Refrigerator with an automatic compact fluid operated icemaker
US8037697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/12
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An icemaker for a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigerated compartment and an unrefrigerated machine compartment includes a body portion formed with an inlet, an outlet and an opening. A flexible mold is positioned in the opening. A water supply is positioned to provide water to the flexible mold. A fluid supply circuit, including a pump mounted in the machine compartment, a first fluid conduit connected between the pump and the inlet, and a second fluid conduit connected to the outlet, provides warm fluid to the body portion. The icemaker forms ice during an ice production cycle and the fluid warmed in the machine compartment is used to partially melt and aid in releasing the ice which is then deposited in a ice storage bin during a harvest cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.