IE50747B1 - A method of making an ice product - Google Patents

Description

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed toward the manufacture of an ice product or ice cube of the type which is commonly utilized for cooling beverages and the like. More specifically, an ice product made using the present invention has improved ice storage, ‘ appearance, and dispensing and displacement characteristics, as ccrpared to various types of prior art ice in cube or ether form.

The present invention is divided from 10 Patent Specification No. 5θΠ4ί> having a disclosure substantially identical to that cf the present invention and ir. which we claim combined evaporator and ice ferm apparatus fcr an ice making machine comprising structure defining an open-sided water receiving recess having a generally concave surface of generally arcuate cross-sectional shape; an evaporator defining or in heat transfer relationship with heat transfer means; and heat insulating material defining at least the outer marginal portions of the recess, the’arrangement of the heat transfer means and the heat insulating material being such that water introduced into said recess will be frozen into an ice product which, after release from the recess, will have first and second opposite sides, both substantially complementary in shape to said surface.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of making an ice product including the steps of providing at least one open-sided water receiving recess having a surface defined at least in part by a generally concave surface, at least the outer marginal portions of aid recess surface being defined by a molded heat insulating material; introducing ice make-up water into said recess and removing heat from said water through said recess surface, the rate of said heat removal at predetermined portions of said recess being dependent upon the thickness of the heat insulating material at said predetermined portions of said recess so as to produce an ice product having after release from, said recess a first side generally complementary in shape to said recess surface and a second side opposite said first side substantially identical in shape thereto.

Attention is drawn to our expending Patent Applications Nos. 50142 and 5014-8 which have disclosures substantially similar to that of the present Application end which also were divided from Patent Specification No. 50T4fe The present invention will become further apparent from the fcllowing detailed description given by way of example with reference to the accompany drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of an ice making machine for making an ice product using the method cf the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a portion cf 25 the ice making section of the ice making machine shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded assembly view of one of the combination evaporators and ice form assemblies embodying the present invention; Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of a portion of the assembly shown in Figure 3; Figure S is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the water manifold member incorporated in the structure shown in Figme 4; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view- cf the water distribution enclosure member incorporated in the structure show- in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a top elevational view of the structure 10 shown in Figure 2; Figure 8 is a side elevational view, partially fcrcken away, cf one of the combination evaporator and ice fcr assemblies incorporated in the ice making machine shown in Figure 1 and turned 99° from its normal operating positicr.: Figure 9 is ar, enlarged transverse cross sectional view of one of the heat transfer elements and associated refrigerant ccnduits embodied in the assembly shown in Figure 6; Fig; jre 10 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal 20 cross sectional view of the heat transfer element shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary assembly view of a portion of the evaporator conduit and two of the associated heat transfer elements incorporated in the assemble shown in Figure 8; S0747 Figure 12 it an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the heat transfer element shown in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 and illustrates the portion of the heat transfer element thereof in a preformed configuration; Figure 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the ice forming pockets or cups embodied in the assembly shown in Figure 8; Figure 15 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional 10 view taken substantially along the line 15-15 of Figure 14 and discloses the shape of the ice product being formed within the ice forming pocket as it increases in sice during the freezing cycle of the ice making machine; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of one cf 15 the ice products or ice cubes” produced by the ice making machine; Figure 17 is a transverse cross sectional viewtaken substantially along the line 17-17 of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a transverse cross sectional view 20 taken substantially along the lines 18-18 of Figure 16; Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the lower end of one of the combination evaporator and ice forming assemblies embodied in the ice making machine ; Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 8 and illustrates a modified embodiment of the combination evaporator and ice form assembly; Figure 21 is an enlarged transverse cross 5 sectional view taken substantially along the line 21-21 of the refrigerant conduit incorporated in the assembly shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 is'an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 22-22 of Figure 20; Figure 23 is a side elevational view, partially broker, away, cf another modified embodiment of the combination evaporator and ice form assembly; Figure 26 is a transverse cross sectional view 15 taken substantially along the line 24-24 of Figure 23; Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 24 and illustrates yet another embodiment of the combination evaporator and ice form assembly ; Figure 26 is a view similar to Figure 25 23 anc illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the evaporator coil of the combination evaporator and ice form is arranged in a generally helical configuratio Figure 27 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an ice making machine and illustrates the application of ice S0747 ake-up water to the ice forms by means of a water spraying mechanism located below the combination evaporator and ice form assembly; Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 27 and illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the combination evaporator and ice form assembly is mounted in an inclined orientation; Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 2 and illustrates yet another embodiment of the ice making machine; Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 7 and comprises a top elevational view of the structure shown in Figure 25; Figure 31 is a side elevational view cf one of the combination evaporator and ice fcrm assemblies embodied in the ice making machine shown in Figures 25 and 30; Figure 32 is a side elevational view of the combination evaporator and ice form assemblies shown in Figure 31, as seen in operative association with their associated make-up water manifold and water sump components; Figure 33 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 33-33 of Figure 32; Figure 34 is a bottom elevational view of the sumstructure shown in Figure 32, as seen in the direction of the arrow 34 thereof; Figure 35 is an end elevational view of the sump structure shown in Figure 34, as seen in the direction of the arrow 35 of Figure 32; Figure 36 is a top elevational view, partially 5 broken away, of the water manifold components shown in Figure 32; Figure 37 is an exploded assembly view, partially schematic, of the water manifold assembly shewn in Figure 36; Figure 38 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view 10 of one of the combination evaporator and ice forms and associated water manifold and sump embodied in the structure shewn in Figure 32; and Figure 39 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the water manifold structure depicted in Figure 36.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, an ice making machine 10, for carrying out the method of the present invention, is shown'generally as comprising an enclosure or cabinet 12 having an upper 2o ice making section 14 and a lower ice receiving and/or storage section 36 which is provided with a suitable access door or the like 38. As best seen in Figure 7, the upper ice making section 14 of the enclosure 12 includes a oair of laterally spaced, generally vertically disposed end wall sections 20, 22 and front and rear wall sections which extend laterally between the end wall sections 20, 22 and are identified by the numerals 24, 26, respectively. Disposed interiorly of the ice Baking section 14 is a supporting partition or wall, generally designated by the numeral 30, which is arranged generally parallel to the end wall sections 20, 22 and extends between the front wall section 24 and the rear wall section 26 so as to divide the interior of the section 14 into a refrigeration area 32 and an ice making area 34. As is conventional in the art, the refrigerating area 32 is provided with a suitable refrigeration compressor 36 and condenser 38 which cooperate with an evaporator system in the area 34 (later to be described), all of which are connected through conventional refrigeration lines and function in the usual Banner such that gaseous refrigerant at relatively high pressure is supplied by the compressor 36 to the condenser 38, the refrigerant being cooled and liquified as it passes through the condenser 31. The thus cooled and liquified refrigennt flows fron the condenser 35 to the evaporator(s) where the refrigerant is vaporised by the transfer of heat thereto frcm water which is being formed into ice. The gaseous refrigerant then flows from the evaporator(s) back to the inlet or suction side of the consressor 36 for recycling.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the method of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific construction of the enclosure 12 of the ice malting machine 10 (or the enclosure 302 of the machine 300 hereinafter described), since the principles can be adopted in various types of enclosures and/or may be incorporated with various existing types of refrigeration systems which do not necessarily require that the various structural components be operatively disposed within an enclosure, such as the enclosure 12.

