MX2014008791A

MX2014008791A - Apparatus and method for ice making with a mold.

Info

Publication number: MX2014008791A
Application number: MX2014008791A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Terry Tae-Il Chung; Andrey Balanev; George Martsinovskiy; Vladimir Vasiliev; Mikhail Verbitsky; Sergey Markosov
Original assignee: Pepsico Inc
Priority date: 2012-01-20
Filing date: 2013-01-18
Publication date: 2015-08-05
Also published as: AU2013209710A1; WO2013109822A3; JP6149303B2; RU2014134068A; EP2805121A2; CN104246398B; RU2016116796A; BR112014017808A2; WO2013109822A2; RU2586919C2; CA2862185A1; AU2013209710B2; BR112014017808A8; JP2015504151A; NZ627652A; CN104246398A; US20130186113A1

Abstract

A mold (126) defines a first volume for an ice cube, the mold comprising a bottom face (101) having an inner perimeter and side faces (105-108). Each side face has an inner perimeter, top edge (116), and bottom edge (118). The top edge of each side face may be longer than the bottom edge. Each side face may extend inward from the top edge to the bottom edge. The mold may comprise a three-dimensional shape (122) within the first volume, the three- dimensional shape comprising a second volume. The second volume may be defined by a top outer perimeter (103), a bottom outer perimeter (104), and at least a bulge of the three-dimensional shape. The bulge may extend upwardly and taper between the bottom outer perimeter (104) and the top outer perimeter (103). The mold may further define a third volume between the first and second volumes, with the mold configured to receive water within the third volume.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ICE COLLECTION DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This description relates generally to a method and apparatus for making ice, for ice picking, where ice can be used in a variety of configurations, including beverage distributors, for example, for cafes, restaurants (including fast food restaurants). ), theaters, consumer goods stores, gas stations, and other places of entertainment and / or food services, with reduced overall dimensions of the appliance and reduced freezing time for ice.

The ice making machines described in the art typically form clear crystalline ice by freezing water flowing on a cold surface.

The existing machines for making ice have several deficiencies. For example, they form relatively slow ice cubes, which leads to a low rate of ice production in a given number of ice-forming cells. For example, conventional ice makers typically have ice production cycles of approximately 10-15 minutes. In order to provide the required ice consumption during peak hours, conventional machines are typically equipped with a large hopper. During storage, the ice in the Hopper requires mechanical stirring to avoid freezing the ice cubes together. This greatly increases the complexity and overall dimension of the ice making machine. Very often, a large hopper is required for ice storage, which in turn may require the hopper to be remotely located from the distribution point. Transporting ice from a remote location to the distribution point can add complexity and ice manufacturing operation. In addition, ice stored for a significant period of time can become contaminated. Conventional machines are not equipped to provide ice harvesting that is proportional to ice production cycles of less than about 10-15 minutes.

Therefore, there is a need for a new ice making machine, which could provide the fastest freezing of an ice cube, and allow an "ice on demand" production and collection rates to come closer, which in turn it is translated into the occupied space of a smaller global machine.

In one aspect of the description, an ice cube mold is provided. The mold defines a first volume for an ice cube, the mold comprises a lower face having an internal perimeter and side faces. Each lateral face of the mold has a corresponding internal perimeter, an edge corresponding top, and a corresponding lower edge. The corresponding upper edge of each lateral face is longer than the corresponding lower edge. Each side face extends inward from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The mold comprises a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume, the three-dimensional shape comprises a second volume. The second volume is defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion of the three-dimensional shape. The protrusion extends upward between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter. The conical protrusion when it extends upwards between the lower external perimeter and the upper external perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The mold further defines a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, with the mold configured to receive water within the third volume.

The foregoing and other aspects, features and advantages of the present description will be apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments thereof that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A to 1L show ice cube geometries according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a mold fragment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURES 3A to 3C show ice cubes of various geometries of hoppers and fins that increase the interconnection of water with the mold area according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the mold fragment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 5 shows the configuration of ice cubes according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the mold fragment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mold fragment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 8A represents the percentage by volume of 150 ice cubes against time.

FIGURE 8B represents the wall thickness of ice cubes in mm versus time.

FIGURES 9A to 9F depict portions of ice cubes comprising water and portions of ice cubes comprising ice after 30 seconds of freezing according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURES 10A to 10D illustrate an ice cube according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 11A to 11D illustrate another ice cube according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate an additional ice cube according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 13A to 13D still illustrate an additional ice cube according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 14 illustrates the time to freeze 95% by volume and the time to achieve complete freezing of ice cubes according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 15A to 15D illustrate a dispensing apparatus according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 16A is a perspective view of an assembled form of ice cube molds back to back according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 16B is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 16A.

