Abstract: The ice maker for refrigerator and driving method thereof disclosed herein have advantages over a full ice level detection method using mechanical device in that an ice height can be more accurately detected by a detection signal reflected from ice, wherein an ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the ice to sense the height of ice in the ice storage bin using the reflected ultrasonic signal, enabling to precisely detect the ice height, prevent the overflow of ice, prolong the life and prevent the failure of the ice maker for refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator with an icemaker (100) is disclosed, having an improved structure for supplying ice to a user of the outside through a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25), which includes a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25); an icemaker (100) for making ice by using a cool air of a freezer; a container (200) for receiving and storing the ice discharged from the icemaker; and a lifter (300) provided between the dispenser and the container, for lifting the ice stored in the container to the dispenser.

Abstract: A packable ice level sensing architecture, mounted on an ice maker, for detecting an ice amount of the ice maker is disclosed. The packable ice level sensing architecture includes a sensing component and a limit structure linked to the sensing component. The sensing component is mounted at one side of the ice maker through a pivot, wherein the sensing component is foldable toward the ice maker through taking the pivot as an axle, so that the sensing component can have a sensing position and a packed position corresponding to the ice maker. The limit structure has a limit component linked to the pivot for limiting the sensing component at the sensing position or the packed position, and the sensing component can produce a pulling stroke, corresponding to the ice maker, for releasing a limiting relationship between the limit component and the pivot.

Abstract: The dispenser includes a bottle connector 5 for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed on an inverted bottle 3, and a water path 6 conducts liquid from the bottle to a reservoir 7 via an optional water pump 41. The reservoir 7 is received in a thermal receptacle incorporating an evaporator plate 13 for producing ice within a bottom chamber 103 of the reservoir. The evaporator plate incorporates an electrical heating element 105 for periodically freeing the ice which enters an upper inlet chamber 100 and an ice chamber 101 separated by a baffle. Optical sensors A, B and C control ice generation. Ambient water entering the inlet chamber 100 is cooled to a temperature as low as 4° C. The chilled water then enters the ice chamber 101, from which ice-cold water can be dispensed close to zero ° C. A diverter flap 112 allows the inlet chamber 100 to continue receiving ice when the ice chamber 101 is full.

Abstract: An ice making device and a refrigerator having the ice making device include an ice making tray having ice making grooves opened at upper sides thereof to receive water and a cool air flow channel disposed below the ice making grooves and along which cool air flows. Cool air is uniformly supplied from one side to the other side of the ice making tray along the cool air flow channel, and therefore, the ice making process is completed in a reduced time.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting a level and quality of ice cubes in an ice cube storage bin. The sensing system employs a digital image capture device that is coupled to a digital image analyzing system which scans digital images of the ice cube storage bin captured by the digital image capture device to determine a level of ice cubes in the ice cube storage bin. Digital images of the ice cubes are contrasted against a reference image which provides a point of comparison for determining the level of ice cubes in the ice cube storage bin and controlling ice production cycles of the ice maker. The sensing system also analyzes edge portions of the ice cubes to determine ice cube quality.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus is provided. When an ice full detecting arm is not returned to an initial position by being caught on ice filled in the ice bank, it is determined that the ice bank is fully filled with the ice. Since the ice full detecting arm does not rotate when it is caught by the ice of the ice bank, the damage of the ice full detecting arm can be prevented.

Abstract: An ice-making machine that includes an evaporator and a simple control system, with a single switch, that initiates a harvest cycle by determining a flow rate of water out of the evaporator. The evaporator is a coiled in a flat, space-saving spiral.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice dispenser, a discharge chute, and a cover for the discharge chute. A flat portion of the cover conforms to the discharge chute, the flat portion being flexible to a flexed position to actuate a switch and thereby operate the ice dispenser such that ice is discharged into the discharge chute.

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: An ice supplier includes an ice maker configured to make ice, a case configured to store ice made by the ice maker, a sensing unit configured to sense a quantity of ice stored in the case, and a controller configured to control the ice maker according to a result of sensing from the sensing unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator including an ice making device to make ice and a control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes the ice making device to make ice, and an ice reservoir disposed below the ice making device to receive the ice made by the ice making device. The ice making device includes an ice-full state sensing lever installed, in a vertically pivotally rotatable manner, at one side thereof to sense whether or not the ice reservoir is full of ice, and a lever cover to cover a side surface of the ice-full state sensing lever. With the use of the lever cover, even if the ice is caught between a wall surface of an ice making compartment and the ice making device, the ice is caught between the wall surface of the ice making compartment and the lever cover. This has the effect of assuring a stable operation of the ice-full state sensing lever.

