Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ICE HARVESTING
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[011 This application is a non-provi.sionai of and claims priority to
provisional U.S.
Application No. 61/588,954, filed January 20, 2012, and entitled "Method and
Apparatus for Ice Making," and non-provisional U.S. .Application No.
13/618,799
filed on September 14, 2012, and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Ice
Harvesting," the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in
their entirety and for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[02] This disclosure relates generally to a method and ice making apparatus
for ice
harvesting, wherein the ice may be used in a variety of settings, including
beverage
dispensers, e.g., for cafeterias, restaurants (including fast food
restaurants), theatres,
convenience stores, gas stations, and other entertainment and/or food service
venues,
with reduced overall dimensions of apparatus and decreased freezing time for
ice.
BACKGROUND
[03] Ice making machines described in the art typically form clear crystalline
ice by
freezing water that flows over a cooled surface.
[04] Existing ice making machines have several shortcomings. For example, they
form ice
cubes relatively slowly, which leads to a low ice production rates at a given
number of
ice forming cells. For example, conventional ice making machines typically
have ice
production cycles of about 10-15 minutes. In order to provide required ice
consumption during peak hours, conventional machines are typically equipped
with a
large size hopper. During storage, ice in the hopper requires mechanical
agitation to
avoid freezing of ice cubes together. This noticeably increases complexity and
overa1.1 dimension of the ice making machine. Very often, a 1.arge hopper for
ice
storage is required, which in turn may require the hopper to be located
remotely from
the point of dispense. Transportation of ice from a remote location to the
point of
dispensing may add to complexity and operation of ice making. In addition, ice
stored for a significant period of tirne may become contaminated. Conventional
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machines are not equipped to provide for harvesting of ice that is
commensurate with
ice production cycles of less than about 10-15 minutes.
[01 Therefbre there is a need fir a new ice making machine, which would
provide faster
ice cube freezing, and enable close to "ice-on-demand" production and
harvesting
rates, which in turn translates to a smaller overall machine footprint.
SUMMARY
[061 In an aspect of the disclosure an ice cube mold is provided. The mold
defines a first
volume for an. ice cube, the mold comprising a -bottom face having an inner
perimeter
and side faces. Each side face of the mold has a corresponding inner
perimeter, a
corresponding top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge. The corresponding top
edge of each side face is longer than the corresponding bottom edge. Each side
face
extends _inward fiom the corresponding top edge to the corresponding bottom
edge.
The mold comprises a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape
located
within the first volume, the three-dimensional shape coniprising a second
volume.
Th.e second. -volume is defined by a top outer perimeter, a 'bottom outer
perimeter, and
at least a bulge of the three-dimensional shape. The bulge extends upwardly
between
the bottom outer perimeter and the top outer perimeter. The bulge tapers as it
extends
upwardly between the bottom outer perimeter and the top outer perimeter of the
three-
dimensional shape. The mold further defines a third volume between the first
volume
and the second volume, with the mold configured to receive water within the
third
volume.
[VI The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will be
apparent from th.e following detailed description of the illustrated
embodiments
thereof which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGs. TA through IL show ice cube geometries in accordance with at least one
aspect
of the disclosure.
[091 FIG. 2 shows cross-sectional view of a mold fragment in accordance with
at least one
aspect of the disclosure.
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110] EEGs. 3A through 3C show ice cubes of various geometries of bulges and
fins which
increase area mold-water interface in accordance with at least one aspect of
the
disclosure.
[111 FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional view of the mold fragment in accordance with
at least
one aspect of the disclosure.
[121 FIG. 5 shows ice cube configuration in accordance with at least one
aspect of the
disclosure,
[13] FIG. 6 shows cross-sectional view of the mold fragment in accordance
with at least
one aspect of the disclosure.
114] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mold fragment in accordance
with at least
one aspect of the disclosure.
1151 FIG. 8.A. depicts percentage by volume of ice cube 150 versus time.
[161 FIG. 8E3 depicts ice cube wall thickness in ram versus time.
[171 FIGs. 9A through 9F depict portions of ice cubes that comprise water and
portions of
ice cubes that comprise ice after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance with at
least
one aspect of the disclosure.
1181 FIGs. 10A through 10D illustrate an ice cube in accordance with at least
one aspect of
the disclosure.
1191 FIGs. 11 A through 11D illustrate another ice cube in accordance with
at least one
aspect of the disclosure.
120] FIGs. 12A through 12D illustrate an additional ice cube in accordance
with at least
one aspect of the disclosure.
1211 FIGs. 13A through 13D illustrate yet a further ice cube in accordance
with at least one
aspect of the disclosure.
[221 FIG. 14 illustrates time to freeze 95% by volume and time to achieve
complete
freezing of ice cubes in accordance with at least one aspect of the
disclosure.
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[23] FIGs. 15A through 15D illustrate a distribution apparatus in accordance
with at least
one aspect of the disclosure.
[24] FIG. I6A. is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment of back-to-
back ice cube
molds in accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[25] FIG. I 6B is an expl.oded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A.
[26] FIG. 17A and FIG. I 7B illustrate a mold shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B
in
accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[27] FIG. 18A is a side view of a mold in accordance with at least one aspect
of the
disclosure.
[28] FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the mold shown in FIG. 18A.
[29] FIG. 19 is a bottom. view a cover in accordance with at least one aspect
of the
disclosure.
[30] FIGs. 20A through 20C illustrate an embodiment in accordance with at
least one
aspect of the disclosure.
[31] FIG. 21 illustrates a full assembly cross section view and an exploded
perspective
view of an embodiment in accordance with at least one aspect of the
discl.osure.
[32] FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B are top and bottom perspective views of an
embodiment in
accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[33] FIGs. 23A through 23H illustrate various ice harvesting procedures, each
of which
includes at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[34] FIGs. 24A. through 24E illustrate additional various ice harvesting
procedures, each of
which includes at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[35] FIG. 25 illustrates another ice harvesting procedure that includes at
least one aspect of
the disclosure.
[36] FIG. 26 illustrates yet another ice harvesting procedure that includes at
least one
aspect of the disclosure.
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137] FIGs. 27A through 27C illustrate an embodiment in accordance with at
least one
aspect of the di.scl.osure.
[381 FIGs. 28.A -through 28D illustrate an ice harvesting and apparatus in
accordance with
at least one aspect of the disclosure.
[391 FIGs. 29A through 291 illustrate ice harvesting and apparatus in
accordance with at
least one aspect of the disclosure.
[401 FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of a water filling system in
accordance with at least one
aspect of the disclosure.
[411 FIGs. 31A through 31D illustrate ice harvesting and apparatus in
accordance with at
least one aspect of the disclosure.
1421 EEGs. 32A through 32L illustrate ice harvesting and apparatus in
accordance with at
least one aspect of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1431 In an aspect of the disclosure, an ice making machine may be provided
with reduced
overall dimensions and decreased freezing time of an .ice cube to provide "ice-
on-
demand" production,
[441 In an aspect, heat flow from water in a mold may be increased toward the
mold. The
heat flow may be enhanced by increasing area of a mold-water interface.
[451 In an aspect, a predetermined ice cube shape may be used to reduce
freezing time.
The predetermined ice cube shape m.ay have a shape of a truncated pyramid
similar to
a regular dice ice cube.
1461 !In an aspect, a mold with a plurality of cells and plurality of
channels for cooling
agent may be used. In order to provide freezing of water surface at the open
side of a
cell, an evaporator may be utilized. The ice making machine may comprise a
cooling
agent distribution system configured to deliver a pathway for a cooling agent
that
provides substantially equal heat removal from a plurality of ice cube molds.
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[47] In an aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus may be provided.
The ice
making apparatus may comprise a mold, the mold defining a first volume for an
ice
cube, the mold comprising a bottom face having an inner perimeter and side
faces.
Each side face of the mol.d may have a corresponding inner perimeter, a
corresponding top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge. The corresponding top
edge of each side face may be longer than the corresponding bottom edge. Each
side
face may extend inward from. the corresponding top edge to the corresponding
bottom
edge. The mold may comprise a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional
shape located within the first volume, the three-dimensionai shape comprising
a
second volume. The second volume may be defined by a top outer perimeter, a
bottom outer perimeter, and at least a bulge of the three-dimensional shape.
The
bulge may extend upwardly between the bottom outer perimeter and the top outer
perimeter. The bulge may taper as it extends upwardly between the bottom outer
perimeter and the top outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The
mol.d may
further define a third volume between the first volume and the second volume,
with
the mold configured to receive water within the third volume. The apparatus
may
comprise a cooling device configured to cool water within the third volume
sufficiently to freeze the water.
[48] In one aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus may be provided
comprising a
mold. The mold may comprise an upper part and a lower part. Each of the parts
may
comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells corresponding to a plurality of
ice cube
mold cells of the other mold part. The mold may be configured so that a first
mold
cell of the lower part of the mold and a corresponding second cell of the
upper part of
mold comprises a single enclosure. The single enclosure may define a volum.e
for a
single ice cube. A first channel may be configured to fill the first mold cell
and the
corresponding second mold cell with water. A second channei may be configured
to
allow air to escape from the single enclosure when the first mold cell and the
second
mold cell are fil.led with water. A. plural.ity of passageways may be
configured to
receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within
the
mold cells to the mold cells, and freezing the water within the mold cells.
[49] In an aspect, an ice making apparatus may be provided that comprises an
evaporator.
The evaporator may be separate from the mol.d. The evaporator and the mold may
be
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combined wherein evaporation occurs in the mold. A dual or two loop system may
be
employed. In a two loop system, evaporation occurs in an evaporator, e.g., a
heat
carrier is cooled in the evaporator. After being cooled in the evaporator, the
heat
carrier is placed in heat transfer contact with the mold, and the heat carrier
cools the
mold. In an aspect, the heat carrier flows through a portion of the mold to
cool the
mold.
[50] In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus may be provided
comprising
a mol.d and a plate. The mold may be positioned over the plate. The mold may
comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells, each ice cube mold cell may
comprise an
opening at the bottom. of the cell, and an air escape channel at the top of
the cell to
allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with
water.
The mold and the plate may each comprise a pl.urality of passageways, each
passageway configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat
transfer
from water within the ice cube mold cells to the ice cube mold cells, and
freeze water
within the ice cube mold cells. Each ice cube mold celi may comprise a
corresponding channel to allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when
the
plate is filled with water.
[51] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of making a plurality of ice
cubes may be
provided. The method may comprise placing a mold over a plate. The mold may
comprise a plurality of cells. Each celi may comprise an opening at the bottom
of the
cell, and an air escape channel at the top of the cell. The method may
comprise filling
each of the plurality of cells by filling the plate with water, and
transferring heat from
water within the plurality of cells to the mold cells and freezing water
within the cells.
[52] in one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus may be provided
com.prising
a mold, wherein the mold may comprise a plurality of cells. Each cell may
comprise
an opening at a top of each cell. The mold may comprise a plurality of
passageways
for a cooling agent, and an upper part. The upper part may be hermetically
enclosed
with a cover. The upper part may comprise a vacuum. chamber. A vacuum pump
may be provided, the vacuum pump configured to pump wet air from the mold. A
pipe may be provided, the pipe extending from the vacuum. chamber of the mold
to
the vacuum pump. When pressure in the vacuum chamber starts to decrease,
dissolved gases start to leave the bulk of water in each cell. The vacuum pump
may
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be configured to pump wet air from the mold so that the pressure in the vacuum
chamber drops below 61 0.5Pa ((0.18 in I-1g) at 32 F).
[53] In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice cube is provided. The ice cube
may comprise a
top face having an outer perimeter, a bottom face having an outer perimeter,
and side
faces. Each side face may include a corresponding outer perimeter, a
corresponding
top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge, the corresponding top edge of each
side
face being longer than the corresponding bottom edge, each side face extending
inward from the corresponding top edge to the corresponding bottom edge. The
top
face, bottom face and side faces may define a first volume. In an embodiment,
a
three-dimensional shape may be provided, the three-dimensional shape located
within
the first volume. The three-dimensional shape may comprise a second volume.
The
second volume may be defined by a top outer perimeter, a bottom outer
perimeter,
and at least a bulge. The bulge may extend upwardly between the bottom outer
perimeter and the top outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The
bulge may
taper as it extends upwardly between the bottom outer perimeter and the top
outer
perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The ice cube may further define a
third
volume between the first volume and the second volume, the third volume
comprising
ice, and second volume comprising unfrozen liquid or air, or a combination of
unfrozen liquid and air.
[54] In an aspect, a cooling agent distribution apparatus may be provided. The
cooling
agent distribution apparatus may comprise an inlet, an outlet, and a
distribution
device. The inlet may be configured to receive a cooling agent. The
distribution
device may be configured to receive the cooling agent from the inlet. The
distribution
device may be configured to distribute cooling agent in a manner that the
cooling
agent provides substantially equal or even cooling to a plurality of molds
that
comprise a liquid to be cooled by the cooling agent.
[55] In an aspect, an ice making machine may be provided that is configured to
produce
ice faster than conventional ice making machines. Conventional ice making
apparatus, such as ice making apparatus used to make ice for beverage
dispensers,
typically have ice production cycles of about 1 0-1 5 minutes, i.e., about 4-6
cycles per
hour. In an aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making machine may be
provided
that produces ice in less than 1 minute, i.e., more than 60 cycles per hour.
