IE50749B1 - A method of making an evaporator and ice form for an ice making machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is directed toward a method of making a combination evaporator and ice form for an ice making machine for the manufacture of an ice product or ice cube of the type which is commonly utilized fcr cooling beverages and the like. More specifically, an ice product made using the ice form mads by the method of the present invention has improved ice storage, appearance, and dispensing and displacement characteristics, as compared to various types cf oner art ice in cube or other form.

The present invention is divided from Patent Specification No. 5 (mt having a disclosure similar to that of the present invention and in which ve claim combined evaporator and ice form apparatus for 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 cr in heat transfer relationship with heat transfer means; and heat insulating material defining at least the outer marginal portions cf1 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. 50748 According to the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a combination evaporator and ice form for an ice naking machine including the steps of providing a series of refrigerant conduit sections and arranging said sections in generally spaced parallel relation providing heat transfer means defined by or in heat exchange relationship with said sections; and molding a polymeric material to portions of said heat transfer means simultaneously to form ice make-up water receiving pockets partly 1C defined in said material and partly defined by said heat transfer means, whereby when a refrigerant is circulated through said conduit sections and ice make-up water is introduced into said pockets said water will freeze into ice products within said pockets.

Attention is drawn to our copending patent Applications Nos. 6 0*14*1 end 50Ί4& having a disclosure similar to that of the present Application and also divided from the above mentioned Patent Specification No. 50740 .

The present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description given by way cf example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of an ice making machine which has been made using the method of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevational view cf a portion of 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 of the ice making machine; 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 Figure 4; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the water distribution enclosure member incorporated in the structure shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a top elevational view of the structure 2.0 shown in Figure 2; Figure 8 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, ox one cx the combination evaporator and ice form assemblies incorporated in the ice making machine shown ir. Figure 1 and turned 9CC from its normal operating position: Figure 9 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view cf one ox the heat transfer elements and associated refrigerant conduits embodied in the assembly shown in Figure 6; Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal 20 ctoss 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 assembly shown in Figure S; Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view oi the heat transfer eleaent shown in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 and illustrates the portion of the beat transfer eleaent thereof in a preformed configuration; Figure 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of one cf 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 cf the ice product being formed within the ice forming pocket as it increases in size during the freezing cycle of the ice making machine; Figure 16 is a sice elevational view cf cue cf the ice products cr ice cubes produced by the ice making machine; Figure 17 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 17-17 of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the lines 18-18 of Figure 16; Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary side eievational 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 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 taker, substantially along the line 22-22 of Figure 20; Figure 23 is a side elevational view, partially broker, away, of another modified embodiment of the combination evaporator and ice form assembly but which has r.ot beer, made by the method of the present invention; Figure 24 is a transverse cross sectional view taker, substantially along the line 24-24 of Figure 23; Figure 25 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view which illustrates another embodiment of combination evaporator ar.d ice form, assembly made by the method of the present invention; Figure 26 is a view similar to Figure 25 and illustrates yet another embodiment of evaporator and ice form assembly which has net been made by the method of the present invention and wherein the evaporator coil is arranged in a generally helical configuration; Figure 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an ice making machine and illustrates the application cf ice 50748 make-up water to the ice fonts by aeans of a water spraying mechanism located below the combination evaporator and ice font assembly; Figure 26 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 29 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 2S; Figure 31 is a side elevational view of one cf the combination evaporator and ice form assemblies embodied ir. the ice making machine shown in Figures 29 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 cf Figure 32; Figure 34 is a bottom elevational view of the sump structure shewn in Figure 32, as seen in the direction cf the arrow 34 thereof; Figure 35 is an end elevational viev 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 shown 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 shown in Figure 32; and Figure 39 is ar. enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the water manifold structure depicted i£ in Figure 38.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, an ice making machine 10 is shown generally as corprising an enclosure or cabinet 32 having an upper ice making section 14 and a lower ice receiving and/or storage section 16 which is provided with a suitable access doer or the like 18. As best seen in Figure 7, the upper ice making section 14 of the enclosure 12 includes a cair 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 2C, 22 and are identified by the numerals 24, 26, respectively. Disposed interiorly of the ice asking 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 cf the section 14 into a refrigeration area 32 and an ice making area 34. As is conventional 1C 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 manner 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 38. The thus cooled and liquified refrigerant flews from the eondenser 38 to the evaporator(s) where the refrigerant is vaporited by the transfer cf heat thereto from water which is being formed into ice. The gaseous refrigerant then flows from the evaocratcr(s? back to the inlet cr suction side of the coworessor 36 fcr recyclinr.

