Abstract: An apparatus, and a system for manufacturing a bioplastic material from a blend solution of gum arabica (GA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is provided. The apparatus includes a panel having a first end, a second end distal to the first end, and a plurality of walls extending from a periphery of the panel, the panel configured to accommodate the blend solution. The apparatus further includes a plurality of support members coupled to the first end and the second end of the panel and configured to adjust a slope angle of the panel; and one or more vibration generating units coupled to the plurality of support members and configured to vibrate the panel when the blend solution flows from the first end to the second end of the panel. A method of preparing the bioplastic material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a chamber, wherein a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The droplets then settle at the bottom of the chamber, wherein they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature, to form an ice/brine slush mixture. A slush removal mechanism with a screw-like helical blade is provided to continuously remove the ice particles from the chamber.

Abstract: A rotating air conditioner apparatus and method comprising an elongated shaft, whereby one or more of a condenser coil, an evaporator coil, and a compressor rotate around the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, balancing weights rotate with the shaft and are positioned to prevent uneven rotation of rotating air conditioner during operation. The evaporator and condenser contain a plurality of fins and/or fan blades and coils for refrigerant. Inlets and/or adjustably directed outlets on the evaporator and/or the condenser provide for circulation of air through the rotating air conditioner apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A door is pivotally coupled with the cabinet. A cooling system is disposed solely in the door and is in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The cooling system maintains a temperature of the refrigerator compartment at a different temperature than the freezer compartment.

Abstract: A novel control logic for an individual cube spray type ice machine. The duration of the freeze cycle is able to adapt to changes in inlet water temperature, changes in ambient air temperature, and the impact of warm temperatures of internal ice making parts within the ice machine due to off cycle periods. This is accomplished through a combination of starting a freeze time period only after the water temperature for the volume of water circulating over the evaporator has reached approximately 32° F., and a freeze time period value that is a function of the refrigerant temperature leaving the condenser at the time where the water reaches approximately 32° F.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water supply unit connected to a water supply passage to temporarily store the supplied water, thereby stably supplying water is disposed above an ice making apparatus. Also, since water having a reduced pressure is supplied into the ice making apparatus, the water may be stably supplied into the ice making apparatus.

Abstract: An ice display device includes a chill tube and a piston that slides within the chill tube providing a fluidtight seal against the interior. The tube is filled with water and cooled to form an ice column. A shutter may selectively close the upper end of the chill tube with a fluidtight seal while the ice column is formed. The tube is warmed and the piston is lifted to an upper end of the tube to display the ice column. A plurality of water nozzles may selectively discharge streams of high pressure water inwardly to sculpt the ice column. An armature may extend upwardly from the piston to support and cool an interior of the ice column. The tube and armature may be cooled and warmed by a thermal transfer fluid. A device may be provided to induce turbulence in the thermal transfer fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature.

Abstract: Provided is an ice maker that includes a mold including a plurality of cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces, a driver operatively connected to the mold for adjusting a position of the mold to a plurality of different locations during an ice making cycle, and a controller. A limit switch is located at a plurality of different positions along a range of travel of the mold to be actuated and transmit a signal indicative of the mold's arrival at the different locations. The mold can travel along path including first portion having a first axis of rotation and a substantially vertical portion, and can be driven by a motor with a drive shaft rotatable about a single axis of rotation. The motor can drive both the mold and a bail arm, and the mold can be leveled upon reaching a predetermined location. The ice maker can perform a Dry Cycle in response to detecting an anomaly during ice making.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.

Abstract: A liquid additive is sprayed over liquid nitrogen to form discrete solid particles of the additive in liquid nitrogen. The mixture of additive particles and liquid nitrogen is mixed with a flow of liquid nitrogen at an eductor pump to provide a food treatment composition comprising additive particles. The food treatment composition flows into an interior of food processing equipment to come into contact with food items contained therein.

Abstract: A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include an open frame member, rigid wear strips mounted in the open frame member at two sides, a sliding block having friction cylinders arranged in parallel at two opposite sides and respectively disposed in contact with the rigid wear strips and a cam wheel set formed of a first cam wheel and a second cam wheel and inserted through an axle bearing in sliding block for causing the sliding block to move back and forth in the open frame member.

Abstract: A method for producing clumped frozen food products includes the steps of forming a plurality of cryogenically manufactured ice cream units; conveying the units along a conveyor to a rotating container; disposing a liquid on the units while the units are within the rotating container, wherein the liquid hardens into a binder that facilitates fusion of individual units with one another to form a plurality of clumps, each of the clumps respectively comprising a plurality of fused units coupled with the binder. After forming into clumps, the clumps may be removed from the rotating container and stored in a frozen form.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a direct contact ice making system in conjunction with a circulating coolant. The ice making system includes a cold air loop including a plurality of fins to cool ambient air adjacent the cold air loop in the ice making system. The cooled air is passed by a fan assembly through a supply duct into an ice storage container or compartment to cool the area within the ice storage compartment, thus preventing ice cubes in the compartment from melting. The ice making system also includes a return duct for directing warm air from the ice storage compartment to the cold air loop for re-cooling and recirculation. The cold air loop may generally be a heat exchange zone for cooling the ambient air.