In an
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aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making machine may be provided that
produces ice in about 30 seconds, i.e., about 120 cycles per hour. In an
aspect of the
present disclosure, an ice making machine may be provided that produces ice in
about
17 seconds or less, i.e., about 212 cycl.es per hour or more. In an aspect of
the present
disclosure, an ice making machine may be provided that produces ice in about
1.5
seconds, i.e., about 240 cycles per hour. The above 30 second and 17 second
times
are freezing times. Time is needed to fill cells with water, freeze it,
disengage the ice
from the mold, and to harvest the ice. Therefore, the production cycle is
about 70-90
seconds, which includes a 30 second freezing time, and the production cycle is
about
60-80 seconds, which includes a 17 second freezing time.
1561 In an aspect, an ice making machine may be provided that comprises an ice
harvesting
apparatus. The ice harvesting apparatus may comprise various structures for
facilitating removal of ice cubes from a mold. The ice harvesting apparatus
may be
configured to be incorporated into the ice making machine andlor cooperate
with the
ice making machine disclosed herein.
1571 In an aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus comprising a mold
is provided.
The apparatus comprises an arm and an ice cube mold comprising a plurality of
ice
cube mol.d cells. The ice cube mold is configured to cool a liquid in the ice
cube mold
cells sufficient such that an ice cube is formed in each ice cube mold cell.
The
apparatus comprises a water filling system, the water filling system
configured to
move along the arm. The water filling system comprises water filling
dispensers.
Each water filling dispenser is configured to dispense a liquid to be frozen
into a
corresponding ice cube mold cell. Each water filling dispenser is configured
to move
an ice cube formed in the corresponding ice cube mold cell away from the
corresponding ice cube mold cell when the water filling system moves away from
the
ice cube mold. Moreover, the apparatus comprises an ice cube remover. The ice
cube
remover may be configured to push ice cubes off the water filling dispensers
when the
water filling system is moved along the arm toward the ice cube remover.
1581 In an aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus is configured to
provide
conditions for fast (on-demand) production. This is achieved by increased
intensity of
heat exchange between water and mold which is achieved by specially designed
cells
which increase the surface area of the water-mold interface.
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[59] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure.
More specifically, FIG. IA illustrates a shape of an of ice cube 100 with an
increased
area of mold-water interface. Ice cube 100 may be formed using a corresponding
ice
cube mold 126. Ice cube 100 comprises a top face 102, a bottom face 101, and
four
side faces 105, 106, 107 and 108. In an embodiment, the top face 102, the
bottom
face 101, and the four side faces 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be
parallelograms. Top
face 1.02 may have an outer perimeter 112, and bottom face 101 may have an
outer
perimeter 111. Each of the four side faces 105, 106, 107, and 108 may have an
outer
perimeter 1.1.4. The outer perimeter 1.14 of each side face may have a top
edge 11.6
and a bottom edge 118. In an embodiment, the top edge 116 of each side face
105,
106, 107, and 108 may be longer than bottom edge 118 of each side face 105,
106,
107, and 108. In an embodiment, each of the side faces 105, 106, 107 and 108
may
extend or slant inward from. the top edge 1.16 of each side face.
[60] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a mold 126 is provided. Mold 126 may
define a
first volume for an ice cube, such as ice cube 100. Mold 126 may comprise a
bottom
face having an inner perimeter. Mold 126 may also comprise side faces. Each
side
face of the mold may have a corresponding inner perimeter, a corresponding top
edge,
and a corresponding bottom edge. The corresponding top edge of each side face
may
be I.onger than the corresponding bottom edge, each side face extending inward
from
the corresponding top edge to the corresponding bottom edge. The bottom face
and
side faces of mold 126 may respectively correspond to the bottom face 101.,
and side
faces 105, 106, 107 and 108 of ice cube 100. Mold 126 nay comprise a top face
having an inner diameter. Top face of mold 126 may correspond to the top face
102
of ice cube 100.
[611 In an embodiment of the disclosure, a three-dimensional shape 122 is
provi.ded. in an
embodiment, three-dimensional shape 122 may be generally a three-dimensional
"U"-
shape 120. The U-shape 120 may have a top outer perim.eter 103, and a bottom
outer
perimeter 104, and side fins 124. In an embodiment, top outer perimeter 103
may be
smaller than the bottom outer perimeter 104. In an embodiment, side fins 124
may
taper as they extend upwardly from the bottom outer perimeter 104 to top outer
perimeter 103.
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[62] FIGs. 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1 E illustrate various views of ice cube 100. FIG.
1B is a
perspective view of ice cube 100 after it has been removed from. mold 126
shown in
FIG. 1A. lce cube 100 may have the following dimensions: each top edge 116 may
have length LI (see FIG. 1C and 1D), each bottom edge 118 may have a length L2
(see FIG. 1D), and a length L3 between a plane of the top face 102 and a plane
of the
bottom face 101 (see FIG. 1D). In an embodiment, ice cube 100 may have
inclined
outer side walls and length L1 may be greater than length L2. In an
embodiment,
length L1 may be 21 mm, length L2 may be 19mm, and length L3 may be 20mm. As
shown in FIG. IC, after the three-dimensional. shape 122 is removed from ice
cube
100, a void 128 is defined by ice cube 100. Void 128 may comprise legs 130 and
132, which face each other, and a connecting portion 134 that is connected to
each
leg. In an embodiment, the distance DI between the legs 130 and 132 may be
greater
at the top face 102 than the distance D2 at the bottom. face 1.01. For
example, distance
D1 may be 5 mm, and distance D2 may be 3mm.. Due to tapering of ice cube 100
between length L1 and length L2, the difference in length between length L1
and
length L2 is shown as distance D3 at each end of length L2. In an embodiment,
D3
may be 1 mm.
[63] FIGs. IF, 1G, 1H, and 11 illustrate various views of an embodiment of an
ice cube
100'. In an embodiment shown in FIGs. IF through II, length Li may be 23 mm,
length L2 may be 21 mm, length L3 may be 22 mm, distance D1 may be 5 mm, and
distance D2 m.ay be 3mm. Ice cube 100' m.ay have a similar shape as ice cube
100,
with different dimensions for L1, L2 and/or L3. Due to tapering of ice cube
100'
between length LI and length L2, the difference in length between length LI
and
length L2 is shown as distance D3 at each end of length L2. In an
embodi.m.ent, D3
may be 1 mm.
[64] FIGs. 1J, 1K, and IL illustrate an ice cube 150 having vertical walls.
Ice cube 150
may have a void 152. Ice cube 150 may have the fol.lowing dimensions: each top
edge 154 may have length Ll, each bottom edge 156 may have a length L2, and a
length L3 between a plane of the top face 158 and a plane of the bottom face
160. In
an embodiment, length L 1 may be 20 mm, length L2 may be 20 mm, and length L3
may be 20 min. As shown in FIG. 1.K, after a three-dimensional shape (not
shown)
that corresponds to void 152 is removed from ice cube 150, void 152 is defined
by ice
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cube 150. The three-dimensional shape that corresponds to void 152 ma2,,,,
have a
shape similar to three-dimensional shape 122 discu.ssed in connection with
FIG. 1A,
but with vertical walls rather than inclined walls. Void 152 may comprise legs
162
and 164, which face each other, and a connecting portion 166 that is connected
to
each. leg. In an embodiment, the distance D1 between the legs 162 and 164 may
be 4
mm. Leg 162 may have a width WI, leg 164 may have a width W2, and connecting
portion 166 may have a width W3. In an embodiment, Wl, W2, and W3 may each be
mm,
[651 Ice cube 150 may be formed in accordance with the following procedure. An
empty
mold is cooled down from. the bottom of the mold to about -30 to about -35
degrees.
The mold is filled with room temperature water using a syringe. In about 30-35
seconds, ice cube 150 may be frozen to about 95% by volume, and 1.00% frozen
in
about 45 seconds. FIG. 8A depicts the percentage by -volume of ice cube 150
versus
time.
[661 An ice cube having the same dimensions as ice cube 150 is formed in
accordance with
the following procedure. A.n empty mold is cooled down from the bottom of the
mold
to about -30 to about -35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with room
temperature
water using a syringe. !In about 17 seconds, -unfrozen water tnay be sucked
from the
mold, leaving a layer of ice on the mold surfaces. The average wall thickness
may be
about 2 Min after 17 seconds of freezing. When the freezing time .is extended
to 30
seconds, the average wall thickness was about 3 m.m. FIG. 8B depicts the ice
cube
watt thickness in Min versus time.
1671 FIG. 9A depicts the portions of ice cube 150 that comprises water and the
portion of
ice cube 150 th.at comprises ice after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance
with the
above procedure. FIG. 9B depicts temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube
150
after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance with the procedure described above
with
respect to FIG. 8A.
168] Ice cube 100 described in connection with FIGs. 1.B through 1.E. may
be formed in.
accordance with the ibliowing procedure. .An. empty mold is cooled down to
about -
35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with room temperature water using a
syringe.
FIG. 9C depicts the portions of ice cube 100 that comprises water and the
portion of
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ice cube 100 that comprises ice after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance
with the
above procedure. FIG. 9D depicts temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube
100
after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance with the procedure described above.
[691 Ice cube 100' described in connection with FIGs. !IF through 11 may be
formed in
accordance with the following procedure. An empty mold is cooled down to about
-
35 degrees Celsius. The m.old is filled with room temperature water using a
syringe.
FIG. 9E depicts the portions of ice cube 100' that comprises water and the
portion of
ice cube 100 that comprises ice after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance
with the
above procedure. FIG. 9F depicts temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube
100
after 30 seconds of freezing in accordance with the procedure described above.
[701 Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an mold 200 in accordance with at 1.east
one aspect of
the disclosure. Mold 200 may be configured to correspond to the ice cube
depicted in.
FIG. I. 141old body 201 may include a plurality of individual ice cube mold
cells 202.
Each mold cell may include fins 203 connected to the mold body 201. Channels
204
for a cooling agent ma.y be located in proximity to the cells 202 in order to
provide
efficient heat transfer to freeze water in the mold cells 202..
[71] In an aspect of the disclosure, using an ice cube shape as shown in
FIG. I may result
in about a 10-fold reduction of ice cube freezing time as compared to a
monolithic
cube of the same external dimensions,
[721 Other embodiments in accordance with the disclosure are depicted in FIGS.
3.A, 3B,
and 3C. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3, and 3C, 'bulges and/or fins may have
different
shapes and ma.y be configured to increase the area of the mold-surface
interface.
[731 FIG. 3A illustrates a shape of an of ice cube 300 with an increased area
of mold-water
interface in accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure. As shown
in FIG.
3A, ice cube 300 may have a top face 302, a bottom face 301, and side faces
305, 306,
307 and 308. In. an embodiment, top face 302, bottom face 301, and the four
side
faces 305, 306, 307, and 308 may be parallelograms. Ice cube 300 may be formed
using a corresponding ice cube mold, such as mold 126 shown in FIG. I. Top
face
302 may have an outer perimeter 312, and bottom face 301 ma:yr have an outer
perimeter 311. Each of the four side faces 305, 306, 307, and 308 may have an
outer
perimeter 314. The outer perimeter 314 of each side face may have a top edge 3
16,
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and a bottom edge 318. In an embodiment, the top edge 316 of each side face
305,
306, 307, and 308 may be longer than the bottom edge 318 of each side face
305, 306,
307, and 308. In an embodiment, each of the side faces 305, 306, 307 and 308
may
extend or slant inward from. the top edge 316 of each side face. In an
embodiment, a
mold 320 is provided. Mold 320 may comprise a three-dimensional. shape 322. in
an
embodiment, three-dimensional shape 322 may be generally a three-dimensional
truncated "M"-shape. Three-di.m.ensi.onal shape 322 may have a top outer
peri.m.eter
303, a bottom outer perimeter 304, and side fins 324. In an embodiment, top
outer
perimeter 303 may be smaller than bottom outer perimeter 304. In an
embodiment,
side fins 324 may taper as they extend upwardly from the bottom outer
perimeter 304
to top outer perimeter 303.
[74] FIG. 3B illustrates a shape of an of ice cube 340 with an increased area
of mold-water
interface in accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure. As shown
in FIG.
3B, ice cube 340 may have a top face 342, a bottom face 341, and side faces
345, 346,
347 and 348. In an embodi.m.ent, the top face 342, the bottom face 341, and
the four
side faces 345, 346, 347, and 348 may be parallelograms. Ice cube 340 may be
formed using a corresponding ice cube mold. Top face 342 may have an outer
perimeter 352, and bottom face 341 may have an outer perimeter 351. Each of
the
four side faces 345, 346, 347, and 348 may have an outer perimeter 354. The
outer
perimeter 354 of each side face may have a top edge 356 and a bottom edge 358.
In
an embodiment, the top edge 356 of each side face 345, 346, 347, and 348 may
be
longer than the bottom edge 358 of each side face 345, 346, 347, and 348. In
an
embodiment, each of the side faces 345, 346, 347 and 348 may extend or slant
inward
from the top edge 356 of each side face. In an embodiment, a mold 360 is
provided.
