Abstract: An automatic icemaker according to the invention can be disposed in one part of a freezer and automatically make ice pieces, and is provided with temperature distribution forming means which forms a temperature distribution in which freezing progresses from the open side of ice partitions of an ice-tray and is completed near the bottom side of the ice partitions.

Abstract: To defrost one barrel of a two barrel FCB dispenser, a refrigeration system defrosts the one barrel, while neither defrosting nor chilling the other barrel, for either a selected time or until a frozen beverage is drawn from the other barrel, whichever occurs first. Once the selected time or beverage draw occurs, the refrigeration system chills the other barrel until beverage within it is properly frozen, while neither defrosting nor chilling the one barrel. Once beverage in the other barrel is properly frozen, the refrigeration system resumes defrosting the one barrel, whereupon the foregoing cycle is repeated until defrost of the one barrel is complete, at which point the refrigeration system chills the one barrel to refreeze product in it. The arrangement keeps beverage in the other barrel properly frozen during defrosting of the one barrel.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus is provided in which a refrigeration cycle is used to produce ice inside an evaporator that is generally horizontally disposed, with a hollow auger being provided with a helical flight thereon, for scraping ice from the inner wall of the evaporator and pushing the ice toward one end of the auger, by which it is compressed and moved by a paddle toward a flange, in which it is delivered to an ice breakup device, by which the ice is diverted into a compression zone, with water being squeezed from the ice and the ice delivered to a transport tube and then to an ice retainer. Filling the retainer or jamming of ice nuggets inside the transport will effect a shut-down of the apparatus. Various water level controls for a water reservoir are provided, whereby the auger is flooded inside and outside, for enhancing ice formation. Nugget-type ice is provided by the ice making apparatus. The apparatus allows for changing the nugget size/shape without negative ice hardness consequences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage is provided. The system includes a beverage hopper (32) a chilling unit (44), a rotatable mixing member (38), a sensing member (230) for detecting an occurrence of a rotation reversal condition, a controller for generating a rotation reversal signal in response to the sensing member, and a drive motor (36) coupled to the mixing member for rotating the mixing member in a first direction and a second, reverse direction in response to a rotation reverse signal.

Abstract: There is provided a water supply control apparatus for an ice maker and method thereof. In the apparatus and method, an ejector pushes out ice, a sensor detecting portion is formed on the ejector, and at least two sensors detect a senor transit time for the sensor detecting portion to travel from one of the sensors to the other. Therefore, an adequate amount of water can be supplied to the ice maker to make ice with a desired size regardless of the variation in the water pressure of a water inlet line from a household water source.

Abstract: A water level detecting device for an ice-making machine includes a transparent tube, a float set in said transparent tube, an infrared ray emitter and an infrared-ray receiver respectively installed in a line at opposite sides of said transparent tube connected to a water tube connected to a water tank. When the float falls down together with the water level in the transparent tube going down with that of the water tank, and positions between the infrared-ray emitter and the receiver, a pump supplying water to an ice making unit is to be stopped by the interruption of the function of the infrared-ray emitter and the receiver. Thus the pump is automatically stopped in case of the water in the tank becoming insufficient, impossible to work idle.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigerator includes a detection component positioned with respect to the icemaker. An icemaker controller is in signal communication with the detection component. The icemaker controller is configured to detect an operational status of the icemaker in response to a signal transmitted by the detection component. A main controller is in bidirectional signal communication with the icemaker controller. The main controller is configured to operate the air damper, the fan and/or the water valve in response to a signal transmitted by the icemaker controller representative of the operational status of the icemaker.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing defining a freezer storage compartment, an evaporator operatively coupled to the freezer storage compartment and configured to cool the freezer storage compartment, and an evaporator fan positioned to move air across the evaporator. The refrigerator also includes an ice maker positioned within the freezer storage compartment, a dispenser in flow communication with the ice maker and configured to dispense ice, and a control system configured to receive a signal from said dispenser indicating dispensing of a first amount of ice from the dispenser, the control system configured to activate the evaporator fan in response to the signal, the evaporator fan operating continuously for a time period upon activation.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting ice crystal formation on a heat exchange surface in an ice-making machine comprises at least one microphone monitoring the sound made by a rotating blade assembly within the ice-making machine during ice slurry formation. A filter filters the output of the microphone to remove background noise. A comparator receives the output of the filter and compares the filtered microphone output with a threshold to determine if the filtered microphone output signifies ice crystal formation on the heat exchange surface. The operation of the ice-making machine can then be adjusted in a manner to allow the formed ice crystals to be removed from the heat exchange surface.

