Patent Publication Number: US-7707847-B2

Title: Ice-dispensing assembly mounted within a refrigerator compartment

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to an ice dispensing assembly, and more particularly, to an ice dispensing assembly mounted within a refrigerator compartment. 
   Known refrigerators generally include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The freezer compartment often includes an ice-making apparatus. At least some known refrigerators include an ice-dispensing apparatus which can provide cubed or crushed ice through the door. 
   Through-the-door ice-dispensing apparatus are typically utilized in side-by-side or top mount refrigerators. An ice making system in the freezer compartment has a container for storing ice and a means for conveying ice cubes from the container to a downwardly facing discharge opening. The ice-dispensing apparatus typically includes a chute extending through the door which includes a dispenser opening for delivering ice to a user. 
   However, due to the positioning of the freezer compartment in bottom freezers, where the freezer compartment is located below the refrigerator compartment, it is inconvenient for a consumer to access ice within the freezer compartment. Additionally, the freezer compartment is positioned at an insufficient height for through-the-door dispensing. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect, an ice-dispensing assembly is provided for a refrigerator having at least one refrigerator compartment and a door providing access to the refrigerator compartment. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an insulated housing arranged within the refrigerator compartment, an ice-making device arranged within the insulated housing, wherein the ice-making device is configured to produce ice. The ice-dispensing assembly also includes an ice-storage container arranged within the insulated housing. 
   In another aspect, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having at least one refrigerator compartment, a door for accessing the at least one refrigerator compartment, and an ice-dispensing assembly. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an insulated housing arranged within the at least one refrigerator compartment, an ice-making device arranged within the insulated housing and configured to produce ice, an ice-storage container arranged within the insulated housing, and a dispenser arranged within the door and communicating with the insulated housing, wherein the dispenser is configured to transfer ice from the insulated housing to an external portion of the refrigerator. 
   In still another aspect, a method of assembling a refrigerator is provided including providing a housing defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and coupling a freezer evaporator in flow communication with the freezer compartment. The method also includes providing an ice-dispensing assembly within the refrigerator compartment, wherein the ice dispensing assembly includes an ice-making device and an ice-dispensing assembly evaporator for cooling the ice-dispensing assembly. The method also includes providing a controller within the refrigerator, wherein the controller is configured to operate the freezer compartment in a normal mode of operation and a defrost mode of operation, and the controller is configured to operate the ice-dispensing assembly in a water-fill mode of operation, an ice-making mode of operation and a defrost mode of operation. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a refrigerator including an ice-dispensing assembly; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 , having a refrigerator door in an open position; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial cut-away view of the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary sealed cooling system therefor; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an insulated housing for use with the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 and 2 , and illustrating the sealed cooling system shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of exemplary sealing gaskets for use with the insulated housing and the door shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an exemplary cooling system for the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an alternative cooling system for the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  is schematic view of an exemplary control system applicable to the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of the control system illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of the control system illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of the control system illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic view of an exemplary water line configuration of the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative refrigerator having a refrigerator door in an open position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a refrigerator  100  including an ice-dispensing assembly  110  for dispensing water and/or ice. In the exemplary embodiment, ice-dispensing assembly  110  includes a dispenser  114  positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator  100 . Refrigerator  100  includes a housing  120  defining an upper refrigerator compartment  122  and a lower freezer compartment  124  arranged at the bottom of refrigerator  100 . As such, refrigerator  100  is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. In the exemplary embodiment, housing  120  also defines a mechanical compartment  126  at the top of refrigerator  100 . Mechanical compartment  126  receives a sealed cooling system (shown in  FIG. 3 ). It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present invention apply to other types of refrigerators. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention in any aspect. 
   A refrigerator door  128  is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing  120  for accessing refrigerator compartment  122 . A freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator door  128  for accessing freezer compartment  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, freezer door  130  is rotatably coupled to housing  120 . In another embodiment, freezer door  130  is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably coupled within freezer compartment  124 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser  114  includes a discharging outlet  132  for accessing ice and water. A single paddle  134  is mounted below discharging outlet  132  for operating dispenser  114 . A control panel  136  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel  136  includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation. 