Abstract: An ice harvesting prevention mechanism, including an actuator, is provided for an ice maker. The ice maker is arranged to make, harvest and dispense ice to an ice bucket located in an ice receiving position. An ice harvesting prevention device is arranged to prevent dispensing of ice in a first position of the actuator and to permit dispensing of ice in a second position of the actuator. The ice bucket itself, or a movable button carried on the ice bucket, may engage the actuator, when the ice bucket is placed in the ice receiving position, to move the actuator from the first position to the second position. The button may be moved to an “off” position to prevent engagement with the actuator, thereby preventing dispensing of ice when the ice bucket is in the ice receiving position.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

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: A clear ice maker unit has a clear ice maker mechanism with a cascading water evaporator configured to make clear ice during ice making cycles. A controller uses fuzzy logic to control the clear ice maker and determine whether to initiate a next ice making cycle based on input signals from a thermistor in the ice storage bin. The controller will prevent initiation of an ice making cycle when the ice bin is at or below a threshold temperature. The controller will also prohibit ice making when the ice bin is at or below a second, slightly higher temperature for more than a prescribed period of time. In this way, the clear ice maker can recognize an uneven distribution of ice and maintain an optimal amount of ice in the bin.

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

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

Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking 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 icemaking 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 icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking 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.

Abstract: A system for cooling gas heated by passing the gas over heat-producing equipment to cool the equipment comprises a heat exchanger including a first heat transfer mechanism configured to transfer heat from the heated gas to a first coolant, and a first condensing module connected for fluid communication with the heat exchanger and including second and third heat transfer mechanisms, the first condensing module being configured to transfer heat through the second and third heat transfer mechanisms from the first coolant to second and third coolants in the second and third heat transfer mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: A refrigerator icemaker assembly includes a bin having a bottom wall, as well as first and second pairs of opposing side walls. One of the first pair of opposing side walls includes an opening within which is movably mounted a coupler. The coupler is provided with a recessed portion having formed therein an aperture and a cog member. An auger is rotatably mounted in the bin and includes a first end portion that extends through the aperture of the coupler. A drive member extends into the coupler and drives the auger in a first direction to dispense ice cubes and in a second direction to dispense crushed ice. The driver engages with the cog member when being rotated in the first direction and directly engages the first end of the auger when being driven in the second direction.

Abstract: An ice making system for a refrigerator comprises: an ice maker body; an ejector rotatably coupled to the ice maker body, for dropping ice pieces made by the ice maker body; an ice bank drawably disposed below the ice maker body, for storing the ice pieces dropped by the ejector; an ice sensing lever for sensing an amount of the ice pieces stored in the ice bank; a lever holding unit for elastically supporting and coupling the ice sensing lever so that the ice sensing lever may move within a predetermined range when an external force is applied to the ice sensing lever; and a driving force transmitting unit for transmitting a rotation force received from the ejector to the lever holding unit thereby rotating the lever holding unit.

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

Abstract: An ice-full state sensing device for an ice making apparatus is provided. A panel disposed at a side of an ice maker to support components. An ejection unit includes an ejector supported by the panel to eject ice made by the ice maker. A driving unit rotates the ejection unit clockwise or counterclockwise within a predetermined angle range. A link unit operates in relation to the ejection unit. An ice-full state sensing lever is connected to an end portion of the link unit to sense an ice-full state of an ice bank during a vertical movement thereof by the link unit. Accordingly, the device can perform an ice-full state sensing operation in a narrow space, and the apparatus can be installed in a narrow space.

Abstract: An ice making machine composed of a water tank for storing an amount of ice making water, an upright ice making plate arranged above the water tank, and a water sprinkler located immediately above the ice making plate to spray ice making water supplied from the water tank to the ice making plate so that the ice making water falls along the ice making plate, in which the ice making water sprayed to the ice making plate during operation at an ice making mode is frozen and formed into ice cubes in the course of falling along the ice making plate.

