Abstract: Provided is a vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum adiabatic body may include a first plate member defining at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate member defining at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a temperature different from the first space, a sealing part sealing the first plate member and the second plate member to provide a third space that has a temperature between the temperature of the first space and the temperature of the second space and is in a vacuum state, a conduit having at least a portion passing through by the sealing part outside the third space to connect the first space to the second space, a supporting unit or bar maintaining the third space, a heat resistance unit or assembly for reducing a heat transfer amount between the first plate member and the second plate member, and a port or an exhaust port through which air of the third space is exhausted.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet; a door operably connected to the cabinet, the door having a closed position relative to the cabinet and an opened position relative to the cabinet, and the door transitions from the closed position to the opened position in a non-circular path; a liquid outlet disposed at the cabinet; and a liquid receiver disposed at the door, the liquid receiver configured to receive liquid exiting the liquid outlet when the door is in the closed position but not in the opened position. The refrigerator can further include a gasket adjacent to the liquid receiver and a gasket adjacent to the liquid outlet. When the door is in the closed position, the gasket of the door can cooperate with the gasket of the cabinet to form a sealed channel to seal liquid transfer from the liquid outlet to the liquid receiver for use at the door.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hot water supply device, wherein the hot water supply device comprises a heater and a dispenser provided with a hot water outlet, the dispenser is recessed on the door, comprising a receiving portion provided at one side opposite to the hot water outlet, and the heater is received in the receiving portion. The heater is provided at the rear surface of the dispenser, thereby avoiding the influence of the filling of foam materials on the heat dissipation of the heater, which contributes to prolonging the service life of a heat sink, eliminates potential risks brought by the hot water supply device to the refrigerator, and reduces the maintenance cost of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A water storage device and a refrigerator, the water storage device comprising: a housing having a water inlet end and a water outlet end, and a water distribution plate. The water distribution plate divides a water storage cavity into a water inlet cavity and a water outlet cavity; a gap for allowing water to flow through is provided between the outer edge of the water distribution plate and the inner wall of the housing; when the water distribution plate moves from the water inlet end towards the water outlet end, water entering the water inlet cavity from the water inlet end will not mix with cold water in the water outlet cavity.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment having a rear wall with an inwardly angled portion. A first and second shelf assemblies are disposed within the refrigerator compartment. The first shelf assembly includes a panel supported on a frame assembly to define a cavity positioned below a portion of the panel. The second shelf assembly includes front and top panels that cooperate with a surface of the inwardly angled portion of the rear wall to define a storage cavity therebetween. A water filtration system includes a water filter assembly laterally disposed within the storage cavity of the second shelf assembly. A water dispenser system includes a dispenser paddle operably coupled to the first shelf assembly and interconnected to the water filter assembly by a water supply line that is concealed within the cavity of the first shelf assembly by the opaque portion of the panel of the first shelf assembly.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door to open or close the storage compartment, and a dispenser provided on the door and configured to supply water to the outside of the main body, wherein the door includes, a door plate, and a door cap coupled to a lower end portion of the door plate and having a water collecting part to collect residual water of the dispenser.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a housing including an inlet and first and second outlets, through which water introduced through the inlet is discharged, a first orifice including an opening communicating with the first outlet and a second orifice including an opening communicating with the second outlet, the first and second orifices being received in the housing, a first plunger for opening and closing the opening of the first orifice; and a second plunger for opening and closing the opening of the second orifice. Each of the orifices includes a rib surrounding the circumference of each of the plungers in a state in which each of the plungers closes the opening of each of the orifices.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for an appliance includes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. A shelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. A shelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor is positioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensor is also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling and/or freezing apparatus with at least one cooled internal space and with at least one door provided with at least one handle, the at least one door configured to close the cooled internal space, wherein the apparatus includes at least one dispenser with at least one delivery opening for the delivery of at least one medium, in particular water and/or ice, wherein the handle includes the delivery opening of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a malt-based beverage dispenses into a receptacle ready for consumption and for use in an on-trade or off-trade environment. The method has the following steps. The step of composing a first component of the dispensed beverage is performed during dispensing by mixing a liquid with carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen. The step of adding the first component to at least a second beverage component so as to form the dispensed beverage is performed. The carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen is scented.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a cabinet and a drinkable liquid dispensing system. The cabinet may include chilled cavity, insulation surrounding the chilled cavity, and a door by which the chilled cavity is opened and closed. The chilled cavity may include a reservoir configured to store liquid provided thereto from an external liquid source for chilling in the chilled cavity. The drinkable liquid dispensing system may include dispenser tubing and a liquid dispenser. The dispenser tubing may be configured to transport the chilled liquid from the reservoir to the liquid dispenser. An insulated portion of the dispenser tubing may be positioned between the chilled cavity and the insulation. The liquid dispenser may be positioned within the door and configured to dispense the chilled liquid transported thereto by the dispenser tubing upon request.