The structural relationship of the ice making section 14 being disposed above the ice storage section 16, as is depicted in Figure 1, is in no way intended to be limiting since the ice storage area which is associated with the ice making apparatus may be located above, adjacent or remote therefrom as convenient.

The ice making machine 10, and in particular the ice making 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 refrigeration system in the area 32 of the enclosure 12 for producing the ice products which, for the purposes cf convenience, will hereafter be referred to as ice cubes, although m a truest technical sense, the ice product or block produced by the ice making machine does not comprise 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 asse.-.· blies which ιτβ 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 ID (or the machine 390 described hereinafter) may be provided with mere or less of such assemblies 50 and that the orientation thereof within the enclosure 12 may be modified somewhatAs best seer, in Figures 3,4 and 19, each cf the 15 assemblies 50 comprises an upper water manifold section £2, an intermediate generally flat plate-like combination evaporator and ice form section 54, and a lower sup 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 each 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 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 assembly(s) 50 comprises an elongated open upper sided enclosure 58 comprising a pair of spaced parallel, generally vertically disposed side walls 60, 62 and a better wall which extends generally horizontally 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, ar.d the inner side cf the bottom wall section 64 is forced with a generally downwardly depressed central area 6S within which 1£ a series cf generally longitudinally aligned, vertically disposed slots 70 are formed which communicate the interior of the cavity 66 with the underside of the enclosure 58.

The underside of the bottom 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 £0. One end cf 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 make-up water in excess of the quantity required to form ice within the assembly 50 during a particular freezing cycle, along with any 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 within the elongated cavity 66 of the enclosure 58 is a generally tubular-shaped water conduit member, generally designated by the numeral 80. The member 80 comprises a generally cylindricallv-shaped body section 82 having a downwardly -0 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 66 at one end thereof which is intended to be connected tc a suitable source cf ice make-up water (not shown}, such as a conduit which connects the conduit member 80 to the associated water sum? via a suitable water pur?. The opposite end ef the tapered bore 86 is closed so that all water being communicated thereto into will be communicated to a plurality of generally longitudinally spaced, vertically disposed discharge or outlet ports 92. As best seen in Figure 4, the ports SO are arranged generally vertically above the plurality cf slots 70 formed in the bottom wall section 64 of the enclosure 58. The purpose cf the tapered configuration of the bore 86 is to provide for the uniform distribution of water to the plurality of discharge ports 90, with the reduction in diaaeter of the bore 86 froa the islet end 88 thereof to the closed opposite end thereof being correlated with the sub of the areas of the ports 90 such that relatively unifora quantity of water is discharged downwardly through the ports 90 along the entire longitudinal plurality thereof, whereby a unifon supply of water will be introduced into the interior of the enclosure SB and be communicated downwardly through the plurality of slots “0 y- fcr purposes hereinafter to be described.

Referring now in detail to the combination ice fora and evaporator section 54 of the assembly SO, as best illustrated in Figures J ar.d 8, the section 54 coaprises a relatively thin, generally rectangularly-shaped acnolithic body 96 which is formed with a plurality of ice fencing pockets, recesses or forms, generally designated by the nuaeral 95, cr. the opposite sides thereof. The ice forming pockets are arranged in vertical rows, with the rows on one side cf the section 54 being staggered with the rows cc the opposite side thereof, but with the pockets 2o 98 in each of the rows being vertically aligned with recpect to the pockets 96 cf the row thereof on the opposite side cf the body 96. Disposed within the section 54 is an elongated evaporator conduit, generally designated by the numeral 100, which is formed into a serpentine configuration consisting of a plurality of generally heritontally disposed, spaced parallel conduit sections 102 which are interconnected with cne another 50748 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 end section 106 and an outlet section 106 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 cf pockets 98 during a freezing cycle, and whereby hot refrigerant gases mev 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 in 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 cf relatively thin stamped 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 she-— in Figure 13. The heat transfer elements 110 are formed (as by starring) with a- —' - — 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 cf the pockets or recesses 116 has a pair of 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 9) relative to the plane of the elements 11C, depending on the concave or convex deformation produced in the elements 310 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 trar.sfe elements 110 define longitudinal edge channels, as best seer, in Figure 9 and identified by the numeral 116, the 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 may be 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 cf elements 110 may be inserted from the opposite side edges cf 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 8. 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 aTe 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 aurropriate material having the required moldable and sanitary characteristics, is formed around the aforesaid assemblage to provide the one-piece monolithic body 96. During the molding operation, liquid plastic material will flow in and around the various interstices and exterior surfaces ef the evaporator conduit 100 and plurality of heat transfer elements 110 to secure the structural integrity of these respective components in their respective operative relationship, and simultaneously, the plurality cf ice forming pockets 98 are formed in the opposite sides of the body 96, with each of the pockets 98 corresponding to one of the pockets Hi forced in the heat transfer elements 110 so as to provide the afcrementioned staggered orien10 tation of the ice forcing pockets 98, the specific configuration or shape of which is hereinafter described.

