A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body including a first door, a door opening device configured to open the first door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, a first infrared sensor disposed on the first door, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to, based on detection data obtained by the first proximity sensor, control the door opening device to open the first door based on an external object approaching within a threshold distance from the refrigerator, and based on the external object being identified based on detection data obtained by the first infrared sensor while the first door is open, control the door opening device to stop opening of the first door.

A dispensing unit is operatively associated with a refrigeration appliance for selectively dispensing water and ice at a dispensing station. The dispensing unit includes an actuator that is movable to selected positions in order to support the dispensing of the water and ice. The dispensing unit can include a passageway through which ice is dispensed, and an ice door can be provided for selectively opening and closing the passageway to the dispensing of ice. In one aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed mechanically and in another aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed electromechanically. The dispensing unit also can provide for the position of a water-dispensing nozzle to be adjusted for the purpose of dispensing water to receptacles outside a recessed area at which the nozzle is located and to provide for the activation of illuminating devices to indicate operating conditions at the refrigeration appliance.

A beverage dispenser has an actuation lever which is mounted in a dispenser recess in such a way as to be able to pivot about an axis, at least one lighting device, and at least one optical waveguide, which extends from the lighting device, for illuminating the dispenser recess. A light exit is provided on the actuation lever, and the optical waveguide connects the lighting device to the light exit on the actuation lever.

A refrigerator door includes a color module which displays various colors by using LEDs. Accordingly, when a consumer desires to change the color of the refrigerator door, the color of the refrigerator door can be changed to color desired by the consumer.

A panel member for an appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner that define a panel opening therethrough, a panel window disposed in the opening and having at least one glazing member that is disposed within a glazing frame, a conductive coating applied to at least one surface of the at least one glazing member and at least one electrical conductor disposed proximate a portion of the glazing frame, the electrical conductor in communication with the conductive coating.

A handle lighting assembly for an appliance includes features that allow a consumer to readily change the color of the light emitted from the handle lighting assembly as desired. In one exemplary aspect, the handle lighting assembly includes features that allow a consumer to readily interchange colored films to and from the handle lighting assembly based on the desired emitted light color.

A dispensing unit is operatively associated with a refrigeration appliance for selectively dispensing water and ice at a dispensing station. The dispensing unit includes an actuator that is movable to selected positions in order to support the dispensing of the water and ice. The dispensing unit can include a passageway through which ice is dispensed, and an ice door can be provided for selectively opening and closing the passageway to the dispensing of ice. In one aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed mechanically and in another aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed electromechanically. The dispensing unit also can provide for the position of a water-dispensing nozzle to be adjusted for the purpose of dispensing water to receptacles outside a recessed area at which the nozzle is located and to provide for the activation of illuminating devices to indicate operating conditions at the refrigeration appliance.

An electrically powered portable self-contained climate controlled storage unit that includes a base including an enclosure, in which the base is configured to support the self-contained climate controlled storage unit, a climate controlled space affixed above the base, and a climate control system for providing climate control to the climate controlled space. The climate control system is provided in the enclosure. The storage unit further includes at least one status indication light provided around a perimeter of at least one surface of the self-contained climate controlled storage unit. The system controller is connected to the self-contained climate controlled storage unit, and is configured to operate the at least one status indication light based on at least one of a system operation status of the self-contained climate controlled storage unit or a logistical operation status of the self-contained climate controlled storage unit.

A cooler including a container comprising a linear low-density polyethylene and a glow-in-the-dark additive, a lid comprising the linear low-density polyethylene and the glow-in-the-dark additive and coupleable to the container, each of the container and the lid including an insulation layer, and the glow-in-the-dark additive emitting light when exposed to an external electromagnetic radiation source. A method includes rotomolding a cooler comprising a linear low-density polyethylene polymer and a glow-in-the-dark additive. A method of using a cooler comprising a linear low-density polyethylene polymer and a glow-in-the-dark additive includes exposing the cooler to an external electromagnetic radiation source and removing the cooler from the source, and illuminating the surrounding area with the cooler.

Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.