Patent Publication Number: US-2023148086-A1

Title: Ice making assembly and refrigerator appliance

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is the National Stage Entry of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 371 to PCT Application Serial No. PCT/CN2020/078017 filed Mar. 5, 2020 and entitled ICE SUPPLY ASSEMBLY AND REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to ice supply assemblies, and more particularly to an ice supply assembly for a refrigerator appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain refrigerator appliances include an ice maker for producing ice. The ice maker can receive liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the ice maker to form ice. In particular, certain ice makers include a mold body that defines a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities can be filled with liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the plurality of cavities to form ice cubes. 
     Many refrigerator appliances mount ice making assemblies within a cabinet or rotating door. For instance, in a “bottom freezer” type refrigerator where the freezer chamber is arranged below or beneath a top mounted fresh food chamber, an automatic ice maker is often disposed in a thermally insulated ice compartment mounted or formed on a door for the top mounted fresh food chamber. During use, ice is delivered through an opening on the door for the fresh food chamber. As another example, a “side by side” type refrigerator, where the freezer chamber is arranged next to the fresh food chamber, an automatic ice maker is often disposed on the door for either one of the freezer chamber or the fresh food chamber. During use, ice is delivered through an opening formed on the door of the respective compartment. 
     Generally, ice makers are configured to produce ice cubes of a single shape and size. This may be due, for example, the size and space constraints on most appliances. Specifically, it would generally be very difficult arrange or assemble a refrigerator appliance with multiple ice makers to produce different types of ice. Nonetheless, situations where arise wherein different shape or size of ice cube is preferable. For instance, in some situations, a user may wish for ice cubes to melt relatively slowly, such as to prevent watering down certain beverages. In such instances, a relatively large ice cube shape and size may be preferable. In other situations, a user may wish to rapidly cool a beverage, such as providing a high surface area of ice. In such instances, a relatively small cube shape and size may be preferable. Moreover, regardless of the intended use case, users may generally prefer different ice shapes or sizes on different occasions (e.g., based on what container the ice is going into or based on a preferred mouth feel for users). 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an automatic ice maker that addresses one or more of these challenges. In particular, it would be useful to provide a single ice supply assembly capable of producing or dispensing ice cubes of differing shapes or sizes (e.g., without generally increasing the overall size or complexity of the ice maker). 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making assembly is provided. The ice making assembly may include an ice maker, an ice bucket, and a shutter. The ice maker may include a mold body for receiving and freezing water. The mold body may define a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes. The ice bucket may be disposed below the ice maker. The ice bucket may define a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber may be below the first ice compartment to receive ice therefrom. The second chamber may be separated from the first chamber and below the second ice compartment to receive ice therefrom. The ice bucket may further define an outlet opening having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be in fluid communication with the first chamber for passing ice therefrom. The second portion may be in fluid communication with the second chamber for passing ice therefrom. The shutter may be disposed at the outlet opening of the ice bucket. The shutter may be movable across the outlet opening between a first position and a second position. The first position may include the shutter covering the second portion and spaced apart from the first portion to permit ice therefrom. The second position may include the shutter covering the first portion and spaced apart from the second portion to permit ice therefrom. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a door, an ice maker, an ice bucket, and a shutter. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber. The door may be mounted to the cabinet. The ice maker may be mounted to the door. The ice maker may include a mold body for receiving and freezing water. The mold body may define a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes. The ice bucket may be disposed within the door. The ice bucket may define a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber may be below the first ice compartment to receive ice therefrom. The second chamber may be separated from the first chamber and below the second ice compartment to receive ice therefrom. The ice bucket may further define an outlet opening having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be in fluid communication with the first chamber for passing ice therefrom. The second portion may be in fluid communication with the second chamber for passing ice therefrom. The shutter may be disposed at the outlet opening of the ice bucket. The shutter may be movable across the outlet opening between a first position and a second position. The first position may include the shutter covering the second portion and spaced apart from the first portion to permit ice therefrom. The second position may include the shutter covering the first portion and spaced apart from the second portion to permit ice therefrom. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of a door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    provides an exploded perspective view of a portion of the exemplary refrigerator door of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    provides a perspective view of an ice making assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    provides an exploded perspective view of an ice maker of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    provides a perspective view of the ice maker of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice maker of  FIG.  6   , wherein certain components have been removed for clarity. 
