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: 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: A simple and inexpensive hinge system or mechanism that may apply to the front panel or door so as to obtain an easy access to the inside without making the mechanism much more complicated or expensive. The hinge mechanism for a front panel or door is hingedly connected to an enclosure (or cabinet case) and comprises an axis (or shaft) and an axis supporting member having an opening that supports the axis at a first position for door swinging, at a second position for holding the door in a certain state, and at an intermediate position for the axis moving with or without any turning.

Abstract: Membrane switch is used to activate beverage and ice dispensing on a beverage/ice-dispensing machine. The switch is inexpensive and easy to clean and install. This switch is directly connected to a control board by a flat wire cable. An LED light can be mounted on switch to give feedback to the customer for current use status, low ice condition, or malfunction. Multi colored LEDs can be used to supply different conditions. The switch is simply mounted using an adhesively in an identically shaped indented portion on the front face of the molded housing.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry provides protection for refrigeration machines by continuously monitoring supply voltage conditions and various other conditions. Information regarding abnormalities detected in the refrigeration machines or supply voltage is stored in a memory. The stored information may then be downloaded from the memory by a service technician. The electronic circuitry is universal and can therefore be used with various refrigeration machines. Further, the efficiency of a low temperature storage cabinet is enhanced by cycling the evaporator motor in comparison to a compressor percentage run time. Other factors are also considered in the running of the reach-in cabinet evaporator fan.

Abstract: An ice guide that snap fits into a water tank of an ice making section of an ice manufacturing machine. The ice guide includes a lattice structure having a pair of substantially parallel first sides and substantially parallel second sides that are perpendicular to the first sides. The lattice structure defines an aperture in a center thereof and has a plurality of rows radiating from the center in an arcuate manner. Each row includes a plurality of spaced rails with each rail having a longitudinal axis directed toward the aperture. Also, a band bounds the rows, wherein the band at each of the first and second sides is positioned at a non-planar altitude higher relative to a horizontal plane passing through the center of the aperture to form a slope along which the dropped ice slides as the ice is directed into a storage bin below.

Abstract: An ice level detector includes a bracket, an actuator lever and a switch mechanism. The bracket extends along and laterally from a longitudinal axis. The actuator lever has a first arm member and a second arm member angularly attached to each other to form an elbow. The actuator lever is pivotally connected to the bracket at the elbow for pivotal movement about a pivot axis that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The first and second arm members extend away from each other relative to the elbow and downwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The switch mechanism is operative in conjunction with the bracket and first arm member for providing a first signal when the first arm member is disposed adjacent the switch mechanism at a first angle less than a threshold angle and a second signal different from the first signal when the first arm member is disposed apart from the switch mechanism at a second angle greater than the threshold angle.

Abstract: An ice making machine is provided which includes an ice making section; an ice discharge port connected to the ice making section for receiving ice made in the ice making section; an ice storage section for storing ice produced in the ice making section; an ice delivery chute interconnecting said ice discharge port the said ice storage section; and an ice storage level detecting apparatus including an ice storage level sensor disposed in the ice delivery chute proximate an outlet end of said ice delivery chute. An ice storage level detecting apparatus for an ice making machine is also provided which includes an ice storage level sensor, a housing to receive the ice level storage sensor, the housing adapted to be affixed within an ice delivery chute of an ice making machine at or adjacent an outlet of the ice delivery chute.

Abstract: An ice guide that snap fits into a water tank of an ice making section of an ice manufacturing machine. The ice guide includes a lattice structure having a pair of substantially parallel first sides and substantially parallel second sides that are perpendicular to the first sides. The lattice structure defines an aperture in a center thereof and has a plurality of rows radiating from the center in an arcuate manner. Each row includes a plurality of spaced rails with each rail having a longitudinal axis directed toward the aperture. Also, a band bounds the rows, wherein the band at each of the first and second sides is positioned at a non-planar altitude higher relative to a horizontal plane passing through the center of the aperture to form a slope along which the dropped ice slides as the ice is directed into a storage bin below.

Abstract: A water sprinkling apparatus for an ice making machine. The sprinkling apparatus includes a spray tube formed by two snap fit parts from which water flows over onto vertical evaporator plates in the ice making machine. The open top channel body permits the water to flow easily as well as having the apparatus cleaned in a simpler and more efficient manner. Furthermore, particle buildup as well as clogging of apertures is eliminated, thereby maintaining continuity of flow and simplifying maintenance.

