Abstract: A refrigerator with a water purifying arrangement includes a refrigerator door having a water supply passage along which water is supplied to the outside of the refrigerator; a case detachably mounted to the refrigerator door such that at least part of the case is exposed at the outside of the refrigerator door; and a water filter mounted to the case, and disposed at the refrigerator door such that water supplied along the water supply passage passes through the water filter.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: An improvement in a liquids dispensing means comprising a niche for accommodating a container to be filled with liquid, the niche being associated with the outer panel (12) of a cabinet, being lighted from the rear wall thereof (21, 56), a part of the light flux impinging on a window provided with a sheet of translucent material (29) located in the closing means (21, 51) of the niche, the window being in substantial alignment/register with the lighting means (36, 37, 54) provided on the rear wall.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: According to certain aspects of the disclosure, an ice and cold water dispensing assembly for a refrigeration appliance is disclosed including a reservoir holding water having a water level and an ice maker for making ice cubes to be held within the water within the reservoir. Structure is provided on the reservoir allowing the reservoir to be removably attached to the refrigeration appliance. A handle and a spout are attached to the reservoir and are configured for allowing manual dispensing of ice cubes or water from the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the refrigeration appliance. An ice dispenser and a water dispenser are provided in the refrigeration appliance for dispensing ice cubes or water respectively from the reservoir when the reservoir is attached to the refrigeration appliance. Related refrigeration devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Refrigerator dispenser control technology, in which user input related to moving a dispensing unit between a received position and a dispensing position is received and it is detected whether a dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit is driven based on the user input and the detection of whether the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit may be driven from the received position to the dispensing position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The dispensing unit also may be from the dispensing position to the received position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A dispenser and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The dispenser includes a first section of ice discharge duct that receives ice supplied from an ice supplier, a second section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the first section, and a third section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the second section. The third section guides the ice through an outlet positioned in front of a surface of a door of the refrigerator. The dispenser also includes a first coupling mechanism located at the second section and a second coupling mechanism located at the third section. The first and second coupling mechanisms are configured to engage and disengage with each other to enable removal of the third section from the second section and attachment of the third section to the second section.

Abstract: A freeze type dispenser having a refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, expansion means and evaporator in the form of one or more freeze chambers in an enclosure is provided with a sub-cooler or auxiliary coil. The sub-cooler is located downstream of the condenser but upstream of the expansion means and is supplied with condensed refrigerant liquid. The sub-cooler is located adjacent the freeze chamber enclosure to prevent or reduce condensation of the same, without adversely affecting, and in fact increasing cooling performance or capacity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for supercooling and a method of maMng slush thr?gh supercooling which generate a supercooled liquid by supplying cool air and energy, control the state of the supercooled liquid, store and supply the supercooled liquid, generate slush by applying an external force to the supercooled liquid, maintain the state of the slush, and supply the slush.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. A dispenser is not exposed to the outside when the dispenser is not used, such that the design of the refrigerator can be upgraded and the injection of foreign materials into the dispenser is blocked, such that sanitary conditions can be improved.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: A multi-single serve beverage dispensing apparatus, method and system is disclosed. Storage, management and delivery of a desired liquid enhancement cartridge to a beverage preparation positioned in a refrigerator or other liquid dispensing appliance is provided. A liquid dispensing cartridge is inserted and retrieved through a cartridge loading/unloading interface associated with a cabinet body of a liquid dispensing appliance. A storage system having multiple cartridge holding positions for storing and staging a variety of liquid enhancement cartridges is included. An indexing system has a means for moving one or more of the cartridges into a beverage preparation position for preparing and dispensing a beverage.

Abstract: An illuminated dispenser assembly may include a dispenser recess area defined by walls, such as a bottom wall, two side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior area to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element is located for illuminating the dispenser recess. The lighting element includes at least one light source and at least one light pipe for transmitting light from the light source to the dispenser recess. The light source may be placed in different states and/or may illuminate with different colors depending on status, user selection, time of day, etc.