         FIG.  8    provides a sectional view of the ice maker of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  9    provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice maker of  FIG.  7   , wherein an ejector has been rotated to an intermediate position. 
         FIG.  10    provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice maker of  FIG.  7   , wherein an ejector has been rotated to an ejection position. 
         FIG.  11    provides a perspective view of an ice bucket of an ice making assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    provides a top perspective view of the exemplary ice bucket of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    provides a perspective view an inner bottom portion of the exemplary ice bucket of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    provides a perspective view an outer bottom portion of the exemplary ice bucket of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  15    provides a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary ice bucket of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  16    provides a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary ice bucket of  FIG.  11   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both,” except as otherwise indicated). 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance  100  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a cabinet or housing  120  that extends between a top portion  101  and a bottom portion  102  along a vertical direction V. Housing  120  defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing  120  defines fresh food chamber  122  positioned at or adjacent top portion  101  of housing  120  and a freezer chamber  124  arranged at or adjacent bottom portion  102  of housing  120 . As such, refrigerator appliance  100  is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, for example, a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular chilled chamber configuration. 
     In some embodiments, refrigerator doors  128  are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing  120  for selectively accessing fresh food chamber  122 . A freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator doors  128  for selectively accessing freezer chamber  124 . Freezer door  130  may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber  124 . Refrigerator doors  128  and freezer door  130  are shown in a closed configuration in  FIG.  1   . 
     Refrigerator appliance  100  also includes a dispensing assembly  140  for dispensing liquid water or ice. Dispensing assembly  140  includes a dispenser  142  positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance  100  (e.g., on one of doors  128 ). Dispenser  142  includes a discharging outlet  144  for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism  146 , shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet  144  for operating dispenser  142 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser  142 . For example, dispenser  142  can include a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. In some embodiments, a user interface panel  148  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel  148  may include a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, discharging outlet  144  and actuating mechanism  146  are an external part of dispenser  142  and are mounted in a dispenser recess  150 . Dispenser recess  150  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open doors  128 . In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess  150  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
     Operation of the refrigerator appliance  100  can be regulated by a controller  190  that is operatively coupled to user interface panel  148  or various other components. User interface panel  148  provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance  100  such as, for example, selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, or other various options. In response to user manipulation of user interface panel  148  or one or more sensor signals, controller  190  may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance  100 . Controller  190  may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance  100 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  190  may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     Controller  190  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiments, controller  190  is located within the user interface panel  148 . In other embodiments, the controller  190  may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance  100 , such as, for example, within a fresh food chamber  122 , a freezer door  130 , etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  190  and various operational components of refrigerator appliance  100 . For example, user interface panel  148  may be in communication with controller  190  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     As illustrated, controller  190  may be in communication with the various components of dispensing assembly  140  and may control operation of the various components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller  190 . As discussed, interface panel  148  may additionally be in communication with the controller  190 . Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller  190  instruction. 
       FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of a door of refrigerator doors  128 .  FIG.  3    provides an exploded view of a portion of refrigerator door  128  with an access door  166  removed. Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a sub-compartment  162  defined on refrigerator door  128 . Sub-compartment  162  is often referred to as an “icebox.” Moreover, sub-compartment  162  extends into fresh food chamber  122  when refrigerator door  128  is in the closed position. 
     Generally, an ice supply assembly may be provided to supply ice to dispenser recess  150  ( FIG.  1   ) from ice maker  160  or a separate ice bin  164  in sub-compartment  162  on a back side of refrigerator door  128 . In optional embodiments, chilled air from a sealed refrigeration system of refrigerator appliance  100  may be directed into ice maker  160  in order to cool components of ice maker  160 . For instance, an evaporator  178  ( FIG.  1   ) may be positioned at or within fresh food chamber  122  or freezer chamber  124  and be configured for generating cooled or chilled air. A supply conduit  180  ( FIG.  1   ) may be defined by or positioned within housing  120  and may extend between evaporator  178  and components of ice maker  160  in order to cool components of ice maker  160  and assist ice formation by ice maker  160 . 