Mold 360 may comprise a three-dimensional shape 362. In an embodiment, three-
dimensional shape 362 may be generally a set of three-dimensional "L"-shapes,
with
two of the three- dimensional L-shapes (363, 364) being mirror images of each
other.
A. third three-dimensional. shape 365 may be positioned between and may join
the
three-dimensional L-shapes (363, 364). The three-dimensional shape 362 may
have a
top outer perimeter 366, a bottom. outer perimeter 367, and side fins 368. In
an
embodiment, top outer perimeter 366 may be smaller than the bottom outer
perimeter
367. In an embodiment, side fins 368 may taper as they extend upwardly from
the
bottom outer perimeter 367 to top outer perimeter 366.
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175] FIG. 3C illustrates a shape of an of ice cube 380 with an increased area
of mold-water
interface in accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure,. A.s shown
ïn FIG.
3C, ice cube 380 may have a top face 382, a bottom face 381, and side faces
385, 386,
387 and 388. In an embodiment, the -top face 382, the bottom face 381, and the
four
side faces 385, 386, 387, and 388 may be parallelograms. Ice cube 380 may be
formed using a corresponding ice cube mold. Top face 382 may have an outer
perimeter 389, and bottom face 381 may- have an outer perimeter 390. Each. of
the
four side faces 385, 386, 387, and 388 may have an outer perimeter 391. The
outer
perimeter 391 of each side face may h.ave a top edge 392 and a bottom edge
393. In
an embodiment, the top edge 392 of each side face 385, 386, 387, and 388 may
be
longer th.an bottom edge 393 of each side face 385, 386, 387, and 388. In an
embodiment, each of the side faces 385, 386, 387 and 388 may extend or slant
inward
from the top edge 392 of each side face. In a.rt embodiment, a mold 394 may be
provided. Mold 394 may comprise a three-dimensional shape 395. In an
embodiment, three-dimensional shape 395 may have a shape generally the same as
ice
cube 380, but is smaller in size. lin an embodim.ent, three-dimensional shape
395 may
be an upside down mirror image of a reduced volume of ice cube 380. Three-
dimensional shape 395 tnay h.ave top outer perimeter 396 and a bottom outer
perimeter 397. In an embodiment, top outer perimeter 396 may be smaller than
the
bottom outer perimeter 397. !In an embodiment, three-dimensional shape 395
tnay
have side faces 398. Side faces 398 may taper as they extend upwardly from the
bottom outer perimeter 397 to top outer perimeter 396.
[761 An embodiment of a mold 400 is shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with various
aspects
of th.e disclosure. Mold 400 tnay comprise a first part 401 and a second part
402.
Each of the parts may have a plurality of ice cube mold cells 410. The cells
may be
placed so that one cell on first part 401 and one cell on second part. 402
form a single
enclosure 403 to make a single ice cube. Enclosure 403 may be filled with
water 411
through. chantic.4 405. Chaim:A 406 may allow air to escape from enclosure 403
when
the latter is being filled with water 411. Each part 401 and 402 of the mold
may also
include a plurality of passageways 409 for cooling agent 407. ln order to seal
enclosures 403, the first part 401 and/or the second part 402 may be covered
with a
sealing coating 408 at a surface area where the first part 401 meets the
second part
402.
1.)
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1771 FIG. 5 illustrates an ice cube configuration in accordance with
aspects of the
disclosure. Ice cube 500 may be used to reduce freezing time. in this
configuration,
ice cube 500 ma2,,,, have a shape of a truncated pyramid similar to a regular
dice ice
cube. Unlike a regular dice ice, however, ice cube 500 may define an internal
volume
502 that is not completely frozen, thus providing a structure of ice cube
walls 501,
which enclose internal volume 502 tilled with water.
1781 Because volume of ice in the ice cube 500 is significantly lower than
that of a
monolithic ice cube of the same exterior dimension, ice cube freezing time to
form ice
cube 500 may be about 20-fold less as compared to ice cube freezing time to
foul]. a.
monolithic cube of the same external dimensions.
[791 FIG. 6 illustrates a mold design that may produce ice cube 500
illustrated in FIG. 5.
Mold 600 may comprise a mold 601 and a plate 602. Mold 601 and plate 602 may
each have a plurality of passageways 606 for a cooling agent (not shown). Mold
601
may al.so comprise a plurality of ice cube cells 603. Each cell 603 may have a
corresponding channel 605 to let air escape from the cell when plate 602 is
tilled with
water 604.
[801 The freezing time may be chosen so that the resulting wall thickness of
the ice cube
may be sufficient to provide required mechanical strength of the ice cube.
Because
the volume of ice in ice cube 500 is significantly less than that of a
monolithic ice
cube of the same exterior dimension, the time needed to freeze the ice cube
structure
of ice cube 500, i.e., ice cube walls 501, may be _reduced by a factor of
about 20-fold
for a wall thickness of about 2-3 mm.
[811 An alternative approach for production of ice cubes is shown in I'IG.
7 in accordance
with at least one aspect of the disclosure. Ice making apparatus 700 may
comprise a
mold. 701. Mold. 701 may comprise a plurality of cells 702 and a plurality of
passageways 710 for a cooling agent 703. In order to provide freezing of water
surface at the open side 711 of cell 702, water evaporation may be -utilized.
An -upper
part 712 of mold 701 may be hermetically enclosed with a cover 704. Upper part
712
may be connected by a pipe 705 to a vacuum pump 706, which ma.y be configured
to
pump wet air from mold 701.
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[82] As the pressure above water surface (e.g., in vacuum chamber 707) starts
to decrease,
dissolved gases start to leave the bulk of water. When the pressure drops
below the
point of water vapor partial pressure (which is 61 0.5Pa (0.18 in Hg) at 32
F)
water/ice start to intensively evaporate. This causes significant heat energy
removal
from the remaining liquid water.
1831 FIGs. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D depict ice cube 1000. As shown in these
figures, ice
cube 1000 may be formed using a three-dimensional shape 1002. Three-
dimensional
shape 1002 may comprise vertical walls 1004, and have a top face 1006 and a
bottom
face 1008 that are squares. Each outside wall 1010 of ice cube 1000 may be a
square.
Each outside wall 1010 may have a length LI. In an embodiment, length L1 may
be
20 mm. Each outside wall 1010 may have a width W4. In an embodiment, width W4
may be 4 mm. The thickness or width of each outside wall 1010 may be 4mm., and
the
void 1012 defined in ice cube 1000 after three-dimensional shape 1002 is
removed,
may have a distance of 12mm between opposing inner faces 1014 and 1016 of ice
cube 1000.
1841 Ice cube 1000 may be formed in accordance with the following procedure.
An empty
mold corresponding to the shape of ice cube 1000 may be cooled down to -35
degrees
Celsius. The mold is filled with room. temperature water using a syringe.
[85] FIGs. 11 A, I 1B, I 1 C, and I I D depict ice cube 380 shown in FIG. 3C.
Three-
dimensional shape 395 is shown in FIG. 11C. Ice cube 380 may have the
following
dimensions: each top edge 392 may have length LI; each bottom edge 393 may
have
a length L2, and a length L3 between a plane of the top face 382 and a plane
of the
bottom face 381. In an embodiment, LI may be 21 mat, L2 may be 19rnm, and L3
may be 20mm. As shown in FIG. 11B, after the three-dimensional shape 395 is
removed from ice cube 380, a void 399 is defined by ice cube 380. As discussed
with
respect to FIG. 3C, in an embodiment, three-dimensional shape 395 may be an
upside
down mirror image of a reduced volume of ice cube 380. Three-dimensional shape
395 m.ay have top outer perimeter 396 and a bottom outer perimeter 397. In an
embodiment, top outer perimeter 396 may be smaller than the bottom outer
perimeter
397. In an embodiment, three-dimensional shape 395 may have side faces 398.
Side
faces 398 may taper as they extend upwardly from the bottom outer perimeter
397 to
top outer perimeter 396. The width from void 399 to the top edge 392 may be a
width
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W5. In an embodiment, width W5 may be 5 mm. The width from void 399 to the
bottom edge 393 may be a width W6. In an embodiment, width W6 may be 3 mrn.
The difference in length between length L 1 and length L2 is shown as distance
D3 at
each end of length L2. In an embodiment, D3 may be 1 mm.
[86] FIGs. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D depict ice cube 1200. Ice cube 1200 has
rounded
outside corners 1202, but is otherwise similar to ice cube 380 shown in FIGs.
11A,
11B, 11C, and 11D.
[87] FIGs. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D depict ice cube 1300. Ice cube 1300 has a
similar
shape as ice cube 1200 shown in FIGs. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, except that ice
cube
1300 has different dimensions than ice cube 1200. For example, in FIG. 13A
through
13D, length Ll may be 23 mm., length L2 m.ay be 21 mm, and length L2 may be 22
mm. In FIG. 13A through 13D, width W5 may be 5 mm, width W6 may be 3 mm,
and distance D3 may be 1 mm..
[88] FIG. 14 illustrates time to freeze 95% by volume and time to achieve
complete
freezing of ice cubes 150, 100, 100', 1000, 380, 1200, and 1300 respectively.
[89] FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 1.5C and FIG. 15D illustrate a cooling agent
distribution
apparatus 1500 in accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure.
Apparatus
1500 may comprise an inlet 1502, an outlet 1504, and a distribution device
1506.
Inlet 1502 may be configured to receive a flow of a cooling agent having a
first
temperature. Distribution device 1506 may be configured to receive the flow of
the
cooling agent from inlet 1502. Apparatus 1500 may further comprise pan 1508.
Distribution device 1506 m.ay be configured to distribute cool.in.g agent in a
m.ann.er
that the cooling agent provides substantially equal or even cooling to a
plurality of
molds 1512 that may comprise a liquid to be cooled by the cooling agent.
Distribution device 1506 may comprise a pan 1508 and a distribution body 1510.
Body 1510 may be configured to receive the flow of cooling agent from inlet
1502.
Pan 1508 may be configured to receive the flow of cooling agent from body 1510
as
the cooling agent flows from body 1510, and cools a plurality of molds 1512 as
the
cooling agent flows through pan 1508 to outl.et 1.504. The cooling agent m.ay
have a
second temperature at outlet 1504. The second temperature of the cooling agent
at
outlet 1504 may be different than the first temperature of the cooling agent
at the inlet
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1502. For example, the second temperature of the cooling agent at outlet 1504
may
be higher than the first temperature of the cooling agent at inlet 1502.
[901 Distribution device 1506 may comprise any suitable combination of pan
shape and
body shape for distribution of cooling agent in pan11.508 to provide
substantially equal
or even cooling to a plurality of molds 1512 that may comprise a liquid to be
cooled
by the cooling agent. As shown in FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG, 15D,
distribution
device 1506 may comprise a body or tube 1510 may be elongated. Body 1510 may
be bar-shaped. E3ody 1510 may comprise a first section 1514, a second section
1516,
and a third section 1518. First section 1514 may be closer to inlet 1502 than
the
second section 1516, and second section 1516 may be closer to inlet 1502 than
the
third section 1518. Second section 1516 may be closer to outlet 1504 than
first
section 1514. Third section _1518 may be el.oser to outlet 1504 than first
section 1514
and second section 1516. Thus, second section 1516 rnay be a middle section
that is
between first section 1514 and third section 1518. In an embodiment, body 1510
may
lie on a surface 1542 of pan 1508. In another embodiment, body 1510 may
extend.
over but not lie on surface 1542 of pan 1508. As shown in FIGs. 15B, 15C, and
15D,
body 1510 may have a length, width and height that is each less than a
corresponding
length, width, and height of the pan. 1508.
[911 In an embodiment, body 1510 may comprise a first end 1520, a second end
1522, a
top surface 1524 and a bottom. surface 1526, the bottom surface 1.526 opposite
the tap
surface 1524. Bottom surface 1526 of 'body 1510 may lie on surface 1542 of
pan.
1508. Body 1510 may comprise a first side surface 1528, and a second side
surface
1530, the second side surface 1530 opposite the first side surface 1528. First
end
1520 may be in fluid communication with inlet 1502. Second end 1522 ma.y be at
an
end of third section 1518.
[92] First section 1514 may define a first set of holes 1532. First set of
holes 1532 m.ay
comprise two holes at first side surface 1528, and two holes at second side
surface
1530, the two holes at second side surface 1530 opposite the two holes at
first side
surface 1528.
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1931 Second section 1516 may define a second set of holes 1534. Second set of
holes 1534
may comprise one hole at top surface 1524, one hole at first side surface
1528, and
one hole at second side surface 1530.
1941 Third section 1518 may define a third set of holes 1536. Third set of
holes 1536 may
comprise two holes at top surface 1524, three holes at first side surface
1528, and
three holes at second side surface 1530.
1951 FIG. 151 illustrates arrows that shows the flow of a cooling agent from
the first,
second, and third sets of holes and into pan 1508. Pan 1508 may have an end
1538.
