Abstract: An ice tray is filled with water and exposed to freezing temperature in a freezer. The freezing temperature is measured and integrated over time to obtain a monitoring parameter. The parameter is compared with a predetermined freezing standard for detecting transformation of the water into ice.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for sensing of ice, particularly applicable in the control of ice thickness in automatic ice-making machines. The ice-making machine may be of the conventional type using a cold plate with water flowing over it. A thermistor bead temperature sensor is encapsulated in a metal housing, which is in turn mounted on a carrier. The position of the carrier is adjustable relative to the cold plate. The control system has several variable delays or time durations which optimize system performance: 1. Minimum harvest time delay, relative to the start of the ice-making cycle; 2. Threshold persistence time delay, requires that the signal sensor persists above the harvest threshold value for a certain amount of time (referenced to when the threshold is first exceeded), before harvesting may begin; 3. Harvesting delay is an optional delay provided give the option of making sure the ice is sufficiently “cured.

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 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 making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the purified water passage of a refrigerator with a water purifying filter is disclosed. The refrigerator has a first valve for controlling water supply to the water purifying filter and a second valve for controlling water supply to a dispenser and an ice-making unit. The method comprises the following steps. A first step is determining whether the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A second step is opening the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A third step is determining whether a refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment door are closed if one of the dispenser and the ice-making unit is operated. A fourth step is closing the first and second valves if at least one of the refrigerator compartment door and the freezer compartment door is opened. A fifth step is closing the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are not operated.

Abstract: An ice dispenser operates an agitator only when necessary so as to prevent ice in an ice storage compartment from fusing and sticking to each other, thereby ensuring smooth release of ice from the ice storage compartment. The ice dispenser is formed of an ice maker, an ice storage compartment, an ice releasing port, an agitator for agitating ice in the ice storage compartment, and an operation controller. The controller operates the agitator when releasing ice and making ice, and causes the agitator to operate for a predetermined second set time after allowing an interval of a predetermined first set time to pass by using a timer means when no ice is being made. The operation controller resets the timer means to start counting the first set time when an ice release or an ice making operation is stopped and the agitator is stopped.

Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surrounds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a low height ice maker designed primarily for use in under counter applications. An ice retaining bin includes a top end opening covered in part by a top panel and the remaining part by an ice access door. The bin is secured to a base, the base retaining certain components of a refrigeration system including; a condenser, a compressor, an expansion valve and a hot gas defrost valve. The base also retains a water dump valve, the electronic control for the ice maker and the condenser fan. When the bin is secured to the base, front and rear access areas are defined which areas can be opened by removing releasably securable panels. The control electronics, the condenser fan and high and low side service valves are positioned adjacent the front access. The expansion valve, hot gas defrost valve and the dump valve are positioned adjacent the rear access. An ice cube forming evaporator assembly is secured to an interior surface of the bin.

Abstract: An ice maker of a refrigerator having an ice tray for supplying water and a water supply valve for supplying water to the ice tray, wherein a water supply control apparatus comprises: a water supply time unit for gradually controlling the water supply time to supply a predetermined amount of water during a preset water supply time; a control unit for controlling the predetermined amount of water to be supplied to the ice tray during the time set by the water supply time unit; and a display unit for showing a water supply time set by the water supply time unit according to the control unit, thereby accurately changing the water supply time and the amount of the water to be supplied to the ice tray.

Abstract: A reverse cycle defrost or water defrost type ice-maker refrigeration system includes a programmable controller which initiates a freezing cycle in which water is pumped for application to the chilled surface of an evaporator for freezing. All water that fails to be frozen absorbs minerals from the frozen water and is returned to the sump. The programmable controller terminates replenishment of water removed from the sump substantially prior to completion of the freezing cycle so that the sump level falls and the mineral content of water in the sump increases substantially. The ice is harvested at the end of the freezing cycle by hot refrigerant gas from the compressor directed to the evaporator or warm water while the sump is being drained and subsequently refilled prior to the initiation of a subsequent cycle of operation. The operation is energy efficient since water is saved and a reduced amount of water is used and a reduced amount of previously refrigerated water is disposed of by drainage of the sump.

Abstract: A fault restart routine for an icemaker having a microprocessor-based system controller. The fault restart routine provides at least a limited number of attempts at automatically restarting the icemaker after a shutdown has occurred because of a detected fault condition. If the fault condition is not a water inlet fault, the routine waits a first predetermined period of time before attempting to restart the icemaker. If the fault is detected as being a water inlet fault, then the system controller waits for a second predetermined time period before restarting the icemaker. If after restarting the icemaker, the icemaker completes one complete cycle of operation (i.e., a complete FREEZE cycle and a complete HARVEST cycle), then the fault restart routine is exited and a previously generated fault code is cleared.

