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 automatic ice making apparatus having a sensor which can detect continuously a temperature of an ice making tray is used as a temperature sensor. The temperature and a temperature variation rate of the ice making tray are detected by an electronic control circuit having a function corresponding to an A/D converter and a microprocessor or the like to determine a freezing state of water. Further, a thermistor is used as the temperature sensor, and by and A/D converter including a microprocessor a water level in the ice making tray is detected and a solenoid valve for determining an amount of supply water is controlled so as to suppress the water amount variation due to a water pressure change or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flake ice machine, comprising an evaporating cylinder (1) and an evaporating pan (2), wherein a sensor is provided to monitor the filling time of the evaporating pan (2), the production of ice and the water level of the water bath (3) available in the evaporating pan (2).

Abstract: Devices and methods for rapid chilling of products, articles and devices, including both perishable and non-perishable goods are provided. These devices and methods store thermal energy by ice and/or slush formation and employ the heat of the product to be chilled to help harvest the ice.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine 1 includes an ice tray 2 for making ice cubes, ice separating means 5 for separating ice cubes from the ice tray 2 by turning the ice tray 2, and an ice storage container for storing separated ice cubes. A stepping motor 13 is used for a drive source for the driver unit 5. The automatic ice making machine further includes detecting means for detecting a predetermined position of the ice tray 2; and control means for controlling a drive of the stepping motor 13. When the ice tray 2 is returned to the water supply position, the control means determines a predetermined position of the ice tray 2 by use of a signal from the detecting means, and determines other positions of the ice tray 2 by the utilization of the number of steps of the motor counted from the predetermined position.

Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surrounds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a low height ice maker designed primarily for use in under counter applications. An ice retaining bin includes a top end opening covered in part by a top panel and the remaining part by an ice access door. The bin is secured to a base, the base retaining certain components of a refrigeration system including; a condenser, a compressor, an expansion valve and a hot gas defrost valve. The base also retains a water dump valve, the electronic control for the ice maker and the condenser fan. When the bin is secured to the base, front and rear access areas are defined which areas can be opened by removing releasably securable panels. The control electronics, the condenser fan and high and low side service valves are positioned adjacent the front access. The expansion valve, hot gas defrost valve and the dump valve are positioned adjacent the rear access. An ice cube forming evaporator assembly is secured to an interior surface of the bin.

Abstract: A reverse condition sensing mechanism incorporating in an ice making apparatus for use in a refrigerator includes a movable lever mounted on an output shaft to be rotated therewith and a fixing plate vertically mounted on a periphery surface of the output shaft. The movable lever has a shaft fixing portion fixed into the output shaft for rotating an ice tray, a rotating portion extending from the shaft fixing portion and vertically projected therefrom, and a contacting conductor mounted on a surface of the rotating portion. The fixing plate has a horizontal contact for sensing a horizontal condition of the ice tray and a reverse contact for sensing a reverse condition of the ice tray, the contacts being at intervals of a predetermined distance. The horizontal and the reverse conditions are sensed depending on the contacts being electrically contacted with the contacting conductor of the movable lever.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically controlling the location of the formation of ice within a closed loop water circulating unit and efficiently harvesting ice includes a method and system for making ice using supercooled water. When a desired degree of supercooling is reached in the closed loop water circulating unit, a pump associated with the ice-making machine is stopped so as to initiate ice seeding on the ice mold. After the pump is restarted, the supercooled water flows over the seeded molds to rapidly form ice on the ice molds. The completion of ice formation in the mold is sensed by reservoir water temperature, water level, timing or other inputs to enable a controller to automatically control a harvest cycle timely. A method and system is also provided for improving the clarity of the ice.