Additionally, the structural relationship of the ice malting 10 section 14 being disposed above the ice storage section 16, as is depicted in Figure 1, is in no way intended to be limiting tc the principles of the present invention since the ice storage area which is associated with the ice malting apparatus may be located above, adjacent cr remote therefrom as convenient.

The ice malting machine 10, and in particular the ice malting area 34 thereof, is adapted to operatively contain one or more combination evaporator and ice form assemblies which are adapted to receive ice make-up water from a suitable source thereof and cooperate with the refrigeraticn system in the area 32 of the enclosure 12 for producing the ice products which, for the purposes of convenience, will hereafter be referred to as ice cubes, although in a truest technical sense, the ice product or η block produced by the ice making machine does not conpriee ice in geometric cube form. By way of example, in Figure 2 the ice making machine 10 is shown as being provided with four of the aforesaid ice making assemblies which are generally designated by the numeral 50 and are arranged in generally spaced parallel relationship within the enclosure area 34. It will be appreciated, of course, that the ice making machine 10 (or the machine 300 described hereinafter) may be provided with more or less cf such assemblies 50 and that the orientation thereof within the enclosure 12 may be modified somewhat.

As best seen in Figures 3,4 and 19, each of the assemblies 50 comprises an upper water manifold section 52, an intermediate generally flat plate-like combination evaporator and ice form section 54, and a lower sap and ice directing section 56, with the various assemblies 50, as previously described, being arranged in side-by-side relation within the ice making area 34 of the enclosure 12, as best seen in Figure 2. By virtue of the fact that •ach of the assemblies 50 shown in Figure 2, and particularly, the sections 52, 54 and 56 thereof, are substantially identical in construction and operation, the following detailed description of one of S Ο 7 4 7 the assemblies 50 is intended to be applicable to each of said assemblies 50 incorporated in the ice making machine 10.

As best seen in Figures 4 and 6, the water manifold 5 section 52 of the assemblyCs) 50 comprises an elongated ©pen upper sided enclosure 58 comprising a pair of spaced parallel, generally vertically disposed sice walls 60, 62 and a bettor wall which extends generally horiicr.tally between the side walls 60, 62 and defines therewith an elongated cavity, generally designated by the numeral 66.

As shown in Figure 6, the opposite ends of the enclosure 58 are closed by upstanding end wall sections, and the inner side cf the bettor wall section 64 is forced vith a generally downwardly depressed central area 6S within which a series of generally longitudinally aligned, vertically disposed slots 70 are formed which communicate the interior of the cavity 66 vith the underside of the enclosure 58.

The underside of the bettor, wall section 64 is formed with an elongated continuous recess 72 which cooperates in a manner hereinafter to be described with the associated combination ice form and evaporator section 54 of the assembly SO. One end of the enclosure 68 is provided with an overflow section, generally designated by the numeral 74, which is provided with a suitable overflow passage 76 in the lower end thereof and into which ice taake-up water in excess of the quantity required to form 507 ice within the assembly 50 during a particular freezing cycle, along with mny undesirable water contaminants, may be communicated back to the system drain or the like, as is well known in the art.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, disposed «••ithir. elongated cavity 66 of the enclosure SB is a generally tubular-shaped water conduit member, generally designated by the numeral 80. The member 80 comprises a generally cylindrically-shaped body section 62 having a downwardly 10 directed water distribution section 84 formed along the lower side thereof and extending generally coextensive thereof. The cylindrical section 82 is formed with an elongated internal tapered bore 86 having an inlet end 88 at one end thereof which is intended to be connected to a 15 suitable source of ice make-up water (not shown), such as a conduit which connects the conduit member 80 to the associated water sump via a suitable water pump. The opposite end of the tapered bore 86 is closed so that all water being communicated thereto into will be communicated to a plurality cf generally longitudinally spaced, vertically disposed discharge or outlet ports 90. As best seen in Figure 4, the ports 90 are arranged generally vertically above the plurality of slots 70 formed in the bottom wall section 64 of the enclosure 58. The purpose of the tapered configuration of the bore 86 is to provide for the uniform distribution of water to the plurality of discharge ports SO, with the reduction in diameter of the bore 86 from the inlet end 88 thereof to the closed opposite end thereof being correlated with the sum of the areas of the ports 90 such that relatively uniform quantity of water is discharged downwardly through the ports 90 along the entire longitudinal plurality thereof, whereby a uniform supply of vater will be introduced into the interior of the enclosure 58 and be communicated downwardly through the plurality of slots 70 2.3 fcr purposes hereinafter to be described.

Referring now in detail to the cochinaticr, ice form and evaporator section 54 cf the assembly 50, as best illustrated in Figures 3 ar.d 6, the section 54 comprises a relatively thin, generally rectangularly-shaped monclithic body S6 which is ? 5 formed with a plurality of ice forming pockets, recesses or forms, generally designated by the numeral 95, cn the opposite sides thereof. The ice forming pockets are arranged in vertical rows, with the tows on one side cf the section 54 being staggered with the rows cn the opposite side thereof, but with the pockets 2o 9S in each of the rows being vertically aligned with recpect to the pockets 9S cf the row thereof on the opposite side of the body 9f. Disposed within the section 54 is an elongated evaporator conduit, generally designated by the numeral 100, which is formed intc a serpentine configuration consisting of a plurality of generally hcriior.tally disposed, spaced parallel conduit sections 1C1 which are interconnected with one another S0747 in a serial fashion by means of generally U-shaped intermediate sections 104, as best depicted in Figure 11. The evaporator conduit 100 includes an inlet and section 106 and an outlet section 108 which are connected in a conventional manner with the refrigeration system of the ice making machine 10, whereby refrigerant may be circulated through the conduit 100 to effect the freezing of ice make-up water communicated tc the plurality of pockets 98 during a freezing cycle, and whereby hot refrigerant gases may be circulated through the conduit 100 during a harvest cycle to effect release of the ice cubes formed during the previous freezing cycle, as will be hereinafter described ir. detail.