Abstract: A navigable vessel for use in reducing the intensity of a tropical cyclone having an eye located over an ocean comprises a plurality of artificial snow-making devices aboard the vessel, at least one pump coupled to the devices and accessible to a body of water in which the vessel is floating for supplying the devices with water for making artificial snow, and a power source coupled to the devices to operate the devices in concert for producing a substantially uninterrupted supply of artificial snow. The artificial snow-making devices have discharge nozzles oriented to project the artificial snow away from the vessel onto or above the water adjacent the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and devices for producing two-phase coolants such as an ice slurry. Also provided are methods for producing two-phase coolants, and methods for using the two-phase coolants to lower the temperature or maintain a low temperature in any subject, system, object, device, or application where particular low temperatures are desired. Also provided are systems for determining the cooling capacity of two-phase coolants.

Abstract: To restrict the deposition of stain on an ice making unit, and prevent damage to resin components or the like. The above problems are solved by the followings. Ice making water is supplied to the front surface of an ice making plate cooled by refrigerant supplied to an evaporation tube during an ice making cycle to produce ice blocks. During a deicing cycle, deicing water is supplied by opening a water feed valve WV to the rear surface of the ice making plate to be heated by hot gas supplied to the evaporation tube. When a water feed time has elapsed, the water feed valve WV is closed to temporarily stop deicing water supply. After the water feed time elapsed, a cycle, in which the water feed valve WV is opened as much as an intermittent water supply time every time an intermittent stopping time has elapsed to intermittently supply deicing water, is repeated until a deicing cycle completes.

Abstract: An ice display device includes a chill tube and a piston that slides within the chill tube providing a fluidtight seal against the interior. The tube is filled with water and cooled to form an ice column. A shutter may selectively close the upper end of the chill tube with a fluidtight seal while the ice column is formed. The tube is warmed and the piston is lifted to an upper end of the tube to display the ice column. A plurality of water nozzles may selectively discharge streams of high pressure water inwardly to sculpt the ice column. An armature may extend upwardly from the piston to support and cool an interior of the ice column. The tube and armature may be cooled and warmed by a thermal transfer fluid. A device may be provided to induce turbulence in the thermal transfer fluid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for the preparation of coloured ice cubes (100, 100?, 100?), comprising, a connection for a water supply (10), a heating means (20), which is connected thereto, an array of two or more colour recipients (50, 50?, 50?), at least one freezing means (70, 70?, 70?) for preparing coloured ice cubes (100, 100?, 100?), which is connected to at least one of the water outlets (54, 54?, 54?) of the colour recipients (50, 50?, 50?) and a cooling means (30), which is connected to the connection for the water supply (10) and to the freezing means (70, 70?, 70?). The invention further relates to a method for operating said apparatus.

Abstract: A method of operating an ice maker including accepting a desired ice layer thickness setting, opening a water supply inlet valve to admit water from a water supply inlet, cooling an ice forming surface below freezing, directing the admitted water into a water collecting device, sensing an admitted volume of water, closing the water supply inlet valve based upon the sensed volume of admitted water and the set desired ice layer thickness, pumping water from the water collecting device to the ice forming surface via a recirculating pump, directing unfrozen water from the ice forming surface back to the water collecting device, determining a level of water in the water collecting device with a level sensor, initiating an ice harvesting routine based on input from the level sensor, operating a drain flow control device to selectively discharge water from the water collecting device to a drain outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and storing ice on the sea using sub-zero cold air of the winter season, to achieve an earlier freezing period, and increasing the area and thickness of the ice layer, to suppress the melting of ice sheets and glaciers and suppress and overcome global warming as well as its side effects. The apparatus and method involve compressing cold air; injecting the compressed cold air into a storage tank; supercooling water using the injected cold air; forming an ice layer by misting the supercooled water into the sea; and increasing a thickness of the ice layer by additionally misting water onto the ice layer formed at water level.

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: A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.

Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by a motor. This permits the ice maker to have a reduced size, and occupy a small area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This arrangement prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber.

Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined depth into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker includes an elevating unit to elevate a portion of the ice, and a cutting unit to cut off the elevated portion of the ice to be dispensed as ice pieces to a user. The ice maker has a slim configuration, and a compact size. The ice maker may be provided in the door of the refrigerator at a height approximately the same as the height of the dispenser located at the front side of the door. This arrangement permits a path for supplying cool air from a freezing compartment to the ice maker to be decreased.

