Abstract: An automatic ice making machine includes a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device; a water system comprising an ice forming surface in thermal contact with the evaporator; and a control system comprising i) an on/off selector that causes the control system to either operate the compressor and water system so that the ice making machine automatically makes ice, or shuts the machine off until manually turned on; and ii) an automatic restart selector that causes the control system to shut down ice making for a predetermined period of time and then automatically resume ice making. Preferred embodiments of the a water system comprise a water filter and the control system comprises a filter change indicator, whereby an indication is displayed after a predetermined condition is reached indicating that the water filter should be replaced.

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: The present invention provides a system that generates particles of mist, freezes the mist particles, and delivers a mixture of a gas and the solid mist particles to an external application.

Abstract: An icemaker assembly includes an ice tray having an ice forming compartment, a water line configured to advance water from a water source to the ice tray, a valve operable to selectively block advancement of water through the water line while an actuation signal is generated, a control system operable to generate the actuation signal for a water advancement period, a water level detection system for determining if a level of water in the ice forming compartment is below a threshold value and generating a control signal in response thereto. The control system is further operable to alter a magnitude of the water advancement period in response to generation of the control signal. Water is initially advanced into the ice forming compartment for a first period of time during a first ice making cycle by opening the valve.

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: A method of making ice cubes in a compact ice maker by setting a freeze time based on the determined volume of a mold for the ice maker.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus and method for an ice maker, in which an amount of supplied water is controlled so as to supply an accurate amount of the water to an ice tray. The method includes the steps of (a) supplying water to an ice tray for a predetermined time; (b) determining whether or not a proper amount of water has been supplied to the ice tray after the predetermined time has elapsed; and (c) resetting the predetermined time based on predetermined water supply data, in case that it is determined that the proper amount of water has not supplied to the ice tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice maker for a refrigerator and a method of testing the ice maker, and more particularly, to an ice maker for use in a refrigerator for making and releasing ice and a method of testing the ice maker to determine whether the ice maker is normally operated. The present invention provides a process for checking the operation of the ice maker and checks an operating state of all components needed for the normal operation of the ice maker. Further, in the checking process, it is determined whether initial set values needed for the operation of the ice maker are appropriate, and the initial set values can also be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation and management process of cryogen such that it controls both the fluid body movement as well as internal currents within the cryogen. Small volumes of a desired substance introduced into this managed cryogen for the production of frozen or solidified pellets or granules are better managed as to shape, size, deformation, frozen satellites, fines and agglomeration and overall desired quality. These benefits result from the dispersion of the gas produced, as well as the heat transferred, resulting from the introduction of the relatively hot substance to the cryogen. The fluid body movement assists in maintaining a distance between the individual solidifying pellets or granules thereby minimizing deformation as a result of physical contact. The output characteristics and desired quality of the pellets can be more effectively controlled and managed, as desired.

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 evaporator assembly and method of making the assembly wherein a refrigerant flow path is created that covers a large area of the back of either one or two evaporator pans. The refrigerant conduit includes a plurality of elongated sections that are non-circular, for example, rectangular, in cross-section. The sections are sized and spaced so as that refrigerant flow therethrough covers substantially all of the backs of the evaporator pans. The sections are formed with either tubes or ridges. The evaporator assembly is made by using bonding processes and/or die casting processes.

Abstract: When refrigerant shortage has occurred, a failsafe operation, for example, for stopping an ice-making operation is carried out to thereby suppress wasteful electric power consumption and prevent an ice-making section and a compressor from being damaged. An ice-making machine alternately and repeatedly carries out the ice-making operation for producing ice blocks (M) by cooling an ice-making section (10) on which is disposed an evaporator (14) connected to a refrigeration system (12), by supplying refrigerant to the evaporator (14) for circulation, and deicing the operation for causing the ice blocks (M) produced on the ice-making section (10) to be released therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a phenothiazine granulate with a narrow particle size distribution. At least 98% pure phenothiazine in liquid form is pressed through a device provided with boreholes and a frequency is applied to said liquid phenothiazine. The liquid phenothiazine discharged through the boreholes enters a cooling medium having a temperature of between ?196 and +120° C. The drops of liquid phenothiazine thus produced are brought to a temperature below melting point and are optionally solidified in another post-cooling area. Optionally, fine-grain particles or coarse-grained particles thus formed can be subsequently removed by appropriate methods. The bulk density of the obtained phenothiazine granulates ranges more particularly from 720–780 kg/m3.