     In optional embodiments, liquid water generated during melting of ice cubes in ice storage bin  164 , is directed out of the ice storage bin  164 . For example, turning back to  FIG.  1   , liquid water from melted ice cubes may be directed to an evaporation pan  172 . Evaporation pan  172  is positioned within a mechanical compartment  170  defined by housing  120  (e.g., at bottom portion  102  of housing  120 ). A condenser  174  of the sealed system can be positioned, for example, directly-above and adjacent evaporation pan  172 . Heat from condenser  174  can assist with evaporation of liquid water in evaporation pan  172 . A fan  176  configured for cooling condenser  174  can also direct a flow air across or into evaporation pan  172 . Thus, fan  176  can be positioned above and adjacent evaporation pan  172 . Evaporation pan  172  is sized and shaped for facilitating evaporation of liquid water therein. For example, evaporation pan  172  may be open topped and extend across about a width or a depth of housing  120 . 
     In optional embodiments, an access door  166  is hinged to refrigerator door  128 . Access door  166  may generally permit selective access to sub-compartment  162 . Any manner of suitable latch  168  is configured with sub-compartment  162  to maintain access door  166  in a closed position. As an example, latch  168  may be actuated by a consumer in order to open access door  166  for providing access into sub-compartment  162 . Access door  166  can also assist with insulating sub-compartment  162 . 
     Turning now generally to  FIGS.  4  through  10   , various views are provided an exemplary ice maker  200 , including portions thereof. As is understood, ice maker  200  may be used within any suitable refrigerator appliance, such as refrigerator appliance  100  ( FIG.  1   ). 
     Generally, ice maker  200  includes an ice mold or mold body  210  that extends between a first end portion  212  and a second end portion  21  (e.g., along a rotation axis A R ). Mold body  210  defines multiple compartments (e.g., one or more first compartments  216  and one or more second compartments  218 ) separated by one or more partitions walls  220  for receipt of liquid water for freezing. The compartments  216 ,  218  may be spaced apart from one another or distributed (e.g., along the rotation axis A R  between first end portion  212  and second end portion  214 ). Thus, a partition wall  220  may be axially positioned between a first compartment  216  and a second compartment  218 . 
     As shown, each partition wall  220  generally extends vertically (e.g., to an upper fill line  222 ). In optional embodiments, a notch gap  224  is defined by a partition wall  220  and extend as a void to a predetermined height (e.g., lowermost extreme) below the fill line. In turn, liquid water above the predetermined height may be exchanged between axially-adjacent compartments  216  or  218 . 
     Generally, ice maker  200  can receive liquid water (e.g., from a water connection to plumbing within a residence or business housing refrigerator appliance  100 ) and direct such liquid water into mold body  210  (e.g., into compartments  216 ,  218  of mold body  210 ). For instance, a water guide  226  may be mounted above mold body  210  to direct water to mold compartments  216 ,  218 . 
     Within compartments  216 ,  218  of mold body  210 , liquid can freeze to form ice cubes. It is understood that the term “ice cube,” as used herein, does not require a cubic geometry (i.e., six bounded square faces), but indicates a discrete unit of solid frozen ice generally having a predetermined three-dimensional shape. 
     In some embodiments, a sheathed electrical resistance heating element or heater  228  is mounted to a lower portion  230  of mold body  210  (e.g., beneath the first and second compartments  216 ,  218 ). The heater  228  can be press-fit, stacked, or clamped into the lower portion  230  of the mold body  210 . The heater  228  is configured to heat the mold body  210  when a harvest cycle is executed (e.g., as initiated or directed by controller  190 ) to slightly melt the ice cubes and release the ice from the compartments  216 ,  218 . 
     In some embodiments, ice maker  200  includes a motor  232 . As shown, motor  232  may be positioned within a motor housing  234 . Additionally or alternatively, motor  232  may be in mechanical communication with an ejector  236  (e.g., via one or more gears). When assembled, motor  232  may be mounted to one end portion. For instance, motor  232  and motor housing  234  may be disposed proximal to second compartments  218  at second end portion  214 . 