With reference tc Figure 4, it will be seen that the plastic material from which the section S4 is fabricated and which is generally designated by the numeral 120, is formed with a plurality of 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 58, whereby ice make-up water 2o passing downwardly through the slots 70 will flow laterally outwardly with respect to the section 54 within the recesses 122 and will thereafter be directed downwardly as the water engages generally vertically extending surfaces 125 located et the lower edges ef the recess 72, resulting in the ice make-up water being deflected downwardly so that it will cascade along and over the opposite sides cf 80740 the section 54 and thereby flow over and into the plurality of ice fora pockets 98 during operation of the machine, as will later be described.

With reference to Figure 19, the ice directing section 56 is generally intended to serve the function cf directing ice formed within the plurality of pockets 55 away from the wateT sump at the lower end of the assembly SC during the ice harvest cycle so that the ice will drop downwardly tcward and into some type of an ice storage area, such as the ice storage section 16 depicted ir.

Figure 1, with the section 56 serving the secondary function of separating ice make-up water that is cascaded over the opposite sides cf the section 54 from the ice so that the make-up water will flew into the associated sump ar.d be utilized during subsequent operation of the machine 10. Toward this end, the ice directing section 56 in Figure IP is intended to be coextensive of the width of the associated section 54 and includes a generally flat or horizontally extending base portion 126 and upstanding side walls 12S and 130 which are inclined upwardly and inwardly as seen at 132 and 134 and terminate in generally horizontal upper edge portions 136 and 138 which 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 are formedwithsuitable apertures or perforations, generally designated by the nuaeral KO, whereby ice make-up water being cascaded ever the opposite sides of the section S4 way flow through the perforation 140 into an interior sump area 142 which may be communicable with a suitable water pump or the like sc that the water may be recirculated. It is to be noted that the section 56 depicted in Figure 19 is more cr less schematic in nature and that the arrangement shewn in connection with the ice making machine 300 hereto inafter described consists cf a more preferred form of the invention. Regardless, however, the section £6 is intended to illustrate how the ice cubes formed within the pockets 95 and subsequently dropped downwardly therefrom during a harvest cycle will be deflected outwardly away from the lower end of the section 56 and thereafter drop downwardly into an associated ice storage area.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, each of the pockets 95 is of a generally square shape when viewed from the side thereof (i.e., comprise four equal length 2o side edges) and includes a central depressed ot concave section 152 which is defined by the outer surface of the portion cf the heat transfer element 110 located therebelow· and which is bounded by four inwardly inclined side surfaces 152, 1S4 and 156, 158 which are of a generally arcuate configuration and are formed in the plastic material 122 embodied in the section 54. In a preferred 50748 construction, 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 cuter marginal surfaces of each of the pockets 98 are spaced frcm the surface of the underlying recess 116 in increasing amounts toward the outer peripheral edges of the pockets SS. Thus, the thickness of the plastic material 120 between the heat transfer elements 110 and the inner surface of each of the pockets 98 increases gradually from zero (o) thickness over the central part of the underlying heat transfer elements 11C tc a maximum thickness directly at the peripheral edges of the pockets 98, which construc2C 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 cn the opposite sides thereof even though the ice is formed in molds (or pockets) which, during the freeting of the ice make-up water, are disposed adjacent only one of the sides 0 7 4 9 of the ice product being formed. Stated another way and with reference to Figures 16 through 18, 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 168 and 170, and spaced parallel top and bottom edges 172 and 174 which are arranged perpendicular to the side edges 168 and 170. yoThe opposite surfaces 164 and 166 of the ice product are substantially symmetrical to one another and complementary in shape in respect to the interior surface of the pockets 98, with the result that the ice product is of 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 98 acts as an insulating media between the ice make-up water being cascaded over the opposite sides of the section 84 and the heat transfer elements 110 which transfer heat between the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator conduit 300 and the ice make-up water. More particularly, and as best shown in Figure IS, it will 25be seen that by virtue of the fact that the heat transfer elements 110 ate juxtapositioned directly adjacent and actually f 50748 the central portion of each of the pockets 96, maximum heat transfer will occur at the center thereof due to the fact that no plastic material 120 is provided between the surface of the elements 110 and the pockets 96.