Disposed between each pair of adjacent conduit sections 102 cf the evaporator conduit 100 is a heat transfer element 110, which elements 110, together with the conduit 100, are preferably fabricated of a high heat conductive material, such as copper. The heat transfer elements 110 embodied in the section 54 are best depicted in Figures 11 through 13 and may be originally formed of relatively thin starred metal strips so as to have a plurality of ears or lobes 112 formed along the longitudinally opposite edges thereof, with the lobes 112 defining recesses or notches 114 therebetween, as best shown in Figure 13. The heat transfer elements 110 are formed (as by stamping) with a—---— S0747 series of pockets or recesses, generally designated by the numeral 114. More particularly, and as shown in Figures 9 through 11, a series of longitudinally disposed recesses 116 are formed in the elements 110 in an alternate fashion such that when the elements 110 are seen in side elevational view, the elements 110 appear to have a series of alternate concave and convex surfaces with the concave surfaces defining the recesses 116 on each side thereof. Each of the pockets or recesses 116 has a pair cf the aforementioned ears or lobes laterally aligned therewith, and during the aforementioned forming or stamping operatic: in which the pockets 116 are formed in the elements 110, the associated lobes 112 are deformed upwardly and downwardly (as viewed in Figure S) relative to the plane of the elements 110, depending cn the concave or convex deformation produced in the elements 110 during the forming operation, with the result that laterally aligned lobes 112 are alternately formed upwardly and downwardly along the length of the elements 110, the upwardly deformed ears 2o 112 being identified in Figure 9 by the reference numeral 112a, and the downwardly deformed ears 112 being designated in Figure 9 by the numeral 112b.

The plurality of upwardly and downwardly formed lobes 112a and 112b along the length of each of the transfe elements 110 define longitudinal edge channels, as best seen in Figure 9 and identified by the numeral 116, the #0747 dimensions of which are such as to correlate with the lateral spacing between the spaced parallel sections 102 of the evaporator conduit 100, with the result that the heat transfer elements 110 of the section 54 stay he inserted interjacent or between the conduit sections 102 from the opposite sides of the serpentine formation thereof in the manner best shown in Figure 11. Thus, the plurality of elements 110 nay be inserted from the opposite side edges of the serpentine formed conduit 100 in the manner shown in Figure 11 to a position where they are totally nested or contained between the sections 102 thereof, as is depicted in Figure 6. After the plurality of elements 110 have thus been assembled onto the evaporator conduit 100, the entire assemblage thereof is preferably subjected to a soldering operation, or the like, whereby the elements 110 are fixedly secured to the conduit 100 in a manner such that efficient heat transfer is achieved between the conduit sections 102 and the elements 110. Thereafter, the assembly of the conduit 100 and heat transfer elements 110 is intended to be put into a suitable mold or the like, such as a plastic injection mold, whereupon a suitable polymeric plastic material, such as polyethylene or other autre priate material having the required moldable and sanitary characteristics, is formed around the aforesaid assemblage to provide the one-piece monolithic body 96. Suring the molding operation, liquid plastic material will flow in and around the various interstices and exterior surfaces of the evaporator conduit 100 and plurality of heat transfer elements 110 te secure the structural integrity ef these respective components in their respective operative relationship, and simultaneously, the plurality of ice forming pockets 98 are formed in the opposite sides of the body 96, with each of the pockets 98 corresponding tc or.e ef the pockets 116 formed in the heat transfer elements 210 so as tc provide the aforementioned staggered erien;o tation of the ice forcing pockets 98, the specific configuration or shape of which is hereinafter described.

With reference to Figure 4, it will be seen that the plastic material from which the section 54 is fabricated and which is generally designated by the numeral 120, is formed with a plurality ef spaced, parallel laterally extending recesses 122 within the upper end 124 thereof. The upper end 124 is adapted to be nestingly received within the recess 72 formed in the underside of the enclosure 56, whereby ice make-up water 2o passing downwardly through the slots 70 will flow laterally outwardly with respect te the section 54 within tbe recesses 222 and will thereafter be directed downwardly as the water engages generally vertically extending surfaces 225 located at the lower edges of the recess 72, resulting in the ice make-up water being deflected downwardly so that it will cascade elcng and ονβτ the opposite sides of the section 54 and thereby flow over and into the plurality of ice form pockets 98 during operation of the machine, as vill later be described.

With reference to Figure 19, the ice directing section 56 is generally intended to serve the function of directing ice formed within the plurality of pockets 98 away from the vater sump at the lower end of the assembly 50 during the ice harvest cycle so that the ice vill drop downwardly toward and into some type of an ice storage area, such as the ice storage section 15 depicted in Figure 1, with the section 56 serving the secondary function of separating ice make-up water that is cascaded ever the opposite sides of the section 54 from the ice sc that the make-up water will flew into the associated sump and be utilized during subsequent operation of the machine 10. Toward this end, the ice directing section 56 in Figure 1? is intended to be coextensive of the width of the associated section 54 and includes a generally flat cr horizontally extending base portion 126 and upstanding side walls 128 and 13C which are inclined upwardly and inwardly as seen at 132 and 134 and terminate in generally horizontal upper edge portions 136 and 138 vhich are arranged along the opposite sides of the section 54. The inclined side portions 132, 134 serve to deflect or direct the ice dropping downwardly off of the sides of the section_54 away from the lower end thereof and ate formedvithsuitable S0747 apertures or perforations, generally designated by the numeral 140, whereby ice make-up water being cascaded over the opposite sides of the section 54 may flow through the perforation 140 into an interior sump area 142 which may be communicable with a suitable water pump or the like so that the water may be recirculated. It is to be noted that the section 56 depicted ir. Figure 19 is mere or less schematic in nature and that the arrangement shown ir. connection with the ice making machine 300 hereto inafter described consists cf a more preferred form of the invention. Regardless, however, the section 56 is intended to illustrate how the ice cubes formed within the pockets 56 and subsequently dropped downwardly therefrom during a harvest cycle will be deflected outwardly awav from the lower end of the section 56 and thereafter drep downwardly into an associated ice storage area.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, each of the pockets SS is of a generally square shape when viewed from the side thereof (i.e., comprise four equal length side edges) and includes a central depressed or concave section 150 which is defined by the outer surface of the portion of the heat transfer element 110 located therebelow and which is bounded by four inwardly inclined side surfaces 152, 154 and 156, 15S which are of a generally arcuate configuration and are formed in the plastic material 120 embodied in the section 54. In a preferred constructionι the longitudinal and lateral side edges of each of the pockets 98 are common to the pockets 98 adjacent thereto, as depicted in Figure 14, whereby to maximize the ice making capacity of the section 54, i.e., the number of ice cubes that can be produced along each side thereof. It will be seen that while the central part of each of the pockets 98 is formed by the central part cf the associated recess 116 of the subjacent heat transfer elements 110, the outer marginal surfaces of each of the pockets 98 are spaced from the surface of the underlying recess 116 in increasing amounts toward the outer peripheral edges of the pockets Si. Thus, the thickness cf the plastic material 120 between the heat transfer elements 110 and the inner surface of each of the pockets 58 increases gradually from zero (C) thickness (or a filn of minimal thickness of the plastic 120 over the central part of the underlying heat transfer elements 110) to a maximum thickness directly at the peripheral edges of the pockets 98, which construc2° tion contributes to one of the primary features cf the present invention. More particularly, the aforesaid construction results ir. the ice cubes formed within the pockets 98 being generally symmetrical in shape on the opposite sides thereof even though the ice is formed in molds (or pockets) which, during the freezing cf the ice make-up water, are disposed adjacent only one of the sides S0747 of the ice product being formed. Stated another way and with reference to Figures 16 through IB, the ice product which is formed is of a generally square shape, i.e., four equal length sides, in side elevational view and consists of upper and lower opposed convex sides 164 and 166, spaced parallel side edges 166 and 17C, and spaced parallel top ar.d bottom edges 172 and 174 which are arranged perpendicular to the side edges 16S and 170.