End 1538 may define one or more holes 1540. Hole(s) 1540 may be a plurality of
holes, as shown in FIG. 15D. As shown in FIG. 15D, flow of a cooling agent may
exit pan 1508 through hole(s) 1540 and into outlet 1504. In an alternative to
hole(s)
1540 or in addition to hole(s) 1540, end 1538 may comprise a funnel or fmsto-
conical
shape configured to receive flow of a cooling agent from pan 1508 and convey
the
flow of the cooling agent to outlet 1504.
1961 Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the
disclosure, as
cooling agent flows from body 1510 and into pan 1508, and then flows towards
outlet
1504, the cooling agent will cool liquid that may be placed in the plurality
of molds
1512 by removing heat from the liquid. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that, in
accordance with the disclosure, the placement, number, and sizing of each of
the holes
of the first, second, and third sets of holes may be varied to distribute
cooling agent in
a manner that the cooling agent provides substantially equal or even cooling
to a
plurality of molds 1512 that may comprise a liquid to be cooled by the cooling
agent.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the
disclosure, the
equal or even cooling of the liquid in the plurality of molds may result in
liquid in
each mold freezing at about the same rate, thereby forming an ice cube in each
mold
at about the same time.
1971 Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the
disclosure, cooling
agent distribution apparatus 1500 and/or distribution device 1506 may be used
in for
the making of ice cubes, such as the ice cubes disclosed herein, e.g., ice
cube 100
(shown in FIGs. lA through p, ice cube 100' (shown in FIG. IF through 1I), ice
cube 150 (shown in FIGs. IJ through IK), ice cubes formed in ice cube mold
cells
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202 (FIG. 2), ice cube 300 (shown in FIG. 3A), ice cube 340 (shown in FIG.
3B), ice
cube 380 (shown in FIG. 3C, and FIGs. 11.A through 11D), ice cubes form.ed in
ice
cube mold cells (see FIG. 4), ice cube 500 (see FIG. 5), ice cubes formed in
ice cube
mold cell.s 603 (see FIG. 6), ice cubes formed in ice cube mold cel.ls 702
(see FIG. 7),
ice cube 1000 (shown in FIGs. 10A through 10D), ice cube 1200 (shown in FIGs.
12A through 12D), and ice cube 1300 (shown in FIGs. 13A through 13D).
[98] Apparatus 1500 may also be used to facilitate removal of ice cubes from
molds 1512.
For example, after ice cubes have been formed in molds 1512, the flow of the
cooling
agent may be stopped, and a flow of a warming agent, also called a hot cooling
agent,
may be sent through the same pathway as the cooling agent, i.e., the warming
agent
may be sent through inlet 1502, distribution device 1506, pan 1508, and outlet
1504.
The warming agent may have a first temperature at inlet 1502, and a second
temperature at outlet 1504. The second temperature of the warming agent at
outlet
1504 may be different than the than the first temperature of the warming agent
at inlet
1502. For exampl.e, the second temperature of the warming agent at outlet 1504
may
be lower than the first temperature of the warming agent at inlet 1502. As the
warming agent flows through pan 1508, the warming agent heats the ice-mold
interface, thereby loosening the ice cubes from molds 1512.
[99] The ice harvesting apparatus may comprise two molds. Each mold may
comprise a
plurality of mold cells. The two molds may be anti-phase and rotational with
respect
to each other.
[100] FIG. 16A and FIG. 169 illustrate a mold device 1600 that may comprise
back-to-back
ice cube molds 1602 and 1604. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of mold device
1600
when assembled. FIG. 16B is an exploded vi.ew of mol.d device 1600 shown in
FIG.
16A. Mold 1602 may comprise a first plurality of mold cells 1606, e.g., forty-
five
mold cells, on one side of the mold 1602, and a first heat transfer device
1610 on an
opposite side of the first plurality of mold cells 1606. Mold 1604 may
comprise a
second plurality of mold cells 1608, e.g., forty-five mold cells, on one side
of mol.d
1604, and a second heat transfer device 1612 on an opposite side of the second
plurality of mold cells 1608.
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11011 Mold device 1600 may comprise a first subassembly 1614. First
subassembly 1614
may comprise mold 1602, a first mold cover 1616, a first heat transfer device
1610,
and a first heat transfer device cover 1618. First mold cover 1616 may
comprise a
thermally insulated cover and/or comprise thermally insulated material. First
mold
cover 1616 may define a first opening 1634. First mold cover 1616 may be
configured so that when it is placed over mold 1602, first opening 1634 allows
for the
plurality of mold cells 1606 to be filled with a liquid, e.g., water, when
mold 1602 is
in an upwardly facing position. Mold 1602 may be configured so that first heat
transfer device 1610 may be pl.aced in compartment 1636 of first heat transfer
device
cover 1618.
11021 Mold device 1600 may comprise a second subassembly 1620. Second
subassembly
1620 may comprise mold 1604, a second mold cover 1622, a second heat transfer
device 1612, and a second heat transfer device cover 1624. Second mold cover
1622
may define a second opening 1640. Second mold cover 1624 may be configured so
that when it is placed over mold 1604, second opening 1640 all.ows for the
plurality of
mold cells 1608 to be filled with a liquid, e.g., water, when mold 1604 is in
an
upwardly facing position. Mold 1604 may be configured so that second heat
transfer
device 1612 may be placed in compartment 1642 of second heat transfer device
cover
1624.
[1031 Mold device 1600 may comprise a housing 1626. Housing 1626 may be
thermally
insulated and/or comprise thermally insulated material. Mold device 1600 may
comprise inlet cooling agent tubes 1.628, outlet cool.in.g tubes 1628', shaft
1630 and
shaft supports 1632. Inlet cooling agent tubes 1628 and outlet cooling agent
tubes
1628' may be flexible. Inlet cooling agent tubes 1628 may be configured to
supply a
cooling agent to at least the first heat transfer device 1610 when the first
heat transfer
device 1610 is in an upwardly facing position, or supply a cooling agent to at
least the
second heat transfer device 161.2 when the second heat transfer devi.ce 1612
is in an
upwardly facing position. Shaft 1630 may be supported by shaft supports 1632.
Shaft 1630 may be configured to rotate about an axis A¨A so that first
subassembly
1614 and the second subassembly 1620 may change positions. For example, the
first
subassembly 1614 may be rotated from an upwardl.y facing position as shown in
FIG.
16A to a downwardly facing position, and the second subassembly 1620 may be
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rotated from a downwardly facing position as shown in FIG. 169 to an upwardly
facing position.
[1.041 First subassembly 1614 and second subassembly 1620 may be back-to-back
when
placed in housing 1626. In other words, a back 1644 of the first heat transfer
device
1618 may face a back 1646 of the second heat transfer device cover 1624.
[1051 Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the
disclosure, the first
heat transfer devi.ce 1610 and second heat transfer device 1612 may be any
suitable
heat transfer device, including but not limited to a heat transfer device
comprising
cooling fins 1648.
[1.061 FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B il.lustrate mold 1602 in combination with first
heat transfer
device 1610 and first heat transfer device cover 1618. FIG.17A is a
perspective of the
combination, and FIG. 17B is an exploded view of the combination. Dividers
1650
may be used at each end of first heat transfer device cover 1618. Dividers
1650 may
be configured to obtain a desired flow of a cooling agent from an inlet tube
1628 (see
FIG. 16B) to the first heat transfer device 1610 and from. the first heat
transfer device
1610 to an outlet tube 1628' (see FIG. 16B). As shown in FIG. 16B, mold 1604,
second heat transfer device 1.612, and second heat transfer device cover 1624
may
have a similar or the same configuration as that of mold 1602, first heat
transfer
device 1610, and first heat transfer device cover 1.618, respectively.
[1.071 FIG. 18A. il.lustrates a side view of mold 1602 and first heat transfer
device 1610
previously described. FIG. 189 is a bottom view of the first heat transfer
device
1610. Mold 1604 and second heat transfer device 1612 may have a similar or the
same configuration as that of mold 1602 and first heat transfer device 1610,
respectively. Cooling fms 1648 may have a radius R1 as shown in FIG. 18A. As
shown in FIG. 18A, the dimensions of mold 1602 and first heat transfer device
1610
are depicted as distances A, B, C. Distance A is the height of cooling fins
1648.
Distance B is the height of first heat transfer device 1610. Distance C is the
height of
the combination of mold 1602 and first heat transfer device 1610.
11081 FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of first heat transfer device cover 1618
as previously
described. Second heat transfer device cover 1624 may have a similar or the
same
configuration.
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1109] FIG. 20A, FIG. 20B, and FIG. 20C illustrate the first subassembI2,,,,
1614 when placed
in housing 1626. FIG, 20A is a perspective view, FIG. 20B is an exploded view,
and
FIG. 20C is a top view. Clips 2002 may be used to maintain the position of
first
subassembly in housing 1_626. Second subassembly 1.620 when placed in housing
1626 may have a similar or the same configuration as that of first subassembly
1614.
[110] FIG. 21 illustrates niold device 1600 in a full assembly cross section
view.
[111 j FIG. 22A illustrates a top perspective view- of a mold 1602. FIG. 22B
illustrates a
bottom perspective view of mold 1602.
11121 FIGs. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, and 23H illustrate various ice
harvesting
procedures, each. of which may be used to harvest a plurality of ice cubes,
[1.1.3] FIG. 23A illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2310. The following is a
description of
procedure 2310. In step 23111 of procedure 2310, water in a mold 2300
undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being fomied facing up.
This
'freezing in step 2311 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2311 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 may h.ave a similar or same configuration as that of mold
1602,
previously described. In step 2312 of procedure 2310, mold 2300 is rotated,
e.g.,
_rotated 180 degrees, so that the top 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down.
Also in
step 2312, a warming agent 2314, also called a hot cooling agent, ma2,,,, be
used to heat
mold 2300 to allow the ice cubes 231_5 to be loosened from mold 2300. The
warming
agent 2314 may be passed through channels 2304. Th.e passing of the warming
agent
2314 through channels 230.4 may occur during or shortly after rotation of mold
2300.
:In step 2313 of procedure 2310, ice cubes 2315 may be removed from mold. 2300
by
using gravity, and a harvest assist rod 2303. In step 2313, removal of ice
cubes 2315
from mold. 2300 may be facilitated -by passing of the warming agent 2.314
through
channels 2304.
1114] FIG. 23B illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2320. The following is a
description of
procedure 2320, :In step 2321 of procedure 2320, water in a mold 2300
undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
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freezing in step 2321 rnay be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2321 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to :FIG. 4. Mold 2.300 may have a similar or same configuration as that of
mold 1602,
previously described. In step 2322 of procedure 2320, mold 2300 is rotated,
e.g.,
rotated 180 degrees, so that the top 2.317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down. In
step
2323 of procedure 2320, a thin electric heater 2306 may be used to heat mold
2300 to
loosen the ice cubes 231.5 from mold 2300. Thin electric heater 2306 may
surround
or be at each ice-mold interface. Also in step 2323 of procedure 2320, ice
cubes 2315
m.ay be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity, and a hatvest assist rod
2303.
Procedure 2320 may provide quick heating of the ice-mold interface.
[1151 FIG. 23C illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2330. The following is a
description of
procedure 2330. In step 2331 of procedure 2330, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up,
This
freezing in step 2331 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2331 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold
1602,
previously. described, In step 2332 of procedure 2330, _mold 2300 is rotated,
e.g.,
rotated 180 degrees, so that the top 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down. In
step
2333 of procedure 2330, a tight source 2335 is turned on, and light emitted
from light
source 2335 is absorbed by light absorbing coating 2334 on mold 2300, thereby
heating mold 2300 to loosen the ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300. Also in step
2333
of procedure 2330, ice cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by using
gravity,
and a harvest assist rod 2303. Procedure 2330 may provide quick heating of the
ice-
MORI _interface.
111161 FIG, 23D illustrates ice hatvesting procedure 2340. The following is a
description of
procedure 2340. In step 2341 of procedure 2340, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2341 may be about 30 seconds, The freezing of water to form
ice
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cubes in step 2341 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 tnay have a similar or same configuration as that of mold
1602,
previously described. In step 2342 of procedure 2330, mold 2300 is rotated,
e.g.,
rotated 180 degrees, so that the top 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down. In
step
2343 of procedure 2340, low adhesion coating 2344 on mold 2300 in combination
with gravity permits the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from mold 2300. Also in step
2343
of procedure 2340, ice cubes 2.315 may be removed from mold 2300 by using
gravity,
and a harvest assist rod 2303. By using low adhesion coating 2344, the need
for
heating of the ice-mold interface m.ay be reduced or eliminated.
lir] FIG. 23E illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2350. The following is a
description of
procedure 2350. :In step 2351 of procedure 2350, water in a mold 2300
undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
'freezing in step 2331 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2351 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 tnay h.ave a similar or same configuration as that of
mold 1602,
previously described. Prior to freezing, extractors 2355 may be placed in the
water
that will be -frozen to form the ice cubes. In step 2352 of procedure 2350,
mold. 2300
may be heated using a warming cooling agent 2314 that is passed through
channels
2304, thereby allowing the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from mold 2300. In step
2353 of
procedure 2350, the ice cubes 2315 may be removed from. mold 2300 by raising
extractors 2355, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 23E, and/or lowering mold 2300
away
from extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). Extractors 2355 may be on
extractor
bar 2356. In step 2353, removal of ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 may be
facilitated
by passing of the warming agent 2314 through. channels 2304. In step 2354 of
procedure 2350, the ice cubes 2315 may be released from extractors 2355 by
heating
the extractors 2355.
