Patent · US Expired

Low profile ice maker

US6233964A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
6References
2Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 28, 2000
Grant dateMay 22, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25C2600/04
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention comprises a low height ice maker designed primarily for use in under counter applications. An ice retaining bin includes a top end opening covered in part by a top panel and the remaining part by an ice access door. The bin is secured to a base, the base retaining certain components of a refrigeration system including; a condenser, a compressor, an expansion valve and a hot gas defrost valve. The base also retains a water dump valve, the electronic control for the ice maker and the condenser fan. When the bin is secured to the base, front and rear access areas are defined which areas can be opened by removing releasably securable panels. The control electronics, the condenser fan and high and low side service valves are positioned adjacent the front access. The expansion valve, hot gas defrost valve and the dump valve are positioned adjacent the rear access. An ice cube forming evaporator assembly is secured to an interior surface of the bin. The assembly includes a frame, and secured thereto; an ice forming evaporator, a water distribution tube, a water tray, a re-circulating water pump, a float operated water valve, and an ice drop detector. The water distri…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.