Abstract: The automatic ice making device includes ice sensor for detecting ice-making in ice chill tray, heater for heating ice to separate the ice from ice chill tray, motor rotating discharging member for discharging ice from ice chill tray, position detecting switch for detecting rotating position of discharging member, ice storage amount detecting switch for detecting overs and shorts of discharged and stored ice, water supply valve for supplying water to ice chill tray, and controller for controlling electric conduction to heater and motor. When power supply to controller is once interrupted and re-started, ice storage amount detecting switch detects shortage of ice so as to hold motor not to drive until ice sensor detects temperature below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator/freezer having a control module for more reliably driving a rotatable ice ejector for removing ice bodies from a mold of the ice maker and for refilling mold cavities with water. The control module has an ice ejector drive with a drive coupling that includes a gear wheel and an ejector shaft section, both made of hard plastic material, preferably a polymide resin, for transmitting higher torque to the rotary ice ejector without failure of the plastic drive components. In one embodiment, a drive sleeve on the gear wheel and a drive shaft section have a spline coupling for more effectively distributing driving forces in the drive coupling. In another embodiment, a metallic collar is tightly positioned over the gear wheel sleeve for enhancing torque transmission in the drive coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed are a full ice level sensing apparatus and method in which a full ice level of ice cubes in an ice bank is sensed by means of upward and downward movements of an elevating member, thereby minimizing an operational area of the elevating member required to sense the full ice level and increasing an effective volume of a freezing chamber. The full ice level sensing apparatus includes an elevating member disposed so as to rectilinearly move up and down into the ice bank, elevating means for rectilinearly moving the elevating member upward and downward, and sensing means for sensing whether or not the ice bank is at the full ice level based on the position of the elevating member.

Abstract: Icemaker in a refrigerator for making ice automatically is disclosed. The icemaker in includes an ice tray provided to a door on the refrigerator for holding water, an ejector fitted adjacent to the ice tray so as to be rotatable by a motor for ejecting ice from the ice tray, means for detecting a rotation angle of the ejector, and a control part for controlling a rotation direction of the ejector based on information detected at the means.

Abstract: An ice maker is capable of efficiently making and removing ice cubes. The ice maker includes first and second pulleys which are installed to be spaced apart from each other. A drive unit rotates the first and second pulleys. An ice making conveyor is wrapped around the first and second pulleys, and has a plurality of ice making parts which are concavely formed to contain water therein. An ice storage tray is provided under the ice making conveyor to store ice cubes dropping from the ice making parts. An ice level sensing unit functions to sense a level of the ice cubes stored in the ice storage tray, thus shutting off electricity. When the level of the ice cubes stored in the ice storage tray exceeds a predetermined level, an operation of the ice maker is stopped, thus preventing an excessive number of ice cubes from being stored in the ice storage tray.

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

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment separated from the fresh food compartment by a mullion, a water dispenser coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, a user interface coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, and a controller operationally coupled to the water dispenser. The controller is configured to receive a signal representative of a user desired amount of water, and dispense an amount of water equal to the desired amount.

Abstract: A method includes using a turbine ratemeter in an appliance to meter delivery of a liquid.

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

Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.

Abstract: A pair of claw portions that may be elastically deformed are formed at both ends of a top surface of a base body of a detecting plate base. A circular arc portion and a switch holding portion are formed between the pair of claw portions. A recessed portion is formed on the lower surface side of the base body by the circular arc portion so that a detecting plate, which is mounted on the detecting plate base, may be rotated. A lead switch is attachably and detachably mounted on the switch holding portion. An apparatus for detecting an amount of stored ice is attachably and detachably fitted from the interior of the ice storing chamber to an opening portion formed in the top plate of the ice storing chamber by the claw portions of the detecting plate base.

Abstract: An ice maker is capable of efficiently making and removing ice cubes. The ice maker includes first and second pulleys which are installed to be spaced apart from each other. A drive unit rotates the first and second pulleys. An ice making conveyor is wrapped around the first and second pulleys, and has a plurality of ice making parts which are concavely formed to contain water therein. An ice storage tray is provided under the ice making conveyor to store ice cubes dropping from the ice making parts. An ice level sensing unit functions to sense a level of the ice cubes stored in the ice storage tray, thus shutting off electricity. When the level of the ice cubes stored in the ice storage tray exceeds a predetermined level, an operation of the ice maker is stopped, thus preventing an excessive number of ice cubes from being stored in the ice storage tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shifting a bail arm of an automatic ice maker upon repositioning an ice storage bin carried by a slidable freezer drawer or basket includes a wedge member arranged just above a rear wall of the bin, preferably between the bin and a rear wall of the basket. The wedge member defines a frontal wedge portion that generally tapers laterally and rearwardly from a wide section to a narrow section. As the bin is shifted out of the freezer compartment, the bail arm initially engages the wide section of the frontal wedge portion, then rides up the frontal wedge portion, and subsequently rides along an opposing, rear wedge portion of the wedge member. This action is reversed upon sliding the bin back into place beneath the ice maker to gently repositioned the bale arm over the ice bin.

