Abstract: An ice-maker for producing transparent ice cubes has a refrigerating assembly, an ice cube making tub, and a feeding tank for filling the ice cube making tub in a common housing. The ice cube making tub is movable between a first position, wherein cooling fingers of the refrigerating assembly engage into the ice cube making tub, and a second position away from the cooling fingers.

Abstract: An ice cube making machine having an evaporator assembly on which ice is formed. The evaporator assembly is constructed using micro-channel tubing that provides several channels for the flow of refrigerant within the channels. Liquid refrigerant flowing through the channels causes ice to form on the outer surfaces of the micro-channel tubing over which water flows. Refrigerant vapor is circulated through the channels to release the ice cubes from the micro-channel tubing of the evaporator assembly.

Abstract: A water control system for an ice maker includes a capacitive sensor located within a compartment of an ice tray in an ice maker. The capacitive sensor generates a water fill signal corresponding to dielectric changes in the sensor as water fills the compartment of the ice tray. A controller coupled to the sensor generates a water valve control signal in response to the water fill signal received from the capacitive sensor. The controller may initiate a water fill cycle and then close the water valve in response to the water fill signal indicating a change in dielectric caused by the rising water reaching an electrode of the capacitive sensor. Thus, the system of the present invention enables the controller to accurately control the flow of water into the ice tray without reference to a predetermined fill time.

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

Abstract: An ice machine includes an evaporator with a plurality of individual ice-forming cells. Each ice-forming cell is open at a lower end. A water distributor is coupled to the evaporator and configured to deliver water to the upper end of each ice-forming cell. A refrigeration system in the ice machine is configured to cool each of the plurality of ice-forming cells, such that individual ice cubes are formed in each ice-forming cell. A water recirculation system includes a water collection unit positioned between the evaporator and a water sump. The water collection unit collects water flowing from the ice-forming cells in first and second chambers. A water detection probe is positioned in the second chamber. A harvest cycle is initiated when the water level in the second chamber falls below a specified level. A method of operating the ice machine is also provided.

Abstract: A compact refrigerator has a split cabinet defining insulated refrigerator and clear ice maker sections. Its refrigeration system includes one external compressor and condenser and two evaporators, one for each section. The condenser is coupled to the inlet of the ice maker evaporator by a capillary tube and the evaporators are connected in series via a line having a refrigerator valve. The compressor receives return refrigerant from the outlet side of either the refrigerator evaporator or the ice maker evaporator depending on the state of a bypass valve, which is closed when the refrigerator valve is open, and vice versa. Refrigerant is thus routed to the ice maker evaporator to make ice and to both the ice maker and refrigerator evaporators when the refrigerator needs cooling. A hot gas bypass valve allows pre-condensed refrigerant exiting the compressor to bypass the condenser and be routed to the ice maker evaporator for harvesting the clear ice cubes.

Abstract: Method for making snow wherein snow is made within a closed environment by discharging water droplets into a body of air maintained by air conditioning means at a temperature and humidity such as to turn the water droplets into snow, falling on to a surface including coolant pipes which are covered with a layer of snow, the coolant being at a lower temperature than the air temperature such that there is a temperature gradient in the snow layer of the order of 0.1 degrees centigrade per centimeter depth, whereby during the initial part of the process a small quantity of small droplets is discharged to provide nucleating particles, and thereafter a larger quantity of droplets is discharged and whereby incoming air to be discharged into the body of air is drawn over cold surfaces.

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

Abstract: An ice machine includes an evaporator, a condensate collection unit, positioned below the evaporator and configured to collect condensate from a back surface of the evaporator. First and second mounting brackets attached to the first and second sides of the evaporator, respectively, and are attached to first and second side panels positioned within the ice machine. A pump deck resides below the evaporator and has a chambered section, and a sump is positioned within the chambered section. The condensate collection unit is coupled to a water discharge line, such that condensate is removed from the ice machine and does not come into contact with water that is recirculated to the evaporator. The first and second mounting brackets and first and second flanges on the sump permit easy installation and removal of the evaporator and the sump from the ice machine.

Abstract: An ice-making water tank 54 capable of improving ice-making efficiency by suppressing increases in concentrations of the impurities contained in ice-making water is divided into a circulating tank section 58 and a retention tank section 60 by a partition plate 62. The ice-making water stored within the circulating tank section 58 and the ice-making water stored within the retention tank section 60 are made movable between each other by a communication hole 64. A capacity of the retention tank section 60 is set to have a capacity greater than that of the circulating tank section 58. Above the retention tank section 60 is covered with a guide 52c of a mechanical base 52, and the un-iced water cooled during ice-making operation is collected only into the circulating tank section 58 via an opening 52d opening downward above the circulating tank section 58.