     As shown, ejector  236  is generally mounted to or above at least a portion of mold body  210 . In some embodiments, ejector  236  includes multiple harvesters  238 ,  240 . For instance, a first harvester  238  may correspond to a first compartment  216  while a second harvester  240  corresponds to a second compartment  218 . Thus, first harvester  238  may selectively extend within the first compartment  216  from the main shaft  242  and second harvester  240  may selectively extend within the second compartment  218  from the main shaft  242 . Optionally, a discrete harvester  238  or  240  may correspond to each compartment  216  or  218 . In turn, multiple harvesters  238  or  240  may be spaced apart from each other or distributed along the rotation axis A R . During use, each harvester  238  or  240  may be selectively received within a respective compartment  216  or  218 . As an example, motor  232  may rotate ejector  236  about the rotation axis A R . Specifically, a main shaft  242  of ejector  236  can be rotated in either a first rotational direction or a second, opposite rotational direction. The harvesters  238  or  240  may rotate in tandem with main shaft  242  or each other. 
     In some embodiments, main shaft  242  extends along rotation axis A R . In other embodiments, main shaft  242  extends along a separate axis that is parallel to rotation axis A R  and is offset (e.g., along a radial direction from the rotation axis A R ) by any suitable distance. As ejector  236  is rotated by motor  232 , harvesters  238  or  240  can move or slide into compartments  216 ,  218  and push or urge ice cubes out of compartments  216 ,  218 . 
     Turning especially to  FIGS.  6  through  10   , various views are provided of ice maker  200  according to exemplary embodiments. As illustrated, in some embodiments, a plurality of discrete compartments  216 ,  218  may be axially-spaced apart from each other. Additionally or alternatively, two or more of the compartments  216 ,  218  may be uniquely formed such that the compartments  216 ,  218  form ice cubes of a different shape. In other words, at least two compartments  216 ,  218  may define different cube profiles  216 ,  218 , which act as the negative molds of ice cubes formed therein. Specifically, a first compartment  216  may define a first cube profile  244  while a second compartment  218  may define a second cube profile  246  that is different from the first cube profile  244 . Thus, the second compartment  218  may form ice cubes that are differently-shaped (e.g., smaller in volume or mass) than the ice cubes that are formed by the first compartment  216 . 
     In certain embodiments, a first compartment set (i.e., a plurality of first compartments  216 ) and a second compartment set (i.e., a plurality of second compartments  218 ) are provided. Optionally, the first and second compartment sets may be grouped separately such that all of the first compartments  216  are grouped together in the first compartment set while all of the second compartments  218  are grouped together in the second compartment set. Thus, the first and second compartment sets may be axially-spaced apart from each other. For instance, the first compartment set may be proximal to the first end portion  212  (i.e., distal to the second end portion  214 ) while the second compartment set is proximal to the second end portion  214  (i.e., distal to the first end portion  212 ). 
     In exemplary embodiments, the first cube profile  244  and the second cube profile  246  are defined as open cups about separate radii (e.g., as arcs such that the crescent-shaped ice cubes are formed therein). Thus, the first cube profile  244  may be defined about a first radius  248  while the second cube profile  246  is defined about a second radius  250 . The second radius  250  may be smaller than the first radius  248 . In turn, the ice cubes formed by the second compartment  218  may be smaller than those formed by the first compartment  216 . Optionally, the second radius  250  may be less than or equal to half of the first radius  248 . Advantageously, mold body  210  may form ice cubes are noticeably-different sizes and permit users to select between such sizes (e.g., depending on an intended use, desired mouth feel, etc.). 
     Although the centerpoint of each radii (i.e., point about which a corresponding radius  248  or  250  is defined) may be disposed along the rotation axis A R , as shown, it is understood that alternative embodiments may establish or define a centerpoint that is radially-offset from the rotation axis A R . 
