Abstract: A drink dispensing system for at least one dispenser valve. The system includes a carbonator, an ice storage bin having heat transfer coils therein, a two-position valve, a carbonated water circuit, a source of water and a pump circuit. The two-position control valve acts in a first position to charge the carbonated tank with the source of water through a pump in the pump circuit. In a second position, the valve directs circulating flow through a closed loop carbonated water circuit which employs coils before and after the dispenser valves. A bypass around the pump allows flow at all times to the dispenser valves from the carbonator without passing through the pump. A shunt divides the output of the pump such that circulation is at about 15 gallons per hour even with the pump running at 100 gallons per hour. The shunt is not coupled with the pump with the control valve in the charge position. The pump may be a two-speed pump with the higher speed employed when the control valve is in the charge position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a dispenser housing having a product outlet extending from the dispenser housing to dispense the flowable product from the product package; and a bellows pump having a pump inlet, a pump outlet, and bellows disposed between the pump inlet and the pump outlet. The pump outlet is coupled to the product outlet of the dispenser housing. The pump inlet is configured to be coupled to the product package outlet of the product package. An actuation lever is coupled with the bellows pump. The actuation lever protrudes to an exterior of the dispensing housing and being movable to compress the bellows of the bellows pump in a compressed position and expand the bellows of the bellows pump in an extended position to pump the product from the product package to the product outlet.

Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway that permits air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage dispenser includes a housing, a holding tank, a cap member, a cooling device, and a dispensing valve. The housing has a top end formed with a beverage inlet. The holding tank is mounted in the housing, is in fluid communication with the beverage inlet, and is adapted to hold an alcoholic beverage that was poured into the housing through the beverage inlet. The cap member is disposed removably on the top end of the housing for closing the beverage inlet. The cooling device is mounted in the housing, is coupled to the holding tank, and is operable so as lower the temperature of the alcoholic beverage held in the holding tank. The dispensing valve is mounted on the housing, is coupled to the holding tank, and is operable so as to permit discharging of the alcoholic beverage from the holding tank.

Abstract: A water cooler replenishing system which is designed to collect drinking water from a conventional supply bottle and dispense the water into a container, on top of a freestanding water cooler, and be repeatedly refilled. The water cooler replenishing system includes a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port. A water container is also included which is shaped and configured to rest on a freestanding water cooler and receive water for filling the container. A supply tube is provided for collecting water from a conventional supply bottle and the supply tube is connected, by fluid conduit to the inlet port. A filler tube is provided for dispensing water into the water container and the filler tube is connected, by fluid conduit to the outlet port. The pump may be selectively energized to collect water from the supply bottle and dispense the water to fill the container.

Abstract: A self-contained beverage dispensing apparatus, which is adapted for commercial and/or home use as an alternative to traditional canned beverage service, is provided. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing apparatus is highly portable and of sufficient dimension to be positioned on a conventional airline beverage cart and stored in an aircraft's cargo storage compartment. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing apparatus can be selectively locked and secured with a mechanism that will indicate whether any pre-flight tampering has occurred. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing apparatus is further comprised of at least one beverage dispensing mechanism that can be extended from within the housing for use and later retracted for storage. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing apparatus can be used with beverage containers with mouths of varying sizes.

Abstract: A lighting system for dispensing units such as ice and water dispensers on refrigerators includes a paddle on a shaft for activating and deactivating the dispenser by force applied from a receptacle. The shaft is configured as a light tube. A light source is positioned above the shaft to supply light into the shaft and paddle in the non-deflected condition. A prism is provided to receive light from the light source when the paddle is depressed, and to redirect light from the light source towards a receptacle positioned for receiving ice or water dispensed by the dispenser.

Abstract: A drink dispenser assembly (1, 25) includes a dispenser device (2) provided with a dispensing head (18, 29) for accommodating a dispensing line (17, 28), and a container (7, 27) containing drink, in particular carbonated drink, connected during use to the dispensing line (17, 28) which has a coupling element at an outlet end for connection to the dispensing head (18, 29). The drink dispenser assembly includes a shut-off valve (19, 32) that can be closed when placing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) into the dispensing head (18, 29) and, respectively, removing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) from the dispensing head (18, 29).

Abstract: A refrigerator having a beverage dispenser, a display device and a plurality of beverage data files. The refrigerator dispenses beverages such as soda, juice and punch. The refrigerator receives and stores beverage data files, and the display device graphically represents data related to the different types of available beverages. Based on this information, the user can select a desirable beverage, and the refrigerator dispenses the selected beverage.