FIGURE 17A and FIGURE 17B illustrate a mold shown in FIGURE 16A and FIGURE 16B according to at least one aspect of the disclosure.

FIGURE 18A is a side view of a mold according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 18B is a bottom view of the mold shown in FIGURE 18A.

FIGURE 19 is a bottom view of a cover according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 20A to 20C illustrate one embodiment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the complete assembly and an exploded perspective view of an embodiment according to at least one aspect of the disclosure.

FIGURE 22A and FIGURE 22B are top and bottom perspective views of a mode according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 23A to 23H illustrate various methods of collecting ice, each of which includes at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURES 24A through 24E illustrate various additional ice collection procedures, each of which includes at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 25 illustrates another ice collection procedure that includes at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 26 illustrates yet another procedure of ice pickup that includes at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURES 27A to 27C illustrate one embodiment according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 28A to 28D illustrate a collection of ice and apparatus according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 29A to 291 illustrate a collection of ice and apparatus according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGURE 30 illustrates a side view of a water filling system according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 31A to 31D illustrate the collection of ice and apparatus according to at least one aspect of the description.

FIGS. 32A to 32L illustrate the collection of ice and apparatus according to at least one aspect of the description.

In one aspect of the description, an ice making machine with reduced overall dimensions and reduced freezing time of an ice cube can be provided to provide the production of "ice on demand".

In one aspect, the heat flow from water in a mold can be increased towards the mold. The heat flow it can be intensified by increasing the area of water interconnection in the mold.

In one aspect, a predetermined form of ice cube can be used to reduce the freezing time. The predetermined ice cube shape can have a truncated pyramid shape similar to a regular cube of ice cube.

In one aspect, a mold with a plurality of cells and plurality of channels for the freezing agent can be used. In order to provide freezing of the water surface on the open side of a cell, an evaporator can be used. The ice making machine may comprise a freezing agent distribution system configured to provide a route for a freezing agent that provides substantially equal heat removal from a plurality of ice cube molds.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus may be provided. The ice maker may comprise a mold, the mold defines a first volume for an ice cube, the mold comprises a bottom face having an internal perimeter and side faces. Each side face of the mold may have a corresponding internal perimeter, a corresponding upper edge, and a corresponding lower edge. The corresponding upper edge of each face Lateral can be longer than the corresponding lower edge. Each side face may extend inwardly from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The mold may comprise a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume, the three-dimensional form comprises a second volume. The second volume can be defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion of the three-dimensional shape. The protrusion may extend upward between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter. The protrusion may taper as it extends upwardly between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The mold can also define a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, with the mold configured to receive water within the third volume. The apparatus may comprise a cooling device configured to cool water within the third volume sufficiently to freeze the water.

In one aspect of the description, an ice making apparatus comprising a mold can be provided. The mold may comprise an upper part and a lower part. Each of the parts may comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells which correspond to a plurality of ice cube mold cells of the other part of the mold. He The mold can be configured in such a way that a first mold cell of the lower part of the mold and a corresponding second cell of the mold upper part of the mold comprise a simple enclosure. The simple enclosure can define a volume for a simple ice cube. A first channel can be configured to fill the first mold cell and the second corresponding mold cell with water. A second channel can be configured to allow air to escape from the single enclosure when the first mold cell and the second mold cell are filled with water. A plurality of passages can be configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within the mold cells to the mold cells, and freeze the water inside the mold cells.

In one aspect, an ice making apparatus comprising an evaporator can be provided. The evaporator can be separated from the mold. The evaporator and mold can be combined where evaporation occurs in the mold. A dual or two loop system can be used. In a two-loop system, evaporation occurs in an evaporator, for example, a heat conductor is cooled in the evaporator. After cooling in the evaporator, the heat conductor is placed in the heat transfer contact with the mold, and the heat conductor cools the mold. In one aspect, the heat conductor flows through a portion of the mold to cool mold.

In one aspect of the description, an ice making apparatus comprising a mold and a plate can be provided. The mold can be placed on the plate. The mold may comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells, each ice cube mold cell may comprise an opening in the bottom of the cell, and an air exhaust channel in the upper part of the cell for allow air to escape from the ice bucket mold cell when the plate is filled with water. Each of the mold and the plate may comprise a plurality of passages, each passage being configured to receive a cooling agent and provide a sufficient heat transfer from water within the ice cube mold cells to the mold cells of ice cube, and freeze water inside the ice cube mold cells. Each ice cube mold cell may comprise a corresponding channel to allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with water.

In one aspect of the description, a method for making a plurality of ice cubes can be provided. The method may comprise placing a mold on a plate. The mold may comprise a plurality of cells. Each cell may comprise an opening in the lower part of the cell, and an air exhaust channel in the upper part of the cell.