Abstract: An ice making mechanism includes a tray for receiving water to be frozen into ice bodies, a sensor for determining whether the water is frozen, to initiate an ice-ejecting mode, a motor for rotating the tray to perform the ice-ejecting mode, a switching mechanism for indicating a state of the ice-ejecting mode, and a switch actuating structure driven by the motor for changing a state of the switches during the ice-ejecting mode. A state of the switching mechanism is detected in response to the supplying of electrical power to the ice making mechanism, to determine whether the tray is in an initial upright position. If it is determined that the tray is not in the initial upright position, an ice-ejecting mode is initiated. A time period is counted beginning from the initiation of the ice-ejecting mode, and the state of the switching mechanism is monitored to determine whether and when that state changes.

Abstract: A method for controlling water supply in an automatic ice maker comprises the steps of establishing a table for a water supply time versus a non-load current; starting a timer for measuring the water supply time after turning on a water supply motor; detecting the current in the water supply motor by using a hall sensor; turning off the water supply pump and displaying the depleted state of a water supply reservoir when the water supply motor current detected by the hall sensor is equal to or lower than the non-load current; determining a water supply time, from the table, corresponding to the detected water supply motor current, when the detected current is higher than the non-load current; and turning off the water supply motor after resetting the timer if the current time of the timer is same or more than the determined water supply time.

Abstract: A first method of harvesting ice in an ice making apparatus comprises steps of initiating a harvest operation, monitoring a parameter of the harvest operation, and terminating the harvest operation based upon the parameter and a parameter from a previous harvest operation. A second method of harvesting ice comprises steps of determining a parameter of a first harvest operation and performing a second harvest operation for a duration based upon the parameter. The first method and the second method can be performed in combination. Systems which perform the above-described methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An icemaking assembly ("icemaker") is provided which includes an improved construction including an ice mold separate but attached to a structural base. The structural base includes integral elements such as a water fill cup, stripper, and mounting configuration. The integral nature of the stripper, combined with its "living hinge" feature, allows for an improved method and apparatus for fixing the ice tray in place. The combination provides an icemaker having improved thermal properties, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies. Other improvements include an improved control system, as well as other cost-saving features.

Abstract: An ice making mechanism includes a tray for receiving water to be frozen into ice bodies, a sensor for determining whether the water is frozen, to initiate an ice-ejecting mode, a motor for rotating the tray to perform the ice-ejecting mode, a switching mechanism for indicating a state of the ice-ejecting mode, and a switch actuating structure driven by the motor for changing a state of the switches during the ice-ejecting mode. When an ice-ejecting mode is initiated, a time period for the state of the switching mechanism to be changed is compared with a reference time period. If the state of the switching mechanism has not been changed within the referenced time period, the ice-ejecting mode is stopped, and the tray is returned to an up-right position. Also, an alarm signal is generated indicating to a user that the ice-ejecting mode has been stopped.

Abstract: An ice making tray in a refrigerator is connected by a pump to a water reservoir located in the refrigerator. Once ice has been ejected from the tray and into a bin, the pump is activated for a preset period to re-fill the ice tray with water from the reservoir. Each time that the pump is activated, its time period of operation is automatically counted, and a running total of the counted time periods is automatically kept. That total is compared to a predetermined (reference) value representing a period of pump operation which causes the water in the tank to be reduced to a predetermined low level. When the running total reaches the reference value, an alarm is energized to warn a user that the reservoir should be re-filled.

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: Equipment and a process for volumetric filling of novelties with soft frozen desserts is disclosed.