     As shown, ejector  236  is rotatably disposed above both first cube profile  244  and second cube profile  246 . First harvester  238  selectively extends within first compartment  216  (e.g., based on the rotation position of ejector  236 ) and second harvester  240  selectively extends within second compartment  218  (e.g., based on the rotation position of ejector  236 ) to motivate ice cubes from the first and second compartments  216 ,  218 , respectively. In some embodiments, first harvester  238  and second harvester  240  may each define a tine length  252  or  254  (e.g., as measured in millimeters radially outward from the rotation axis A R ). Optionally, the second tine length  254  of the second harvester  240  may be less than the first tine length  252  of the first harvester  238 . If multiple first compartments  216  or second compartments  218  are provided, a corresponding number of first harvesters  238  or second harvesters  240  may similarly be provided. 
     Turning now specifically to  FIGS.  7 ,  9 , and  10   , rotation of ejector  236  is illustrated from a fill position ( FIG.  7   ) to an ejection position ( FIG.  10   ). At least one intermediate position ( FIG.  9   ) between the fill position and the ejection position is also illustrated. In the fill position, harvesters  238  or  240  are generally positioned above (e.g., along the vertical direction V) mold body  210 . Moreover, compartments  216 ,  218  of mold body  210  are ready for receiving liquid water for freezing. Thus, liquid water can be directed into compartments  216 ,  218  of mold body  210  in the fill position. With ice maker  200  positioned in a suitably cool location, water within compartment  216  or  218  will freeze and form ice cubes. A controller, such as controller  190  ( FIG.  1   ) can monitor or measure a temperature of mold body  210  via a temperature sensor (not pictured) mounted to mold body  210 . When the temperature of mold body  210  drops below the freezing point of water within mold body  210 , it can be inferred that one or more ice cubes are fully frozen within mold body  210 . 
     After an ice cube has frozen, harvesters  238  or  240  may eject ice from mold body  210 . Rotation of ejector  236  brings harvesters  238  or  240  into engagement with a top portion of ice cubes. As ejector  236  continues to rotate about rotation axis A R , ice cubes are motivated upward (e.g., along a corresponding ice cube profile  244  or  246 ). Eventually, a harvester  238  or  240  may be rotated beneath an ice cube. The harvester  238  or  240  may subsequently motivate or force an ice cube out of a corresponding compartment  216  or  218  and onto stripper tines  256  ( FIG.  6   ) as harvesters  238  or  240  are rotated to the ejection position ( FIG.  10   ). In the ejected position, harvesters  238  or  240  are moved to a discrete angular position (e.g., at least 180° from the fill position). In some embodiments, the ejected position may force harvesters  238  or  240  to be substantially upright or parallel to vertical direction V. From the ejected position, ice cubes may be motivated (e.g., by gravity) from stripper tine  256  or to another portion of refrigerator appliance  100  (e.g., ice bucket  260 — FIG.  11   ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  11  through  16   , various portions of an exemplary ice bucket  260  are provided. As would be understood, ice bucket  260  may be provided as or as part of ice bin  164  ( FIG.  2   ) disposed, at least partially below ice maker  200  (including mold body  210 — FIG.  5   ). 
     When assembled, ice bucket may be removable from appliance  100  (e.g., within door  128 — FIG.  2   ), such as to place ice bucket on a kitchen counter or sink. Nonetheless, during use (e.g., when mounted on appliance  100 ), multiple chambers (e.g., a first chamber  262  and a second chamber  264 ) defined by ice bucket  260  are disposed below mold body  210 . For instance, first chamber  262  may be disposed below (e.g., in vertical alignment with) first compartment  216  or first compartment set to receive ice therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, second chamber  264  may be disposed below (e.g., in vertical alignment with) second compartment  218  or second compartment set to receive ice therefrom. In some embodiments, the relatively large ice cubes of first compartment  216  are advantageously received and stored within first chamber  262  while the relatively small ice cubes of second compartment  218  are separately received and stored within second chamber  264 . Optionally, a divider wall  266  may be disposed within ice bucket  260  (e.g., within an internal volume defined by bucket sidewalls  268  and a bucket bottom wall  270 ) to separate (e.g., axially separate) first chamber  262  from second chamber  264 . 
