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Patent 2409532 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2409532
(54) English Title: ICEMAKER FILL TUBE ASSEMBLY
(54) French Title: TUYAU DE REMPLISSAGE DE MACHINE A GLACONS
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • F25D 23/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • WISEMAN, JOSHUA STEPHEN (United States of America)
  • FROELICHER, STEPHEN BERNARD (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (United States of America)
(74) Agent: CRAIG WILSON AND COMPANY
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(22) Filed Date: 2002-10-24
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2003-05-30
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
09/999,077 United States of America 2001-11-30

Abstracts

English Abstract





In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker is
described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet comprising and
inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling to the grommet
outlet. The
fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof. In another
embodiment, the
assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of the
fill tube for
facilitating heating at least the fill tube portion.


Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.





WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker, said
assembly comprising:
a grommet comprising and inlet and an outlet;
a fill tube configured for coupling to said grommet outlet, said fill tube
comprising a slot extending from one end thereof.
2. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said slot is
tapered.
3. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 1 further comprising
aluminum tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of said fill tube.
4. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 3 further comprising a
foam pad at least partially wrapped around said fill tube portion.
5. A fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker, said
assembly comprising:
a grommet comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a fill tube configured for coupling to said grommet outlet; and
tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of said fill tube for
facilitating heating at least said fill tube portion.
6. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 5 wherein said tape
comprises aluminum.
7. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 5 further comprising a
foam pad at least partially wrapped around said fill tube portion and over
said tape.
8. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 5 wherein said tube
comprises a tapered slot extending from one end thereof.
9. A fill tube assembly comprising:
an insulator;
-9-




a grommet for at least partially fitting within said insulator, said
grommet comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a plate comprising a boss, said grommet outlet extending at least
partially through said boss; and
a fill tube having one end in engagement with said boss.
10. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 9 further comprising a
cover, said cover configured for being secured to said plate.
11. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 9 wherein said plate
and said fill tube comprise aluminum.
12. A fill tube assembly according to Claim 9 wherein said
grommet comprises plastic.
13. A freezer, comprising:
an icemaker; and
a fill tube assembly, said fill tube assembly comprising a grommet
comprising an inlet and an outlet, said assembly further comprising a fill
tube coupled
to said grommet outlet, said fill tube assembly comprising at least one ice
formation
prevention component.
14. A freezer according to Claim 13 wherein said ice formation
prevention component comprises an aluminum plate.
15. A freezer according to Claim 13 wherein said ice formation
prevention component comprises at least one of a slot in said fill tube, tape
at least
partially wrapped around a portion of said fill tube, and a foam pad at least
partially
wrapped around a portion of said fill tube.
-10-

