Method and apparatus for making clear ice
US8459047B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D17/065
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are a method and refrigeration appliance for making substantially-transparent ice. The refrigeration appliance includes a fresh food compartment in which a refrigeration temperature that is greater than 32° F. and less than 55° F. is maintained, and a water tray disposed within the fresh food compartment and including a bottom surface and an upwardly extending wall forming a reservoir for holding a volume of water. A plurality of fingers are supported adjacent to the water tray to be at least partially submerged in water within the water tray, and an evaporator is in thermal communication with the fingers for chilling an exposed surface of the fingers to a finger temperature that is less than 32° F. Water is introduced into the water tray, and an extent to which the fingers are submerged in the water is repeatedly adjusted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.