   Discharging outlet  132  and paddle  134  are an external part of dispenser  114 , and are mounted in a concave portion  138  defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door  128 . Concave portion  138  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over, and without the need to access freezer compartment  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, concave portion  138  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view of refrigerator  100  having door  128  in an open position. As such, the various components of ice dispensing assembly  100  are illustrated. Ice-dispensing assembly  110  includes an insulated housing  142  mounted within refrigerator compartment  122  along an upper surface  144  of compartment  122  and along a sidewall  146  of compartment  122 . Insulated housing  142  includes insulated walls  148  defining an insulated cavity  150 . Due to the insulation which encloses cavity  150 , the temperature within the cavity can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding refrigerator compartment  122 . In the exemplary embodiment, insulated cavity  150  is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature to facilitate producing and storing ice. Alternatively, insulated housing  142  could be operated as a food storage compartment at higher or lower temperatures than that of the surrounding refrigerator compartment  122 , to function for example as a quick chill or a quick thermo compartment. 
   Ice-dispensing assembly  110  includes dispenser  114  coupled to refrigerator door  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , dispenser  114  is arranged within refrigerator door  128 , and particularly, is arranged along an inner edge  148  of refrigerator door  128 . Additionally, dispenser  114  is positioned a distance  152  from a top of refrigerator door  128 . Distance  152  is variably selected to orient dispenser  114  with respect to insulated housing  142  when refrigerator door  128  is in a closed position. Specifically, as will be described in more detail below, dispenser  114  is positioned proximate to and vertically below a portion of insulated housing  142  when door  128  is in the closed position such that ice is delivered from insulated housing  142  into dispenser  114  and to a user. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator control panel  153  is coupled to an interior of the refrigerator door  128  generally vertically above dispenser  114 . Specifically, control panel  153  partially fills the space above dispenser  114 , and as such, more space is available in refrigerator compartment  122 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser  114  includes an inlet  154 , an ice discharge conduit or chute  156 , and a chute door  158  moveable between an open position and a closed position for passing ice therethrough. Chute  156  is in communication with inlet  154  and discharging outlet  132  outside refrigerator door  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In use, ice enters chute  156  through inlet  154  and is channeled through chute  156  to outlet  132  upon activation of paddle  134  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment, chute door  158  is positioned at a bottom portion of chute  156 , near first outlet  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and is opened upon activation of paddle  134 . Ice entering chute  156  upon activation of paddle  134  is dispensed through chute door  158  and first outlet  130 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, an ice-storage container  160  is movably received in insulated housing  142 . A discharge opening  162  is defined through the bottom of ice-storage container  160 . Discharge opening  162  is substantially aligned and in communication with inlet  154  of the door mounted portion of ice-dispensing assembly  110 . In the exemplary embodiment, discharge opening  162  includes an access door  164  moveable between an open position and closed position. When open, access door  164  provides access to ice-storage container  160  for discharging crushed or cubed ice from ice-storage container  160 . As such, crushed or cubed ice produced and housed within insulated housing  142  is dispensed to an external portion of refrigerator  100  through discharge opening  162  and chute  156  of dispenser  114 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser  114  includes a water tank  170  for storing a predetermined amount of water therein. Water tank  170  is also in communication with discharging outlet  132  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) such that water can be dispensed through refrigerator door  128 . 
     FIG. 3  is a partial cut-away view of the refrigerator shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the exemplary sealed cooling system  210  therefore. Sealed cooling system  210  has components for executing a known vapor compression cycle for cooling refrigerator  100 . Such components include a compressor  214 , a condenser  216 , and a freezer evaporator  218  for producing cooling air for freezer compartment  124  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the components also include a dedicated ice-dispensing assembly evaporator  220  for cooling insulated housing  142  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). Evaporators  218  and  220  are operated in series. Alternatively, evaporators  218  and  220  could be operated in parallel, or independently from one another. Alternatively, a third evaporator could be added to separately provide cooling to refrigerator compartment  122  directly. In the exemplary embodiment, each evaporator  218  and  220  includes a defrost heater  224 . Each defrost heater  224  is operated independently. 
     FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the insulated housing for use with refrigerator  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and illustrating a portion of sealed cooling system  210  shown in  FIG. 3 . In the exemplary embodiment, insulated housing  142  has an ice maker  230  received therein, for making ice and dispensing the ice into ice storage container  160 . Ice maker  230 , in accordance with conventional ice makers, includes a number of electromechanical elements that manipulate a mold to shape ice as it freezes and a mechanism to remove or release frozen ice from the mold into ice-storage container  160 . Periodically, the ice supply is replenished by ice maker  230  as ice is removed from ice-storage container  160 . The storage capacity of container  160  is generally sufficient for normal use of refrigerator  100 . In addition, a water tube  238  supplies water to ice maker  230  and a water sensor  240  senses each water fill into ice maker  230 . In the exemplary embodiment, sensor  240  is coupled to a water valve  226  and a signal relating to a water fill is transmitted upon opening of valve  226 . 
   An access door or cover  232  is positioned along a front edge of insulated housing  142  and is moveable for accessing insulated housing  142 . In one embodiment, cover  232  is rotatably mounted to insulated housing  142  along, the upper edge thereof. Alternatively, cover  232  could be rotatably mounted along a side edge or slidably mounted to insulated housing  142 . When cover  232  is opened, ice-storage container  160  is accessed. Each of the components of ice-dispensing assembly  110  function together to produce and deliver ice to a user. To facilitate maintaining a temperature to produce and/or store ice, cover  232  seals insulated housing  142  and substantially eliminates airflow between insulated housing  142  and refrigerator compartment  122  when cover  232  is closed. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, insulated housing  142  includes an auger system  234  for delivering ice to discharge opening  162  and a crusher mechanism  236  for crushing ice prior to delivery through discharge opening  162 . Auger system  234  and crusher mechanism  236  are positioned within ice-storage container  160 . Ice-storage container  160  is slidably received in insulated housing  142 . By this arrangement, crushed or cubed ice can be accessed without being delivered through refrigerator door  128 . Rather, ice is accessed by opening refrigerator door  128  and directly accessing ice-dispensing assembly  110  through cover  232  or discharge opening  162 . In one embodiment, ice-storage container  160  tilts down to a predetermined angle facilitating accessing ice from ice-storage container  160 . 
   To facilitate maintaining a temperature to produce and store ice, cool air is supplied by sealed cooling system  210  to insulated housing  142 . In the exemplary embodiment, dedicated evaporator  220  of sealed cooling system  210  is in fluid flow communication with insulated housing  142  to provide a temperature in insulated housing  142  for producing ice. To increase heat transfer efficiency, an icebox fan  242  is positioned adjacent evaporator  220 . In addition, a series of ducts (not shown) are provided between evaporator  220  and insulated housing  142 , and the ducts are defined in the insulative material surrounding the sealed cooling system  210  and insulated housing  142 . For example, an inlet  244  and a return  246  are formed between sealed cooling system  210  and insulated housing  142  such that cool airflow is forced by icebox fan  242  into insulated housing  142  through inlet  244  and airflow is forced out of insulated housing  142  through return  244 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, a first temperature sensor  248  is arranged within insulated housing  142  to monitor the temperature in the interior of insulated housing  142 . A heater  250  is positioned adjacent to dedicated evaporator  220 , to periodically remove frost produced on the surface of dedicated evaporator  220  or within insulated housing  142  during the operation of refrigerator  100 . 
     FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a portion of refrigerator compartment  122 , insulated housing  142  and door  128  to illustrate the exemplary sealing gaskets  260  used with insulated housing  142  and door  128  shown in  FIG. 2 . One gasket  260  is coupled to door  128  proximate ice chute inlet  154 , and another gasket  260  is couple to insulated housing  142 . Gaskets  260  are fabricated from a rubber material. Gaskets  260  facilitate sealing between insulated housing  142  and door  128  when door  128  is in the closed position. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, gaskets  260  seal to the portion of insulated housing  142  surrounding discharge opening  162 . Each gasket  260  has a mounting portion  262  coupled to either door  128  or insulated housing  142  and a flexible bulb  264  extending from mounting portion  262 . When door  128  is closed, flexible bulbs  264  are compressed against one another. As a result, a seal is formed that restricts airflow between insulted housing  142  and refrigerator compartment  122 . Alternatively, a single gasket  260  may be used. For example, one gasket  260  could be coupled to door  128  and could compress against insulated housing  142  when door  128  is closed. 
