Ice maker
US9976786B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8342
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A stand alone ice making appliance or an ice maker within an appliance is provided including a water inlet, a water inlet valve disposed within the water inlet configured to allow water passage when in an open position and configured to prevent water passage when in a closed position, a reservoir in fluid communication with the water inlet, a water level sensor disposed in the reservoir, and a control unit in electrical communication with the water level sensor and the water inlet valve. The control unit is configured to calculate a fluid flow rate using the time between the water inlet valve opening and the water level sensor communicating when a first predetermined water level has been reached within the reservoir, and use the calculated flow rate to calculate a total water inlet valve open time to fill the reservoir to a second predetermined water level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.