U.S. patent application number 15/006275 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for automated ice cube makers with interchangeable trays for making stylized ice cubes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Harold Safrin. Invention is credited to Harold Safrin.
Application Number | 20160216020 15/006275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56432496 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160216020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Safrin; Harold |
July 28, 2016 |
Automated Ice Cube Makers with Interchangeable Trays for Making
Stylized Ice Cubes
Abstract
An automated ice cube tray cycling system is provided with
interchangeable trays. In some embodiments, a single removable ice
tray allows users to switch between different ice trays depending
on the specific characteristics of the individual trays and the
user's ice cube requirements. In some embodiments, the system
includes a plurality of removable trays that a user may switch
between utilizing a switching mechanism and a control module. The
system gives a user advantageous control over the automatic ice
making process, allowing a user to easily adjust the size, shape,
and other characteristics of the ice cube through simple tray
replacement.
Inventors: |
Safrin; Harold; (Vauxhall,
NJ) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Safrin; Harold |
Vauxhall |
NJ |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
56432496 |
Appl. No.: |
15/006275 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62114306 |
Feb 10, 2015 |
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15006275 |
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62108869 |
Jan 28, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 2400/06 20130101;
F25C 1/04 20130101; F25C 2400/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 5/08 20060101
F25C005/08; F25C 1/04 20060101 F25C001/04 |
Claims
1. An automated ice cube maker including: at least one rotating
rod; at least one ejector blade attached to the at least one
rotating rod; a removable tray, wherein the removable tray has an
ejector handle attached thereto and includes at least one
reservoir; a fluid inlet; and a motor in communication with the at
least one rotating rod for providing rotational force to the
rod.
2. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 1, further
comprising a color addition module.
3. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 2, wherein the
color addition module is in fluid communication with the fluid
inlet.
4. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 1, wherein the
removable tray includes at least two reservoirs, wherein the at
least two reservoirs have a different shape.
5. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 1, further
comprising a heated base.
6. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 5, further
comprising a track disposed above the heated base, wherein the
removable tray is suspended above the heated base through
interaction with the track.
7. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 1 and further
including an ice cube tray cycling system, said ice cube tray
cycling system comprising a plurality of removable trays attached
to a cycling mechanism, wherein said cycling mechanism selectively
brings at least one of said plurality of removable trays into
proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod.
8. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 7, wherein the
cycling mechanism is selected from a carousel, a conveyer belt, a
cassette, and combinations thereof.
9. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 7, further
comprising a control module configured to allow a user to select
which of said plurality of removable trays is selectively brought
into proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod.
10. The automated ice cube maker according to claim 8, wherein at
least a portion of the automated ice cube maker is located within a
freezer and the control module includes a control device located
outside of the freezer.
11. A method of using an automated ice cube maker comprising the
steps of: inserting a removable tray into a frame; introducing a
liquid into said removable tray using a liquid delivery system;
heating a bottom of said removable tray; rotating a rod using a
motor to remove ice from said removable tray, wherein said rod has
at least one ejector blade attached thereto; and removing said
removable tray.
12. The method of using an automated ice cube maker according to
claim 11, further comprising the step of cycling a plurality of
removable trays into proper alignment with said rod.
13. The method of using an automated ice cube tray cycling system
according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of removable trays
are arranged in a cassette and wherein the step of cycling a
plurality of removable trays into proper alignment comprises the
step of repositioning at least one of a removable tray and a rod
relative to each other such that said rod is in a position to
remove formed solid from said removable tray.
14. An automated ice cube tray cycling system comprising: at least
one rotating rod; at least one ejector blade attached to the at
least one rotating rod; at least one removable tray, wherein the at
least one removable tray has an ejector handle attached thereto and
includes at least one reservoir having a desired shape; a fluid
inlet comprising a color addition module; a first motor in
communication with the at least one rotating rod for providing
rotational force to the rod; an ice cube tray cycling system having
a plurality of removable trays attached to a cycling mechanism,
wherein said cycling mechanism selectively brings at least one of
said plurality of removable trays into proper alignment with said
at least one rotating rod; a control module configured to allow a
user to select which of said plurality of removable trays is
selectively brought into proper alignment with said at least one
rotating rod.