Abstract: A water-circulating type ice maker of the present invention comprises a refrigerating capacity detecting means for detecting the refrigerating capacity of the ice maker at a set temperature, which is slightly above the temperature where the ice-making water starts to freeze in the state of partial ice, and an ice-making plate temperature lowering means for lowering the temperature of the ice-making plate as a counter measure against partial ice generation so that the ice-making plate temperature lowering means starts operating when the refrigerating capacity detected by the refrigerating capacity detecting means is lower than a predetermined capacity. The comparison of the refrigerating capacity detected by the refrigerating capacity detecting means and the predetermined capacity can be made by detecting the high side pressure, the low side pressure, the condensing temperature or the evaporating temperature when the ice-making water reaches the set temperature.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water chiller system for cooling fluids, and including a cold sink which defines quiescent areas where convection currents are minimized to facilitate ice formation around the cold sink is provided. The cold sink cooperates with water held in a sealed tank. A cover member which covers the cold sink can be employed which would cooperate with the tank to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. Components needing periodic cleaning are preferably removable from the system, but the tank could be permanently installed. A fan-cooled thermoelectric module assembly is used to form the ice block adjacent the bottom of the tank which chills the water. A variable-speed fan and current to the thermoelectric module are controlled by a control circuit with inputs from various temperature sensors positioned on and within various portions of the chiller system, including sensors to monitor ambient air temperature about the chiller system.

Abstract: An ice making machine comprises a refrigerant system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator and interconnecting refrigerant lines; a water system having a fresh water inlet, a water circulation mechanism, an ice-forming device in thermal contact with the evaporator and interconnecting water lines; and a control system comprising a temperature sensing device in thermal contact with the outlet of the condenser, and a microprocessor programmed to use input from the temperature sensing device either i) at a predetermined time after initiation of a freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the freeze cycle or ii) at a predetermined time prior to the end of the freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the harvest cycle, or iii) both i) and ii), to control the refrigeration and water systems to operate in a freeze cycle and/or the harvest cycle until the end of the desired duration(s).

Abstract: A first method of harvesting ice in an ice making apparatus comprises steps of initiating a harvest operation, monitoring a parameter of the harvest operation, and terminating the harvest operation based upon the parameter and a parameter from a previous harvest operation. A second method of harvesting ice comprises steps of determining a parameter of a first harvest operation and performing a second harvest operation for a duration based upon the parameter. The first method and the second method can be performed in combination. Systems which perform the above-described methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An icemaking assembly ("icemaker") is provided which includes an improved construction including an ice mold separate but attached to a structural base. The structural base includes integral elements such as a water fill cup, stripper, and mounting configuration. The integral nature of the stripper, combined with its "living hinge" feature, allows for an improved method and apparatus for fixing the ice tray in place. The combination provides an icemaker having improved thermal properties, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies. Other improvements include an improved control system, as well as other cost-saving features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling an operation for determining an optimum ice removing period based on the present temperature in a freezing compartment and the present temperature in an ice making compartment in an automatic ice maker of a refrigerator. A controlling section measures a first present temperature of an ice tray through an ice making sensor installed at a portion of the ice tray and compares the first present temperature with a first reference temperature. If the first present temperature is the same as or higher than the first reference temperature, the controlling section compares an accumulated value of time computed based on a weight value established according to a range of the present temperature of the freezing compartment with a reference time.

Abstract: An automatic ice-making mechanism for a refrigerator includes a tray having a groove on its bottom surface. A temperature sensor is mounted in the groove. The temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive element disposed at a top of the groove, an insulating member disposed beneath the temperature-sensitive element, and a housing pushing the insulating member upwardly against the walls of the groove. The housing has a pair of ribs, each rib carrying a projection that fits into a respective eye formed on the bottom of the tray. The ribs are elastically flexible toward one another to enable the projections to be removed from the eyes.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker and a dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice maker and dispenser are supplied with water from a common reservoir by a common pump. A valve is actuated by a controller to communicate the reservoir with either the dispenser or the ice maker, but not with both simultaneously. The controller acts in response to water-needed signals from the dispenser and ice maker, but always gives precedent to the dispenser signal. If water is in the process of being supplied to the ice maker when a water-needed signal is received from the dispenser, the water supply will be temporarily diverted to the dispenser until the dispenser no longer needs water.