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

Abstract: The device comprises a cabinet with atmosphere controlled by refrigeration and/or supply of an inert gas to prevent the deterioration of the foodstuffs. Present in the cabinet is an automatic storage unit with container means for containing the products. The latter are to be fed towards an automatic slicing machine which carries out controlled slicing both as regards the thickness of the slices and as regards the number of slices and the weight of the sliced product. Finally, a delivery unit makes it possible to dispense the products outside the cabinet. Operation of the device is controlled by a unit, which is accessible to the user from outside the cabinet. Said unit is preferably arranged for payment using different paying means.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly, including at least one support arm, a shelf arranged atop the support arm, a bin slidably mounted to the support arm beneath the shelf, and an ice maker unit adapted to develop ice to be stored in the bin, is adapted to be selectively, vertically adjustable within a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The entire ice maker assembly is preferably suspended from a pair of spaced, vertically extending support rails arranged on the back wall of the freezer compartment. The shelf preferably includes a transparent platform which visually exposes the bin.

Abstract: The invention is an ice maker fitted within the freezer compartment of a refrigerator attached to an existing water and electrical source, the ice maker controlled by a microcontroller. A metal ice tray with partially deformed cups in line on a common base are filled with water and which freezes to form ice cubes, the cups having a rod with small fingers to elevate the frozen ice from the cups. When the ice is ready for ejection, the microcontroller senses by a thermal sensor the programmed temperature causing the ejection sequence to commence, rotating the ice tray as the ice tray is heated to release the ice cubes from the tray, at which time the rods forcibly eject the ice cubes into a storage bin. An upright bail is then lowered into the ice bin to detect the level of ice, signaling the microcontroller to continue or discontinue ice production.

Abstract: An ice maker of a refrigerator includes: an ice making vessel having a plurality of cavities; an ejector for separating ice formed in the cavity from the ice making vessel and discharging the ice to a storage container; a driving unit for driving the ejector; a heater disposed at a lower side of the ice making vessel and heating the ice making vessel; a temperature sensor disposed at one side of the ice making vessel and sensing a temperature of the ice making vessel; a full ice detecting unit for generating an electric signal when the storage container is full of ice; and a control unit for receiving the electric signal outputted from the full ice detecting unit and the temperature sensor so as to control an operation of the driving unit and the heater, and turning on/off an input power supply according to the electric signal outputted from the full ice detecting unit.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shifting a bail arm of an automatic ice maker upon repositioning an ice storage bin carried by a slidable freezer drawer or basket includes a wedge member arranged just above a rear wall of the bin, preferably between the bin and a rear wall of the basket. The wedge member defines a frontal wedge portion that generally tapers laterally and rearwardly from a wide section to a narrow section. As the bin is shifted out of the freezer compartment, the bail arm initially engages the wide section of the frontal wedge portion, then rides up the frontal wedge portion, and subsequently rides along an opposing, rear wedge portion of the wedge member. This action is reversed upon sliding the bin back into place beneath the ice maker to gently repositioned the bale arm over the ice bin.

Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.

Abstract: A method of maximizing ice production in a refrigeration. The method includes monitoring a fill level of an ice storage bin and when the fill level is below a predetermined full level, energizing a water valve to dispense water into a mold, an alternate cooling routine is initiated comprising energizing an evaporator fan for a predetermined time period being equal to a time period necessary to freeze the water in the mold, controlling a temperature in a fresh food compartment by opening and closing an air door positioned in the air flow between the evaporator and the fresh food compartment, dispensing the ice from the mold to the storage bin upon a completion of the predetermined time period, and determining whether the storage bin is filled and if so, terminating the alternate cooling routine and if not, reenergizing the water valve and continuing the alternate cooling routine.

Abstract: An ice producing machine that has a cylindrical evaporator, a compressor that circulates refrigerant supplied to the evaporator, an auger that removes ice from the evaporator and an ice bin for holding the ice. Potential damage to the machine that might result from abnormal loading of the motor that drive the auger is prevented by monitoring the motor current and turning off the motor and compressor before abnormal loading can cause damage. False ice bin not full interpretations are avoided by setting the threshold of a light detector that senses whether the ice bin is full or not full to slightly less than the voltage developed by the light detector when subjected to ambient light only.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and access door. An icemaker is disposed in the freezer compartment. An upper hopper is disposed inside the freezer door below the icemaker, and includes a rotary auger and first and second ice ports below opposite ends thereof. A receptacle is disposed outside the freezer door below the upper hopper, and a lower hopper is disposed inside the freezer door below the receptacle. A chute joins the second port of the upper hopper to the lower hopper for storing ice cubes therein.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker for use in freezing compartments of the refrigerators. A planar stop arm is used as an ice cube detecting device for detecting a sufficient ice cubes stored in a bin arranged below a tray for making ice cubes. The stop arm can be swung between the bin for storing therein the ice cubes and the tray in order prevent the ice cubes stored in the bin from being molten by a head radiation from a heater provided on the tray.