15. The automated ice cube tray cycling system according to claim
14, wherein the plurality of removable trays are arranged in a
carousel, a conveyer belt, a cassette, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,306, entitled "Automated
Ice Cube Makers with Interchangeable Trays for Making Stylized Ice
Cubes", filed Feb. 10, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/108,869, entitled "Automated Ice Cube Makers
with Interchangeable Trays for Making Stylized Ice Cubes", filed
Jan. 28, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Automatic ice cube makers have made it possible for
consumers to have a supply of ice available on demand with very
little effort. Despite the utility of these ice cube makers and the
resultant ice cubes for providing cold beverages, consumers
demanded a product that not only kept their beverages cool but also
increased their enjoyment of consuming that drink.
[0003] As a result, static ice cube trays with novelty shapes
entered the marketplace. With just a water source and a freezer,
consumers could enjoy ice in any desired shape. However, these
static ice trays suffered from the same limitations of other
low-tech ice cube makers: they relied on the consumer to fill them
with water, place them in the freezer, and wait for a time
sufficient for the water to freeze.
[0004] Automatic ice cube makers are often bulky machines with the
water retaining/ice making reservoirs incorporated as a permanent
component of the machine and shaped to produce standard and
uninteresting semi-circular solids.
[0005] There is a desire, therefore, for a system that
automatically and/or continuously produces ice cubes in interesting
and/or pleasing shapes. Further, there is a desire for a system
that allows for multiple shapes to be produced from the same
automatic ice cube maker.
SUMMARY
[0006] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to
an automated ice cube maker including at least one rotating rod, at
least one ejector blade attached to the at least one rotating rod,
a removable tray, wherein the removable tray has an ejector handle
attached thereto and includes at least one reservoir, a fluid
inlet, and a motor in communication with the at least one rotating
rod for providing rotational force to the rod. In some embodiments,
the automated ice cube maker further includes a color addition
module. In some embodiments, the color addition module is in fluid
communication with the fluid inlet. In some embodiments, the
removable tray includes at least two reservoirs, wherein the at
least two reservoirs have a different shape. In some embodiments,
the automated ice cube maker further includes a heated base. In
some embodiments, the removable tray is suspended above the heated
base through interaction with the track.
[0007] In some embodiments, the automated ice cube maker further
includes an ice cube tray cycling system, the ice cube tray cycling
system including a plurality of removable trays attached to a
cycling mechanism, wherein the cycling mechanism selectively brings
at least one of the plurality of removable trays into proper
alignment with the at least one rotating rod. In some embodiments,
the cycling mechanism is selected from a carousel, a conveyer belt,
a cassette, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
automated ice cube maker further includes a control module
configured to allow a user to select which of the plurality of
removable trays is selectively brought into proper alignment with
the at least one rotating rod. In some embodiments, at least a
portion of the automated ice cube maker is located within a freezer
and the control module includes a control device located outside of
the freezer.
[0008] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a
method of using an automated ice cube maker including the steps of
inserting a removable tray into a frame, introducing a liquid into
the removable tray using a liquid delivery system, heating a bottom
of the removable tray, rotating a rod using a motor to remove ice
from the removable tray, wherein the rod has at least one ejector
blade attached thereto, and removing the removable tray. In some
embodiments, the method of using an automated ice cube maker
further includes the step of cycling a plurality of removable trays
into proper alignment with the rod. In some embodiments of the
method of using an automated ice cube tray cycling system, the
plurality of removable trays are arranged in a cassette and the
step of cycling a plurality of removable trays into proper
alignment includes the step of repositioning at least one of a
removable tray and a rod relative to each other such that the rod
is in a position to remove formed solid from the removable
tray.