IQThe opposite surfaces 164 and 166 of the ice product are substantially symmetrical to one another and complementary in shape in respect tc the interior surface of the pockets 9S, with the result that the ice product is cf a pillow” shape in its finally produced form.

The primary reason for the ice product being generally symmetrically-shaped is that the plastic material 12C which defines the outer marginal portions of the ice pockets SS acts as an insulating media between the ice 2o make-up wateT being cascaded over the opposite sides of the section 54 and the heat transfer elements 11 which transfer heat between the refrigerant flowing thrcugh the evaporator conduit 100 and the ice make-up water. Here particularly, and as best shown in Figure 15, it will 25be seen that by virtue of the fact that the heat transfer elements 110 »τβ juxtapesitioned directly adjacent and actually fc the central portion of each of the pocket* SB, maximum heat transfer will occur at the center thereof due to the fact that little or no plastic material 120 is provided hetween the surface of the elements 110 and the pockets 56.

Accordingly, the ice make-up water will freeze more readily at the central portion of the pockets 96 during a freezing operation. However, because the thickness of the plastic material 120 increases between the heat transfer elements 110 and outer marginal edges of the pockets 56, a gradually decreasing amount of heat will be transferred to the elements 110 toward the outer edges of the pockets 96 due to the fact that the plastic material 120 acts as a heat insulating (non-heat conductive) media between the ice make-up water and the adjacent surfaces of the heat 4.5 transfer elements 110. Accordingly, the ice will gradually build up within the pockets 96 in the manner best depicted in Figure IS, with the ice growing thicker and thicker at the central portion of the ice product, as depicted in the successive growth lines during a freezing operation. 2oThis results in the outer surface of the ice product, i.e., the surface which is not in contact with the interior periphery of the pocket 98 being convex shaped and of substantially the same configuration as the Surface of the ice product which is in actual contact with the periphery of the pockets 98, with the result that the final ice product appears generally symmetrical in shape, as shown by the cross-sectional views in Figures 17 and IB.

With specific reference to Figure 15, it is to be noted that each ice cube that is formed within one of the pockets 98 has the side thereof confronting the pocket 98 by projecting outwardly, i.e., is of a greater convex shape, than the opposite side thereof, i.e., the side facing away from the pocket 96; however, at such time as the subsequent harvest cycle begins and hot gasses are communicated through the evaporator conduit ICC, the elements 10 110 will begin to warm up, resulting in meltage cf, the portion of the formed ice cube disposed adjacent the elements 110. Such meltage effects release cf the cubes from the pockets 98 and also results in the side of the cubes having the maximum convex shape being melted away so that the cubes are of the shape shown in Figures 1“ and 18 at the time that they drop downwardly out of the pockets 98 into a subjacent ice storage area. Thus, ice cubes are formed that initially have one convex side thereof which is of greater convex shape than the opposite side thereof, but which is melted away during the harvest portion of the machine so that both of the sides of the final ice product are symmetrical once the product is harvested.

Additionally, it will be understood that a generally symmetrical ice product, i.e., an ice product having substantial symmetrical convex sides, can be formed 'in an ice mold having only a single concave surface as a result of properly correlating the amount of relatively non-heat conductive material 120 between a central heat transmitting element and the inner peripheral surface of the mold.

The above described ice product is considered to be of significant importance in that said product has been found to embody a number of highly improved features over comparable ice products known in the art. Zn particular, because of the basically square, yet rounded configuration cf the ice product, highly improved anti-bridging characteristics are achieved thereby. That is, due to the fact that “point contact is primarily maintained between adjacent ice cubes in a storage container thereof, as opposed to surface or line contact with prior known cubes, bridging or freezing together of adjacently oriented cubes is minimized to the extreme, which results in convenient dispensing thereof even after prolonged periods of storage. Another feature cf the ice product resides in highly improved displacement and splash resistant characteristics.

More particularly, by virtue of the fact that the ice product nests in a highly improved fashion, a greater number of the ice cubes* can be placed within a given size container or receptacle, resulting in commercially desirable fluid displacement ·—......— —— 26 S0747 characteristics. Similarly, due to the fact that the ice product does not have any concavities or relatively flat surfaces, the splashinc of liquid when it is poured or otherwise directed into a container or receptacle of the ice product is minimized to the extreme so as to obviate undesirable spillage, etc.

Referring now to Figures 20 through 22, a slightly modified embodiment of the combination ice and evaporator section, is designated by the numeral 200. The section 200 differs from the afcredescribed section 54 ίτοπ the standpoint that instead of utilizing a plurality of heat transfer elements 110 and 8 separate evaporator conduit, the primary heat transfer path between the refrigerant and the ice make-up water is achieved by a plurality of spaced parallel conduits, generally designated by the numeral 202 and best depicted in Figure 20. The conduits 202 are connected at their opposite ends to a pair of generally transversely arranged manifold members 20i and 206 which are construct? 2q such that serial refrigerant flow may be provided from an inlet conduit 218 throughout the entire series of conduits 202 to an outlet conduit 220 which, together with the conduit 218 is connected to the associated refrigeration system. The conduits 202 are formed with alternate staggered ice form pockets or recesses 205 on the opposite sides thereof and are generally flattened in the manlier best shown in the Figures 21 and 22 so as to define the recesses 208 and so as to also define refrigerant flow paths 210 and 212 along the opposite side portions of the conduits 202, as shown in Figure 21. with this arrangement, the conduits serve the two-fold function of providing refrigerant flow paths and providing heat transfer surfaces for the central portions of the ice fern pockets 216 which are analogous to the aforedescribed pockets 98 and which are formed in a monolithic plastic body 214 analogous ts the above-described plastic material 120.

It is contemplated that the plurality of conduits 202 may be deformed to their undulated, pocket defining configurations shown in Figure 22 in a suitable forming press or the like and thereafter be secured at their opposite ends to the associated manifold members 204 and 206, after which time the entire assemblage consisting of the manifolds 204 and 206 and plurality of conduits 202 could be placed back into the press forming dies which would serve the two-fold purpose of acting as the mold intc which the plastic material 214 is injected. Thus, the same apparatus could be used for deforming the conduits 202 and providing the mold for the plastic material 214. Xn one preferred arrangement of the modified ice form and ev^>orator section 200, the conduits 202 are fabricated from 3/4 inch thin wall copper tubing which may be deformed consistent with the configuration shown in Figures 21 and 22.

Of course, other size tubing could be utilized.