Abstract: Sterile surgical fluid is maintained at substantially its freezing temperature to prevent both melting and formation of solid ice pieces in surgical slush and to provide a supply of near freezing fully liquid phase sterile fluid as required. Slush is initially formed in a refrigeration mode wherein a basin containing sterile fluid medium is cooled to well below the freezing temperature of the medium to thereby rapidly lower the medium temperature. Upon formation of the slush the system is placed in a maintain mode wherein the container temperature is kept at or near the freezing temperature of the medium to selectively provide either slush or near freezing liquid. In the preferred embodiment the maintain mode is effected by electrically energizing one or more thermoelectric modules and de-energizing a refrigeration system in which the refrigerant fluid is passed through an evaporator disposed in thermal energy transfer relation to the basin.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling water quality in a water phase changing device, such as an ice maker, having a water inlet, a water outlet, a reservoir configured for retaining a supply of water and being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a flow controller for controlling the flow of water into the device, such as an ice maker, includes the steps of monitoring TDS concentration of water retained in said reservoir, and actuating at least one of a water input controller and a water dump controller to adjust the composition of the water in the reservoir when the monitored TDS concentration exceeds a preset TDS target concentration.

Abstract: An auger type ice making machine having an upright evaporator housing the interior of which is formed with a cylindrical freezing surface, an auger mounted for rotary movement within the evaporator housing and drivingly connected at its lower end with an electric motor to scrape ice crystals off the freezing surface and to advance the scraped ice crystals toward an upper end of the evaporator housing, an extrusion head fixed in place within the upper end portion of the evaporator housing to compress the scraped ice crystals advanced thereto by rotation of the auger and extrude the compressed ice crystals upwardly, a drain pipe provided with an electrically operated drain valve and connected to a lower end portion of the evaporator housing to discharge supplied water from the evaporator housing when the drain valve is opened by its energization and an electric heater mounted on an outer periphery of the evaporator housing at a place corresponding with the extrusion head, wherein the electric heater is energize

Abstract: An accumulator for use in an automobile, has an inner housing located within an outer housing. The inner housing has a channel formed therein, such that a fluid-tight flow path which goes down one side across the bottom and back up the other side to an exit orifice is defined. A cap having inlet and outlet orifices therethrough is secured to the outer housing and seals both the inner and the outer housings to prevent any leakage of any fluid.

Abstract: An auger-type ice making machine includes a refrigerating cylinder 5, an auger 6 disposed rotatably within the refrigerating cylinder 5 and provided with a spiral blade 6a, a driving motor 8 for driving rotatively the auger 6 and an electric heater mounted around an outlet end portion of the refrigerating cylinder into and through which ice is transported under the effect of rotation of the auger. A coolant vaporizing tube is wound around outer periphery of the refrigerating cylinder, and raw water is fed into the refrigerating cylinder via a feed water pipe. When jamming of ice takes place within the refrigerating cylinder 5, an overcurrent flows through the driving motor 8. The overcurrent is detected by a protector 23 incorporated in a control circuit 30, whereupon the electric heater 22 is electrically energized.

Abstract: Sterile surgical slush is maintained at substantially its freezing temperature to prevent both melting and formation of solid ice pieces. The slush is initially formed in a refrigeration mode wherein a basin containing sterile fluid medium is cooled to well below the freezing temperature of the medium to thereby rapidly lower the medium temperature. Upon formation of the slush the system is placed in a maintain mode wherein the container temperature is kept at the freezing temperature of the medium. In the preferred embodiment the maintain mode is effected by electrically energizing one or more thermoelectric modules and deenergizing a refrigeration system in which the refrigerant fluid is passed through an evaporator disposed in thermal energy transfer relation to the basin. In alternative embodiments the refrigeration system itself is controlled to keep the container temperature at the freezing point during the maintain mode.

