Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and device for maintaining the water reservoir at a predetermined temperature. The piping system is designed for allowing a recirculation of water from and to the water reservoir in order to assure that the water delivered by the dispenser is at the correct temperature.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispensing tower located remote from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has a cold plate and the tower has a heat exchanger. To deliver chilled beverage components to and for dispensing by the tower, a closed-loop water circulating circuit extends between and includes a fluid chilling circuit of the cold plate and a heat exchange circuit of the heat exchanger. The closed-loop circuit is fluid coupled to a beverage valve of the tower to deliver chilled water to the valve, and a supply of beverage syrup is fluid coupled to the tower valve through a fluid chilling circuit of the heat exchanger for delivery of chilled syrup to the valve for mixing with chilled water in the dispensing of a beverage from the tower valve.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and beverage dispenser on both the front and the back of the refrigerator improves efficiency and utilization of the refrigerator. Home floor plans include passageways through interior walls whereby a user can access a second dispenser of the kitchen refrigerator from an adjacent room, thus increasing access to the refrigerator.

Abstract: A drink supply container for a machine which dispenses beverages. The drink supply container includes an end member having a side wall and a support connected to the side wall. The support is substantially positionable in a plane. The drink supply container also has a gas inlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support. The drink supply container has a drink supply outlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed that can select and dispense a beverage from any of a plurality of standard beverage containers mounted behind a closed refrigerator door. The apparatus includes adapter caps that preserve beverage qualities such as carbonation by sealing the containers in lieu of standard caps. The containers are inverted and the adaptor caps are coupled to female receptacles that open valves in the caps, thereby gaining access to the beverages. A beverage selector controlled from outside of the refrigerator selects a beverage, which flows to an external dispenser through a single conduit that penetrates the door. Embodiments include a container supporting structure which can include orifices and tabs that stabilize containers in the orifices. Some embodiments can support and select between three standard, two-liter soda bottles. Preferred adapter caps include air inlets that allow air to displace dispensed beverage. Embodiments can be retrofitted to standard refrigerators.

Abstract: The present invention is a water cooler with refrigerator or wine cellar, having a water tank inside of the water cooler connected to a water bottle, a water tank lower part connected with a hot tank assembly and a cold tank assembly through a hot tank inlet tube and cold tank inlet tube. Cold tank and hot tank connect with two water taps through a cold tank outlet tube and a hot tank outlet tube, on the top of cold tank. There is an exhausting tube connecting with water tank, which connect with a compressor. On the back of the cooler a condenser is installed. The cold tank assembly is placed horizontally inside of a cold compartment at its highest point. The cold tank assembly includes a cold tank, evaporator coiled on the outside of cold tank the two parts are separated by separate pad.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet including a refrigeration compartment and a supply of water in the cabinet, with a door attached to the cabinet to selectively open and close access to the refrigeration compartment. A water conduit is located in the door to supply water from the cabinet supply of water to a point of utilization in the door. A water heater is located in the door arranged to heat water from the cabinet supply of water. A brew chamber is located in the door and arranged to receive a supply of ground coffee beans and water heated by the water heater to make brewed coffee. A dispensing outlet communicates with the brew chamber to allow for the dispensing of the brewed coffee at the door of the refrigerator, and a control is provided to control the heating of the water and the dispensing of the brewed coffee.

Abstract: A cooler has a thermally insulated container that defines a reservoir for retaining a flowable substance or fluid and comprises a base and a perimeter sidewall upwardly extending from the base to define an internal reservoir. The cooler also has at least a first spigot and a second spigot. The first spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a first location and the second spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a second location. The first location is spaced apart from said second location.

Abstract: A dispensing system for an appliance is shown. The dispensing system has a main tank for holding a fluid. The main tank controls the temperature of the fluid. A dispenser outlet fluidly connected to the tank by a dispenser fluid line. An auxiliary tank for holds a volume of the fluid. A flow control device selectively moves the fluid held in the auxiliary tank to the main tank then through the dispenser fluid line to the dispenser outlet and selectively removes the fluid remaining in the dispenser fluid line after dispensing.

Abstract: The water tank for a refrigerator, and refrigerator having the same, is capable of reducing a material loss, being easily manufactured, withstanding a high water pressure and easily adjusting a storage capacity according to demands by changing installation conditions. The water tank for a refrigerator includes a plurality of reservoir containers each having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one connecting pipe which is bendable to connect the reservoir containers in series.

Abstract: A food storing apparatus dispenses a content stored in the apparatus. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray that functions as a switch to control dispensing of different contents in accordance with different moved positions of the button tray, but also functions as a tray to receive a residual content discharged after dispensing the content.

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: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispensing tower located remote from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has a cold plate and the tower has a heat exchanger. To deliver chilled beverage components to and for dispensing by the tower, a closed-loop water circulating circuit extends between and includes a fluid chilling circuit of the cold plate and a heat exchange circuit of the heat exchanger. The closed-loop circuit is fluid coupled to a beverage valve of the tower to deliver chilled water to the valve, and a supply of beverage syrup is fluid coupled to the tower valve through a fluid chilling circuit of the heat exchanger for delivery of chilled syrup to the valve for mixing with chilled water in the dispensing of a beverage from the tower valve.

