Icemaker electronic control methods and apparatus
US6574974B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6881
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared to a predetermined value to determine when ice is frozen and ready for harvesting. Harvesting is delayed a pre-selected time based upon the position of the feeler arm to avoid premature harvesting. A harvest fix algorithm is executed when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period by operating a heater at an elevated temperature and by de-energizing a motor. A water fill algorithm determines whether the mold is full of water based upon a change in the thermistor reading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.