Abstract: A bar gun includes a housing assembly with valve seats, separate inlets to those seats and separate outlets from those seats. Valve elements are operatively mounted to the housing to cooperate with the valve seats. Actuators are pivotally mounted relative to the housing assembly to provide two valve actuations per actuator. A bar gun handle is arranged relative to the actuators to improve access to the actuator levers. A low-current electro-luminescent element is arranged behind a light-transmitting cover to improve visibility of labeling on the gun. Actuator bars are pivotally mounted below valve lifters on the actuators. Syrup valve elements and carbonated and noncarbonated water elements are located below the actuator bars to be actuated by the actuator bars to create the appropriate mix. Lost motion is provided between the actuator bars and the syrup valve elements to accommodate differentials in pressures between the waters and the syrups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus includes a housing having an exterior and an insulated interior cavity. The cavity is accessible through an access opening. A closure is provided for selectively closing the access opening to the cavity. A refrigeration assembly is provided for cooling the cavity. A flow channel is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned on a bottom of the cavity. The second end is positioned on the exterior of the housing. Liquids flow by force of gravity from the cavity to the exterior of the housing. A coupling is positioned at the first end of the flow channel. The coupling is adapted to couple the flow channel with a liquid container positioned within the cavity. A valve is positioned at the second end of the flow channel to control the flow of liquid flowing through the flow channel.

Abstract: An ice-cream container pack that forms a replaceable cartridge in an associated dispensing machine, said pack comprising a cylindrical body fitted with a nozzle and a plunger which, when operated by the piston of said machine, dispenses the ice cream from the pack via said nozzle, said pack being characterized in that the bottom edge (8) of the cylindrical body wall (1) is directly attached to the end wall (5), said end wall being in the form of a truncated cone, the smaller and free base of which houses the extrusion nozzle (7), whereby a part of the end wall (5) constitutes the support base for the pack on the support (4?) with which said dispensing machine is provided.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided which allows for more storage space inside the refrigerator, and which includes a locking mechanism which allows a drain pan of the dispenser to be removably attached. The dispenser includes a housing mounted on a front surface of a refrigerator door, a supply pipe installed at an upper portion of the housing, a drain pan detachably disposed at a lower portion of the housing, and a locking unit formed between the drain pan and the housing which removably attaches the drain pan to the dispenser housing. The locking unit prevents unwanted separation of the drain pan from the dispenser, and the dispenser's reduced size allows for more storage space in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A dispenser of a refrigerator comprises a dispensing chamber recessed in one of doors for opening and closing freezing and refrigerating compartments, a chute member pivotally mounted in the dispensing chamber and connected with a water supply pipe for supplying water toward the dispensing chamber, and an operating means for rotating the chute member about a pivot axis of the chute member. Accordingly, water can be easily stored in a vessel regardless of the size of the vessel, utilization effect of an internal space of the refrigerator can be improved, and insulation effect of the refrigerator can be also improved because of an increase in a thickness for insulation of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A water dispenser valve assembly with a tube connected to a water supply providing a passageway for the fluid. The water dispenser assembly has a spring assembly including a pivot member operably connected to a leaf spring. A pinch member is connected to the leaf spring for moving against the tube to close the passageway. The spring assembly is biased to close the passageway in the tube. An activation member activated by a user moves the pivot member to apply a force on the leaf spring causing the leaf spring to invert back away from the tube and disengage the pinch member from the tube to allow fluid to flow through the passageway.

Abstract: An ice dispensing chute mechanism is characterized by an ice chute adapted for attachment at an upper ice inlet end to an ice retaining bin at an ice outlet from the bin. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and has a lower end for being contacted and moved by a receptacle into which ice is to be dispensed from a lower ice discharge end of the chute and an upper end for contacting and moving a linkage mechanism upon rotation of the actuating arm by the receptacle. The linkage mechanism is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and is coupled to an ice gate that is linearly moved by the linkage mechanism between open and closed positions that establish and interrupt communication between the upper inlet to the chute and the ice outlet opening from the bin.

