Abstract: A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine is disclosed. The cutting assembly generally includes a blade assembly fastened to a head assembly, which is configured to be drivingly connected to a motor. The cutting assembly is suitable for mounting proximate to the center of the header, in an end-to-end relation with another cutting assembly. Removal of the blade assembly from the head assembly can be efficiently effected by releasing or removing a small number of fasteners, thus allowing an operator to readily remove or replace the blade assembly as needed.

Abstract: A wheel mounting and height adjustment mechanism for use with a power equipment unit/implement such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, the mechanism may include a block defining a plurality of bores, each bore to selectively receive an axle of a wheel assembly. A plate member may be provided in or near the block. The plate member may include a plurality of elongate cutouts such that a separate cutout is selectively alignable with each of the plurality of bores. When the plate member is in a disengaged position such that a first portion of each cutout is aligned with its respective bore, each cutout permits the axle to fully enter its respective bore. However, when the plate member is moved to an engaged position, each cutout may engage the axle to capture the respective wheel assembly.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting apparatus includes a rotatable member having an anchor at a first axis of rotation, and a cutting component that is removably coupled to the anchor. The cutting component may be rotatably coupled to the anchor about a second axis of rotation, and the cutting component may be couplable to, and decouplable from the anchor without tools. In some embodiments, the cutting component is fabricated from a plastic material.

Abstract: A mechanism for spinning fibrous material to yarn employing the ‘ring spinning process’ on a powered ring frame unit. The device can be adjusted and fixed for the thread count in production. The spinning cone reciprocating up and down to take up the spun yarn, thus ensuring most optimum geometry between the drafting roller and the spinning ring, adjustable at will. Each spinning cone on the entire frame being independent of each other in drive, speed and distance from the drafting assembly. Computers using a new software control the entire process. The described mechanism reduces power consumption, mechanical vibration and material breakage, consequently increasing productivity of the process and quality of the product.

Abstract: A sliver for spinning of the invention is a sliver for spinning having a deodorizing function and/or a heat-generating moisture absorption function, wherein a sliver for spinning formed as a bundle in which staple fibers are aligned in one direction is irradiated with an electron beam to provide an activating group and/or produce a radical on a surface of the fibers, and a compound including an ethylenic unsaturated double bond is chemically bonded to the surface of the fibers. A spun yarn of the invention is a spun yarn having a deodorizing function and/or a heat-generating moisture absorption function, including the above-described sliver for spinning that has been spun, or including the above-described sliver for spinning and a sliver other than the sliver for spinning that have been blended and spun. A fiber product of the invention has a deodorizing function and/or a heat-generating moisture absorption function, including the above-described spun yarn.

Abstract: A rope has a stiffening mechanism applied at or near its end to warn a user moving along the rope that he is approaching its end, and the method of using such a rope.

Abstract: A yarn manufacturing method is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of raw fibers, modifying at least one of the raw fibers to form at least one modified fiber, and spinning the raw fibers and the at least one modified fiber into a mixed yarn. A mixed yarn spun from the raw fibers and the modified fiber is also provided, wherein the modified fiber is modified from the raw fiber.

Abstract: A fiber cable for helicopter rescue winches includes a plurality of load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands braided with one another, at least one electrically conductive insert, and a wear indicator providing a visual check of a state of the fiber cable, where the load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands are encased in a radial direction by a friction-reducing stable fiber layer, an inner cable jacket, and outer cable jacket.

Abstract: Provided are catalyst articles, emission treatment systems and methods for simultaneously remediating the carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The emission treatment system of specific embodiment effectively treats diesel engine exhaust with a single catalyst article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating an exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus (13) of an internal combustion engine (11), which comprises an oxidation catalytic converter (29), an SCR catalytic converter (35) and a first temperature sensor (32) disposed in the direction of flow downstream of the oxidation catalytic converter (29) and upstream of the SCR catalytic converter (35), an exhaust gas atmosphere capable of exothermal reaction in said oxidation catalytic converter (29) being generated by the metering of hydrocarbons into the exhaust gas (3) upstream of said oxidation catalytic converter (29) during a heating operation.

Abstract: A control system includes a state of charge module and a control module. The state of charge module receives a parameter associated with a battery in a vehicle and determines a state of charge of the battery based on the parameter. The control module activates a heater in a catalytic converter in an exhaust system of the vehicle based on the state of charge.

