US2840507A - Ice making machine - Google Patents

Description

June 24', 1958 D. E. HEATH ICE MAKi-NG MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Decf12; 1952 BY ATTORNEY June 24, 1958 D. E. HEATH 2,840,507 y ICE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 12, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 HIIIIIIblIlIII'IIUII.

Bf mlm TORNEI-f Jun 24, 1958 v v D. E. HEATH 2,840,507

' ICE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 12. 1952 :5 sheets-sheet s l? MMM 4 ATTORNEY United States Patent() 1er. MAKING MACHINE Dudley E. Heath, Hastings-on-Hudson, N. Y., assignor,

by mesue assignments, to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware p Application December 12, 1952, Serial No. 325,552

13 claims. (Cl. 62,-106) Mice ing gear to sweep ice pieces from the opposite side of the mold;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 1 showing the gear train for rotating the shafts of the ejecting mechanism in timed relation with the rocking of the partition walls;

Fig. 9 is a projection of the surface of the cam for actuating the sleeve of the ice harvesting mechanism; and

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of the electric control circuit.

In the drawings, an ice machine incorporating the novel features of the present invention is shown in the low temperature freezing compartment 12 of a domestic refrigerator having a refrigerated wall 13. The compartment 12 has a rear wall 14 of insulating material, and a wall 15 at the rear of the insulated wall provides a flue space 16 therebetween. Wall 13 may be refrigerated by pieces from the mold in a dry state without any loss of f pieces therein and thereafter sweep the loosened ice pieces from the mold.

Another object is to provide an ice making machine of the type indicated which operates to positively eject and transfer the ice pieces away from the mold.

Still another object is to' provide anice making machine of the type indicated which is entirely vautomatic in operation to supply a measured quantity of water or other liquid to an ice freezing mold and remove ice from the mold in repeated cycles as governed by a control.

These and other objects will become more apparent from the following'description and drawings in which like reference characters denote like parts'throughout the several views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only, and not a definition of thelr limits of the-invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims. In the drawingsr Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of anice maker incorporating the novel features ofthe present invention and showing the ice freezing mold'and ice harvesting mechanism for loosening and removing ice pieces therefrom;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectionaliview o n line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the arcuate bottom wall of the ice mold and the relationship ofthe parts ofthe harvesting mechanism;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing the construction of the partition walls in the mold and the longitudinally movable sleeve of the harvestingmechansm for progressively moving the partition walls; v

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the sleeve of lthe mechanismmoved into clutching engagement with a power driven shaft for rotation therewith; f

Fig. 5 is a view taken` on line 5-5 of Fig. l and show. ing the partition walls ofthe mold rocked clockwise by the power driven shaft to sweep ice'Pieces from one side thereof and ejecting fingers moving into engagement with theicepieces;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the sleeve ofthe harvesting mechanism moved in the opposite direction to :clutch it with a reversing gear; i e y Fig. 7 is a vi`e`w similar to Fig. 5 showing the partition the evaporator 17 of any suitable type of mechanical refrigerating apparatus, not shown, operating on either the compression or absorption principle, and a portion of an evaporator coil is shown in thermal contact with the, wall. It will =be understood that the .condenser and absorber, when an absorption refrigeration is used, are located in the flue 16 and cooled by air circulating through the ilue by thermo-syphon action.

In its broadest aspect the ice maker of the present invention comprises an ice mold 18 iixed in thermal contact with a refrigerated surface 13 and having movable walls forming individual cells 19. VA liquid supply means delivers a measured quantity of liquid to the mold where it is frozen into ice pieces in the individual cells 19. Harvesting mechanism is connected to progressively move the walls of the mold 18 to mechanically loosen the ice pieces in the cells and thereafter sweep the dry, loosenedA ice first from one side and then from the opposite side` of the mold. Ejecting members actuated in timed relation to other elements of the harvesting mechanism positively propel loosened ice pieces away from the mold. A'power driven element is connected to operate the liquid supply means and ice harvesting mechanism in the proper-timed sequence as controlled by a thermostat responsive to the formation of ice in the mold to supply liquid and remove walls of the mold rocked counterclockwise by the reversy ice in repeated cycles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mold 18 comprises a tray 20 fixedly attached to the refrigerated bottom wall 13 of freezing compartment 12 by any suitable means such as screws, bolts ,or the like. The tray 20 may -be of any suitable construction and is illustrated in the form of a metal casting forming one end, side and bottom walls to provide good thermal contact with the refrigerated surface 13 and having one end wall 21 of insulating material to reduce the rate of heat transfer from the cells 19 adjacent thereto. As-illustrated in Fig. 2, the bottom wall 22 of the tray is of arcuate or cylindrical contourY having a radius at the axis X. I Y