[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure the present
disclosure is directed to an automated ice cube tray cycling system
including at least one rotating rod, at least one ejector blade
attached to the at least one rotating rod, at least one removable
tray, wherein the at least one removable tray has an ejector handle
attached thereto and includes at least one reservoir having a
desired shape, a fluid inlet including a color addition module, a
first motor in communication with the at least one rotating rod for
providing rotational force to the rod, an ice cube tray cycling
system having a plurality of removable trays attached to a cycling
mechanism, wherein the cycling mechanism selectively brings at
least one of the plurality of removable trays into proper alignment
with the at least one rotating rod, a control module configured to
allow a user to select which of the plurality of removable trays is
selectively brought into proper alignment with the at least one
rotating rod. In some embodiments, the plurality of removable trays
are arranged in a carousel, a conveyer belt, a cassette, and
combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However, it
should be understood that the present application is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an automated ice cube maker consistent with one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a front view of an automated ice cube maker
consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3C show various embodiments of a tray used in the
automated ice cube makers shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the automated ice cube
maker shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of an automated ice cube tray
cycling system consistent with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of an automated ice cube tray
cycling system consistent with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B show one embodiment of an automated ice cube
tray cycling system consistent with some embodiments of the present
disclosure in use.
[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B show one embodiment of an automated ice cube
tray cycling system consistent with some embodiments of the present
disclosure in use.
[0019] FIGS. 9A and 9B show one embodiment of an automated ice cube
tray cycling system consistent with some embodiments of the present
disclosure in use.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a control module for an
automated ice cube tray cycling system.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a method of using an
automated ice cube tray cycling system consistent with FIGS. 1 and
5.
[0022] FIGS. 12A-12E show a pictographic representation of the
method shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] One embodiment of the automated ice cube maker 1 of the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. Ice cube maker 1 includes a
rotating rod 120. In some embodiments, rotating rod 120 extends
longitudinally along a length of ice cube maker 1. In some
embodiments, rotating rod 130 extends laterally across ice cube
maker 1. Motor 190 provides a rotational force to rotating rod 120.
As used herein, the terms "ice", "ice cube", and "solid" are used
interchangeably to describe the solid phase of a fluid injected
into the system. A component described as making or interfacing
with "ice" should not be construed as only capable interacting with
water in the solid, but any substance provided in any phase for
eventual conversion to the solid phase.
[0024] Attached to rotating rod 120 is at least one ejector blade
130. In some embodiments, ejector blade 130 moves via rotation of
rotating rod 120 to cause displacement of ice from tray 110. In
some embodiments, rotating rod 120 can rotate through an angle
greater than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, rotating rod 120
causes displacement of ice from tray 110 without having to rotate
beyond 360 degrees.
[0025] Tray 110 is provided in close enough proximity to rotating
rod 120 that ice may be removed from it by ejector blades 130. The
size and relative orientation of tray 110, rotating rod 120, and
ejector blades 130 are a matter of design choice and depend on the
spatial constraints provided by the freezer and the demand in terms
of ice cubes required and/or desired per hour. These determinations
are well within the skill of one having ordinary skill in the art.
In one embodiment, ice cube maker 1 is sized to generally fit
within a home freezer. In some embodiments, ice cube maker 1 is
designed to replace a conventional ice cube maker from a home
freezer. In some embodiments, tray 110 is itself removable from
system 1. In some embodiments, ice cube maker 1 is a stand-alone
and/or free-standing unit which may supplement a conventional ice
cube maker or provide automated ice cube making functionality to
home freezers which do not already have that functionality. In some
embodiments, ice cube maker 1 operates independently and/or outside
of a home freezer.
