Ice cube release and rapid freeze using fluid exchange apparatus
US10066861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D11/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice piece release system that includes a chilled compartment set at a temperature below 0° C., a warm section at a temperature above 0° C., and a tray in thermal communication with the chilled compartment. The tray includes a plurality of ice piece-forming receptacles and a cavity in thermal communication with the receptacles. The ice piece release system also includes a primary reservoir assembly in thermal communication with the warm section and fluid communication with the cavity of the tray. The ice piece release system further includes a heat-exchanging fluid having a freezing point below that of water, and the fluid resides in the primary reservoir assembly and the cavity of the tray. The primary reservoir assembly is further adapted to move at least a portion of the heat-exchanging fluid in the reservoir assembly into the cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.