Abstract: A refrigerator or liquid dispensing appliance adapted for receiving, storing, managing, processing and dispensing a liquid enhancement component for preparation of a finished beverage is disclosed. Delivery, processing and management of the liquid enhancement component includes loading a solid liquid enhancement component at a product interface, and managing the transfer of the liquid enhancement component through various systems of the invention including processing to provide a processed liquid enhancement component for discharging for preparing a finished beverage.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to within the refrigerator cabinet, and a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may be positioned at the door. The beverage dispenser includes a water source for supplying water, a beverage flavor source containing a flavor medium and having a flavor source opening with and adjustable size, and a user interface. The user interface is connected to the beverage flavor source to control the amount of flavor medium dispensed by the beverage flavor source through the flavor source opening. The amount of flavor medium dispensed will determine the flavor strength of a flavored beverage after the flavor medium has mixed with water or another liquid.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, a door providing access to the refrigerator, and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system includes a beverage cartridge. The beverage cartridge includes a filter, a pump, and a beverage medium, wherein the beverage medium is combined with water to produce a flavored beverage. The beverage medium may be a powder or a syrup, which when mixed with water, produces a desired flavored beverage. The beverage cartridge is combined and connected with the beverage dispensing unit to filter and pump water in to pass through and mix with the flavor medium to produce a flavored beverage which may be passed through the refrigerator to an output where a user can fill a container with the flavored beverage.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and system for controlling the delivery of liquid additives is disclosed. In one aspect, liquid additives are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet pump for preparing a finished beverage. In another aspect, additives from liquid additive containers are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet and pumping section pump for preparing a finished beverage. Other additives are communicated through the beverage dispensing system for maintaining and cleaning the system and the multiple inlet pump for ensuring the hygienical integrity of the system throughout its use.

Abstract: An illuminated dispenser assembly for a consumer appliance panel includes a dispenser recess area located in the panel. The dispenser recess area is defined by walls including a bottom wall, a back wall and a top wall. The bottom wall has a top surface. A dispenser is located in the panel. The dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior of the consumer appliance to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element includes a light source located below the top surface of the bottom wall for illuminating a target area in the bottom wall of the dispenser recess. The target area is located relative to the dispenser outlet so as to identify a location for placement of a receptacle for receiving the substance from the dispenser. A related refrigeration appliance incorporating such an illuminated dispensing target is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the cabinet. A machine vision system associated with the beverage dispensing system. The machine vision system has an imaging device.

Abstract: An assembly for filtering water includes a housing and a water inlet for supplying unfiltered water to the housing. A water filter includes an outer casing attached to the housing in communication with the water inlet and a filter medium within the outer casing. The outer casing has at least one portion that is at least partially translucent. The water filter filters the unfiltered water through filter medium to provide filtered water. A water outlet is attached to the housing for transferring filtered water from the outer casing to a device via the housing. An illumination device is mounted adjacent to the outer casing for selectively illuminating the portion of the outer casing that is at least partially translucent. Related refrigeration appliances incorporating such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water tank includes a long water storage part and a partition unit including partitions to partition the water storage part into a plurality of storage spaces. Communication holes are formed at the partitions to allow the storage spaces to communicate with each other. Spatial efficiency and a first in first out effect are improved.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser, a dispenser well, a control for regulating a dispensing operation, and a sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes at least one capacitive-type sensor mounted in the dispenser well. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a container in the dispenser well, an upper edge portion of the container and a level of liquid filling the container during the dispensing operation. The sensor signals the control to automatically cease the dispensing operation before the level of liquid reaches the upper edge portion of the container. The control is configured to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, while preventing any release of water or ice when an animate object is detected.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a home-bar and a dispenser. The refrigerator includes a body in which storage compartments are formed, a body door selectively opening/closing the storage compartments, a home-bar door provided in the body door, and a dispenser located directly in the home-bar door.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator including a liquid, cool air supplied to supercool the liquid, and a preventing means for preventing the liquid from existing as a solid phase, and a method of operating the refrigerator. The preventing means is at least one of an energy generator for supplying energy to the liquid supplied with the cool air to maintain the liquid in the supercooled state, a restricting member for interrupting the motion of the liquid, and a heater for converting the liquid converted into a solid phase into the liquid.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a door that includes a liquid dispensing system. A gas cylinder mounted on the refrigerator provides regulated gas flow to ports on the dispensing system. A bottle with a dispense head attached then can have liquid displaced by utilization of a valve component of the dispense head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a dispenser, including a main body having a cooling chamber and a door for selectively shielding the cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a container accommodating unit and a communication chute that passes through a front surface of the door and guides content to a dispensing cavity defined by the container accommodating unit. The refrigerator further includes an obstruction unit disposed in the container accommodating unit, and movable, about a plane perpendicular to the front which content guided by the communication chute is relatively obstructed by the obstruction unit and a second position in which content guided by the communication chute is relatively unobstructed by the obstruction unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit, in the extended position, controls dispensing of content through a dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator includes a dispense amount checking unit that is provided on the dispensing unit, that is at least partially translucent, and that is configured to enable a user's ability to visibly perceive content as it is being dispensed from a dispenser outlet when the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position and the dispensing unit would otherwise at least partially block the user's view of content being dispensed through the dispenser outlet.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves, in a plane perpendicular to a surface of a door, between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit is configured to, in the extended position, control dispensing of content through the dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator also includes a driving unit that moves the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position in response to user input and moves, in the plane to perpendicular to the surface of the door and simultaneously with moving the dispensing unit, the dispensing button unit from the stored position to the extended position in response to the user input.