Abstract: An automatic flavor-injected blending apparatus includes a base, a processor, and a user input in signal communication with the processor. A blending spindle is rotatably affixed at an upper end to the base and is rotatable under processor control. A container support is movably affixed to the base and is movable between a lower position for placing a container thereon and an upper position closer to the spindle's upper end. A selected flavor is injectable into the container. Software is resident in the processor that is adapted to receive the flavor selection and actuate the injection. The software is further adapted to actuate the spindle rotation. Since the blending process is automated, the server can start the apparatus, step away and attend to other duties while the apparatus is functioning, and return at a later time after a timer has turned off the spindle rotator.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces in a substantially horizontal direction through and out of the holding vessel, and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device, whereby the weighing device meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container. Methods of delivering ice to a consumer are also included.

Abstract: A method for producing a desired amount of ice crystal formation in a beverage comprising the steps of cooling said beverage to a temperature below its ordinary freezing temperature at atmospheric pressure to form a cooled beverage; maintaining said beverage at a pressure sufficient to inhibit freezing of said beverage; dispensing said cooled beverage into a vessel; obtaining a cooled surface, having a temperature sufficiently low to cause flash freezing of a portion of said cooled beverage which comes into contact therewith; and presenting said cooled surface to said beverage for a time sufficient to form a desired amount of said ice crystals in said beverage. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Water supplied from a bottle 1 is pre-chilled in a reservoir 3. A two-part water pump 11 transfers water under pressure through a jet nozzle 14 into an oxygen space 17 in a PET pressure vessel 12, which entrains oxygen into the water. The pressure vessel is received in a conductive holder 18 and is cooled by a peltier element 19 provided with cooling fins 20. The holder 18 forms a capacitive level sensor with a probe 32 inside the vessel, which starts the pump 11 when oxygenated water is drawn off via a draw tube 28 and discharge valve 31. When the water level in the oxygenating vessel is restored a solenoid valve 25 opens to restore the oxygen pressure in the vessel. For hygiene purposes the pumping body can be removed from the pump motor and replaced together with the reservoir 3 and oxygenating vessel 12 along with the associated tubing.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: A cold beverage dispenser for beverages such as iced tea where the supplied water used for the preparation of the beverage is effectively controlled to a desired temperature depending on the beverage to be prepared. A source of water is split into two separate streams. One of the streams is passed through chiller unit. A distribution means controls the quantity of water and the amount of time the water spends in the chiller unit. Temperature detecting means is provided on both branches to control the proportion of the water in the first and second streams. A beverage mixing unit is provided that is connected to a source of premix powder.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment separated from the fresh food compartment by a mullion, a water dispenser coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, a user interface coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, and a controller operationally coupled to the water dispenser. The controller is configured to receive a signal representative of a user desired amount of water, and dispense an amount of water equal to the desired amount.

Abstract: A machine (10) for making products such as iced beverages and the like comprises a tank (11) to contain the product in which cooling means (12) and stirring means (13) are present. The tank comprises a product-dispensing tap (14) having a slidable piston (15) and which is provided with sealing elements (17, 18) to offer a hydraulic outward seal to the tank when the tap is in a closed condition. The piston portion (23) between the sealing elements and in contact with the product in the tank has a reduced section to form regions (19) of free circulation of the product around the piston. The tank may comprise surfaces (20) for conveying the product towards such regions so as to facilitate circulation thereof. Thus the product stagnation that may cause bacteria and pollutant formation is avoided and the cleaning operation with use of sanitising solutions is facilitated.

Abstract: An ice-bagging apparatus that provides an establishment with the ability to automatically and expeditiously produce, bag and store bags of ice, thus maintaining a desired supply of bagged ice and eliminating conventional methods of manual ice-bagging and reducing the likelihood of unwanted bridging of the ice.

Abstract: A refrigerated appliance that dispenses items includes a power source and a cooling system. Power control circuitry is electrically coupled between a power source (e.g., power cord coupled to a wall outlet) and components (for example, a compressor and one or more circulating fans of the cooling system) of the appliance. A controller, which is operably coupled to the power control circuitry, is adapted to manage the supply of electrical power to such components by intelligently transitioning between a normal-operation mode and at least one power-conserving mode. To achieve efficient power conservation, the controller automatically transitions between the at least one power-conserving mode and the normal-operation mode based upon at least one temperature signal, at least one dispensing event signal, and possibly other data signals supplied to the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, a fluid director for facilitating the mixing of the drink supply from one of the drink supply canisters and the carbonated or non-carbonated water from the water supplier and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for a countertop ice dispenser or ice and beverage dispenser is made from a single piece plastic ice bin. Parts for the dispenser are assembled into sub-assemblies before final assembly. The ice bin may be made by a rotomolding process. This uses relatively inexpensive molds with reasonable control over the thickness of the resulting bin, while allowing up to 0.005? of variation per inch of length in the overall size of the ice bin. The resulting ice bin has hollow walls that can be filled with insulating foam. An attractive dispenser may be assembled from such an ice bin, with metal panels and a plastic base. If a combined ice/beverage dispenser is desired, a cold plate and dispensing valve may be included. The plastic base and a plastic drain pan have integral attachments that mate for assembly. The dispenser may also be easily disassembled for repair.