The method may comprise filling each of the plurality of cells by filling the plate with water, and transferring heat from water within the plurality of cells to the mold cells and freezing water within the cells.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus comprising a mold may be provided, wherein the mold may comprise a plurality of cells. Each cell may comprise an opening in an upper part of each cell. The mold may comprise a plurality of passages for a freezing agent, and an upper part. The upper part can be sealed with a cover. The upper part may comprise a vacuum chamber. A vacuum pump may be provided, the vacuum pump is configured to pump moist air from the mold. A pipe may be provided, the pipe extends from the vacuum chamber of the mold to the vacuum pump. When the pressure in the vacuum chamber begins to reduce, the dissolved gases begin to leave the volume of water in each cell. The vacuum pump can be configured to pump moist air from the mold in such a way that the pressure in the vacuum chamber drops below 610.5 Pa ((0.18 in Hg) at 0 ° C (32 ° F)).

In one aspect of the description, an ice cube is provided. The ice cube may comprise an upper face having an outer perimeter, a lower face having an outer perimeter, and side faces. Each face side may include a corresponding external perimeter, a corresponding upper edge, and a corresponding lower edge, the corresponding upper edge of each side face is longer than the corresponding lower edge, each side face extends inwardly from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The upper face, lower face and side faces can define a first volume. In a modality, a three-dimensional shape can be provided, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume. The three-dimensional shape may comprise a second volume. The second volume can be defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion. The protrusion may extend upwardly between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The protrusion may taper when it extends upwardly between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The ice cube can further define a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, the third volume comprises ice, and the second volume comprises liquid or unfrozen air, or a combination of liquid and unfrozen air.

In one aspect, a cooling agent dispensing apparatus may be provided. The apparatus of The cooling agent distribution may comprise an inlet, an outlet, and a distribution device. The input can be configured to receive a cooling agent. The dispensing device can be configured to receive the cooling agent from the inlet. The dispensing device can be configured to distribute the cooling agent in a way that the cooling agent provides substantially equal or uniform cooling for a plurality of molds comprising a liquid to be cooled by the cooling agent.

In one aspect, an ice making machine that is configured to produce ice faster than conventional ice makers can be provided. The conventional ice maker, such as an ice maker used to make ice for beverage dispensers, typically has ice production cycles of about 10-15 minutes, ie, about 4-6 cycles per hour. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making machine that produces ice in less than 1 minute, i.e., more than 60 cycles per hour, can be provided. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making machine that produces ice in about 30 seconds, that is, approximately 120 cycles per hour, can be provided. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Ice making machine that produces ice in approximately 17 seconds or less, that is, approximately 212 cycles per hour or more. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making machine that produces ice in about 15 seconds, that is, about 240 cycles per hour, may be provided. Previous times of 30 seconds and 17 seconds are freezing times. Time is needed to fill cells with water, freeze them, uncouple ice from the mold, and to collect the ice. Therefore, the production cycle is approximately 70-90 seconds, which includes a freezing time of 30 seconds, and the production cycle is approximately 60-80 seconds, which includes a freezing time of 17 seconds .

In one aspect, an ice making machine comprising an ice picking apparatus can be provided. The ice collection apparatus may comprise various structures to facilitate the removal of the ice cubes from a mold. The ice collection apparatus can be configured to be incorporated into the ice making machine and / or cooperate with the ice making machine described herein.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making apparatus comprising a mold is provided.

The apparatus comprises an arm and a cube mold of ice comprising a plurality of ice cube mold cells. The ice cube mold is configured to sufficiently cool a liquid in the ice cube mold cells in such a way that an ice cube is formed in each ice cube mold cell. The apparatus comprises a water filling system, the water filling system is configured to move together with the arm. The water filling system includes water filling distributors. Each water filling dispenser is configured to distribute a liquid to be frozen in a corresponding ice cube mold cell. Each water filling dispenser is configured to move an ice cube formed in the corresponding ice cube mold cell away from the corresponding ice cube mold cell when the water filling system moves away from the cube mold of ice. On the other hand, the apparatus comprises an ice cube remover. The ice cube remover can be configured to press ice cubes out of the water fill dispensers when the water filling system moves along with the arm towards the ice cube remover.

In one aspect of the description, an ice making apparatus is configured to provide conditions for rapid production (on demand). This is achieved by the increased intensity of heat exchange between the water and the mold which is achieved by specially designed cells that increase the surface area of water-mold interconnection.