Abstract: Equipment and a process for volumetric filling of novelties with soft frozen desserts is disclosed.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in a domestic refrigerator makes clear ice bodies. The ice maker comprises a support arranged to have an ice body formed thereon. The support is refrigerated to a below-freezing temperature and a container adapted to hold a body of water is moved to move liquid water contained therein uniformly about the support suitable to cause a clear substantially symmetrical ice body to build up outwardly on the refrigerated support.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an ice making machine includes an initial water supply cycle control device for opening a water valve for a predetermined time, and a water level sensor mounted within a water tank for detecting whether or not a level of water in the water tank is more than a predetermined level. A first check-up device is provided for permitting operation of a defrost/water supply cycle and an ice making cycle when the level of water in the water tank exceeds the predetermined level after an initial water supply cycle is conducted under control of an initial water supply control device. The first check-up device also repeats operation at the initial water supply cycle when the level of water in the water tank is less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: In an ice making machine having an upright ice making plate 12 arranged above a water tank 11, refrigeration circuit for circulating refrigerant to an evaporator 13 attached to the ice making plate 12, a hot gas valve 18 disposed within a bypass line of the refrigeration circuit to be opened to supply a hot gas to the evaporator 13 at a defrost cycle, a water pump 25 arranged to supply the ice making water from the water tank 11 to an upper portion of the front surface 12a of the ice making plate 11 at an ice making cycle, and a water valve 23 arranged to supply a defrost water from an external source of water to an upper portion of the rear surface 12b of the ice making plate 12 at the defrost cycle, the electric control apparatus includes a thermal sensor 73 arranged to detect a temperature at the outlet portion of the evaporator 13, and is designed to start measurement of a predetermined time when the temperature detected by the sensor 73 rises to a predetermined temperature at the defrost cycle after the

Abstract: An ice-making machine has a thermal relay in which resilient mounting arms are formed at both sides of the thermal relay. A concave portion for receiving the thermal relay and grooves for receiving tip ends of the resilient mounting arms are formed on a surface of a case. The surface is brought into intimate contact with an ice-making tray. The thermal relay is urged toward the ice-making tray through the resilient mounting arms by bottom walls of the grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of ice cream, milkshakes, sorbets, frozen desserts and the like, in each case from a pumpable starting mixture, comprises a storage container (1) for the starting mixture and a cooling or freezing cylinder (2) arranged below said container with which it communicates via a supply conduit (25), in which cylinder (2) a stirring and scraping mechanism (9) is arranged, the supply conduit (25) opening into an inlet chamber (7) located at one end of the cylinder (2), a discharge valve (19) being provided at the other end of the cylinder (2), only the cylinder (2) being provided with a heating (6) for pasteurizing the starting mixture, a thermostat (53) being provided to limit the wall temperature of the cylinder (2), and devices being provided for transporting the starting mixture from the inlet chamber (7) to the discharge valve (19).

Abstract: An automatic ice maker includes an ice tray supplied with water, which water is made into ice. The ice tray is inverted after the ice making so that ice cubes are removed from the ice tray. An outlet is directed to the underside of the ice tray so that the chilled air from the outlet flows along the underside of the ice tray. As a result, the water at the bottom side of the ice tray is first made into ice, thereby providing opaque ice cubes. A thermistor for determining completion of the ice making senses the temperature of the upper portion of the ice tray where the water is last made into ice.

Abstract: The control system comprises at least one common hardware section (1) for all anticipated applications, consisting essentially of a control keyboard card (2), a display card (3) and a logic card (5), including a microprocessor (6), a non-volatile memory (7), at least one thermometer probe (4), and a control relay unit (10) for the different working parts of the machine under control, and software for the said microprocessor (6), varying as a function of the intended application of the hardware section (1).

Abstract: An automatic ice maker in an ice making compartment of a refrigerator includes an ice tray placed in the ice making compartment, a temperature sensing element for sensing the temperture of the ice tray, an ice removing driver for driving the ice tray so that ice is removed from it, and a controller for controlling the ice removing driver. The controller initiates one or more timing operations when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element falls to or below one of a plurality of set temperatures. When one of these timing operations runs to completion, the system determines that the ice making operation has been completed. The time period corresponding to each set temperature decreases with decreasing set temperatures.