Abstract: When an upper limit float switch Fu is closed after a lower limit float switch Fl is closed according to a rise of the level of water in a water tank 60, a solenoid water valve WV is closed and power supply to an electric motor for driving an auger 40 and a compressor connected to an evaporator 30 is then allowed. When the lower limit float switch Fl is opened, the solenoid water valve WV is opened and power supply to the electric motor and compressor is cut off. When the lower limit float switch Fl is opened, a time set longer by a predetermined time than the time for the water level in the water tank 60 to reach the upper limit from the lower limit is measured. When the lower limit float switch Fl is kept open due to suspension of water supply, the solenoid water valve WV is closed in response to the completion of measurement of the time. This can suppress power consumption of the solenoid water valve WV.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an ice making machine includes an initial water supply cycle control device for opening a water valve for a predetermined time, and a water level sensor mounted within a water tank for detecting whether or not a level of water in the water tank is more than a predetermined level. A first check-up device is provided for permitting operation of a defrost/water supply cycle and an ice making cycle when the level of water in the water tank exceeds the predetermined level after an initial water supply cycle is conducted under control of an initial water supply control device. The first check-up device also repeats operation at the initial water supply cycle when the level of water in the water tank is less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: In an ice making machine having an upright ice making plate 12 arranged above a water tank 11, refrigeration circuit for circulating refrigerant to an evaporator 13 attached to the ice making plate 12, a hot gas valve 18 disposed within a bypass line of the refrigeration circuit to be opened to supply a hot gas to the evaporator 13 at a defrost cycle, a water pump 25 arranged to supply the ice making water from the water tank 11 to an upper portion of the front surface 12a of the ice making plate 11 at an ice making cycle, and a water valve 23 arranged to supply a defrost water from an external source of water to an upper portion of the rear surface 12b of the ice making plate 12 at the defrost cycle, the electric control apparatus includes a thermal sensor 73 arranged to detect a temperature at the outlet portion of the evaporator 13, and is designed to start measurement of a predetermined time when the temperature detected by the sensor 73 rises to a predetermined temperature at the defrost cycle after the

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an ice making machine having an upright ice making plate arranged above a water tank, a water valve arranged to be opened during the defrost cycle of operation for supplying fresh water into the water tank through the ice making plate, a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator arranged for thermal exchange with the ice making plate, a water pump arranged to circulate the fresh water from the water tank to the upright ice making plate during the ice making cycle of operation and to discharge the water remained in the water tank after the ice making cycle of operation during the drain cycle of operation.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker in an ice making compartment of a refrigerator includes an ice tray placed in the ice making compartment, a temperature sensing element for sensing the temperture of the ice tray, an ice removing driver for driving the ice tray so that ice is removed from it, and a controller for controlling the ice removing driver. The controller initiates one or more timing operations when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element falls to or below one of a plurality of set temperatures. When one of these timing operations runs to completion, the system determines that the ice making operation has been completed. The time period corresponding to each set temperature decreases with decreasing set temperatures.

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: A refrigeration controllere for use with an apparatus for manufacturing soft-ice-cream and the like by beating and refrigerating at a preset temperature an ice-cream mix supplied from a hopper into refrigeration cylinders.The controller is adapted to monitor refrigeration time and refrigeration temperatures of the refrigeration cylinders and the hopper so that, in case refrigeration time becomes too long due to wrong temperature setting, the preset lower temperature limit is shifted up to correct the wrong temperature setting, thereby permitting a layman to control the apparatus and provide ice-cream having proper softness and at the same time save energy and the life-time of the apparatus.

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: In a refrigeration system in the form of a refrigerant circulation circuit, a first valve is disposed within a bypass circuit of the circulation circuit for being opened to supply therethrough the hot gas outflowing from a compressor directly into an evaporator. A second valve is interposed between a condenser and the evaporator for being closed to prohibit flow of refrigerant from the condenser into the evaporator therethrough. A first relay is energized to open the second valve when a first detecting element detects finish in cooling of medium caused by thermal exchange with the evaporator. A second relay is energized to close the first valve when a second detecting element detects finish in vaporization of liquefied refrigerant accumulated within the evaporator during cooling of the medium.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a refrigeration means having ice making chambers and repeats ice making cycles that involve refrigeration processes to freeze water supplied in the ice making chambers and ice releasing processes to release the ice. These processes are controlled by means of sensors which measure thermal conditions of the apparatus such as condensation temperature and condensation pressure of a refrigerant, and the temperature of the refrigeration means. The control system stores and updates the times required for refrigeration process and ice releasing process under normal sensor conditions and, based on these data, permits the apparatus to make ice even under sensor malfunction that occurred during an ice making cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic ice making machine having an ice making section equipped with an evaporator connected to a freezing system, a system for feeding a water to be frozen to said ice making section, an ice formation detector, and an ice releasing unit which releases ice cakes formed in the ice making section upon receipt of ice formation signal from said ice formation detector; characterized in that said ice making machine further comprises an alarm unit which gives an alarm after a predetermined time counted from the starting point of the ice making operation, provided that the ice formation detector outputs no ice formation signal. The alarm unit is designed to give a predetermined alarm sound or sign and also to actuate the ice releasing unit or to stop the operation of the ice making machine. The ice formation detector may be any of temperature detection system, pressure detection system and ice thickness detection system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic ice making machine having an ice making section with an evaporator connected to a freezing system, a water feed system, an ice releasing unit, and a temperature detector which detects the temperature of the water to be frozen circulated through the water feed system; characterized in that said ice making machine further comprises a protection unit which stops the ice making operation after a predetermined time counted from the starting point of the ice releasing operation, if the temperature of the water to be frozen does not drop below a predetermined level. The automatic ice making machine may have a water level detector for detecting the level of water in a water tank instead of the temperature detector, and a protection unit which stops the ice making operation when the level of the water in the tank of the water feed system does not drop below the predetermined level within a predetermined time counted from the starting point of the ice making operation.