It is to be noted that the plurality of ice forming pockets are not necessarily disposed along one or both sides of generally flat or planar combination ice form and evaporator member, as is the case with the ice machine hereinabove described and the ice machine 300 hereinafter described. In particular, it is contemplated that a combination evaporator and ice form arrangement may be used where the plurality of tee forming pockets are disposed cn the sides cf a multi-sided (more than two sides) structure and toward this end, reference is made to Figures 23 and 24 wherein an alternative embodiment of the combination ice form and evaporator member is disclosed and generally designated by the numeral 230. The member 230 is shown, by way of example, as comprising a four-sided heat transfer member 232 consisting of four, substantially identical vertical sides 234, 236, 238 and 240 arranged in edge-to-edge relation. The member 230 is fabricated cf a suitable heat transfer material, such as a thin sheet of copper, with each of the four sides 234-240 being formed with a plurality of three vertically spaced ice forming pockets 242, as best seen in Figure 23.

Disposed interiorly of the heat transfer element 232 is a generally cylindrically-shaped manifold member 244, the outer periphery of which is adapted for contiguous engagement with the inner surface of the central portion of each of the pockets 242, with the manifold member 244 defining a central chamber which is communicable with the refrigerant capillary tube 257 and outlet pipe 258 which function to supply refrigerant between an associated refrigeration system and the interior of the manifold 244, whereupon heat transfer occurs between the manifold 244 and the central part of each of the plurality cf ice form pockets 242 formed in the sides 234-240 cf the heat transfer element 232. The four apexes 254 of the heat transfer element defined with the outer periphery cf the manifold 244, a plurality of fouT chambers 246, 248, 250 and 252 which may function as means to receive tap cr potable thawing water during the harvest cycle to assist in releasing ice cubes from the pockets 242. The outer surface of the heat transfer member 230 is provided with a suitable heat insulating material, generally designated by the numeral 255, which is foraed in essentially the same manner as the plastic 120 of the ice machine 10 so as to cooperate with the concave surfaces of the pockets 242 in defining the ice form recesses into which water is communicated during the freeting cycle. It is to be noted that instead of the water flowing into the chambers 246-252 during a harvest cycle, hot refrigerant gas may be supplied to said chamber. Additionally, the embodiment shown in Figures 23 and nay be readily modified to have the refrigerant flow in and through the chambers 246, 248, 250 and 252 and defrost5 make-up water enter the center cylindrical member 244 · Figures 25 and 26 illustrate yet alternative embodiments wherein the plurality of ice forming pockets or recesses need net necessarily be disposed upon relatively flat or planar evaporator members.

Lo In particular, these Figures illustrate multi-sided heat transfer members (shown as eight-sided members} with each side being provided with a series of vertically aligned pockets within which ice cubes are to be formed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, the heat transfer member is .5 designated by the numeral 260 and is shown as consisting of multiple sides 262 which define apexes 264 therebetween and have a plurality of ice forming pockets 266 therein. Each cf the pockets 266 is adapted to be cooperative with an evaporator conduit 268 which extends generally parallel to - the rows of pockets 266 and is secured interiorly of the member 260, whereby heat transfer is effected between the evaporator conduits 268 and the central portion cf each of the pockets 266 in essentially the same manner as herein50747 above described. The embodiment shown in Figure 26 ia similar to that shown in Figure 25, with the corresponding parts being designated by like numerals: however, instead of the generally vertically arranged evaporator conduits 268 juxtaposition each of the vertical rows of pockets 266 in the embodiment of Figure 25, a generally helically arranged evaporator conduit 270 is disposed interiorly of the assembly 260’ and adapted for contact for the central portion of each of the pockets 266’ for effecting heat transfer between the refrigerant in the conduit 270 and the ice make-up water introduced into the pockets 266* during a freezing cycle.

Figures 27 and 28 illustrate two additional alternate embodiments and depict that the principles thereof may find application to ice making machines wherein the ice make-up water is sprayed directly upon the combination ice form and evaporator members, instead of being cascaded thereover as is the case with the ice making machines 10 and 300 as described herein. Additionally, Figures 27 and 28 illustrate applications wherein the combination ice form and evaporator member may be disposed in either a horizontal or inclined position, as opposed to a vertical orientation. More particularly, and with reference to Figure 27. a combination ice form evaporator assembly 272 is shown as being of substantially the same construction as depicted in Figure fi, with the exception that the assembly 272 has the ice forming pockets 274 thereof formed only on the lower side thereof. The assembly 272 is provided with suitable evaporator conduits 276 which may te analogous to the aforedescribed conduit ICO and have a plurality of heat transfer elements 278 interposed between adjacent sections of the conduit 276 so as to partially define the ice forming pockets 274 which face downwardly. The assembly is provided with the hereinabove described heat insulating plastic material, generally designated by the numeral 280 which, together with th.e heat transfer elements 278 define the pockets 274 which are preferably of substantially the sane ccn15 figuration as the hereinabove described rockets 98.

The entire assembly 272 is operatively supported upon a generally horizontally arranged ledge cr flange 2S2 with a spray enclosure 284 which includes a water spray bar 286 adjacent the lower end thereof having 20suitable drive means 288 for effecting rotation or oscillatory movement of the snray bar 28c so that ice make-up water will be sprayed or directed upwardly toward the underside of the assembly 272 and into the pockets 274, resulting in ice cubes forming therein during a freezing cycle. A suitable screen or the like 290 is disposed between the underside of the assembly 272 and the spray bar 286, whereby ice released from the pockets 274 during a subsequent harvest cycle will drop downwardly onto the screen and be directed through an ice opening 292 to a remotely located ice storage area or the like, generally designated by the numeral 294, which may be located below the enclosure 282.

The arrangement shown in Figure 28 is substantially identical to that shown in Figure 27 with the correlative components being designated ty like numerals with a prime suffix, with the exception that the combination ice form and evaporator assembly 2*2' is mounted in a relatively inclined orientation, as opoosed tc the generally horizontal position shown in Figure 27. The inclined orientation lends itself to rapid release of the ice products formed during a preceding freezing cycle ty means of a hot gas defrost.

Referring now to Figures 29-39, an ice making machine 300 is shown generally as comprising an exterior housing or enclosure 322 having a front er forward, generally vertically disposed wall section 3C4 and a rearward, generally vertically disposed wall section 306. Extending between the front and rear wall sections 304 and 306 at the laterally opposite sides or ends of the enclosure 302 is a pair of upstanding end wall section 308 and 310. A generally vertically disposed partition 312 also extends between the wall sections 304, 306 and divides the interior of the enclosure 312 into a refrigeration area 314 and an ice caking area 3*0 which are respectively disposed at the lefthand ar.d righthand sides of the machine 300 as it is depicted in Figures 29 and 30.

As was the case in connection with tr.e hereir.,nah:ve described ice caking machine 10, the refrigeration area 314 is provided with conventional refrigeration equipment, generally designated by the numeral 316, including a compressor, condenser, etc., with the area 314 also housing a water pump 318 which is intended to supply nake-up water to the ice making apparatus disposed within the ice making area 320 in a manner hereinafter to be described.