Abstract: A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. The filter housing has a sump for enclosing the filter media, a filter head, and at least one standoff protruding outwards for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold. The filter manifold supports the filter housing with a filter locator. A filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism secures and holds the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted. The rotator actuating mechanism has tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff. The internal shutoff has an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress. The internal shutoff tabs slidably contact and align the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A drink supply container valve assembly connectable to a drink supply container for a beverage dispensing apparatus of a refrigeration device. The drink supply container valve assembly has a support connectable to an end of the container, a gas inlet valve mounted to the support, and a drink supply outlet valve mounted to the support.

Abstract: A dispenser, a food dispensing appliance with a dispenser, and a system including a food dispensing appliance for providing at least one service to a consumer electronic device. The dispenser has a service interface providing at least one service for a consumer electronic device. The appliance comprises a cabinet, a door movably mounted to the cabinet and having a peripheral edge, and a dispenser on the door. A service interface is provided on the dispenser and provides at least one service for use by a consumer electronic device. The system comprises an appliance with a dispenser and service interface supplying the at least one service and an adapter capable of coupling to the service interface to receive the service and supply it to the electronic device.

Abstract: A closed system and method of cooling and remote dispensing beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to a remote dispensing tower. The closed system employs a closed and sealed loop of continuously circulating coolant. The continuously circulating coolant is daisy chained through a bank of heat exchangers in the closed and sealed loop. Each heat exchanger flash chills a corresponding one beverage to be dispended at the remote dispensing tower via a primary trunk line. The primary trunk line communicates the flash chilled beverage in heat exchange relationship with a supply line of said coolant.

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

Abstract: A 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 beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A multiple-temperature beer dispensing system (10) (and related methods) is provided in which a plurality of beer sources (12) are coupled to a plurality of taps (16). Heat exchangers (18) may be disposed between one or more of the beer sources (12) and one or more of the taps (16). Beer temperatures may be controlled with a controller (30), sensors (32) and valves (34). Also provided is system (50) that allows a single tap (16n) to dispense beer at more than one temperature. Also provided is a controlled temperature storage chamber (100) and a tube bundle (70).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A water supplying apparatus which includes a cold water pipe supplying a cold water, a hot water pipe supplying a hot water, and a dispenser connected with the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. The dispenser includes a housing comprising a cold water inlet through which cold water supplied from the cold water pipe flows in, a hot water inlet through which hot water supplied from the hot water pipe flows in, and a single outlet through which the hot water or the cold water flows out, an inlet regulating part reciprocating in the housing to selectively open the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet, and an outlet regulating part opening and closing the outlet. Thus, the present invention provides a water supplying apparatus and a refrigerator having the same selectively supplying a hot water and a cold water by using a single lever.

Abstract: A hot water supplying refrigerator which includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, and a dispenser provided to the door. The refrigerator includes a hot water tank storing water supplied from an outside, a heater heating water stored in the hot water tank, a hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank and the dispenser, a circulating part circulating water remained in the hot water pipe to the hot water tank, and a control part controlling the heater. Thus, the present invention provides a hot water supplying refrigerator and a control method thereof supplying hot water with a constant temperature, and preventing water remained in a hot water pipe from being wasted.

Abstract: A cold plate unit includes a coolant system and a fluid system in heat exchange relationship, and a metallic unit. The coolant system has inlet and outlet manifolds and a plurality of coolant lines each including a plurality of loops. The fluid system includes at least one fluid line preferably also including a plurality of loops, and preferably is interleaved with the coolant lines. The metallic unit incorporates the coolant and fluid systems. An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes a cold plate and a dispenser unit. The cold plate unit includes a coil basket having a fluid system and a coolant system. The fluid system includes a plurality of fluid lines each comprising a plurality of loops. The coolant system includes coolant inlet and outlet lines, at least one inlet manifold, at least one outlet manifold and a plurality of coolant line segments each comprising a plurality of loops.

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

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

Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.

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

Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water dispenser and gas line operable to pressurize a drink supply container. The drink supply container contains drink syrup. The drink syrup and the water from the water dispenser are used to produce a beverage.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a water treatment system including a head connecting a water supply to a water-using accessory. An end piece is provided for connecting a treatment cartridge to the head. The end piece comprises an inlet fitting having a cam that contacts a follower of a valve located in the head to open the valve when the end piece is mounted to the head and connects the treatment cartridge to the water treatment system.

Abstract: A drink supply canister for a beverage dispensing apparatus. The drink supply canister includes a removable valve assembly member having a drink supply outlet valve and a gas inlet valve. The beverage dispensing apparatus pressurizes the drink supply canister by supplying gas to the gas inlet valve. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of such drink supply canisters. The beverage dispensing apparatus directs a supply of water and gas to the drink supply canister holder for producing carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.

