Control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser

Details Control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser Control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser

2006-01-09

2009-02-24

Tapolcai, William E (Department: 3744)

Refrigeration

Automatic control

Of external fluid or means

C062S389000, C222S052000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07493774

ABSTRACT:
A control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser includes an actuation switch, at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water, a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit, and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system, motor activation relay and drive unit(s). Preferably, the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches, e.g. a water activation switch and a water/ice activation switch, each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and/or ice respectively. Current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and/or ice. Multiple processor circuits are preferably employed, with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation. Preferably, the actuation switches constitute membrane switches so as to maintain minimum voltage levels at the dispenser.

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