Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food stirring fan assembly arranged within a fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly functions to recirculate air in order to minimize temperature stratification in the fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly preferably incorporates a filter to remove airborne debris and absorb odors. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fresh food stirring fan is operated whenever a damper controlling an inlet flow of cooling air to the fresh food compartment is in a closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispensing assembly having a service zone recessed in an outer portion of the freezer door, an ice passage formed in a freezer door, and a chute member arranged at the service zone. The ice passage is aligned with an outlet of an ice maker unit and leads to the service zone for delivering ice pieces from the ice maker unit to the service zone. Further, the chute member is movable between a first position, wherein ice pieces delivered from the ice maker are directed into the service zone, and a second position, wherein ice piece delivered from the ice maker are diverted away from the freezer door and outside of the service zone to enhance the filling of oversized containers. The dispensing assembly also includes a drip tray for collecting excess water droplets, with the drip tray being substantially hidden within the freezer door.

Abstract: A shelving support system for use in an appliance, having an outer shell within which is positioned a compartment defining liner having first and second opposing side walls spaced from the outer shell by an insulation zone, includes a plurality of first shelf supporting sockets that are integrally formed, at spaced locations, with the first side wall of the liner and a plurality of second shelf supporting sockets that are received within apertures formed in the second side wall of the liner. Each of the first and second sockets define cavities within which terminal ends of shelving members can be received. Each of the second shelf supporting sockets includes an angled body portion with the forwardmost second shelf supporting sockets within the liner defining compartment being preferably angled downwardly and the aft second shelf supporting sockets having body portions which are angled rearwardly relative to the compartment.

Abstract: A stackable ice tray and bin assembly includes an ice cube forming tray having an annular outer rim with an associated upper ledge, as well as a matrix of ice cube defining cavities arranged within the confines of the annular outer rim. Each of the cavities is defined by a base and upstanding side walls, with the side walls of adjacent cavities being formed with a generally V-shaped passage that fluidly interconnects the adjacent cavities. Positioned within the passage is a dam member over which fluid from one cavity must flow to reach the adjacent cavity. The bottom of the tray is formed with a plurality of seating units, each of which includes inner and outer shift limiting elements and an abutment member. The seating units enable the tray to be stacked upon an identically constructed, lower tray with the abutment member of the upper tray resting upon the upper ledge of the lower tray and the inner and outer shift limiting elements extending about the annular outer rim of the lower tray.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided with a dairy compartment defined, at least in part, by a first dairy compartment member and a second dairy compartment member. The first dairy compartment member is movably connected to an inner wall portion of the door and the second dairy compartment member is slidably attached to the first dairy compartment member. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the first dairy compartment member is constituted by a dairy compartment cover that is pivotally connected to a pair of spaced dike portions formed integral with a liner of the door. In a second embodiment, the first dairy compartment member constitutes a dairy compartment defining shelf member or bucket that is selectively, removably attached to the dike portions. In each of the first and second embodiments, the second dairy compartment member constitutes an element which is slidably attached to the first dairy compartment member and divides the dairy compartment into varying volume storage zones.

Abstract: An adjustable shelf for a refrigerator compartment has two parts, a platform and a support member and provides adjustment of both the length and the height of the shelf. The platform is attached at a first end to a compartment wall at one of two heights. The support member is slidably attached to the second end of the platform to allow adjustment of the length of the shelf. The support member has two legs with different lengths. The selection of the leg to support the platform in cooperation with selection of the corresponding attachment height at the first end of the platform determines the height of the shelf.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a refrigerator door is disclosed which includes a recess formed in the door liner of the refrigerator. The recess is provided with pivot connections and a pivot stop. A rack is provided that is made to allow viewing of the contents. The rack is rotatably insertable into the recess defined by the door liner and can then be rotated forwardly from the door until the rack comes into contact with the stop on the door. In the rotated state, the contents of the rack may be easily accessed and removed. The rack is further designed so that if the door is shut while the rack is in an open position the rack will not contact the cabinet wall, preventing damage to the cabinet and the rack.