[1.1.81 FIG. 23F illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2360. The fbilowing is a
description of
procedure 2360, in step 2361 of procedure 2360, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
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freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2361 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to fbrm
ice
cubes in step 2361 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold
1602,
previously described. Prior to freezing, extractors 2355 may be placed in the
water
that will be frozen to form the ice cubes. In step 2362 of procedure 2360,
quick
heating of th.e ice-mold interface m.ay be achieved using a thin film electric
heater
2306, thereby allowing the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from mold 2300. Thin
electric
heater 2306 m.ay surround or be at each ice-mold interface. In step 2363 of
procedure
2360, the ice cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by raising extractors
2355
as shown by the arrow in FIG. 23F, and/or lowering mold 2300 away frotn
extractors
2355 (not shown by an arrow). Extractors 2355 may be on extractor bar 2356. In
step 2364 of procedure 2360, the ice cubes 2315 may be released from
extractors
2355 by heating the extractors 2355.
[1191 FIG. 23G illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2370. The following is a
description of
procedure 2370. In step 23711 of procedure 2370, water in a mold 2300
undergoes
freezin.g, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being fortned facing up.
This
freezing in step 2371 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2371 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold. 2.300 may have a similar or same configuration as that of
mold 1602,
previously described. Prior to freezing, extractors 2355 may be placed in the
water
that will be frozen to form the ice cubes. In. step 2372 of procedure 2370,
quick
heating of the ice-mold interface may be achieved using a light source 2335.
The
light emittc.x.1 from light source 2335 -m.ay be absorbed by light absorbing
coating
2334, thereby allowing the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from mold 2300. in step
2373 of
procedure 2370, the ice cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by raising
extractors 2355 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 23G, and/or lowering mold 2300
away
from extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). Extractors 2355 may be on
extractor
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bar 2356. In step 2374 of procedure 2370, the ice cubes 2315 may be released
from
extractors 2355 by heating the extractors 2355.
[1201 FIG. 23H illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2380. The following is a
description of
procedure 2380. In step 2381 of procedure 2380, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being fomied facing up.
This
'freezing in step 2381 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2381 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Channels 2304 tnay be the same or similar to channels 204 previously
described with respect to FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with
respect
to FIG. 4. Mold 2300 may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold
1602,
previously described. Prior to freezing, extractors 2355 may be placed in the
water
that will be frozen to form the ice cubes. In step 2382 of procedure 2380, the
ice
cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by raising extractors 2355 as shown
by
the arrow in FIG. 23H, and/or lowering mold 2300 away from extractors 2355
(not
shown by an arrow). Extractors 2355 may be on extractor bar 2356. The removal
of
the ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 may be assisted by using a low adhesion
coating
2344. Low adhesion coating 2344 on mold 2300 as shown in FIG. 23H, in
combination with movement of extractors 2355 away from mold 2300 permits the
ice
cubes 2315 to loosen from mold 2300. By using low adhesion coating 2344, the
need
for heating of the ice-mold interface may be reduced or eliminated. In step
2383 of
procedure 2380, the ice cubes 2315 may be released from extractors 2355 by
heating
the extractors 2355.
[1.21 FIGs. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E, illustrate various ice harvesting
procedures, each
of which may be used to harvest a plurality of ice cubes.
[1221 FIG, 24A illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2410. The following is a
description of
procedure 2410. In step 2411 of procedure 2410, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being folined facing up.
This
freezing in step 2411 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to fbrm
ice
cubes in step 2411 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. 14Io1d 2300 may comprise a first set of channels 2408 of channels 2304
below
the bottom of ice cubes to be formed. A second set of channels 2409 of
channels
2304 may also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be folined.
Channels
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2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with
respect to
FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with respect to FIG. 4. Mold
2300
may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold 1602, previously
described.
In step 2412 of procedure 2410, mold 2300 is rotated, e.g., _rotated 180
degrees, so
that the top of the ice cubes face down. Prior to or after rotation in step
2412, the
second set of channels 2409 may be removed away from the ice cubes 2315. As
shown in step 2412, removal of a plate 2419 comprising the second set of
channels
2409 away from the ice cubes 2315 may be facilitated by passing a warming
agent
2314 through channels 2304 of the second set of channels 2409. In step 2412, a
warming agent 2314, also called a hot cooling agent, may be used to heat mold
2300
to allow the ice cubes 2315 to be loosened from_ mold 2300. The warming agent
may
be passed through channels 2304 of the first set 2408 of channels. The passing
of the
warming agent through channels 2304 of the first set 2408 of channels 'may
occur
during or shortly after rotation of mold 2300. In step 2413 of procedure 2410,
ice
cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity, and a harvest
assist
rod 2303. In step 2413, removal of ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 may be
facilitated
by passing of the warming agent 2314 through channels 2304 of the first set of
channels 2408.
123 G 24B i 1 lus trates ice harvesting procedure 2420. The following is a
description of
procedure 2420. In step 2421 of procedure 2420, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2421 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2421 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Mold. 2300 m.ay comprise a first set of channels 2408 of channels 2304
below
the bottom of ice cubes to be formed. A second set of channels 2409 of
channels
2304 may also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed.
Channels
2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with
respect to
FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with respect to FIG. 4, Mold
2300
may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold 1602, previously
described.
step 2422 of procedure 2420, mold 2300 _is rotated, e.g., rotated 180 degrees,
so
that the top of the ice cubes face down. Prior to or after rotation in step
2422, the
second set of channels 2409 may be removed from the ice cubes 2315. As shown
in
step 2422, removal of the second set of channels 2409 away from the ice cubes
231.5
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may be facilitated using a portion 2307 of a thin electric heater 2306. In
step 2422, a
thin electric heater 2306 m.ay be used to heat mold 2300 to loosen the ice
cubes 2315
from mold 2300. Thin electric heater 2306 may surround or be at each ice-mold
interface. Alternatively, or in addition to heating in step 2422, heater 2306
may be
used in step 2423 of procedure 2420 to loosen the ice cubes 2315 from mold
2300. In
step 2423, ice cubes 2315 may be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity, and
a
harvest assist rod 2303. Procedure 2420 may provide quick heating of the ice-
mold
interface.
[1241 FIG, 24C illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2430. The following is a
description of
procedure 2430. In step 2431 of procedure 2430, water .in a rriold. 2300
undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2431. may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to lbrm
ice
cubes in step 2431 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Mold 2300 may comprise a first set of channels 2408 of channels 230.4
below
the bottom of ice cubes to be formed. A. second set of channels 2.409 of
channels
2304 may also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be folined.
Channels
2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with
respect to
FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with respect to FIG. 4. Mold
2300
may have a similar or same configuration as that of mold 1602, previously
described.
In step 2432 of procedure 2430, mold 2300 is rotated, e.g., rotated 180
degrees, so
that the top 2317 of the _ice cubes 2315 face down. Prior to or after rotation
in step
2432, the second set of channels 2409 may be removed away frorn the ice cubes
2315.
In step 2432 of procedure 2430, low adhesion coating 2344 on mold 2300 in
combination with gravity pertnits the ice cubes to 100Sell from mold 2300, in
step
2433 of procedure 2430, removal of ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 may be
facilitated by heating the mold 2300, thereby decreasing the time of
harvesting of ice
cubes. In step 2433, a warming agent 231.4, also called a hot cooling agent,
may be
used to heat mold 2300 to allow the ice cubes to be loosened front mold 2300.
The
warming agent 2314 may be passed through channels 2304 of the first set of
channels
2408.
[1251 FIG. 241) illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2440. The following is a
description of
procedure 2440, in step 2441 of procedure 2440, water in a mold 2300 undergoes
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freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2441 rn.ay be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to fbrm
ice
cubes in step 2441 may be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Mold 2300 may comprise a first set of channels 2408 of channels 2304
below
the bottom of ice cubes to be formed. A second set of channels 2409 of
channels
2304 may also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be folined.
Channels
2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with
respect to
FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with respect to FIG. 4. Mold
2300
tnay have a similar or satne configuration as that of tnold 1602, previously
described.
In step 2442 of procedure 2440, mold 2300 is rotated, e.g., rotated 180
degrees, so
that the tops 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down. Prior to or after rotation
in step
2442, the second set of channels 2409 may be removed away from the ice cubes
2315.
In step 2443 of procedure 2440, a thin electric heater 2306 may be used to
heat _mold
2300 to loosen the ice cubes from. tnold 2300. Thin electric heater 2306 may
surround
or be at each ice-mold interface. Also in step 2443 of procedure 2440, ice
cubes may
be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity. Removal of ice cubes may be
facilitated by also using a harvest assist rod (not shown in FIG. 24D), such
as harvest
assist rod 2303, previously discussed. Procedure 2440 may provide quick
heating of
the ice-mold interface.
1126] FIG. 24E illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2450. The following is a
description of
procedure 2450. In step 2451 of procedurc. 2450, water in a mold 2300
undergoes
freezing, with the top of the top face of ice cubes being formed facing up.
This
freezing in step 2451 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form
ice
cubes in step 2451 tnay be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through
channels
2304. Mold 2300 may comprise a first set of channels 2.408 of channels 2304
below
the bottom of ice cubes to be formed. A second set of channels 2409 of
channels
2304 may also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed.
Channels
2304 may be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with
respect to
FIG. 2, or passageway 409 previously described with respect to FIG. 4. Mold
2300
m.ay have a similar or same configuration as that of _mold 1602, previously
described.
In step 2452 of procedure 2450, mold 2300 is rotated, e.g., rotated 180
degrees, so
that the tops 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 face down. Prior to or after rotation
in step
2452, the second set of channels 2409 may be removed away from the ice cubes
2315.
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The removal of the second set of channels 2409 may be facilitated by using a
low
adhesion coating 2344 at the ice-mold interface at the tops 2317 of ice cubes,
and the
second set of channels 2409. in step 2453 of procedure 2450, low adhesion
coating
2344 on mold 2300 in combination with gravity. permits -the ice cubes 2315 -to
loosen
from mold 2300. Also in step 2453 of procedure 2450, ice cubes 2315 may be
removed from mold. 2300 by using gravity, and a harvest assist rod 2303. By
using
low adhesion coating 2444 in procedure 2450, the need for heating of the ice-
mold
interface may be reduced or eliminated.
[1271 FIG. 25 illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2500. The following is a
description of
procedure 2500. Two back-to-back molds 2502 and 2504 may be provided. Molds
2502 and 2504 may each comprise 45 cube molds. Molds 2502 and 2504 may be the
same or similar to molds 1602 and 1604 previously described. Mold device 1600,
previously described, may comprise molds 2502 and 2504. Mold device 1600 may
be
used to perform procedure 2500. Each of molds 2502 and 2504 may be used to
produce 45 ice cubes every 40 seconds, which corresponds to 1.4 pounds of ice
cubes
per minute. Molds 2502 and 2504 in combination provide an 80 second ice cube
production cycle, which includes freezing and harvesting of 90 ice cubes from
molds
2502 and 2504, collectively.
[1281 In step 2511 of procedure 2500, water is filled into the cube molds 2506
of mold
2502. During step 2511, cooling of mold 2502 may be achieved by passing a
cooling
agent 2302 through channels 2304. During step 2511, heating of mold 2504 may
begin to loosen ice cubes previously frozen in cube _molds 2508 of mold 2504.
:Heating of mold 2504 may occur by passing a warming agent 2314 through
channels
2305 of mold 2504. Step 2511 may take about 10 seconds.
[1291 After water is filled into cube niolds 2506 of mold 2502. in step 2511,
step 2512 may
then be conducted. In step 2512, cooling of mold 2502 may continue by
continuing to
pass cooling agent 2302. through channels 2304, thereby beginning of freezing
the
water in cube molds 2506. In step 2512, heating of _mold 2504 tnay continue by
continuing to pass the warming agent 2314 through channels 2305 of mold 2504.
Heating of mold 2504, in combination gravity and using a harvest assist rod
2303 to
knock or push ice cubes from cube molds 2506, results in a harvesting of ice
cubes
2550 from mold 2504 in step 2512. Step 2512 may take about 20 seconds.
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1130] In step 2513, cooling of mold 2502 may continue .by continuing to pass
cooling agent
2302 through channels 2304, thereby continuing to -freeze the water in cube
molds
2506. In step 2513, cooling of mold 2504 may begin by passing cooling agent
2302
through channels 2305. Step 2513 may take about 10 seconds.
[1311 In step 2514, molds 2502 and 2504 are rotated 180 degrees so that mold
2502 and
corresponding channels 2304 take the place of mold 2504 and corresponding
channels
2305. Procedure 2500 may be repeated, beginning with cube molds 2508 of mold
2504 being tined with water instead of cube molds 2506 of mohl 2502 in
accordance
with step 2511, and beginning of heating of mold 2502 (to loosen ice cubes
previously frozen in cube _molds 2506 of mold 2502 in step 2513), e.g.,
heating _mold
2502 by passing warming agent 2314 through channels 2304.