     FIG. 6  is a schematic view of cooling system  210 . In the exemplary embodiment, cooling system  210  includes compressor  214 , condenser  216 , hot gas loop  252  and a dryer  254 . Cooling system  210  also includes dedicated evaporator  220  and freezer evaporator  218 . Alternatively, the cooling system could include a fresh food evaporator  222  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 ) for cooling refrigerator compartment  122 . Evaporators  218 ,  220  and/or  222  operate in series with one another. Alternatively, evaporators  218 ,  220  and/or  222  could be arranged to operate in parallel with one another. The various components are coupled to one another via capillary tubes  256 . A suction line separates the downstream evaporator  218 ,  220  and/or  222  and compressor  214 . In the exemplary embodiment, a heat exchanger  258  is coupled between suction line  258  and a portion of capillary tube  256 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, a freezer fan  290  is provided to force air across freezer evaporator  218 , compressor  214  and/or condenser  216  to enhance heat transfer into ambient air. A refrigerator fan  292  is also provided to force air across fresh food evaporator  222  and icebox fan  242  is provided to force air across evaporator  220 . Collectively, the vapor compression cycle components, associated fans, and associated components operate to force cold air into compartments  122 ,  124 , and  140 . 
     FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an alternative sealed cooling system  310  having substantially the same components as cooling system  210  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) except that cooling system  310  only includes a single freezer evaporator. In this alternative arrangement, a cooling duct  312  extends between insulated housing  142  and freezer compartment  124 . Cooling air from freezer compartment  124  is channeled to insulated housing  142  via cooling duct  312 , thus cooling insulated housing  142  to a predetermined temperature. A cooling duct fan  314  is coupled to cooling duct  312  to channel air therethrough. Additionally, a secondary cooling duct (not shown) extends between freezer compartment  124  and refrigerator compartment  122  such that cold air from freezer compartment  124  is channeled into refrigerator compartment  122  for cooling refrigerator compartment  122 . In yet another alternative arrangement the cooling air for the refrigerator compartment  122  could be provided via a cooling duct from the insulated housing  142 . 
     FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a control system  320  applicable to refrigerator  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Control system  320  includes a controller  322 , such as a microprocessor, for controlling the operation of refrigerator  100  by directing energy to the various electrical components of refrigerator  100 . Controller includes software for controlling the components. Controller  322  receives signals from inputs such as, for example, control panel  136 , water sensor  240 , a door switch sensor  324  for determining when a door such as refrigerator door  128  is open, and temperature sensor  248 , for determining the temperature in insulated housing  142  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and fresh food and freezer temperature sensors positioned within the refrigerator and freezer compartments respectively, of refrigerator  100 . Controller  322  could also receives signals from other inputs associated with refrigerator  100 . Moreover, controller  322  is operatively coupled to the cooling system  210  and ice-dispensing assembly  110 , whereby, certain functions are performed in response to signals received from these inputs. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  operates cooling system  210  based on inputs from control panel  136 . Specifically, control panel  136  includes a user operable interface and display  326  for receiving inputs from and displaying data to a user. For example, a user selects an operating temperature or related setting for freezer compartment  124 , refrigerator compartment  122  and/or insulated housing  142 . Such setting is displayed on control panel  136 . Additionally, such input is transmitted to controller  322  and controller  322  operates cooling system  210  to achieve the selected temperature within the various compartments  124 ,  122  and/or insulated housing  142 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  operates cooling system  210  and ice-dispensing assembly  110  based on inputs from water sensor  240 . Specifically, water sensor  240  senses each water fill to ice maker  230 . Fan  242  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) is operated within insulated housing  142  to reduce the humidity in insulated housing  142 . Additionally, compressor  214 , condenser  216  and evaporator  220  are operated to cool insulated housing  142  in response to a water fill. Moreover, a defrost cycle for insulated housing  142  is initiated in response to a predetermined number of water fills. Additionally, controller  322  operates ice-dispensing assembly  110 , and particularly, ice maker  230 , upon each water fill sensed by water sensor  240 