Generally speaking, the ice producing apparatus within the ice making area 320 of the ice making machine 300 comprises a water manifold assembly, generally designated by the numeral 322, a water sump assembly generally designated by the numeral 324, and a plurality ©f four combination ice forms and evaporator members, generally designated by the numeral 326, which are similar in construction and operation to the aforementioned combination ice form and evaporator sections 54 hereinabove S0747 described. As will be described in connection with the overall operation of the ice making machine 300, the water manifold assembly 322 is intended to supply water to the plurality of ice form and evaporator members 326 which operate to effect freeiing of the water to produce ice cubes of the type hereinabove described. Excess make-up water is accumulated within the water sump 324 and is re-circulated back te the water manifold assembly 322, as will hereinafter be described in detail.

Referring now in detail to the construction of the water sump assembly 324, as depicted in Figures 34, 35 and 35, the assembly 324 comprises a one-piece molded monolithic body 330 fabricated of a suitable polymeric material having the requisite sanitary characteristics and which is entirely open on the upper side thereof.

The body 330 comprises an elongated central section 332 which extends laterally of the enclosure 302, i.e., parallel to the front and rear wall sections 304, 306 at a position below the plurality of evaporator members 2C 326. Extending at generally right angles to the central section 332 cf the body is a plurality of eight aTm sections 334 which are arranged in four spaced parallel rows each consisting of two aligned arm sections 334, as best seen in Figure 34, with each row being located directly belcw '25 one of the evaporator members 326. The sump assembly 324 comprises a generally vertically disposed side wall 5074*7 section 336 which extends entirely around the body 330 and which is integrally connected at its lower edge to a bottom closure er wall of the water sump 324. In particular, the central section 332 of the body 33C includes a downwardly sloped bottom wall portion 338 that defines, at its lowermost portion thereof, a water reservoir 340 which may, if desired, be provided with a suitable clean-out facility 342, i.e., clean-cut plug, drain line, etc. The end of the central section 232 of the water sump assembly 324 adjacent the reservoir 34C is provided with a Plurality cf three openings, namely, a lower opening 346, an intermediate opening 348, and ar. upper opening 350 which are intended to cooperate vi suitable water ccnduits hereinafter to be described in com15 municating water between the interior cf the sump assembly 324 and the aforedescribed water pump 318. Each of the arm sections 334 of the body 330 is provided with a slopedbottom 352, all of which bottom sections are sloped downwardly from the outer ends thereof toward the central section 332, as best depicted in Figure 35, whereby water dropping downwardly into the arm sections 334 will flow inwardly or centrally toward the central section 332 and be communicated via the sloped bottom 338 toward and into the reservoir 340 disposed in the lower portion of the central section 332 of the body 330. As best seen, in Figure 31, the outer end of each of the arm sections 334 is provided with an embossment 354 in the side wall section 336 thereof, which embossments 354 define internal recesses 356 which are intended to function in a manner hereinafter described in operatively supporting the entire water sump assembly 324 upon the lower ends of the plurality of four combination ice form and evaporator members 326.

Referring new tc the construction cf the water manifold assembly 322, as best shown ir. Figures 36, 37 and 32, said assembly 3*2 comprises a primary supply conduit section, generally designated by the numeral 362 , which is adapted to be connected in a manner hereinafter tc be described tc the aforementioned water pump 31E. The conduit section 362 extends laterally within the ice making area 323 cf the enclosure 322, i.e., parallel to the front and rear wall section 304, 306 at a position directly above the plurality of evaporator members 326 and generally vertically aligned with and parallel to the central section 332 of the vater sump assembly 324. The conduit section 360 is provided with a central inlet fitting 362 which is located intermediate the opposite ends thereof and is intended to be communicable with a vater supply conduit 454 which is connected to the vster pump 318, as best seen in Figure 2£·. As illustrated in Figure 37, the primary conduit section 360 is provided with a plurality of four longitudinally spaced pairs of opposed outlet sections 364, 366, 368 and 370 which are spaced apart a distance equal to the lateral spacing between the evaporator members 326. Attached to each of the outlet sections 364-370 is an elongated manifold member, one of which is shown in Figure 39 and generally designated by the numeral 372. As shown in Figure 39, each of the manifold members 32 includes ar. elongated here 374 which is tapered radially ir.warcly, i.e., decreases in cross-sectional area tow-arc the cuter end of the manifold member 3*2. The bere 374 cf each of the members 3*2 is communicable with a plurality of gener10 ally vertically arranged, 1 or.gi tudinally spaced discharge ports 376 which extend between the boTe 374 ar.d the interior cf an elongated cavity 378 formed in the underside cf each of the manifold members 372. As best seen in Figure 38, the cavity 3*8 is defined between a paiT of spaced apart downwardly extending side portions 3S0 and 382 which are formed integrally of the manifold member 372 which, in a preferred construction is preferably fabricated of a molded polymeric material, such as Celcon or the like. The lower ends of the side portions 380 and 382 define water deflecting recesses or surfaces 384 which function in a manner hereinafter to be described in directing water flowing downwardly from the bore 374 through the discharge ports 3*6 into the cavity 378 toward and over the opposite sides of the combination ice fom and evaporator members 326 which are disposed below the manifold members 372. 0 747 The end of each of the manifold members 372 which is connected to the primary conduit section 360 is formed with an enlarged diameter counterbore 386 which is arranged coaxially of the associated bore 374 and adapted to nesting!)* receive one of the laterally outwardly extending outlet sections 364-370 in the manner shown in Figure 30, whereby said outlet section 364 is nestingly received within counterbore 3S6 of the manifold member 372. The end of the manifold member 3'2 confronting the conduit section 360 is formed with a semi-circular end surface 388 which is complementary in shape in respect to the outer periphery cf the conduit section 360 and adapted to be ccntinguously engaged therewith upon assembly of the manifold,member onto the associated of the outlet sections 364-370. Preferably, the Surface 386 cf each cf the manifold members 3?2 is of a length slightly in excess of one-half the circumference of the associated conduit section 360 such that the manifold member 372 may be snapped onto the conduit section 360.

As shown in Figure 36, the uppermost portion of the inner end of each cf the manifold members 372 is generally step-shaped so that, as seen at 390, the upper ends of opposed members 372 may nest together when they are assembled onto the primary conduit section 360. As will hereinafter be described in detail, ice make-up water supplied to the primary conduit section 360 via the inlet fitting 362 and conduit 454 will be communicated longir*40 tudimlly along the entire length of the conduit section 360. This vater will thereafter be communicated outwardly through the plurality of outlet sections 364-370 and be introduced into the bores 374 of the plurality of manifold members 372 attached to the opposite sides of the primary conduit section 360. The water communicated into the bores 374 will be discharged downwardly through the plurality cf the discharge ports 376 and will flow into the cavity 378 cf each of the members 3'2, whereupon the water will flow downwardly from the cavity 37E and cascade along the opposite sides of the combination ice form and evaporator members 326 located therebelow.

Referring now to the plurality of combination ice form and evaporator members 326, each of the members 326 is preferably of the same general construction and operation and therefore the fcllowing description of one ef said members is intended to be applicable tc each of the members 326 embodied in the ice making machine 32-0.

