Abstract: An auger type ice making apparatus adapted for effectively flushing and removing deepended water and precipitates in the water supply pipe and the freezing cylinder during ice making.

Abstract: A control system for a tray type refrigerator ice maker having a motor driven programmer for controlling ice harvest by means of tray rotation and twist for ejecting cubes to a collector bin. The programmer also drives an arm for bin level sweep, which, if interrupted by the presence of accumulated bin ice, opens a cutout switch in series with the motor. A temperature sensing curie effect magnetic switch is series connected with the bin switch and motor for delaying harvest cycle motor drive until the surrounding tray temperature is sufficiently below freezing to indicate ice presence in the tray. A heater is series connected with the motor and disposed to cause opening of the temperature sensing switch shortly after motor start. A programmer actuated by-pass switch in parallel with the temperature sensing switch is held close to continue motor drive through the remainder of the harvest cycle.

Abstract: A control circuit for an auger type ice maker using a relay which is responsive to a predetermined level of an ice making water in a tank and to of a predetermined level of stored ice, and a timer circuit responsive to the commencement of the ice making cycle which corresponds to the detection of the water level and the completion of the ice making cycle which corresponds to the detection of the ice level, both by the relay. This timer circuit is arranged so that during the starting operation it starts to drive the auger motor at the beginning of the ice making cycle and then after a first predetermined time starts to drive the compressor, and during the stopping operation, it stops the compressor after a second predetermined time after the detection of the completion of the ice making cycle and then after a third predetermined time stops the auger motor. Should a short interruption of the supply of water occur, the timer circuit can ignore it because of its delay time.

Abstract: In an automatic ice making machine which comprises a freezing chamber formed to define a plurality of open bottom freezing cells, a water plate provided under the freezing chamber for supplying water to be frozen to by spraying the same into the freezing cells, a water tank provided under the water plate for storing a necessary amount of water to be frozen for one freezing cycle, a water inlet valve connected to a feed pipe for supplying water to the water tank, and a water inlet valve controlling timer circuit for controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet valve, and wherein during a defrosting operation, the water plate and the water tank are caused to be inclined downwardly so as to discharge ice cubes the water inlet valve controlling timer circuit comprises a first means for permitting the water inlet valve to open for a first set period of time, a second means for permitting the water inlet valve to open for a second set period of time which is shorter than the first set period of time, and

Abstract: A flavored liquid mixture to be converted into ice cream is prepared at ambient temperature and is then frozen for an indefinite period. When needed, the frozen mixture is placed in a vessel for vigorous agitation, again at ambient temperature, by a stirrer with two or more blades disposed at different levels and angularly offset from one another. The top and bottom blades are inclined toward each other in order to roll the mass over for thorough homogenization; in an initial stage, designed primarily for the breakup of ice crystals, the stirrer may be operated at a higher speed or in a pulsating mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting fault conditions in an automatic icemaker system of the type having an ice forming mold and an electric motor and mold heater which are energized during ice cube ejection cycles. A current sensor monitors current in the icemaker motor and mold heater circuit and generates an "on" signal when current is detected. A microprocessor measures the duration of the "on" signals and the elapsed time between successive of "on" signals. A diagnostic code is displayed signifying a fault condition in the icemaker circuit when the time between successive "on" signals is less than the normal time required to freeze cubes or the duration of an "on" cycle exceeds the normal ejection time.

Abstract: An ice machine control having an on-delay timer in the circuit controlling the circulating water pump so that, at the start of an ice making cycle, the evaporator-ice mold is allowed to cool well below freezing before water begins to circulate to the mold.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus having an ice making mechanism disposed in a refrigerated space and including an ice harvesting mechanism. The mechanism includes a thermostat responsive to the temperature of the refrigerated space for controlling operation of the refrigeration apparatus. A control is provided for selectively causing operation of the ice harvesting mechanism alternatively as a function of total clock time from a preceding ice harvesting cycle, or as a function of an accumulated time of operation of the refrigeration apparatus as controlled by the thermostat. In one form, a manually controlled selector switch is provided. In another form, the selector switch is automatically controlled by the setting of the refrigeration apparatus thermostat. In another form, the selector switch is made to be automatically responsive to a temperature condition within the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen food products, particularly ice cream or the like, wherein the apparatus is interchangeable with the existing ice dispenser unit in the freezer compartment of a domestic refrigerator provided with an automatic ice maker unit, which apparatus includes a housing for containing the frozen food product mix, an auger blade disposed within the housing for stirring the mix during convection heat exchange between the mix and the interior of the freezer compartment, a drive assembly for detachably connecting either the auger blade or mix housing to the existing ice dispenser unit drive motor, and a user operated timer assembly for actuating the drive motor to operate same for a predetermined period of time in accordance with the desired consistency of the final product.

