Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet, at least one door and a chilled water dispenser. The at least one door is mounted to the cabinet for movement between a closed position and an open position. The chilled water dispenser includes a nozzle extending from the cabinet. The dispenser is associated with the door and is accessible when the door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes an ice maker, a dispenser and the other related components installed to a refrigerator door that opens and closes a storage space of a main body of the refrigerator, the walls of which are formed of insulating layers. A water supply tube is provided in the door to pass through a lower hinge and extend through the door so that water can be supplied to a filter in a filter chamber defined within the door. The water purified in the filter is supplied through a valve to the ice maker and dispenser. The filter chamber is configured to be opened and closed by a service door so that a user can more easily exchange the filter. The service door is provided in front of the door. Since the ice maker, the dispenser and the related components are integrated within the door, the storage space defined by the main body of the refrigerator can be further increased.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is disclosed, which enables an effective usage of the inner space of the refrigerator and enables to always provide fresh water to a user. The dispenser includes a first pipe connected with a water supply source; a reservoir installed inside a door of the refrigerator and connected with the first pipe, for temporarily storing water supplied from the water supply source; a second pipe connected with the reservoir; and a discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging the water supplied from the reservoir depending on a user's necessity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for cooling, a liquid in a portable container. The apparatus comprises a housing having a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end is adapted to attach to the portable container. A can of compressed gas can be within the housing. The can of compressed gas can have a release valve to expel the compressed gas. A heat exchanger can be around an exterior surface of the can. The heat exchanger can be adapted to absorb heat from a warm liquid.

Abstract: Refrigerator Water Supply Systems. A refrigerator is provided according to the present invention. The refrigerator can include a cabinet including at least one wall and a door pivotally mounted to the at least one wall to define a refrigeration compartment. The refrigerator can also include a first water supply line extending into the cabinet and adapted to interface with a removable water supply. Further, the refrigerator can include a mount attached to the cabinet and positioned to hold the removable water supply in the refrigeration compartment for interfacing the first water supply line.

Abstract: A combination water cooler and refrigerator unit is provided including a lower cabinet defining a refrigerated compartment, and an upper water reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a water source, such as an inverted water bottle. A refrigeration system mounted within the cabinet includes a chiller coil having a first segment for chilling the refrigerated compartment, and a second segment for chilling water within the water reservoir. In addition, a lower end of the water reservoir is positioned in heat transfer relation with an upper region of the refrigerated compartment, and a single thermostatic temperature control sensor is mounted within the refrigerated compartment for regulating the refrigeration system for substantially eliminating risk of reservoir or refrigerator freeze up.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator, is provided with a door handle with colored caps for covering the door handle fasteners. The caps are exchangeable with other caps having different colors, as chosen by the consumer. The refrigerator also includes storage buckets, shelves and drawers with colored trim pieces which are exchangeable with different colored trim pieces, as well as a water dispenser having a colored actuation button and a colored sump tray, both of which can be exchanged with different colored buttons and trays.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: A low cost method and apparatus for indicating when to replace a water filter in a water and ice delivery system for a refrigerator. The invention uses a low cost microprocessor and senses the operational condition of an ice maker water valve, a water dispenser valve to monitor and track water usage. The microprocessor has a built-in memory to retain water usage and other data during a power outage. The invention also senses the status of a door switch to permit user input of a reset message indicating that the filter has been changed as well as an input indicating a different type of filter has been installed. The microprocessor controls a tri-color light emitting diode to display the status of the filter as “good”, “order” or “change” which is determined based on the selection of the type of filter system, the amount of time since the last filter change, and the amount of water usage since the last filter change.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: A method for controlling the purified water passage of a refrigerator with a water purifying filter is disclosed. The refrigerator has a first valve for controlling water supply to the water purifying filter and a second valve for controlling water supply to a dispenser and an ice-making unit. The method comprises the following steps. A first step is determining whether the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A second step is opening the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A third step is determining whether a refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment door are closed if one of the dispenser and the ice-making unit is operated. A fourth step is closing the first and second valves if at least one of the refrigerator compartment door and the freezer compartment door is opened. A fifth step is closing the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are not operated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved beverage chiller comprising at least two interconnected canisters each canister defining a chamber for refrigerant. The chamber includes a plurality of pipes extending along the length of the chamber for the flow of beverage thereghrough. Each canister includes flow control means to ensure flow of beverage up and down the refrigerant chamber in a plurality of cooling passes. The refrigerant chambers are pressure balanced and arranged to be coupled to a source of refrigeration via a thermostatic expansion valve.

