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:
Apr. 18, 2017
Filed:
Mar. 02, 2011
Luiz Antonio D. Lopes, Peachtree City, GA (US);
Lorraine J. Westlake, Eau Claire, MI (US);
Luiz Antonio D. Lopes, Peachtree City, GA (US);
Lorraine J. Westlake, Eau Claire, MI (US);
Whirlpoo Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a direct contact ice making system in conjunction with a circulating coolant. The ice making system includes a cold air loop including a plurality of fins to cool ambient air adjacent the cold air loop in the ice making system. The cooled air is passed by a fan assembly through a supply duct into an ice storage container or compartment to cool the area within the ice storage compartment, thus preventing ice cubes in the compartment from melting. The ice making system also includes a return duct for directing warm air from the ice storage compartment to the cold air loop for re-cooling and recirculation. The cold air loop may generally be a heat exchange zone for cooling the ambient air.