Abstract: A rear plate of a refrigerator includes a base section formed at the outside of the rear plate while being flat, and a formed section formed to protrude from the base section toward the inner case through a foaming process. Outer equipment is installed at the formed section, to be disposed more inside than the base section and, as such, it is possible to protect the outer equipment from external impact. In addition, it is possible to achieve an improvement in rear appearance design of the refrigerator and an enhancement in space utility of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A hinge coupling assembly includes a first coupling incorporated within a first hinge section coupled to a door, including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a first coupling passage formed within the first coupling, and a second coupling incorporated within a second hinge section separate from the first hinge section and coupled to a door frame, the second coupling including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a second coupling passage formed within the second coupling. Connection and disconnection of the first coupling to the second coupling to create a single sealed continuous passage formed by the first coupling passage and second coupling passage is simultaneous upon installation and removal of the door to the door frame. The sealed continuous passage is maintained upon radial and axial displacement of the first coupling with respect to the second coupling upon opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet to define an outer appearance of the refrigerator and having a storage chamber therein; and a water filter device installed in the storage chamber, to purify water supplied from an external water supply source. The water filter device includes a filter unit to purify the water supplied from the water supply source, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, a case to accommodate the filter unit and the storage tank unit, a filter head assembly, and a water filter assembly separably coupled to the filter head assembly.

Abstract: A refrigerator without a kick plate and having an outer case with a water supply pipe at a bottom surface of the outer case. A lower hinge module of a refrigerator includes a body hinge bracket having one portion fixed to the lower surface of the outer case and the remaining portion disposed at the lower portion of the door for supporting the door, a hinge shaft which is protruded from the body hinge bracket and coupled at the lower surface of the door for the door to be capable of rotating and at which a central hole formed for the water supply pipe to pass through, a support member coupled to the lower portion of the body hinge bracket and supported by the bottom surface outside, and a guide unit which is provided along the outer side of the support member.

Abstract: A method and system that detects if a carbonator has cycled in a beverage system and deactivates a circulator pump that circulates carbonated water in the beverage system based on if the carbonator has cycled.

Abstract: A water filter device including a filter unit to receive water from an external water supply source and to purify the received water, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, and a case to receive the filter unit and the storage tank unit.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water supply unit connected to a water supply passage to temporarily store the supplied water, thereby stably supplying water is disposed above an ice making apparatus. Also, since water having a reduced pressure is supplied into the ice making apparatus, the water may be stably supplied into the ice making apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an enhanced exterior appearance by eliminating a kick plate and by disposing a water supply pipe at the bottom surface of an outer case. A lower hinge module of a refrigerator includes a body hinge bracket having one portion fixed to the lower surface of the outer case and the remaining portion disposed at the lower portion of the door for supporting the door, a hinge shaft which is protruded from the body hinge bracket and coupled at the lower surface of the door for the door to be capable of rotating and at which a central hole formed for the water supply pipe to pass through, a support member coupled to the lower portion of the body hinge bracket and supported by the bottom surface outside, and a guide unit which is provided along the outer side of the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low pressure water filter and dispenser system for use in a refrigerator which enables an effluent from said system exhibiting a log 6 bacteria reduction and a log 4 virus reduction with pressures as low as 0.35 kg/cm2 (5 psi). The system can be located in various places, for example it can sit on the shelf, it can be mounted to the ceiling of the refrigerator, or it can be attached to the wall or other internal components.

