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 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: 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: A system for protecting optical elements from moisture and/or ice build up when used in freezing environment, such as a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The system includes a hood or sleeve which can be assembled to an optical element such as a light emitting or receiving elements used in a freezer compartment. The sleeve acts to trap air about the optic element such that warm humid air does not readily move into contact with the optic element. Moreover, the warm, humid air that does flow toward the optic element may be cooled by the sleeve such that moisture condenses out of the air and onto the sleeve. A heater may be provided adjacent the sleeve for heating the sleeve if the optic element is impaired due to ice or moisture build up.

Abstract: An ice making device including a control system to regulate the dispensing of manufactured ice to a hopper for subsequent dispensing into a container such as a cup. The control system senses a low level of ice in the hopper and initiates a signal that is sent to a controller. The controller initiates a time delay that prevents discharge of ice from the ice making device to the hopper until a monitored variable about the ice meets a predetermined value. When the value is reached, additional ice is dispensed to the hopper. Such an ice making device has use in combination with a beverage dispensing device.

Abstract: An assembly for sensing a level of ice stored in a bin of an automatic ice maker includes a bale arm and a sensing member. The sensing member is rotatably attached to the bale arm for movement between multiple, varying height positions. The sensing member includes first, second and third portions, with the first portion including a first pair of spaced leg elements, the second portion of the sensing member including a second pair of spaced leg elements, and the third portion of the sensing member being constituted by a vortex leg portion which interconnects the second pair of spaced leg elements. The first leg elements include connecting portions which are snap-fittingly attached to the bale arm, while being biased into engagement with portions of the bale arm. At least one of the connecting portions is formed with detents into which a segment of bale arm projects in order to establish a selected one of the varying height positions.

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: The present invention is directed toward a control system for an ice making system. The ice making system includes an ice maker, and an ice storage bin for receiving ice pieces formed by the ice maker. The control system controls the ice maker and includes optic elements for emitting and receiving a beam of light directed across the upper portion of the bin. The control system senses when the ice maker is ready to harvest ice pieces and then directs a beam of light or light signal from a first side of the ice storage bin, across the bin toward a second side of the ice storage bin. The control system senses for the light signal at the second side of the ice storage bin and if ice pieces block the path of the light signal, the control system prevents ice harvesting from the ice maker. The optic elements of the control system include a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

Abstract: An ice making device including a control system to regulate the dispensing of manufactured ice to a hopper for subsequent dispensing into a container such as a cup. The control system senses a low level of ice in the hopper and initiates a signal that is sent to a controller. The controller initiates a time delay that prevents discharge of ice from the ice making device to the hopper until a monitored variable about the ice meets a predetermined value. When the value is reached, additional ice is dispensed to the hopper. Such an ice making device has use in combination with a beverage dispensing device.

Abstract: An ice level sensing system for use on a refrigerator including a freezer compartment having top wall, opposite side walls and an access opening. A door is provided for closing the access opening. An ice maker is disposed within the freezer compartment adjacent the top wall for forming ice pieces. An ice storage bin is removably mounted to the door below the ice maker for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker. An emitter element, supported on a side wall of the freezer, emits a beam of light across the upper portion of the bin. A receiver element, supported on a freezer side wall opposite the emitter element, receives the beam of light wherein beam of light travels between the emitter element and the receiver element along a line of sight path. A paddle is rotatably supported on a freezer side wall for blocking the line of sight when the door is open.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for loading pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) into a plurality of containers containing pressurized vapor, wherein the containers are loaded in succession. The containers may be onshore or onboard a ship or other ocean transporting vessel. As a first step, the liquefied gas is introduced into the containers, thereby discharging the vapor therefrom. Vapor discharged from the containers is passed to auxiliary storage tanks comprising a first tank and a second tank. Vapor from at least one of the tanks is withdrawn and passed to a vapor utilization means such as a liquefaction plant for liquefaction of the vapor or to an engine or turbine for use of the vapor as fuel. Fluid flow to and from the first and second tanks is regulated to assure that the total flow rate of vapor to the vapor utilization means remains at a relatively constant flow rate.