Abstract: A water tank having a body portion that slopes away, in multiple directions, from an outlet thereof is adapted to be mounted within a refrigerator cabinet in a substantially horizontal plane. The water tank is preferably integrally molded with multiple, parallel-arranged flow paths and with a plurality of upstanding tabs for use in mounting the water tank horizontally in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator cabinet. The inlet and outlet areas of the tank are designed to minimize the potential for trapping air within the tank. In addition, the tank is formed with integrally molded clips for use in attaching a water tube to the tank. When used in a top mount refrigerator, the tank is particularly adapted to be mounted at a rear underside portion of a fresh food liner that forms part of a mullion divider assembly so as to be generally out of visual sight of the consumer, while being in direct heat exchange relationship with cooling air within the compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid dispensing apparatus implemented within a refrigerator compartment door. The system can be used to dispense any liquid, but is particularly useful for dispensing frequently consumed liquids, such as milk and juice. According to one embodiment, the system comprises refillable receptacles, while in its preferred embodiment the system is adaptable for disposable receptacles. Furthermore, in order to allow for market acceptance, an embodiment is introduces which can accommodate both refillable and disposable receptacles. According to a further embodiment, the system incorporates a rinsing feature and a predetermined liquid dispensing amount feature.

Abstract: A combined cooler and water purification and dispensing system comprises a walk-in cooler having an outside wall and a cooling system to cool the products within the cooler; a water purification and dispensing system adjacent the outside wall with the dispensing portion of the system being accessible from outside of the cooler; and a water supply system for supplying water to the water purification and dispensing system, the water supply system including a section inside the cooler, whereby water in the section of the water supply system inside the walk-in cooler is cooled so as to be dispensed in a chilled state from the water purification and dispensing system.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening/closing section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening/closing section having a pair of cams. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which includes a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward by a lever of the opening section. The lever has a dispensing head which is provided on an upper surface thereof with a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water filtration and dispensing system including a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve to a source of household water, a water filter assembly disposed within a refrigeration compartment, an unfiltered water supply line fluidly connecting the first control valve to the water filter assembly, a second control valve having first and second outlets, a filtered water supply line fluidly connecting the filter assembly to the second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to the first outlet of second control valve, and an ice maker disposed within a freezer compartment and fluidly connected to the second outlet of the second control valve.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a beverage dispenser mounted in a refrigerating compartment thereof for dispensing a beverage through the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a beverage-storing vessel having a beverage outlet in the form of a valved spigot which is arranged to project through a hole in the door when the door is closed. The spigot includes an internal valve which is attached to a first magnet. The door carries a valve actuator which includes a second magnet adapted to generate a magnetic repulsive force against the first magnet to open the valve against a valve-closing spring force when the actuator is moved to a valve-opening position. A sealing arrangement is provided to create an air-tight seal between the spigot and hole when the door is closed. A manually releasable latch is disposed within the refrigerator for releasably retaining the vessel against accidental removal.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening section having a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: A chilled liquid dispensing apparatus having a housing mounted to an exterior surface of a refrigerator. A liquid pumping means, a downwardly disposed dispensing tube and a pumping means actuation means are enclosed within the housing, and a liquid storage bottle is contained within the refrigerator.