The interior of the tray 20 is divided into two rows of individual cells 19 by a longitudinal partition wall 23 and a plurality of transverse partition walls 24. The partition walls 23 and 24 are articulated for relative movement and, as illustrated, constitute a grid bodily movable as a unit relative to the tray 20, Whileone form of mold 18 having articulated partition walls 2,3 and 24 is illustrated in the drawings to provide for progressive actuation of the walls, it will be understood that other flexible walled mold constructions may be used. As illustrated most clearly in Figs. 3 and 4, the longitudinal partition wall 23 comprises lower and upper sections 25 and 26, respectively. Lower section 25 vhas notched grooves 27 in its lower edge andinclined cam surfaces 28 at its upper edge. The upper section 26 comprises a plurality of interlocking members 29 each Vhaving an inclinedA cam surface` 30. for. cooperation` with. an. inclined...`

earn surface 28 of the lowersection 25 and shoulders 31a and 31h. Shoulder 31a on-'each member 29 is spaced from shoulder. 31h on-.Jthef next.` adjacent; memberso that each member may move longitudinally relative tothenextadjacent;` member until 'thef shoulders interlock to cause f progressive movement of. successiveM mem-bers,-

`nal wallLwith. a-.tonguelMpin one.` ofthe grooves. 27 Vin thelowenfsection and.` a.. tongue` 35 in` the1recess 32; at the` topsof.l interlocking` members 29- overlying the particular groove. Thus;` longitudinal movement; or the first-interlocking member; 29st the lefthand .endA as. viewed inFig.A 1 causesrrocking movement` of;the first'. transverse partition wall 24-from the dotted;linerto` the fullline posi: tionillustrated in;Fig: 3` untilthe .shoulder 31av hasmoved into :engagement with 1 the` shoulden 31h ofI the f next adj acent member which then, in turngrocks the next adjacent. transverse. partition wa1l, and; so;J on-fromv one end of. the:y gridv to the: other.V4 Ibis therefore; apparent'that longitudinal movement l of the..trst; interlocking member 29,1 ofzthe. longitudinal; partitionswall. 23., will progressively move the transverseI `partition Vwallslft insuccession.: thc interlocking.v members.. 29s of the.. upper section 26, will move relative-to each other.. and. the upper; section will more relativclto. thelower: section 25 of the. longitudinal walk 13.; Smallnotchesi,` are; provided in the. edge of cachitransverse partitionwall .24ct. oppositeV sides.. thereof to permit-.water toflow to successive cells 19.

`"lilloiseharvesting mechanism formovinglthe longitudinalsand transverse Walls V23 and: 2.4 ofthe. grid. to loosen ice-pecesirozen inthe trav 2.0. and.. thereafter.` sweep-.the loosened; ice pieces from thetray. comprises` a shat mountedito rotatefingaframe 39. Frame-39. isillustrated inwtherzform ofamctalnlatebent toprovdc a U-fshapcd portion 40 at one end of tray 20 and an inverted l1-shaped portion. overlyingthetray, see-Eig. 1... The;depen ding loop of. the Ufshapcd portion 40.fis; rigidlyl attached, to therefrigerated surface 1 3 bymeans of screws 42, and the-outer leg-of the inverted vlJ-shaped por tio n 14fis attacked. to thecndwall oftlleltrilv` 2.0 by means of screws. 43,;` Shaft`38 extends through the-walls 44,44@ and 44b of;the frame; 3 9 at theL longitudinal ,i axisY X ofthejai'euate bottomwalliz of, the tray 2,0." The opposite ends; of the shaft 38 are; journaled in-v antifriction. thrust bearings. 45 on tlleyend,` walls 44arid` 44b to prevent any longitudinal 11.10veulent-,of-theshaftl A sleeve 46 is mounted-on shaft 38 for longitudinal and rotary movement relative thereto and several of the transverse partition walls` 2 4. of-- the grid have extensions 24a; embracing the sleeve 46, see