The member 326 is preferably similar in con20 struction and operation to the hereinabove described combination ice form evaporator members or sections 5·’ ar.d as such, consists of a molded plastic body, general?·· designated by the numeral 400, having a generally serpentine-shaped evaporator conduit 402 disposed interiorly thereof and which is analogous in construction and, operation to the evaporator conduit 100 embodied in the afore50747 mentioned section 54. The evaporator conduit 402 of each of the members 326 is communicable with the associated refrigeration system is the refrigeration area 314 by meins of supply and return conduits 404 and 406. A plurality of heat transfer elements, generally designated by the numeral 408, and similar in construction and operation to the elements 110 of the combination ice form and evaporator section 54 are interposed between the spaced parallel portions of the evaporator conduit 402, with the conduit 402 and plurality cf elements 408 being embedded within the plastic material of the body 400 in the manner hereinabove described. The opposite sides of the body 400 are provided with a plurality cf vertical rows of ice forming pockets or recesses, generally designated by the numeral 410, which again are similar in construction and operation to the aforedescribed pockets cr recesses 98 of the section 54 and accordingly, a further description of the pockets 410 is emitted for purposes cf conciseness of description herein, it being Sufficient tc state that the pockets 410 are intended to have ice make-up water cascaded thereover and be frccer. therewithin during a freezing cycle and have the resultant ice product or ice cubes be released during a subsequent harvest cycle so as to drop downwardly into an associated ice receiving area disposed below the plurality cf member^ 326, as will be apparent from the above description of the ice making machine 10. 507 47 As best seen in Figures 31, 38 and 39, the uppeT end of each of the «embers 326 is formed with a reduced thickness pertion 412 which is adapted to be nestingly received within the lower end of the cavity 378 of the two manifold members 372 associated therewith. The upper end portion 412 is formed with a plurality of transversely extending spaced, parallel slots or recesses 416 which are spaced longitudinally along the upper edge of the member 326 and are adapted to communicate with the interior 1C of the cavities 378 of the associated manifold members 372, whereby ice make-up water within the cavities 378 may flow downwardly into the slots 416 and thereafter flew outwardly toward and impinge against the surfaces 384, where the nake-up water will be deflected downwardly so as to flow or cascade over the opposite sides of the body 400.

Each of the combination ice form and evaporator members 326 comprises a lower end 418 which is provided with a pair of opposed, outwardly projecting shoulders 2C,or ridges 42C that extend substantially along the entire length of each side of the body 4C0 and define cutwardlv and downwardly inclined upper ice deflecting surfaces 422. The shoulders or ridges 420 on the opposite sides of the body 400 are formed with a plurality of spaced apart, vertically arranged slots 424 through which -ice make-up weter is intended to flow after it cascades 80747 down the opposite sides of the body 400, with such water subsequently dropping into the associated βτιβ section 334 of the sump assembly 324. The inclined upper surfaces 422 of the shoulders 420 are intended to act as an ice deflecting means, whereby ice released from the plurality of pockets 410 during the harvest portion of the operational cycle of the ice making machine 300 will drop downwardly and strike or engage the surfaces 412 ar.d be deflected outwardly away from the adjacent sump arm sections 334 and into the ice receiving area located below the sump assembly 324, with the ice make-up water cascading over the opposite sides cf the body 420 passing downwardly through the plurality of slots or recesses 424 directly into the sump assembly 324 for recirculation.

As best seen in Figure 31, each cf the combination ice form ar.d evaporator members 326 is provided with a pair of cylindrical lugs formed on the opposite sides thereof and located generally centrally cf the lowermost portions thereof. The lugs 426, 426 are intended tc cooperate with inverted V-shaped shoulders 432 and retaining flanges 432 located between the lugs 426, 425 on each side of each of the bodies 400 in operatively supporting a' plurality of sump covers, generally designated by the numeral 460, that are disposed over the central section 332 of the sump assembly 324 and positioned one between each adjacent pair of members 326 so as to prevent the , 44 S0747 ice product being formed in the pockets 410 of the members 326 from falling downwardly into the central section 332 cf the sump 324. In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 and 30, three of the members 460 are interposed between the four combination ice form and evaporator members 326 and supported at their respective opposite ends by means of the cylindrical lugs 426, 428, shoulders 430 and retaining flanges 432. Although not shown herein, the opposite ends of each of the sump arm sections 334 may be provided with similar type cover members which prevent the ice cubes from dropping into the ends of the sump arm sections 334, as will be appreciate; by those skilled in the art.

The lower opposite edges of each of the comisbination ice form and evaporator «embers 326 are provided with a pair of outwardly projecting «ounting lugs 434 and 436 which, as best seen in Figure 31, are adapted to be nestingly received within the recesses 356 of the associated embossments 354 in the arm sections 334 cf 20the sump assembly 324, wheTeby the entire sump assembly 324 is detachably supported on the lower ends of the plurality of members 326 and depends downwardly therefrom.· The entire assemblage consisting of the plurality of combination ice form and evaporator members 326, sump 25assenbly 324 and the manifcld assembly 321 mounted on-the upper edges cf the members 326 is intended to be supported within the ice making area 320 of the enclosure 302 by means of a plurality of outwardly extending lugs 440, 442 and 444 that are formed on the opposite side edges of the members 326 and the rearward ones of which 440 and 440 are intended to be inserted within suitable complement ary openings in the rearward wall 3?£ (or sanitary liner, etc.? of the ice making area 32' cf ths enclosure 3C2 for oteratively supporting menbers 326 therewithin.

The front or forward edges cf the menbers 326 have the lugs 444 vertically arranged such that they may be received within suitable openings 445 within a horizontally extending retaining bar 45? which extends between the end wall 310 anc partition 312 in a manner best shown in Figures 29 and 31. h'ith this arrangement, the menbers 326 are suitably supported within the area 320, with the manifold assembly 322 being surmounted cn the upper edges thereof and the entire water sump assembly 324 being supported from the lowermost portions thereof.

It will be appreciated that various other types cf 2Csunporting means may be provided for operatively securing the members 326, manifold assembly 322 and sump assembly 324 w’ithin tne area 320; however, the afcredescribec mode of operatively mounting these components lends itself to 25ease of construction, convenience of asse-bly ar.d disassembly for ourposes of cleaning and the like.

The water system of the ice making machine 300 includes the aforementioned water pump 31S which is intended to be communicable with the water sump assembly 324 via the openings 346, 34S and 350 formed in the end wall portion 344 thereof. In particular, the opening 346 is adapted to be communicable with the inlet portion cf the water pu-- 31? via a suitable water conduit 433, vhereas the outlet portion cf the pump 31S is adapted to be communicable via the afcrerentioned water supply pipe cr conduit 451 vith the water manifold assembly 322. The discharge from the pu-m 316 is also connected to the sump assembly 334 via a suitable conc'uit 434 which is communicable with the opening 34S. Finally, the pump 31S is connecter via a suitable overflow conduit 456 with the opening 55r cf the surp assemblv 324 for the purposes best described in United States Patent No. 3,559,424.

Briefly, however, it should be noted that pump 318 includes a suitable impeller or the like (not shown) which is drivingly connected via 2Ca drive shaft with the pump motor, whereupon energisation of the motoT, wateT will be pumped from the sump assembly 324 via the conduit 454 to the manifold assembly 322.

