Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level
US8959939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/06
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice detecting apparatus for a refrigerator the apparatus includes an ice maker, an ice container to collect ice made by the ice maker, and an ice detecting sensor to detect an amount of ice stored in the ice container. The ice detecting sensor has a transmitter module provided on one side of the ice maker and a receiver module provided on another side of the ice maker. The transmitter module is separated by a prescribed distance from the receiver module. At least one of the transmitter module or receiver module includes at least one optical element and at least one heater, and the heater is made of an electroconductive heating material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.