Abstract: An ice collection bin includes an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior chamber used to collect ice or other frozen particles. The level of frozen particles in the interior chamber is controlled by a level sensor assembly. Sensor pockets disposed in the bin protect the components of the level sensor assembly from damage that can occur in connection with the use of the ice collection bin to store frozen particles. An ice collection system is also provided, and includes the ice collection bin, a frozen particle making machine, an elevated frame that elevates the ice collection bin, and a cart for storing or transporting frozen particles.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet forming a freezer compartment having an access opening. A closure member is hingedly connected to the cabinet for closing the access opening and an ice maker is mounted on the closure member. An ice bucket or storage receptacle is mounted to the closure member below the ice maker. A support rail is provided along the inner surface of the closure member wherein the ice maker is vertically movable along the support rail. The ice maker has an ice level sensor and the amount of ice supplied to the ice bucket is controlled by the vertical position of the ice maker. The ice bucket is pivotably mounted to the closure member and can be pivoted between an orientation wherein the ice bucket is positioned adjacent the closure member substantially under the ice maker and an orientation wherein the ice bucket is pivoted away from the closure member. The ice bucket is a pitcher-like receptacle having a handle and is removable from the closure member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling of a refrigerator automatic ice machine is disclosed. A first detection plate is installed on another end of the rotation shaft of the ice transfer motor, for detecting an initial position of an ice tray, the ice-fullness of the ice box and rotation angle of the ice transfer motor. A second detection plate is installed on one end of the ice-fullness lever, for detecting the ice-fullness of the ice box. A pulse generator generates pulse trains by the combination of movements of the first and second detection plates according to the driving of the ice transfer motor. A controller generates a forward or a reverse rotation control signal according to the pulse trains provided from the pulse generator and provides the forward or the reverse rotation control signal to the motor driver.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet which defines a freezer compartment having an access opening and a closure member for closing the access opening. An ice maker is disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces. An ice storage bin is mounted to the closure member below the ice maker for receiving ice from the ice maker. An ice level sensing finger extends from the ice maker into the ice storage bin for sensing the level of ice within the storage bin. A lever is pivotably connected to the ice maker and biased toward the closure member for lifting the ice level sensing finger out of the ice storage bin when the closure member is opened. The lever further operates to prevent the dispensing of ice pieces when the closure member is open.

Abstract: A refrigerator which can supply water from a household water supply system into an ice tray, or alternatively, can supply water from a separate water tank into the ice tray. The refrigerator has a housing having a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber, and an evaporator chamber which is disposed at a rear portion of the freezing chamber, an ice tray disposed in the freezing chamber, a motor assembly for rotating the ice tray when a liquid filled in the ice tray is frozen, a valve box installed on an upper surface of the housing for receiving the liquid from a household water supply system or from a liquid tank, a fluid path for guiding the liquid from the valve box to the ice tray, a rotating fan assembly for detecting an amount of the liquid flowed into the ice tray, a solenoid valve assembly for adjusting the amount of the liquid being supplied into the ice tray, and an electric control unit for operating the solenoid valve assembly based on an electric signal inputted from the rotating fan assembly.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker of a refrigerator has a housing, an ice-making container for making an ice by freezing the water making contact with the housing, a motor for generating the driving force to drive the ice-making container, the motor being accommodated in the housing and having a rotating shaft, a power transmitting apparatus for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor to the ice-making container so that the ice-making container is overturned or is returned to an initial position, a first micro switch for sending a first signal to a control unit for reversing a driving direction of the motor by making contact with the power transmitting apparatus, a second micro switch for sending a second signal to the control unit for closing an electric power applied to the motor by making contact with the power transmitting apparatus, and a third micro switch for sensing whether or not an ice cube storage bin which is disposed below the ice-making container is fully filled up with ice, and for sending a

Abstract: Ice blocks are formed in multiple compartments of a board disposed at the bottom of a water-filled housing by a powered cooling chip having a cold interface attached to a cooling seat below the board and a hot interface attached to a heat radiating plate.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker adapted for use in a refrigerator includes an ice-making container rotatable between an upright ice-making position and an inverted ice-discharging position by a motor. A reservoir is disposed beneath the container to receive the discharged ice. The position of the container is determined by switches which are actuated by cams that rotate with the container. Signals from the switches are fed to a controller which stops and starts the motor and determines the direction of motor rotation. In order to prevent excessive overtravel of the container, e.g., in the case of switch malfunction, stops are provided which stop the rotation of the container independently of the controller.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker includes an ice-making tray rotatable between an upright ice-making position, and an inverted ice-discharging position. A container disposed beneath the tray receives the discharged ice. A cam wheel rotates with the tray and includes first and second cams that actuate first and second switches, respectively. A controller connected to the switches determines the position of the tray on the basis of the states of the switches. A lever detects whether the container is full of ice. When the container is full, the lever actuates the second switch in order to prevent further ice-making operations, regardless of the orientation of the first and second cams.