Abstract: An ice barrier and an ice making machine having an ice barrier is provided in some embodiments, wherein the ice barrier is movable between a first orientation in which liquid water from an ice-forming surface is directed into the liquid receptacle, and a second orientation in which the ice barrier blocks access of ice from the ice-forming surface to locations in which ice is trapped between the ice barrier and an adjacent surface. Also, a method of producing ice in an ice making machine is provided in some embodiments, wherein a barrier diverts a flow of liquid water received from the ice-forming surface away from an ice collection bin, and wherein the barrier is moved to an orientation in which the barrier diverts ice toward the ice collection bin and also blocks access of ice to positions trapped between the barrier and an adjacent surface.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration system. A duct, exposed to the freezer compartment, leads into the fresh food compartment. A damper is arranged within the duct to selectively allow the passage of cooling air into the fresh food compartment. The refrigerator also includes an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, a freezer mounted ice maker, a user interface having a plurality of control elements and a controller operatively associated with the user interface. The controller includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters for controlling various aspects or features of the refrigerator, including a temperature control mode, a super cool mode, a food saver mode and a quick ice mode, which can be synergistically combined to efficiently operate the refrigerator.

Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Various sized mineral water bottles that is generally available everywhere may be used as a water supply container. When water lack state occurs in a water supply process, a water supplement signal is outputted to allow a user to detect the water lack state, as well as, the user can quickly and easily replace the water supply container.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for preparing micron-sized or submicron-sized particles by dissolving a water soluble effective ingredient in one or more solvents; spraying or dripping droplets solvent such that the effective ingredient is exposed to a vapor-liquid interface of less than 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 200, 400 or 500 cm?1 area/volume to, e.g., increase protein stability; and contacting the droplet with a freezing surface that has a temperature differential of at least 30° C. between the droplet and the surface, wherein the surface freezes the droplet into a thin film with a thickness of less than 500 micrometers and a surface area to volume between 25 to 500 cm?1.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to frozen foods, for example, frozen desserts such as ice cream. One aspect of the invention is directed to carbonated frozen desserts and other carbonated frozen foods. Another aspect is directed to methods of making frozen foods, such as carbonated frozen desserts and other foods, as well as methods of freezing other fluids, such as water. A carbonated frozen dessert can be made, for example, by introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into dessert mix prior to freezing the dessert mix. Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to cooling dessert mixes and other food products by introducing a fluid, such as a refrigerant, into the dessert mix or food product that cools and/or freezes the dessert mix or food product. The fluid may also become incorporated into the frozen dessert or other food product. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to frozen foods, such as ice creams and similar frozen desserts, having smooth consistencies.

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 sensor 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: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a product in the form of deep-frozen granules, particles of beads having a high dissolved-gas content from a liquid, semi-liquid or paste-like matrix, that comprises two subsequent steps: a matrix gasification step that comprises the incorporation of gas at a pressure higher than 2 bars; and a quick deep-freezing step using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing a coffee-based liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer until desired and then reconstituted into a coffee beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm coffee-based beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker for f a refrigerator freezer door having an elongated mold including a first edge, a second edge and a fill trough extending along the second edge above the mold. The fill trough has at least one opening for water to flow into the mold from the fill trough. The fill trough has a first side wall extending above the mold, a bottom wall extending from the first side wall away from the mold and a second side wall spaced from the first side wall and extending upwardly from the bottom wall higher than the first side wall. The mold includes a first end wall and a second end wall that extends above the second edge. The fill trough and the second end wall direct water back into the mold when the insulated door is moved abruptly with water present in the mold.

Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has an improved water fill tube for the ice maker.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial snowmaking and specifically to the discovery that by introducing an effective amount of organo-modified polysiloxane material to the water being supplied to the snow guns, the quality of the snow thus made is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.

Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for making snow or a snow-like substance includes a container (12) having a cooling space (13) adapted to contain pressurized air or gas of above atmospheric pressure. At least one flexible walled vessel (14) extends through the cooling space (13) and is connectable to a water source. The apparatus (10) is operable to maintain the cooling space at a sufficiently low temperature to at least partially freeze the water within the flexible walled vessel (14). As a preferred feature of the snow making apparatus, the apparatus may be adapted to maintain a static pressure within the cooling space of the container (12) and to periodically and temporarily increase the pressure within the cooling space to compress the flexible walled vessel (14). Invention also resides in an apparatus (10) for making snow or a snow-like substance, the apparatus including at least one flexible walled vessel (14) connectable to a water source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice maker having a fan assembly. The ice maker 30 of the present invention comprises a main body 40 and a fan assembly 60 mounted to the main body 40 by means of resilient mounting hooks. A housing 62 defines an external appearance of the fan assembly 60, and comprises first and second housing portions 62a and 62b. The first and second housing portions 62a and 62b are provided with concavo-convex coupling portions 63 and 63? at positions corresponding to each other so that the housing portions can be provisionally assembled by coupling the concavo-convex coupling portions to each other. The interiors of the first and second housing 62a and 62b are partitioned by partition plates 64 to define a cold air flow passage 64f, and a discharge duct 66 is formed integrally to communicate with the cold air flow passage 64f.