Abstract: An ice-making device of a refrigerator includes: an ice-making unit installed within a refrigerator and making ice cubes; a dispenser provided on a refrigerator door to allow the ice cubes to be taken out of the refrigerator; an ice duct guiding the ice cubes made in the ice-making unit to the dispenser; and an introduction preventing unit preventing an object from being introduced into the ice-making unit through the ice duct. A method for controlling an ice-making device of a refrigerator includes: inputting an ice cube extract signal; making ice cubes by driving an ice-making unit provided within the refrigerator and breaking the ice cubes according to the inputted signal; sensing an internal temperature of an ice duct that guides the ice cubes made in the ice-making unit to a dispenser provided on a refrigerator door; and stopping an operation of the ice-making unit when the sensed temperature is higher.

Abstract: An automatic icemaker according to the present invention is capable of being installed in a freezing compartment and automatically making and discharging ice cubes, the automatic ice-making comprising at least one ice-making tray having a plurality of small ice-making compartments, partitions disposed between respective adjacent small ice-making compartments, and groove-shaped water-passage channels formed in portions of the partitions which are offset from centers of the partitions, and a rotating device for rotating the ice-making tray, wherein water is supplied after the ice-making tray is inclined at a water supply angle less than a water filling angle in such a direction that the water passage channels face downward.

Abstract: An automatic icemaker of the present invention includes a control box, an ice-making tray supporting frame rotatably supported and rotated by the control box, at least one ice-making tray rotatably supported by the ice-making tray supporting frame, a rotation limiter fixed to the ice-making tray supporting frame and limiting the rotation of the ice-making tray, a stopper fixed to the control box, and a projection provided to the ice-making tray. Irregularities are provided to at least one of the contact surfaces of the stopper and projection.

Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Abstract: The subject application relates to a remote control system and method for an ice maker machine. The system, for example, can monitor and regulate the operations of a plurality of ice maker components. An output display can also be employed in order to output relevant operating statuses to a user remotely or at a distance from the ice maker machine. The system can receive user input as well as sensor input and control the operation of the ice maker according to both types of input. As a result, a user can remotely determine failure modes and efficiently troubleshoot them as well as maintain an overall awareness of the operation status of the ice maker without physical interaction with the machine.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for a bottom freezer refrigerator positioned on a refrigerator compartment door. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can have below 0° C. air provided to maintain the ice maker and ice cube storage bin below 0° C. Supply and return ducts can convey below 0° C. air to the ice maker and ice cube storage bin. The supply and return ducts can lead from the bottom freezer compartment or from an evaporator compartment. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can be located in insulated sub-compartment to allow normal refrigerator compartment temperatures to be maintained in the above freezing refrigerator compartment.

Abstract: An ice tray driving device has a mesh start section. The mesh start section includes a raised tooth formed by projecting at least one tooth of each of two output gears in the tooth width direction, a column section axially adjacent to the driving gear, a recessed tooth disposed in the column section and formed so as to mesh with the raised tooth, and a slide member for blocking the recessed tooth of the column section at a predetermined position. When the driving gear rotates one of the two output gears, the slide member keeps the blockage of the recessed tooth with respect to the raised tooth of the output gear that is not rotated to prevent the meshing. Thus, the meshing is started only by facing the raised tooth to the recessed tooth, the driving gear and the entire ice tray driving device can be downsized.

