Patent Description:
Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and may be accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

Ice making assemblies generally require accurate water fill volumes. That is, ice making assemblies require precise amounts of water so that ice cubes can be formed. Conventionally, flow control devices have been used to deliver a volume of water to the ice making assembly. The flow control device is typically positioned along a supply conduit that fluidly connects a water supply and the ice making assembly. The volume of water dispensed to the ice making assembly is controlled by the "on" time of the flow control device. In other instances, a flow control meter may be used to meter the volume of water dispensed to the ice making assembly. Such conventional approaches are not very accurate and thus have proved to be unsatisfactory. A refrigerator appliance with a dispensing system for an ice-making assembly is known from <CIT>.

Accordingly, a dispensing system for an appliance that is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to a downstream assembly, such as e.g., an ice making assembly of a refrigerator appliance, would be desirable.

It is an object of the invention to provide an appliance comprising a dispensing system and a downstream assembly, wherein the dispensing system is for dispensing fluid to the downstream assembly.

The present invention is defined by the appliance of independent claim <NUM>. In the following, in case parts of the description and drawing referring to embodiments, which are not covered by the claims are not presented as embodiments of the invention, but as examples useful for understanding the invention.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, an appliance comprising a dispensing system and a downstream assembly is provided. The dispensing system is for dispensing fluid to the downstream assembly. The dispensing system includes a housing defining a chamber. The dispensing system also includes a piston movable within the chamber of the housing between a first position and a second position, the piston fluidly separating a first reservoir and a second reservoir of the chamber. Further, the dispensing system includes a first inlet conduit in fluid communication with a water supply and the first reservoir of the chamber. The dispensing system also includes a first valve positioned along the first inlet conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, the first valve configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the water supply to the first reservoir of the chamber. The dispensing system further includes a second inlet conduit in fluid communication with the water supply and the second reservoir of the chamber. Moreover, the dispensing system includes a second valve positioned along the second inlet conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, the second valve configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the water supply to the second reservoir of the chamber. The dispensing system also includes a first outlet conduit in fluid communication with the first reservoir of the chamber and the downstream assembly. In addition, the dispensing system includes a third valve positioned along the first outlet conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, the third valve configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the downstream assembly. Furthermore, the dispensing system includes a second outlet conduit in fluid communication with the second reservoir of the chamber and the downstream assembly. The dispensing system further includes a fourth valve positioned along the second outlet conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, the fourth valve configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the second reservoir to the downstream assembly, wherein the downstream assembly is an ice making assembly and the appliance is a refrigerator appliance.

In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as "approximately," "substantially," or "about," refer to being within a ten percent (<NUM>%) margin of error of the stated value. Moreover, 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.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance <NUM> includes a cabinet or housing <NUM> that extends between a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM> along a vertical direction V, between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> along a lateral direction L, and between a front side <NUM> and a rear side <NUM> along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

Housing <NUM> defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing <NUM> defines fresh food chamber <NUM> positioned at or adjacent top <NUM> of housing <NUM> and a freezer chamber <NUM> arranged at or adjacent bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>. As such, refrigerator appliance <NUM> is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. However, the inventive aspects of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances, such as e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, a single door refrigerator appliance, etc. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular configuration.

Refrigerator doors <NUM> are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing <NUM> for selectively accessing fresh food chamber <NUM>. In addition, a freezer door <NUM> is arranged below refrigerator doors <NUM> for selectively accessing freezer chamber <NUM>. Freezer door <NUM> is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber <NUM>. Refrigerator doors <NUM> and freezer door <NUM> are shown in the closed configuration in <FIG>. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance <NUM> shown with refrigerator doors <NUM> in the open position. As shown in <FIG>, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber <NUM> to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins <NUM> and shelves <NUM>. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins <NUM> may be mounted on refrigerator doors <NUM> or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Referring again to <FIG>, as shown, refrigerator appliance <NUM> includes a dispensing assembly <NUM>. Dispensing assembly <NUM> is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly <NUM> and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess <NUM> defined on one of refrigerator doors <NUM>. In this regard, dispenser recess <NUM> is defined at front side <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> such that a user may operate dispensing assembly <NUM> without opening refrigerator door <NUM>. In addition, dispenser recess <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser recess <NUM> is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of an adult user.

Dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an ice dispenser <NUM> including a discharging outlet <NUM> for discharging ice from dispensing assembly <NUM>. An actuating mechanism <NUM>, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet <NUM> for operating ice or water dispenser <NUM>. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser <NUM>. For example, ice dispenser <NUM> can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet <NUM> and actuating mechanism <NUM> are an external part of ice dispenser <NUM> and are mounted in dispenser recess <NUM>. In contrast, inside refrigerator appliance <NUM>, refrigerator door <NUM> may define an icebox <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin <NUM> that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess <NUM>. In this regard, for example, icebox <NUM> may define an ice making chamber <NUM> for housing an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism.

As further shown in <FIG>, refrigerator appliance <NUM> includes a control panel <NUM>. Control panel <NUM> includes one or more selector inputs <NUM>, such as e.g., knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc. Selector inputs <NUM> may include a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, e.g., for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, selector inputs <NUM> may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly <NUM>. In this regard, inputs <NUM> may be in communication with a processing device or controller <NUM>. Control signals generated in or by controller <NUM> operate refrigerator appliance <NUM> and dispensing assembly <NUM> in response to selector inputs <NUM>. Additionally, a display <NUM>, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel <NUM>. Display <NUM> may be in communication with controller <NUM> and may display information in response to signals from controller <NUM>. Further, as will be described herein, controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled with other components of refrigerator appliance <NUM>.

As used herein, "processing device" or "controller" may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance <NUM> and dispensing assembly <NUM>. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of an icebox and ice making assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM>. As illustrated, ice making assembly <NUM> is mounted on or to icebox <NUM> within ice making chamber <NUM> and is configured for receiving a flow of water from a water supply conduit <NUM>. In this manner, ice making assembly <NUM> is generally configured for freezing the water to form ice cubes which may be stored in storage bin <NUM> and dispensed through discharging outlet <NUM> (<FIG>) by dispensing assembly <NUM> (<FIG>). It should be appreciated that ice making assembly <NUM> is described herein for explaining inventive aspects of the present subject matter and that variations and modifications may be made to ice making assembly <NUM>. For example, in some alternative embodiments, ice making assembly <NUM> may be positioned within freezer chamber <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> and may have any other suitable configuration.