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
ICEMAKER FILL TUBE ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to refrigerators/freezers and
more particularly, to icemakers.
Refrigerators and freezers typically include an icemaker. The
icemaker receives water for ice production from a water valve typically
mounted to
the exterior of the refrigerator or freezer case. The water valve typically is
coupled to
a fill tube via polyethylene tubing. Water is dispensed from the fill tube
into a tray in
which ice cubes are formed. Specifically, the fill tube transports water from
the
polyethylene tubing to the icemaker located inside the freezer. The fill tube
typically
is either foamed in place or extends through an opening in the case.
Water in the fill tube is subject to freezing, i.e., the fill tube is
exposed to the cold air in the freezer. Several conditions can cause water in
the fill
tube to freeze. For example, a leaking or weeping water valve,
freezing/thawing of
natural forming frost, or frozen water droplets can cause fill tube freezing.
If water in the fill tube freezes, then water cannot be delivered
to the icemaker. That is, if the fill tube freezes, no ice is made since water
cannot be
delivered to the icemaker. Additionally, if the fill tube freezes, then water
pressure
between the water valve and an ice plug in the fill tube can increase. A water
leak can
result from such increased pressure, and water may leak into the freezer or
outside the
case and accumulate or seep through the floor.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an
icemaker is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet
comprising and an inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling
to the
grommet outlet. The fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof.
In
another embodiment, the assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped
around a
portion of the fill tube for facilitating heating at least the fill tube
portion.
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CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
In another aspect, a fill tube assembly comprising an insulator
and a grommet for at least partially fitting within the insulator is provided.
The
grommet comprises an inlet and an outlet. The assembly further comprises a
plate
comprising a boss, and the grommet outlet extends at least partially through
the boss.
A fill tube has one end in engagement with the boss.
In another aspect, a freezer is provided. The freezer
comprises an icemaker and a fill tube assembly. The fill tube assembly
comprises a
grommet comprising an inlet and an outlet. The assembly further comprises a
fill tube
coupled to the grommet outlet. The fill tube assembly comprises at least one
ice
formation prevention component. In one embodiment, the ice formation
prevention
component comprises an aluminum plate. In another embodiment, the ice
formation
prevention component comprises at least one of a slot in the fill tube, tape
at least
partially wrapped around a portion of the fill tube, and a foam pad at least
partially
wrapped around a portion of the fill tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a side-by-side type refrigerator;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a fill tube
assembly;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the foam pad shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the aluminum tape shown in
Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a side view of the tube shown in Figure 2;
Figure 6 is an end view of the fill tube with the foam pad and
aluminum tape wrapped thereon; and
Figure 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fill
tube assembly.
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CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Icemakers are utilized in residential, or domestic, refrigerators
as well as in stand alone freezers. Although the fill tube assembly is
described herein
in the context of a residential refrigerator, such fill tube assembly can be
utilized in
connection with commercial refrigerators as well as in stand-alone icemakers,
i.e.,
icemakers that are not part of a larger freezer compartment or refrigerator.
Therefore,
the fill tube assembly is not limited to use in connection with only
icernakers utilized
in residential refrigerators, and can be utilized in connection with icemakers
in many
other environments. In addition, a side-by-side type refrigerator is described
below in
detail. The fill tube assembly is not, however, limited to use in connection
with side-
by-side type refrigerators and can be used with other types of refrigerators,
e.g., a top
mount type refrigerator.
Figure 1 illustrates a side-by-side refrigerator 100 including a
fresh food storage compartment 102 and a freezer storage compartment 104.
Freezer
compartment 104 and fresh food compartment 102 are arranged side-by-side. A
side-
by-side refrigerator such as refrigerator 100 is commercially available from
General
Electric Company, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225.
Refrigerator 100 includes an outer case 106 and inner liners
108 and 110. A space between case 106 and liners 108 and 110, and between
liners
108 and 110, is filled with foamed-in-place insulation. Outer case 106
normally is
formed by folding a sheet of a suitable material, such as pre-painted steel,
into an
inverted U-shape to form top and side walls of case. A bottom wall of case 106
normally is formed separately and attached to the case side walls and to a
bottom
frame that provides support for refrigerator 100. Inner liners 108 and 110 are
molded
from a suitable plastic material to form freezer compartment 104 and fresh
food
compartment 102, respectively. Alternatively, liners 108, 110 may be formed by
bending and welding a sheet of a suitable metal, such as steel. The
illustrative
embodiment includes two separate liners 108, 110 as it is a relatively large
capacity
unit and separate liners add strength and are easier to maintain within
manufacturing
tolerances. In smaller refrigerators, a single liner is formed and a mullion
spans
between opposite sides of the liner to divide it into a freezer compartment
and a fresh
food compartment.
-3-

CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
A breaker strip 112 extends between a case front flange and
outer front edges of liners. Breaker strip 112 is formed from a suitable
resilient
material, such as an extruded acrylo-butadiene-syrene based material (commonly
referred to as ABS).
The insulation in the space between liners 108, 110 is covered
by another strip of suitable resilient material, which also commonly is
referred to as a
mullion 114. Mullion 114 also preferably is formed of an extruded ABS
material. It
will be understood that in a refrigerator with separate mullion dividing a
unitary liner
into a freezer and a fresh food compartment, a front face member of mullion
corresponds to mullion 114. Breaker strip 112 and mullion 114 form a front
face, and
extend completely around inner peripheral edges of case 106 and vertically
between
liners 108, 110. Mullion 114, insulation between compartments, and a spaced
wall of
liners separating compartments, sometimes are collectively referred to herein
as a
center mullion wall 116.
Shelves 118 and slide-out drawers 120 and 122 normally are
provided in fresh food compartment 102 to support items being stored therein.
A
control interface 124 is mounted in an upper region of fresh food storage
compartment
102. A shelf 126 and wire baskets 128 are also provided in freezer compartment
104.
In addition, an icemaker 130 is provided in freezer compartment 104.
A freezer door 132 and a fresh food door 134 close access
openings to fresh food and freezer compartments 102, 104, respectively. Each
door
132, 134 is mounted by a top hinge 136 and a bottom hinge (not shown) to
rotate
about its outer vertical edge between an open position, as shown in Figure 1,
and a
closed position (not shown) closing the associated storage compartment.
Freezer door
132 includes a plurality of storage shelves 138 and a sealing gasket 140, and
fresh
food door 134 also includes a plurality of storage shelves 142 and a sealing
gasket
144.
Regarding icemaker 130, icemaker 130 receives water for ice
production from a water valve typically mounted to the exterior of the
refrigerator. In
one embodiment, the water valve is coupled to a fill tube via polyethylene
tubing.
Water is dispensed from the fill tube into a tray in which ice cubes are
formed.
-4-

CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
Specifically, the fill tube transports water from the polyethylene tubing to
icemaker
130. As explained above, water in the fill tube is subject to freezing, i.e.,
the fill tube
is exposed to the cold air in the freezer, and ice plugs can form in the fill
tube. The
ice plug prevents water from flowing to icemaker 130 and also can result in
water
leaks due to increased water pressure in the polyethylene tubing.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment
of a fill tube assembly 150. Figures 3 - 5 illustrate components of fill tube
assembly
150. Referring specifically to Figure 2, assembly 150 includes a grommet 152
which
includes an inlet 154 and an outlet 156. Inlet 154 is configured to couple to
a
polyethylene tube (not shown) which extends from a water valve (not shown) to
inlet
154. In one embodiment, one end of the polyethylene tube slides over inlet 154
and
forms a tight fit with inlet 154. Assembly 1 SO also includes a fill tube 158
configured
to couple to grommet outlet 156. In one embodiment, an end 160 of tube 158
slides
over outlet 156 and forms a tight fit with outlet 156. Fill tube 158 includes
a tapered
slot 162 starting at an end 163 opposite end 160, and slot 162 facilitates
preventing an
ice slug binding in tube 158. Specifically, slot 162 shortens the length of
tube 158 in
which an ice slug can form, i.e., rather than the entire length of tube 158,
an ice slug
can only form in the non-slotted portion of tube 158. In addition, slot 162
similarly
shortens the length of tube 158 in which frost can form, i.e., the frosting
length is
reduced from the full length of tube 158 to the non-slotted portion of tube
158. Slot
162 also facilitates preventing mechanical binding of an ice slug during a
defrost
operation.
Assembly 150 further includes a foam pad 164 and aluminum
tape 166. Generally, aluminum tape 166 is first wrapped around a portion of
tube
158, and then foam pad 164 is wrapped around tape 166.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of foam pad 164 and Figure 4 is a
top plan view of aluminum tape 166. As shown in Figure 3, foam pad 164
includes
opposing cut-out sections 168.
Figure 5 is a side view and Figure 6 is an endview of tube 158.
A portion 170 of tube 158 is co~gured to have pad 164 and tape 166 wrapped
therearound, as described below in more detail. In one embodiment, tube
portion 170
-5-

CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
is located in the foamed wall of the refrigerator. Aluminum tape 166
facilitates
warming portion 170 of tube such that the tube walls exceed 32°F during
the
refrigerator compressor off cycle. In one specific embodiment, aluminum tape
166
maintains the fill tube temperature in the area of tape 166 above freezing in
an off
cycle and during a defrost operation with a 70°F termination
temperature being
utilized.
Closed cell foam pad 164 is wrapped around portion 170 of
tube that is placed through the cored foam hole. Pad 164 facilitates
preventing cold
air from surrounding tube 158 and facilitates preventing freezing of water in
tube 158.
That is, pad 164 provide friction holding force between fill tube 158 and the
refrigerator case insulation. Consequently, fill tube 158 is less likely to
shoot out into
the icemaker fill cup during a fill operation and such friction forces also
facilitate
utilizing higher water pressure to clear an ice plug from fill tube.
Slot 162, foam pad 164, and aluminum tape 166 are
separately and collectively sometimes referred to herein as ice formation
prevention
components since such components facilitate preventing the formation of ice in
fill
tube 158. Example dimensions for the components of fill tube assembly 150 are
set
forth below. Such dimensions are in inches unless otherwise indicated. Of
course, in
other embodiments, other dimensions can be employed and the dimensions below
are
by way of example only.
A = 2.25
B = 2.50
C = 2.00
D = 2.00
E = 0.25 ra
F =1.50
G = 2.00
H = 0.100 +/- 0.100 (0.200 max)
I = 4.50
J = 0.25
Refernng to Figure 6, tape 166 is wrapped with a seam 172
down. Pad 164 is wrapped with a seam 174 up. Staggering seams 172 and 174
facilitates preventing ice plugs in tube 158.
-6-

CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
In operation, water is supplied to tube 158 via grommet 152,
and Water flows from tube 158 into icemaker 130. Tapered slot 162 facilitates
preventing frost from forming on tube 158, and specifically facilitates
preventing frost
from forming thereon, i.e., on slot 162 itself. Aluminum tape 166 facilitates
warming
portion 170 of tube 158 that is located in the refrigerator wall, and foam pad
164
facilitates preventing cold air from surrounding tube 158 to prevent freezing.
Figure 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fill
tube assembly 200. Assembly 200 includes a plastic grommet 202 for conveying
water. At least a portion of grommet 202 fits within an insulator 204 that
facilitates
preventing sweat that could subsequently freeze. A cover 206 facilitates
preventing
damage. An aluminum plate 208 is in intimate contact with the back of the
refrigerator case and transfers heat to aluminum fill tube 210, thus
facilitating
preventing freeze-up.
More particularly, grommet 202 includes an inlet 212 and an
outlet 214. Inlet 212 is configured to couple to a polydhylene tube (not
shown) which
extends from a water valve (not shown) to inlet 212. In one embodiment, one
end of
the polyethylene tube slides over inlet 212 and forms a tight fit with inlet
212.
Grommet outlet 214 slides into an opening and through boss 216 of plate 208.
An end
218 of tube 210 slides over outlet 214 and into engagement with boss 216.
Insulator 204 includes a cut-out portion 220, and outlet 214 of
grommet 202 fits within insulator cut-out portion 220. Insulator also includes
an
indentation portion 222 for mating with a grommet plate 224 of grommet 202.
Insulator 204 facilitates preventing the formation of sweat on grommet 202 and
fill
tube 210.
Cover 206 includes flanges 226 and 228 having openings 230
and 232 therein that align with openings 234 and 236 in plate 208. Cover 206
is
secured to plate 208 by screws (not shown) that extend through aligned
openings
230,234 and 232,236. Cover 206 facilitates preventing damage to grommet 202
and
insulator 204. Plate 208 is an ice formation prevention component in that
plate 208,
by being in intimate contact with the back of the refrigerator, is heated and
such heat
_7_

CA 02409532 2002-10-24
9D-HR-19975
energy is transferred by plate 208 via boss 216 to tube 210. Such heat
transfer
facilitates preventing ice plugs from forming in tube 210.
In addition to the fill tube assembly embodiments described
herein, operation of the refrigerator defrost cycle can be adjusted so that
the fill tube
receives adequate energy to defrost any ice build up that might occur on the
fill tube.
More particularly, a refrigerator typically includes a refrigeration circuit
including a
compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser connected in series. An evaporator
fan is
provided to blow air over the evaporator, and a condenser fan is provided to
blow air
over the condenser. Such refrigerators also typically include defrost heaters
coupled
to a defrost control for controlling defrost operations. Adjustable parameters
include,
for example, the defrost termination temperature (i.e., the temperature at
which the
defrost heaters are de-energized by the defrost control), amount of time the
defrost
heaters are on, the amount of system dwell time, and the amount of evaporator
dwell
time. Dwell time generally is the time period after one cycle has been
terminated and
before another cycle is initiated. For example, defrost dwell time is the time
period
after defrost heat is terminated and before the compressor is allowed to turn
back on,
i.e., before a cold control re-energizes the compressor. Increasing the
defrost
termination temperature raises the peak temperature of the fill tube.
Increased
evaporator fan delay allows more time at a given temperature of the fill tube.
While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be
practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
_g_

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(22) Filed 2002-10-24
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2003-05-30
Dead Application 2005-10-24

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2004-10-25 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $300.00 2002-10-24
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2002-10-24
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Past Owners on Record
FROELICHER, STEPHEN BERNARD
WISEMAN, JOSHUA STEPHEN
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2002-10-24 1 14
Description 2002-10-24 8 383
Claims 2002-10-24 2 64
Drawings 2002-10-24 4 61
Representative Drawing 2003-01-09 1 9
Cover Page 2003-05-06 1 34
Assignment 2002-10-24 4 156