Abstract: Process for starting an SCR system intended for transporting urea from a tank to the exhaust gases of an engine using a feed line, this system comprising a rotary pump controlled by a controller and driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that comprises a rotor equipped with at least one permanent magnet and with a stator comprising at least 3 electromagnetic coils in which the direct current can flow according to a given sequence to make the rotor rotate, according to which, before starting the pump, a temperature is measured using a sensor and if this temperature is below a setpoint temperature, before making the rotor rotate, the current is passed through at least one of the coils in a way such that it preheats the pump without making the rotor rotate.

Abstract: An upstream catalyst and a downstream catalyst are arranged in series and are housed in a common casing disposed in an engine exhaust passage. The upstream catalyst including a NOx storage-reduction catalyst that adsorbs NOx contained in incoming exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the incoming exhaust gas is lean, and releases and reduces the adsorbed NOx when the air-fuel ratio of the incoming exhaust gas becomes rich, and the downstream catalyst includes a three-way catalyst. The upstream catalyst has a higher oxidizing capability than the downstream catalyst, and the downstream catalyst has a higher reducing capability than the upstream catalyst. The upstream catalyst has a multi-layer structure including an upper layer and a lower layer, and is prepared such that the upper layer has a higher oxidizing capability than the lower layer, and the lower layer has a higher reducing capability than the upper layer.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine having an exhaust system includes an EGR cooler in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold. The EGR cooler receives a portion of the engine's exhaust gas. A cooled EGR passage is downstream of the EGR cooler, and an air intake line is in fluid communication with an intake manifold. A collecting vessel is located at or downstream of the EGR cooler for receiving condensate, and a condensate evacuation line is in fluid communication with the collecting vessel for receiving condensate from the collecting vessel.

Abstract: An engine exhaust aftertreatment system including a bend routing an exhaust flow in a curved direction to a straight part. A nozzle is mounted in the bend to introduce a spray of a fluid with a axis of symmetry into the exhaust flow. The axis of symmetry intersects the exhaust flow traveling in the curved direction at a intersection angle of less than 50 degrees.

Abstract: An exhaust flow apparatus including an exhaust carrier having first and second opposing end portions, the first and second end portions each including and terminating at an end, the end of the first end portion defining an exhaust inlet, and the second end portion defining a plurality of exhaust carrier outlets, wherein at least the second end portion of the exhaust carrier is configured to be housed within an exhaust pipe of an exhaust stack. The exhaust flow apparatus further includes an exhaust deflector oriented on or in proximal relation to the end of the second end portion of the exhaust carrier such that the exhaust deflector directs exhaust toward one or more of the plurality of exhaust carrier outlets during use of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust extension apparatus and method for converting a motorcycle exhaust system into a dual or quadruple exhaust system. The device is suited for motorcycles, off-road vehicles, or a vehicle with a reciprocating engine with multiple cylinders. Each exhaust extension unit comprises two metallic pipes shaped and welded together to form an exhaust extension unit having one exhaust intake and two equal-flow exhaust exits. Two exhaust extension units may be paired and connected to the exhaust pipes on each side of a motorcycle rider's seat, thereby providing a quadruple set of exhaust pipes and further, an increase in the performance of the engine.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement hydraulic pump is disclosed. The control system utilizes two flow control valves to provide a flow of hydraulic fluid to two control actuators. The control actuators create opposing moments on the pump swashplate to control swashplate orientation and pump displacement.

Abstract: A heat engine is provided which includes: a boiler unit including an evaporation chamber and a fluid-pool chamber, the evaporation chamber heating a working fluid by supplied heat and generating vapor of the fluid, and the fluid-pool chamber collecting the fluid supplied to the evaporation chamber; an output unit through which the vapor flows, and which converts energy of the vapor to mechanical energy; a condensation unit which condenses the vapor that has passed through the output unit, and refluxes the condensed fluid to the fluid-pool chamber; and a working fluid guide member which is disposed in the boiler unit, and which sucks the fluid in the fluid-pool chamber by using capillary force and supplies the fluid to the evaporation chamber. The evaporation chamber is separated from the fluid-pool chamber. Pressure in the evaporation chamber is higher than pressure in the fluid-pool chamber. The working fluid guide member satisfies (2?/r)·cos ?>PH?PL.

Abstract: A method for coordinating control of exhaust gas recirculation (18) in a turbocharged internal combustion engine (10) with control of engine boost. When actual boost deviates from a desired boost set-point developed by a boost control strategy (32), such as during a sudden acceleration or deceleration, the EGR control strategy (34) provides a prompt adjustment of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) seeking to null out the boost disparity.