[0026] In some embodiments, a fluid inlet 160 provides a fluid to
ice maker 1. Fluid inlet 160 is connected to ice cube maker 1 so as
not to prevent removal of tray 110 when removal of tray 110 is
desired. In some embodiments, flow of fluid through fluid inlet 160
is controlled through fluid control module 170. In some
embodiments, fluid control module 170 is a valve which may restrict
fluid flow rate of fluid flowing from fluid source 180, for
instance when tray 110 is already filled with fluid. The fluid
provided to ice maker 1 by fluid inlet 160 may be any suitable
freezable fluid of any desired composition. In some embodiments,
the freezable fluid is selected from water, alcohol or other
consumer beverage, carbon dioxide, and the like.
[0027] Heatable base 150 is included to provide heat to tray 110.
Fluid entering tray 110 via fluid inlet 160 is frozen due to the
ambient temperature of the freezer being held below the freezing
point of the liquid. Once the freezable liquid has changed to solid
form, heatable base 150 provides the means for removing the formed
solids. Heat from heatable base 150 increases the temperature at
the surface of tray 110 near the interface between tray 110 and the
formed solids. The surface of the formed solids liquefies enough
that forces applied to the solid by ejector blade 130 allow the
solid to slide free from tray 110.
[0028] Frame 100 is provided as a scaffold for those components of
ice cube maker 1 that require support. In some embodiments, at
least one of rotating rod 120, heatable base 150, and fluid inlet
160 are provided on frame 100. Frame 100 is provided with at least
one slot to allow removable insertion of tray 110. In some
embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the slot
allows tray 110 to be slid longitudinally into frame 100. In some
embodiments, a slot is provided on the long axis of frame 100 and
tray 110 is insertable laterally. In some embodiments, tray 110
includes a mold ejector handle 140 which allows a user to grip tray
110 for easier insertion and removal from frame 100. Mold ejector
handle 140 may be made of any suitable material. In some
embodiments, mold ejector handle 140 is made from the same material
as tray 110. In some embodiments, tray 110 is made from metal while
mold ejector handle 140 is made from plastic.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the at least one slot may include a
track 200 to support tray 110 within frame 100 without having
direct contact with heatable base 150 and/or frame 100. In
embodiments, where there is no track 200, tray 110 may interface
directly with heatable base 150.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, each tray 110 for use in ice cube maker
1 is provided with at least one reservoir 300. Fluid inlet 160
provides the fluid to reservoir 300, and the shape and size of each
reservoir 300 dictates the shape and size of the solid produced by
ice cube maker 1. In some embodiments, such as at FIG. 3A, all
reservoirs 300 in tray 110 are the same shape. In some embodiments,
such as at FIG. 3B, all reservoirs 300 are different shapes.
Reservoirs 300 may be of any desired shape and size. The shapes may
be relatively simple, such as triangles, stars, circles, hearts,
and the like; more complex, such as numbers, letters, and other
symbols; or quite complex, such as animals, trademarked designs, or
copyrighted images in relief. In some embodiments, reservoirs 300
are configured to produce symmetric cubes for use with liquors
served "on the rocks", such as scotch. Because trays 110 are
removable, they are also interchangeable, enabling a user to change
the ice cubes available for consumption simply by removing one tray
and inserting another with differently shaped reservoirs.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least one additional rotating rod
120 (not pictured) is provided in ice cube maker 1. In some
embodiments, such as at FIG. 3C, a second row of reservoirs is
provided so that double the amount of solids may be produced
utilizing the additional rotating rod 120.
[0032] In some embodiments, ice cube maker 1 includes a color
addition module 181. Color addition module 181 provides coloring to
the fluid, thus resulting in the production of colored ice. In some
embodiments, color addition module 181 is a component of fluid
inlet 160 or fluid source 180, such as the embodiment shown in FIG.
