Systems and methods for creating clear ice
US12072134B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2600/04
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are methods for making clear ice. In one embodiment, a method for making clear ice includes providing a mold of any of the embodiments described herein, optionally inserting a skewer through the mold, the skewer being coupled to an item; circulating, using fluid inlet and outlet valves, a fluid in a mold cavity defined by the mold; varying overtime one or both of: a temperature of the cooling apparatus or a fluid flow rate, through the fluid inlet valve, as a percentage of max flow; and optionally retracting the skewer when the ice formation encases at least a portion of the item. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes a period of flow reversal, such that the fluid inlet valve becomes the fluid outlet valve and the fluid outlet valve becomes the fluid inlet valve. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes releasing the ice from the mold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.