Abstract: A water reservoir is provided for a refrigerator. The reservoir is formed as an elongated tubular member bent into a single U-shape with the tubular member having a constant cross section along its length and a constant vertical rise along its length from an inlet to an outlet. The two legs angle upwardly at a common slope and the legs are substantially the same length so that the inlet and outlet are adjacent to one another. The reservoir thus forms a compact shape which fits into a previously unused space behind a crisper drawer within the refrigerator compartment.

Abstract: A water storage tank for use inside of a refrigerator comprises a one-piece molded plastic body forming a serpentine water conduit. The conduit includes a plurality of upright passageways fluidly interconnected at their ends. A plurality of water circulation passages interconnect the upright passageways intermediate their upper and lower ends to promote an internal circulation of stored water. The body includes a web structure which interconnects the upright passageways to conduct heat therebetween and resist rupture of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking device which, after suitable refrigeration, acts as a heat exchanger to draw heat from a hot liquid, thereby delivering cooled beverage to the user's mouth. The device includes flexible, concentric inner and outer tubes, the inner tube comprising a length of flexible, beverage grade tubing having an outer diameter at least 1/16 of an inch less than the inner diameter of the outer tube and a length at least thirty percent greater than that of the outer tube. An air space between the tubes is filled with a thermally conductive, non-toxic solid, forming the heat exchanger portion of the device.

Abstract: The utility conduits (electric conductors and water conduit) of a door mounted dispenser are conducted from below the cabinet to the inside of the door through an inflexible tube. One section of tube rests on a shelf under the refrigerator cabinet and a second section of the tube projects into the bottom of the door in free-standing relationship to the door. The lengths of the tube sections assure that the second section stays in the door without the need of any mechanical connection between the tube and door.

Abstract: A refrigerator in which one of the horizontal grill-work shelves is replaced by a shallow, flat, water tank. The tank is supported by the same support brackets as the grill-work shelf it replaces. The tank bottom wall includes fore and aft extending grooves, for engagement by the support brackets. The upturned ledge at the free end of each support bracket engages a deeper groove portion at a front section of the main grooves, this groove portion extending short of the front edge of the tank. Thus, only partial forward withdrawal of the tank from the refrigerator chamber will be possible in the horizontal plane, accordingly with the play of the ledge along the deeper groove portion. This will prevent its accidental fall-out.

Abstract: A water filter system for use in refrigerators having water dispenser and/or icemaker features. The filter system includes a commercially available filter cartridge which removes common water contaminants. A shut off valve temporarily stops the flow of water to the filter to permit replacement of the cartridge. The filter is disposed within the refrigerator for easy access and may be further disposed in a recess in one of the refrigerator walls or the refrigerator door to avoid reducing the useable food storage volume. The shut off valve may be closed by activating a conveniently located switch, by opening the refrigerator door, by opening a cover over the recess, or alternatively may be normally closed and opened only in response to activation of the icemaker or water dispenser features.

Abstract: A door dispenser for pressurized liquids utilizes a container having a single resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the container. A tube extends from the container to a fitting that with check valves passes through the door nozzle on the outside of the door. Thus, a chilled carbonated or non-carbonated liquid may be dispensed from a container on the inside of the refrigerator door without opening the door.

Abstract: A refrigerator is combined with a reverse osmosis water purification system so that purified water is available at an ice-maker and water tap forming part of the refrigerator. The water is also chlorinated upstream of the reverse osmosis filter and dechlorinated downstream thereof, before the water is supplied to a tank. Level and purity sensors are provided in the tank for cutting off the supply of water when the tank is full and for indicating the purified condition of the water.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein which will cool potable liquids by running the material through capillary tubes which themselves are cooled by various cooling materials. As a result, by the time the liquid is sipped from the straw and through the wound capillary tubes it will have cooled to a point as if it had been refrigerated in its original container.