Abstract: In a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a turbine housing having first and second spiral passages, each of which is connected to at least one exhaust gas line of an exhaust train of the internal combustion engine and a turbine wheel disposed within a rotor chamber of the turbine housing and connected to a compressor impeller via a drive shaft for rotation with the impeller, the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine can be routed through the spiral passages for admission to the turbine wheel via the first and second spiral passages which have different wrap angles around the turbine wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: Placing a vacuum between two panes of glazing material will form a glazing panel which is a perfect insulator against heat loss by conduction. However, at sea level air pressure of 14.7 psi, the glazing panel would have to resist a crushing force of about 2117 pounds per square foot. Rather than use mechanical pane separators as in prior art, in the present invention an electric charge cloud is trapped on or between the two layers of glazing material, in the vacuum space,in the vacuum space between them and the mutual electrostatic repulsion of the electrons or holes therein provide sufficient force to maintain separation of the glazing layers. The resulting panels may be seasonally or permanently attached to the sunny sides of buildings to trap solar heat, rendering them self-heating or used as window, greenhouse glazing etc.

Abstract: There is provided a Rankine cycle system which generates electricity by using heat as an energy source, in which a conventional pump for carrying a working fluid is not used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the Rankine cycle system, saving the electric power consumed to operate the pump and therefore obtaining a greater output of power, and in which a control system is used to automatically operate the Rankine cycle system, thereby enabling to stably operate the Rankine cycle system even though a heat source is intermittently supplied.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a reverse flow annular combustor having a liner with opposing ends. One end includes apertures configured to receive compressed air, and an outlet is provided at the other end and is configured to connect to a turbine nozzle. A fuel injector extends through the liner at a base and axially between the apertures and the outlet. The fuel injector includes a housing extending from the base to a dome and provides an exterior surface surrounding an injector cavity. The exterior surface has forward and rearward surfaces respectively facing the apertures and the outlet and provides shapes that are different than one another to influence and improve the aerodynamic flow field of the gas mixture (i.e., air, fuel and combustion-products) within the combustor volume.

Abstract: A burner arrangement includes a tubular mixing tube extending along an axis and configured to mix fuel and air, the mixing tube opening into a combustion chamber in a direction of flow; and a film air ring disposed in the mixing tube and arranged concentrically to the axis, the film air ring configured to prevent a backfiring of the fuel disposed in the mixing tube and to generate or reinforce an air film near the wall, wherein the film air ring has at least one annular gap concentric to the axis and configured to inject air.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine and an apparatus for operating the gas turbine engine includes at least one microphone to detect the sound of impacts of particles, recorder to record the sound of the impacts, an analyser to analyse the sound of the impacts of the particles, and a store of sounds of impacts, the stored sounds of impacts correspond to unfavourable weather conditions. A comparator compares the sound of the impacts of particles with one or more sounds of impacts stored in the store 68 sounds of impacts and if the comparator determines that the sound of the impacts of particles matches one or more stored sounds of impacts, a signal is sent to a control system for the gas turbine engine to adjust the operation of the gas turbine engine such that it operates in a safe mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustor for an aerospace gas turbine engine comprising two stages wherein each stage defines an inlet and an exit. The second stage inlet is in fluid communication with the first stage exit such that a first flowpath is defined and it passes substantially through the second stage. A plurality of flow channel tubes is positioned within the second stage and each flow channel tube passes sealingly through a header plate positioned upstream of the second stage inlet thereby defining a second flowpath that also passes substantially through the second stage. The first flowpath exit and the second flowpath exit are positioned adjacent and proximate to one another to provide for the generation of microflames or microflame jets exiting the second stage from between and around the flow channel tube exits. The first stage of the combustor provides a gasifier and a reformer.

Abstract: A system for power generation comprises an engine operative to output an exhaust gas, a carbon capture means operative to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the exhaust gas and output the CO2, and a compressor operative to receive the CO2 and output compressed CO2 that cools a component of the engine.

Abstract: A fluid-conveying device including an inner tubular member with a circumferential end portion, a non-elastomeric ring received in a depression of the end portion, and an outer tubular member. The ring has a peripheral surface with a rounded contour defined along a longitudinal direction configured to remain out of the depression to engage the outer tubular member and facilitate sealing thereof.

Abstract: A mid turbine frame is disposed between high and low pressure turbine assemblies. A cooling air system defined in the mid turbine frame of a gas turbine engine includes internal cavities for containing pressurized cooling air to cool the inter-turbine duct and the hollow struts, and discharges the used cooling air to further cool respective high and low pressure turbine assemblies.