Abstract: A coolant circuit, for example of a refrigerator or freezer unit, includes a coolant source at a very low temperature. A finger-type chilling member is thermoconductively connected to the coolant source and is adapted to be positioned within a tank containing water that is flowed to wash around the member. Thereby, the water freezes on the member in the form of a clear ice piece. A heating device is connected to the member to selectively heat the member to detach therefrom the ice piece formed thereon. A thermal barrier is connected to the member at a position to separate the heating device and that portion of the member on which the ice piece is formed from the coolant source. The thermal barrier thus limits cooling of the member by the coolant source and also limits transfer of heat from the heating device to the coolant source.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a refrigeration means having ice making chambers and repeats ice making cycles that involve refrigeration processes to freeze water supplied in the ice making chambers and ice releasing processes to release the ice. These processes are controlled by means of sensors which measure thermal conditions of the apparatus such as condensation temperature and condensation pressure of a refrigerant, and the temperature of the refrigeration means. The control system stores and updates the times required for refrigeration process and ice releasing process under normal sensor conditions and, based on these data, permits the apparatus to make ice even under sensor malfunction that occurred during an ice making cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic ice making machine having an ice making section with an evaporator connected to a freezing system, a water feed system, an ice releasing unit, and a temperature detector which detects the temperature of the water to be frozen circulated through the water feed system; characterized in that said ice making machine further comprises a protection unit which stops the ice making operation after a predetermined time counted from the starting point of the ice releasing operation, if the temperature of the water to be frozen does not drop below a predetermined level. The automatic ice making machine may have a water level detector for detecting the level of water in a water tank instead of the temperature detector, and a protection unit which stops the ice making operation when the level of the water in the tank of the water feed system does not drop below the predetermined level within a predetermined time counted from the starting point of the ice making operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing ice creams, wherein a freezing cylinder is constituted such that a liquid mix supplied from a mix tank is stirred in a stirring apparatus that is installed in the inside of the freezing cylinder, and refrigerated so as to complete ice creams, any amount of which can be dispensed through a dispensing port. For the cleaning and sterilization of the inside of the cylinder, the inside is heated by reversing the flow of heat media which are to be circulated through the refrigerating part of the cylinder to dissolve and automatically withdraw the ice creams in the cylinder, then cleaned several times by supplying and discharging hot water, to and from the inside, and after that sterilized by supplying hot water to the inside, and discharging the water from it.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in freezing compartments of refrigerators and freezers provides a thermal cut-out or fuse to prevent damage in the event of overtemperature conditions. The thermal fuse is located in a closed compartment where it cannot be accidentally damaged or moved. A leaf spring provides an end engaging the thermal fuse to reliably hold the thermal fuse in good heat exchange relationship with the mold in which the ice cubes are formed. The ice maker also provides an improved mounting structure permitting support fasteners to be partially threaded into the wall of the freezer compartment before the ice maker is moved to its mounted position.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having an auger mounted for rotary movement within an evaporator housing to which water is supplied from a water tank to cause ice crystals to form on the internal freezing surface of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having an auger mounted for rotary movement within an evaporator housing to which water is supplied form a water tank to cause ice crystals to form on the internal freezing surface of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marinecraft refrigeration and delivery ice product system having means for the delivery of ice product to remote vertical and horizontal locations in the marinecraft.

Abstract: An ice making machine of the type in which an ice mold is refrigerated and water recirculated from a water receiver over the refrigerated ice mold and back to the water receiver during an ice making cycle, to freeze ice forms on the ice mold, and the ice mold is heated and water recirculation stopped during an ice harvest cycle, to release the ice forms from the ice mold. A temperature sensor senses when the water temperature in the receiver initially drops during an ice making cycle to about water freezing temperature and operates a water supply valve to supply additional water to the receiver to prevent the formation of ice slush in the water recirculation system. The amount of water added to the receiver during an ice making cycle is preferably controlled by volume. The amount of water added during the ice making cycle can also be controlled by temperature of the water in the receiver or by timing the addition of water to the receiver.

Abstract: An ice maker includes an interior volume containing a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The freezer compartment houses an automatic ice making unit, including an ice mold, a water solenoid valve for admitting water into the ice mold, and a first thermistor attached to the ice mold. A second thermistor is disposed in the fresh food compartment. A microprocessor based control unit monitors the first and second thermistors to determine when to initiate ice harvest cycles. Ice harvest cycles are delayed, if necessary, to maintain the fresh food compartment below a setpoint temperature. The control unit also includes sensing means for determining if the water solenoid valve is energized. The solenoid is monitored, and if it remains energized for a prolonged period, then power to the automatic ice making unit is removed to prevent excessive water spillage.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing ice creams, wherein a freezing cylinder is constituted such that a liquid mix supplied from a mix tank is stirred in a stirring apparatus that is installed in the inside of the freezing cylinder, and refrigerated so as to complete ice creams, any amount of which can be dispensed through a dispensing port. For the cleaning and sterilization of the inside of the cylinder, the inside is heated by reversing the flow of heat media which are to be circulated through the refrigerating part of the cylinder to dissolve and automatically withdraw the ice creams in the cylinder, then cleaned several times by supplying and discharging hot water, to and from the inside, and after that sterilized by supplying hot water to the inside, and discharging the water from it.