As depicted in <FIG>, ice making assembly <NUM> includes a resilient mold <NUM> that defines a mold cavity <NUM>. In general, resilient mold <NUM> is positioned below water supply conduit <NUM> for receiving the gravity-assisted flow of water from water supply conduit <NUM>. Resilient mold <NUM> may be constructed from any suitable resilient material that may be deformed to release ice cubes after formation. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient mold <NUM> is formed from silicone or another suitable hydrophobic, food-grade, and resilient material. Generally, water supply conduit <NUM> is configured for refilling resilient mold <NUM> (which may include multiple mold cavities <NUM>) to a predetermined level. In embodiments in which resilient mold <NUM> includes multiple mold cavities <NUM>, water supply conduit <NUM> may supply a precise amount of water to fill the cavities <NUM> evenly and without overflowing any of the cavities <NUM>. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter, a precise fill dispensing assembly may be provided upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> to provide fixed or controlled volume of water to ice making assembly <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> provide various views of one exemplary embodiment of a precise fill dispensing system <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Generally, dispensing system <NUM> is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply <NUM> to a downstream assembly <NUM>. For instance, dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply line (i.e., the water supply) to ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG> (i.e., the downstream assembly) of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). However, as will be appreciated, the exemplary dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water to other downstream assemblies of an appliance, such as e.g., dispensing assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>), a reservoir of a coffee brewing system, etc. Dispensing system <NUM> may be located in any suitable location within an appliance, e.g., upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> within door <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown, dispensing system <NUM> includes a cylinder or housing <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM>. For this embodiment, chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> is cylindrical. Chamber <NUM> extends between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., along an axial direction A. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a piston <NUM> movable within chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The stroke of piston <NUM> is the axial distance traveled by piston <NUM> between the first and second positions P1, P2. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown in the first position P1. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown between the first and second positions P1, P2. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown in the second position P2. Notably, piston <NUM> fluidly separates chamber <NUM> into a first reservoir R1 and a second reservoir R2. Piston <NUM> has a seal <NUM> that engages the inner walls defining chamber <NUM> to seal and fluidly separate first reservoir R1 and second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. For this embodiment, seal <NUM> is an annular elastomer seal. For instance, seal <NUM> may be an O-ring formed of a natural or synthetic polymer material, such as e.g., rubber. In some embodiments, piston <NUM> may include multiple seals <NUM>, e.g., spaced from one another along the axial direction A. As piston <NUM> moves within chamber <NUM> along the axial direction A, the volume of the first and second reservoirs R1, R2 change, e.g., as depicted by comparing the volumes of the first and second reservoirs R1, R2 in <FIG> with their respective volumes in <FIG>.

For this embodiment, piston <NUM> includes a magnet <NUM>, e.g., embedded within the body of piston <NUM>. In this way, one or more sensors may detect the location of piston <NUM> (e.g., the axial location of piston <NUM>). For instance, as shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes a first sensor <NUM> positioned at or proximate the first position P1 along the axial direction A and a second sensor <NUM> positioned at or proximate the second position P2 along the axial direction A. First and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned outside or external to chamber <NUM>. For instance, first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Moreover, for this embodiment, first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are hall-effect sensors. First sensor <NUM> is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the first position P1 and second sensor <NUM> is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the second position P2. More specifically, first sensor <NUM> is operable to detect magnet <NUM> of piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the first position P1 and second sensor <NUM> is operable to detect magnet <NUM> of piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the second position P2. A processing device or controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled with first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be similarly configured as controller <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may receive location signals from first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> indicating the position of piston <NUM>. In this way, controller <NUM> may control various components of dispensing system <NUM> so that a precise or controlled volume of water may be dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM> as will be explained in greater detail herein.

In some alternative embodiments, dispensing system <NUM> may include only a single sensor for detecting the position of piston <NUM>, such as e.g., a single hall-effect sensor. In such embodiments, the sensor may be positioned at or proximate one of the first and second positions P1, P2 along the axial direction A. Depending on the position of the sensor, the sensor is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> is at that position within chamber <NUM>. As one example, if the sensor is positioned at the first position P1, e.g., the position in which first sensor <NUM> is located in <FIG>, the sensor is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> is at the first position P1. As another example, if the sensor is positioned at the second position P2, e.g., the position in which second sensor <NUM> is located in <FIG>, the sensor is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> is at the second position P2. In such embodiments, controller <NUM> may store data indicative of the time of travel of piston <NUM> between the first and second positions P1, P2. In this way, controller <NUM> may determine the position of piston <NUM> despite use of a single sensor.

Movement of piston <NUM> within chamber <NUM> is constrained by a pair of stops with one stop located at the first position P1 and one stop located at the second position P2. Particularly, dispensing system <NUM> includes a first stop <NUM> positioned within the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM>. That is, first stop <NUM> is located between first end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> and piston <NUM>. First stop <NUM> operable to stop piston <NUM> in or at the first position. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a second stop <NUM> positioned within the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. That is, second stop <NUM> is located between second end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> and piston <NUM>. Second stop <NUM> is operable to stop piston <NUM> in or at the second position P2. Notably, the axial spacing of first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> and the axial length of piston <NUM> determine the stroke of piston <NUM>. For this embodiment, first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> are formed of an elastomer material and extend annularly around and are attached to inner walls defining chamber <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of any suitable rigid material, such as e.g., metal. Further, in some embodiments, first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> may be built into or formed integrally with housing <NUM>. In such embodiments, first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of the same material as housing <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes a pair of inlet conduits that provide fluid communication between water supply <NUM> and chamber <NUM>. More particularly, dispensing system <NUM> includes a first inlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM> and the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> and a second inlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM> and the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a pair of outlet conduits that provide fluid communication between chamber <NUM> and downstream assembly <NUM>. More specifically, dispensing system <NUM> includes a first outlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> and downstream assembly <NUM> and a second outlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> and downstream assembly <NUM>. For this embodiment, first inlet conduit <NUM> and first outlet conduit <NUM> both fluidly connect with the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> between first end <NUM> and first stop <NUM> and second inlet conduit <NUM> and second outlet conduit <NUM> both fluidly connect with the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> between second end <NUM> and second stop <NUM>.

Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a number of valves. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes a first valve <NUM> positioned along first inlet conduit <NUM> and movable between an open position and a closed position. First valve <NUM> is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM>, e.g., when first valve <NUM> is in the open position. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a second valve <NUM> positioned along second inlet conduit <NUM> and movable between an open position and a closed position. Second valve <NUM> is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>, e.g., when second valve <NUM> is in the open position. Further, dispensing system <NUM> includes a third valve <NUM> positioned along first outlet conduit <NUM> and movable between an open position and a closed position. Third valve <NUM> is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the first reservoir R1 to downstream assembly <NUM>, e.g., when third valve <NUM> is in the open position. In addition, dispensing system <NUM> includes a fourth valve <NUM> positioned along second outlet conduit <NUM> and movable between an open position and a closed position. Fourth valve <NUM> is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the second reservoir R2 to downstream assembly <NUM>, e.g., when fourth valve <NUM> is in the open position.

For this embodiment, first valve <NUM>, second valve <NUM>, third valve <NUM>, and fourth valve <NUM> are solenoid valves that are all normally closed. Further, each valve <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is communicatively coupled with controller <NUM> so that controller <NUM> may activate or control the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to move from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions, or vice versa. For instance, to move one or more of the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the closed position to the open position, controller <NUM> may send an activation command to energize the valve to move from the closed position to the open position so that water may flow through the valve downstream. In contrast, controller <NUM> may send a close command such that the valve is no longer energized to move one or more of the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the open position to the closed position. In this way, the valve will prevent the flow of water through the valve.

An exemplary manner in which dispensing system <NUM> may dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM> will now be described. The precise fill dispense process may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving a fill command signal. For instance, controller <NUM> may receive a fill command signal from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM>. As one example, downstream assembly <NUM> may be the ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A sensor of ice making assembly <NUM> may indicate, via the fill command signal, that water is needed within mold cavity <NUM> of resilient mold <NUM> so that new ice cubes can be formed. After receiving the fill command signal, controller <NUM> receives a location signal from one or both of first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> indicating a position of piston <NUM>. For instance, the location signal may indicate that piston <NUM> is in the first position P1 or in the second position P2.

For this example, suppose that piston <NUM> is initially in the first position P1 as shown in <FIG>. When piston <NUM> is in the first position P1, the second reservoir R2 is filled with water (e.g., from a previous cycle or from a calibration cycle in which second valve <NUM> is opened to allow water to flow into second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>).

Once the location of piston <NUM> is known by controller <NUM>, controller <NUM> proceeds with dispensing the water in the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Particularly, controller <NUM> is configured to control first valve <NUM> to move to the open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> to first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may send an activation signal to first valve <NUM> such that first valve <NUM> is energized thus moving the valve to the open position. When first valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water flows through first valve <NUM> and piston <NUM> is moved from the first position P1 (<FIG>) to the second position P2 (<FIG>). As shown best in <FIG>, the water filling into the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> applies a force F on piston <NUM> in a direction toward second end <NUM> of chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, eventually, the water pressure forces piston <NUM> such that piston <NUM> engages second stop <NUM> at the second position P2. In addition, at or near the same time as the opening of first valve <NUM>, controller <NUM> is configured to control fourth valve <NUM> to the open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. More particularly, when fourth valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water may flow from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second outlet conduit <NUM> and through the fourth valve <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. The opening of the first and fourth valves <NUM>, <NUM> allows a fixed volume of water to be displaced from chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Notably, when first and fourth valves <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to the open position, second and third valves <NUM>, <NUM> remain in the closed position. In some example embodiments, a volume between about <NUM>-<NUM> cubic centimeters (CCs) may be dispensed in a single stroke of piston <NUM>.

For the next precise fill or to double the volume of water dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM>, the process may be executed in reverse as explained below. Particularly, another cycle or stroke of piston <NUM> may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving another fill command signal, e.g., from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM>, or the process may continue automatically as a continuation of the example above. After receiving the fill command signal or continuing with the process above, controller <NUM> is configured to receive a location signal from one or both of first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> indicating a position of piston <NUM>. For this example, piston <NUM> is now in the second position P2 as shown in <FIG>. When piston <NUM> is in the second position P2, the first reservoir R1 is filled with water (e.g., from the previous cycle or stroke of piston <NUM>). Moreover, if controller <NUM> has not done so already, controller <NUM> controls first valve <NUM> to the closed position and fourth valve <NUM> to the closed position. Controller <NUM> may close first and fourth valve <NUM>, <NUM> upon receiving the location signal indicating that piston <NUM> is at the second position, e.g., as shown in <FIG>.

Once the location of piston <NUM> is known by controller <NUM>, controller <NUM> proceeds with dispensing the water in the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Particularly, controller <NUM> is configured to control second valve <NUM> to move to the open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> to second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may send an activation signal to second valve <NUM> such that second valve <NUM> is energized thus moving the valve to the open position. When second valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water flows through second valve <NUM> and piston <NUM> is moved from the second position P2 (<FIG>) to the first position P1 (<FIG>). With reference to <FIG>, the water filling into the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> may apply a force on piston <NUM> in a direction toward first end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> (i.e., a direction opposite the arrow direction of force F in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, eventually, the water pressure forces piston <NUM> such that piston <NUM> engages first stop <NUM> at the first position P1. In addition, at or near the same time as the opening of second valve <NUM>, controller <NUM> is configured to control third valve <NUM> to the open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. More particularly, when third valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water may flow from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first outlet conduit <NUM> and through the third valve <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. The opening of the second and third valves <NUM>, <NUM> allows a fixed volume of water to be displaced from chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Notably, when second and third valves <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to the open position, first and fourth valves <NUM>, <NUM> remain in the closed position. The volume of water dispensed when piston <NUM> is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may be the same as the volume of water dispensed when piston <NUM> is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The precise fill process may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired volume of water.

