Abstract: An ice making device and a method of making ice. A plurality of passages for refrigerant, preferably, multi-component refrigerant, is in thermal communication with a freezing surface, for example in an outer shell surrounding a body. The passages each include an inlet and an outlet. The inlet for a passage may be disposed approximately 180° from the outlet for that passage. The outlet for the passages may form the inlet for the subsequent passage. The size of the outlets may be smaller than a cross-sectional size of the passage. As the refrigerant moves through the passages, water on the freezing surfaces will freeze and form ice. A blade will scrape the ice off.

Abstract: An ice collection bin includes an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior chamber used to collect ice or other frozen particles. The level of frozen particles in the interior chamber is controlled by a level sensor assembly. Sensor pockets disposed in the bin protect the components of the level sensor assembly from damage that can occur in connection with the use of the ice collection bin to store frozen particles. An ice collection system is also provided, and includes the ice collection bin, a frozen particle making machine, an elevated frame that elevates the ice collection bin, and a cart for storing or transporting frozen particles.

Abstract: Flake freezing machine includes an evaporator for producing frozen flakes using a freezable liquid from a liquid source. The evaporator includes a cast aluminum cylindrical structure having an inner surface defining an interior chamber and an outer surface. A stainless steel helical tubing assembly having an inlet and an outlet is embedded inside the cylindrical structure between the inner surface and the outer surface. Refrigerating fluid is circulated through the tubing assembly to cool the inner surface to a temperature sufficient to freeze the liquid. Positioned inside the interior chamber is a rotatable shaft, which supports a liquid distribution pan having radially extending nozzles for distributing the liquid onto the inner surface of the cylindrical structure so as to freeze as a frozen sheet and a blade member for removing the frozen sheet from the inner surface of the cylindrical structure in the form of frozen flakes.