Refrigeration – Automatic control – By congealed removable product condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-29
2001-12-04
Tapolcai, William E. (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Automatic control
By congealed removable product condition
C062S233000, C340S686600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324855
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ice level detector that detects a full ice level state of ice in an ice bin. More particularly, the invention is directed to a proximity ice level detector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of ice level detecting devices are known in the art to detect a full ice level state of ice in an ice bin. Many of these devices use mechanical arms, photo sensors, ultrasonic energy and thermostats.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,691 to Kohl et al. teaches an ice level sensing mechanism that includes a generally vertically disposed pendulum element that is pivotally supported at an upper end. The lower end of the pendulum is moveable in any direction. The ice level sensing mechanism also includes a contact device that is disposed in a surrounding relationship to a portion of the pendulum element. The contact device is engaged by the pendulum element when the ice level within the ice storage bin reaches a predetermined magnitude. The pendulum and the contact device are operatively connected to an electrical control circuit associated with an ancillary ice producing machine that supplies ice to the storage bin.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,182 to Tsukiyama et al. discloses an ice storage detector for use with an ice maker and ice reservoir. The ice storage detector includes an ice detection plate that is pivotally mounted in the ice reservoir. The ice storage detector also includes means for supporting the detection plate and a proximity sensor that is disposed above the detection plate. The detection plate is pivotable about a horizontal shaft between a non-ice detecting position and an ice detecting position. In the ice detecting position, the ice detection plate is displaced in a direction away from a top of the ice pile to cause the proximity sensor to generate an ice detecting signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,996 to Lind reveals an ice bin level sensor with a time delay. The ice bin level sensor includes an electrical circuit that operates an ice maker using a light interrupter system. A pulsed light source is positioned for interference when the ice has reached a predetermined level in the ice containing bin. The circuit activates the ice maker once the light source is sensed for a predetermined period of time and deactivates the ice maker when the light source is not sensed for another predetermined period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,652 to Arcangeli teaches an ice level control for a flake ice maker. The flake ice maker has a housing, a refrigerated surface in the housing, a rotary scraper for scraping ice from the refrigerated surface and for discharging the scraped ice into an underlying ice bin. The rotary scraper is driven by a rotary drive shaft electrically grounded to a common ground with a control circuit connected for controlling rotation of the scraper. A sensing arm is attached to the drive shaft for sweeping a path in the ice bin. A switch actuatable upon contact of the arm with accumulated ice in the ice bin completes an electrical circuit through the drive shaft thereby interrupting the operation of the ice maker.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,484 to Bush et al. discloses a bin level control circuit and a transducer mounting system for an ice making machine. An ultrasonic bin level control circuit employs a fail-safe circuit to shut off a compressor when echoes are late or absent. A transducer mounting system facilitates installation and removal of a transducer for servicing and cleaning. A level detector compares a reference signal with a reflected signal with the ice reaching a desired level when the reflected signal overlaps the reference signal. When the desired level is reached, the reference signal is modified through feedback to prevent short cycling of the compressor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,234 to Furukawa et al. teaches an ice level detecting apparatus for ice making machines. The ice detecting apparatus includes a thermostat having a temperature sensor element and a holder for holding the sensor element in a spaced relationship with an ice stocker inner wall.
Ice level detector devices that use moveable mechanical arms, pendulums or levers can be problematic. Particularly, the moveable mechanical arms, pendulums and levers can break or become “jammed,” sometimes as a result of ice build-up. Further, moveable mechanical levers, pendulums and arms are relatively sensitive to rugged handling. The photosensitive or ultrasonic ice level detectors can also be problematic. Particularly, the photo sensors or ultrasonic transducers can be rendered inoperative because of mold, condensation, scale or algae build-up thereon. As a result, these devices must be kept clean. Also, such devices are not conducive to rugged handling. Although an ice level detector device using a thermostat can be effective, the thermostat is also not conducive to rugged handling.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a proximity ice level detector that does not use moving parts.
Another object of the invention is to provide a proximity ice level detector that can be used in a more rugged environment in comparison with ice level detectors that employ moveable mechanical arms, pendulums or levers.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a proximity ice level detector that can be bumped or jostled without fear of rendering it inoperative.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a proximity ice level detector that can be installed at a variety of locations on or adjacent an ice bin that accumulates ice dispensed from an ice maker.
A further object of the invention is to provide a proximity ice level detector that is virtually insensitive to mold, condensation, scale or algae build-up.
Accordingly, a proximity ice level detector of the invention detects a full ice level state of ice made and dispensed by an ice maker into an ice bin and includes a proximity sensor and a controller. The proximity sensor is disposed in or adjacent the ice bin at the full ice level state of the ice in the ice bin. The controller is operative in conjunction with the proximity sensor and the ice maker for reading signals from the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor detects the ice is at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to cease making ice. When the proximity sensor fails to detect the ice at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to make ice and dispense the ice into the ice bin.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is a proximity detector assembly that is used to detect the presence of an item or items that are consumable by humans. The proximity detector assembly includes a sleeve and the proximity sensor. The sleeve is fabricated from a plastic material that is deemed acceptable for contact with the items consumable by humans. The proximity sensor is encased within the sleeve and is isolated from contact with the consumable items. The proximity sensor is operative for detecting the presence of the consumable items when the consumable items are positioned within an invisible field of detection of the proximity sensor.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method for detecting the full ice level state of ice in the ice bin. One step is positioning the proximity sensor in or adjacent the ice bin at the full ice level state of the ice in the ice bin. Another step is reading signals from the proximity sensor. Another step is causing either the ice maker to cease making ice when the signals from the proximity sensor detect that the ice is at the full ice level state and to make ice when signals from the proximity sensor detect that the ice is below the full ice level state.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method for making ice from the ice maker and dispensing the made ice into the ice bin until the ice bin reaches the full ice level state. One step is positioning the proximity sensor as described above. Another step is controlling the proximity sensor and the ice maker by reading signals from the proximity sensor. Another step is causing the ice maker
Ali Mohammad M.
Arent Fox Kintner & Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC
Hoshizaki America Inc.
Tapolcai William E.
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