1132] FIG. 26 illustrates ice harvesting procedure 2600. The following is a
description of
procedure 2600. Two molds 2602 and 2604 'may be provided. Molds 2602 and 2604
may each comprise 45 cube molds. Molds 2602 and 2604 may be the same or
similar
to molds 1602 and 1604 previously described. Mold device 1600, previously
described, may comprise molds 2602 and 2604. Mold device 1600 may be used to
perform procedure 2600. Each of molds 2602 and 2604 may be used to produce 45
ice cubes every 40 seconds, which corresponds to 1,4 pounds of ice cubes per
minute.
Molds 2602 and 2604 in combination provide an 80 second ice cube production
cycle,
which includes freezing and harvesting of 90 ice cubes from molds 2602 and
2604,
collectively.
1133] In step 2611 of procedure 2600, water is filled into the cube molds 2606
of mold
2602. Water may be filled using water filling needles 2620. Cooling of mold
2602
may also occur during step 2611. During step 2611, cooling of mold 2602 may
also
occur by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. During step 2611,
mold 2604 may be heated to loosen ice cubes 2640 previously formed in mold
2604.
For example, this heating may be performed as shown in step 2611 of FIG. 26 by
passing a warming agent 2314 through channels 2304 of mold 2604, or by -using
a
thin film electric heater, e.g., thin film electric heater 2306 as discussed
in connection
with FIGs. 2313, FIG, 24B, and 24D, or by using a light absorbing coating 2332
and
light source 2335 as discussed in connection with FiGs. 23C and 23G.
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1134] In step 2612, cooling of mold 2602 continues to freeze the water in mold
2602.
During step 2612, extractor bar 2656 may be moved away from tnold 2604,
thereby
moving water filling needles 2630 and ice cubes 2640 away from mold 2604.
Moving of ice cubes 2640 away from mold 2604 may be facilitated by continuing
to
heat mold 2604, thereby heating the ice-mold interface.
[135! In step 2613, cooling of mold 2602 continues to freeze the water in mold
2602.
During step 2613, extractor bar 2656 may be moved towards ice cube remover
2650,
ice cube remover 2650 may be a rod or bar. When ice cubes 2640 come into
contact
with ice cube remover 2650, ice cube remover 2650 knocks or pushes ice cubes
2640
off of water filling needles 2630. During step 2613, cooling agent 2302 may
begin to
be passed through channels 2304 of mold 2604 in order to begin to cool mold
2604.
1136] Step 2614 is the mirror image of step 2611. During step 2614, extractor
bar 2656 is
returned back to mold 2604 and water filling needles 2630 begin to fill mold
2604
with water. During step 2614, mold 2602 may be heated to loosen ice cubes 2660
previously formed in mold 2601 Heating of mold 2602 during step 2614 may be
similar to heating of mold 2604 as previously discussed in connection with
step 2611.
As shown in FIG. 26, during step 2614, a warming agent 2314 is passed through
channels 2304 of mold 2602 to loosen ice cubes 2660 from mold 2602. During
step
2614, cooling agent 2302 may continue to be passed through channels 2304 of
mold
2604 in order to being to cool mold 2604. Freezing of water in_ mold 2604 may
begin
in step 2614.
1137] Step 2615 is the mirror image of step 2612. During step 2615, passing
cooling agent
2302 through channels 2304 continues, thus continuing the cooling of mold
2604, and
the freezing of the water in m.old 2604. During step 2615, extractor -bar 2658
is
moved away from mold 2602, thereby moving water filling needles 2620
associated
with extractor bar 2568 and ice cubes 2660 away from mold. 2602. Moving of ice
cubes 2660 away from mold 2602 may be facilitated by continuing to heat mold
2602,
thereby heating the ice-mold interface.
[1.38] ln step 2616, heating of mold 2604 may begin to heat the ice-mold
interface. In step
2616, extractor bar 2658 may be moved towards ice cube remover 2652. Ice cube
remover 2652 may be a rod or bar, \\len_ ice cubes 2660 come into contact with
ice
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cube remover 2652, ice cube remover 2652 knocks or pushes ice cubes 2660 off
of
water filling needles 2620. During step 2616, cooling agent 2302 m.ay begin to
be
passed through channels 2304 of mold 2602 in order to begin to cool mold 2602.
[1391 Each mold 2602 and 2604 may have an 80 second ice cube production cycle
in
accordance with procedure 2600.
[1401 FIGs. 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate a water filling system 2700 in
accordance with at
least one aspect of the disclosure. FIG. 27A is a side view, FIG. 27B is a
bottom
view, and FIG. 27C is a front view of water filling system 2700. Water filling
system
2700 comprises water supply needles 2702, water inlets 2704, and chamber 2706.
Water enters through water inlets 2704 and empties into chamber 2706. Water
exits
chamber 2706 through water supply needles 2702. Needles 2702 tnay be the same
as
needles 2620 and 2630 previously described.
11411 FIGs. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 2811) illustrate an ice harvesting apparatus
2800. Ice
harvesting apparatus may comprise water filling system 2700, and water filling
needles 2702. As shown in FIG. 28A, water may be filled into mold 2802, and
frozen
using a cooling agent (not shown). After the water has been frozen, the water
filling
system. 2700, including water filling needles 2702 may be moved away from mold
2802 as shown in FIG. 28B, thereby removing ice cubes 2830 that are attached
to
needles 2702. The water filling system 2700 may be retained on an arm. 2804.
Arm
2804 may be supported by support 2820. Arm 2804 may be pivoted or tilted up
and
away from mold 2802 as shown in FIG. 2813, taking with ami 2804 the water
filling
system. 2700 and ice cubes attached to needles 2702. Motor 2816 may provide
power
to tilt arm 2804. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance
with the
disclosure, motor 2816 inay be any suitable motor, including but not limited
to a
hydraulic motor. Arm 2804 may be pivoted on pivot 2818 on support 2820.
[1421 Water filling system 2700 may be moved along arm 2804 towards ice cube
remover
2806, as shown in FIG. 28C. When th.e ice cubes 2830 attached to needles 2702.
com.e
into contact with ice cube remover 2806, the ice cubes are knocked or pushed
off of
needles 2702, and drop into ice hopper 2808, as shown_ i.n FIG. 28C and FIG.
28D.
Water filling system 2700 may com.prise an extractor bar, e.g., extractor bar
2656 or
2658, previously described. Alternatively, extractor bar 2656 or 2658 may
comprise a
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water filling system, e.g., water filling system 2700. Ice cube remover 2806
may be
the same as or similar to ice cube remover 2650 or 2652, previously described.
[1.431 Water filling system. 2700 may be connected to extension arm 2810.
Extension arm
2810 may be configured to extend and retract from housing 2812. Motor 2814 may
be configured to provide power to move a distal end 2822 of extension arm 2810
away from housing 2812, thereby moving water fill.in.g system 2700 towards ice
cube
remover 2806. After ice cubes 2830 have been removed from needles 2720 by ice
cube remover 2806, motor 2814 may provide power to move distal end 2822 of
extension arm 2810 back towards housing 2812, thereby moving water filling
system
2700 back to mold 2802. After water filling system 2700 is moved along arm
2804 to
mold 2802, arm 2804 may then be pivoted or tiled down (powered by motor 2816)
so
that arm 2804 is perpendicular to the floor 2824, whereupon water filling
system 2700
may fill mold 2802 with water and the ice cube making and ice cube harvesting
procedure may be repeated. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in
accordance
with the disclosure, motor 2814 may be any suitable motor, including but not
limited
to a hydraulic motor.
[1441 FIGs. 29A through 291 further illustrates ice harvesting in accordance
with the
apparatus shown in FIGs. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 281). FIGs. 29A., 29D, and 29G are
side views, FIGs. 29B, 29E, and 29H are bottom perspective views, and FIGs.
29C,
29F, and 291 are front views of water filling system 2700, arm 2804, and ice
cube
remover 2806. For illustration purposes, two rows of ice cubes 2830 are shown
in
these figures for a total of ten (10) ice cubes 2830, although water filling
system. has
45 water filling needles in an array of 9x5. :Ice cube remover 2806 may
comprise
channels 2912. Channels 2912 may be configured to allow needles 2702 to enter
and
move through channels 2912. Ice cube remover 2806 may be attached to arms 2902
and 2904. Ice cube remover 2806 may have posts 2914 that extend down from
loops
2908 of arms 2902 and 2904. Ice cube remover 2806 may have a grid 2916 that
slants
down at an angle from posts 2914. Grid 2916 may define channels 2912.
[1451 As shown in FIGs. 29A through 291, water filling system 2700 also
comprises an
extractor bar 2656, and needles 2702. In the embodiment shown, arm. 2804
comprises
a first arm 2902 and a second arm 2904. Each arm 2902 and 2904 may define a
pivot
hole 2906 and an elongated loop 2908. Pivot holes 2906 may be configured to
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receive pivots 2818. Wheels 2910 may be configured to rotate and move along
the
elongated loop 2908 of each arm 2902 and 2904. Wheels 2910 may rotate when
water filling system 2700 is moved along arm 2804, i.e., each arm 2902 and arm
2904.
[1461 As shown in FIGs. 29A through 291, ice cubes 2830 may be moved in
relation to ice
cube remover 2806 until they are knocked or pushed off of needles 2702 by ice
cube
remover 2806.
[147] The apparatus shown and described above in connection with FIGs. 27A
through 27C,
EEGs. 28A through 28D, and FIGs. 29A through 291 may be used in a 30 second
harvesting operation.
[1481 The following is a description of an apparatus that may be used in a
harvesting
operation that may be less than 30 seconds. More specifically, the apparatus
described below in connection with FIGs. 30 through 32L may be used in a
harvesting
operation that is about 17 seconds.
[149] FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of a water filling system 3000. Water
filling system
3000 may comprise a water filling vessel 3002, a cooled cover 3004, and
insulated
water channels 3006. Also shown in FIG. 30 is ice cube mold 3008. Ice cube
mold
3008 may be the same as or similar to mold 1602 or 2802, previously described.
Water may flow from water filling vessel 3002, through the insulated water
channels
3006, which are cooled by cooled cover 3004, thus cooling the water. The water
may
flow from insulated water channels 3006 through water filling nozzles 3014 and
into
ice cube mold 3008. A cooling agent 3010 may flow through cooling channels
3012.
Cooling channels 3012 may be perpendicular to insulated water channels 3006.
Water may be cooled further by ice cube mold 3008 until the water turns to ice
in ice
cube mold 3008.
[1501 FIG. 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D illustrate an ice harvesting apparatus 3100.
Ice
harvesting apparatus 3100 may be similar to ice harvesting apparatus 2800,
previously
described. Ice harvesting apparatus 3100 may comprise water filling system
3000, an
articulating cooling agent supply line 3102, and an ice cube remover 3104. In
other
respects ice harvesting apparatus 3100 may be similar to or the same as ice
harvesting
apparatus 2800. As previously noted, mold 3008 may be the same as or similar
to
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mold 1602 or 2802, previously described. For illustration purposes, ice cubes
3106
are shown only in FIG. 31A and FIG. 31.D.
[1511 As shown in FIG. 30, water may be filled into mold 3008, and frozen in
mold 3008.
After the water has been frozen in mold 3008, the ice-mold interface may be
loosened
by heat applied to mold 3008 in accordance with warming or heating of molds
previously discussed herein, or the ice-mold. interface may be loose due to a
low
adhesion coating on mold 3008. Once the ice-mold interface is sufficiently
loose, the
water filling system 3000, including water filling nozzles 3014 may be moved
away
from mold. 3008 as shown in FIG. 31A, thereby removing ice cubes 3106 that are
attached to water filling nozzles 3014. The water filling system. 3000 may be
retained
on an arm 2804. Arm 2804 may be supported by support 2820. Atm 2804 may be
pivoted or tilted up and away from mold. 3008 as shown in FIG. 31A, taking
with arm
2804 the water filling system 3000 and ice cubes 3106 attached to water
filling
nozzles 3014. Motor 2816 ma.y provide power to tilt arm 2804. Those of skill
in the
art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, motor 2816 may- be
any
suitable motor, including but not limited to a hydraulic motor. Arm 2804 may
be
pivoted on pivot 2.818 on support 2820.
[1521 Water filling system. 3000 may be moved along arm. 2804 towards ice cube
remover
3104, as shown in FIG. 31B. When the ice cubes 3:106 attached to nozzles 3014
come
into contact with ice cube remover 3104, the ice cubes 3106 are knocked or
pushed
off of nozzles 3014, and drop into an ice hopper, such as ice hopper 2808, as
shown in.
FIG. 28C and FIG. 28D. Water filling system. 3000 may comprise an extractor
bar,
e.g., extractor bar 2656 or 2658, previously described. Alternatively,
extractor bar
2656 or 2658 may comprise a water filling system, e.g., water filling system
3000.
Ice cube remover 3104 may be the same as or similar to ice cube remover 2650
or
2652, previously described.
[1531 Water filling system 3000 may be connected to extension arm 2810.