Abstract: An ice removal motor control circuit and method for an automatic ice maker is provided, which ice maker includes a load voltage detector for detecting a load voltage applied across an ice removal motor, a comparator for comparing the load voltage with a predetermined reference voltage, and a controller for outputting a control signal to an ice removal motor controller to stop operation of the ice removal motor when the load voltage is larger than the reference voltage. Thus, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to the ice removal motor, thereby protecting the ice removal motor and relevant elements from being damaged and further improving reliability of the automatic ice maker.

Abstract: An improved icemaker having a number of features, including: a dual-activated feeler bar switch which combines the motion of two cams to operate a single switch; an adjustable-duration water fill switch which is closed by rotating a connector between two contacts; switches mounted to make wiping contact so as to clean the contact area; a combination deflector which not only deflects ice removed by the ejector from the ice mold, but also supports and lifts a feeler bar to determine whether the ice storage bin is full; a clutch mounted between the motor and ejector bar to permit slip therebetween so as to avoid stalling the motor as the ejector bar presses upon ice in the mold; a manual start button for starting the motor, simplifying installation; and an anti-back mechanism in the icemaker drive train to prevent an installer from damaging the icemaker by rotating it backwards.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically controlling a solid product delivery mechanism for replenishing the level of solid products in a storage bin which receives and stores the solid products. A mechanical vibration in the storage bin is generated and sensed. Based on the sensed mechanical vibration, an electrical signal is generated and processed to obtain a level signal. The level signal is representative of the fill level of the storage bin. Finally, a control signal is generated based on the level signal to control the delivery of the solid products.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the level of ice in an ice storage container includes an emitter mounted within the ice storage container and a detector mounted directly opposite from the emitter. A pulse circuit drives the emitter such that it outputs a pulse train that triggers the detector. A receiver circuit outputs a signal responsive to the detection of the pulse train by the detector. A controller activates an ice maker responsive to the output of the receiver circuit.

Abstract: An ice maker is provided which ejects ice pieces into a storage receptacle disposed beneath the ice maker during an ice harvesting cycle. The ice maker includes a rotatable bail arm which initiates the ice harvesting cycle to supply the ice pieces to the receptacle and has a generally horizontal first portion which extends over the receptacle and a second portion which extends at an angle to the first portion. The ice maker also includes a molded plastic sensing element having a pair of spaced apart eyelets adapted to receive the first portion of said bail arm and pivotally support the sensing arm on the bail arm between a "high ice" position and a "low ice" position. The sensing element is pivoted between the "high ice" and "low ice" positions to adjust the level of the ice pieces which is maintained in the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved icemaker having a number of features, including: a dual-activated feeler bar switch which combines the motion of two cams to operate a single switch; an adjustable-duration water fill switch which is closed by rotating a connector between two contacts; switches mounted to make wiping contact so as to clean the contact area; a combination deflector which not only deflects ice removed by the ejector from the ice mold, but also supports and lifts a feeler bar to determine whether the ice storage bin is full; a clutch mounted between the motor and ejector bar to permit slip therebetween so as to avoid stalling the motor as the ejector bar presses upon ice in the mold; a manual start button for starting the motor, simplifying installation; and an anti-back mechanism in the icemaker drive train to prevent an installer from damaging the icemaker by rotating it backwards.