Abstract: An ice machine includes a water curtain configured to minimize the flow of water into an ice bin underneath the ice machine. The water curtain is positioned adjacent to the front surface of an ice-forming mold and includes a body having a wide section and a narrow section. The wide section has hinge members therein so that the water curtain can swing away from the ice-forming mold during ice harvesting. The water curtain has a tongue at the bottom of the narrow section that is turned toward the ice-forming mold. Sidewalls of the water curtain extend toward the ice-forming mold. The sidewalls have indentations such that the narrow section is spaced inward from machine frame members adjacent to the sidewall when the water curtain is in a rest position.

Abstract: A refrigerator for supplying a proper amount of water and a control method thereof. The refrigerator is optimally operated in ice-making and ice-separating modes based on the amount of water supplied for making ice cubes, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerator for preventing the generation of frost and a control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an ice cube tray, a water supply unit for supplying water for making ice cubes to the ice cube tray, an air blast unit for circulating cooled air, and a controller for preventing the operation of the air blast unit in a water supply mode, in which the water is supplied to the ice cube tray.

Abstract: An ice making machine having a main body and an auxiliary table which is separable from the main body, wherein the main body of the ice making machine comprises a freezing unit for making ice pieces by freezing water separated into discrete cells; a cooling system connected to the freezing unit; an ice bin for storing ice pieces made by the freezing unit; a first water supply pipe for supplying water to the freezing unit; and a first drain pipe for discharging water remaining unfrozen in the freezing unit. The auxiliary table comprises a feed water receptacle and a drain receptacle, both having a space for containing a predetermined level of water; a second water supply pipe selectively connected to the first water supply pipe to supply water contained in the feed water receptacle to the freezing unit; and a second drain pipe selectively connected to the first drain pipe to direct water discharged from the freezing unit to flow to the drain receptacle.

Abstract: A clear ice making apparatus includes: a freezing space; a tray placed in the freezing space and having a lower temperature at a bottom part thereof than at an upper part thereof; and a water supply unit of supplying water to the tray from the top thereof, in which ice is made at an ice making rate of 5 ?m/s or lower, a part of a liquid-phase section of water in the tray which part is in contact with atmosphere is frozen to complete the ice making, the liquid-phase section of water is not entirely supercooled before the ice making is completed, and the concentration of air in the liquid-phase section of water in the tray is equal to or lower than an excessive concentration of air.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.

Abstract: A drinking vessel 38 in which a beverage, for example a draught beer, is to be served is cooled by formation thereon of ice formed of frozen potable liquid for example a small volume of the same beer. The potable liquid can be sprayed at 40 onto the inside 42 of the vessel 38 and/or onto the outside 44 of the vessel, and the liquid is then frozen on the vessel wall by the effect of a cooling coil 28 surrounding the vessel which can be rotated by a rotatably driven platform 30. The cooled vessel 38 will in turn cool beverage dispensed into it for drinking.

Abstract: An ice-making machine has a substantially vertical ice-forming mold for freezing cubes of ice, a water distributor for distributing water so as to cascade over a front surface of said ice-forming mold and a hinged water curtain with a bottom edge for directing said cascading water into a sump, with the hinge allowing the water curtain to swing out of the way so that ice cubes harvested from the mold may fall past the sump and into an ice collecting bin. The water curtain has an inside surface adjacent to a front surface of the ice-forming mold configured such that as a slab of ice cubes is released from the mold during a harvest cycle, the front of the slab of ice contacts said inside surface and forces the water curtain to open to a point where the bottom of the falling slab of ice cubes will not contact the bottom edge of the water curtain.

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

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

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

Abstract: Method for making snow wherein snow is made within a closed environment by discharging water droplets into a body of air maintained by air conditioning means at a temperature and humidity such as to turn the water droplets into snow, falling on to a surface including coolant pipes which are covered with a layer of snow, the coolant being at a lower temperature than the air temperature such that there is a temperature gradient in the snow layer of the order of 0.1 degrees centigrade per centimetre depth, whereby during the initial part of the process a small quantity of small droplets is discharged to provide nucleating particles, and thereafter a larger quantity of droplets is discharged and whereby incoming air to be discharged into the body of air is drawn over cold surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine stably injects water to be frozen to freezing cells to produce high-quality ice pieces which are uniform in shape and size, and has a freezing section defining a plurality of freezing cells opening downward and arranged horizontally, and a water tank located under the freezing section. A water spraying member tilted at a predetermined angle in the flow direction is disposed on the water tank, and a plurality of nozzles protrude from the upper surface of a distributor pipe constituting the member. The water to be frozen supplied to the water spraying member by a water circulation pump is adapted to be injected into each freezing cell through a water injection hole of each nozzle under the same pressure. Further, the water to be frozen injected from each water injection hole diagonally forward is designed to be supplied to an opposed freezing cell.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.