The following embodiments are no longer covered by the claims. <FIG> and <FIG> provide various views of another exemplary embodiment of a precise fill dispensing system <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Generally, like dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> described above, dispensing system <NUM> is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply <NUM> to a downstream assembly <NUM>. For instance, dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply line (i.e., the water supply) to ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG> (i.e., the downstream assembly) of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). However, as will be appreciated, the exemplary dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water to other downstream assemblies of an appliance, such as e.g., dispensing assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>), a reservoir of a coffee brewing system, etc. Dispensing system <NUM> may be located in any suitable location within an appliance, e.g., upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> within door <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

As depicted, dispensing system <NUM> includes a cylinder or housing <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM>. For this embodiment, chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> is cylindrical. Chamber <NUM> extends between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., along an axial direction A. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a piston <NUM> movable within chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The stroke of piston <NUM> is the axial distance traveled by piston <NUM> between the first and second positions P1, P2. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown in the first position P1. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown in the second position P2. Notably, piston <NUM> fluidly separates chamber <NUM> into a first reservoir R1 and a second reservoir R2. Piston <NUM> has a seal <NUM> that engages the inner walls defining chamber <NUM> to seal and fluidly separate first reservoir R1 and second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. For this embodiment, seal <NUM> is an annular elastomer seal. For instance, seal <NUM> may be an O-ring formed of a natural or synthetic polymer material, such as e.g., rubber. In some embodiments, piston <NUM> may include multiple seals <NUM>, e.g., spaced from one another along the axial direction A. As piston <NUM> moves within chamber <NUM> along the axial direction A, the volume of the first and second reservoirs R1, R2 change, e.g., as depicted by comparing the volumes of the first and second reservoirs R1, R2 in <FIG> with their respective volumes in <FIG>.

For this embodiment, piston <NUM> includes a magnet <NUM>, e.g., embedded within the body of piston <NUM>. In this way, one or more sensors may detect the location of piston <NUM> (e.g., the axial location of piston <NUM>). For instance, as shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM> positioned at or proximate the second position P2 along the axial direction A. Sensor <NUM> is positioned outside or external to chamber <NUM> and may attached to an outer surface of housing <NUM>. For this embodiment, sensor <NUM> is a hall-effect sensor. Sensor <NUM> is operable to detect piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the second position P2. Sensor <NUM> is operable to detect magnet <NUM> of piston <NUM> when piston <NUM> in in the second position P2. A processing device or controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled with sensor <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be configured in a similar manner as controller <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may receive location signals from sensor <NUM> indicating the position of piston <NUM>, e.g., whether piston <NUM> is at second position P2. In such embodiments, controller <NUM> may store data indicative of the time of travel of piston <NUM> between the first and second positions P1, P2. In this way, controller <NUM> may determine the position of piston <NUM> despite use of a single sensor. For instance, controller <NUM> may determine when piston <NUM> is in the first position based on a known or predetermined time of travel between the second position P2 and the first position P1. Accordingly, controller <NUM> may control various components of dispensing system <NUM> so that a precise or controlled volume of water may be dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM> as will be explained in greater detail herein.

In some alternative embodiments, dispensing system <NUM> may include multiple sensors for detecting the position of piston <NUM>, such as e.g., two hall-effect sensors, including one positioned at the first position P1 along the axial direction A and one positioned at the second position P2 along the axial direction A. For instance, the sensors may be positioned similar to the first and second sensors <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Further, the sensors may be configured and may be operable in a similar manner to the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a dispensing system <NUM> includes various inlet conduits that provide fluid communication between water supply <NUM> and chamber <NUM>. More particularly, dispensing system <NUM> includes an inlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM>. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a first inlet conduit <NUM> and a second inlet conduit <NUM>. Further, dispensing system <NUM> includes an inlet valve <NUM> in fluid communication with inlet supply conduit <NUM>, first inlet conduit <NUM>, and second inlet conduit <NUM>. Not according to the claimed invention, inlet valve <NUM> is movable between a first open position and a second open position. In the first open position, inlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing from water supply <NUM> to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second inlet conduit <NUM>. In the second open position, inlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second inlet conduit <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM>. Not according to the claimed invention, inlet valve <NUM> may also be movable to a closed position. Not according to the claimed invention, inlet valve <NUM> may be a three-way valve. Not according to the claimed invention, inlet valve <NUM> may be a multiport rotary valve.

Dispensing system <NUM> includes a various outlet conduits that provide fluid communication between chamber <NUM> and downstream assembly <NUM>. More particularly, dispensing system <NUM> includes an outlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with downstream assembly <NUM>. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a first outlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> and a second outlet conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. Moreover, dispensing system <NUM> includes an outlet valve <NUM> in fluid communication with outlet supply conduit <NUM>, first outlet conduit <NUM>, and second outlet conduit <NUM>. Outlet valve <NUM> is movable between a first open position and a second open position. In the first open position, outlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. In the second open position, outlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Not according to the claimed invention, outlet valve <NUM> may also be movable to a closed position. Not according to the claimed invention, outlet valve <NUM> may be a three-way valve. Not according to the claimed invention, outlet valve <NUM> may be a multiport rotary valve. Not according to the claimed invention, embediment- when inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the first open position in which inlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM>, outlet valve <NUM> is set or moved to the second open position in which outlet valve <NUM> prevents fluid (e.g., water) from flowing from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Conversely, when inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the second open position in which inlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along second inlet conduit <NUM>, outlet valve <NUM> is set or moved to the first open position in which outlet valve <NUM> prevents fluid (e.g., water) from flowing from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Both inlet and outlet valves <NUM>, <NUM> are communicatively coupled with controller <NUM> so that controller <NUM> may activate or control the valves <NUM>, <NUM> to move them between their respective positions. Not according to the claimed invention, embodiment, first inlet conduit <NUM> and first outlet conduit <NUM> both fluidly connect with the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> between first end <NUM> and first stop <NUM> and second inlet conduit <NUM> and second outlet conduit <NUM> both fluidly connect with the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> between second end <NUM> and second ston <NUM>.