Abstract: A water cooler having a container with a reservoir for storing water has a thermoelectric module operable to cool a conductor plate and form ice in the reservoir. A temperature sensor connected to the plate senses the temperature of the plate and activates a timer when the temperature is below the temperature at which water freezes. The timer operates a selected period of time to allow a block of ice to be formed on the plate. A photoelectric sensor operable to sense a selected size of the block of ice functions to actuate a switching device that changes the polarity of the electric power supplied to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the plate to release the block of ice from the plate. The released block of ice floats in the water in the reservoir and cools the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an ice making machine by monitoring water level in a sump used for water recirculation over an evaporator plate. Self-diagnostic means are also provided for automatic shutdown upon detection of malfunction during various cycles.

Abstract: An ice level sensor includes three capacitive plates for sensing the level of ice cubes in an ice tray or ice bucket. The ice level sensor preferably includes a relay for turning off the ice maker when a particular ice level is reached. The three capacitive plates provide immunity to frost collection because frost will collect on all plates equally. Preferably, the capacitive sensor is positioned with one plate next to the ice bucket and two plates positioned above the ice bucket. Preferably, the ice sensor may be retrofitted to existing refrigerators by mounting the capacitor plates to the rear freezer wall, and connecting AC input wires to the ice maker through a relay in the capacitor sensor.

Abstract: A protective device for an auger type ice making machine having an auger type ice making mechanism the refrigeration housing of which is located adjacent an ice storage bin and provided thereon with an ice discharge casing forming a lateral discharge passage for discharging ice pieces into the storage bin through an upright delivery chute. The protective device is in the form of a spout switch assembly which is mounted on an upper wall of the ice discharge casing at a position laterally displaced from an upper end of the refrigeration housing to detect ice pieces filled in the ice discharge casing during operation of the ice making mechanism.

Abstract: An ice transport and dispensing system includes an ice maker for introducing ice into a remote ice storage bin and a plurality of ice dispensing stations that receive ice from the bin. Each dispensing station has an ice storage hopper, and at least one downwardly sloping ice delivery conduit extends between the bin and the hoppers for a flow of ice through the conduit from the bin to the dispensing stations solely under the influence of gravity. So that a single conduit can deliver ice to at least two dispensing stations, the conduit extends past one of the stations and leads to the other station and an ice diverter assembly is actuable to divert a flow of ice from the conduit to the one station. A control circuit monitors the level of ice in the hoppers of the dispensing stations and operates the system in a manner to maintain a supply of ice in each hopper.

Abstract: A food service counter of the ice storage type which includes an ice storage tank 20 arranged to store an amount of ice and having a discharge hole 24 at a bottom, an ice supply device 30 for automatically producing chips of ice and supplying the same into the ice tank 20, and an agitating device 40 arranged within the ice tank 20 for agitating and leveling the chips of ice stored in the ice tank 20.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a mold in which water is frozen to form an ice body. Also included are an electric motor and an ejector blade for ejecting the ice body from the mold. An ice body collecting bin located subjacent the ice making apparatus collects ice ejected from the mold. A sensing or bail arm extends downwardly into the collecting bin to sense the level of the ice bodies in the bin. The sensing arm is pivotally mounted to the ice maker, and includes a free end which is supported by a spacer mounted to the ice maker. The spacer positions the free end away from the path between the mold and the bin, thereby preventing blockage of ice bodies by the free end. The ice maker includes structure for suspending operation of the ice maker in the event that the sensing arm is obstructed.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine of the type which includes an ice making unit provided therein with an electric control apparatus for an ice making mechanism contained therein and combined with an ice storage bin to store therein an amount of ice cubes or chips formed by operation of the ice making mechanism under control of the electric control apparatus, wherein an ice detection element is previously contained within the ice making unit to be inserted into the interior of the ice storage bin after installation of the ice making unit on the ice storage bin for deactivating the electric control apparatus when detected the ice cubes fully stored in the ice storage bin, wherein a connector for connection to a source of electricity is connected to the electric control apparatus by means of conductive wires and arranged within the ice making unit to disconnect the electric control apparatus from the source of electricity when the ice detection element is remained in the ice making unit and to connect the electric

Abstract: An ice storage type food service counter composed of an ice storage tank 20 arranged to store an amount of ice and having a drain hole 24 at a bottom, an ice supply device 30 for automatically producing chips of ice and supplying them into the tank, an agitating device 40 arranged within the tank for agitating and leveling the chips of ice stored in the tank, a container assembly B detachably mounted on the agitating device 40 and placed on the stored chips of ice to contain drink and food therein, and a transparent cover plate 18 coupled over the ice storage tank 20, the cover plate having an opening through which the container assembly can be placed on the stored chips of ice.