Figs. 2, and 7. Upper and lowersplines 47 on the sleeve 146` interlock with the sides of slotted openings 4 8 in; the extensions 24a but the slotted openings loosely lit the sleeve and splines .to p ermitrocking movement of the transverse walls 2,4 while-providing a driving connection` forrotating the grid as a unit. A bevel gear 49 is mountedffast on the righthandfend of the sleeve-1 6 as viewed in Fig. 1, and a circular platef50 is mounted fast on,the. lefth andvend of they sleeve and has `clutch teeth 51 on one` side-thereof. A

Sleeve 46 isconnected to the lug or tab 33 -on the endmost member 29 of the mold partition wall 23 by means of a yoke `52 `embracing the sleeve andtmember. The lower ends of, thearnis ofthe yoke 52 are pivotally connected to the lug or tab 33 of the interlocking member 2 9 by a pin,5 3, see Fig, 2, andthe arms have slots 54 embracing pins 55 and 56 projecting from opposite sides of the sleeve and a bracket 57 supported by the sleeve. The slots 54 have recesses 58 to permit a slight relative movement of the sleeve 46 and yoke 52 to the right as viewed in Fig. 3.`

The sleeve 46 is slid longitudinally of shaft 38 from the position showninFig, 1, to thatshown in Fig. 4 by a cam plate 60 to progressively actuate the transverse walls 24 of the mold-to looseniceI pieces therein and thereafter connect the sleeve tol the shaft forrotation therewith to the position illustratedf in Fig. 5. Cam plate 60 .is mounted, fast on. the shaft. 3S.` beyond the circular plate 50 ofsleeve. 46.and hascluteh teeth 61 on one side for engagement with the clutch teeth 51 and a cam race 62 on the other side. Enclosing the plates 50 and 60 is an annular cage 63 mounted for sliding movement on pinsV 64,.proje c ting fromV the wall 44 of the frame 39. The annular cage-6,3. is preferably madev in two parts bolted together and` has 21.6.3111 follower 65` adaptedto bear against avcamsurface-in the; cam race 6 2. Bearing rollers 66;-at the opposite side-of the cage 63 bear against the plate 50. A; helical spring67 is positioned between lil) the adjacent faces of the cam plate 60andplate'50 to hold the respective plates in engagement with the cam follower and bearing rollers 66, respectively. The cam race-.62 onthe canA plate 60is projected` in Fig. 9 to showthe rise and fall of4 thecarn surface relative to the cam follower 6 5 for successive `increments of. angular rotation of the cam` plate 50. Preferably, a, yielding detent 59 mounted on the upright wall 44a of the` frame 3 9 cooperates withnotches` inthe side-0f. the circular plate 50 to lyielclingly hold thev sleeve 46 ineach of several angular positions.

The.V sleeve 46 is; slid longitudinally of shaft. 3,8 by spring 67 asfcontrolledby the surfacesof the cam race. 62 from the,position.showny in Fig. 4. to .that shown in Fig. 6 to engage the bevel gear 49 at its endwith the intermediate bevel gearV titl-of4 a. reversing mechanism to rotatethe grid counterclockwise frointhe positionfshown inlig. 5 to that shown ini Figs 7. The rcversingmechanism corn.- prises. the,intermediatey bevel gear 68A mounted to rotate freely on a stubshaft 69,. depending from the top .wall of the frame-39l andza bevel gear70Y fast on the shaft 3S and meshingwithA the intermediate, gear. i The ejecting rneans. comprises parallel-*Shafts '71 and 72 at opposite sides and above the driveshaft 3 8. The opposite ends @of the shafts 71.and; 72see Figs. l and 2, are journaled in thefupriglhtwalls 44a. and 44b, of` frame 39 and have a number of, radial lingersv 73 projecting fromV one side thereof corresponding to the number of the cells 19 on one side of the grid. The shafts 71, and 72 are driven in timed relatiorrwith` the shaft38. by means of gearingillustrad irLFig.' 8.. The gearingconsistsof a` spur gear 74..mounted on thefdrivel shaft 38. adjacent the righthand side of the frame as viewed in Fig. 1 and spur gears75,and 76 mountedon shafts ,71 and 72. Spur gear 74meshes with, spur gear. 76mounted on shaft 72 and, an intermediate spur gear 77. meshing. with the spur gears 74 and 75 to rotate shaftsf71 and.72 in the directions shown by the arrows.