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: An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having an auger mounted for rotary movement within an evaporator housing to which water is supplied from a water tank to cause ice crystals to form on the internal freezing surface of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: In a freezer machine having a refrigeration system in the form of a circulation circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator coil arranged for thermal exchange with a freezing receptacle, and a solenoid valve of the normally closed type disposed within a bypass circuit of the circulation circuit to supply therethrough the hot gas outflowing from the compressor directly into the evaporator coil when it has been energized, an electric control circuit for the freezer machine is designed to repeatedly measure a first predetermined period of time, for instance four hours, in a condition where said compressor is being deactivated, to measure a second predetermined period of time, for instance three minutes, upon each lapse of the first predetermined period of time and to activate the compressor for the second predetermined period of time upon each lapse of the first predetermined period of time and energize the solenoid valve in response to activation of the compressor.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for harvesting ice from an ice maker is disclosed. A refrigeration system having a hot gas bypass valve and a water cooled condenser is used to make ice. A programmable controller interrupts the water supply to the condenser, causing the condensing pressure to rise rapidly. This pressure increase is sensed by a pressure sensor, which then opens the hot-gas valve, sending hot gaseous refrigerant to the evaporator to harvest the ice.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having an auger mounted for rotary movement within an evaporator housing to which water is supplied form a water tank to cause ice crystals to form on the internal freezing surface of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: In an ice making machine having a water plate pivotally supported by a support shaft in such a manner that the water plate is raised to an ice making position just below an ice forming evaporator unit during the freezing cycle of operation and lowered to a discharge position during the harvest cycle of operation, and a suspension mechanism which is arranged to suspend the water plate in place and is operated by an electric motor assembled therein to raise or lower the water plate, an electric control apparatus for the ice making machine is arranged to measure lapse of a first period of time during which the water plate is lowered by activation of the motor from the ice making position to the discharge position, to measure lapse of a second period of time during which the water plate is raised by activation of the motor from the discharge position to the ice making position, to determine as to whether or not each lapse of the first and second periods of time becomes more than a permissible period of time, to p

Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator having a motorized cam actuated switch for controlling the water fill valve and motor hold switch. The cam tracks for each switch has an undercut radial step. The switches each have a lower contact blade and upper contact blade with an intermediate blade of longer length. A spacer attached to the upper or lower contact blade maintains a predetermined minimum spacing therebetween. The lower contact blade drops first over the step allowing the upper blade to close against the intermediate blade energizing the water valve and opening the lower contact set. The intermediate blade then drops over the step, closing the lower contact blade set and the spacer holds the upper contact set open for deenergizing the water valve. A similar fast action switch is employed as a motor hold switch during periods when the ice sensing thermostat is open.

Abstract: An ice maker includes an interior volume containing a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The freezer compartment houses an automatic ice making unit, including an ice mold, a water solenoid valve for admitting water into the ice mold, and a first thermistor attached to the ice mold. A second thermistor is disposed in the fresh food compartment. A microprocessor based control unit monitors the first and second thermistors to determine when to initiate ice harvest cycles. Ice harvest cycles are delayed, if necessary, to maintain the fresh food compartment below a setpoint temperature. The control unit also includes sensing means for determining if the water solenoid valve is energized. The solenoid is monitored, and if it remains energized for a prolonged period, then power to the automatic ice making unit is removed to prevent excessive water spillage.

