrusion of polymeric droplets through a syringe-needle assembly or an iris-shutter mechanism. The polymeric solution may be prepared by dissolving PAN (polyacrylonitrile) polymer in DMF (Dimethyl Formamide) solvent at high temperature through continuous stirring. Following preparation of the capsules, further treatment was initiated using triethylamine in gelation bath to make the final product an efficient removal agent of water hardness.

Abstract: An egg boiler device for a refrigerator appliance is provided. In one aspect, a refrigerator appliance has a refrigerator door that defines a dispenser recess. The egg boiler device includes an end cap and a canister for receiving one or more eggs for cooking. The egg boiler device is positioned within the dispenser recess and the end cap is mounted to a dispenser assembly. A dispenser of the dispenser assembly directs a volume of heated water into the egg boiler device. The heated water imparts thermal energy to the eggs, and consequently, the eggs are cooked.

Abstract: A filter assembly with features for improved filter cartridge placement and detection are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge and a filter housing for receiving the filter cartridge. A contact member extends from the filter housing for engaging the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge in the installed position. A first contact is mounted to the contact member and a second contact is mounted to the filter cartridge such that the first contact and the second contact establish an electrical connection when the filter cartridge in the installed position.

Abstract: A system and method are directed to detecting the presence of heavy metals in a flowing fluid, such as a drinking water supply. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a filtered portion of the fluid and a second chamber for receiving an unfiltered portion of the fluid. A test device measures electrical properties of the filtered fluid in the first chamber and the unfiltered fluid in the second chamber, such as an electric potential difference, and a controller can use the measured electrical properties to detect the presence or quantity of one or more heavy metals within the fluid, such as lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel, and/or copper.

Abstract: A filter assembly with features for improved filter cartridge placement and detection are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge and a filter housing for receiving the filter cartridge. A contact member extends from the filter housing for engaging the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge in the installed position. A first contact is mounted to the contact member and a second contact is mounted to the filter cartridge such that the first contact and the second contact establish an electrical connection when the filter cartridge in the installed position.

Abstract: A filter assembly for authenticating a filter cartridge includes a filter housing and an optical receiver mounted to the filter housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly and a method of operating the same to detect water leaks are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter housing for receiving a filter cartridge and at least partially defining a drain trough positioned below the filter cartridge for collecting leaked water. A light source is positioned proximate the drain trough for directing light through the drain trough and a light sensor positioned proximate the drain trough for sensing the light directed through the drain trough. A controller uses the light sensor to monitor the light generated by the light source and determines that a leak exists when an intensity of sensed light is reduced by the leaked water.

Abstract: A contaminant measurement system is provided. The system is operable to detect and measure a concentration level of a preselected contaminant, e.g., lead, in water disposed within a chamber of the system. The system includes a detection agent that is operable to interact with the preselected contaminant in the water. The detection agent can be a plurality of polymeric beads or a membrane, for example. The system has a sensing circuit that includes a pair of electrodes spaced from one another and both at least partially disposed in the water. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensing circuit and is configured to receive one or more electric signals from the sensing circuit. The controller determines a parameter indicative of the concentration level of the preselected contaminant based on the one or more electrical signals. The controller then determines and outputs the concentration level of the preselected contaminant.

Abstract: A system and method are directed toward the synthesis of polymeric capsules using a phase inversion process by extrusion of polymeric droplets through a syringe-needle assembly or an iris-shutter mechanism. The polymeric solution may be prepared by dissolving PAN (polyacrylonitrile) polymer in DMF (Dimethyl Formamide) solvent at high temperature through continuous stirring. Following preparation of the capsules, further treatment was initiated using triethylamine in gelation bath to make the final product an efficient removal agent of water hardness.