Refrigerator appliances
US9733004B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber, and a door for accessing one of the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice making assembly disposed within one of the fresh food chamber, the freezer chamber or the door. The ice making assembly includes an ice maker, a container defining a storage volume for receipt of ice produced by the ice maker, and a chute extending between the ice maker and the container for directing the ice produced by the ice maker towards the storage volume. The chute includes a body defining a passage therethrough. The ice making assembly further includes a sensor positioned to transmit sensing signals through the chute, the sensor in communication with the ice maker.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.