Abstract: A refrigerated liquid dispensing system includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment. At least one liquid container such as a water bottle is mounted in a receptacle in the compartment. A valve is mounted to the neck of the bottle for controlling the flow of liquid from the bottle. In one practice of the invention the valve is actuated by a spring plunger mounted to the door of the compartment so that the valve can be actuated without opening the door to dispense water from a valve stem into a cup in a cup holder area below the compartment. In a further practice of the invention the valve is actuated by opening the door and acting directly on the valve. When the door opens a valve extension automatically slides outwardly so that a dispensing opening in the valve extension is disposed against a cup in the cup holder area.

Abstract: An ice bin insert (10) separates a single store of ice pieces into separate stashes, namely, into potable and non-potable portions. The insert (10) includes a divider (C, D) dimension to be received within an ice holding cavity of an ice bin (30). Support members (B, E) attached to the divider (C, D) hold the divider (C, D) at a desired position within the ice holding cavity of the ice bin (30). A plurality of perforations (12) are arranged within the divider (C, D) so as to permits ice pieces to flow from a first side thereof to a second side thereof while inhibiting retrieval of ice pieces on the second side from the first side. Preferably, the insert (10) is constructed from a unitary sheet of stainless steel which is bent to define the respective portions or sections thereof.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes separable cold plate and dispenser units. The cold plate unit includes a coolant system, a fluid system and a metallic unit. The coolant system defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion. The cold plate portion of the coolant system has a primary inlet manifold and a primary outlet manifold, and the tower portion has a secondary inlet manifold and a secondary outlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a first plurality of coolant line segments connecting the primary and secondary inlet manifolds and a second plurality of coolant line segments connecting the secondary and primary outlet manifolds. The fluid system also defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion, the portions being in heat exchange relationship with the coolant system. The metallic unit includes unitary cold plate and tower portions which respectively incorporate the cold plate and tower portions of the coolant system and fluid system.

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

Abstract: A double tank refrigerated carbonated beverage dispensing apparatus for blending fresh water and carbon dioxide to produce a carbonated liquid delivered to a faucet bank for dispensing mixed soft drinks at a temperature at or below the freezing point of water, includes a double tank carbonator having in inner tank contained within an outer tank, insulated by a void between the two tank, the void having refrigeration coils connected to a refrigeration circulation system. The apparatus includes a soda water circulating system, a heat exchange unit for pre-cooling water and beverage syrup lines, syrup coils adapted to the double tank carbonator for chilling some beverage syrup lines, temperature sensors for regulating temperature of the carbonated water and fluid level probes to regulate the amount of water delivered to the double tank carbonator.

Abstract: A beverage cooling system for an ice and beverage dispenser is characterized by a cold plate for mounting a carbonator tank. The cold plate is provided with carbonator tank supports for mounting the carbonator tank in intimate heat exchange contact with the cold plate, with the carbonator tank being mounted sufficiently far away from heat exchange surfaces of the cold plate that it does not interfere with ice contacting the heat exchange surfaces. The arrangement is such that there is substantially no diminution of a surface area of the cold plate that is available to receive ice. At the same time, the carbonator is effectively cooled through direct heat exchange contact with the cold plate.

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

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

Abstract: A mechanism (15) for the controlled closure of a lid (13), in particular for an iced-beverage and water-ice making machine (10), comprises a bolt (16) slidable between a locked position and a position of free opening of the door. The bolt is movable to the open position both by means of a button to be manually pushed (21) and by introduction of a thrust tool through an appropriate passage (22). The mechanism further comprises selector means (23) manually operable from the inside of the lid to be moved between a position at which the button action is locked and a position at which the button can be freely operated.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes an ice and beverage dispenser having an icemaker associated therewith. The icemaker has a refrigeration system that includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. A refrigerant line exiting the condenser is routed through a drip tray of the dispenser before returning to an expansion valve for release of refrigerant into the evaporator. The refrigerant exiting the condenser is at a temperature of from about 100° to 140° F. and provides sufficient heat energy, as it passes through the drip tray, to melt any ice in the drip tray. The additional cooling of the refrigerant as it melts the ice prior to expansion of the refrigerant into the evaporator improves the cooling performance and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for low volume dispensing of soft drinks preferably uses no mechanical refrigeration equipment, depending instead on heat transfer from a bin of ice to cool water and soft-drink syrup for beverages. A heat-exchange plate desirably includes transfer lines for incoming water to and from a carbonator. A portion of the heat exchange plate, or a second heat exchange plate, includes transfer lines for syrup and for carbonated water. The carbonated water is used to cool the syrup through the second heat exchange plate, and is also mixed with the syrup to dispense a soft drink. Heat from the incoming water and syrup is removed by melting ice in the ice bin, which may be replenished as needed.

Abstract: A selection manifold for use for use with a beverage dispenser apparatus for dispensing both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and including a plurality of dispensing valves with a syrup and a water line feeding each dispensing valve further comprising a selection manifold connected between at least one of the water lines and sources of both carbonated and non-carbonated water, the manifold having a selecting mechanism allowing a user of the apparatus to easily switch between directing carbonated and non-carbonated water through the water line to the dispensing valve. In a preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a portion that enables a viewer to easily determine whether carbonated or non-carbonated water is selected. In another preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a lock to prevent inadvertent switching of the mechanism.

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