An exemplary manner in which dispensing system <NUM> may dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM> will now be described. The precise fill dispense process may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving a fill command signal. For instance, controller <NUM> may receive a fill command signal from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM>. As one example, downstream assembly <NUM> may be the ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A sensor of ice making assembly <NUM> may indicate, via the fill command signal, that water is needed within mold cavity <NUM> of resilient mold <NUM> so that new ice cubes can be formed. After receiving the fill command signal, controller <NUM> receives a location signal from sensor <NUM> indicating a position of piston <NUM>. For instance, the location signal may indicate that piston <NUM> is in the first position P1 or in the second position P2.

For this example, suppose that piston <NUM> is initially in the first position P1 as shown in <FIG>. When piston <NUM> is in the first position P1, the second reservoir R2 is filled with water as inlet valve <NUM> is in the second open position (a position in which inlet valve <NUM> selectively allows fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second inlet conduit <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM>).

Once the location of piston <NUM> is known by controller <NUM>, controller <NUM> proceeds with dispensing the water in the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Particularly, controller <NUM> is configured to control inlet valve <NUM> to move to the first open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> to first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM> and to prevent fluid from flowing from water supply <NUM> to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second inlet conduit <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may send an activation signal to inlet valve <NUM> such that inlet valve <NUM> is moved from the second open position to the first open position. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the first open position, water flows through inlet valve <NUM> and to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM>. When this occurs. piston <NUM> is moved from the first position P1 (<FIG>) to the second position P2 (<FIG>). The water filling into the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> applies a force on piston <NUM> in a direction toward second end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> along the axial direction A. As shown in <FIG>, eventually, the water pressure forces piston <NUM> to engage second stop <NUM> at the second position P2.

In addition, at or near the same time as moving inlet valve <NUM> from the second open position to the first open position, controller <NUM> is configured to control outlet valve <NUM> to move from the first open position to the second open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and to prevent fluid from flowing from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved from the second open position to the first open position and outlet valve <NUM> is moved from the first open position to the second open position, dispensing system <NUM> dispenses a fixed volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM> Not according to the claimed invention, a volume between about <NUM>-<NUM> (cubic centimetres) may be dispensed in a single stroke of piston <NUM>.

For the next precise fill or to double the volume of water dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM>, the process may be executed in reverse as explained below. Particularly, another cycle or stroke of piston <NUM> may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving another fill command signal, e.g., from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM>, or the process may continue automatically as a continuation of the example above. After receiving the fill command signal or continuing with the process above, controller <NUM> is configured to receive a location signal from sensor <NUM> indicating a position of piston <NUM> (e.g., the piston <NUM> is located at the second position P2), or alternatively, a predetermined time may elapse that accounts for the time of travel of piston <NUM> between the first and second positions P1, P2. Controller <NUM> may assume that piston <NUM> is in the second position after the predetermined time has elapsed.

Once the location of piston <NUM> is known by controller <NUM>, controller <NUM> proceeds with dispensing the water in the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. Particularly, controller <NUM> is configured to control inlet valve <NUM> to move to the second open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> to second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> along the second inlet conduit <NUM> and to prevent fluid from flowing from water supply <NUM> to the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> along the first inlet conduit <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may send an activation signal to inlet valve <NUM> such that inlet valve <NUM> is moved from the first open position to the second open position. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the second open position, water flows through inlet valve <NUM> and to the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. When this occurs. piston <NUM> is moved from the second position P2 (<FIG>) to the first position P1 (<FIG>). The water filling into the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> applies a force on piston <NUM> in a direction toward first end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> along the axial direction A. As shown in <FIG>, eventually, the water pressure forces piston <NUM> to engage first stop <NUM> at the first position P1.

Further, at or near the same time as moving inlet valve <NUM> from the first open position to the second open position, controller <NUM> is configured to control outlet valve <NUM> to move from the second open position to the first open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from the first reservoir R1 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and to prevent fluid from flowing from the second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM>. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved from the first open position to the second open position and outlet valve <NUM> is moved from the second open position to the third open position, dispensing system <NUM> dispenses a fixed volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>. The volume of water dispensed when piston <NUM> is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may be the same as the volume of water dispensed when piston <NUM> is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The precise fill process may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired volume of water.

<FIG> provides Not according to the claimed nnvention a precise fill dispensing system <NUM>. Generally, like dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> and dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply <NUM> to a downstream assembly <NUM>. For instance, dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply line (i.e., the water supply) to ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG> (i.e., the downstream assembly) of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). However, as will be appreciated, the exemplary dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water to other downstream assemblies of an appliance, such as e.g., dispensing assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>), a reservoir of a coffee brewing system, etc. Dispensing system <NUM> may be located in any suitable location within an appliance, e.g., upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> within door <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes a cylinder or housing <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> Not according to the claimed invention, chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> is cylindrical. Chamber <NUM> extends between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., along an axial direction A. Not according to the claimed invention, the axial direction A is orthogonal to a vertical direction, such as the vertical direction V shown in <FIG>. Stated differently, dispensing system <NUM> is oriented horizontally. Chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. Inlet <NUM> is positioned at or proximate first end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> and outlet <NUM> of chamber <NUM> is positioned proximate second end <NUM>, e.g., along the axial direction A.

Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a piston <NUM> movable within chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> between a fill position and a discharge position. In <FIG>, piston <NUM> is shown in the fill position in solid lines and in the discharge position in phantom lines. Generally, piston <NUM> is positioned proximate second end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> in the fill position and proximate first end <NUM> in the discharge position. The stroke of piston <NUM> is the axial distance traveled by piston <NUM> between the fill and discharge positions. Further, piston <NUM> has a seal <NUM> that engages the inner walls defining chamber <NUM> to seal and fluidly separate first reservoir R1 and second reservoir R2 of chamber <NUM>. Not according to the claimed invention, seal <NUM> is an annular elastomer seal. For instance, seal <NUM> may be an O-ring formed of a natural or synthetic polymer material, such as e.g., rubber. In some embodiments, piston <NUM> may include multiple seals <NUM>, e.g., spaced from one another along the axial direction A. Not according to the claimed invention, housing <NUM> includes an ambient port <NUM> that provides fluid communication (e.g., air communication) between chamber <NUM> and the ambient air surrounding housing <NUM>. Ambient port <NUM> allows air to escape from chamber <NUM> (e.g. to reduce the pressure of the air within chamber <NUM>) when piston <NUM> is moved from the discharge position to the fill position.