Abstract: The process and equipment, according to this invention, for manufacturing clear, solid ice of spherical and other shapes are capable of making clear ice balls and block ice of other shapes in the mold quickly, efficiently, and with effective energy utilization.

Abstract: A water distributing pipe for ice making devices of refrigerators which includes an ice cube tray provided such that a top portion thereof is open receiving water into the tray and opposite ends are rotatably supported to an inside of a freezer compartment and a water supply pipe supplying the water to the ice cube tray. The water distributing pipe is connected to an end of the water supply pipe distributing water to the ice cube tray. The water distributing pipe comprises a connecting part connected to the water supply pipe, a water discharging part extending from the connecting part and discharging the water to the ice cube tray, and a projecting part provided in the water discharging part distributing the supplied water.

Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator comprises an ice making vessel installed on a front portion of a main body of the refrigerator to perform an ice making operation; a water supplying pipe for ice making installed on an upper part of the ice making vessel as apart a predetermined distance from the ice making vessel to supply water into the ice making vessel; a buffer member installed on the water supplying pipe for ice making to buff a shock by contacting to the ice making vessel when the ice making vessel is rotated for an ice separating process; and a guide member mounted on one side of the buffer member for guiding the water discharged from the water supplying pipe for ice making into the ice making vessel, in order to prevent respective components from being damaged by interference between the ice making vessel and the pipes supplying the water into the vessel and to prevent the water in the ice making vessel from being induced into a storing vessel so that ices in the storing vessel are not stuck to each ot

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling and effecting a change of state of a liquid mixture, wherein the liquid mixture is atomized to form an atomized liquid mixture, which is cooled to change its physical state, the cooling being performed using substantially gaseous coolant.

Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator comprises an ice making vessel installed on a front portion of a main body of the refrigerator to perform an ice making operation; a water supplying pipe for ice making installed on an upper part of the ice making vessel as apart a predetermined distance from the ice making vessel to supply water into the ice making vessel; a buffer member installed on the water supplying pipe for ice making to buff a shock by contacting to the ice making vessel when the ice making vessel is rotated for an ice separating process; and a guide member mounted on one side of the buffer member for guiding the water discharged from the water supplying pipe for ice making into the ice making vessel, in order to prevent respective components from being damaged by interference between the ice making vessel and the pipes supplying the water into the vessel and to prevent the water in the ice making vessel from being induced into a storing vessel so that ices in the storing vessel are not stuck to each ot

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing solid flakes of fats and emulsifiers is provided utilizing a generally flat, cold plate to solidify the fat or emulsifier.

Abstract: An ice making machine of the open-cell type including a box-type housing, a water storage tank mounted to the bottom of the housing, a sprinkler mounted within the bottom portion of the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for spouting upward ice making water supplied to the water storage tank, and a plurality of ice making cell casings mounted wit an ice making chamber formed in an upper portion of the housing and located above the nozzles of the sprinkler to supplied with the ice making water spouted therefrom, wherein the box-type housing is composed of a pair of spaced side wall panels and front and rear wall panels jointed at their opposite side ends to front and rear end portions of the side wall panels respectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker is described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet comprising and inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling to the grommet outlet. The fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof. In another embodiment, the assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of the fill tube for facilitating heating at least the fill tube portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker is described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet comprising and inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling to the grommet outlet. The fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof. In another embodiment, the assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of the fill tube for facilitating heating at least the fill tube portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating ice pellets having a rotationally mounted drum, a cryogenic component for cooling the outer surface of the drum, a fluid droplet applicator for transferring droplets to the outer surface of the drum, and a particle removal blade for removing solidified particles from the drum surface. Methods are also disclosed for creating ice pellets including transferring fluid droplets to a rotating drum having an outer surface sufficiently cold to cause solidification of the droplets during a period of drum rotation. Upon solidification, the particles are removed and made available for subsequent use. Such subsequent use includes disposing the apparatus in a pressurized vessel, collecting the pellets, and feeding the same, under pressure, to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: Ice cube apparatus for the production of ice cubes, comprising a water reservoir with a filling opening, which can be filled with a desired amount of water, an ice cube tray, which is separate from the water reservoir and has at least one mold cavity, water-metering means for supplying a metered amount of water from the water reservoir to the mold cavity, at least one thermoelectric element for freezing the amount of water in the mold cavity, control means with a timer unit for providing current to the thermoelectric element for a defined freezing time, in such a manner that this element extracts heat on the side of the ice cube tray, release means for releasing a frozen ice cube from the ice cube tray after the freezing time, and discharge means for collecting and dicharging the ice cube which has been released from the ice cube tray.

