Ice maker apparatus
US4238930A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 26, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/04
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A slab-type ice maker apparatus wherein a slab of ice is formed on an inclined evaporator plate by the flowing of water over the upper surface of the refrigerated plate. A control is provided for sensing the temperature of the evaporator plate so as to determine when the thickness of the ice slab reaches a minimal preliminary thickness and continuing the ice slab formation for a preselected period of time subsequent to that determination to provide the completed final thickness slab. The thermally responsive sensing structure is mounted to the underside of the evaporator plate for improved sensing operation. The rate of flow of the water is reduced subsequent to the determination of the formation of the minimal thickness slab for improved efficiency in completing the formation of the final slab. Sensing structure is provided for determining the transfer of the ice slab to a slab dividing grid from the refrigerated plate. A subsequent ice making cycle is initiated a preselected period of time after termination of a previous ice making cycle notwithstanding a failure of the ice slab to move fully onto the dividing grid. The control requires a signal indicating the end of the ice form…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.