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  operates cooling system  210  and/or ice-dispensing assembly  110  based on inputs from door switch sensor  324 . Specifically, when door switch sensor  324  determines that a door, such as refrigerator door  128 , is in the open position, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of cooling system  210 . For example, cooling system  210  ceases operation in response to refrigerator door  128  being in the open position. Alternatively, cooling system  210  operates in a power save mode when refrigerator door  128  is open. In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of ice-dispensing assembly  110  when door switch sensor  324  determines that refrigerator door  128  is in the open position. For example, controller  322  operates icebox fan  242  in response to refrigerator door  128  being in the open position, such that a positive pressure is maintained in insulated housing  142  to reduce airflow between insulated housing  142  and refrigerator compartment  122 . Additionally, ice making and/or ice dispensing from ice-dispensing assembly  110  cease when refrigerator door  128  is open. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  operates cooling system  210  and/or ice-dispensing assembly  110  based on inputs from temperature sensor  248  (illustrated in  FIG. 4  as being located in insulated housing  142 ). However, in the exemplary embodiment, refrigerator  100  includes temperature sensors  248   a ,  248   b  and  248   c  located in freezer compartment  124 , refrigerator compartment  122  and insulated housing  142 , respectively. When temperature sensor  248   c  determines that a temperature in insulated housing  142  is above a preset temperature, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of cooling system  210 . For example, controller  322  activates cooling system  210 , including dedicated evaporator  220 , when the temperature is above a preset temperature. Additionally, when temperature sensor  248   b  determines that a temperature in refrigerator compartment  122  is below a preset temperature, such as, for example, a temperature at approximately a freezing temperature, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of cooling system  210 . For example, controller  322  de-activates fresh food evaporator  222  when the temperature is below a preset temperature. Cooling system  210  restricts cooling flow to refrigerator compartment  122 , such as, for example, by closing a damper (not shown) in the duct from the freezer evaporator to the refrigerator compartment, shutting off the refrigerator compartment fan (not shown), or in the embodiment in which cooling air from housing  142  is used to cool the refrigerator compartment, closing a damper in the duct or opening between insulated housing  142  and refrigerator compartment  122 . Additionally, when temperature sensor  248  determines that a temperature in freezer compartment  124  is above a preset temperature, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of cooling system  210 . For example, controller  322  activates cooling system  210 , including freezer evaporator  218 , when the temperature is above a preset temperature. Additionally, controller  322  changes the mode of operation of ice-dispensing assembly  110  when temperature sensor  248  determines that the temperature in insulated housing  142  is above a predetermined temperature. For example, controller  322  de-activates ice maker  230  in response to the temperature in insulated housing  142 . 
   Refrigerator  100  also includes a defrosting mode. Defrost mode is initiated based on inputs received from water sensor  240 , door switch sensor  324  and/or temperature sensor  248 . For example, once the ice maker  230  has been filled a predetermined number of times, controller  322  initiates the defrost operation. Specifically, water sensor  240  records the number of water fills by either incrementing or decrementing a counter for each water fill until the counter reaches a predetermined threshold amount, at which time, controller  322  initiates a defrost. Additionally, once the refrigerator door  128  has been opened a predetermined number of times, controller  322  starts the defrost operation. Thus, door switch sensor  324  records the number of door opening by either incrementing or decrementing each door opening until the given number of door openings has been reached. In the exemplary embodiment, controller  322  also operates defrosting mode based upon a predetermined time lapse, such that a defrost cycle is initiated after a predetermined amount of time has passed. Additionally, each door opening and each water fill reduces the amount of time remaining until the next defrost cycle by predetermined increments. The defrost cycles of each of freezer evaporator  218  and dedicated evaporator  220  are individually controlled by controller  322 . For example, because ice-dispensing assembly  110  is contained within the generally warmer environment of refrigerator compartment  122 , as compared to freezer compartment  124 , and because the water fills required by the ice-dispensing assembly  110  creates a higher humidity level due to the increased door openings, dedicated evaporator  220  may benefit from defrosting more often than freezer evaporator  218 . 
     FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of control system  320  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Specifically,  FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary defrost algorithm  350  for controller  322  operating refrigerator  100  in a main defrost state or mode of operation wherein both freezer evaporator  218  and dedicated evaporator  220  are defrosted. Once defrost mode is initiated  352 , as determined by the inputs to controller  322 , heaters  224  are turned on  354  and airflow to the compartments is restricted such as, for example, by turning off  356  fans  290 ,  292  and/or  242  directing airflow to the compartments. Heaters  224  are used to defrost at least some of cooling system  210  and ice dispensing assembly  110  components, such as, for example, compressor  214 , condenser  216 , freezer evaporator  218  and/or dedicated evaporator  220 . 
   In operation, the temperature of freezer evaporator  218  is determined  358 . If the temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature indicative of ice having been sufficiently removed from the coils of the evaporator, freezer evaporator heater  224  is turned off  360 . If the temperature of evaporator  218  is less than the maximum temperature, evaporator defrost algorithm continues  362 . Additionally, the freezer evaporator  218  defrost cycle is continued until the defrost cycle is completed. For example, the freezer evaporator  218  defrost cycle is continued for a predetermined amount of time or until evaporator  218  reaches a predetermined temperature. 
   When the freezer evaporator  218  defrost cycle is completed, the defrost time of ice dispensing assembly  110  is determined  364 . If the defrost time is greater than a maximum defrost time, the dedicated evaporator heater  224  is turned off  366  and the defrost state is completed  368 . If the defrost time is less than the maximum defrost time, the defrosting continues. Additionally, throughout the defrost cycles, dedicated evaporator  220  temperature is monitored  370  in order to prevent damage, such as melting, to insulated housing  142  or other components in refrigerator  100 . If the evaporator  220  temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature, the heater  224  is turned off  366  and the defrost state is completed  368 . If the evaporator  220  temperature is below the maximum temperature a dwell time is initiated  372  and the defrost cycle continues until the evaporator  220  temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature. 
   In one embodiment, when the defrost state is completed, icebox fan  242  remains turned off until the temperature of freezer evaporator  218  and/or dedicated evaporator  220  cool to a predetermined temperature. However, this condition may be overridden if the temperature within insulated housing  142  is above a predetermined temperature to prevent ice melting. Additionally, the defrost cycles are cancelled if the temperature within freezer compartment  124  and/or insulated housing  142  is above a predetermined temperature to prevent melting. In one embodiment, an ice dispensing assembly  110  defrost cycle is initiated without initiating a freezer evaporator  218  defrost cycle, depending on the inputs received at controller  322 . 
     FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of control system  320  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Specifically,  FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary ice making algorithm  380  for controller  322  operating refrigerator  100  in an ice making state or mode of operation wherein controller  322  enters an ice making state whenever an ice maker fill is detected by water sensor  240 . 
   In operation, refrigerator  100  is operated  382  under normal operating conditions until an ice maker fill is detected  384 , wherein ice maker  230  is operated and ice making state is initiated  386 . Compressor  214  is a variable speed compressor and the speed is set  388  to a predetermined ice making compressor speed during the ice making state. In the exemplary embodiment, the ice making compressor speed is a maximum compressor speed. During the ice making state, compressor  214  is operated and icebox fan  242  is operated to cool ice dispensing assembly  110  and to facilitate making ice. For example, compressor  214  is operated when the ice making state is initiated, and is operated for a predetermined amount of time after the ice making state is ceased. In the exemplary embodiment, compressor  214  is operated for approximately two hours after the ice making state is ceased. 
   During the ice making state, the temperatures of fresh food compartment  122  and freezer compartment  124  are monitored. When cooling in either compartment  122  or  124  is demanded, cooling system  210  is operated to cool compartments  122  or  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, during the ice making state, a FF damper operation is performed  390  according to a predetermined state. For example, when cooling is demanded in fresh food compartment  122 , the FF damper is opened to allow cooling airflow from a cooling source such as, for example, freezer compartment  124 , insulated housing  142 , or a dedicated fresh food evaporator  222 , depending on the configuration of refrigerator  100 . 