FIGURE 1A illustrates a modality according to aspects of the description. More specifically, FIGURE 1A illustrates a shape of an ice cube 100 with an increased mold-water interconnection area. The ice cube 100 can be formed using a corresponding ice cube mold 126. The ice cube 100 comprises an upper face 102, a lower face 101, and four side faces 105, 106, 107 and 108. In one embodiment, the upper face 102, the lower face 101, and the four side faces 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be parallelograms. The upper face 102 may have an outer perimeter 112, and a lower face 101 may have an outer perimeter 111. Each of the four faces 105, 106, 107 and 108 may have an outer perimeter 114. The outer perimeter 114 of each side face may have an upper edge 116 and a lower edge 118. In one embodiment, the upper edge 116 of each side face 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be longer than the bottom edge 118 of each side 105, 106, 107, and 108. In one embodiment, each of the side faces 105, 106, 107 and 108 can extend or tilt inwardly from the top edge 116 of each side face.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a mold 126 is provided. The mold 126 can define a first volume for a ice cube, such as a 100 cube of ice. The mold 126 may comprise a lower face having an internal perimeter. The mold 126 may also comprise side faces. Each side face of the mold may have a corresponding internal perimeter, a corresponding upper edge, and a corresponding lower edge. The corresponding upper edge of each side face may be longer than the corresponding lower edge, each side face extends inwardly from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The lower face and side faces of the mold 126 may correspond respectively to the lower face 101, and side faces 105, 106, 107 and 108 of the ice cube 100. The mold 126 may comprise an upper face having an internal diameter. The upper face of the mold 126 may correspond to the upper face 102 of the ice cube 100.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a three-dimensional shape 122 is provided. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional shape 122 in general may be a three-dimensional "U" shape 120. The form 120 in ü can have a superior external perimeter 103, and a lower external perimeter 104, and lateral fins 124. In one embodiment, the upper external perimeter 103 may be smaller than the lower external perimeter 104. In one embodiment, the lateral fins 124 may taper when extending upward from the lower outer perimeter 104 toward the upper external perimeter 103.

FIGURES IB, 1C, ID, and 1E illustrate various views of ice cube 100. FIGURE IB is a perspective view of the ice cube 100 after it has been removed from the mold 126 shown in FIGURE 1A. The ice cube 100 may have the following dimensions: each upper edge 116 may have a length L1 (see FIGURES 1C and ID), each lower edge 118 may have a length L2 (see FIGURE ID), and a length L3 between a plane of the upper face 102 and a plane of the lower face 101 (see FIGURE ID). In one embodiment, the ice cube 100 may have inclined outer side walls and the length L1 may be greater than the length L2. In one embodiment, a length Ll can be 21 mm, the length L2 can be 19 mm, and the length L3 can be 20 mm. As shown in FIGURE 1C, after the three-dimensional shape 122 of ice cube 100 is removed, a space 128 is defined by the ice cube 100. The space 128 may comprise extremities 130 and 132, which face each other, and a connecting portion 134 which is connected at each end. In one embodiment, the distance DI between the limbs 130 and 132 may be greater on the upper face 102 than the distance D2 on the lower face 101. For example, the distance DI can be 5 mm, and the distance D2 can be 3 mm. Due to the taper of the ice cube 100 between a length Ll and a length L2, the difference in length between a length Ll and a length L2 is shown as the distance D3 at each end of the length L2. In one embodiment, D3 can be 1 mm.

FIGURES 1F, 1G, 1H, and II illustrate various views of one embodiment of a 100 'cube of ice. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1F to II, the length L1 may be 23 mm, the length L2 may be 21 mm, the length L3 may be 22 mm, the distance DI may be 5 mm, and the distance D2 can be 3 mm. The ice cube 100 'can have a similar shape as the ice cube 100, with different dimensions for Ll, L2 and / or L3. Due to the taper of ice cube 100 'between a length Ll and a length L2, the difference in length between a length Ll and a length L2 is shown as the distance D3 at each end of length L2. In one embodiment, D3 can be 1 mm.

FIGURES 1J, 1K, and 1L illustrate ice cubes 150 having vertical walls. The ice cubes 150 may have a space 152. The ice cubes 150 may have the following dimensions: each upper edge 154 may have a length Ll, each lower edge 156 may have a length L2, and a length L3 between a plane of the upper face 158 and a plane of the lower face 160. In one embodiment, a length Ll can be 20 mm, a length L2 can be 20 mm, and a length L3 can be 20 mm. As shown in FIGURE 1K, after a three-dimensional shape (not shown) corresponding to space 152, of cubes 150 of ice, is removed, space 152 is defined by cubes 150 of ice. The The three-dimensional shape corresponding to the space 152 may have a shape similar to the three-dimensional shape 122 discussed together with FIGURE 1A, but with vertical walls instead of the sloping walls. The space 152 may comprise limbs 162 and 164, which face each other, and a connecting portion 166 which is connected at each end. In one embodiment, the distance DI between the limbs 162 and 164 may be 4 mm. The limb 162 may have a width Wl, the limb 164 may have a width W2, and the connecting portion 166 may have a width W3. In one embodiment, each of Wl, W2, and W3 can be 4 mm.