Abstract: A method for generating a jet of dry ice particles, in which liquid carbon dioxide is expanded in an expansion space (12) in order to form dry ice particles which are then introduced into a flow of a carrier gas, and the discharge of the dry ice particles from the expansion space (16) is throttled by a constriction (20, 26; 28; 30; 32; 36; 38).

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitate lowering the temperature of a cooling module positioned in heat exchange relation to a loaded container to be maintained at a low temperature. The module establishes convective air flow in heat exchange relation to the load without the use of forced air circulation. The module is self-contained and externally accessible to supply water and liquid CO2 to the module interior. Expansion and change in state of the liquid CO2 lowers the temperature of a water ice and CO2 snow mixture in the module. By continuing inflow of CO2 after terminating inflow of water, the mixture can be cooled from about ?76° F. to about ?117° F. Convective air flow in heat exchange relation to the module walls circulates cooling air, thereby eliminating any direct contact of products with the liquid CO2 or CO2 snow formed by the expanding refrigerant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic ice maker which surely removes ice cubes from an ice-making unit and improves an ice-making efficiency. When the automatic ice maker starts a deicing operation, a hot gas is supplied to an evaporator and deicing water is supplied to the ice-making unit from a deicing water sprinkler to turn the frozen state at the frozen surfaces between the ice-making unit and ice cubes to a liquefaction state. When the deicing operation makes some progression and a temperature detecting unit detects that the temperature of the evaporator has reached a set temperature, a circulation pump is driven after elapse of the first set temperature to supply ice-making water to the ice-making unit from an ice-making sprinkler, promoting further separation of the ice cubes.

Abstract: A control system for an icemaker for an ice/beverage dispenser is responsive to both a sensed level of ice in an ice bin of the dispenser and to a customer ice usage profile to operate the icemaker at such times as to build ice for the ice bin just before and in sufficient time and quantity to meet an anticipated demand for ice. The control system may be programmed manually or automatically through use of adaptive algorithms, with ice usage patterns that identify the days and times of day when demands for ice will occur, and the control system then operates the icemaker in accordance with such ice usage patterns.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of the ice cups in which a condensation plate able to receive water spray for the formation of the ice elements is cooled for a predetermined period of time such as to cause freezing of the water and the subsequent formation of ice elements. When cooling is interrupted the plate is heated for a predetermined interval of time to permit detachment of the ice elements. Between the interruption of cooling and the start of heating the plate is subjected to a plurality of heating stages of increasing duration alternating with a plurality of cooling stage of decreasing duration.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of creating and preserving an outdoor frozen surface by covering a defined outdoor surface with a layer of white base paper after clearing debris, litter, and other objects from the defined surface which may present a hazardous condition on an ice surface. The layer of white base paper is saturated with water at near freezing or under freezing conditions to allow the water to freeze and hold the white base paper to the defined outdoor surface. Thereafter, water is continuously dispensed under freezing conditions to build up a predefined thickness ice layer on the defined outdoor surface.

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 sensor 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 controlled stream of droplets, including liquid droplets contained within an atomized or nebulized stream, are directed toward or onto a target. The target may be a measuring instrument, a gas or mixture of gases, or a solid, liquid, or slush surface. A particularly promising application of this invention is the generation and control of a high speed stream of small liquid droplets directed against a cryogenic surface resulting in very rapid freezing of the droplets. This rapid droplet freezing device would have numerous commercial, industrial, and research applications.

Abstract: In an ice making plate where a plurality of ice making regions are formed in the vertical direction, a projecting portion having a lateral width B smaller than a lateral width A of the ice making regions is formed between adjacent ice making regions. At least one non-projecting portion or area is defined at least one side of the projecting portion and located between adjacent ice making regions. Most of the ice growth is restricted by an upper surface portion and a lower surface portion of the projecting portion, and the ice is thereby partially prevented from connecting to the ice formed in the adjacent ice making region. However, a part of the ice grows in the at least one non-projecting portion or area, and partially connected ice is formed by the connection of the ice formed in the non-projecting portion or area to the ice grown in the adjacent ice making region. The partially connected ice is dropped as an integrated whole from the ice making plate.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.