Abstract: Water is pumped from a container to a refrigerator ice maker and/or chilled water unit. The apparatus for transferring the water includes a motor operated pump, and the motor includes a pair of switches in series for turning the motor off. The switches include a pressure switch actuated from water pressure in the pumped water line and a switch to indicate when the water level in the container is at or below a certain, predetermined minimum. A check valve is in the pumped water line between the pump and the pressure switch to prevent loss of pressure in the line due to the bleeding of pressure through the pump that could otherwise cause the pump to start pumping water when there was no demand for it from the refrigerator.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker for household refrigerator/freezers includes a mold in which water is frozen to form ice cubes which are then ejected from the mold into an ice bin. An electric heater is provided to heat the mold after the water is frozen to release the cubes for ejection. Electrical power is provided through power leads to energize the heater when the ice is frozen; and the power is subsequently interrupted after the mold heats up to a predetermined level to release the ice cubes for ejection. A heat responsive fuse is positioned as a safety protection in-line in one of the power leads to interrupt electrical power to the heater upon the occurrence of an overtemperature condition to prevent damage to the ice maker and to the refrigerator/freezer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice making machine including an ice making water tank adapted to supply ice making water in circulation to an ice making section during the ice making cycle, a harvesting water tank adapted to supply harvesting water to the ice making section during the harvesting cycle, a compressor adapted to supply refrigerant gas to an evaporator tube of the ice making section, a float switch provided to the harvesting water tank and adapted to sense the upper water limit of the harvesting water, a water feed valve adapted to supply water to the harvesting water tank, and a control circuit having a relay for sensing that the machine is in the ice making cycle, the circuit being connected to the float switch and to the water feed valve for controlling the operation thereof. The water feed valve is open only when an AND output signal of the relay and the float switch is issued.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus utilizes a single thermostat for energizing and de-energizing a mold heater which is utilized to free ice bodies from a mold. The thermostat has a narrow operating range so that the heater is de-energized substantially immediately after the ice body is free from the mold to enable harvesting of the ice bodies to be completed in a single revolution of an ejector blade. The short time during which the heater is on allows a subsequent freezing cycle to be completed faster and the single revolution permits the harvesting cycle to be completed faster in order to increase ice production of the ice maker.

Abstract: An ice maker is provided with a safety control for preventing overheating of a mold. The mold is thermally coupled to a thermostat having a switch used for de-energizing a defrost heater which melts frost away from an evaporator. The ice maker is electrically connected with a switch of the defrost thermostat switch so that when the defrost thermostat senses the preselected high temperature of the mold, the ice maker is de-energized to prevent overheating of the mold.

Abstract: An improved microprocessor controller program, for soft ice cream manufacturing machines and the like, for maintaining the quality of the frozen product during times of low usage, when such products have a tendency to "age" in both consistency and flavor. The controller keeps track of the quantity of product served during a given base period, and reduces the serving temperature of the product a preselected amount each time a given quantity has not been served therein. The serving temperature is reset to the desired serving temperature whenever said given quantity has been served, thereby avoiding the quality problem which could arise if said given quantity were served at the beginning of one base period but not until the very end of the following base period, thus allowing nearly two base period to elapse without a desired reduction in temperature.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in freezing compartments of refrigerators and freezers provides a thermal cut-out or fuse to prevent damage in the event of overtemperature conditions. The thermal fuse is located in a closed compartment where it cannot be accidentally damaged or moved. A leaf spring provides an end engaging the thermal fuse to reliably hold the thermal fuse in good heat exchange relationship with the mold in which the ice cubes are formed. The ice maker also provides an improved mounting structure permitting support fasteners to be partially threaded into the wall of the freezer compartment before the ice maker is moved to its mounted position.