Dispensing system <NUM> further includes an inlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM>. Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a standpipe or water fill reservoir <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM> via inlet supply conduit <NUM>. Water fill reservoir <NUM> is also in fluid communication with chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM>, and more particularly, inlet <NUM> of chamber <NUM>. A water valve <NUM> is positioned along inlet supply conduit <NUM>. Water valve <NUM> is movable between a closed position and an open position. Water valve <NUM> is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to water fill reservoir <NUM>. For instance, water valve <NUM> allows for fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> to water fill reservoir <NUM> when in the open position. As further shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> also includes an outlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM>, and more particularly, outlet <NUM> of chamber <NUM>. Outlet supply conduit <NUM> is also in fluid communication with downstream assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, outlet supply conduit <NUM> fluidly connects chamber <NUM> with downstream assembly <NUM>.

A sensor <NUM> is positioned proximate water fill reservoir <NUM> and is operable to detect a water level of the water within water fill reservoir <NUM>, and consequently, sensor <NUM> is operable to detect the volume of water within chamber <NUM> as well. That is, if the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> is filled to a predetermined water level, chamber <NUM> is filled with water. Sensor <NUM> may be any suitable type of water level sensor, such as e.g., a float sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. A processing device or controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled with sensor <NUM>, as well as water valve <NUM> and other components of dispensing system <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be configured in a similar manner as controller <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may receive one or more signals from sensor <NUM> indicating that the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> has reached a predetermined water level. In this way, controller <NUM> may activate other components of dispensing system <NUM> such that dispensing system <NUM> dispenses a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> includes an inlet check valve <NUM> positioned at inlet <NUM> of chamber <NUM> where water fill reservoir <NUM> and chamber <NUM> fluidly connect. Inlet check valve <NUM> is operable to prevent water backflow from chamber <NUM> into water fill reservoir <NUM>, e.g., when piston <NUM> is moved from the fill position to the discharge position. Moreover, dispensing system <NUM> includes an outlet check valve <NUM> positioned at outlet <NUM> of chamber <NUM> where chamber <NUM> and outlet supply conduit <NUM> fluidly connect. Outlet check valve <NUM> is operable to prevent water backflow from outlet supply conduit <NUM> into chamber <NUM>, e.g., when piston <NUM> is moved from the fill position to the discharge position.

Dispensing system <NUM> also includes a drive assembly <NUM>. Drive assembly <NUM> includes a drive motor <NUM> operatively coupled with piston <NUM> for driving piston <NUM> from the fill position to the discharge position such that fluid (e.g., water) is dispensed from chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> via outlet supply conduit <NUM>. Drive motor <NUM> is also operable to retract or move piston <NUM> from the discharge position to the fill position, e.g., along the axial direction A. Drive motor <NUM> may be an electric motor, for example. Drive motor <NUM> is communicatively coupled with controller <NUM>. Thus, drive motor <NUM> may be controlled by controller <NUM>. Specifically, controller <NUM> can control drive motor <NUM> to ultimately control the displacement of piston <NUM> and thus the volume of water dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM>. Not according to the claimed invention, controller <NUM> may control drive motor <NUM> to control the stroke of piston <NUM> such that variable amounts of water may be dispensed by dispensing system <NUM>.

Piston <NUM> is coupled with or connected to a drive shaft <NUM> of drive assembly <NUM> that extends out of chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM>, e.g., out of second end <NUM>. A seal <NUM> prevents water from leaking from chamber <NUM> and allows for axial movement of drive shaft <NUM>. Seal <NUM> may be an O-ring formed of an elastomer material, for example. Not according to the claimed invention, drive shaft <NUM> is operatively coupled with drive motor <NUM>. More particularly, as shown in <FIG>, drive shaft <NUM> has a track <NUM> having a plurality of teeth. The teeth of the track <NUM> are spaced from one another along the axial direction A. Drive motor <NUM> has a coupling <NUM> having a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth of coupling <NUM> are in meshing engagement with the plurality of teeth of track <NUM>. Thus, when drive motor <NUM> drives coupling <NUM> about an axis of rotation (e.g., an axis extending into and out of the page in <FIG> and perpendicular to the axial direction A), coupling <NUM> in turn drives track <NUM> of drive shaft <NUM> such that drive shaft <NUM> and piston <NUM> connected thereto are translated along the axial direction A. In this way, piston <NUM> may be moved between the fill and discharge positions. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, one or more bearings <NUM> may support the drive shaft <NUM>, e.g., radially.

An exemplary manner in which dispensing system <NUM> may dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM> will now be described. The precise fill dispense process may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving a fill command signal. For instance, controller <NUM> may receive a fill command signal from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM>. As one example, downstream assembly <NUM> may be the ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A sensor of ice making assembly <NUM> may indicate, via the fill command signal, that water is needed within mold cavity <NUM> of resilient mold <NUM> so that new ice cubes can be formed.

After receiving the fill command signal, controller <NUM> first determines whether chamber <NUM> is filled with water. For instance, controller <NUM> may receive, from sensor <NUM>, a signal indicating whether the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> has reached a predetermined water level. If the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> has not reached the predetermined water level, controller <NUM> activates water valve <NUM> to move to the open position to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow from water supply <NUM> into chamber <NUM> of housing <NUM> via inlet supply conduit <NUM>. Controller <NUM> continues receiving signals indicating whether the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> has reached the predetermined water level. When the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> has reached the predetermined water level, controller <NUM> controls water valve <NUM> to move to a closed position, e.g., so that the volume of water within chamber <NUM> is known and so that water does not overflow from water fill reservoir <NUM>. If controller <NUM> initially determines that the water level within water fill reservoir <NUM> is at the predetermined water level, controller <NUM> does not activate water valve <NUM> to the open position and continues with the dispensing process as described below. The default position of piston <NUM> is the fill position and after each stroke in which piston <NUM> is moved from the fill position to the discharge position, piston <NUM> is moved or retracted to the fill position by drive assembly <NUM>.

To dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>, controller <NUM> is configured to activate drive motor <NUM> to move piston <NUM> from the fill position to the discharge position such that water is dispensed from chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> via outlet supply conduit <NUM>. The speed, torque, time "ON", or some other parameter of drive motor <NUM> can be controlled such that piston <NUM> displaces the desired volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>. As one example, controller <NUM> may control drive motor <NUM> to move piston <NUM> midway between the fill and discharge positions to dispense a first volume of water. As another example, controller <NUM> may control drive motor <NUM> to move piston <NUM> to a fully discharged position in which piston <NUM> is moved to first end <NUM> of chamber <NUM> to dispense a second volume of water, which is a volume greater than the first volume of water. After dispensing water from chamber <NUM>, controller <NUM> is configured to activate drive motor <NUM> to move piston <NUM> from the discharge position to the fill position. The process may be repeated as many times as necessary to dispense the required volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a schematic view of another exemplary example of a precise fill dispensing system <NUM>. Generally, like dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply <NUM> to a downstream assembly <NUM>. For instance, dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply line (i.e., the water supply) to ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG> (i.e., the downstream assembly) of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). However, as will be appreciated, the exemplary dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water to other downstream assemblies of an appliance, such as e.g., dispensing assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>), a reservoir of a coffee brewing system, etc. Dispensing system <NUM> may be located in any suitable location within an appliance, e.g., upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> within door <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an expansion tank <NUM> defining an interior volume <NUM> containing a flexible bladder <NUM>. Flexible bladder <NUM> defines a water chamber <NUM> having an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. Water chamber <NUM> may filled with water. An expansion mechanism <NUM> is disposed within interior volume <NUM> of expansion tank <NUM> and is operable to cushion shock caused by water hammer (e.g., when water flows into water chamber <NUM>) and to allow for expansion of water into water chamber <NUM>, e.g., during thermal expansion. Not according to the claimed invention, expansion mechanism <NUM> is an air chamber <NUM> defined by the flexible bladder <NUM>. Air chamber <NUM> is filled with pressurized air. For instance, expansion tank <NUM> includes a pressuring port <NUM> that provides access to air chamber <NUM>, e.g., for pressurizing air chamber <NUM>.

As further depicted in <FIG>, dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an inlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM> and inlet <NUM> of water chamber <NUM>. An inlet valve <NUM> is positioned along inlet supply conduit <NUM> and is movable between a closed position and an open position. Inlet valve <NUM> is configured to allow fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> of flexible bladder <NUM> when inlet valve <NUM> is in the open position. Dispensing assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with outlet <NUM> of water chamber <NUM> and downstream assembly <NUM>. An outlet valve <NUM> is positioned along outlet supply conduit <NUM> and is movable between a closed position and an open position. Outlet valve <NUM> is configured to allow fluid to flow from water chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> when in the open position. For this embodiment, inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> are solenoid valves that are normally closed valves. Not according to the claimed invention, inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> may be other suitable types of valves.

Dispensing assembly <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled with inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be configured in a similar manner as controller <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). Not according to the claimed invention, controller <NUM> may be controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may receive and may send one or more signals to and from inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may activate one or both of inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> to move to the open or closed position.

An exemplary manner in which dispensing system <NUM> may dispense a precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM> will now be described. The precise fill dispense process may be initiated by controller <NUM> receiving a fill command signal. For instance, controller <NUM> may receive a fill command signal from a sensor of downstream assembly <NUM> indicating that a particular volume of water is required. As one example, downstream assembly <NUM> may be the ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A sensor of ice making assembly <NUM> may indicate, via the fill command signal, that water is needed within mold cavity <NUM> of resilient mold <NUM> so that new ice cubes can be formed.

For this example, inlet valve <NUM> is a normally open valve and outlet valve <NUM> is a normally closed valve. After receiving the fill command signal, controller <NUM> activates the inlet valve <NUM> to move to the closed position, and at the same time, activates outlet valve <NUM> to move to the open position. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the closed position, water is prevented from flowing from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> along inlet supply conduit <NUM>. When outlet valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water flows from water chamber <NUM> through outlet valve <NUM> and to downstream assembly <NUM> along outlet supply conduit <NUM>. Particularly, when inlet valve <NUM> closes and outlet valve <NUM> opens, a precise or controlled volume of water is dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM> regardless of the incoming water pressure from water supply <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may activate outlet valve <NUM> to the open position for a predetermined valve open time (and may activate inlet valve <NUM> to the closed position for a predetermined valve closed time). The predetermined time may be associated with a predetermined volume of water, e.g., to dispense. For instance, controller <NUM> may include a lookup table that associates water dispense volumes with a predetermined valve open time. Thus, to dispense a particular volume of water, controller <NUM> may determine the predetermined valve open time to keep outlet valve <NUM> open and may keep outlet valve <NUM> open for the determined predetermined valve open time, e.g., to dispense the required or commanded predetermined volume of water.

After dispensing system <NUM> dispenses the precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>, controller <NUM> controls outlet valve <NUM> from the open position to the closed position and controls inlet valve <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. Accordingly, water is prevented from flowing from water chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and water is permitted to flow from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> of flexible bladder <NUM>. Thus, the incoming water may expand water chamber <NUM> and compress the pressurized air within air chamber <NUM> of flexible bladder <NUM>. The compressibility of the air within air chamber <NUM> cushions shock caused by water hammer and absorbs excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion.

