Method and apparatus for circulating air within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator
US8099968B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2323/021
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for circulating air within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator are disclosed. The method includes the steps of activating the icemaker, filling the ice cavities with water, and activating the fan after a predetermined time after the ice cavities are filled with water. The apparatus includes a food storage compartment, an access door operable to selectively close the food storage compartment, an icemaker compartment on the access door, an icemaker disposed in the icemaker compartment, the icemaker including an ice mold body defining a plurality of ice cavities, an ice storage bin disposed in the icemaker compartment, a fan for distributing cold air within the icemaker compartment, at least one heating element attached to the ice mold body, a coolant pump, and a controller for regulating the fan and the coolant pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.