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 liquid filtering and dispensing system can be formed as an integral unit and configured for placement within an appliance compartment. The system can have a manifold with a filter connection including inflow and outflow attachments for a filter cartridge, an inlet, at least one outlet forming a dispenser and a valve to control flow through the integral system. The system can include a cooling reservoir fluidly located prior to the dispenser. The system can include a removable carafe and a carafe mount configured such that the carafe can receive liquid from the dispenser. The carafe mount can be configured to supply liquid from the carafe to a remote dispensing assembly such as a refrigerator door dispenser. The carafe mount can be positioned within the refrigerator compartment or within the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a water tank having an inlet connection and an outlet connection in fluid communication with a water dispenser wherein the water tank includes a mixing area and a laminar flow area connected in series with the mixing area.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided which includes a housing for the dispenser, a dispensing area associated with the housing and including a space for receiving a receptacle for receiving a charge of water from the dispenser, a water outlet through which water is dispensed into the dispensing area, and a fixed flange support positioned between the water outlet and the dispensing area arranged to receive a flavor insert device in a substantially horizontally sliding manner. The flavor insert device includes a cup having a flange extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the cup, a porous enclosure located in the cup, and a supply of solid flavor particles contained in the porous enclosure.

Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a dispenser installed at a door so as to enable a user to extract water or ice without opening a door. The dispenser includes a case forming an extraction section which is a space through which the desired object is extracted, a push button installed to the case and causing the desired object to be extracted by push operation, a cover having an opening formed by cutting out part thereof and pivotably installed to the case so as to open and close the extraction section, and a lever hinged to the cover so as to open and close the opening and pushing the push button while the opening is open. Therefore, a front appearance of the refrigerator is beautifully maintained. Further, the refrigerator prevents foreign materials such as dust from entering extraction ports through which the desired objects are extracted.

Abstract: A dispenser of a conventional refrigerator supplies only cold water. Therefore, the dispenser cannot meet a variety of users' needs. Further, the conventional refrigerator has a problem in that various kinds of water supplied from a water source cannot be properly purified. The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a main body with a storage space defined therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

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: An apparatus for filtering water dispensed from an appliance (e.g. a refrigerator) includes a low-profile filter cartridge (or a bank of filter cartridges) releasably connected to a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is in communication with the water inlet of appliance and routs the filtered water to points of use. A water usage sensor in the manifold monitors the filter cartridge life and alerts the user when it is time to replace the filter. A latching mechanism includes a latching member 200 on the cartridge and a linearly moveable actuator 174 for releaseably securing the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. A flow control valve ensures that the water circuit remains closed when the filter cartridge is removed from the manifold.

Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator determines a need for a filter change by timing the period of actuation of at least one valve used to regulate the flow of filtered water to both a water dispenser and an ice maker. Based on a known flow rate, a volume of filtered water associated with the duration of valve actuation is calculated. A summing device determines an accumulated, filtered water volume. When the accumulated, filtered water volume reaches or exceeds a threshold value, an indicator is used to signal that the water filter needs to be replaced. As water filtering system of the invention is capable of being operated without a water filter in place, a switch assembly is incorporated to sense the presence of the water filter and the system only senses the valve actuation time when the filter is in place. In addition, provisions are made to reset the accumulated, filtered water volume upon replacement of the water filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water filtration apparatus for mounting on the exposed exterior surfaces of a refrigerator to provide filtered water to the interior of a refrigerator cabinet. The apparatus may be mounted on the exposed or visible surfaces of the refrigerator for ease of installation, monitoring, and filter replacement. A readily replaceable filter cartridge is also provided.

Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator includes a mounting head preferably arranged under a temperature control housing in a fresh food compartment. A replaceable filter cartridge is adapted to be selectively attached to the mounting head in order to complete a fluid circuit from a water supply source to at least one of a water dispenser and an ice maker. The filter cartridge and the mounting head have cooperating camming structure which axially draws a stem portion of the cartridge into a port of the mounting head upon rotation of the cartridge relative to the mounting head during installation of the cartridge. Furthermore, camming structure is also provided to at least partially, axially withdraw the stem portion from the port upon rotation of the cartridge a predetermined amount in an opposing direction. Also provided as part of the water filtering system is a plug which can be used to complete the fluid circuit in the absence of a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A drinking water dispenser according to the present invention functions to supply drinking water from a detachable water container. The drinking water dispenser includes a hot water tank, a chilled water tank, a supply pipe and a sterilization system. The hot water tank heats and stores the drinking water supplied from the water container. The supply pipe connects the water container with the hot water tank and the chilled water tank. The sterilization system sterilizes the tanks and the supply pipe by circulating hot water from the hot water tank among them. The dispenser is also sterilized because of its including a special 3 way connector between the detachable container and tanks which allows connector and container to be housed in a refrigerator, thus separating critical system components from warmer outside air and thus suppressing invasion and growth of microbes.

Abstract: A water filtering system for a refrigerator includes a mounting head preferably arranged under a temperature control housing in a fresh food compartment. A replaceable filter cartridge is adapted to be selectively attached to the mounting head in order to complete a fluid circuit from a water supply source to at least one of a water dispenser and an ice maker. The filter cartridge and the mounting head have cooperating camming structure which axially draws a stem portion of the cartridge into a port of the mounting head upon rotation of the cartridge relative to the mounting head during installation of the cartridge. Furthermore, camming structure is also provided to at least partially, axially withdraw the stem portion from the port upon rotation of the cartridge a predetermined amount in an opposing direction. Also provided as part of the water filtering system is a plug which can be used to complete the fluid circuit in the absence of a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A new water cooler with compartmentalized storage area for transporting large quantities of water and individual canned beverages. The inventive device includes an insulated cooler having a generally cylindrical configuration. The cooler has an opening through an upper end thereof into a hollow interior. The hollow interior receives a water container therein. The water container has a plurality of radially spaced recesses each extending a length of the container. The insulated cooler has a plurality of elongated openings in a side thereof corresponding with the radially spaced recesses of the water container. A plurality of insulated sleeves are hingedly coupled with the four elongated openings of the insulated cooler. Each of the sleeves have a recessed interior for receiving beverage cans therein whereby when the sleeves are closed within the insulated cooler, the beverage cans rest between the recessed interior and the recess of the water container.

Abstract: The invention relates to drink dispensers, particularly such dispensers in which the drink is stored in readily mixed or premixed form in a reservoir. The invention provides an improved heat or cold transmission for such dispensers. The thermal conduction between the bottom of the reservoir and a cooling plate provided in the base is improved by a freezing liquid introduced between the bottom and the cooling plate. The thermal conduction is particularly homogenized and improved by providing a cellulose layer between the reservoir bottom and the cooling plate, the layer taking up or absorbing the liquid.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water dispensing system which includes a receptacle removably disposed within a refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator. A valved feed duct extends into the refrigerator for supplying fresh water to the receptacle when the water level in the receptacle falls below a predetermined level. An ultrasonic water level detector determines when the water level falls below the predetermined level and sends a signal to a controller which then opens the valved feed duct.

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: The cargo area of a refrigerated box car is cooled by convectors positioned along the upper side and end walls of the cargo compartment of the car. The convectors are cooled by a supply of carbon dioxide snow in a bunker above the cargo compartment.