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 cf the plastic material 120 increases between the heat transfer elements 110 and outer marginal edges of the pockets 96, a gradually decreasing amount of heat will he 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 ±5 transfer elements 110. Accordingly, the ice will gradually build up within the pcckets 98 in the manner best depicted in Figure IS, with the ice growing thicker and thicker st 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 96 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 shewn by the cross-sectional views in Figures 17 and 18.

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 98; however, at such time as the subsequent harvest cycle begins and hot gasses are communicated through the evaporator conduit 100, the elements 10 110 will begin to warm up, resulting in meltage of, 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 cf the shape shown in Figures 17 and IS at the time that they drop downwardly out cf 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 cf 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 50748 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 inproved features over comparable ice products known in the art. In particular, because of the basically square, yet rounded configuration ,0 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, .5 bridging or freezing together cf adjacently oriented cubes is minimized to the extreme, which results in convenient dispensing thereof even after prolonged periods of storage. Another feature of the ice product resides in highly improved displacement and splash resistant characteristics.

C More particularly, by virtue of the fact that the ice product nests in a highly improved fashion, a greater number cf the ice cubes can be placed within a given size container or receptacle, resulting in commercially desirable fluid displacement —........... - --- 50748 evaporator section, numeral 200. The characteristics. Similarly, due to the fact that the ice product of the present invention does not have any concavities or relatively flat surfaces, the splashing cf liquid when it is poured cr otherwise directed into a container or receptacle of the ice product is minimized to the extreme so as to obviate undesirable spillage, etc.

Referring new to Figures 20 through 22, a slightly modified embodiment of the combination ice and is designated by the section differs from the aforedescribed section 5< from the standpoint that instead of utilizing a plurality cf heat transfer elements 110 and a separate evaporator conduit, the primary heat transfer path between the refrigerant and the ice make-up water is achieved ty 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 204 and 206 which are constructed 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 21S is connected to the associated refrigeration system. The conduits 202 are formed with alternate staggered ice form pockets or recesses 208 on the onnesite sides theteef and are generally flattened in the manner 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 fcr the central portions of the ice form pockets 216 which are analogous to the aforedescribed pockets 9S and which are formed in a monolithic plastic body 214 analogous to the above-described plastic material 120.

It is contemplated that the plurality of conduits 202 may be deformed to their undulated, pocket defining configurations shewn 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 205, after which time the entire assemblage consisting cf 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 meld into 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. In one preferred arrangement ef the modified ice form andev^orator section 200, the conduits 202 are falricated 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 plar.ar combination ice form 5 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 ice forming pockets are disposed on the sides of a multi-sided (more than two sides) structure. Figures 23 anc 24 illustrate a combination ice form and evaporator member 230 which has not been made using the method cf the present invention and which comprises a four-sided heat transfer member 232 consisting ci four, substantially identical vertical sices 234, 23£, 238 and 240 arranged m edge-to-edge relation. The member 23C is fabricated of a suitable heat transfer material, such as a thin sheet of copper, with each cf 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 heit 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 aanifold member 244 defining a central chamber which is communicable with the refrigerant capillary tube 257 and outlet pipe 256 which function tc 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 of ice fcrm pockets 242 formed in the sices 234-240 of the heat transfer element 232. The four apexes 254 of the heat transfer element defined with the outer periphery of the manifold 244, a plurality of four chambers 246, 246, 250 and 252 which may function as means tc receive tap ct potable thawing water during the harvest cycle to assist in releasing ice cubes from the pockets 242. The outer surface cf the heat transfer member 23C is provided with a suitable heat insulating material, generally designated by the numeral 259, which is formed is 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 freezing 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 construction shown in Figures 23 and 24 may be readily modified to have the refrigerant flow in and through the chambers, 246, 248, 250 and 252 and defrost-make-up water enter the center cylindrical member 244.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate alternative constructions of which only that of Figure 25 has been nade by the method of the invention and wherein the plurality of ice forming pcckets cr recesses need net necessarily be disposed upon relatively flat cr planar evaporator members. In particular, these Figures illustrate multi-sided heat transfer members (shown as eight-sided members) with each side being provided with a series cf vertically aligned pockets within which ice cubes are to be formed. In the embodiment shewn ir. Figure 25, the heat transfer member is designated by the numeral 262 and is shown as consisting of multiple sides 262 which define apexes 264 therebetween and have a plurality cf ice forming pockets 266 therein. Each of the pockets 266 is adapted to be cooperative with an evaporator conduit 266 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 26e and the central portion of each cf the pockets 266 in essentially the same manner as herein50748 above described. The embodiment shown in Figure 26 is 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 cf 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' curing 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 canbination 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 shewn as being of substantially the same construction as depicted in Figure 8, 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 evanorator conduits 276 which may be analogous to the aforedescribed conduit 200 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 the heat transfer elements 2*8 define the pockets 2*4 which are preferably of substantially the same con15 figuration as the hereinabove described pockets 98.