   During the ice making state, the temperature of freezer compartment  124  is determined  392 . If the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, freezer evaporator fan  290  is shut off  394 . If the temperature is above a predetermined temperature, freezer evaporator fan  290  is operated  396  to cool freezer compartment  124 . As such, during the ice making state, the control system independently monitors the temperature of freezer compartment  124  and operates cooling system  210  based on the temperature of freezer compartment  124 . 
   During the ice making state, the time refrigerator  100  is in the ice making state is determined  398 . Until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the temperatures of fresh food compartment  122  and freezer compartment  124  are monitored and controlled. When the maximum time of ice-making elapses, the ice-making process is ended  400  and refrigerator  100  is operated under normal operating conditions. Alternatively, refrigerator  100  is operated in another ice making state, or in a defrost state. In another alternative, refrigerator  100  is operated in an ice maintenance state. 
     FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary function of control system  320  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary ice maintenance algorithm  410  for controller  322  operating refrigerator  100  in an ice maintenance state or mode of operation. 
   Once the ice maintenance state is initiated  412 , the ice maintenance process controls an operation of compressor  214  and/or icebox fan  242 . Specifically, the ice maintenance process operates compressor  214  and/or icebox fan  242  until the temperature in insulated housing  142  is below a predetermined maximum temperature, thus cooling insulating housing  142  to maintain the ice. The operational state of the compressor  214  is determined  414  and the temperature in insulated housing  214  is determined  416 . For example, if compressor  214  is on, and the temperature in insulated housing  142  is less than a predetermined maximum temperature, icebox fan  242  is then turned off  418 . The process continues to determine if the compressor  214  is on and if the temperature is less than the predetermined maximum temperature. However, when the temperature in insulated housing  142  is above the predetermined maximum temperature, the ice maintenance process is directed  420  to an ice melting prevention process. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, when the ice maintenance process is initiated, if the compressor  214  is off, the system determines  422  the temperature of the insulated housing  142 . If the temperature in insulated housing  142  is less than the predetermined maximum temperature, then the icebox fan  242  is turned off  424 . The process continues until the temperature is above the predetermined maximum temperature, and then, the ice maintenance process is directed  420  to an ice melting process. 
   In the ice melting prevention state, the cooling system is operated to rapidly restore the temperature in insulated housing  142  to within the desired temperature range. To that end, the compressor is turned on  426  to a maximum compressor speed. The icebox fan  242  is turned on  428 , and the temperature of the insulated housing  142  is monitored  430 . If the temperature in insulated housing  142  is greater than a predetermined upper hysteresis value, then the ice melting prevention state is continued. When the temperature in insulated housing  142  drops below a lower hysteresis value, the ice melting state is exited  432 , and the ice maintenance state is continued. 
     FIG. 12  is a schematic view of an exemplary water line configuration of refrigerator  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , after water flows from a water source  330 , the water continues flowing through a filter  332  to be purified. A water valve  334  controls the flow of water from filter  332  to ice maker  230  and discharging outlet  132 . In an exemplary embodiment, water dispensed to the consumer through discharging outlet  132  is channeled from water valve  334  through a door connection  336  into water tank  170  received in the door of the refrigerator. Upon demand by the consumer the water is channeled from water tank  170  through discharging outlet  132 . 
     FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative refrigerator  400  having a refrigerator door in an open position. Refrigerator  400  includes ice-dispensing assembly  402  for dispensing water and/or ice. Refrigerator  400  includes a housing  404  defining a single compartment  406 . In the exemplary embodiment, compartment  406  is a refrigerated compartment and is operated at a temperature above freezing. A refrigerator door  408  is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing  404  for accessing refrigerator compartment  406 . 
   Ice-dispensing assembly  402  includes a dispenser  410 , similar in structure and operation to dispenser  114  (shown in  FIG. 1 ); an insulated housing  412 , similar in structure and operation to insulated housing  142  (shown in  FIG. 2 ); an ice-making device  414 , similar in structure and operation to an ice maker  230  (shown in  FIG. 2 ); an ice-storage container or bucket  416 , similar in structure and operation to ice-storage container or bucket  160  (shown in  FIG. 2 ); and an access door or cover  418  similar in structure and operation to access door or cover  232  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
   While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.