Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice

Abstract

An ice maker, including sensors to measure usage parameters and transmit the same to a controller. The controller is operably connected to a plurality of ice forming systems, and directs the systems to operate in a high energy mode or a low energy mode, based on the usage parameter. The usage parameters may include an ice level, a change in the ice level over time, the amount of time that a dispenser is actuated, the time of day, or historical usage patterns. The ice forming systems may include one or more of a thermoelectric device coupled to a bottom surface of an ice forming plate, a forced air system to circulate cold air, a forced air system to circulate warm air, and a temperature control system to maintain a temperature gradient between a first chamber above the ice forming plate and a second chamber below the ice forming plate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is related to, and hereby incorporates by reference the entire disclosures of, the following applications for United States Patents: U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Ice Maker with Rocking Cold Plate,” filed on even date herewith (attorney docket no. SUB-01625-US-NP); U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Clear Ice Maker with Warm Air Flow,” filed on even date herewith (attorney docket no. SUB-01518-US-NP); U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Clear Ice Maker with Varied Thermal Conductivity,” filed on even date herewith (attorney docket no. PAT-00123-US-NP); U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Clear Ice Maker,” filed on even date herewith (attorney docket no. SUB-02962-US-NP); U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Layering of Low Thermal Conductive Material on Metal Tray,” filed on even date herewith (attorney docket no. SUB-02939-US-NP); U.S. patent applicatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In one aspect, the present invention includes an adaptive ice maker for making clear ice pieces, including a sensor which detects a usage parameter of the ice maker and transmits the usage parameter to a controller. The controller is operably connected to a plurality of ice forming systems, and the controller directs the ice forming systems to operate in a high energy mode or in a low energy mode, based on the usage parameter.

Problems solved by technology

During the ice making process when water is frozen to form ice cubes, trapped air tends to make the resulting ice cubes cloudy in appearance.

The trapped air results in an ice cube which, when used in drinks, can provide an undesirable taste and appearance which distracts from the enjoyment of a beverage.

Clear ice requires processing techniques and structure which can be costly to include in consumer refrigerators and other appliances.

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