The entire assembly 2*2 is operatively supported upon a generally horizontally arranged ledge cr flange 282 with a spray enclosure 284 which includes a water spray bar 286 adjacent the lower end thereof having 20suitable drive means 286 for effecting rotation or oscillatory movement of the snray bar 286 so that ice make-up water will be snrayed 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 by like numerals with a prime suffix, with the exception tha: the combination ice fcrm and evaooratcr assembly 272’ is mounted in a relatively inclined orientation, as opposed to the generally horizontal position shown in Figure 27. The inclined orientation lends itself to rapid release cf 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 302 having a front or forward, generally vertically disposed wall section 304 and a rearward, generally vertically disposed wall section 306. Extending between the fraat and rear wall sections -1 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 making area 320 which are respectively disposed at the lefthand and righthand sices cf the machine 300 as it is depicted in Figures 29 and 3-1.

As was the case ir. connection with the hereir.above described ice making 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 make-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 anparatus 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 of 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 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 freezing 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 tc the water manifold assembly 322, as will hereinafter be described in detail.

Referring new in detail to the construction of the water sump assembly 324, as depicted in Figures 34, 35 and 3S, 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' 326. Extending at generally right angles to the central section 332 of the body is a plurality of eight arm 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 below '25 one of the evaporator members 326. The sump assembly 324 comprises a generally vertically disposed side wall section 336 which extends entirely around the body 330 ar.d which is integrally connected at its lower edge to a bottom closure or wall of the water sump 324. In particular, the central section 332 of the body 330 includes a downwardly sloped bottom wall portion 338 that defines, at its lowermost portion thereof, a water reservoir 343 which may, if desired, be provided with a suitable clear-cut facility 342, i.e., clean-oat plug, drain line, etc. The end of the central section 332 of IO the water surp assembly 324 adjacent the reservoir 343 is provided with a plurality cf three openings, namely, a lower opening 346 , ar. intermediate opening 348, and an upper opening 350 which are intended to cooperate w suitable water conduits hereinafter to be described in cor i= municating water between the interior of the sump assembly 324 and the aforedescribed water pump 318. Each cf the arm sections 334 of the body 330 is provided with a sloped bottom 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 Teservoir 343 disposed in the lower portion cf the central section 332 of the body 330. As best seen in Figure 31, the outer end of each of the arm sections 334 50748 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 upcn the lower ends of the plurality of four combination ice form and evaporator members 326.

