Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level
US9097450B2 · kind B2 · utility
17Cited by
30References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice detecting apparatus for an ice maker provided in a refrigerator includes an ice maker, and an ice detecting sensor attached to the ice maker and detecting an amount of ice collected in an ice container. The ice detecting sensor includes at least one optical transmitter or emitter provided on one side of the ice maker and at least one receiver at another side of the ice maker. The optical transmitter and receiver are separated by a prescribed distance and, at least one heater is provided to generate heat to be transferred to at least one of the optical transmitter or receiver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.