The harvesting mechanism for loosening ice pieces in the mold 18`and removing lthe loosenedice pieces therefrom is actuatedby a power driven element or prime for-l opening the motor circuitat, theA completion of av revolution.. Preferably, vthe drive shaft` 8.0.. is connected to the driven shaft 38 through an intermediate shaft 82 from the low temperatureffreezing chamber 12.

Liquid tor be yfrozen is automatically supplied to vthe mold 18 to begin an ice freezing cycle. As illustrated, the liquid supplying means comprises a conduit 83 having one end projecting through the end wall 21 of mold 18 and upwardly through the insulated wall 14 of compartment 12 into the liue 16.v Liquid, such as water, is supplied under pressure from any suitable source such as the city water main through a pipe 84 connected toan inlet control valve 85. An intermediate conduit 86 connects valve 85 to a measuring cylinder 87 and the cylinder, in turn, is connected to an 'outlet valve 88 by a conduit 89. Outlet valve 88 is connected to the end of supply. con- 'duit 83. The cylinder 87 is shown mounted on the rearward side of the insulating wall 15, and has a piston 90 therein indicated by dotted lines in Fig. l, with a piston rod 91 mounted for movement in a bracket 92 against the-'action of a spring 93. LThe cylinder 87 is shown v with a relatively small diameter 'for the purpose of illustrating the path of liquid ow but it will be understood that the cylinder will have a largery diameter toreduce the stroke of the piston 90. Each of the valves 85 and 88 has an actuating plunger engaging the periphery of a cam 94 or 95 on the drive shaft 80 of the power driven unit 78. Although not shown, cams 94 and 9S have lobes arranged to first close outlet valve-88 upon initial rotation of drive shaft 80, then open the inlet valve 85, next close the inlet valve and then open the outlety valve during one complete revolution of the drive shaft.

A suitable thermostat'9'6 is provided for controlling operation of the ice maker. As illustrated, thermostat 96 comprises a metal conducting insert 97, see Fig. 4, in the insulating material of theend wall 21 of the mold 18 which is indirect contact with the contents ofthe mold. Extending through an opening in the metallic conducting ymember 97 is a bulb 98 containing a volatile liuid forV producing a vapor pressure corresponding to the temperature of the metallic conducting element. Bulb 98 is connected to a bellows or diaphragm 99, shown only in Fig. 10, for actuating a switch 100. The arrangement of the thermostat is such that the bellows or diaphragm 99 normally maintains the switch 100 in open position but closes the switch at a predetermined -low temperature corresponding to the freezing of the liquidinto 'a solid ice mass'in a cell 19 of the mold 18 adjacent the insulated end wall 21 which is the last to freeze. Preferably, a very. low capacity heating element 101 is mounted in a recess 102 in the insulated end wall 21 of the mold 18 in contact with the conducting element 97. The purpose of the heating element 101 is merely to raise the temperature of the thermostatic bulb 98 during an ice harvesting cycle so that vthe operating mechanism willnot repeat a harvesting cycle before suiicient water is supplied to the mold to increase the temperature ofmetallic insert 97 .A

As illustrated in Fig. 10, thermostatic switch 100 is connected in an electric control circuit including the electric motor 78, heating element 101 and a holding switch 103; The heating element 101, motor 78 and a magnetic winding 104 of holding switch 103 are connected in parallel to one side of a power line S1 and the thermostatic control switch 100 is connected in series with the elements to the other `side of the line S2. Holding switch 103 is connected in parallel with the thermostatic switch 100. Also, connected in yseries with the ymagnetic winding 104 of the holding switch y103 is the cam operated switch 81 actuated by the drive shaft 80 of the electric motor unit 78. Thus, closing of the the drive shaft 82, cam switch,81 will open thecircuit and stop the motor. Although not shown, a limitswitch responsive to the amount of ice accumulated in the compaitment 12 is preferably provided in the control circuit in series with the thermostatic switch 100. g Such a limit control switch may be similar to that illustrated in acopending application of Sven W. E. Andersson Serial No. 205,519, tiled Ian. ll, 19,51, now Patent No. 2,717,495, One form of the inventionhaving now been described in detail, the mode of operation is explained as follows:

For purposes of description, let it` bev assumed vthat liquid in the mold 18 has been frozen into ice pieces in the individual cells 19, that the partsarein the position illustrated in Fig. l, and that the thermostat 96 has just closed. theswitch ,100' in the controlV circuit, see Fig. l0. Closing of the switch 100 encrgizes the electric motor 78 and the heating element 101. Upon initial rotation of motor 78, the cam on the drive shaft-80 closes the camy i lower 65 iirst rides on an ascending surface c, see Fig. 9

of the cam race 62, corresponding tovrotation Yof shaft 38 through thirty degrees with the particular mold 18 and cam plate 60 illustrated, torrmove thecage 63 ,to the left as viewed in Fig. l. The cage 63 slideson stationary pins 64 and, acting through bearing rollers 66, moves `the circular plate and sleeve 46 longitudinally o f the shaft 38 from the position illustrated in Fig. 1 lto that illustrated in Fig. 4. At the beginning of the linear movement of the sleeve 46, the yoke 52 moves the endmost member 29 of the upper grid section. 26 tothe position illustrated in Fig. 3. This initial movement rocks the rst transverse partition wall 24 from the positionillustrated' in dotted lines to that illustrated in full lines-to loosen the ice pieces in the first two cells 19 ofk the ,mold 18, after which shoulder 31a engages4 shoulder 371b on the next adjacent member 29. Subsequent longitudinal f Vmovement of the next adjacent member 29 rocksthe Anext adjacent transverse partition wall 24 during which1time rthe cam faces 30 on the membersslide along the cooperating cam faces 28 of the lower section 2 5 tolift the members as they move longitudinally. Thus, the` transverse partition walls 24 are progressively moved from one end of `the mold to the other Vand the upperk section26 Vof Y longitudinal partition wall 23 is moved relative to lower section 25 to loosen the ice pieces in the individual .cells thermostatic switch 100 energizes electric motor 78 and revolutionregardless of the position of the thermostatic.

`switch 100l and 'atzthe completion of one'revolution of At the end of the longitudinal movementA the sleeve '46 tothe position illustrated in Fig.. 4the clutch teeth 51 on the Vcircular plate 450 engage the clutchf teeth 61 on the cam plate 60; The cam follower 65 Vthen rides alongv a-flat portion d of the cam race62, corresponding to seventy-three degrees of rotation ofshaft 38, see Fig. 9., to hold the circular .plate 50 clutched` to the camwplate 60. During this rotation of shaft 38, sleeve 46 rotates clockwise with the shaft from the'position illustrated vin Fig. 2 to the position illustrated in Fig. 5 and, due`/to the Aconnection of the splines with the'extensious 24a1of the transverse walls 24, rocks the grid clockwiseto sweep the loosened ice pieces from one side of the mold 1 8. Simultaneously, shaft 71 of the ejecting means has been'rotated through the gears 74,77 and 75, see Fig. 8, and the `fingers 73 are so located on the' shaft-as to come into 'engagement with the ice pieces at the end ofthe tilting movement of the grid. At the end of the rocking movement of the grid tothe left as viewed in Fig. 5, the cam follower 65..v rides onto` a descending portion e of the cam race 62, see Fig'. 9:,