Referring now to the construction cf the water manifold assembly 322, as best shown in Figures 36, 37 and 30, said assembly 322 comprises a primary supply conduit section, generally designated by the numeral 360, which is adapted tc be connected in a manner hereinafter tc be described tc the aforementioned water pump 315. The ccnduit section 362 extends laterally within the ice making ares 320 cf the enclosure 302, 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 cf the water 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 water supply ccnduit 454 which is connected to the water pump 318, as best seen in Figure 2S. 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 S0749 to the lateral spacing between the evaporator members 316. 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 372 includes an elongated here 3*4 which is tapered radially inwardly, i.e., decreases in cross-sectional area toward the cuter end cf the manifold member 3*2. The bere 34 cf each cf the members 31 is communicable with a plurality of generic ally vertically arranged, longitudinally spaced discharge ports 376 which extend between the bore 374 and the interic cf an elongated cavity 3*8 formed in the underside cf each of the manifold members 3*2. As best seen in Figure 3S, the cavity 3S is defined between a paiT of spaced apart downwardly extending side portions 380 and 382 which are formed integrally of the manifold member 372 which is fabricated of a molded polymeric material, such I 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 376 into the cavity 378 toward ar.d over the opposite sides of the combination ice form and evaporator members 326 which are disposed below the manifold members 372. 50748 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 !B6 which is arranged coaxially of the associated bore 374 and adapted to nestingly receive one of the laterally outwardly extending outlet sections 364-370 in the manner shown in Figure 30, whereby said cutlet section 364 is nestingly received within ccunterbcre 386 cf the manifold member 372. The end of the manifold member 3*2 confronting the conduit section 360 is ferred with a semi-circular end surface 385 which is complementary in share in respect to the outer periphery cf the conduit section 360 and adapted to be continguously engaged therewith upon assembly of.the manifold member onto the associated of the outlet sections 364-370. Preferably, tbe surface 388 of each cf the manifold members 372 is cf a length slightly in excess of one-half tbe circumference of the associated conduit section 360 such that the manifold member 3*2 may be snapped onto the conduit section 3o.

As shown in Figure 36, the uppermost portion of the inner end of each cf the manifold merbers 372 is generally step-shaped so that, as seen at 390, the upper ends of opposed members 3*2 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 longi50749 tudinally 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 pcrts 376 and will flow into the cavity 3S cf each of the members 372, whereupon the water will flew downwardly frcm the cavity 378 and cascade along the opposite sides of the combination ice fcrm and evaporator members 326 located therebelow.

Referring now to the plurality of combination ice fcrm and evapcratcr members 326, each cf the members 326 is preferably of the same general construction and operation and therefore the following description cf one of said members is intended to be applicable to each of the members 326 embodied in the ice making machine 300.

The member 326 is preferably similar in con20 structicn and operation to the hereinabove described combination ice form evaporator members or sections 54 and as such, consists of a molded plastic body, generally 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 afore50749 mentioned section 54. The evaporator conduit 402 of each of the members 326 is communicable with the associated refrigeration system in the refrigeration area 314 by means 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 cf the combination ice form and evaporator section 54 are interposed between the spaced parallel portions of the evaporator conduit 402, with the ccnduit 4P2 and plurality of elements 4Γ8 being embedded withir. the plastic material of the body 410 in the manner hereinabove described. The opposite sices of the body 400 are provided with a plurality of vertical rows of ice forming pockets ct recesses, generally designated by the numeral 410, which again are silimar in construction and operation to the aforedescribed pockets or recesses 98 of the section £4 and accordingly, a further description cf the pockets 410 is omitted for purposes cf conciseness of description herein, it being sufficient to state that the pockets 410 are intended to have ice make-up water cascaded thereover and be frccen therewithin during a freeiir.g 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 fron the above description ef the ice making machine 10.

As best seen in Figures 31, 38 and 39, the upper end of each of the members 326 is formed with a reduced thickness portion 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 354, where the make-up water will be deflected downwardly so as to flow or cascade over the opposite sides of the body 403.

Each of the combination ice fcrm and evaporator members 326 comprises a lower end 418 which is provided with a pair of opposed, outwardly projecting shoulders 2C.-or ridges 420 that extend substantially along the entire length cf each side of the body 400 and define outwardly 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 25apaTt, vertically arranged slots 424 through which ice make-up water is intended to flow after it cascades down the opposite sides of the body <00, with such water subsequently dropping into the associated arm section 334 of the suit? 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 cf the ice making machine 300 will crop downwardly and strike or engage the surfaces 422 and 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 400 passing downwardly through the plurality cf slots or recesses 424 directly iato the sump assembly 324 for recirculation.