     As shown, ice bucket  260  defines an outlet opening  272  through which ice may be selectively permitted from ice bucket  260  (e.g., from first chamber  262  or second chamber  264 ). In some embodiments, outlet opening  272  is defined at a bottom end of ice bucket  260  (e.g., through bucket sidewall  268 ). Generally, outlet opening  272  can have a first portion  274  and a second portion  276 . Specifically, first portion  274  may be in fluid communication with first chamber  262  while second portion  276  is in fluid communication with second chamber  264 . For instance, first portion  274  may be disposed on one side of divider wall  266  (e.g., one internal or axial side), and second portion  276  may be disposed on another side of divider wall  266  (e.g., the opposite internal or axial side from the internal or axial side as first portion  274 ). In some such embodiments, first portion  274  and second portion  276  may generally be considered separate, fluid parallel, halves of outlet opening  272 . Ice within first chamber  262  may thus pass through the first portion  274  of outlet opening  272  without passing through second portion  276 . Similarly, ice within second chamber  264  may pass through the second portion  276  of outlet opening  272  without passing through first portion  274 . 
     In some embodiments, a shutter  278  is disposed at the outlet opening  272 . Specifically, shutter  278  is movably mounted to selectively restrict ice from first chamber  262  and second chamber  264  (e.g., to prevent ice from exiting the internal volume of ice bucket  260 ). The restriction of chambers  262 ,  264  may alternate such that when shutter  278  prevents ice from exiting first chamber  262 , ice is permitted from second chamber  264 , and vice versa. For instance, shutter  278  may be movable across outlet opening  272  between a first position (e.g.,  FIG.  15   ) and a second position (e.g.,  FIG.  16   ). In the first position, the shutter  278  covers second portion  276  and is spaced apart, at least partially, from second portion  276  (e.g., such that an aperture  280  of shutter  278  is aligned with first portion  274 ). In the second position, the shutter  278  covers first portion  274  and is spaced apart, at least partially, from first portion  274  (e.g., such that the aperture  280  of shutter  278  is aligned with second portion  276 ). Optionally, the aperture  280  may have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., perpendicular to a central axis A C ) than either (e.g., both of) first portion  274  or second portion  276 , as shown. 
     In certain embodiments, shutter  278  defines a central axis A C  about which shutter  278  may rotate (e.g., in a first circumferential direction C 1  or a second circumferential direction C 2 ). For instance, shutter  278  may be rotatably mounted on ice bucket  260  to rotate about central axis A C  between the first position and the second position. In such some embodiments, a chamber-selection motor  282  is provided to motivate rotation of shutter  278  (e.g., as directed by a user selection at user interface  148 — FIG.  1   ). For instance, chamber-selection motor  282  may be in mechanical communication with shutter  278  such that movement at chamber-selection motor  282  is transferred to shutter  278  (e.g., via one or more gears). In the illustrated embodiments, chamber-selection motor  282  may rotate shutter  278  in the first circumferential direction C 1  to move from the first position to the second position. Chamber-selection motor  282  may further rotate shutter  278  in the second circumferential direction C 2  to move from the second position to the first position. Thus, chamber-selection motor  282  may be a reversible motor to alternately rotate in the first and second circumferential directions C 1 , C 2 . Alternatively, though, chamber-selection motor  282  may be a non-reversible motor capable of rotating in only the first circumferential direction C 1  or the second circumferential direction C 2 . 
     In some embodiments, chamber-selection motor  282  include a drive gear  283  (e.g., radially offset from central axis A C ) and shutter  278  includes a plurality of gear teeth  302 . As shown, the plurality of gear teeth  302  may be disposed along a circumferential edge of shutter  278 . When assembled, the drive gear  283  of chamber-selection motor  282  is in communication (e.g., directly or indirectly enmeshed) with the plurality of gear teeth  302 . Movement of the drive gear  283  may thus be transmitted to shutter  278  to move shutter  278  between the first and second positions. 
     It is noted that although a single drive gear is illustrated, additional or alternative embodiments may include any suitable gearing or motion-transfer mechanism (e.g., rack-and-pinion gear, bevel gearing, etc.) for transmitting movement at the chamber-selection motor  282  to the shutter  278 . 