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: 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 apparatus and method of preparing solid flakes of fats and emulsifiers having a Solid Content index or a Solids Fat Index which is below the Agglomeration Boundary is provided utilizing a generally flat, cold plate to solidify the fat or emulsifier and a method which allows the application of a coating to the flake to assist in avoiding loss of flake separation and to maintain pourability of the flaked product.

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: The ice making system by supercooling release comprises an ice thermal storage tank, a residual supercooled water generating section, and a complete releasing section. The complete releasing section and ice thermal storage tank are connected with an ice water line. Further, the ice thermal storage tank and residual supercooled water generating section are connected with a water line. The residual supercooled water generating section is supplied with water from the ice thermal storage tank to generate supercooled water, which is released from the supercooled state, ice and residual supercooled water being produced thereby. The residual supercooled water is completely released from supercooled state in the complete releasing section.

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

Abstract: The 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: The ice making system by supercooling release comprises an ice thermal storage tank, a residual supercooled water generating section, and a complete releasing section. The complete releasing section and ice thermal storage tank are connected with an ice water line. Further, the ice thermal storage tank and residual supercooled water generating section are connected with a water line. The residual supercooled water generating section is supplied with water from the ice thermal storage tank to generate supercooled water, which is released from the supercooled state, ice and residual supercooled water being produced thereby. The residual supercooled water is completely released from supercooled state in the complete releasing section.

Abstract: A method for reducing the drag on an aqueous solution in a pipe or hose system such as a snow making system includes the introduction of drag reducing polymers into the aqueous solution prior to circulating the solution in a pipe or hose. In a preferred embodiment, the drag reducing polymers are a mixture of polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution. The introduction of the polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution reduces the overall frictional drag and therefore increases the snow making efficiency by reducing the power needed to pump the water. As a result, it is easier for greater quantities of snow to be made using existing equipment due to the increased flow rate as a result of the lower drag friction. In a preferred embodiment, the polyethylene oxide is approximately 20-30% by weight and is introduced into the water pipe so resulting concentrations are approximately 30-100 weight parts per million (WPPM).

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: A system for controlling ice size of an ice maker comprises: an ice size controlling means for controlling a size of ice which will be frozen in an ice maker; an ice size displaying means for displaying ice size controlled by the ice size controlling means so that a user can identify it; and a controlling means for controlling the ice size displaying means according to a signal applied from the ice size controlling means and controlling an amount of water supplied to an ice making vessel, and therefore, the ice size can be controlled easily to be the size desired by a user and the size can be identified visually.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the performance of a heat-pump installation for making ice operating on the principle of mechanical water vapor compression. The installation comprises an evaporator-freezer chamber communicating with a compressor chamber having a centrifugal compressor unit. The method comprises a) providing a first droplet separator of the louver type between the evaporator-freezer chamber and the compressor chamber, for primary separation of the coarser droplets; b) providing a second droplet separator of the knitmesh type downstream of the first droplet separator, for secondary separation of the remaining fine spray, and c) providing a continuous or intermittent spray of a dilute solution of a highly water-soluble inorganic salt in counter-current to the vapor flow from a plurality of spray nozzles located between the first and the second droplet separators and facing the first droplet separator.

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 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: The ice maker herein works in the conventional manner wherein a refrigeration system provides for cooling of the evaporator. Water is first circulated over the evaporator as the evaporator is cooled. A temperature sensor is located in a water recirculating system and a microprocessor monitors the temperture of the circulating water. Once a predetermined non-freezing temperature is reached, for example 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water circulation is stopped. However, the compressor continues to run and cool the evaporator for a predetermined period of time to a desired lower temperature. The pump is then turned on and water again circulated over the evaporator initiating the ice making cycle. This process insures that ice adheres to the evaporator and does not prematurely slough off and/or result in the formation of slush.

Abstract: The ice maker herein works in the conventional manner wherein a refrigeration system provides for cooling of the evaporated. Water is first circulated over the evaporator as the evaporated is cooled. A temperature sensor is located in a water recirculating system and a microprocessor monitors the temperature of the calculating water. Once a predetermined non-freezing temperature is reached, for example 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water circulation is stopped. However, the compressor continues to run and cool the evaporator for a predetermined period of time to a desired lower temperature. The pump is then turned on and water again circulated over the evaporated initiating the ice making cycle. This process insures that ice adheres to the evaporator and does not prematurely slough off and/or result in the formation of slush.