Abstract: A food storage apparatus enables dispensation of contents (e.g., ice and/or water) stored in the food storage apparatus and collects residual contents after the dispensation of the contents.

Abstract: Applicants provide a portable, modular table top system for dispensing chilled carbonated water, chilled non-carbonated water, and ambient (non-chilled) non-carbonated water therefrom. The table top water dispenser includes a cold plate that is chilled by evaporation of a refrigerant, which is part of a cold plate cooling circuit, which includes a compressor and a condenser. A pump and a motor move non-carbonated water through the cold plate to a dispensing valve engaged therewith. The same motor and pump typically drive non-carbonated water through the cold plate, through the carbonator where it becomes carbonated, and through the cold plate again, and out a second dispensing valve. A third dispensing valve is engaged to the remote source of pressurized water and bypasses the cold plate and, also, typically the pump for dispensing from a third dispensing valve.

Abstract: A fitting assembly is provided that includes a bracket comprising at least one fitting having a first opening and a second opening, in which the second opening includes at least one ledge on an inner sidewall of the fitting and the first opening is interconnected with a first tube, in which the bracket, the fittings and the first tube are a unitary structure. A seal assembly is present in the second opening of the at least one fitting of the bracket, and a second tube in engaged to the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a frictional bore surface and at least one gasket, which are in contact with the second tube.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a housing and a dispensing device for flowable and/or pourable chilled material, the dispensing device being located in a front recess of the housing. The front of the housing is covered at least in part by an adjustable decorative plate. The recess is accessible through a hole in the decorative plate while a case that is open towards the dispensing device and the hole of the decorative plate is adjustably mounted in the recess.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cold beverages. The system has a sealed enclosure containing an ice bath with a cold plate immersed therein and an ice system having an ice maker with a control mechanism operatively connected to said ice maker to maintain a predetermined quantity of ice in said ice bath.

Abstract: A refrigerator in which a right door that a user more frequently opens has a width less than that of a left door and a dispenser and a display unit are mounted at the center of a front surface of the refrigerator, resulting in enhanced usability. In the refrigerator, furthermore, a door handle is hidden and a drawer type storage container is installed below the dispenser and the display unit to enhance usability of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. Usability and efficiency of a storage space are improved in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, a door selectively closing the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, respectively, a plurality of receiving members spaced apart vertically from each other in the refrigerator compartment, and a dispenser between upper and lower spaces of the receiving members, the dispenser supplying drinking water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator capable of purifying water discharged to a spout just before the water is dispensed. The refrigerator includes a spout, a water delivery system guiding water to the spout, and a water purification filter installed on the spout in order to purify the water just before the water is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided in the cabinet; and a dispenser provided in the door to supply water outside the door, the dispenser comprising a power supply part which is able to be connected with an external device containing predetermined liquid, to supply an electric power to the external device.