Abstract: An air metering apparatus for a secondary air system of gas turbine engine includes a metering gap defined between surfaces comprised of one or more metals having one of similar coefficients of thermal expansion or similar thermal expansions at an operating temperature. Provided is an air metering gap which undergoes thermal growth in a way which provides a suitable air metering gap during engine running conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing heat from a turbine includes a stator having a cavity and a first plenum and a second plenum inside the cavity. The second plenum is connected to the first plenum and surrounds the first plenum inside the cavity. A refrigerant flows through the first plenum and the second plenum to remove heat from the stator. A method for cooling a turbine includes forming a cavity in a component to be cooled, installing a first plenum inside the cavity, and installing a second plenum inside the cavity. The method further includes connecting the second plenum to the first plenum, surrounding the first plenum with the second plenum inside the cavity, and flowing a refrigerant through the first plenum and the second plenum to cool the component.

Abstract: A hybrid thermoelectric-ejector active cooling system having an increased Coefficient of Performance (COP) when compared to typical thermoelectric cooling modules. A thermoelectric cooling module is integrated with an ejector cooling device so that heat from the thermoelectric cooling module is rejected to a high temperature evaporator of the ejector cooling device. This provides for a total COP greater than the sum of the COPs of the thermoelectric cooling module and ejector cooling device individually. For example, given 1 unit input power into the thermoelectric cooling module, the heat received by the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling module would be COPTEC×1; and the energy rejected by the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling module and to drive the ejector cooling device would be COPTEC+1. Thus, the cooling received by the low temperature evaporator of the ejector cooling device is COPEJ×(COPTEC+1); and therefore total COPTE-Ej-AC is COPEj+COPTEC+COPEj×COPTEC.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for optimizing electrical power management in a vehicle. The system includes a HVAC device and a thermal storage device, both configured to provide heating and cooling to an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller connected to an electrical storage device and an electrical generating device. The controller receives electrical power generated by the electrical generating device and directs the electrical power to satisfy the vehicle's power requirements and/or stores the electrical power in at least one of the electrical storage device and the thermal storage device. Furthermore, the controller directs at least one of the HVAC device and the thermal storage device to provide heating and cooling to the occupant compartment of the vehicle, depending on the available storage of the thermal storage unit or occupant compartment demands.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for supplying air to a habitable space at a desired output condition includes a continuously variable mechanical cooler, an indirect evaporative cooler, an adiabatic cooler and a controller arranged to selectively supplement a cooling capacity of the indirect evaporative cooler, with a variable amount of cooling from the mechanical cooler in order to reach the desired output condition.

Abstract: A thermal storage device for generating a thermal storage medium from a fluid and including a storage tank for containing the fluid, a refrigeration system having a heat exchanger positioned in the storage tank, a pump for pumping the fluid through the storage tank, a storage medium detection device, and a controller. The storage medium detection device generates a signal corresponding to at least one parameter of the pump. The controller controls the refrigeration system in one of a first mode and a second mode based on the signal. The at least one heat exchanger removes heat from the fluid to generate the thermal storage medium thereon when the refrigeration system operates in the first mode, and the at least one heat exchanger does not remove heat from the fluid thereby terminating generation of the thermal storage medium when the refrigeration system operates in the second mode.

Abstract: A refrigerant that is azeotropic or near-azeotropic comprises a binary blend of R744 and R41. In one embodiment the binary blend has a molar composition of 20 to 60 percent R744, the remainder being R41.

Abstract: An embodiment of a probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. For example, a defrost controller may use an embodiment of such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration or freezer unit) so that the controller may initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted. Such a probe may be more reliable than other defrost-detection techniques, and such a defrost controller may increase the cooling and energy efficiencies of a cooling unit as compared to a cooling unit having a conventional defrost controller.

Abstract: A water-from-air extraction system (40) includes a first open air passage (43) including a first portion (51) and a second portion (64) with the first portion (51) being fluidly linked to the second portion (64). A desiccant wheel (60) is arranged between the first and second portions (51,64). The water from air extraction system (40) further includes a second open air passage (44) including a first end portion (82) that leads to a second end portion (123) through an intermediate portion (108). The first and second end portions (82, 123) are fluidly connected to the first portion (51) of the first open air passage (43) and the intermediate section (108) is fluidly linked to the desiccant wheel (60). A condensing heat exchanger (114) is fluidly connected to the intermediate section (108) of the second open air passage (44) downstream from the desiccant wheel (60). The condensing heat exchanger (114) extracts water from an air flow passing through the second open air passage (44).