As best seen in Figure 31, each of the combination ice form and evaporator members 326 is provided with a pair cf cylindrical lugs formed cn the opposite sides thereof and located generally centrally of the lover most portions thereof. The lugs 426, 428 are intended to cooperate with inverted V-shaped shoulders 430 and retaining flanges 432 located between the lugs 426, 42S on each side of each cf the bodies 420 in operatively supporting a plurality cf 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 cf members 326 so as to prevent the ice product being formed in the pockets 410 of the members 326 from falling downwardly into the central section 332 of the sump 324. In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 and 30, three of the members 460 are interposed between the four combination ice fcrr. ar.d evaporator members 326 and suDported at their resoective opposite ends by means of the cylindrical lugs 426 , 42S, shoulders 430 and retaining flanges 432. Although net shown herein, the opposite ends of each of the sumn arm sections 334 may be provided with similar type cover members which prevent the ice cubes from dropping into the ends cf the sump arm sections 334 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The lower opposite edges of each of the comISbination ice form and evaporator members 326 are provided with a pair of outwardly projecting mounting lugs 424 and 426 which, as best seen in Figure 31, are adapted to be nestir.gly received within the recesses 356 of the associated embossments 354 in the arm sections 334 of 20the sump assembly 324 , whereby the entire sum.p 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 cf combination ice form and evaporator members 326, sumo assembly 324 and the manifold assembly 322 mounted on the upper edges cf the members 226 is intended to be 50748 supported within the ice making area 320 of the enclosure 302 hy means of a plurality of outwardly extending lugs 44Γι, 442 and 444 that are formed on the opposite side edges of the members 326 and the rearward ones of which 5443 and 442 are intended to be inserted within suitable complementary openings in the rearward wall 3C6 (cr sanitary liner, etc.) of the ice making area 320 cf the enclosure 302 fcr operatively supporting members 326 therewithin.

The front cr forward edges cf the members 326 have the lugs 444 vertically arranged such that they may be received within suitable openings 44S within a hericcntally extending retaining bar 433 which extends between the end wall 310 and partition 312 in a manner best shown in Figures 2? and 31. Kith this arrangement, the members 326 are suitably supported within the area 320, with the manifold assembly 322 being surmounted on 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 20supporting means may be provided for operatively securing the members 326, manifold assembly 322 and sump assembly 324 within the area 320; however, the aforedescribed mode of operatively mounting these components leads itself to 25ease of construction, convenience of assembly and disassembly for purposes of cleaning and the like. 507 49 The water system of the ice making machine 30^ includes the aforementioned water pump 31S which is intende to be communicable with the water sump assembly 324 via the openings 346, 348 and 3S0 formed in the end wall portion 344 thereof. In particular, the opening 346 is adapted to be communicable with the inlet portion of the water pump 31? via a suitable water conduit 432, whereas the cutlet tortion cf the pump SIS is adapted to be communicable via the aforementioned water supply pipe or conduit LO 431 with the water manifold assembly 322. The discharge fro- the pu-n 31s is also connected to the sump assemblv 324 via a suitable conduit 454 which is communicable with the cpen.ir.s 34S. Finally, the pump 31S is connecter via a suitable overflow conduit 436 with the opening 33n of the su—t as«emblv 324 for the purposes best described in United States Patent No. 3,559,424.

Briefly, however, it should -be noted that the pump 318 includes suitable impeller cr the like (not shown) which is drivingly connected via 20a drive shaft with the pump motor, whereupon energization of the motor, wateT will be pumped from the sump assembly 324 via the conduit 434 to the manifold assembly 322.

The purpose cf the conduit 436 is to communicate any water which may tend to rise along the aforementioned drive shaft during operation of the pump motor back tc the sump assembly 324 sc as tc minimize the need for packings, seals or the like on the upper end of the shaft, ss 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 water replenishment at appropriate times from any convenient water source which is commonly available, as will be appreciated by these skilled in the art.

Operation cf each cf the ice making machines described hereinabove is essentially the same in that during a freezing cycle, ice make-up water is communicated to the combination ice form and evaporator component, whereupon the water cascades ever and into the plurality of ice forming pockets, the excess water being communicated back ty an associated sump where the water may be recirlSculated. At the same time, refrigerant is circulated through the evapcratcr conduit or coils tD Teduce the temperature of the ice forming pockets, resulting in the ice make-up water freezing in the manner best depicted in Figure IS. After a predetermined period of tine, 2C 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.

First, of all, a hot gas refrigerant may be communicated! 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 cuctessive freezing cycle may be initiated. whereupon coded end liquified refrigerant will stein be circulated through the evaporator conduit tc fcr- the next batch cf ice within the pocket? cf the ccrbir.ef.cn ice fern and evaporator menbers. .As will be apparent to these skilled in the art, a suitable automatic shut-eff mechanism, may be provided ir. the centre circuitry. Typically, such shut15 off ccr.trcls include an ice level sensing member which i* actuatable in response to the ice level reaching a predetermined height within the associated storage bin fcr opening the control circuit, thus, effecting deenergicatio of the ice making machine until such time as the ice level 20 drops to some predetermined magnitude.

