Ice level sensing system for an ice maker
US6286324A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice level sensing system for use on a refrigerator including a freezer compartment having top wall, opposite side walls and an access opening. A door is provided for closing the access opening. An ice maker is disposed within the freezer compartment adjacent the top wall for forming ice pieces. An ice storage bin is removably mounted to the door below the ice maker for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker. An emitter element, supported on a side wall of the freezer, emits a beam of light across the upper portion of the bin. A receiver element, supported on a freezer side wall opposite the emitter element, receives the beam of light wherein beam of light travels between the emitter element and the receiver element along a line of sight path. A paddle is rotatably supported on a freezer side wall for blocking the line of sight when the door is open. In addition, a movable member may be provided, supported on a freezer side wall opposite the paddle, which may be selectively movable between an ON position and an OFF position wherein in the OFF position the movable member blocks the line of sight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.