Abstract: An air conditioner includes first and second air passages, first and desiccant devices, a system heat source, a heat supplier, a system heat source temperature sensor, an airflow controller and a controller. The first and second air passages are communicable with a space to be air conditioned. The first desiccant device disposing in the first air passage has a first desiccant material. The second desiccant device disposed in the second air passage has a second desiccant material whose temperature for regeneration is higher than the temperature for regeneration of the first desiccant material. The heat supplier supplies heat generated by the system heat source to the first desiccant device for regenerating the first desiccant material. The airflow controller regulates airflow in the first and second air passages. The controller controls the airflow controller based on the temperature of the system heat source detected by the system heat source temperature sensor.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant, the compressor being adapted to be driven by a power source installed in the vehicle, a condenser for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device for expanding refrigerant from the condenser, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid. The liquid may comprise a coolant, and a pump may be provided for pumping the coolant through the heat exchanger to a point of use such as a cooling garment to cool personnel on board the vehicle. Alternatively, the liquid may be a drinkable liquid which is pumped through the heat exchanger to a suitable dispensing system to provide an on-board supply of cool drinking liquid.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant, the compressor being adapted to be driven by a power source installed in the vehicle, a condenser for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device for expanding refrigerant from the condenser, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid. The liquid may comprise a coolant, and a pump may be provided for pumping the coolant through the heat exchanger to a point of use such as a cooling garment to cool personnel on board the vehicle. Alternatively, the liquid may be a drinkable liquid which is pumped through the heat exchanger to a suitable dispensing system to provide an on-board supply of cool drinking liquid.

Abstract: A heat pump refrigerant system has a compressor for delivering a compressed refrigerant to a reversing refrigerant flow control device. The reversing refrigerant flow control device selectively delivers refrigerant to an outdoor heat exchanger in a cooling mode of operation, and to an indoor heat exchanger in a heating mode of operation. Refrigerant from an outdoor heat exchanger passes through an expansion device to an indoor heat exchanger in a cooling mode, and from the indoor heat exchanger through an expansion device and to the outdoor heat exchanger in a heating mode. A reheat circuit includes a reheat heat exchanger positioned to be in the path of air delivered over the indoor heat exchanger and into an environment to be conditioned. The reheat heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger both are provided by microchannel heat exchangers.

Abstract: A printed-circuit board (31) having a power element (33) and a refrigerant jacket (20) to which the power element (33) is thermally connected, with refrigerant circulating therein used in refrigeration cycle, are provided in an outdoor unit casing (70). The printed-circuit board (31) is provided in a switch box (40). A face of the outdoor unit casing (70) has a service opening (71). The refrigerant jacket (20) faces the service opening (71), being closer to the front side of the outdoor unit casing (70) than the power element (33) as viewed from the service opening (71).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which performs a light emitting operation in connection with opening and closing of doors and a home bar door. The refrigerator includes a front glass, a light guide member disposed on a rear surface of the front glass, a light emitting device disposed at the outside of the light guide member to generate light toward the light guide member, scattering members provided within the light guide member to scatter the light of the light emitting device transmitted through the light guide member, and transmitting parts provided on the front glass corresponding to the scattering members to transmit the light of the scattering members toward the front surface of each door, and the light emitting device emits light in connection with opened and closed states of the doors.

Abstract: A draining device for air control equipment has a bottom shell, a top shell, a knob, a switch and a connecting device. The bottom and top shells are connected to each other. The top shell has two inclined recesses. The knob is mounted through the top shell and has two sliding protrusions mounted in the inclined recesses and two tabs. The switch is mounted in the bottom shell and has a button. The connecting device has a connecting tube, a flange and an end protrusion. The connecting tube is mounted through the top shell. The flange is formed around the connecting tube and is mounted across the tabs. The end protrusion abuts the button. When the knob is rotated, the sliding protrusions move along the inclined recesses to force the knob moving downward. Therefore, the end protrusion pushes the button to turn on the switch.

Abstract: A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include an open frame member, rigid wear strips mounted in the open frame member at two sides, a sliding block having friction cylinders arranged in parallel at two opposite sides and respectively disposed in contact with the rigid wear strips and a cam wheel set formed of a first cam wheel and a second cam wheel and inserted through an axle bearing in sliding block for causing the sliding block to move back and forth in the open frame member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a cabinet including at least one access area having an open face and a grill door for selectively closing the open face of the access area. The refrigerator can also include a water using accessory provided on the cabinet. The grill door can be selectively retained to the cabinet wherein a manifold is fixed relative to the grill door and fluidly couples the water using accessory to a water supply. A water treatment cartridge can be removably coupled to a casing such that when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold, the cartridge treats the water from the water supply for use by the water using accessory. The manifold can be located on the grill door such that the mounting of the cartridge to the manifold moves the cartridge from within the access area to outside of the access area as the grill door moves from a closed position to an opened position, respectively.

Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.