The ice cubes 150 can be formed according to the following procedure. An empty mold is cooled from the bottom of the mold to about -30 to about -35 degrees. The mold is filled with water at room temperature using a syringe. In about 30-35 seconds, ice cubes 150 can be frozen to about 95% by volume, and 100% frozen in about 45 seconds. FIGURE 8A represents the percentage by volume of cubes 150 of ice against time.

An ice cube having the same dimensions as ice cubes 150 is formed according to the following procedure. An empty mold is cooled from the bottom of the mold to approximately -30 to approximately -35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with water at room temperature using a syringe. In about 17 seconds, the unfrozen water can be sucked out of the mold, leaving a layer of ice on the mold surfaces. The average wall thickness can be approximately 2 mm after 17 seconds of freezing. When the freezing time extends to 30 seconds, the average wall thickness was about 3 mm. FIGURE 8B represents the wall thickness of the ice cube in mm versus time.

FIGURE 9A depicts the portions of the ice cubes 150 comprising water and the portion of the ice cubes 150 comprising ice after 30 seconds of freezing according to the above procedure. FIGURE 9B represents the temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube 150 after 30 seconds of freezing according to the procedure described in the above with respect to FIGURE 8A.

The ice cube 100 described together with FIGS. IB to 1E can be formed according to the following procedure. An empty mold is cooled to approximately -35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with water at room temperature using a syringe. FIGURE 9C represents ice cube portions 100 comprising water and ice cube portion 100 comprising ice after 30 seconds Freezing according to the above procedure, FIGURE 9D represents the temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube 100 after 30 seconds of freezing according to the procedure described above.

The cube 100 'of ice described together with FIGS. 1F to II can be formed according to the following procedure. An empty mold is cooled to approximately -35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with water at room temperature using a syringe. FIGURE 9E depicts the cube portions 100 'of ice comprising water and the cube portion 100 of ice comprising ice after 30 seconds of freezing according to the above procedure. FIGURE 9F represents the temperature (in degrees Celsius) for ice cube 100 after 30 seconds of freezing according to the procedure described above.

FIGURE 2 shows one embodiment of a mold 200 according to at least one aspect of the description. The mold 200 can be configured to correspond to the ice cube shown in FIGURE 1. The mold body 201 can include a plurality of individual cells of the ice cube mold 202. Each mold cell may include fins 203 connected to the mold body 201. The channels 204 for a freezing agent can be located in proximity to the cells 202 in order to provide a transfer of efficient heat to freeze water in mold cells 202.

In one aspect of the description, using an ice cube shape as shown in FIGURE 1 can result in approximately a 10-fold reduction in the freezing time of the ice cube when compared to a monolithic cube of the same external dimensions .

Other embodiments according to the description are shown in FIGURES 3A, 3B, and 3C. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the protuberances and / or fins may have different shapes and may be configured to increase the area of the mold-surface interface.

FIGURE 3A illustrates a shape of an ice cube 300 with an increased mold-water interconnection area according to at least one aspect of the description. As shown in FIGURE 3A, the ice cube 300 may have an upper face 302, a lower face 301, and side faces 305, 306, 307, and 308. In one embodiment, the upper face 302, lower face 301, and the four side faces 305, 306, 307, and 308 may be parallelograms. The ice cube 300 may be formed using a corresponding ice cube mold, such as the mold 126 shown in FIGURE 1. The upper face 302 may have an outer perimeter 312, and a lower face 301 may have an outer perimeter 311. Each of the four side faces 305, 306, 307, and 308 may have an outer perimeter 314. The outer perimeter 314 of each side face it may have an upper edge 316, and a lower edge 318. In one embodiment, the upper edge 316 of each side 305, 306, 307, and 308 may be longer than the lower edge 318 of each side 305, 306, 307, and 308. In one embodiment, each of the side faces 305, 306, 307 and 308 may extend or tilt inward from the top edge 316 of each side face. In one embodiment, a mold 320 is provided. A mold 320 may comprise a three-dimensional shape 322. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 322 in general may be a three-dimensional truncated "M" shape. The three-dimensional shape 322 may have a superior external perimeter 303, a lower external perimeter 304, and lateral fins 324. In one embodiment, the upper outer perimeter 303 may be smaller than the lower outer perimeter 304. In one embodiment, the side flaps 324 can taper when extended upward from the lower outer perimeter 304 to the upper outer perimeter 303.

