Air sparge system for icemaker and ice dispenser combination and method
US4753081A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C1/18
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An icemaker and ice dispenser combination is characterized by an air sparge system for percolating air through water in the icemaker as the water is being frozen to ice in order to produce clear ice. The air is obtained from an ice storage hopper of the ice dispenser, and after percolation through the water in the icemaker, the air is returned to the hopper for recirculation between the hopper and icemaker. By virtue of the arrangement, the air is free of outside contaminants and may be used over and over again to maintain clear ice, and since the air is chilled by ice in the hopper, increases are obtained in the cooling cycle efficiency of the icemaker. The icemaker includes an improved air diffuser that uniformly percolates air through the water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.