Abstract: An ice cream machine, at least including an assembly of an ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream display cabinet, in which the ice cream preparation unit includes an ingredient inlet, ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream outlet, and the ice cream display cabinet includes refrigeration unit and is designed for refrigerating ice cream in one or more ice cream containers. The space above the ice cream containers in the ice cream display cabinet can also be refrigerated, while the ice cream outlet of the ice cream preparation unit opens directly into the ice cream display cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a pump 24 system that can be added to an existing water cooler 16 or be an integral system. A power switch 34 provides means to turn the pump 24 on and off. Pump 24 controls include the low-level switch 26, the high water switch 28, and an over flow switch 30. The water bottle 15 is connected to the pump 24 by means of a wand 54 and intake line 38 which includes an accordion pump 36 to prime the line and protect against air lock. Additional elements of the present invention include an auxiliary water tap 62, an audio alert(s), a reserve battery pack 72 and a free-floating mercury switch 74 to replace the low and high level switch 26, 28.

Abstract: An auger apparatus for conveying ice, together with the auger itself and an apparatus for storing ice in a storage bin which uses such an auger apparatus is provided. The auger is disposed in a tube, and does not require cylindrical bearings at its ends. The auger is rotationally molded, of one-piece hollow molded construction, preferably of a plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: An electronic control for the operation of a beverage dispenser of the refrigerated ice bank type is shown. The control provides for reliable determinations of when ice production is needed and when it is not needed. A microprocessor receives information from an ice bank probe and from a temperature probe located within the ice bank. Data collected by the microprocessor from both the ice bank probe and the temperature probe is used to determine if the ice bank is either insufficient in size and should be increased or is of sufficient size such that the compressor can be turned off. A carbonator level probe is also shown and connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed whereby the carbonator probes are sampled in a manner to accurately determine the level of water in the carbonator and therefore the need for turning on or turning off any water pump connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbonated and non-carbonated water supplier for a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, the water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a tank for mixing and freezing ice cream includes a valve selectively pivotable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Pivoting the valve between the first position, the second position and the third position valve meters the flow of the ice cream from the tank. A method of dispensing ice cream includes pivoting a handle to an off position, thereby obstructing with a valve an aperture between the tank and the container. The method also includes pivoting the handle to an on position, thereby aligning the aperture with an aperture of the valve. The method also includes pivoting the handle to an intermediate position between the off position and the on position. Pivoting between the on position and the off position pivots the valve to regulate the flow of the ice cream from the tank to the storage unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or below a preset low temperature. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a refrigerated container in which to dispose the product package. The container includes a gas outlet and a return gas inlet. A dispenser housing has a dispenser gas inlet coupled with the gas outlet of the refrigerated container to receive a cool gas from the refrigerated container, and a dispenser gas outlet coupled with the return gas inlet of the refrigerated container to return the cool gas to the refrigerated container. A product outlet extends from the dispenser housing to dispense the flowable product from the product package. A product flow line is disposed in the dispenser housing and coupled between the product package and the product outlet.

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances.

Abstract: A cooler and dispenser for use with upright water bottles operates to (1) pump chilled water from a vertical bottle through a top opening, (2) filter the air that is drawn in to replace the water, (3) and provide the user with an indication of the level in the bottle. The dispenser cap is designed to fit snugly over the top of standard 3.0 and 5.0 gallon refillable water bottles in the vertical orientation. A small pump in the dispenser cap draws water from the bottom of the bottle and dispenses it through a tube that extends past the side of the bottle. The vacuum created within the bottle during the pumping process draws air in through a filter that keeps foreign particles from entering the bottle. Further, the airflow through the filter is constricted so as to ensure that a partial vacuum exists even after the pump has been turned off, and this draws residual water back through the delivery tube thereby preventing drips.