FIGURE 3B illustrates a shape of an ice cube 30 with an increased mold-water interconnection area according to at least one aspect of the description. As shown in FIGURE 3B, the ice cube 340 may have an upper face 342, a lower face 341, and side faces 345, 346, 347, and 348. In one embodiment, the upper face 342, the lower face 341, and the four side faces 345, 346, 347, and 348 may be parallelograms. The ice cube 340 can be formed using a corresponding ice cube mold. The upper surface 342 may have an outer perimeter 352, and the lower face 341 may have an outer perimeter 351. Each of the four side faces 345, 346, 347, and 348 may have an outer perimeter 354. The outer perimeter 354 of each side face may have an upper edge 356 and a lower edge 358. In one embodiment, the upper edge 356 of each side face 345, 346, 347, and 348 may be longer than the bottom edge 358 of each side 345, 346, 347, and 348. In one embodiment, each of the side faces 345, 346, 347 and 348 can extend or tilt inward from the top edge 356 of each side face. In one embodiment, a mold 360 is provided. The mold 360 may comprise a three-dimensional shape 362. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 362 in general can be a set of forms in "L" three-dimensional, with two of the three-dimensional L-shapes (363, 364) being mirror images of each other. A third three-dimensional form 365 can be placed between and can join the three-dimensional shapes (363, 364) L. The three-dimensional shape 362 may have a superior external perimeter 366, a lower external perimeter 367, and secondary fins 368. In one embodiment, the upper external perimeter 366 may be smaller than the lower external perimeter 367. In one embodiment, the secondary fins 368 can taper when they extend upward from the lower external perimeter 367 to the upper external 366 perimeter.

FIGURE 3C illustrates a shape of an ice cube 380 with an increased mold-water interconnection area according to at least one aspect of the description. As shown in FIGURE 3C, the ice cube 380 may have an upper face 382, a lower face 381, and side faces 385, 386, 387, and 388. In one embodiment, the upper face 382, the lower face 381, and the four side faces 385, 386, 387, and 388 may be parallelograms. The ice cube 380 can be formed using a corresponding ice cube mold. The upper surface 382 may have an outer perimeter 389, and the lower face 381 may have an external perimeter 390. Each of the four side faces 385, 386, 387, and 388 may have an outer perimeter 391. The perimeter 391 of each side face may have an upper edge 392 and a lower edge 393. In one modality, the edge 392 on each side 385, 386, 387, and 388 may be longer than the lower edge 393 of each side 385, 386, 387, and 388. In one embodiment, each of the side faces 385, 386, 387 and 388 may extend or tilt inwardly from the upper edge 392 of each side face. In one embodiment, a mold 394 may be provided. The mold 394 may comprise a three dimensional shape 395. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 395 may have a generally similar shape as the 380 cube of ice, but is more small in size In one embodiment, the three-dimensional shape 395 may be a mirror image in reverse of a reduced volume ice cube 380. The three-dimensional shape 395 may have a superior external perimeter 396 and a lower external perimeter 397. In one embodiment, the upper external perimeter 396 may be smaller than the lower external perimeter 397. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 395 may have side faces 398. The side faces 398 may taper when they extend upwardly from the lower outer perimeter 397 toward the upper outer perimeter 396.

One embodiment of a mold 400 is shown in FIGURE 4 according to various aspects of the description. The mold 400 may comprise a first part 401 and a second part 402. Each of the parts may have a plurality of cube mold cells 410 of ice. The cells can be positioned in such a way that a cell in the first part 401 and a cell in the second part 402 form a simple enclosure 403 for manufacturing a simple ice cube. The enclosure 403 may be filled with water 411 through the channel 405. The channel 406 may allow air to escape from the enclosure 403 when the latter is being filled with water 411. Each part 401 and 402 of the mold may also include a plurality of passages. 409 for the freezing agent 407. In order to seal enclosures 403, the first part 401 and / or the second part 402 may t 29 covered with a sealing liner 408 in a surface area where the first part 401 is received in the second part 402.

FIGURE 5 illustrates an ice cube configuration according to aspects of the description. The ice cube 500 can be used to reduce the freezing time. In this configuration, the ice cube 500 may have a truncated pyramid shape similar to a regular ice cube die. However, unlike a regular ice die, the ice cube 500 can define an internal volume 502 that is not completely frozen, thus providing a 501 wall structure of the ice cube, which enclose the volume 502 internal filled with water.

Because the volume of ice in the ice cube 500 is significantly less than that of a monolithic ice cube of the same external dimension, the freezing time of the ice cube to form the ice cube 500 can be approximately 20 times smaller when compared to the freezing time of the ice cube to form a monolithic cube with the same external dimensions.

FIGURE 6 illustrates a mold design that can be produced by the ice cube 500 illustrated in FIGURE 5. The mold 600 can comprise a mold 601 and a plate 602. Each of the mold 601 and the plate 602 has a plurality of molds. passages 606 for a freezing agent (not shown). The mold 601 may also comprise a plurality of ice cube cells 603. Each cell 603 may have a corresponding channel 605 to allow air to escape from the cell when the plate 602 is filled with water 604.