Abstract: A portable wine box bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. A support affixed to the panel supports bag-in box containers of wine with outlets supported above the panel high enough to allow containers to be supported on the panel while filling from the outlet. Perforations in the panel and a drip tray below the tap outlet capture spills. A panel aperture permits access to items such as soft drinks stored in the chamber. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place it is insulated, secure, and transportable.

Abstract: A hitch mounted self-contained keg beverage dispenser removably mounts on a conventional receiver hitch of a vehicle for transporting a beverage keg over long distances to a site of use while maintaining the contents in a cooled condition and dispensing the contents at the site while supported on the transporting vehicle. The dispenser has an insulated container that receives the keg and is mounted on a platform received in the hitch and supported vertically proximate the vehicle rear bumper. The container may be secured to the platform in the vertically supported position and pivoted to an angular position to allow access to the vehicle cargo area. A compressed gas cylinder, a dispensing spigot and a drip tray are mounted on the container. The keg inside the container is surrounded by ice and connected with the gas cylinder and spigot by hoses extending through the container side wall.

Abstract: A variable temperature dispensing system and method for dispensing a variable temperature controlled fluid in an appliance includes a first fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at one temperature and a second fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at another temperature that is elevated relative to the one temperature of the first fluid storage tank. A dispenser outlet is fluidly connected to the first and second fluid storage tanks by at least one fluid line. A proportioning device is disposed along the at least one fluid line between the dispenser outlet and the first and second fluid storage tanks to proportion the fluid delivered from the first and second fluid storage tanks to the dispenser outlet. The proportioning device allows for the selection of a specific temperature for the fluid to be dispensed through the dispenser outlet and delivers the fluid at the selected specific temperature.

Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.

Abstract: There is provided a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a storage space receiving food, a door, and a dispensing apparatus. The door selectively opens and closes the storage space. The dispensing apparatus dispenses contents stored in the storage space without opening the door. The dispensing apparatus substantially protrudes from an outer surface of the door.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An ice flap device (10) for a refrigerator comprises a flap unit (14) movable between an open position and a closed position, which unit releases a dispenser aperture for dispensing ice in its open position and blocks the dispenser aperture against dispensing ice in its closed position, as well as a motorized drive mechanism for driving the flap unit (14) between its open and closed position. According to the invention the drive mechanism comprises an a.c. motor (12) as well as a first electrical switch (26), which lies in the supply circuit of the a.c. motor and switches depending on the introduction of a receptacle into an ice dispenser compartment of the refrigerator, and by means of which the a.c. motor (12) can be turned on when the receptacle is introduced into the ice dispenser compartment for a movement of the flap unit (14) from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment door selectively closing the refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment door selectively closing the freezer compartment, and a dispenser installed on a rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door to dispense drinking water through the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser provided in a door and having a dispenser casing, which is provided with a first region and a second region located close to the first region. The first region and the second region are adjacent to a heat insulating layer of the door. A first heater is arranged in the first region for supplying heat to the dispenser casing and a second heater is arranged in the second region for supplying heat to the dispenser casing, with the first heater and the second heater being controlled independently.

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing product is provided including a storage compartment located within the appliance, a dispensing unit located on the exterior of the appliance including a dispensing outlet, and an actuating mechanism located on the exterior of the storage compartment. The actuating mechanism is configured to be moved from a neutral position to at least a first position and a second position. The first position is configured to trigger a release of a first type of product, and the second position is configured to release a second type of product, respectively, from the dispensing outlet. In one example, a switch can be provided to detect the position of the actuating mechanism, and each position triggers the release of a different type of product from within the appliance.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.