1. As fluid proceeds through one of fluid inlet 160 or fluid source
180, coloring agent may added to a desired concentration from color
addition module 181. In some embodiments, the coloring agent is a
liquid. In other embodiments, the coloring agent is a solid that
dissolves or otherwise reacts with the fluid to color the fluid. In
some embodiments, color addition module 181 supplies the coloring
agent to tray 110 prior to the addition of the fluid. In some
embodiments, color addition module 181 supplies the coloring agent
to tray 110 after the fluid has already been provided to tray
110.
[0033] In some embodiments, an ice cube tray cycling system is
included with ice cube maker 1. The ice cube tray cycling system
provides the added functionality of allowing a user to switch
between two or more trays automatically. This eliminates the need
for a user to remove a tray from ice cube maker 1, or even open the
freezer at all, when a different tray is desired. In all
embodiments that will be described below, a heating element, such
as heatable base 150 described above, is incorporated into either
the frame, the track on which a desired tray is held, or the
desired tray itself, so that when a user selects the desired tray,
the system ensures the heating element is in close enough proximity
to the tray to perform the function of heatable base 150. In all
embodiments of the ice cube tray cycling system, the trays remain
insertable, removable, and interchangeable with other trays as
desired by the user.
[0034] Broadly, in some embodiments, the ice cube tray cycling
system relies on at least one of the following mechanisms: moving
tray 110 into suitable location to interact with rotating rod 120,
moving rotating rod 120 into suitable location to interact with
tray 110, and moving a coordinated pair of trays 110 and rotating
rods 120 into suitable location for operation of ice cube maker 1.
As discussed herein, terms or phrases which identify or describe
the movement of trays and rotating rods into "proper alignment",
"suitable locations", "suitable proximity", and the like are used
to indicate that either the rotating rod is in a position to remove
formed ice from the desired tray; the formed ice removed from the
desired tray will, by virtue of the interaction between the
rotating rod with the formed ice, be transported from the desired
tray and into a vessel where the formed ice may be retrieved by the
user; and combinations of the two. In some embodiments, a second
motor is utilized to reposition removable trays and rotating rods
with respect to each other. In some embodiments, motor 190 is
utilized for this purpose.
[0035] In some embodiments, multiple trays are held in a stack,
cassette, cartridge, or any other structure capable of holding
several trays in a predetermined order and allowing for removal and
replacement of trays therein. In some embodiments, trays may be
inserted and removed from the stack of trays in situ. In some
embodiments, the stack itself is removable to allow for easier tray
replacement.
[0036] In some embodiments, the ice cube tray cycling system
includes at least two operation modes: an ice making mode and a
tray replacement mode. In the ice making mode, ice cube maker 1
continues to produce ice on demand and allows for rotation as
desired between the various trays already within the system. In the
tray replacement mode, ice cube maker 1 is not capable of making
ice cubes, but rather orients itself to allow for easier access to
the trays, either for tray inspection/reorganization or tray
replacement.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the ice cube tray
cycling system is a carousel type apparatus included of a central
hub and two or more extending arms including trays. In some
embodiments, tracks may support the trays by running along a length
of the tray. In some embodiments, the trays are supported only
through interaction of an edge of the tray nearest the central hub
with the hub itself. When a user selects the desired tray, the ice
cube tray cycling system rotates about the central hub to position
the desired tray into proper alignment for use.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the ice cube tray
cycling system is a conveyor belt type apparatus included of a
series of trays spaced along a track. When a user selects the
desired tray, the ice cube tray cycling system advances the
conveyor belt to position the desired tray into proper alignment
for use.
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B portray one embodiment where the tray is
moved into suitable location to interact with the rotating rod. In
some embodiments, the track supporting the desired tray is removed
from the stack of trays and then moved vertically to come into
suitable proximity with the rotating rod. When a new tray is
desired, the current tray is lowered and reinserted in its
predetermined place and the new tray is then removed from the stack
and moved vertically into suitable proximity with the rotating rod.
In some embodiments, the trays are moved into position on a track
that then moves the tray into position. In this embodiment, only a
single track is needed and the trays can be held in otherwise
static holding bays until such time as they are desired by a user.