     Optionally, a drum wall  284  may extend about outlet opening  272  (e.g., outside of the internal volume of ice bucket  260  or downstream from outlet opening  272 ). As shown, drum wall  284  may define a drop channel  286  (e.g., directed downward) through which ice may pass (e.g., to discharging outlet  144 — FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, shutter  278  is housed within drum wall  284  to rotate therein (e.g., outside of the internal volume of ice bucket  260 ). Ice passed from outlet opening  272  may thus be transmitted past shutter  278  and into a region defined by drum wall  284 . Additionally or alternatively, drum wall  284  may extend about the central axis A C such that ice cubes are transmitted therealong before exiting through drop channel  286 . 
     In certain embodiments, one or more rotatable blades  288  are provided adjacent to outlet opening  272 . In particular, a rotatable blade  288  may be disposed downstream from shutter  278  or outlet opening  272  to engage (e.g., crush or move) ice cubes therefrom. In exemplary embodiments, rotatable blade  288  is fixed to a rotation pin  290  (e.g., extending along the central axis A C ) to rotate therewith. Optionally, rotatable blade  288  may be housed within the drum wall  284  to crush or motivate ice cubes therethrough. For instance, a dispenser/crusher motor (not pictured) may selectively connect to (e.g., in mechanical communication with) rotation pin  290 , such as via key  292 , to direct rotation of rotation pin  290  and, thus, rotatable blade  288 . 
     As shown, the rotatable blade  288  may include a cutting edge  294  having, for example, a plurality of teeth. Specifically, the plurality of teeth of the cutting edge  294  may be formed on one circumferential edge (e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C 1 ) of rotatable blade  288 . In some such embodiments, a flat edge  296  (e.g., planar edge extending radially from the central axis A C ) is provided on the opposite circumferential edge (e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C 2 ) of rotatable blade  288 . 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more non-rotatable or stationary blades  310  are disposed downstream from shutter  278  or outlet opening  272 . For instance, a stationary blade  310  may be housed within the drum wall  284 . When assembled, the stationary blade  310  may be rotationally fixed such that the stationary blade  310  is non-rotatable about the central axis A C . As shown, stationary blade  310  may be rotatably attached to the rotation pin  290  (e.g., at one end) such that the rotation pin  290  can rotate relative to stationary blade  310 . Additionally or alternatively, stationary blade  310  may be fixed (e.g., at another end) to drum wall  284 ). In some such embodiments, stationary blade  310  may thus remain in a fixed position as rotatable blades  288  move about central axis A C . Optionally, stationary blade  310  may include a cutting edge  312  (e.g., facing the second circumferential direction C 2 ) or a flat edge  314  (e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C 1 ). Additionally or alternatively, stationary blade  310  may extend generally in front of the second portion  276  of outlet opening  272  (e.g., radially outward from rotation pin  290  in a common direction with second portion  276 ). 
     Advantageously, in some embodiments, the blades  288 ,  310  may act to crush the relatively small ice cubes from the second chamber  264  (e.g., against the plurality of teeth of the blades  288 ,  310 ), while the relatively large ice cubes from the first chamber  262  are primarily guided by the flat edge  314  of rotatable blade  288 . 
     Separate from or in addition to the blades, one or more agitator paddles may be provided within the internal volume of ice bucket  260  to selectively agitate ice therein. 
     In some embodiments, a first agitator paddle  316  is rotatably disposed within the first chamber  262 . For instance, first agitator paddle  316  may be mounted to a bucket sidewall  268  (e.g., to rotate about an axis parallel to the central axis A C ). Optionally, first agitator paddle  316  may be in communication with rotation pin  290  (e.g., via one or more intermediate gears) to selectively rotate as directed by the dispenser/crusher motor. During use, first agitator paddle  316  may thus be selectively rotated to aid movement or agitate (e.g., to prevent sublimation of) ice within first chamber  262 . 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, a second agitator paddle  318  is rotatably disposed within the second chamber  264 . For instance, second agitator paddle  318  may be mounted to a bucket sidewall  268  (e.g., to rotate about an axis parallel to the central axis A C or parallel to the first agitator paddle  316 ). Optionally, second agitator paddle  318  may be in communication with rotation pin  290  (e.g., via one or more intermediate gears) to selectively rotate as directed by the dispenser/crusher motor. During use, second agitator paddle  318  may thus be selectively rotated to aid movement or agitate (e.g., to prevent sublimation of) sublimation of ice within second chamber  264 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.