Extension arm
2810 may be configured to extend and retract from ho-using 2812. Motor 2814
may
be configured to provide power to move a distal end 2822 of extension arm 2810
away from housing 2812, thereby moving water filling system 3000 towards ice
cube
remover 3104. After ice cubes 3106 have been removed from nozzles 30:14 by ice
cube remover 3104, motor 2814 may provide power to move distal end 2822 of
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extension arm 2810 back towards housing 2812, thereby moving water tilling
system
3000 back to _mold 3008. After water filling system 3000 is moved along arm
2804 to
mold 3008, arm 2804 may then be pivoted or tiled down (powered by motor 2816)
so
that arm 2804 is perpendicular to the floor 2824, whereupon water filling
system 3000
may fill m.old 3008 with water and the ice cube making and ice cube
h.arvesting
procedure may be repeated. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in
accordance
with the disclosure, motor 2814 may be any suitable motor, including but not
limited
to a hydraulic motor.
[1541 FIGs. 32A through 321: further illustrates ice harvesting in accordance
with the
apparatus shown _in FIGs. 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D. FIGs. 32A, 32D, 32G, an.d
311
are side views, FIGs. 32B, 32E, 32H, and 32 K are bottom perspective views,
and
FIGs. 32C, 32F, 321, and 321, are front views of water filling system 3000,
arm 2804,
and ice cube remover 3104. As shown in this embodiment, five rows of ice cubes
3106, with nine ice cubes in each row provide a total of forty-five (45) ice
cubes (9 x
array) for harvesting. Ice cube remover 3104 may comprise ice cube removing
bars
3200. Ice cube remover 3104 may be attached to arms 2902 and 2904. Ice cube
remover 3104 may have brackets 3202 that m.ay be configured to pivot about
pivots
3204, thereby raising or lowering ice cube removing bars 3200 as desired.
[1551 FIGs. 32A through 32C show the position of ice cubes 3106 in relation to
brackets
3202 before ice cubes 3106 are moved along arms 2902 and 2904 towards brackets
3203. FIGs. 32D through 32F show the position of ice cubes after ice cubes
have
moved along arms 2902 and 2904 so that they hover over ice cube rc.nuoving
bars
3200. FIGs. 32G through 32H show the position of ice cube removing bars 3200
after
they have been pivoted into the spaces between the ice cubes 3106. FIGs. 32J
thro-ugh. 32K show that as ice cube removing bars 3200 are pivoted fhrther
about
pivots 3204, bars 3200 knock or push ice cubes 3106 off of nozzles 3014. At
the
same titne, or in an alternative embodim.ent, after bars 3200 have been
pivoted into
the spaces between the ice cubes 3106, the water filling system 3000 may be
moved
further along arm. 2804 until they are knoc_ked or pushed off of nozzles 3014
by bars
3200.
1156i In an aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus is provided. The
ice making
apparatus may comprise a mold, the mold defining a first volume for an ice
cube, the
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mold comprising a bottom face having an inner perimeter and side faces. Each
side
face of the m.old may have a corresponding inner perimeter, a corresponding
top edge,
and a corresponding bottom edge. The corresponding top edge of each side face
may
be longer than the corresponding bottom edge. Each side face m.ay extend
inward
from the corresponding top edge to the corresponding bottom edge. The mold may
comprise a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape located within
the
first volume, the three-dimensional shape comprising a second volume. The
second
volume may be defined by a top outer perimeter, a bottom outer perimeter, and
at
least a bulge of the three-dimensional shape. The bulge may extend upwardly
between the bottom outer perimeter and the top outer perimeter. The bulge may
taper
as it extends upwardl.y between the bottom outer perimeter and the top outer
perimeter
of the three-dimensional shape. The mold may further define a third volume
between
the first volume and the second volume, with the mold configured to receive
water
within the third volume. The apparatus may comprise a cool.in.g device
configured to
cool water within the third volume sufficiently to freeze the water. Those of
skill in
the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, any suitable
cooling
device may be used to freeze water in the mold. For example, the cooling
device may
comprise one or more passageways configured to receive a cooling agent having
a
sufficiently low temperature that when the cooling agent flows through the one
or
more passageways, heat transfer will occur between the water in the mold and
the
mold such that the water in the mold will freeze. A suitable cooling device
may
comprise an evaporator.
[1571 In an aspect, the bottom face and the side faces of the mold comprise
parallelograms.
In an aspect, the ice making apparatus may comprise an evaporator, the
evaporator
configured to provide a cooling agent to the cooling device, the cooling agent
having
a temperature sufficient to freeze the water in the third volume. In an
aspect, the mold
may comprise a mold body. The mold body may comprise a plurality of molds
cells.
In an aspect, each mold cell may comprise a fin. Each fin may be connected to
the
mold body. In an aspect, the mold may comprise a plurality of passageways.
Each
passageway may be configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient
heat
transfer from water within the mold cells to the mold cells, and freezing the
water
within the mold cells.
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11581 In an aspect, the three-dimensional shape may comprise a substantially
three-
dimensional U-shape. In an aspect, the three-dimensionai shape may comprise a
substantially three-dimensional truncated M-shape. In
an aspect, the three-
dimensionai shape may comprise a set of at least two three-dimensional L-
shapes. In
an aspect, the at least two three-dimensional L shapes may be mirror images of
each
other. In an aspect, the three-dimensional shape may further comprise a third
three-
dimensional shape. The third three-dim.ensional shape may be positioned
between
and joining the at least two three-dimensional L-shapes. In an aspect, the
bulge may
comprise at least two fins. In an aspect, the bulge may comprise four side
faces. In
an aspect, the four side faces may be parallelograms.
11591 In an aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus is provided
comprising an
mold. The mold may comprise an upper part and a lower part. Each of the parts
may
comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells corresponding to a plurality of
ice cube
mold cells of the other part. The mold may be configured so that a first mold
cell of
the lower part of the mold and a corresponding second cell of the upper part
of the
mold comprises a single enclosure. The single enclosure may define a volume
for a
single ice cube. A first channel may be configured to fill the first mold cell
and the
corresponding second mold cell with water. A second channel may be configured
to
allow air to escape from the single enclosure when the first mol.d cell and
the second
mold cell are filled with water. A plurality of passageways may be configured
to
receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within
the
mold cells to the mold cells, and freezing the water within the mold cells.
[1.601 ln an aspect, a seal coating may be provided at a surface area wherein
the upper part
meets the lower part.
[1611 In an aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus is provided
comprising a mold
and a plate. The mold may be positioned over the plate. The mold may comprise
a
plurality of ice cube mold cells, each ice cube mold cell may comprise an
opening at
the bottom of the cell, and an air escape channel at the top of the celi to
allow air to
escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with water. The
mold and
the plate may each comprise a plurality of passageways, each passageway
configured
to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water
within the
ice cube mold cells to the ice cube mold cells, and freeze water within the
ice cube
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mold cells. Each ice cube mold cell may comprise a corresponding channel to
allow
air escape from the ice cube mol.d cell when the plate is filled with water.
[1.621 In an aspect, the ice cube mol.d cel.ls may have a shape of a truncated
pyramid.
[1.631 In an aspect of the disclosure a method of making a plurality of ice
cubes is provided.
The method may comprise placing a mold over a pl.ate. The mol.d may comprise a
plurality of cells, each cell having an opening at the bottom of the cell, and
an air
escape channel at the top of the cell. The method may comprise filling each of
the
plurality of cells by filling the plate with water, and transferring heat from
water
within the plurality of cells to the mold cells and freezing water within the
cell.s.
[1.641 In an aspect, in the above method, at least one ice cube m.ay comprise
the shape of a
truncated pyramid.
[1651 In an aspect, each of the plurality of ice cubes may comprise a wall
having a thickness
sufficient to provide mechanical strength of an ice cube and an interior
vol.um.e that is
not completely frozen.
[1661 In an aspect, the thickness of the wall of each of the plurality of ice
cubes may be in
the range of about 2-3 mm.
[1671 In an aspect of the disclosure an ice making apparatus is provided
comprising a mold,
wherein the mold may comprise a plurality of cell.s. Each cell may have an
opening at
a top of each cell. The mold may comprise a plurality of passageways for a
cooling
agent, and an upper part. The upper part may be hermetically enclosed with a
cover.
The upper part may comprise a vacuum chamber. A vacuum pump may be provided,
the vacuum pump configured to pump wet air from the mol.d. A pipe may be
provided, the pipe extending from the vacuum chamber of the mold to the vacuum
pump. When pressure in the vacuum chamber starts to decrease, dissolved gases
start
to leave the bulk of water in each cell. The vacuum pump may be configured to
pump
wet air from the mold so that the pressure in the vacuum chamber drops below
61
0.5I'a ((0.18 in Hg) at 32 '1').
[1.681 In an aspect of the disclosure an ice cube is provided. The ice cube
may comprise a
top face having an outer perimeter, a bottom face having an outer perimeter,
and side
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faces. Each side face may include a corresponding outer perimeter, a
corresponding
top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge, the corresponding top edge of each
side
face being longer than the corresponding bottom edge, each side face extending
inward from. the corresponding top edge to the corresponding bottom edge. The
top
face, bottom face and side faces may define a first volume. In an enibodiment,
a
three-dimensional shape may be provided, the three-dimensional shape located
within
the first volume. The three-dimensional shape may comprise a second volume.
The
second volume may be defined by a top outer perimeter, a bottom outer
perimeter,
and at least a bulge. The bulge may extend upwardly between the bottom outer
perimeter and the top outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The
bulge may
taper as it extends upwardly between the bottom outer perimeter and the top
outer
perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The ice cube may further define a
third
volume between the first volume and the second volume, the third volume
comprising
ice, and second volume comprising unfrozen liquid or air, or a combination of
unfrozen liquid and air.
[1691 In an aspect of the disclosure, an increase in ice production rate can
be achieved. The
increase in ice production rate may be achieved by increasing ice cube surface
area.
For example, by increasing ice cube surface area, about 40-50 second freezing
times
and about 90 second entire ice production cycle may be achieved relative to 10-
15
minute ice production cycles of convention method and apparatus.
11701 A 90 second ice production cycle can translate into about 1.4
lbs./minute of an ice-on-
demand production rate well within a footprint area, e.g., about 22 feet by 30
feet, and
power limitations (e.g., less than about 5.5 kW), if a mold is expanded from a
typical
45 cubes per mold to 50 cubes per mold.
[1711 The mold may be configured to provide mechanical robustness and hermetic
properties under conditions when temperature changes may occur of many degrees
Fahrenheit (e.g., hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit) in a few seconds and on a
spacious
scale of millimeters, i.e., extremely high temperature gradients.
[1721 In an aspect, harvesting of ice may be provided wherein positioning of
each ice cube
is controllable. In an aspect, an ice harvesting apparatus may provide
improved ice
delivery wherein each ice cube or a predetermined of ice cubes may be
individually
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delivered to a predetermined location. In an aspect an ice harvesting
apparatus may
be provided that reduces or avoids the need for ice hopper agitation.
[1731 In an aspect, a de-aeration apparatus and method may be provided that
allows for the
making and harvesting of transparent or relatively transparent ice cubes.
[1741 in an aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising a distribution device,
the
distribution device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a pan, and a distribution
body. The
inlet may be configured to receive a cooling agent having a predetermined
first
temperature. The distribution body may be configured to receive the cooling
agent
from the inlet. The distribution body may be configured to distribute the
cooling
agent into the pan at predetermined locations of the pan and provide
substantially
equal cooling to a plurality of molds in heat transfer communication with the
cooling
agent as the cooling agent flows through the pan to the outlet. The outlet may
be
configured to receive the cooling agent from the pan, wherein the cooling
agent has
second temperature upon exit of the pan through the outlet, the second
temperature of
the cooling agent at the outlet being different than the first temperature of
the cooling
agent at the inlet.
[1751 In an aspect, the first temperature of the cooling agent at the inlet is
lower than the
second temperature of the cooling agent at the outlet. In an aspect, the first
temperature of the cooling agent at the inlet is sufficient to freeze water in
a plurality
of molds in contact with the cooling agent. In an aspect, the distribution
body has a
length, width, and height that is each less than a corresponding length,
width, and
height of the pan. The distribution body may define holes to distribute the
cooling
agent into the pan at predetermined locations of the pan.
[1761 In an aspect, the distribution body may comprise a first end, a second
end, a first side
surface, and a second side surface. The second side surface may be opposite
the first
side surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is opposite the
top
surface, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the inlet,
wherein the
second end is closer to the outlet than the first end. The distribution body
may
comprise a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the
first section
is between the inlet and the second section, wherein the second section is
between the
first section and the third section, and wherein the third section comprises
the second
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end. The first section may defines a first set of holes, the first set of
holes comprising
at least one hole located at the first side surface and at least one hold
located at the
second side surface. The second section may define a second set of holes, the
second
set of holes comprising at least one hole located at the first side surface
and at least
one hol.e located at the second side surface. The third section may define a
third set of
holes, the third set of holes comprising at least one hole located on at the
first side
surface and at least one hole located on the second side surface.
[1.771 The first set of holes comprises two holes at the first side surface
and two holes at the
second side surface opposite the two holes at the first side surface. The
second set of
holes may comprise a hole at the first side surface and a hole at the second
side
surface opposite the hole at the first side surface. The second set of holes
may
comprise a hole at the top surface of the distribution body. The third set of
holes may
comprise three holes at the first side surface and three holes at the second
side surface
opposite the three holes at the first side surface. The third set of holes may
comprise
two holes at the top surface of the distribution body.