In the ice making machine 300, the plurality of combination ice form and evaporator members are disposed in a vertical orientation and are spaced apart from one another, as are their associated sources of water, i.e., water manifolds, and water sump. 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 cr 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 to define ice flow paths therebetween which permit the ice frcm 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 ef the lower machines, whereby to provide for extremely high ice producing capacity for a given amount of floor space.

As previously discussed, the resultant ioe product has 507 49 highly improved splash resistance and dipp] acement characteristics, as conpared 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 5square, yet rounded configuration, which also contributes to improved storability without significant bridging or freezing of 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 from, a cascading water source, or alternatively from a source cf sprayed water. By virtue cf the fact that moving parts are minimized to the extreme, maintenance will be niniittnized, 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 ir, a given installation and such members may be easily replaced with similar members having ice forming pockets cf either smaller or larger sizes so as to effect a 20ccrresponding change in Ihe size of the ice product used.

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

Claims (16)

1. A method of fabricating a combination evaporator and ice form fcr an ice making machine including the steps of providing a series of refrigerant conduit sections and arranging said sections in generally spaced parallel relation providing heat transfer means defined by or in heat exchange relationship with said sections; and molding a polymeric material to portions of said heat transfer means simultaneously to form ice make-up water receiving pockets partly defined in said material and partly defined by said heat transfer means, whereby when a refrigerant is circulated through said conduit sections and ice make-up water is introduced into said pockets, said water will freeze intc ice products within said pockets.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, which includes the step cf ftmng a single length of conduit into a serpentine configuration consisting of a plurality cf relatively linear conduit sections interconnected by generally L'-shaped conduit sections.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein heat transfer elements are provided between said linear conduit sections as the heat transfer means.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elements are slid into their respective operative locations between said linear conduit sections.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein conduit receiving edge portions are provided on said heat 50748 transfer elements and said elements are slid into said operative locations by moving said elements in a direction generally parallel to said linear conduit sections. 6. A method as claimed in claim 3,4, or 5, which 5 includes the step of at least in part securing said heat transfer elements to said linear conduit sections with said polymeric material. A method as claimed in claim 3,4,5, cr 6, wherein portions cf said pockets are fcrmed in said heat transfer 13 elements.

6. A method as claimed in claim 7, which includes the step cf forming portions cf said pcckets in the opposite sides of said heat transfer elements. S. A method as claimed i.t claim 3, which includes 15 the step- cf providing mounting openings in said heat transfer elements and forming an aligned opening in said polymeric material, whereby a fastening element may extend through said aligned openings for operatively securing said combination evaporator and ice form in an 2C associated ice making machine. 1C. A method as claimed in claim 6,7 or E, which includes the step of placing the assemblage cf said serpe.-.tir.e-shaped conduit and a plurality cf heat transfer elements ir. a meld and introducing the polymeric plastic 25 material into said mold.

7. 11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the polymeric material is melded around said conduit and 07 49 said plurality of heat transfer elements with the simultaneous formation of a plurality of ice forming pockets in at least one side of the product produced thereby.

8. 12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the conduit and heat transfer elements are soldered together prior to placing the same into the mold.

9. 13. A method as claimed in claim 1, which includes the step of connecting adjacent ends of said conduit secticns with manifold memcers whereby to provide for the serial flew of said refrigerant thrcugh said circuit.

10. 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, which induces the step cf using generally circular cross-sectional sr.apec metal conduit for said conduit sections.

11. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, which induces the step cf partially flattening at least portions of said conduit sections.

12. 16. A method as claimed ir. claim 15, which induces the step cf forming portions of said pockets in one side cf said partially flattened conduit sections.

13. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein portions cf said pockets are formed on the opposite sides of said partially flattened conduit sections. IS. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein saic conduit sections are simultaneously partially flattened and have said partial pockets formed therein within a force applying apparatus.

14. 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, which includes the step of melding said polymeric material around said conduit sections within said force applying apparatus.

15. 20. A method as claimed in claim 18, which includes 5 the step of using said force applying apparatus as a mold for receiving the polymeric material which, when cured, forms portions of said pockets with said conduit sections.

16. 21. A method cf fabricating a combination, evaporator and ice form for an. ice making machine C substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this the 11th day of September 19S5 F. R. KELLY & CO,~>, BY:--1 WAX27 Clyde Road, 3 r --EXECUTIVE