Refrigeration – Processes – Congealing flowable material – e.g. – ice making
Reexamination Certificate
2006-12-05
2006-12-05
Tapolcai, William E. (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Processes
Congealing flowable material, e.g., ice making
C062S347000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07143588
ABSTRACT:
A water control system for an ice maker includes a capacitive sensor located within a compartment of an ice tray in an ice maker. The capacitive sensor generates a water fill signal corresponding to dielectric changes in the sensor as water fills the compartment of the ice tray. A controller coupled to the sensor generates a water valve control signal in response to the water fill signal received from the capacitive sensor. The controller may initiate a water fill cycle and then close the water valve in response to the water fill signal indicating a change in dielectric caused by the rising water reaching an electrode of the capacitive sensor. Thus, the system of the present invention enables the controller to accurately control the flow of water into the ice tray without reference to a predetermined fill time.
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Emerson Electric Co.
Maginot Moore and Beck
Tapolcai William E.
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