Abstract: A water tank including a frusto-conical support hat portion and a tub portion. The tub portion having a support mound that includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section. The first section has a width larger than a width of the second section such that a ledge is formed between the first and second sections. The second section has a rectangular aperture formed therein that permits the manufactured ice to pass therethrough. The support hat portion has a support mound that has a width no larger than the width of the first section. An integral support system includes the support hat nestingly engaging the tub portion from a bottom portion of the tub portion to provide a central support for an ice guide placed on the water tank.

Abstract: A method of preparing a heat exchanger provides a first surface(s) for contacting a first fluid and a second surface(s) for contacting a second fluid in order to exchange heat between the first and second fluids. At least one of the first and second surfaces has been exposed to shot from a shot blast machine in order to create pits and bumps in that surface. The pits and bumps create a more efficient heat transfer between the fluids.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled appliance control system in which a compressor runtime is stored in a memory. If the runtime reaches a critical point an error message is displayed. The service technician can display this information by the monitor on the appliance, downloading it to a computer, relaying by modem, or any other conceivable way. The information displayed will go back in different intervals (runtime for day, week, and numbers of cycles). The memory eliminates the effect of defrost from the given compressor runtime.

Abstract: A foot pedal door opener device for use with a reach-in commercial cabinet, having a mounting bracket and retaining clip that allow the foot pedal to be mounted in a desired position for a left or right side opening door. The mounting bracket has at least two holes in a top portion of the bracket body to retrofit or mount the bracket to an outer surface of the cabinet. The retaining clip is configured to be aligned with either one of the holes of the bracket body. A connector passes through the retaining clip and corresponding hole of the bracket and penetrates the outer surface of the cabinet to secure the retaining clip to the bracket body and the mounting bracket to the cabinet. The pedal engages a rotating member that connects the pedal to the mounting bracket such that when a user depresses the pedal, the pedal rotates toward the user around the rotating member, whereby an engaging head of the pedal pushes the cabinet door open.

Abstract: A proximity ice level detector detects a full ice level state of ice made and dispensed by an ice maker into an ice bin and includes a proximity sensor and a controller. The proximity sensor is disposed in or adjacent the ice bin at the full ice level state of the ice in the ice bin. The controller is operative in conjunction with the proximity sensor and the ice maker for reading signals from the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor fails to detect the ice at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to make ice and dispense the ice into the ice bin. When the proximity sensor detects the ice at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to cease making ice. Another embodiment of the invention is a proximity detector assembly that includes the proximity sensor encased within a sleeve fabricated from a food-packaging grade plastic. A method for detecting a full ice level state of ice in the ice bin and a method for making ice from an ice maker are also described.

Abstract: An ice guide plate with a trapezoidal main body joined to a right triangular side plate by a joining plate. The joining plate has only two lateral water recovery slots in a lower section thereof. A pair of drip ridges are provided on the back of the joining plate as continuations of two reinforcing ribs of the main body and the side plate. A valley gutter slot is provided along the lower edge of the joining plates and extends up into the main body and the adjacent side plate as well.

Abstract: A water spraying apparatus for an ice making machine including an icing water sprayer having three spray tubes, a lateral header portion joining one end of each of the spray tubes together, and a pair of spray tube inlets connected to the lateral header portion. The spray tubes are spaced apart from and extend in parallel to each other. The bottom wall of each of the tubes has a plurality of water spray holes formed therein. The icing water sprayer is an integral one-piece structure. The spray tube inlets are symmetrically provided with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer and have water supply connection openings with central axes in parallel with the lateral axis and facing each other. The spray tube inlets are preferably formed as a tee joint having a stem joined to the first wall of the lateral header portion and two arms with one arm having the water supply connection opening and the other arm being closed.

Abstract: An ice cube dispenser for compressed ice flakes includes an ice cube source and an ice storage bin disposed adjacent the ice cube source. The ice storage bin has an arcuate bottom surface and at least two sides thereof. The arcuate contours are provided where the at least two sides join the arcuate bottom surface. An agitator is disposed within the ice storage bin wherein the agitator comprises a first ice agitator arm rotating on a shaft. The first ice agitator arm defines a radius when the shaft is rotated. The radius corresponds to a radius of the arcuate bottom surface and one of the arcuate contours of the ice storage bin. The first agitator arm has a shape which corresponds to a shape of the one of the arcuate contours between one of the at least two sides and the arcuate bottom surface.