Imi Cornelius, Inc.

Other

Donald E Wiley, Jr

Kyle B Elsom

Gregory M Billman

Thaddeus M Jablonski

Daniel C Leaver

Michael A Zizas

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.

Combined ice and beverage dispenser and icemaker

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. A harvest point occurs which corresponds to the sensing of a predetermined low water level/low pressure point indicating sufficient ice has formed on the evaporator.

Ice maker harvest control and method

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.

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Mason City, IA, United States of America

Donald E Wiley, Jr