Abstract: A refrigerator ice-making apparatus that prevents or reduces interference between a water supply pipe and an ice-making vessel. The rotational axis of a motor driven ice-making vessel is controlled such that contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel, which is below the water supply pipe, is prevented or reduced. The rotational axis is either offset from the center of the ice-making vessel or varies by contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold including at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice, a water supply including at least one valve for controlling water flow into the mold, an ice removal heating element operationally coupled to the mold, and an ice maker control system operationally coupled to the valve and the ice removal heating element and configured to control the valve, control the ice removal heating element, and provide a signal to a refrigerator control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice maker for a refrigerator and a method of testing the ice maker, and more particularly, to an ice maker for use in a refrigerator for making and releasing ice and a method of testing the ice maker to determine whether the ice maker is normally operated. The present invention provides a process for checking the operation of the ice maker and checks an operating state of all components needed for the normal operation of the ice maker. Further, in the checking process, it is determined whether initial set values needed for the operation of the ice maker are appropriate, and the initial set values can also be adjusted.

Abstract: A method of operating an auger ice-making machine having a refrigeration casing, an auger screw rotatably disposed inside the casing and feeding, while scraping, the ice frozen on an inner wall surface of the casing, a stocker for storing/retaining the ice fed, the stocker being formed with an ice discharge port of the stocker in order to discharge the ice to an exterior of the machine by being opened, and a stored-ice detector for detecting a high level, and a low level, of a quantity of ice stored within the stocker, wherein: when the stored-ice detector detects the high level, a controller is activated to stop ice-making operation, and when the quantity of ice stored decreases below the low level by a required quantity, the controller restarts the ice-making operation; and when the controller judges, during a stopped state of the ice-making operation, that a block of ice has occurred in the stocker, the controller restarts the ice-making operation, provided that the stored-ice detector has detected the low

Abstract: A system of increasing overall fuel efficiency of a facility including a gas expansion engine for receiving a supply of pressurized gas of a first pressure and first temperature and outputting a tail gas of a second lower temperature and lower pressure. The expansion engine having a rotatable shaft as an energy output. An electric generator and/or other rotatable machinery is coupled to the rotatable shaft of the gas expansion engine. A heat exchanger may be used to transmit coldness from the tail gas of the expansion engine to an HVAC apparatus or an ice making apparatus or other plant process cooling equipment.

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing icy beverages such as slushes, sorbets and the like, particularly coffee-flavored ones, comprising at least one tank for containing an icy beverage, provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, elements for agitating the beverage, which are arranged inside the tank, and at least one refrigeration system provided with an evaporation unit associated with the tank, and elements for sensing and controlling the temperature of the beverage contained in the tank, which are functionally associated with the refrigeration system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice maker for a refrigerator and a method of testing the ice maker, and more particularly, to an ice maker for use in a refrigerator for making and releasing ice and a method of testing the ice maker to determine whether the ice maker is normally operated. The present invention provides a process for checking the operation of the ice maker and checks an operating state of all components needed for the normal operation of the ice maker. Further, in the checking process, it is determined whether initial set values needed for the operation of the ice maker are appropriate, and the initial set values can also be adjusted.

Abstract: An auger type ice machine in which the load on a geared motor and an upper bearing is mitigated by detecting the load on an auger. A geared motor 9 is disposed below a cylinder 1. A rotor 12 of the geared motor has an output shaft 13. A pulse encoder 14 is provided on the output shaft 13. The geared motor 9is connected with a geared motor power supply 16 through a relay 15. Similarly, a compressor 3 is connected with a compressor power supply 18 through a relay 17. The relays 15 and 17 are controlled by a control portion 19. The control portion 19 controls the relays 15 and 17 according to a signal inputted from the pulse encoder 14.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold including at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice, a water supply including at least one valve for controlling water flow into the mold, an ice removal heating element operationally coupled to the mold, and an ice maker control system operationally coupled to the valve and the ice removal heating element and configured to control the valve, control the ice removal heating element, and provide a signal to a refrigerator control system.