1178i In an aspect, the pan may comprise an end in fluid communication with an
outlet.
The end of the pan may comprise a plurality of holes in fluid communication
with the
outlet. The end of the pan may comprise a funnel in fluid communication with
the
outlet.
[1791 In an aspect, the apparatus may comprise a mold, the mold comprising a
plurality of
ice cube molds, the mold configured to lie over a bottom surface of the pan
and be
positioned in heat transfer communication with the cooling agent between the
distribution body and an end of the pan.
[1801 In an aspect, the inlet may be configured to receive a warming agent,
the warming
agent having a predetermined inlet temperature, wherein when the warming agent
flows through the pan, the warming agent warms an ice-mold interface between
ice
cubes previously formed in the plurality of molds. The warming agent may have
an
outlet temperature at the outlet, the inlet temperature of the warming agent
being
higher than the outlet temperature of the warming agent.
[1.811 In an aspect, an apparatus may be provided comprising a distribution
device, the
distribution device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a pan, and a distribution
body. The
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inlet may be configured to receive a warming agent having a predetermined
inlet
temperature. The distribution body may be configured to receive the warming
agent
from the inlet, the distribution body configured to distribute the warming
agent into
the pan at predetermined locations of the pan and provide substantially equal
warming
to a plurality of molds in heat transfer communication with the warming agent
as the
warming agent flows through the pan to the outlet. The outlet may be
configured to
receive the warming agent from the pan, wherein the warming agent has an
outlet
temperature upon exit of the pan through the outlet, the outlet temperature of
the
warming agent at the outlet being different than the inlet temperature of the
warming
agent at the inlet.
11821 In an aspect, the inlet temperature of the warming agent at the inlet is
higher than the
outlet temperature of the warming agent at the outlet. In an aspect, the inlet
temperature of the warming agent at the inlet is sufficient to warm an ice-
mold
interface between ice and the plurality of molds.
[1831 In an aspect, a device is provided comprising a first ice cube mold, the
first ice cube
mold comprising a top face and a bottom face, the top face of the first ice
cube mold
comprising a first plurality of mold cells. The device may comprise a second
ice cube
mold, the second ice cube mold comprising a top face and bottom. face, the top
face of
the second ice cube mold comprising a second plurality of mold cells (1608).
The
device may comprise a housing, the housing having an axis that is parallel to
the
bottom face of the first ice cube mold and parallel to the bottom face of the
second ice
cube mold. The first ice cube mold may be positioned in the housing with the
top
face of the first ice cube mold facing up. The second ice cube mold may be
positioned in the housing with the top face of the second ice cube mold facing
down,
wherein the bottom face of the first ice cube mold is in a back-to-back
orientation
with the bottom face of the second ice cube mold. The housing may be
configured to
rotate about the axis and rotate the first ice cube mold so that the top face
of the first
ice cube mold faces down, and the rotate the second ice cube mold so that the
top face
of the second ice cube mold faces up.
[1841 The device may comprise a shaft. The shaft may be configured to rotate
the housing
about the axis. The device may comprise a first subassembly. The first
subassembly
may comprise the first ice cube mold, a first top cover, and a first bottom
cover, the
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first ice cube mold retained between the first top cover and the first bottom
cover.
The device may comprise a second subasse_mbly. The second subassembly may=
comprise the second ice cube mold, a second top cover, and a second 'bottom
cover,
the second ice cube rn.old retained between the second top cover and the
second
bottom cover.
[185j The device may comprise a first heat transfer device, the first heat
transfer device
positioned between first ice cube mold and the first bottom cover; and a
second heat
transfer device, the second heat transfer device positioned between second ice
cube
mold and the second bottom cover. The first heat transfer device may coniprise
a first
set of cooling fins, and the second heat transfer device may comprise a second
set of
cooling fins. The first top cover may define a first top cover opening. The
first top
cover opening may be configured so that when the first top cover _is placed
over the
first ice cube mold, the first top cover opening allows for the plurality of
mold cells of
the first ice cube mold to be filled with a liquid when the first ice cube
mold is in an
upwardly facing position. The first top cover opening may be configured so
that the
first top cover opening allows for a plurality of ice cubes thimed in the mold
cells of
the first ice cube mold to drop from the mold cells of the first ice cube mold
when the
first ice cube mold is in a downwardly facing position.
[1861 The device may comprise a cooling agent tube configured to supply a
cooling agent in
heat transfer communication_ with the first ice cube _mold and _freeze .liquid
in the _mold
cells of the first ice cube mold when the first ice cube mold is in the
upwardly facing
position. The device may comprise a warming agent tube configured to supply a
warming agent in heat transfer communication with the first ice cube mold and
heat
an ice-mold interface between ice and the mold cells of the first ice cube
mold when
the first ice cube mold is in the downwardly facing position.
1187! In an aspect, a method is provided comprising freezing a liquid in a
plurality of mold
cells of an ice cube mold to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold facing up. The
method
m.ay comprise rotating the ice cube mold so -that the ice cube mold faces
down. The
method ma:yr comprise warming the ice cube mold to loosen an ice-mold
interface
between the ice cubes and the ice cube _mold and allow the ice cubes to d.rop
out of the
ice cube mold. The method may comprise moving a harvest assist rod relative to
the
ice cube mold to facilitate removal of ice cubes from the ice cube mold. The
freezing
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of the liquid may comprise method may comprise cooling the liquid with a
cooling
agent in heat transfer communication with the liquid. The method may comprise
sending the cooling agent through a plurality of channels, wherein each
channel
corresponds one of the m.old. cells. The vvarming of the ice cube mold may
comprise
warming the ice cube mold with a warming agent in heat transfer comm.unication
with
the ice cube mold. The method may comprise sending the warming agent through a
plurality of channel.s, wherein each channel corresponds one of the mol.d
cells. The
warming of the ice cube mold may comprise heating of the ice cube mold with a
thin
fil.m. el.ectric heater, the thin film electric heater positioned around at
least a portion of
each mold cell. The warming of the ice cube mold may comprise heating of the
ice
cube mold with a light source and a light absorbing coating, the light
absorbing
coating positioned around at least a portion of each mold cell and which
absorbs light
emitted from. the light source.
[1881 The freezing of the liquid may comprise cooling the liquid with a
cooling agent in
heat transfer communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent
through a
plurality of channels, wherein there is a first set of channels below the mold
cells, and
a second set channels above the mold cells, and wherein there is a channel
above and
below each corresponding mold cell. The second set of channels may be
positioned
within a heat transfer plate. The method may comprise, after freezing of the
liquid in
the mold, warming of the heat transfer plate to loosen an ice-plate interface
between
the ice cubes in the mold and the pl.ate. The warming of the heat transfer
plate may
comprise sending the warming agent through the second set of channels. The
warming of the heat transfer plate may comprise heating of the heat transfer
plate with
a thin film electric heater.
[1891 In an aspect, a m.ethod is provide comprise freezing a liquid in a
plurality of mold
cells of an ice cube mold to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold facing up. The
method
may comprise rotating the ice cube mold so that the ice cube mold faces down.
The
method may comprise providing a low adhesion coating around at least a portion
of
the mold cells sufficient to allow the ice cubes to at least partial.ly drop
out of the ice
cube mold after the step of rotating. The method may comprise moving a harvest
assist rod relative to the ice cube mol.d to facilitate removai of the ice
cubes from. the
ice cube mold. The method may comprise cooling the liquid with a cool.in.g
agent in
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heat transfer communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent
through a
plurality of channels, wherein there is a first set of channels below the
m.old cells, and
a second set channels above the mold cells, and wherein there is a channel
above and
bel.ow each corresponding mold cell..
[1901 In an aspect, a method is provided comprising placing liquid in a
plurality of mold
cells of an ice cube mold, placing an extractor in the liquid in each of the
mold cells,
and freezing the liquid in each of the mold cells to form ice cubes, the ice
cube mold
facing up. The method may comprise warm.ing the ice cube mold to loosen an ice-
mold interface between the ice cubes and the ice cube mold. The method may
comprise moving each extractor away from the ice cube mold, thereby moving an
ice
cube corresponding to each extractor away from the ice cube mold. The method
may
comprise warming each extractor to loosen an ice-mold interface between each
ice
cube and the corresponding extractor to allow each ice cube to drop from the
corresponding extractor.
[1911 The warming of the ice cube mold may comprise warming the ice cube mold
with a
warming agent in heat transfer communication with the ice cube mold. The
m.ethod
may comprise sending the warming agent through a plurality of channels,
wherein
each channel corresponds one of the mold cells. The warming of the ice cube
mold
may comprise heating of the ice cube mold with a thin film electric heater,
the thin
fil.m. electric heater positioned around at least a portion of each mold cell.
The
warming of the ice cube mold may comprise heating of the ice cube mold with a
light
source and a light absorbing coating, the light absorbing coating positioned
around at
least a portion of each mold cell and which absorbs light emitted from the
light
source.
[1921 In an aspect, a method is provided comprising placing liquid in a
plurality of mold
cells of an ice cube mold, placing an extractor in the liquid in each of the
mold cells,
freezing liquid in each of the mold cells to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold
facing
up, and providing a low adhesion coating around at least a portion of the mold
cel.ls
sufficient to allow the ice cubes to be moved away from the ice cube mold when
the
extractors are moved away from. the ice cube mold. The method may comprise
moving each extractor away from the ice cube mold, thereby moving an ice cube
corresponding to each extractor away from the ice cube mold. The method may
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comprise warming each extractor to loosen an ice-mold interface between each
ice
cube and the corresponding extractor to allow each ice cube to drop from the
corresponding extractor.
[1931 In an aspect, a method is provided comprising freezing a liquid in a
plurality of mold
cells of an ice cube mold to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold facing up, the
freezing
of the liquid further comprising cooling the liquid with a cooling agent in
heat transfer
communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent through a plurality
of
channels, wherein there is a first set of channels below the mold cells, and a
second
set channels above the mold cells, and wherein there is a channel above and
below
each corresponding mold cell, wherein the second set of channels are
positioned
within a heat transfer plate. The method may comprise providing a low adhesion
coating on the heat transfer plate sufficient to allow the heat transfer plate
to be
removed from the ice cubes while leaving the ice cubes in the mold cells. The
method may comprise providing a low adhesion coating on at least a portion of
the
mold cells sufficient to allow the ice cubes to move at least partially away
from the
ice cube mold when the ice cube mold is rotated and the ice cube mold faces
down.
The method may comprise rotating the ice cube mold so that the ice cube mold
faces
down and the first set of channels is above the mold cells.
[1941 The method may comprise warming of an ice-mold interface between the ice
cubes
and the ice cube mold sufficient to allow ice cubes to drop from the ice cube
mold
when the ice cube mold is rotated so that the ice cube mold faces down. The
warming
may comprise sending a warming agent through the first set of channels. The
warming may comprise heating of the ice cube mold with a thin film electric
heater,
the thin film electric heater positioned around at least a portion of each
mold cell.
[1951 In an aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising an arm.
The
apparatus may comprise an ice cube mold comprising a plurality of ice cube
mold
cells, the ice cube mold configured to cool a liquid in the ice cube mold
cells
sufficient that an ice cube formed in each ice cube mold cell. The apparatus
may
comprise a water filling system. The water filling system may be configured to
move
along the arm. The water filling system may comprise water filling dispensers,
each
water filling dispenser configured to dispense a liquid to be frozen into a
corresponding ice cube mold cell. Each water filling dispenser may be
configured to
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move an ice cube formed in the corresponding ice cube mold cell away from the
corresponding ice cube m.old cell when the water fill.in.g system moves away
from. the
ice cube mold. The apparatus may comprise an ice cube remover. The ice cube
remover may be configured to push ice cubes off the water filling dispensers
when the
water filling system is moved along the armi toward the ice cube remover.
11961 The water filling dispensers may comprise water filling needles and/or
needles. The
water filling system may comprise a cooled cover. The cooled cover may be
configured to surround a portion of each water filling needle and/or nozzle.
The
cooled cover may be configured to cool water prior to being dispensed into the
ice
cube mold cells.
[1971 The arm may be configured to tilt from a horizontai position to a tilted
position away
from the ice cube mold.
11981 As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the above described
embodiments
may be configured to be compatible with fountain system requirements, and can
accommodate a wi.de variety of fountain offerings, including but not li.m.ited
beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Co1a0, and
custom
beverage offerings. The embodiments described herein offer speed of service at
I.east
and fast or faster than conventional systems. The embodiments described herein
may
be configured to be monitored, including monitored remotely, with respect to
operation and supply levels. The embodiments described herein are economically
viable and can be constructed with off-the-shelf components, which may be
modified
in accordance with the disclosures herein.
11991 Those of skill in the art wili recognize that in accordance with the
disclosure any of
the features and/or options in one embodiment or example can be combined with
any
of the features and/or options of another embodiment or exam.ple.
12001 The disclosure herein has been described and il.lustrated with reference
to the
embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of
the
disclosure are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or
substitution without
departing significantly from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the
dimensions,
number, size and shape of the various components may be altered to fit
specific
applications. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described
herein
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are for illustrative purposes only and the disclosure is not limited except by
the
following claims and their
equivalents,
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