corresponding to 'thirteen vdegrees of rotation of the, cam

plateitin'ltheilillustratedfembodiment. During such in the-positionillustratedfinI Fig. ,51 by the. frictional engagement' ofeice'with the-bottom of the tray 20 and alsofby the springy detentlS!` acting between the upright 'wall Mir'oftlw frame 391` and-recessesin the circular platewo. Alsogduring Vsuch linear movement ofthe sleeveu Gg/thetflngers `73 of'ltheiejecting mechanism continuelto mover-and positively-displace theice pieces from the cells `l9 andatA leastlkrriovel their outer ends. over the "Afterthe vbevel gear-49 engages bevel,` gear 68 of the reversingmeehanism-g the-l earnV follower 65 rides on aat surface f'in` thec'am race .61" corresponding to rotation of," the cam i plate through one: hundred and forty-six degrees;V During rotation-of cam 60, sleeve 46 and grid connectedv thereto rocked counterclockwisev from theposition-illustratedi inFigLS torthe position illustrated in Fig, 7. Also,1during this rotation the fingers `on shaft havepushedtheice-pieees from thelefthand side of i and again-`engageA the-- clutch-teeth-Sl on the circular plate 5l)` With-theclutclr? teeth 6L on the camplate. Sleeve andthelgrid-conn'ected thereto are then rotated clockshaft`A 38." Thecamtfollower 65 Vthen rides ont'portionhof the camp race 62 corresponding torotntionof: cam plate60 vthrough seventy-three degrees to returnthe grid .tol its^initial position. The camfollower -65' thenk rideson a-descending surfacei of the camI race 62 *corresponding* to rotation of` cam plate 60 `through twelve to slid'ethe` sleeve 46 back to itsinitial position.

inring a considerable portion `of `the movement of throughout:` complete-revolutiomcam 94 holds t 'the'waterwalve 85=-open toperrnit-water under pressure from iz-cityimain; or Vthe'lilref; totenter measuring cylinder 'lfandmove the* piston-9W downwardly.v against the acltionoi-tl'iespring. Adjacent the end of' one complete revolutiozoff the drive shaft-80; the cam t 94-V closes. water valve BSjandeam- 9E opens valve 88. The spring 93 moves thev pistonv90- upwardly? in the `cylinder 87 to force `the measured quantity of water through theV conduit# By into-the mold-18 to initiate the next ice freezingope-."iatfori:` 'Ihetemperatureof! the water in the mold lfactingthronghthe insert 97 and'ibulb.98 `of the thermostatlyopens'the switch 100 andholds vit-open until the nextl batehg` of t ice" has been frozen. of-ne completerevolution ofthe-drive shaft 80, the cam 'switch' 81 is-opened-to deenergize the magnetic winding imandthereby open'theholding switch 103 of the control circuit, `seeEig'i 10,'` to stop operation of the ice :harvesting mechanism. The ice maker continues to* opertefinthe mannerdescribed ,to rst supply water and `tlfl'lhharvest itle` in', repeated cycles' as governed by the cnntrolcircuitf "i 5 T Y While ta'singlef` embodiment of the invention isher`eir1 "austragen aadaescrlibea: it will bennder'stood: that modifi- `ratimisrrnay bemadej inthe. construction and arrangementof elements without departing from-the spirit yor scopa `griglia. inventiom Therefore, without limitation imthhnlr'espectr-theiinyentonis defined by thefollwng At the completion i Y B ,.IcIainr: ,Y 1 n l. In anautomatie ice-rnakingrnach1ne of the type m which; liquid` is frozen into. ice in, repeated cycles as governed'by a controlfmeausz operable responsive to a 'condition relatedto the; formation. of ice, a cooling element, an ice mold-in heat exchange-relation to-the' cooling element and having grid walls dividing the mold intol individual cells, a plurality ofV said grid walls being constructed for progressive movement relative to` each` other and at least one wall` being mounted for bodily` movement, mechanism connected to progressively moveA the yplurality of walls relative to each other to loosen the individual ice pieces frozen in the cells and thereafter bodily move said one. wall to sweep the loosened ice pieces from the side of the mold, and powermeans connected for initiation by the control means and mechanically connected. to actuate the mechanism. r

2. ln an automatic ice making machine of the type in which liquid isl frozen into ice-in repeated cycles4 as governed by a control means operable responsive to a conditionrelated to the formation of ice, a coolingA element, an ice mold having a longitudinal walland a series ofiparallel transverse walls to `form individual cells, ice release Y means connectedv toprogressively move the series oftransyside of the mold, and powermeans connected for initiation by the control means and mechanically connected to aetuatethe ice. releasing and ice transfermeans successively. Y

3. In an automaticice making machine of the type in which liquid is frozen into ice in repeated cycles as governed by-a control means operable responsive to a conditionrelated to the formation of ice, a cooling element, an ice mold fixed in, heat exchange relation to the cooling element, said mold having a `longitudinal wall and transverse walls mounted to rock on the longitudinal wall, actuating meansV connected to progressively rock the plurality'ofv transverse walls, means for mounting the longitudinal wall to move transversely, mechanism connected to first operate the actuating means to progressively rock the transverse walls and loosen ice pieces frozen therebetweenandV thereafter move the longitudinal wall to sweep the loosened ice pieces to `one side of the mold, and power means connected for initiation by the control means and mechanicallylconnected to actuate the mechamsm.

4.1 An ice making `machine for automatically harvestying ice comprising acoolingelement, an ice freezing mold fixed lin heat exchange` relation to` the cool-ing element, saidrnold having an` arcuate bottomV wall and partition walls forming individual cells thercin,.said partition walls being movable and at least one of the walls being mounted to rock about the longitudinal axis ofthe arcuate bottom wall of the-mold,` harvesting mechanism connected to first progressively move the walls of the mold t0 loosen icc pieces frozen in the cells and thereafter rock said one wall to remove the loosened ice; pieces from the moldand a primeA mover mechanically connected to operate the harvesting mechanism.

- 5. An ice making machine comprising a cooling elcment, a tray fixed in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein, said tray having an arcuate bottom wall, a gri-d in said tray having a longitudinal Vwall and transverse walls mounted to rock on the longitudinal wall, said grid being mounted for rocking movement about the longitudinal' axis of the arcuate wall of the tray, a prime mover connected to progressively rock the transverse walls on the longitudinal wall to loosen ice pieces` frozentherebetween and thereafter rock the grid relative/.to thetray to remove theA loosened ice pieces from theT tray, and f` means operated' by` the prime 9 mover in timed relation with the movement of the grid for positively ejecting ice pieces from the grid.

6. An automatic ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray fixed in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein, said tray having an arcuate bottom wall, a grid in said tray having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls of arcuate shape to fit the bottom wall of the tray, said transverse walls being mounted for rocking movement relative to the lon* gitudinal wall and about the longitudinal axis of the arcuate Wall of the tray, power driven mechanism for rocking the transverse walls of the grid relative to the longitudinal wall to loosen the individual ice pieces and thereafter rock the grid relative to the tray to remove the loosened ice pieces, and a thermostat responsive to the formation of ice in the tray for initiating operation of the power driven mechanism.

7. An ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray fixed in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein, said tray having an arcuate bottom wall, a shaft overlying the tray at the axis of the arcuate bottom wall, a grid in the tray having a longitudinal partition wall and transverse partition walls mounted to rock on the longitudinal Wall, certain of said transverse walls having extensions embracing the longitudinal shaft and connected for rotation therewith, and mechanism for rocking the transverse wall relative to the longitudinal wall to loosen the ice pieces frozen in the grid and rotating the shaft to rock the grid relative to the tray to remove the loosened ice pieces from the tray. Y

8. An automatic ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray lixed in heat exchange relation to the cool-ing element for freezing liquid therein, said tray having an arcuate bottom wall, a grid in said tray having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls mounted to rock on the longitudinal wall, a member movable 1ongitudinally of the tray and connected to progressively rock the transverse Walls relative to the longitudinal wall, a shaft at the axis of the arcuate wall of the tray and connected to certain of the transverse walls, power driven mechanism for actuating the movable member longitudinally of the tray to rock the transverse walls of the grid relative to the longitudinal wall and rotate the shaft to rock the grid relative to the tray, and control means operable responsive to a condition related to the formation of ice and connected to start and stop the power driven mechanism.

9. An ice making machine comprising a cooling element, an ice mold fixed in heat exchange relation to the cooling element, said mold having an arcuate bottom wall with cross walls forming individual cells and having at least one of said walls mounted to rock about the longitudinal axis of the arcuate bottom Wall, harvesting mechanism connected to first move certain of the walls relative to each other to loosen ice pieces frozen in the cells and thereafter rock said one wall first in one direction to remove loosened ice pieces from one side of the mold and then in the opposite direction to remove the loosened ice from the opposite side of the tray, power means mechanically connected to operate the harvesting mechanism, and means movable between the cross walls forming the cells and operated by the power means in timed relation to the rocking of said one Wall to positively object ice pieces from said cells.