Abstract: There are disclosed an automatic ice maker and its operating method. A pair of ice making chambers are longitudinally arranged to face each other across a cooling tube. A plurality of ice making compartments are defined in each ice making chamber. On the open side of the ice making chamber, water trays for opening/closing the ice making chamber are arranged in parallel to be laterally moved. The water tray is moved between an ice making position for closing the ice making chamber and an open position for opening the ice making chamber by an opening/closing device. When a deicing operation is carried out, the water tray is laterally moved to the open position while ice cubes are frozen thereto to remove the ice cubes from the ice making compartments, and the cubes are deiced from the water tray in this open position.

Abstract: A method of controlling semi-frozen liquid beverage in a dispensing machine having a bowl to contain the beverage, a motor to turn a helical auger blade within the bowl to scrape the semi-frozen beverage, and a compressor to cool the beverage. The method includes the steps of actuating the compressor to the bowl until the temperature of the beverage is cool to reach an initial set point. The compressor is deactivated after temperature of the beverage is cooled at or below a set point. Torque on the motor caused by resistance to the auger blade is sensed after a defined time period following switching off of the compressor. The compressor is activated if the torque on the motor is below a certain level and the temperature set point is lowered from the initial set point to a lower set point in order to cool the product.

Abstract: A method of controlling semi-frozen liquid beverage in a dispensing machine having a bowl to contain the beverage, a motor to turn a helical auger blade within the bowl to scrape the semi-frozen beverage, and a compressor to cool the beverage. The method includes the steps of actuating the compressor to the bowl until the temperature of the beverage is cool to reach an initial set point. The compressor is deactivated after temperature of the beverage is cooled at or below a set point. Torque on the motor caused by resistance to the auger blade is sensed after a defined time period following switching off of the compressor. The compressor is activated if the torque on the motor is below a certain level and the temperature set point is lowered from the initial set point to a lower set point in order to cool the product.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold including at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice, a water supply including at least one valve for controlling water flow into the mold, an ice removal heating element operationally coupled to the mold, and an ice maker control system operationally coupled to the valve and the ice removal heating element and configured to control the valve, control the ice removal heating element, and provide a signal to a refrigerator control system.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold having at least one cavity configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the at least one mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the at least one mold cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold for sensing a temperature of the mold. A heat transfer member is metallurgically coupled with the auger and extends downwardly from the mold.

Abstract: A vapor injecting ice and hot water generating device is disclosed. The Laffer nozzles are used as main working elements. When vapor from the vapor boiler flows through the Laffer nozzle; the suction end of the Laffer nozzle has a negative pressure so as to remove the latent heat of cycling water in the evaporator connected to the suction end. Thereby, the temperature of the water is reduced continuously to a preset value; then the water is sent to the ice water adjusting tank for being used. Another, the vapor passing through the Laffer nozzle enters into the condenser. The condensed water has a temperature lower than that of the vapor flowing down from a top of the condenser for condensing the vapor. The condensed hot water is collected to the cycling condensing water storage tank to be sent to the hot water adjusting tank for being used. By above mentioned structure, power is saved.

Abstract: The ice maker herein works in the conventional manner wherein a refrigeration system provides for cooling of the evaporator. Water is first circulated over the evaporator as the evaporator is cooled. A temperature sensor is located in a water recirculating system and a microprocessor monitors the temperture of the circulating water. Once a predetermined non-freezing temperature is reached, for example 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water circulation is stopped. However, the compressor continues to run and cool the evaporator for a predetermined period of time to a desired lower temperature. The pump is then turned on and water again circulated over the evaporator initiating the ice making cycle. This process insures that ice adheres to the evaporator and does not prematurely slough off and/or result in the formation of slush.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.

Abstract: The ice maker herein works in the conventional manner wherein a refrigeration system provides for cooling of the evaporated. Water is first circulated over the evaporator as the evaporated is cooled. A temperature sensor is located in a water recirculating system and a microprocessor monitors the temperature of the calculating water. Once a predetermined non-freezing temperature is reached, for example 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water circulation is stopped. However, the compressor continues to run and cool the evaporator for a predetermined period of time to a desired lower temperature. The pump is then turned on and water again circulated over the evaporated initiating the ice making cycle. This process insures that ice adheres to the evaporator and does not prematurely slough off and/or result in the formation of slush.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a mixing block having a plurality of inlets and an outlet coupled to a freezing chamber. The freezing chamber has a drain valve and a dispensing valve coupled thereto. Beverage ingredients are pumped into corresponding ingredient inlets of the mixing block such that the ingredients are mixed in the mixing block to form a product mixture, and the product mixture flows from the mixing block outlet into the freezing chamber. The freezing chamber and the mixing block are refrigerated. The product mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber. The cleaning solution is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve.

Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.

Abstract: An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared to a predetermined value to determine when ice is frozen and ready for harvesting. Harvesting is delayed a pre-selected time based upon the position of the feeler arm to avoid premature harvesting. A harvest fix algorithm is executed when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period by operating a heater at an elevated temperature and by de-energizing a motor. A water fill algorithm determines whether the mold is full of water based upon a change in the thermistor reading.

Abstract: A refrigerator ice-making apparatus that prevents or reduces interference between a water supply pipe and an ice-making vessel. The rotational axis of a motor driven ice-making vessel is controlled such that contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel, which is below the water supply pipe, is prevented or reduced. The rotational axis is either offset from the center of the ice-making vessel or varies by contact between the water supply pipe and the ice-making vessel.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.

Abstract: A method of making ice in an automatic ice maker includes the steps of: providing a mold including one cavity; filling the at least one mold cavity at least partially with water; providing an ice removal device at least partly within the at least one mold cavity; coupling a mechanical drive with the ice removal device; coupling a controller with the drive; measuring a temperature of the mold; measuring an ambient temperature associated with the mold; and controlling operation of the drive using the controller, dependent upon the measured temperature of the mold and the measured ambient pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold and provides an output signal. An auger is positioned partly within the at least one mold cavity. A mechanical drive rotatably drives the auger. A controller is coupled with the sensor and the drive, and controls operation of the drive depending upon the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical material cryopreservation system, including a flexible sterile container comprising a biocompatible polymeric material, and the flexible sterile container containing biopharmaceuticals materials, and a freezing system removably coupled to the flexible sterile container via a tapered slot and the freezing system thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical materials via the flexible sterile container and the tapered slot; wherein the freezing system comprises a feedback loop constructed to control a dendritc freezing front velocity, within the biopharmaceutical materials, in a range from approximately 5 millimeters per hour to approximately 250 millimeters per hour based on feedback information from the temperature sensor. Also disclosed are methods of cryopreservation of biopharmaceutical materials, and methods of linearly scaling processes for cryopreservation of biopharmaceutical materials.

Abstract: A cake resistance measuring system and method are used to measure the cake resistance of a freeze dried sample during or after processing, with the results of the measurement being used to improve that processing and/or subsequent freeze drying processes or formulations.

Abstract: An icemaker assembly is disposed within a refrigerator having a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment and respective freezer and fresh food door assemblies. The icemaker assembly comprises a conveyor assembly positioned within the freezer compartment having a flexible conveyor belt with a multiplicity of individual ice cube molds for creation of individual ice cubes. An ice cube storage bin is positioned below the conveyor assembly for storing the ice cubes and a fullness sensor is positioned for determining the fill level of ice cubes within the ice cube storage bin.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a process control block having a plurality of inlets for receiving ingredients and a plurality of outlets. A mixing block has a plurality of inlets connected to the process control block outlets such that ingredients flowing through the mixing block are mixed together therein. At least one freezing chamber is connected to the mixing block outlet to receive the mixed ingredients therefrom, and a refrigeration system is arranged to refrigerate the freezing chamber. A dispensing valve and a drain valve are connected to the freezing chamber. A controller is connected to the process control block to control operation of the frozen beverage machine. The beverage machine includes an automated sanitizing system operated by the controller, in which the beverage mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber to sanitize the machine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: Novel polymer blends are provided comprising a linear low density copolymer of ethylene with an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms (LLDPE) compounded with a minor amount of an at least partially isotactic, partially crystalline butene-1 polymer comprising at least about 80 wt. % of polymerized butene-1. The blends can be fabricated with better processability and reduced blocking into blown films having improved impact properties.