Abstract: A miniature, stand-alone, countertop freezer primarily for domestic use, and a soft-serve dispensing method, that allows extended storage of a food product at an optimum soft-serve sub-freezing temperature prior to dispensing. Its housing has a compact configuration for freezer-like insulated food product storage. However, when soft-serve dispensing is desired, the housing is vertically extended to expose a decorator pattern cap. A press plate in the upper portion of the housing is activated, either manually or otherwise, to push downwardly on the food product container, and thus force the food product through the pattern cap below the food product container and into a receiving vessel. The pattern cap may be a part of the dispenser or a part of the food product container. Although not limited thereto, use is contemplated with ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, sorbet, and other frozen dessert products. Alternative power supply sources are contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drink dispenser assembly (1, 25) comprising a dispenser device (2, 37) provided with a dispensing head (18, 29) for accommodating a dispensing line (17, 28), and a container (7, 27) containing drink, in particular carbonated drink, connected during use to the dispensing line (17, 28) which has a coupling element at an outlet end for connection to the dispensing head (18, 29). The drink dispenser assembly is characterised in that the coupling element comprises a shut-off valve (19, 32) that can be closed when placing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) into the dispensing head (18, 29) and, respectively, removing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) from the dispensing head (18, 29).

Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.

Abstract: An internal water dispenser for a bottom mount refrigerator is located on an interior side wall of a fresh food compartment. The interior side wall is preferably opposite a hinge side of a door for the fresh food compartment and the dispenser is positioned forward of shelves arranged in the fresh food compartment such that the dispenser is arranged to be readily accessible to the consumer upon initially opening the fresh food door.

Abstract: A beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink syrups and CO2 gas supplies. The computerized system can automatically detect dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: Dispenser assembly in the refrigerator having a body and a door for opening/closing a front surface of the body, including a dispenser in the front surface of the door for supplying water, a hinge coupled between the door and the body, a water supply pipe passed through insides of the hinge and the door, and connected to the dispenser, and a curved holding member above the hinge to surround and hold the water supply pipe, thereby holding the water supply pipe securely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on demand chilling and dispensing of product from a commercially available product package is disclosed. The product dispenser includes a product container positioned on a housing that is adapted to receive thermal cooling media. The product dispenser further includes a container cap attachable to a portal of the product container and a first end of a dispense tubing. A second end of the dispense tubing is connectable to a dispensing valve mountable to the housing, thereby regulating delivery. The thermal cooling media resides in the housing, thereby cooling the dispense tubing and its contents. Also provided are provisions for inclusion of a product container as part of the dispenser that can be filled and refilled. Further provisions include the ability to adapt to varying product container portal sizes and varying product container sizes, as commonly seen in commercial product packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for a refrigerator. The dispenser comprises a housing 81 that is mounted on a front surface of a door 56 to define an external appearance and has a recessed portion 81′ formed to be depressed rearward; a dispensing port 84 for discharging water delivered from a main body 50 of the refrigerator to the recessed portion 81′ of the housing 81; a water-dispensing button unit 110 having a water-dispensing button 112 pressed by means of force exerted by a user to receive a signal necessary for the discharge of the water from the dispensing port 84; an actuating switch 92 operated by the water-dispensing button unit 110 to generate a signal for opening and closing the dispensing port 84; and a driving lever 100 for connecting the actuating switch 92 and the water-dispensing button 112 to drive the actuating switch 92 by means of the operation of the water-dispensing button 112.

Abstract: A dispenser of a refrigerator comprises a dispensing chamber recessed in one of doors for opening and closing freezing and refrigerating compartments, a chute member pivotally mounted in the dispensing chamber and connected with a water supply pipe for supplying water toward the dispensing chamber, and an operating means for rotating the chute member about a pivot axis of the chute member. Accordingly, water can be easily stored in a vessel regardless of the size of the vessel, utilization effect of an internal space of the refrigerator can be improved, and insulation effect of the refrigerator can be also improved because of an increase in a thickness for insulation of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention is an appliance supply distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing appliance supplies to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which facilitates dispensing or using one or more supplies from an appliance. The computerized system monitors the supply level(s) and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers additional supplies. In addition, the computerized system automatically detects dispensing, use or appliance problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator includes a dispenser housing mounted on a front surface of a refrigerator door, a supply pipe mounted at an upper surface of the dispenser housing and supplying water therethrough, a drain pan detachably disposed at a lower surface of the dispenser and collecting water dropped from the supply pipe, and a locking unit formed between the drain pan and the dispenser housing and locking the drain pan to the dispenser housing. Loss of the drain pan from the dispenser can be prevented and it is easy to separate the drain pan from the dispenser.