Ice maker fill tube assembly
US6810680B2 · kind B2 · utility
12Cited by
23References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/04
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.