Abstract: A method of cleaning an evaporator of an ice maker can include activating a switch of the ice maker in a first manual intervention of an overall cleaning procedure to initiate the overall cleaning procedure; sounding an audible alarm to alert a user that a second manual intervention is required; pouring a cleaning fluid into a tank of the evaporator case in the second manual intervention; automatically initiating and completing one of a cleaning stage and a sanitizing stage upon completion of the second manual intervention, automatically initiating the one of the cleaning stage and the sanitizing stage including operating a cleaning valve of a water circuit of the ice maker by a main controller of the ice maker; and automatically initiating and completing a rinsing stage.

Abstract: An ice machine includes: an ice maker including: an ultrasonic bin sensor mounted to a body; and a controller in electrical communication with the ultrasonic bin sensor and configured to control the ultrasonic bin sensor; and a storage bin coupled to the ice maker and sized to receive a mound of ice, a lens of the ultrasonic bin sensor facing a bottom of an interior cavity of the storage bin, the controller configured to process a return signal of the ultrasonic bin sensor to control a level of ice stored inside the storage bin, the controller further configured to apply a predetermined time delay to filter out a portion of the return signal that exceeds a threshold voltage but does not exceed the time delay.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a dry compartment and a wet compartment adjacent to the dry compartment and including: an evaporator case sized to receive an evaporator, the evaporator case including: a plurality of interior panels joined to each other with snap-fit joints, each of the snap-fit joints including a tab and defining a slot, each of a plurality of seams formed between the interior panels defining a foam-tight seal and a water-tight seal; and a plurality of exterior panels, each of the plurality of exterior panels joined to a mating interior panel of the plurality of interior panels with slide joints, wherein the evaporator case is integrally insulated with blown foam insulation positioned between each of the plurality of exterior panels and a corresponding interior panel.

Abstract: An ice machine includes: an ice maker including: an ultrasonic bin sensor mounted to a body; and a controller in electrical communication with the ultrasonic bin sensor and configured to control the ultrasonic bin sensor; and a storage bin coupled to the ice maker and sized to receive a mound of ice, a lens of the ultrasonic bin sensor facing a bottom of an interior cavity of the storage bin, the controller configured to process a return signal of the ultrasonic bin sensor to control a level of ice stored inside the storage bin, the controller further configured to apply a predetermined time delay to filter out a portion of the return signal that exceeds a threshold voltage but does not exceed the time delay.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an evaporator includes: forming a length of tubing into a serpentine path, the length of tubing forming a tubing coil; forming a first evaporator plate; forming a second evaporator plate; positioning the tubing coil between the first evaporator plate and the second evaporator plate; bringing the first evaporator plate, the second evaporator plate, and the tubing coil into contact with each other; and forming a plurality of dimples in each of the first evaporator plate and the second evaporator plate, thereby at least partially crushing the tubing coil at a position of each of the plurality of dimples, a surface of each of the dimples contacting the tubing coil.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a refrigerant conduit; and front and rear plates sandwiching the refrigerant conduit, each of the front and rear plates including: a plurality of ice forming columns; a set of first protrusions and a set of second protrusions defined therein, each first protrusion on the front plate and a corresponding first protrusion on the rear plate defining a respective active cavity and each second protrusion on the front plate and a corresponding second protrusion on the rear plate defining a respective passive cavity, the refrigerant conduit extending through each of the active cavities but not any of the passive cavities; and inner flat portions of the front plate and the rear plate facing each other to define respective spaced portions, wherein the active cavities and passive cavities are interspersed and separated by respective inner flat portions so as to define a plurality of ice forming sites.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a refrigerant conduit sandwiched between front and rear plates. The front plate has inner flat portions, each of which is spaced from a respective inner flat portion of the rear plate to define a respective spaced portion. The front and rear plates further include a set of first protrusions and a set of second protrusions. Each first protrusion on the front plate faces a respective first protrusion on the rear plate to define a respective active cavity. Each second protrusion on the front plate faces a respective second protrusion on the rear plate to define a respective passive cavity. The refrigerant conduit extends through each of the active cavities but does not extend through any of the passive cavities. The location of the active and passive cavities are interspersed and separated by respective inner flat portions so as to define a plurality of ice forming sites.

Abstract: An evaporator plate made of a metal plate having a plurality of shaped dimples thereon, the dimples each being defined by a pair of opposing pyramid shaped end faces and a pair of trapezoidal shaped left and right side faces adjoining the pair of pyramid shaped end faces. An evaporator assembly comprising first and second evaporator plates and tubing arranged in a serpentine path sandwiched therebetween, each plate including a plurality of parallel fins extending from a first surface, a pair of end flanges parallel to the fins, and a plurality of the shaped dimples. A tool for making the plate and a method of making the assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a storage container; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and at least partially separated from the upper portion by the cooling table section defining a plenum defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to circulate air to the cooling table section.

Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide an ice storage bin control sensor and housing. In one embodiment, an ice storage bin can be provided. The ice storage bin can include at least one wall, an ice control sensor, and a housing section. The housing section can include an inner wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. The housing section can also include an outer wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. In addition, the housing section can include a cavity operable to receive the ice control sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for guiding and supporting an evaporator structure with respect to a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a system can include a guide rail adapted to mount to a housing associated with a refrigeration unit, and a guide support adapted to mount to an evaporator structure, wherein the guide support can be aligned with the guide rail, and the guide support can maintain close proximity to the guide rail when the evaporator structure is moved adjacent to the refrigeration unit. In other embodiments, associated methods of use and installation for the system can be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for providing a removable sliding access door for an ice storage bin. In one embodiment, an access door is provided for use with a storage bin. The access door can include protrusions that engage corresponding recesses on tracks located adjacent to an access opening of the storage bin. The sliding access door can permit a user to access or view the contents of storage bin, and can be easily removed from the storage bin without the use of tools.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging in an ice storage bin. In one embodiment, a storage bin for ice with an apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging within the ice storage bin is provided. The apparatus can include a probe hole positioned above an access door and opening, and also above an internal baffle. The probe hole can be sized to receive a probe used to break up bridges or clumps of ice within the ice storage bin.

Abstract: An under the counter ice making machine having a top opposite a bottom, a front opposite a back, and two sides that collectively define an interior. A casing defines exterior-most surfaces of the ice machine. An ice bin is mounted inside the casing of the device, wherein a compressor is mounted inside the ice machine and below the ice bin and an evaporator assembly is mounted inside the casing and above the ice bin. A gear motor is operably connected to the evaporator assembly and is also mounted above the ice bin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for guiding and supporting an evaporator structure with respect to a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a system can include a guide rail adapted to mount to a housing associated with a refrigeration unit, and a guide support adapted to mount to an evaporator structure, wherein the guide support can be aligned with the guide rail, and the guide support can maintain close proximity to the guide rail when the evaporator structure is moved adjacent to the refrigeration unit. In other embodiments, associated methods of use and installation for the system can be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide an ice storage bin control sensor and housing. In one embodiment, an ice storage bin can be provided. The ice storage bin can include at least one wall, an ice control sensor, and a housing section. The housing section can include an inner wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. The housing section can also include an outer wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. In addition, the housing section can include a cavity operable to receive the ice control sensor.