The freezing time can be selected in such a way that the resulting wall thickness of the ice cube can be sufficient to provide the required mechanical strength of the ice cube. Because the volume of ice in the ice cube 500 is significantly less than that of a monolithic ice cube of the same external dimension, the time required to freeze the ice cube structure of the ice cube 500, i.e. the walls 501 of the ice cube can be reduced by a factor of approximately 20 times for a wall thickness of approximately 2-3 mm.

An alternative procedure for the production of ice cubes is shown in FIGURE 7 according to at least one aspect of the description. The ice maker 700 may comprise a mold 701. The mold 701 may comprise a plurality of cells 702 and a plurality of passages 710 for a freezing agent 703. In order to provide freezing of the water surface on the open side 711 of cell 702, water evaporation can be used. An upper part 712 of the mold 701 can be sealed with a cover 704. The upper part 712 a vacuum pump 706 can be connected via a pipe 705, which can be configured to pump wet air from the mold 701.

When the pressure above the water surface (for example, in the vacuum chamber 707) begins to decrease, the dissolved gases begin to leave the volume of water. When the pressure falls below the partial vapor pressure point of the water (which is 610.5Pa (0.18 in Hg) at 0 ° C (32 ° F)) the water / ice begins to evaporate intensely. This causes the significant removal of heat energy from the remaining liquid water.

FIGURES 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D represent the 1000 cube of ice. As shown in these figures, the ice cube 1000 can be formed using a three dimensional shape 1002. The three-dimensional shape 1002 may comprise vertical walls 1004, and have a top face 1006 and a bottom face 1008 that are square. Each outer wall 1010 of the ice cube 1000 may be a square. Each outer wall 1010 may have a length Ll. In one embodiment, the length Ll can be 20 mm. Each outer wall 1010 may have a width W4. In one embodiment, the width W4 can be 4 mm. The thickness or width of each outer wall 1010 can be 4 mm, and the space 1012 defined in the ice cube 1000 after the three-dimensional shape 1002 is removed, can have a distance of 12 mm between the internal faces 1014 and 1016 opposite of the 1000 cube of ice.

The ice cube 1000 can be formed according to the following procedure. An empty mold that corresponds to the shape of the ice cube 1000 can be cooled to -35 degrees Celsius. The mold is filled with water at room temperature using a syringe.

FIGURES 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D depict an ice cube 380 shown in FIGURE 3C. The three-dimensional shape 395 is shown in FIGURE 11C. The ice cube 380 can have the following dimensions: each upper edge 392 can have a length Ll; each lower edge 393 may have a length L2, and a length L3 between a plane of the upper face 382 and a plane of the lower face 381. In one embodiment, Ll can be 21 mm, L2 can be 19 mm, and L3 can be 20 mm. As shown in FIGURE 11B, after the 3-dimensional form 395 is removed from the ice cube 380, a space 399 is defined by the ice cube 380. As shown in FIG. As discussed with respect to FIGURE 3C, in one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 395 may be a mirror image in reverse of a cube 380 of reduced volume ice. The three-dimensional shape 395 may have a superior external perimeter 396 and a lower external perimeter 397. In one embodiment, the upper external perimeter 396 may be smaller than the lower external perimeter 397. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional form 395 may have side faces 398. The faces 398 The sides may taper when they extend upwardly from the outer perimeter 397 below the upper outer perimeter 396. The width from space 399 to upper edge 392 may be a width W5. In one embodiment, the width W5 can be 5 mm. The width from the space 399 to the bottom edge 393 may be a width W6, In one embodiment, the width W6 may be 3 mm. The difference in length between the length Ll and a length L2 is shown as the distance D3 at each end of length L2. In one embodiment, D3 can be 1 mm.

FIGURES 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D represent ice cube 1200. The ice cube 1200 has rounded outer corners 1202, but otherwise is similar to the ice cube 380 shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B.11C, and 11D.

FIGURES 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D represent ice cube 1300. The ice cube 1300 has a similar shape as the ice cube 1200 shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, except that the ice cube 1300 has different dimensions than the ice cube 1200. For example, in FIGURE 13A to 13D, the length Ll can be 23 mm, the length L2 can be 21 mm, and the length L3 can be 22 mm. In FIGURE 13A to 13D, the width W5 can be 5 mm, the width W6 can be 3 mm, and the distance D3 can be 1 mm.

FIGURE 14 illustrates the time to freeze 95% by volume and the time to achieve complete freezing of the cubes 150, 100, 100 ', 1000, 380, 1200, and 1300 of ice, respectively.