Abstract: A control for controlling the time at which ice is harvested from an ice maker as a function of the temperature conditions within a below-freezing compartment in which the ice maker is located. The control includes sensing means for sensing the temperature within the compartment, first calculating means for calculating at preselected time intervals a time-related number based on a first temperature-dependent function when the temperature sensed by the sensing means is above a predetermined temperature, and second calculating means for calculating at the preselected time intervals a time-related number based on a second temperature-dependent function when the temperature sensed by the sensing means is at or below the predetermined temperature. The control further includes means for accumulating temperature-dependent time increments based on said calculated numbers and comparing the accumulated sum to a predetermined amount to determine whether an ice harvesting operation should be initiated.

Abstract: A soft-serve freezer operates in a first mode, with both the auger and compressor operating, and a second energy saving mode in which only the refrigeration compressor operates. The control circuit monitors the power level to the auger to control the consistency of the mix. When the mix achieves a selected consistency, the auger discontinues its mixing function. Signal lights are provided to indicate when it is necessary to actuate the auger to obtain the desired consistency prior to dispensing the product and indicate that the mix has achieved the desired consistency.

Abstract: A low energy ice making apparatus employing a low volume carnot cycle refrigeration system. Ice is progressively formed on a plurality of improved evaporator plates and harvested by a secondary condenser grid heated by the warm liquid refrigerant discharged by a primary water cooled condenser. The apparatus incorporates an improved water manifold and secondary condenser grid construction.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus having an ice making mechanism and structure for operating the mechanism to deliver ice therefrom at timed intervals. The apparatus includes means for defrosting the apparatus. Further structure is provided for causing the length of the timed ice making intervals to be increased to include the amount of time required to effect the defrosting of the apparatus plus a preselected amount of time. In the illustrated embodiment, a timer, including a timer motor, is provided for controlling operation of the ice making mechanism. An electrical circuit is provided for electrically interconnecting components of the apparatus whereby the timer motor is energized concurrently with the operation of the compressor of the refrigeration apparatus and is de-energized concurrently with the operation of the defrost heater of the apparatus.

Abstract: Ice cube making apparatus of the type having a vertically disposed evaporator plate with a lattice structure on side thereof in which cubes are formed as water runs down the plate. The ice making cycle is controlled by a timer which is actuated by a pressure responsive switch in the refrigerant line and, upon timing out of the ice forming portion of the cycle, hot gas is delivered to the evaporator to detach the ice slab from the evaporator plate and a mechanical harvest plunger applies a uniform force to the ice slab to overcome capillary forces retaining said ice slab on the evaporator plate.

Abstract: The present application discloses a control device for an ice making machine to make ice by circulating ice-making water to an ice making member having a refrigerating system, said control device comprising a timer circuit to be operated simultaneously with or with a delay after the start of an ice making operation and adapted to control a period of time during which an ice making operation is performed, a temperature sensing element whose impedance varies with the variations of the ambient temperature around the refrigerating system, so that an input voltage applied to the timer circuit may vary with the variations of an impedance of the temperature sensing element, thereby to automatically control the period of time during which an ice making operation is performed, whereby the thickness of ice made when one cycle of an ice making operation is completed, may be maintained constant at all times.

Abstract: A control circuit for an ice making machine having an ice forming mold and a refrigeration system for controlling the operation of the refrigeration system so as to cause water to freeze in the mold during a freezing cycle and to effect release of ice from the mold during a harvest cycle, including a timing circuit that is adapted to vary the time period of the freeze cycle in accordance with the temperatures of the ambient air and/or inlet water and to vary the time period of the harvest cycle in accordance with the temperature of the ambient air. In addition, the control circuit is further adapted to control the operation of the condenser fan during the harvest cycle in accordance with the temperature of the condensing unit.

Abstract: A slab-type ice maker apparatus wherein a slab of ice is formed on an inclined evaporator plate by the flowing of water over the upper surface of the refrigerated plate. A control is provided for sensing the temperature of the evaporator plate so as to determine when the thickness of the ice slab reaches a minimal preliminary thickness and continuing the ice slab formation for a preselected period of time subsequent to that determination to provide the completed final thickness slab. The thermally responsive sensing structure is mounted to the underside of the evaporator plate for improved sensing operation. The rate of flow of the water is reduced subsequent to the determination of the formation of the minimal thickness slab for improved efficiency in completing the formation of the final slab. Sensing structure is provided for determining the transfer of the ice slab to a slab dividing grid from the refrigerated plate.