The specific movement and/or sequence of movements for the trays
and the rotating rod are a matter of design choice and will depend
on the spatial constraints of the freezer and the location of the
new desired tray relative to the tray currently in position for
use.
[0040] FIGS. 8A and 8B portray one embodiment where each tray is
provided with its own rotating rod. The pairs of trays and rotating
rods may be organized in any suitable configuration. As shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B, the pairs are arranged in a recessed stack. Upon
selection by a user, the desired tray is moved horizontally from
the stack into position for use. When another of the trays is
desired, the pair currently in position for use is retracted to the
stack and the newly desired tray is moved into position for use. As
mentioned above with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A
and 7B, the specific movement of the tray and rod pair, e.g. the
axis of movement, number of axis in which movement occurs, duration
of movement, distance of movement, and the like, are all a matter
of design choice and will depend on the spatial constraints of the
freezer and the desired number of trays that are available for use
at any one time.
[0041] FIGS. 9A and 9B portray one embodiment where a single
rotating rod is capable of moving about ice cube maker 1 to align
with a desired tray. Upon selection by a user, the desired tray is
moved from the stack horizontally into position for use. The
rotating rod is then moved vertically into suitable position
relative to the desired tray. When another of the trays is desired,
the tray currently in use is retracted into the stack and the
rotating rod is moved to accommodate the horizontal movement of the
desired tray from the stack into position for use. As mentioned
above with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A,
and 8B, the specific movement and/or sequence of movements for the
trays and the rotating rod are a matter of design choice and will
depend on the spatial constraints of the freezer and the location
of the new desired tray relative to the tray currently in position
for use.
[0042] In some embodiments, the ice cube tray cycling system is
controlled by a control module. The control module is used to cycle
through the trays currently installed in ice cube maker 1. In some
embodiments, the control module is also used to switch between the
ice making mode and the tray replacement mode. In some embodiments,
the control module includes at least one control device that is
physically activated by the user when there is a desire to change
the tray that is in use. In some embodiments, the at least one
control device is selected from the group consisting of: switches,
buttons, touch screens, sliders, knobs, levers, and the like. The
control module may be located in any suitable place, so long as the
user can access the at least one control device. In some
embodiments, the at least one control device is disposed at a
location remote from ice cube maker 1. In some embodiments, such as
the embodiment portrayed in FIG. 10, the at least one control
device is mounted to an exterior portion of a freezer or
refrigerator that houses ice cube maker 1.
[0043] FIG. 11 and FIGS. 12A-12E portray methods of using an
automated ice cube tray cycling system consistent with some
embodiments described above. In some embodiments, such as that
shown in FIG. 11, the method of using an automated ice cube tray
cycling system includes the step of inserting 1100 the tray into a
frame. In some embodiments, the method includes introducing 1101
liquid using the liquid delivery system. In some embodiments, the
bottom of the tray is heated 1102 using a heating coil. In some
embodiments, a rod is rotated 1103 using the motor to remove formed
ice. Finally, in some embodiments, the tray is removed 1104 after
use. In some embodiments (not shown), an additional step of
repositioning at least one of a removable tray and a rod such that
the rod is in a position to remove formed solid from the removable
tray is performed. Various embodiments detailing the specific
repositioning steps are discussed in detail elsewhere in the
instant disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 12A shows a tray being inserted into an automated ice
cube tray cycling system consistent with some embodiments described
above. FIG. 12B shows liquid being introduced into tray. Liquid is
then frozen into ice conforming to the shape of the reservoirs in
the tray. FIG. 12C shows a heating coil providing heat to the tray.
The heat melts the ice at the interface with the tray, allowing the
ice to more easily separate from the tray. FIG. 12D then shows a
rotating rod being used to remove the ice from the tray. FIG. 12E
shows removal of the tray from the automated ice cube tray cycling
system.
[0045] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein
and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *