Abstract:
A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/909,247, entitled PARK PLACE REFIGERATOR MODULE UTILITIES ENABLED VIA CONNECTION, filed on Jun. 4, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/909,247 is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/644,258, entitled “REFRIGERATOR MODULE UTILITIES ENABLED VIA CONNECTION,” filed on Oct. 3, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,456,040 issued on Jan. 13, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/644,258, entitled “REFRIGERATOR MODULE UTILITIES ENABLED VIA CONNECTION,” filed on Oct. 3, 2012, is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,651, entitled “FEATURE MODULE CONNECTION SYSTEM,” filed on Aug. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,299,656 issued on Oct. 30, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,651 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559, entitled “VACUUM FOOD PRESERVATION SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,746 issued on May 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0002]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 13/397,288, entitled “VACUUM FOOD PRESERVATION SYSTEM,” filed on Feb. 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/397,288, entitled “VACUUM FOOD PRESERVATION SYSTEM,” filed on Feb. 15, 2012, is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559, entitled “VACUUM FOOD PRESERVATION SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,746 issued on May 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0003]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/469,915, entitled “REFRIGERATOR MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM,” filed on May 21, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0004]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/469,968, entitled “MULTIPLE UTILITY RIBBON CABLE,” filed on May 21, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0005]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,747, entitled “CHILLING AND THAWING MODULAR APPLIANCE SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,747 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0006]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,731, entitled “MODULAR DOOR MOUNTED CLIMATE CONTROLLED MEDICINE COMPARTMENT,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,731 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0007]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/349,794, entitled “METHOD OF FORMING CONDUIT RECEIVING PASSAGEWAYS IN A REFRIGERATOR,” filed on Jan. 13, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/349,794 is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,644, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH MODULE RECEIVING CONDUITS,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,865 issued on Feb. 21, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,644 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0008]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/560,700, entitled “UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION AND HOME APPLIANCE SYSTEM,” filed on Sep. 16, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/560,700 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,747, entitled “CHILLING AND THAWING MODULAR APPLIANCE SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,747 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0009]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,676, entitled “APPLIANCE FEATURE MODULE ENABLED BY ENERGY OR MATERIALS SOURCED FROM THE HOST APPLIANCE,” filed on Aug. 12, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,676 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559, entitled “VACUUM FOOD PRESERVATION SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,746 issued on May 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,559 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0010]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/366,673, entitled “VACUUM COMPARTMENT IN REFRIGERATION,” filed on Feb. 6, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/366,673 is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,554, entitled “VACUUM COMPARTMENT IN REFRIGERATOR,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,561 issued on Mar. 6, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,554 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775, entitled “REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES,” filed on Mar. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0011]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/732,809, entitled “ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR CONNECTION TO A MODULAR APPLIANCE,” filed on Jan. 2, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/732,809, filed on Jan. 2, 2013, is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/617,110, entitled “ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR CONNECTION TO A MODULAR APPLIANCE,” filed on Nov. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,802 issued on Jan. 29, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0012]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/612,211, entitled “SECONDARY FLUID INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN A REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD THEREOF,” filed on Nov. 4, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/612,211 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/770,033, entitled “REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE WITH OPTIONAL STORAGE MODULE,” filed on Jun. 28, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,153 issued on Nov. 22, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/770,033 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/646,754 filed on Dec. 28, 2006, now abandoned, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/646,754 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/646,972, filed on Dec. 28, 2006, now abandoned, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0013]    The application also incorporates the entire disclosure of each of the following applications: U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/343,682; 12/343,690; and 13/209,669. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Refrigerators are available in many styles, but the most common styles include both a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, which may be side-by-side or one on top of the other. Often, refrigerator features such as ice making, ice crushing, water dispensing, precise temperature and/or humidity control, vacuum packaging, thawing, and fast chilling are available. All of these features require some type of utility, such as water, chilled air or mechanical power to provide the benefit. 
         [0015]    Newer concepts in refrigeration have included modular units which fit within a refrigerated cabinet in order to provide the advantageous features above. Such modules are themselves a great convenience for the users of the refrigerators so equipped. 
         [0016]    Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the aforementioned advantages in solving and/or making improvements on the aforementioned disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    One aspect of the present invention is a connection system for a portable countertop unit, the connection system including a feature module that supplies one or more functionalities, a portable countertop unit having a base and an upright section that extends upwardly from the base, wherein the upright section selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical interface connecting the portable countertop unit to an external appliance and configured to deliver a plurality of utilities from the external appliance to the portable countertop unit. A utility port is disposed proximate the upright section that is configured to selectively deliver at least one of the plurality of utilities to the feature module when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and a utility receiver is disposed on the feature module that is configured to removably engage the utility port without the use of tools, wherein the utility receiver is configured to selectively receive a predetermined set of the plurality of utilities when the feature module is engaged with the upright surface. Also included is a connection interface that is configured to detect when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and to detect the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module, wherein after the feature module is engaged and the predetermined utility set is detected, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set from the plurality of utilities to the feature module. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the present invention is a connection system for connecting a feature module to a portable host apparatus and transferring at least one utility from an external source to the feature module via the portable host apparatus, the connection system including a feature module that supplies one or more functionalities, a portable host apparatus having an upright section for selectively receiving the feature module and an umbilical interface connecting the portable host apparatus to an external utility source and configured to deliver at least one utility from an external utility source to the portable host apparatus. A utility port is disposed proximate the upright section that is configured to selectively deliver at least one utility to the feature module when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and a utility receiver is disposed on the feature module that is configured to removably engage the utility port without the use of tools, wherein the utility receiver is configured to selectively receive a predetermined utility set of at least one utility when the feature module is engaged with the upright surface. A connection interface is also included that is configured to detect when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and to detect the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module, wherein after the feature module is engaged and the predetermined utility set is detected, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set from at least one utility to the feature module. 
         [0019]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a portable user selected functionality supported by an external appliance, the method including providing a feature module that supplies one or more functionalities and providing a portable countertop unit having a base and an upright section that extends upwardly from the base, wherein the portable countertop unit includes a connection system for transferring one or more of a plurality of utilities to the feature module. The method also includes the step of delivering the plurality of utilities from the external appliance to the portable countertop unit via an umbilical interface of the portable countertop unit, wherein a predetermined utility set of the plurality of utilities is delivered to the feature module to supply the one or more functionalities and engaging the feature module to the upright section by hand without the use of tools such that the feature module is selectively removable from the portable countertop unit and operably connected at a connection interface. Also, the method includes detecting whether the feature module is connected to the portable countertop unit using a detection and communication device of the connection interface, determining which of the plurality of utilities is the predetermined utility set to be transferred to the feature module from the portable countertop unit via the connection system when the feature module is engaged with the portable countertop unit, using the detection and communication device of the connection interface, transferring the predetermined utility set identified by the detection and communication device upon engagement of the feature module to the portable countertop unit to provide at least one of the one or more functionalities that is capable of being supplied by the feature module, and removing the feature module from the portable countertop unit by disengaging the feature module at the connection interface from the upright section of the portable countertop unit. 
         [0020]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an upper left perspective view of the appliance system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an elevational side view of a feature module just prior to engaging a refrigerator door; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is an elevational side view of the feature module engaging the refrigerator door; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is an elevational side view of the feature module engaged with the refrigerator door; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is an elevational side view of a refrigerator door port area after removal of the feature module; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is an elevational side, cross-sectional view of the feature module prior to engaging a countertop stand illustrating the portability of the feature module; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an upper right perspective, cross-sectional view of the feature module prior to engaging the countertop stand illustrating the portability of the feature module; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a feature module having an electrical contact that produces a signature resistance, illustrated prior to engaging a utility source; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an electrical circuit having two resistors in parallel which produce a combined resistance evaluated by a comparator circuit; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is an elevational top view of the feature module engaged to the utility source, illustrating a reed switch electrical connection; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an elevational top view of the feature module just prior to engagement to the utility source via force fitting contacts; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  is an elevational top view of the feature module engaged to the utility source via force fitting contacts; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is an elevational top view of the feature module engaged to the utility source, illustrating a fluid coupling; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9A  is an enlarged view of a section of  FIG. 9 , illustrating a fluid coupling; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the feature module having a DIP switch connection to the utility source; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is an elevational top view of the DIP switch engagement to the utility source; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is an elevational top view of the DIP switch engagement to the utility source, illustrating a series of reed switches; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is an elevational side, cross-sectional view of the feature module engaged to the countertop stand illustrating the portability of the feature module; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is an upper right perspective view of the feature module prior to engaging a mounted wall bracket illustrating the portability of the feature module; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is an upper right perspective view of the feature module engaged with a utility supply module and a charging station for at least one utility supply module; 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is an upper right perspective view of the utility supply module prior to engaging the feature module; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is an upper right perspective view of the utility supply module illustrating a plurality of reservoirs within the utility supply module; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is an upper right perspective view of the appliance modular system having a top cap structure charging station for charging at least one utility supply module; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is an upper left perspective view of a countertop charging station for charging at least one utility supply module. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0046]    The reference number  10  ( FIG. 1 ) generally designates an appliance system with a rear wall section  12 , a first side wall section  14 , a second side wall section  16 , a top  18 , a bottom  20 , and at least one appliance door  22  providing access to the refrigerator section  24  where the rear wall section, the first side wall section, the second side wall section, the top and bottom and the appliance door define an appliance interior. The refrigerator section  24  within the appliance interior may have the same or a smaller volume than the overall interior of the appliance, i.e., the appliance may be solely a refrigerator or be an appliance having both a refrigerator section and another section, such as a freezer section. The door(s)  22  of the appliance  10  have an exterior surface  28  and an interior surface  30  typically having a door liner  32 . The liner  32  is typically formed with a cavity or pocket  34  for receiving one or more feature modules with the same or different features. The feature module  36  of the present invention may, for example, produce a modified atmosphere to preserve food such as that disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/343,682 and 12/343,690, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0047]    The illustrated appliance  10  is shown with the door hingably attached to the appliance  10 . The appliance door  22  covers at least a portion of the refrigerator section  24  that lies within the appliance interior  26 , and as shown, the door  22  is in an opened position. The appliance door  22  has an exterior surface  28  and an interior surface  30 , with the interior surface  30  exposed in the opened position. The door liner  32  at least partially covers, but more typically covers all or substantially all of the interior surface  30  of the appliance door  22 . An interface between the feature modules and the appliance door  22 , such as interconnecting tabs and grooves or a magnetic engagement, allows for quick and easy installation docking without the use of tools. Differently sized feature modules  36  may be accommodated through the use of spacer systems that engage the interior of the appliance door  22  and shorten the lateral distance that the feature module  36  must traverse to engage the spacer. The spacer, when used would mimic a smaller mounting distance/door pocket or cavity  34  and similarly have an interface such as a tabular on groove mating or magnetic engagement. 
         [0048]    The modular construction and interchangeability of feature modules  36  minimizes manufacturing costs and allows the feature module  36  to be original equipment or after-market components retro-fit into appliances, after the initial purchase and installation of the appliance  10  in a consumer&#39;s home. This interchangeability provides flexibility and improved food preservation and storage for the consumer, improved choice of feature modules  36  with opportunity to upgrade or replace without replacing the whole refrigerator based upon lifestyle or life stage changes, and allows the consumer to take advantage of new technology improvements and new features as new feature modules  36  are designed and developed. 
         [0049]    A feature module  36  according to one embodiment of the present invention is removably engaged with the appliance door  22  and sized to fit within the door liner  32  typically within the cavity or pocket  34  of the door liner  32 . As discussed above, engagement of the feature module  36  with the door  22  occurs by engaging the feature module  36  with the appliance door  22  in any convenient manner, such as by interlocking tabs, a small support shelf or floor, or other mechanical means or a magnetic arrangement may also be used. For example, force fitting contacts  110  that are capable of securing the feature module in place, while also providing a conductive path  140  to complete an electrical circuit and thus enabling a utility supply pathway  122  ( FIG. 8 ). When appropriate for the feature module  36 , engagement of the feature module  36  to the appliance door  22  can automatically couple electrical, gas, and/or fluid lines in the door  22  and in the feature module  36  so as to provide functional features to the feature module  36 . Additionally, a push switch may be employed to enable the flow of utilities via control signal or electrical power to a flow control device such as a valve or pump ( FIG. 9 ). The appliance door  22  typically includes a feature module  36  engaging connector  38  for providing the electrical power to the feature module  36 . The feature module engaging connector  38  may also provide one or more utilities such as conditioned (heated, chilled, filtered, purified, or combinations thereof) fluids and air to the feature module  36 . Conceivably, a separate utility connector could be used such that power or other utility is serviced differently from the other utility or utilities. 
         [0050]    The door liner  32  may provide the ability to engage a plurality of feature modules  36  to the appliance  10 .  FIGS. 2-2C  generally illustrate the engagement of a feature module  36  and feature module engaging connector  38  to an appliance door  22 . Typically, a spring biased connection port cover  50  is hingably engaged with the door liner  32  or appliance door  22  such that when a feature module is not engaged with the appliance door, the connector with the port area  52 , typically a female connector in the door liner  32  for engaging the feature module, is protected against debris from the food or other items stored in the appliance  10  that would potentially block or hamper operable connection of the feature module. Alternatively, rather than a hinged door protecting the port area  52 , a removable cover may be fastened to the liner  32 . The removable cover may be fastened by screws, bolts, clipping equipment, or any other suitable fastener. The removability of the cover allows a user to store the cover while the feature module is engaged to the door  22  and fastening of the cover to the door upon the absence of the feature module. In another embodiment, the cover can be slidable along a track or retract to provide access to the port area  52 . 
         [0051]    Furthermore and alternatively, the door  22  or other mounting surface may employ the “male” connector with the connector protruding therefrom and a “female” type connector employed on the feature module. In this embodiment, a plate over an access cavity on the liner is removed, thereafter a connector support member is engaged to the liner or other appliance surface and the feature module engaging connector is engaged to the connector support. Typically, the connector support is a trough-like, typically U-shaped, structure having an upper perimeter, a floor and side walls around at least a portion of the floor that define the upper perimeter. The feature module engaging connector is typically seated within the area defined by the side walls, most typically on the floor of the connector support member. 
         [0052]    While a push switch as discussed above may be used, alternative electrical engagements of the feature module with the appliance door may be used instead of, or in addition to, the push switch. The feature module may be provided with electrical contacts  90  that are engageable with electrical contacts of the appliance when the devices are coupled together ( FIG. 5 ). Electrical contacts  90  may be connected through a known signature resistance  92 , which may vary from one feature module to another to provide coded information relating to the type or characteristics of the feature module. The signature resistance  92  may be connected in parallel with the electrical load  94  of the electrical components of the feature module ( FIG. 6 ). More particularly, the electrical load is the system resistance effectively provided by components of the feature module, such as a motor and/or other operational circuitry. The signature resistance may be substantially smaller than the resistance of the electrical load so that the combined resistance will be substantially the same as the signature resistance. For example, if the operational circuit has an electrical load offering a resistance of 200 ohms, a signature resistance of 7 ohms may be provided in parallel, so that the signature resistance and the electrical load together presents a resistance of a little less than 7 ohms across the electrical contacts. 
         [0053]    The appliance interface may include a feature module recognition device having a comparator circuit or other decision making circuit  96  connectable to the resistances to measure and evaluate the combined resistance and also thereby determine the type of feature module  36  being connected at the time that a given feature module is connected. The module recognition device may then selectively provide power to the supply line or otherwise selectively permit the flow of utility from the appliance to the feature module  36 , or from the feature module  36  to the appliance  10  that is appropriate for the identified feature module. The signature resistance will have minimal effect on the operation of the electrical components of the feature module  36 . 
         [0054]    Alternatively, the module recognition device may be a reed switch provided in the appliance door  22  for activation by a magnet imbedded in the side wall of the feature module  36  so as to complete an electrical circuit when the feature module  36  docks into the door pocket ( FIG. 7 ). Contact pads  98  on the appliance door  22  and on the feature module  36  that complete the electrical circuit when the feature module  36  is mounted in the door liner  32  may also be employed. Completion of such an electrical circuit would selectively permit the supply or transfer of utility from the appliance  10  to the feature module  36 , or vice versa, similar to the utility transfer described above ( FIG. 8 ). When appropriate for the feature module  36 , engagement of the feature module  36  to the appliance door  22  can automatically couple electrical, gas, and/or fluid lines in the door  22  and in the feature module  36  so as to provide functional features to the feature module  36  which are enabled to be transferred via depression of a push switch ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0055]    A DIP switch may be employed as the module recognition device ( FIGS. 10-12 ). The DIP, dual in-line package, switch will typically include a plurality of switches  100 , each of which may be positioned in one or more, but typically two settings, as well as a plurality of socket pins  102 . This type of switch is designed to be used on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components. The appliance typically includes a plurality of pin sockets  104  to receive the dip switch package. DIP switches are an alternative to jumper blocks. A DIP switch alternative provides the ability to set the switches of the package to specific setting combinations which will customize the utilities supplied to the engaged feature module, based upon the specific requirements of that module. The switches  100  are typically manually set to correspond to various combinations, however it is conceivable that the switches may function as a plurality of reed switches. In the reed switch example, the utility source and/or the feature module may include magnets which are capable of triggering the switches to various positions, thereby establishing a combination that may be identifiable by the utility source. 
         [0056]    The above-described connection examples, when employed, allow the appliance, or utility supply source, such as a wall mounted feature module engaging station or countertop stand, to identify specific feature module connections, thereby ensuring that the appropriate utility is supplied to a feature module based upon the utilities needed by the feature module. The utility provided may be, but is not limited to, electrical power, mechanical power, as well as gases, fluids such as conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, and/or filtered water), and solids. The required utility will vary based upon the application and functional properties of the connected feature module. The structural components that identify which feature module is connected to the appliance  10  facilitates the provision of such utility. 
         [0057]    In addition to being engaged with the exterior surface or the interior surface of the door of an appliance, the feature module of the present invention may optionally be engaged with a countertop stand  60  and/or a wall bracket  62  ( FIGS. 13-14 ). The countertop stand  60  and wall bracket  62  would typically also include a feature module engaging connector  38  within a port area  52  protected by a spring-biased port cover  50  alternatively the connector support member as discussed above may be utilized. The feature module  36  typically draws electrical power and optionally other utilities. Conceivably, the feature module could also be engaged to any other surface of the appliance, such as a side, top, or even back portion of the appliance. Engagement to these surfaces would be accomplished in the manner previously discussed and utility may be drawn in a similar fashion. Of course, if the feature module would be engaged to the top of an appliance the connector of the feature module would typically be spaced on the bottom of the feature module to facilitate easy attachment of the feature module to the appliance. Similarly, if the feature module were engaged to a side of the appliance, the connectors on both the appliance and the feature module would be on a side. Conceivably, multiple connectors on a given module may be used. 
         [0058]    When a countertop stand  60  is utilized, the stand typically includes a base and an upright section that substantially mimics a pocket or cavity of a refrigerator or other appliance door liner ( FIG. 13 ). The feature module  36  typically engages the sides of the countertop stand  60  for retaining the feature module in place via interlocking tabular members, and/or a pin type arrangement or other mechanical means or magnetically as described above ( FIGS. 3-4 ). Typically, as when the feature module engages the interior door of the appliance, the countertop stand  60  or wall bracket  62  ( FIG. 14 ) includes a spring biased hinged cover  50  that inwardly pivots when the feature module&#39;s connection plug (typically male-type) is inserted therein. The cover  50 , as discussed before, prevents debris and other materials from contacting the feature module engaging connector of the countertop stand  60  and/or wall bracket  62 . The feature module  36  typically contains a generally L-shaped connection plug  64  (male-type) that is inserted into the cavity containing the feature module engaging connector  38  thereby moving the cover  50  inward about the hinge. The feature module  36  is engaged with the feature module engaging connector  38  when the feature module is tilted into position and dropped into engagement with the countertop stand  60 , wall bracket  62 , or appliance door  22  ( FIGS. 2-2C ). The countertop stand  60  itself may draw electrical power from a separate outlet or directly from the appliance via an umbilical utility cord  70  type attachment. The utility cord  70  from the appliance could also conceivably supply cold air or liquid (such as conditioned water) or other utilities to the feature module. 
         [0059]    Whether engaged with an appliance, countertop stand, or a wall, the utility supplied to the feature module is typically limited to the capability of the supply line which the feature module  36  is connected to. For example, a water line that runs from a house supply line through the appliance may be limited to providing one liter of water per minute, based on the volumetric flow rate of the house supply line. However, a beverage machine of a feature module  36  may require one liter of water at high flow, thereby rendering the house supply undesirable. Therefore, a supplemental utility supply source is provided by engaging a utility supply module  37  to the feature module  36  ( FIGS. 15-17 ). The utility supply module  37  includes a housing and at least one refillable reservoir  39  that is capable of storing a plurality of utilities. The utilities stored within the reservoir(s)  39  may include, for example, power or materials. Various reservoirs  39  may function as a variety of utility sources, including, but not limited to, a battery or fuel cell, a water tank (typically storing conditioned water), a gas cylinder containing gases commonly used in consumable storage environments, a powder or liquid chemical reactant, a desiccant, a flavorant, a heat sink, a pressure vessel providing vacuum or pneumatic pressure, or as an area to discharge (waste) storage coming from the feature module. 
         [0060]    The power or materials stored in each reservoir  39  may be done in a number of ways. Each reservoir  39  may be filled and refilled manually by a user, for example by simply pouring water into a reservoir  39  functioning as a water tank. Alternatively, a reservoir  39  may be filled on a charging station  80 . Such a charging station  80  may be located remotely, such as on a countertop or wall mount ( FIG. 19 ). The charging station  80  may also be conveniently located on an exterior surface of the appliance  10 , such as a top cap structure on the top of the appliance  10  ( FIG. 18 ). Another filling alternative involves a direct supply from the appliance  10 , in the case where the utility supply module  37  is engaged directly to the appliance  10  and the appliance utility supply line (e.g., a residential water supply). This alternative provides the opportunity for the utility supply module  37  to replenish the reservoir(s)  39  while the feature module  36  is not operational, a time period the feature module does not require a utility. The direct supply alternative allows for the otherwise insufficient appliance utility supply line to provide the utility supply module reservoir(s)  39  with a constant utility supplement prepared for the feature module  36 . Irrespective of the filling option, upon prompting from the feature module  36 , the utility supply module  37  will have a stored utility supply available for provision to the feature module  36 . 
         [0061]    As is the case with the engagement of the feature module  36  to the appliance  10 , the utility supply module  37  may be removably engageable with the appliance door  22  and sized to fit within the door liner  32  typically within the cavity or pocket  34  of the door liner  32 . The door  22  would typically also include a connector, either a female connector or a male connector typically of the type discussed previously for the utility supply module  37 . Similarly, connection in this manner may be made to a charging station  80  in the form of a countertop stand, a wall mounted bracket, or a top cap structure. Additionally, alternative connections and device recognition structures may be employed to identify which utility supply module  37  is engaged, as is the case with the connections described above for the feature module connections (i.e., signature resistance, comparator circuit, reed switch, dip switch, etc.). Such identification facilitates communication between the utility supply module  37  and the engaged structure, whether it be an appliance  10  or a charging station  80 , thereby allowing the appropriate utility to be supplied from the source to the utility supply module  37 . The engagement between the utility supply module  37  and the appliance  10  or charging station  80  results in the ability to transfer substances to the utility supply module  37 , via a conduit or pathway that is established between the utility supply module  37  and the appliance  10  or charging station  80 . 
         [0062]    The feature module  36  is configured to engage the utility supply module  37  via a standardized utility connection or coupling  84 ,  86 . The connection or coupling  84 ,  86  may also be similar to that described above for the engagement of the feature module  36  to the appliance  10  (i.e., signature resistance, comparator circuit, reed switch, dip switch), countertop stand  60 , or wall mounted bracket  62 , particularly the feature module recognition device, as well as the connection or coupling between the utility supply module  37  and the appliance  10  or charging station  80 . Based upon the feature module recognition, the utility supply module  37  is capable of transferring utility to the feature module  36  in a similar fashion as that described above for transfer between the appliance  10  or charging station  80  and the utility supply module  37 . Utilization of the modularity of both the feature module  36  and the utility supply module  37  allows a user to switch feature modules  36  and to position a feature module  36  at various locations within the appliance  10 , thereby avoiding the need to have a utility supply hardwired directly into the feature module  36 . The utility supply module  37  allow for quicker and/or longer supply of the utility to the feature module than can typically be obtained from the appliance alone or without the use of the utility supply module(s). 
         [0063]    As noted above, the reservoirs  39  may function as a variety of utility sources and examples of particular applications will be described below, however, this functionality of the utility supply module reservoirs  39  is not intended to be limited to the following descriptions. First, a battery or fuel cell may obtain a “trickle” charge during non-use of the feature module  36 , subsequently delivering a high wattage when prompted. A water tank may be supplied by an external line or a gravity feed, after which a complete deposit may be made to the engaged feature module  36 . A gas cylinder containing gases that may be employed to manipulate a food, beverage, or other consumable storage environment, may incur a slow buildup of such gases in order to transfer the gases to the feature module  36 . The reservoir  39  may serve as a heat sink, such as an insulated vessel that employs glycol or chilled water to provide a fast chill or quick thaw when required by the feature module  36 . A pressure vessel may serve as a reserve chamber, or a surge tank on a well pump, in order to provide a vacuum or pneumatic pressure as needed by the feature module  36 . Additionally, various food stuffs or flavorants may be stored in a reservoir  39  in order to restock the feature module  36 . Finally, the reservoir  39  may serve as a powder or liquid chemical reactant, as well as a desiccant. 
         [0064]    It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.