10. An ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray mounted in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein and having an arcuate bottom Wall, a grid in said tray having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls movable relative to the longitudinal wall, a rst means for moving the transverse walls of the grid to loosen the ice pieces therein, a second means for rocking the grid in one direction relative to the tray to remove loosened ice pieces from one side of the tray, a third means for rocking the grid in the opposite direction to remove loosened ice pieces from the other side of the tray, a prime mover, and mechanism driven by the prime mover and connected to operate the first, second and third means in sequence.

1l. An ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray mounted 'in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein and having an arcuate bottom wall, a grid in said tray having a longi* tudinal wall and transverse walls mounted to rock on the longitudinal wall, a member movable longitudinally of the tray and connected to rock the transverse walls successively to loosen the ice pieces in the tray, a rotatable element, means for connecting the member and element to rock the grid in one direction to remove the loosened ice pieces from one side of the tray, a reversing means, means for connecting the member and reversing means to rock the grid in the opposite direction to remove loosened ice pieces from the other side of the tray, a prime mover, and mechanism operated by the prime mover for actuating the movable member longitudinally to irst connect it to the rotatable element and then connect it to the reversing means in sequence.

12. An ice making machine comprising a cooling element, a tray mounted in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein and having an arcuate bottom wall, a grid in said tray having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls movable relative to the longitudinal wall, a first means for moving the transverse Walls of the grid to loosen the' ice pieces therein, a second means for rocking the grid in one direction relative to the tray to remove loosened ice from one side of the tray, a third means for rocking the grid in the opposite direction to remove loosened ice'from the other side of the tray, mechanism to operate the iirst, second and third means in sequence, power means mechanically connected to operate the mechanism and elements operated by the power means in timed relation to the rocking of the grid and having ngers movable between the transverse walls of the grid to eject ice pieces therefrom.

13. An ice making machine comprising a cooling ele'` ment, a tray mounted in heat exchange relation to the cooling element for freezing liquid therein and having an i Varcuate bottom wall, a grid in said mold forming a plurality of individual cells and mounted to rock about the longitudinal axis of the arcuate wall, power driven mechanism connected to rock the grid first in one direction to remove ice fromone side of the tray and then in the opposite direction to remove ice from the other side of the tray, and rotary shafts at opposite sides of the tray with lingers extending therefrom and operated byV the power driven mechanism in timed relation to the rocking of the grid to eject ice pieces from opposite sides thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,868,503 Kennedy July 26, 1932 2,161,321 Smith June 6, 1939 2,202,734 Jacobs May 28, 1940 2,221,694 Potter Nov. 12, 1940 2,259,066 Gaston Oct. 14, 1941 2,364,559 Storer ADec. 5, 1944 2,435,802 Smith Feb. 10, 1948 2,492,583 Knupp Dec. 27, 1949 2,509,000 Hobson May 23, 1950 2,515,457 Lutz July 18, 1950 2,516,257 Sampson July 25, V1950 2,522,651 Van Vleck Sept. 19, 1950 2,546,769 Moore Mar. 27, 1951 2,701,453 Henderson Feb. 8, 1955

Claims (1)

1. IN A AUTOMATIC ICE MAKING MACHINE OF THE TYPE IN WHICH LIQUID IS FROZEN INTO ICE IN REPEATED CYCLES AS GOVERNED BY A CONTROL MEANS OPERABLE RESPONSIVE TO A CONDITION RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF ICE, A COOLING ELEMENT, AN ICE MOLD IN HEAT EXCHANGE RELATION TO THE COOLING ELEMENT AND HAVING GRID WALLS DIVIDING THE MOLD INTO INDIVIDUAL CELLS, A PLURALITY OF SAID GRID WALLS BEING CONSTRUCTED FOR PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER AND AT LEAST ONE WALL BEING MOUNTED FOR BODILY MOVEMENT MECHANISM CONNECTED TO PROGRESSIVELY MOVE THE PLURALITY OF WALLS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER TO LOOSEN THE INDIVIDUAL ICE PIECES FROZEN IN THE CELLS AND THEREAFTER

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