The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 24, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 03, 2002
Leonard I. Horey, Boca Raton, FL (US);
Dennis W. Norwich, Sandy Hook, CT (US);
Sam O. Sman, West Haven, CT (US);
Mario G. Ceste, Wallingford, CT (US);
Technology Licensing Corporation, Tequesta, FL (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved system and method for sensing the presence of ice, particularly applicable in the control of ice thickness in machines employing an ice bank such as a commercial beverage chiller. The chiller may be of the conventional type having a water bath with a cold element at least partially submerged therein. The cold element is cooled by a refrigerant such as freon to the point where ice forms and grows on the element, thereby forming an ice bank in the water bath. A temperature sensor, which preferably is a thermistor-type sensor comprising a bead disposed in a metal housing, is mounted on a carrier to allow the position of the sensor to be adjustable relative to the cold element. Circuitry is provided which is operative to detect the presence of ice by sensing a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to control the thickness of the ice bank. A method of controlling the thickness of an ice bank is also disclosed. The invention has broad applicability to all types of machines wherein an ice bank is used.