Method for forming ice cubes in an ice making device
US9599386B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator includes an ice making device for producing ice cubes. The ice making device includes a mold body having a plurality of ice forming cavities adapted to hold fluid. In an ice making cycle, air is evacuated from the cavities by a vacuum system, thereby depressurizing the cavities. Then, liquid is delivered to the depressurized cavities by a liquid delivery system, whereby an initial portion of the liquid bubbles up within the respective cavities. Once ice cubes have been formed within the cavities, the cavities are heated by a heat transfer system, thereby partially melting the ice cubes and aiding in the expulsion of ice cubes from the cavities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.