Abstract: A system for providing a constant supply of chilled fluid that includes a refrigerator cabinet having a refrigerated food storage area and a door. A serving vessel is removably located within the refrigerated food storage area. Fluid stored in the serving vessel is chilled while the serving vessel is in the refrigerated food storage area. The serving vessel also permits the fluid to be conveniently transported outside the refrigerated food storage area. A fluid supply system provides the fluid to the serving vessel via a dispenser located in the food storage area in response to outputs from devices that sense whether the door is closed, whether the serving vessel is at a specific location in the food storage area, and whether the amount of fluid is below a predetermined amount.

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 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 small self contained refrigerator unit having a small water filtration unit in the refrigerator to provide filtered and cooled drinking water that is free from offensive odors and tastes, and is filtered to remove all offensive impurities. In thousands of business establishments and in homes the proprietors purchase bottled water, and have to contend with the inconvenience of lifting heavy bottles and periodically purchasing additional quantities of bottled water. By providing a small water treatment device in a refrigerator, the proprietor or homeowner is assured at all times of having cool good tasting water of better than bottle water quality for drinking and other purposes. It is unnecessary to open the refrigerator door to get drinking water because the delivery spout is conveniently located on top of the refrigerator which is low and provides a convenient work surface at table height.

Abstract: The door-mounted water and ice cube dispenser of a refrigerator is supplied with chilled water and electrical power by a water conveying conduit and a plurality of electrical conductors which together pass through a hollow pintle and socket portion of a lower hinge assembly pivotally supporting the refrigerator door. To facilitate removal of the door from the associated refrigerator cabinet, the lower end of the conduit is connected to an end of a chilled water supply line by a union type coupling, the lower ends of the conductors being connected to a plug engageable with an associated power supplying socket fixed to the refrigerator cabinet. The conduit and conductors extend upwardly from the lower hinge assembly to the dispenser location via the interior of an elongated, rigid, tubelike member that isolates the conduit and conductors from any thermal insulating material or other obstructions filling the interior volume of the door.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet having a chilled water dispensing service area accessible from the exterior of the cabinet with a vertically extending water supply storage tank and filter cartridge assembly located in the fresh food compartment with the filter cartridge coextensive with one vertical edge of the tank positioning the cartridge upper inlet adaptor integral tube positioned adjacent an upper outlet of the tank. The tank has a serpentine storage volume comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal extending passes connecting the tank inlet and outlet with the tank uppermost pass extending at an inclined axis toward the tank outlet. The adaptor tube axis is inclined downwardly so as to be complementary to the upwardly inclined axis of the tank outlet whereby chilled water from the tank is purged of air and filtered just prior to being dispensed at the service area.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a dispenser having a child-proof guard therewith for preventing the unwanted use of the dispenser. The refrigerator is connected to a fluid source and the cooled fluid is dispensed through a wall of the refrigerator. The dispenser is provided with structure for preventing unintended dispensing, and comprises a discharge spout located with reference to the wall of the refrigerator and adapted to discharge into a receptacle held in proximity thereto. Structure is controlled by movement of the receptacle and determines discharge or cessation of the discharge and includes a valve connected in the fluid source with structure for controlling the valve including a switch connected in circuit therewith. An actuating member is supported on the structure and cooperates with the receptacle to actuate the control structure which in turn includes structure movable selectively between a shut-off position and a discharge position.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a storage chamber opened and closed by a door and a water supply system to supply water to a water taking port disposed at the door. The water supply system includes a water tank and a plurality of connecting pipes. The water tank includes an elongated cylindrical shaped body and a cap configured to form a reservoir such that a section of the cap overlaps the body, a first port having a passageway integral with the elongated cylindrical shaped body, and a second port integral with the cap, the second port being aligned in a direction different from a longitudinal axis of the water tank. The connecting pipes include a first water line positioned in an opening of the first port in a direction different from the longitudinal axis of the water tank, and a second water line positioned in an opening of the second port.