Abstract: An improved vertical tube ice maker has an integral common water manifold providing water for ice making to a plurality of vertical ice-making tubes. A cutter bar beneath the tubes is removable for servicing in a direction perpendicular to its axis. A water tray and ice chute beneath the tubes is an integrally molded element, serving as a base for the ice maker cabinet of structural insulated panels.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker of the open-cell type including a box-type housing, a plurality of spaced ice making cell casings arranged on a horizontal plane in an upper portion of the housing and opened downward, a cooling pipe mounted on the cell casings to be supplied with refrigerant from a freezing circuit, and a sprinkler mounted within a bottom portion of the housing and placed under the cell casings to spout ice making water into the respective cell casings, wherein a base plate is mounted within the upper portion of the housing to form an ice making chamber, and wherein the ice making cell casings are secured to a bottom surface of the base plate, while the cooling pipe is mounted on the base plate at positions located above the cell casings and welded to an upper surface of the base plate.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.

Abstract: A water storage tank assembly 12 is accommodated so that it can be pulled out and extended over an ice making chamber 1 and a machine chamber 2 by passing through a lower portion of a partition wall part 4 by which the ice making chamber 1 is separated from the machine chamber 2. In the water storage tank assembly, a cube guide 16 is attached to a water storage tank 13 on the side of the ice making chamber. On the other hand, a pump motor 14 and a float switch 15 are attached to the water storage tank on the side of the machine chamber. The water storage tank assembly can be pulled out so that the water storage tank, the cube guide, the pump motor and the float switch, etc. can be completely cleaned to all corners.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available. Said machine is housed within a snowman or other winter themed housing.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. Each cavity has a plurality of side walls. An ice removal device is positioned at least partly within the at least one mold cavity. A fill tube is positioned in association with the at least one mold cavity. The fill tube includes an outlet from which water is expelled at an impingement angle against at least one side wall of at least one mold cavity. The impingement angle is between about 10° and 60° relative to a horizontal reference.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker of the open-cell type including a housing composed of a pair of spaced side wall panels and front and rear wall panels jointed at their opposite ends to the side wall panels, a water storage tank mounted to the bottom of the housing, a sprinkler mounted within the bottom portion of the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for spouting upward ice making water supplied from the water storage tank, a cooling pipe mounted within an ice making chamber formed in an upper portion of the housing, a plurality of ice making cell casings horizontally mounted in the ice making chamber and located above the nozzles of the sprinkler to be supplied with the ice making chamber spouted therefrom and to be cooled by refrigerant supplied into the cooling pipe, and an ice chute in the form of a lattice placed in a forwardly inclined condition between the sprinkler and the ice making cell casings to permit the ice making water spouted into the cell casings therethrough from the nozzles of the sprinkler

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of forming ice and/or frost on predetermined locations of sculptures. The apparatus circulates a refrigerant through tubing that forms a closed-loop system. The apparatus includes a means to circulate the refrigerant, preferably a compressor, and a means to cool the refrigerant, preferably a condenser assembly including a fan. To keep the apparatus operating most efficiently, a drier/filter and a metering device are preferably used within the system. A portion of the tubing carrying the refrigerant is placed immediately adjacent the sculpture surface to be cooled, and it is preferably attached by solder. As cooled refrigerant circulates through the portion attached to the sculpture surface, the sculpture surface is cooled to promote ice and/or frost formation on the sculpture surface from moisture in the ambient air surrounding the sculpture surface. The apparatus may also include a means to deliver a fluid, such as water, to the sculpture surface.

Abstract: A refrigerator is described, specially for beverage bottles, in particular beer bottles, a humidity production system for a refrigerator and a method for generating a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on the bottle. The objective of the invention is to provide an equipment for producing a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on a beverage bottle, in particular beer bottles, which produces a covering of ice crystals regardless of the weather conditions of the place and without causing the freezing of the beverage. This objective is achieved with a refrigerator comprising a humidity production system (4) to produce humidity in the internal compartment (3), the humidity production system (4) having a water feed.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available. Said machine is housed within a snowman or other winter themed housing.