Abstract: A refrigeration system provides a supply of purified ice pieces by freezing flowing water on an icemaking plate and melting some of the ice pieces to provide a supply of purified water. The system is combined with a household refrigerator to utilize a common compressor and condenser. Alternative arrangements are provided for a single speed compressor or a two speed compressor to adapt to varying load requirements. The ice storage bin may be disposed in the refrigerator section where ice melting takes place continually, or in the freezer section where ice only melts on demand from a sensing of purified water quantity.

Abstract: A refrigeration system provides a supply of purified ice pieces by freezing flowing water on an icemaking plate and melting some of the ice pieces to provide a supply of purified water. The system is combined with a household refrigerator to utilize a common compressor, evaporator and condenser. Alternative arrangements are provided for defrost of the evaporator by hot gas bypass, or by electrical heating elements. Individual ice pieces can be formed separately by spacing of the contact points where the evaporator piping meets the ice-forming surface, or by dividing the ice forming surface into separate ice forming cavities, with a plastic mask.

Abstract: An ice storage type food service counter includes an ice storage tank (20) arranged to store an amount of ice and having a drain hole (24) at a bottom, an ice supply device (30) for automatically producing chips of ice and supplying the same into the ice storage tank (20), an agitating device (40) arranged within the ice storage tank for agitating and leveling the chips of ice stored in the ice storage tank, a container (B) formed to contain food and drink therein and mounted on the agitating device (40) to be displayed on the stored chips of ice, a water supply tank (50) arranged to store an amount of ice making water for use in the ice supply device (30), and a discharge tank (60) arranged below the ice storage tank (20) to store the water of melted ice discharged from the ice storage tank through a drain pipe (61) in connection to the drain hole.

Abstract: In an ice storage type food service counter with an ice storage tank, an ice supply device is provided to automatically produce chips of ice and supply the same into the ice storage tank, and an agitating device is provided to agitate and level the chips of ice stored in the ice storage tank. Under the ice storage tank, a water supply tank is arranged to store an amount of ice making water, and a discharge tank is arranged to store the water of melted ice discharged from the ice storage tank through a drain hole. Within the ice storage tank, there is provided an overlfow pipe having an upper end opening into the interior of the ice storage tank and extending downward to discharge therethrough the pieces of ice located above the upper end thereof into either one of the water supply tank or the discharge tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a semi-frozen confection of the present invention has a freezing cylinder for main ingredient of the semi-frozen confection, and a syrup refrigerating cylinder installed in the vicinity of both a semi-frozen confection dispensing conduit and the freezing cylinder. Accordingly, when preparing a semi-frozen confection composed of, e.g., ice cream and syrup to be served in a cone, rise in the temperature of the ice cream caused by the syrup may be restrained, thereby enabling the semi-frozen confection produced to retain its shape. The apparatus further has a microcomputer for controlling the rotating speed of at least one of the mixers respectively housed in the freezing cylinder and in the syrup refrigerating cylinder. This permits the proportion of, e.g., the ice cream and syrup composing the semi-frozen confection to be varied as desired.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a mold in which water is frozen to form an ice body. Also included are an electric motor and an ejector blade for ejecting the ice body from the mold. An electric heater in heat transfer association with the mold is operable to free the ice bodies from the mold prior to the ejector blade ejecting the ice bodies. A control circuit includes a thermostat responsive to temperature of water in the mold. A thermostat switch is controlled by the thermostat to initiate operation of the motor for ejecting the ice body upon complete freezing thereof and concurrently energizing the heater. An electric circuit includes the thermostat switch, the motor and a second switch controlled by the operation of the motor for maintaining energization of the motor independently of the first switch and causing the thermostat switch to control further energization of the heater whereby the thermostat switch de-energizes the heater within a single revolution of the ejector blade.

Abstract: An auger type ice making machine having an evaporator housing vertically arranged above an ice storage bin, an auger mounted for rotary movement within the evaporator housing, an electric motor in drive connection with the auger, a compressor motor in drive connection with a compressor, an ice discharge duct provided on an upper end of the evaporator housing, an upstanding tubular delivery chute having an upper end connected to the discharge duct and a lower end in open communication into the storage bin, a movable detection plate provided within the upper end of the delivery chute to be moved by abutment with pieces of hard ice accumulated in the delivery chute, and an electric control apparatus for activating the motors when the detection plate is retained in an initial position and for deactivating the motors after lapse of a predetermined time when the detection plate has been moved from the initial position, the predetermined time being determined to be shorter than a time for which a space between the d

Abstract: An ice stock detecting apparatus includes a thermostat having a temperature sensor element and a holder for holding the sensor element in a spaced relationship with an ice stocker inner wall. The holder includes a pair of holding member fixedly mounted on the inner wall to project therefrom inwardly of the stocker, and a protecting member extending between the holding members. The holder supports the sensor element with downward inclination toward one end thereof. The protecting member has a top end portion disposed under the sensor element and inclined in a manner similar to the sensor element at a greater angle than the latter.

Abstract: An ice sensing assembly for an ice making apparatus having a mold for making ice pieces and a bin for collecting ice pieces from the ice making apparatus, the ice sensing member including a bale and a triangularly shaped plastic member affixed to said bale to engage the ice pieces and having a minimal thickness and converging edges terminating at an apex for sensing the level of ice pieces in the bin.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bin level control circuit which employs a fail-safe circuit to shut off a compressor when echoes are late or absent, and a transducer mounting system which facilitates installation and removal of a transducer for servicing and cleaning. A level detector compares a reference signal with a reflected signal, the ice reaching a desired level when the reflected signal overlaps the reference signal. When the desired level is reached, the reference signal is modified through feedback to prevent short cycling of the compressor. The transducer is installed within a cylindrical housing which is easily installed and removed from a cylindrical socket within a compartment above the bin.

Abstract: An auger type ice making machine comprises an ice storage level detecting apparatus (5) including an ice storage level sensing plate (5a) disposed within an ice guide barrel (3) at a position opposing to an ice discharge port (2). A pair of guide plates (7) for guiding ice discharged from the ice discharged port toward a center portion of the ice storage level sensing plate are mounted on both side walls (3b) of the ice guide barrel (3) closely adjacent to the ice storage level sensing plate (5). By mounting the paired guide plates (7), gaps otherwise taking place between the ice storage level sensing plate (5) and the ice guide barrel (3) are closed to thereby prevent the ice from moving to the rear side of the ice storage level sensing plate by circumventing it. The ice storage level sensing plate is thus protected from being blocked.

Abstract: Water is pumped from a container to a refrigerator ice maker and/or chilled water unit. The apparatus for transferring the water includes a motor operated pump, and the motor is connected directly to a timer within the refrigerator. The timer controls the flow of water to the ice maker by controlling the pump so that the pump operates only when the ice maker (and/or chilled water unit) calls for the water. A check valve may be disposed in the pumped water line between the pump and the water source to prevent loss of pressure in the line due to the bleeding of pressure through the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement of an ice fullness detector within an ice making machine composed of an ice making unit and an ice reservoir upon which the ice making unit can be separably stacked, wherein ice cakes formed within the ice making unit are discharged into the ice reservoir through an opening defined within the bottom wall of the ice making unit so as to be stored within the reservoir.

Abstract: An ice level sensor for a flake-ice icemaker of the type having an electrically grounded rotary shaft for scraping ice from a refrigerated surface into an underlying ice bin has a contact plate insulated connected to a control circuit, a metallic sensing arm suspended from and electrically connected to the shaft for sweeping a path in the ice bin, the sensing arm moving against the plate on contact with accumulated ice thereby completing an electrical circuit through the drive shaft and causing the control circuit to stop the icemaker.

Abstract: A water cooler having a container with a reservoir for storing water has a thermoelectric module operable to cool a conductor plate and form ice in the reservoir. A temperature sensor connected to the plate senses the temperature of the plate and activates a timer when the temperature is below the temperature at which water freezes. The timer operates a selected period of time to allow a block of ice to be formed on the plate. A photoelectric sensor operable to sense a selected size of the block of ice functions to actuate a switching device that changes the polarity of the electric power supplied to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the plate to release the block of ice from the plate. The released block of ice floats in the water in the reservoir and cools the water.