Abstract: A carbonator refrigeration system for use in a conventional refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door of the refrigerator. The system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a carbonator and a valve member wherein the valve member is responsive to conditions detected within the refrigerator for selectively directing a source of cooling fluid to or away from a heat exchange device provided in connection with the carbonator. The carbonator refrigeration system enables cooling of the carbonator for home dispensing use in a time-share manner with the remaining mechanical refrigeration components.

Abstract: A rigid crossover tube is provided to bridge from a refrigerator door to a refrigerator cabinet and to serve as a guide and protective cover for a water and/or electrical conductors connected to a door mounted ice and water dispensing apparatus. A fitting is provided in the bottom surface of the door. The tube is held in the fitting and is permitted to pivot relative thereto. The tube enters the cabinet through an opening in the base of the cabinet and is slidable therein responsive to pivotal movement of the tube when the door is opened or closed.

Abstract: A separate refrigeration system in a conventional refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door of the refrigerator and is comprised of a refrigerator having a freezer compartment wherein there is located a condenser. The condenser is interconnected with a combined evaporator-carbonator unit located in the front door. The freezer compartment accordingly acts as a heat sink for the condenser. The evaporator unit being integral with the carbonator, operates to chill the carbonator. When desirable, the condenser and evaporator can be replaced by a liquid heat transfer system having a heat absorbing coil assembly located in the carbonator and a heat dissipating coil assembly in the freezer compartment or by a constant temperature heat pipe having its heat dissipating end located in the freezer compartment while its heat absorbing end is located in the carbonator.

Abstract: A water storage tank for use in the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator comprising a surpentine shaped hollow body having parallel first, second, third and fourth straight sections serially connected. The first section has an inlet at the top end and the fourth section has an outlet at the top end. The first section is connected to the second section by a U-shaped curved section at the bottom end, the second and third sections are connected at the top by a U-shaped curved section, the third and fourth sections are connected at the bottom by a U-shaped curved section, with all of the U-shaped curved sections having an internal curvature in the shape of a teardrop. The four straight sections of the serpentine shaped hollow body are connected at the top thereof by air flow passageways.

Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing apparatus is powerable by compressed gas and has a thermally insulated cabinet having a cooling chamber containing a source of compressed gas and a water reservoir and a normally non-pressurized syrup pump fluidly connectible to a non-pressurized syrup tank in the chamber, a dispensing nozzle and a manual actuator are on the outside of the cabinet, a pneumatic power valve is operable to connect the gas source to the pump and expel syrup to the nozzle, a pneumatic water valve servo is connected to all of the power valves and the opening of any power valve will effect operation of the servo and opening of the water valve, the pump is inside of the syrup tank and used propellant gas is vented inside the cabinet, a gas bottle and the syrup tanks are racked on the inside of a cabinet door and the power valves are pneumatically connected in series between the gas source and the water reservoir.

Abstract: A refrigerator door comprises an inner panel and an outer panel forming the wall of the door and has a drink container removably associated with the inner panel. A drink-delivery tube communicates with the interior of the container and is hingedly movable against a resilient bias from an inoperative position to a delivery position, the tube extending through the wall of the door and terminating in a spout. A slide is associated with the tube for effecting such movement thereof and is movable from the outside of the door in a vertical opening formed in the outer panel of the door wall. A compartment accessible from the outside of the door without opening the same is provided in the door, the compartment being divided into a lower compartment for placement of a cup and an upper compartment for reception of the tube spout. A pivotal partition controllable by the slide separates the lower compartment from the upper compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet water storage tank is oriented horizontally on the floor of the fresh food compartment and includes first and second side-by-side water storage chambers interconnected by a cross-over passage having a continuous taper which constantly increases the cross-sectional areas from the first chamber inlet to the second chamber outlet. The tank allows the water to enter from a domestic water source at a point lower than the exit tube outlet with the outlet arranged at the tank's highest point obviating the entrapment of air within the tank. The tank has an internal configuration providing maximum internal volume while fitting into a limited space. The water flow through the tank follows a serpentine U-shaped path to promote water turbulence which will provide maximum heat transfer.