<FIG> provides a schematic view of a precise fill dispensing system <NUM>. Generally, like dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, and dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, dispensing system <NUM> is operable to dispense a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply <NUM> to a downstream assembly <NUM>. For instance, dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water from a water supply line (i.e., the water supply) to ice making assembly <NUM> of <FIG> (i.e., the downstream assembly) of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). However, as will be appreciated, the exemplary dispensing system <NUM> may be employed to deliver a precise or controlled volume of water to other downstream assemblies of an appliance, such as e.g., dispensing assembly <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>), a reservoir of a coffee brewing system, etc. Dispensing system <NUM> may be located in any suitable location within an appliance, e.g., upstream of ice making assembly <NUM> within door <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

As depicted in <FIG>, dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an expansion tank <NUM> defining an interior volume <NUM> containing a flexible bladder <NUM>. Flexible bladder <NUM> defines a water chamber <NUM> having an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. Water chamber <NUM> may filled with water. An expansion mechanism <NUM> is disposed within interior volume <NUM> of expansion tank <NUM> and is operable to allow for expansion of water into water chamber <NUM> and cushions shock caused by water hammer. Particularly, expansion mechanism <NUM> includes a piston <NUM> and a spring <NUM> operatively coupled with piston <NUM>. Piston <NUM> is movable along an axial direction A. That is, piston <NUM> may reciprocate along the axial direction A. Spring <NUM> biases piston <NUM> such that piston <NUM> interacts with flexible bladder <NUM> (either directly or indirectly). Piston <NUM> is movable along the axial direction A to absorb water hammer or excessive pressure shocks.

As further depicted in <FIG>, dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an inlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with water supply <NUM> and inlet <NUM> of water chamber <NUM>. An inlet valve <NUM> is positioned along inlet supply conduit <NUM> and is movable between a closed position and an open position. Inlet valve <NUM> is configured to allow fluid to flow from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> of flexible bladder <NUM> when inlet valve <NUM> is in the open position. Dispensing assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet supply conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with outlet <NUM> of water chamber <NUM> and downstream assemblv <NUM>. An outlet valve <NUM> is positioned along outlet supply conduit <NUM> and is movable between a closed position and an open position. Outlet valve <NUM> is configured to allow fluid to flow from water chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> when in the open position. For this embodiment, inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> are solenoid valves that are normally closed valves. In alternative examples, inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> may be other suitable types of valves.

Dispensing assembly <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled with inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be configured in a similar manner as controller <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> (<FIG>). In some examples, controller <NUM> may be controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may receive and may send one or more signals to and from inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM>. For instance, controller <NUM> may activate one or both of inlet valve <NUM> and outlet valve <NUM> to move to the open or closed position.

For this example, inlet valve <NUM> is a normally open valve and outlet valve <NUM> is a normally closed valve. After receiving the fill command signal, controller <NUM> activates the inlet valve <NUM> to move to the closed position, and simultaneously, activates outlet valve <NUM> to move to the open position. When inlet valve <NUM> is moved to the closed position, water is prevented from flowing from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> along inlet supply conduit <NUM>. When outlet valve <NUM> is moved to the open position, water flows from water chamber <NUM> through outlet valve <NUM> and to downstream assembly <NUM> along outlet supply conduit <NUM>. Particularly, when inlet valve <NUM> closes and outlet valve <NUM> opens, a precise or controlled volume of water is dispensed to downstream assembly <NUM> regardless of the incoming water pressure from water supply <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may activate outlet valve <NUM> to the open position for a predetermined valve open time (and may activate inlet valve <NUM> to the closed position for a predetermined valve closed time). The predetermined time may be associated with a predetermined volume of water, e.g., to dispense. For instance, controller <NUM> may include a lookup table that associates water dispense volumes with a predetermined valve open time. Thus, to dispense a particular volume of water, controller <NUM> may determine the predetermined valve open time to keep outlet valve <NUM> open and may keep outlet valve <NUM> open for the determined predetermined valve open time, e.g., to dispense the required or commanded predetermined volume of water.

After dispensing system <NUM> dispenses the precise or controlled volume of water to downstream assembly <NUM>, controller <NUM> controls outlet valve <NUM> from the open position to the closed position and controls inlet valve <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. Accordingly, water is prevented from flowing from water chamber <NUM> to downstream assembly <NUM> and water is permitted to flow from water supply <NUM> to water chamber <NUM> of flexible bladder <NUM>. Thus, the incoming water may expand water chamber <NUM>. Piston <NUM> and spring <NUM> cushion the shock caused by water hammer and absorbs excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion of water within water chamber <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An appliance (<NUM>) comprising a dispensing system (<NUM>) and a downstream assembly (<NUM>), wherein the dispensing system (<NUM>) is configured for dispensing fluid to the downstream assembly (<NUM>), the dispensing system (<NUM>) comprises:
a housing (<NUM>) defining a chamber (<NUM>);
a piston (<NUM>) movable within the chamber (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), the piston (<NUM>) fluidly separating a first reservoir (R1) and a second reservoir (R2) of the chamber (<NUM>);
a first inlet conduit (<NUM>) configured to be in fluid communication with a water supply (<NUM>) and the first reservoir (R1) of the chamber (<NUM>);
a first valve (<NUM>) positioned along the first inlet conduit (<NUM>) and movable between an open position and a closed position, the first valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the water supply (<NUM>) to the first reservoir (R1) of the chamber (<NUM>);
a second inlet conduit (<NUM>) configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply (<NUM>) and the second reservoir (R2) of the chamber (<NUM>);
a second valve (<NUM>) positioned along the second inlet conduit (<NUM>) and movable between an open position and a closed position, the second valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the water supply (<NUM>) to the second reservoir (R2) of the chamber (<NUM>);
a first outlet conduit (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the first reservoir (R1) of the chamber (<NUM>) and the downstream assembly (<NUM>);
a third valve (<NUM>) positioned along the first outlet conduit (<NUM>) and movable between an open position and a closed position, the third valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the first reservoir (R1) to the downstream assembly (<NUM>);
a second outlet conduit (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the second reservoir (R2) of the chamber (<NUM>) and the downstream assembly (<NUM>); and
a fourth valve (<NUM>) positioned along the second outlet conduit (<NUM>) and movable between an open position and a closed position, the fourth valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively allow fluid to flow from the second reservoir (R2) to the downstream assembly (<NUM>),
characterized in that the downstream assembly (<NUM>) is an ice making assembly and the appliance (<NUM>) is a refrigerator appliance.