Abstract: A control system for an ice dispenser maintains an icemaker thereof continuously operative whenever an ice storage hopper is less than completely full. This is accomplished by continuing to operate the icemaker while momentarily agitating and leveling the mass of ice in the hopper whenever ice builds up around a thermostat therein, and thereafter sensing whether the ice has dropped away from the thermostat. If it has, the icemaker is maintained in operation and the cycle is repeated. If, however, it has not, then the icemaker is turned off until sufficient ice is dispensed from the hopper to again drop the ice level to below the thermostat. In this manner, the number of on-off cycles of the compressor and other components of the icemaker are minimized in maintaining the hopper completely full, which greatly increases their operating life and reliability.

Abstract: An ice producing apparatus characterized by a refrigerant compresser, a condensor coil, a receiver tank, a solenoid valve, an evaporator, a water spray system and an endless ice grid positioned to traverse the evaporator, which in combination operates to permit a gaseous refrigerant to vaporize in the evaporator, condense in the condensor, collect in the receiver and selectively flow back into the evaporator through the solenoid valve to facilitate freezing of ice in the endless belt ice grid and collecting the ice. The grid selectively moves adjacent to and beneath the evaporator during the harvesting cycle, and collects ice from water which is sprayed on the underside of the grid and against the evaporator during the apparatus freezing cycle. Ice is selectively removed from the ice grid in the harvesting cycle when warm refrigerant is permitted to flow from the receiver tank into the evaporator by automatic operation of a timer and a cooperating solenoid valve.

Abstract: An automatically-defrosting household refrigerator including a user-operable "vacation switch" effective to enable the operation of the refrigerator in a mode appropriate to a condition of zero usage. When the vacation switch is thrown to the vacation position, the user is assured at once that unnecessary energy consumption will be avoided and the likelihood of failure of the refrigerator while unattended will be diminished. The mode appropriate to a condition of zero usage includes having the interval between successive automatic defrosting operations extended. Additionally, the vacation switch may be effective to simultaneously disable an automatic icemaker, to increase the temperature set point of the thermostatic control means which maintains the temperature within the refrigerator to disable anti-condensation heaters, and to disable butter conditioner heaters.There is further disclosed a particular means for extending the interval between successive automatic defrosting operations.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing ice a compressor which via a liquid separator is supplied with cooling medium from an evaporator, transfers compressed medium to a condenser, the condenser being connected to a liquid collector which in turn is connected to the evaporator. A first controllable valve is connected in the communication path between the liquid collector and the evaporator, and a second controllable valve is connected in the return path between the liquid separator and the evaporator.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker control circuit having an improved tolerance to sense the presence of stuck ice pieces in a predetermined pocket of an ice tray. A solid state temperature sensor and time delay circuit includes an operational amplifier controlled by a temperature sensor in one portion of a bridge network for sensing above or below freezing temperatures in the pocket, depending upon the presence of liquid or a stuck cube respectively, in said sensing pocket. The ice maker is conditioned for immediate harvest after the below freezing temperature is effected in the tray pocket when the sensor senses an above-freezing temperature. The time delay circuit conditions the ice maker for a delayed harvest until the predetermined temperature is effected in the tray sensing pocket if the sensor senses a below-freezing temperature.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine having a control combining a timer with a thermostat to insure the attainment of desired temperatures in an ice forming enclosure and the retention of water in the ice forming enclosure for sufficient time to produce desired freezing at which time the control acts to automatically terminate the ice forming cycle and to initiate an ice harvesting cycle over recurring cycles of freezing and harvesting.

Abstract: A control for shutting off an automatic ice maker in a refrigeration apparatus, such as a refrigerator-freezer. The ice maker apparatus is driven by an electric motor which is permitted to run continuously and thereby provide additional timing functions for other controls in the refrigeration apparatus. The ice maker mechanism is caused to be inoperative for purposes of providing ice bodies such as when the level of collected ice bodies in a storage bin reaches a preselected full level. The ice maker mechanism is made inoperative for providing ice by preventing delivery of water to the ice maker freezing mold. One end of a bin level sensing arm acting on and biased by a switch spring contact is utilized to prevent electrical conduction through the spring contact when a full level is detected by another end of the sensing arm.

Abstract: Open-ended food freezing chamber has low thermal mass and is unrefrigerated during standby or waiting time. Remote refrigeration source is fast operating with large refrigeration capacity for rapid chamber cooling. Water-containing juice or puree food material is deposited on the walls of the chamber after the chamber is cooled. The resulting frozen material is scraped off into a receiver. Thereupon refrigeration ceases and the chamber rises to ambient to permit the remaining food material to thaw and drain and to prevent the formation of rime ice.

Abstract: A soft-serve freezer operates in a first mode, with both the auger and compressor operating, and a second energy saving mode in which only the refrigeration compressor operates. The control circuit monitors the power level to the auger to control the consistency of the mix. When the mix achieves a selected consistency, the auger discontinues its mixing function. Signal lights are provided to indicate when it is necessary to actuate the auger to obtain the desired consistency prior to dispensing the product and indicate that the mix has achieved the desired consistency.