The purpose of the conduit 456 is to communicate any water which may tend to rise along the aforementioned drive shaft .25 during operation of the pump motor back to the sump assembly 324 so as to minimize the need for packings, seals or the like on the upper end of the shaft, as described in detail in the aforementioned '424 patent. A suitable float operated water valve (not shown) is preferably employed for sensing the water level in the sump assembly 324 and enabling wateT replenishment at appropriate tises from any convenient water source which is commonly available, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Operation of each cf the ice making machines described hereinabove is essentially the same in that during a freezing cycle, ice make-up water is co~municated to the combination ice form and evaporator component, whereupon the water cascades ever and intc the Plurality cf ice forming mcckets, the excess vater being communicated tack by an associated sump where the water may be reciT15culated. At the same time, refrigerant is circulated through the evaporator conduit or coils to Teduce the temperature cf the ice forming pockets, resulting in the ice make-up water freezing in the manner best depicted in Figure 13. After a predetermined period of time, determined primarily by the size and shape of the ice product to be produced, the freezing cycle is terminated and the harvest cycle is initiated. During the harvest cycle, previously formed ice cubes are released from the ice forming pockets in any one of a number of ways. 25First of all, a hot gas refrigerant may be communicated S0747 through the evaporator coil(s) in order to raise the temperature of the heat transfer elements and hence raise the temperature of the associated pockets, whereupon the ice cubes within the pockets will be released and drop under the influence of gravity downwardly toward an associated ice receiving storage area. After termination cf the harvest cycle, the next successive freezing cycle may be initiated, whereupon ceded ar.d liquified refrigerant will again be circulated through the evaporator conduit to ferm the next batch of ice within the pockets of the combination ice form and evaporator members. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a suitable automatic shut-off mechanism may be provided in the control circuitry. Typically, auch shutoff controls include an ice level sensing member which is actuatable in response to the ice level reaching a predetermined height within the associated storage bin for opening the control circuit, thus, effecting deenergization of the ice making machine until such time as the ice level drops to some predetermined magnitude.

Xn the ice making machine 300, the plurality of combination ice form and evaporator members are disposed in a vertical orientation and are spaeed apart from one another, as are their associated sources of water, i.e., water manifolds, and water sunp. This arrangement provides for the stacking of successive machines, one on top of another, whereby the ice produced by an upper machine may drop downwardly through a suitable opening in the lower end of the upper machine housing and thereafter drop downwardly between the water manifolds, evaporator members and sump of a subjacent machine tc some ice storing or receiving area located below the stacked machines. Thus, a plurality of such machines may be stacked one upon another with the various evaporator members, manifold and sump sections being in generally vertical alignment so as tc define ice flow paths therebetween which'permit the ice from the upper machines to drop downwardly past the evaporator members, manifold members and sump members of the lower machines without in any way interfering with the operation cf the lower machines, whereby to provide for extremely high ice producing capacity for a given amount of floor space.

As previously discussed, the resultant ice product has SQ747 highly improved splash resistance and displacement characteristics, as compared to prior known ice products.

This is achieved by the fact that the ice product is entirely void of any concavities and is of a basically Ssquare, yet “rounded configuration, *Siich also contributes to improved storability without significant bridging or freezing cf the cubes during prolonged storage thereof. Additionally, the combination ice form and evaporator members thereof may be operatively mounted in vertical, IChorizontal or inclined orientations and may be supplied with water fron a cascading water source, or alternatively from a source of sprayed water. By virtue of the fact that moving parts are minimized to the extreme, maintenance will be minimimized, as will attendant down-time for repairs, 15service, etc. Additionally, a greater or lesser number of the combination ice form and evaporator members may be utilized in a given installation and such members may be easily replaced with similar members having ice forming pockets of either smaller or larger sizes so as to effect a 20correspcnding change in 1he size of the ice product used.

The extreme cocpactness of the ice making components provide for an increase in ice making capacity for a given size installation. Moreover, and of no less importance, is the fact that the ice producing capacity has been found to be 25significantly increased as compared to prior art devices utilizing the same size energy consuming refrigeration S0747 components, with the result that the illustrated ice making machine will be found to produce a greater volume of ice products for * given amount of available energy, thereby providing for energy conservation and/or 5reduced operating expenses.

Claims (12)

1. A method of making an ice product including the steps of providing at least one open-sided water receiving recess having a surface defined at least in part by a generally concave surface, at least the outer marginal 5 portions of said recess surface being defined by a molded heat insulating material; introducing ice make-up water into said recess and removing heat frcm said water through saic recess surface, the rate cf said heat removal at predetermined portions of said recess being dependent upon 1C the thickness of the heat insulating material at said predetermined portions of said recess sc as to produce an ice product having after release from said recess a first side generally complementary' in shape to said recess surface and a second side opposite said first side 15 substantially identical in shape thereto.

2. A method of making an ice product including the steps of providing at least one open-sided water receiving recess having a surface defined at least in part by a generally' concave surface, at least the outer marginal 20 portions cf said recess surface being defined hy a molded heat insulating material; introducing ice make-up water intc said recess and removing heat therefrom through said recess surface using heat removing means located on the side of said recess surface exteriorly of said recess; the 25 rate of heat transfer at predetermined locations within said recess being dependent upon the different thicknesses of the heat insulating material at said predetermined locations within said recess so as to produce an ice product having after release from said recess first and 5 second substantially identical convex cpposed faces substantially conplementary in shape to the surface of the recess.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shape cf ice product is dependent upon the sparing of the 10 heat removing means from said surface at said predetermined locations within said recess.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes the step of simultaneously producing a plurality of said ice products by introducing said make-up 15 water into a plurality of individual ones cf sard opensided recesses having their respective inner surfaces complementary in shape to the opposite sides cf the ice products formed therein.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 20 plurality of said recesses are arranged along a common plane.

6. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least some of said plurality of said recesses are arranged in different planes.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said different planes are arranged generally parallel to one another.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said planes are generally non-parallel to one another.

9. A method of producing an ice product having substantially symmetrical convex opposed sides, comprising 5 the steps of: introducing ice make-up water into at least one open-sided water receiving recess having a surface defined at least in part by a generally concave surface, at least tbe marginal portions of said recess surface being defined by a molded heat insulating material·; 1C reducing the temperature of said recess surface to cause said make-up water to freeze in said recess, the rate of freezing at different locations on said recess surface being dependent upon the thickness cf the heat insulating material provided between said locations and heat removing 15 means thereby to form the ice product such that the side of said product confronting said recess is complementary in shape tc the surface of the recess and has a greater convex shape than the opposite side of said product, and thereafter raising the temperature of said recess surface 20 to cause partial melting at predetermined different rates along the side of said ice product confronting said recess at said predetermined locations in order to effect release of the product from the recess and cause the shape of said confronting side of said product partially to melt to 25 became substantially symmetrical to said opposite side thereof.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said heat insulating material comprises a polymeric plastic material.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said heat insulating material ccmprises a 5 polyethylene material.

12. A method of producing an ice product substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.