Abstract: There is a pair of cantilevered switch blades having cooperating electrical contacts mounted on their distal ends. The first blade follows a cam and the second is lifted by a pivotable ramp member to vary the distance between its contact and the cam, thereby varying the time the switch is closed. The switch controls a solenoid which controls the water flow to the icemaker tray, thus the size of the ice "cubes" is determined by the distance the second blade is lifted. The blade slides on the ramp as it is lifted so that the range of motion of the pivotable member is greater than the range of motion of the blade. The ramp is shaped so that equal amounts of movements of the pivotable member corresponds to equal increments of ice volume. A spring finger integrally formed with the ramp member cooperates with a notched member to provide a set of predetermined ice "cube" increments. The switch is one of a gang of blade switches that control icemaker functions.

Abstract: An ice dispenser comprises an ice stroage chamber within which an agitator is rotatably mounted. In response to reception of an ice dispensation signal, a motor for driving the agitator is controlled in a predetermined timing sequence independent of a period during which ice pellets are dispensed from the ice storage chamber by means of an auger and a time interval intervening between the preceeding and succeeding ice dispensing operations. To this end, a first timer for driving first the agitator and a second timer for stopping the agitator for a predetermined period are provided in association with the agitator driving motor.

Abstract: A freezer machine includes a freezing vessel arranged to freeze an amount of water for ice or ingredients for ice cream or similar cold products introduced thereinto, a refrigeration circulation circuit including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator coil arranged for thermal exchange with the freezing vessel, and a solenoid valve disposed within a bypass circuit connected in parallel with the refrigeration circulation circuit to supply therethrough the hot gas outflowing from the compressor directly into the evaporator coil when the solenoid valve has been energized. A power supply circuit for the freezer machine is designed to deactivate the compressor at a predetermined time before the end of ice or ice cream or cold product preparation, and to energize the solenoid valve in response to deactivation of the compressor.

Abstract: An icemaker includes a motor and a gear train enclosed in a drive housing, a square drive output shaft extending from the housing, an output gear attached to the shaft, a camstack rotatable on a camshaft, and an input gear attached to the camshaft and driven by the output gear, all enclosed in a control housing comprising a first and second portion. The drive housing is mounted in the control housing by means of four openings in a pair of flanges attached to the drive housing, the openings fitting over four locating pins in one control housing portion. The housing portions are fastened together with the pins in the one control housing portion fitting into channels in the other, with the drive housing captured between the two portions. Both the output shaft and the camshaft are journaled in the same housing portion. There is a one-way clutch in the motor gear train and an anti-back mechanism on the camstack gear.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker structure having a water valve and rotary switch for controlling operation of the water valve. A manually adjustable switch contact structure is associated with the rotary switch for varying the time of operation of the water valve and thereby adjusting the size of ice bodies produced in the ice maker. The switch contact structure includes a support supporting the contact for reciprocal rectilinear positioning. The support has a thread engagement portion and a screw is provided having a shank threadedly engaging the portion of the support. A control knob is rotatively mounted on a wall of the housing of the control. The control knob is connected to a noncircular end portion of the screw for rotatively fixed, axially movable association therewith. The control knob is snap-fitted to the housing wall to engage the screw end. The control knob is rotatable over approximately 350.degree. to effect a corresponding range of rectilinear reciprocation of the contact.

Abstract: An ice machine control having a dump valve in the water circulation system for diverting water from the mold so that the system is cleared of unwanted water at the start of an ice making cycle, while the ice mold is allowed to cool to well below freezing before water begins to circulate over the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making ice wherein an ice cube maker has a generally upright gridded evaporator, a hot gas defrost for harvest of cubes, a storage bin below the evaporator, a hinged cube and water curtain between the evaporator and the bin, a new and improved control for the freeze cycle, and a new and improved control for the harvest cycle.

Abstract: A timing mechanism controls various functions of an ice maker through cams carried on a camshaft. A harvest rake that removes ice from a receptacle is coupled to the camshaft to be rotated thereby. The camshaft is driven by a motor which is coupled to the timing mechanism through a pair of non-circular meshing gears. The gears are programmed such that a slower speed is imparted to the camshaft when ice is being removed from the receptacle by the harvest rake. This provides a slower speed but higher torque to the harvest rake during ice removal and a faster, more accurate timing rate during filling of the receptacle.

Abstract: A timing mechanism controls various functions of an ice maker through cams carried on a camshaft. A harvest rake that removes ice from a receptacle is coupled to the camshaft to be rotated thereby. The camshaft is driven by a motor which is coupled to the timing mechanism through a pair of non-circular meshing gears. The gears are programmed such that a slower speed is imparted to the camshaft when ice is being removed from the receptacle by the harvest rake. This provides a slower speed but higher torque to the harvest rake during ice removal and a faster, more accurate timing rate during filling of the receptacle.