Abstract: A high throughput, short batch cycle commercial ice making machine produces commercial ice which resists melting in convenient sizes for mobile food carts, market produce, or fish displays. The machine introduces super-cooled water, that is in a liquid state while exposed to a temperature below freezing, into a batch of pre-formed hollow molds of one or more horizontally oriented ice forming freezing trays oriented horizontally. Using vapor compression refrigeration, the machine produces a plurality of supercooled ice segments in pockets within the freezing tray. The supercooled ice segments are rapidly subjected to a short, temporary contact with a high heat source from a sleeve integral with the freezing tray compartments, along a peripheral bottom surface of the ice segment accommodating freezing tray molds. This temporarily melts a bottom surface of each ice segment, lubricating it and loosening it.

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: The present invention is directed to a novel method for manufacturing popcorn-shaped frozen product, such as but not limited to ice cream. Unlike prior systems that manufactured small, beaded frozen product, the method of the present invention introduces a much larger (diametrically larger) quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant. By introducing a sufficiently large quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant, the freezing processes changes substantially, to give the final product a popcorn shape.

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: The present invention provides a system and a method for the production of microparticles and nanoparticles of materials that can be dissolved. The system and method of the present invention provide quicker freezing times, which in turn produces a more uniform distribution of particle sizes, smaller particles, particles with increased porosity and a more intimate mixing of the particle components. The system and method of the present invention also produce particles with greater surface area than conventional methods. One form of the present invention provides a method for the preparation of particles. An effective ingredient is mixed with water, one or more solvents, or a combination thereof, and the resulting mixture is sprayed through an insulating nozzle located at or below the level of a cryogenic liquid. The spray generates frozen particles.

Abstract: A device for separating dry solid and liquid by cooling spray has a material reservoir which can adjust and control low temperature for preserving material, a high-pressure pump for extracting material to high-pressure sprayer. Besides, material is pressurized to become a spray state for spraying by adjusting a nozzle of the high-pressure sprayer, and then dry air having high temperature can form a circulating cycle in the steel tub via a heat exchanger of a gas-drying machine to make water content of a spray of liquid be absorbed by dry air having high temperature such that original material becomes powder solid. Besides, air inside the steel tub absorbs much water content due to heat exchange, and then the air with much water content and high temperature is cooled via the heat exchanger when passing through an air filter. After water content of the air is condensed, the air is reheated for using in next cycle.

Abstract: In the method for producing a particulate material (58) from an at least partially liquid material (35) containing a solvent and/or dispersant, this material (35) is atomized in a process chamber (21) into droplets which are frozen to particles (131) by contact with a freezing fluid. The particles (131) are then dried by freeze-drying in the or in another process chamber (22) having a filter (18) at the top. For the freeze-drying, cooled process gas is passed upward from below through the process chamber (22) and through the filter (18) in such a way that at least a substantial part of the particles (131) rest against the filter (18) at least for a substantial part of the freeze-drying taking place in the process chamber (22). This makes it possible to dry a batch of particles (131) in a short time.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor is provided for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product comprising. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cryogenic processor includes a freezing chamber having a substantially conical shape, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially continuously producing a stream of ice particulates P for use in performing ice blasting work on a work object W. The present invention includes an extruder assembly, a blast nozzle, and an ice-receiving line. The extruder assembly includes a pressure vessel within which the ice particulates are formed under elevated pressure. The extruder assembly further includes an ice discharge opening. The ice-receiving line has a first end adapted to receive a fluidizing gas from the pressurized air supply source and a second end connected to the blast nozzle. The ice-receiving line is in communication with the extruder assembly ice discharge opening. The pressurized ice particulates P are passed from the pressure vessel discharge opening to the pressurized ice-receiving line. The fluidized ice particulates move via pressure flow towards a blast nozzle to be expelled from the nozzle towards a work object.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial snowmaking and specifically to the discovery that by introducing an effective amount of organo-modified polysiloxane material to the water being supplied to the snow guns, the quality of the snow thus made is significantly enhanced.

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 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 apparatus and method for producing dry beads of a liquid reagent for use in various methods of analysis. The beads are formed by use of an x-y table that can be translated along both the x and the y axis. An insulated tray containing liquid cryogen is positioned atop the x-y table. A metal grid forms a plurality of cells in the tray so that the cryogen is free to enter the cells up to the level of the cryogen in the tray. The frozen drops form into beads and freely amass on the bottom of the tray. A drop forming device dispenses individual drops to fall by gravity into an individual, discrete cell. The table then translates to position another discrete cell for receiving the subsequent drop of reagent. The movement of the x-y table causes a agitation of the cryogen to enhance the freezing process.

Abstract: An icemaker dose dispenser includes a housing with a septum therein defining opposite chambers having corresponding water ports. Water is routed alternately through the ports for dispensing water from the chambers in sequence for accurately filling an ice tray.