FIGURE 15A, FIGURE 15B, FIGURE 15C and the FIGURE 15D illustrate an apparatus for distributing the cooling agent 1500 according to at least one aspect of the description. The apparatus 1500 may comprise an inlet 1502, an outlet 1504, and a distribution device 1506. The inlet 1502 can be configured to receive a flow of a cooling agent having a first temperature. The dispensing device 1506 can be configured to receive the flow of the cooling agent from the inlet 1502. The apparatus 1500 can further comprise a tray 1508. The dispensing device 1506 can be configured to distribute the cooling agent so that the cooling agent provide a substantially equal or uniform cooling for a plurality of molds 1512 which may comprise a liquid to be cooled by the cooling agent. The dispensing device 1506 may comprise a tray 1508 and a distribution body 1510. The body 1510 can be configured to receive the flow of the cooling agent from the inlet 1502. The tray 1508 can be configured to receive the flow of the cooling agent from the body 1510 when the cooling agent that flows from the body 1510, and cools a plurality of molds 1512 when the cooling agent flows through the tray 1508 to the outlet 1504. The cooling agent may have a second temperature at the outlet 1504. The second temperature of the cooling agent at the outlet 1504 may be different than the first temperature of the cooling agent in the input 1502. For example, the second temperature of the cooling agent at outlet 1504 may be higher than the first temperature of cooling agent at inlet 1502.

The dispensing device 1506 may comprise any suitable combination of tray shape and body shape for distribution of the cooling agent in tray 1508 to provide substantially equal or uniform cooling for a plurality of molds 1512 which may comprise a liquid that it will be cooled by the cooling agent. As shown in FIGURE 15B, FIGURE 15C, and FIGURE 15D, the dispensing device 1506 may comprise a body or tube 1510 that may be elongated. The body 1510 may have a bar shape. The body 1510 may comprise a first section 1514, a second section 1516, and a third section 1518. The first section 1514 may be closer to the entrance 1502 than the second section 1516, and the second section 1516 may be closer to the entrance 1502 to the third section 1518. The second section 1516 may be closer to the exit 1504 than the first section 1514. The third section 1518 may be found closer to the exit 1504 than the first section 1514 and the second section 1516. In this way, the second section 1516 may be a middle section that lies between the first section 1514 and the third section 1518. In one embodiment, the body 1510 may be placed on a surface 1542 of tray 1508. In another embodiment, body 1510 may extend over but not be placed on surface 1542 of tray 1508. As shown in FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D, body 1510 may having a length, width, and height that is less than 0 a corresponding length, width, and height of the tray 1508.

In one embodiment, the body 1510 may comprise a first end 1522, a second end 1522, an upper surface 1524 and a lower surface 1526, the lower surface 1526 opposite to the upper surface 1524. The lower surface 1526 of the body 1510 can be placed in the} 1 surface 1542 of tray 1508. Body 1510 may comprise a first side surface 1528, and a second side surface 1530, second side surface 1530 opposite to the first side surface 1528. The first end 1520 may be in fluid communication with the inlet 1502. The second end 1522 may be at one end of the third section 1518.

The first section 1514 can define a first set 1532 of holes. The first set 1532 of Holes can comprise two holes in the first side surface 1528, and two holes in the second side surface 1530, the two holes in the second side surface 1530 opposite the two holes in the first side surface 1528.

The second section 1516 may define a second set of holes 1534. The second set of holes 1534 may comprise a hole in the upper surface 1524, a hole in the first lateral surface 1528, and a hole in the second lateral surface 1530 The third section 1518 may define a third set of holes 1536. The third set of holes 1536 may comprise two holes in the upper surface 1524, three holes in the first lateral surface 1528, and three holes in the second lateral surface 1530.

FIGURE 15D illustrates arrows showing the flow of a cooling agent from the first, second, and third sets of holes and in tray 1508. Tray 1508 may have an end 1538. End 1538 may define one or more orifices 1540 The orifice 1540 may be a plurality of holes, as shown in FIGURE 15D. As shown in FIGURE 15D, the flow of a cooling agent can leave the tray 1508 through the holes 1540 and in the outlet 104. In an alternative for the holes 1540 or in addition to the holes 1540, the end 1538 it may comprise a funnel or frusto-conical shape configured to receive the flow of a cooling agent from the tray 1508 and transport the flow of the cooling agent to the outlet 1504.

Those with experience in the art will recognize that, according to the description, when the cooling agent flows from the body 1510 and into the tray 1508, and then flows to the outlet 1504, the cooling agent will cool the liquid that can be placed in it. the plurality of molds 1512 when removing the heat from the liquid. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, according to the description, the placement, number, and sizing of each of the holes of the first, second, and third set of holes can be varied to distribute the cooling agent so that the The cooling agent provides a substantially equal or uniform cooling for a plurality of molds 1512 which may comprise a liquid to be cooled by the cooling agent. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, according to the description, equal or uniform cooling of the liquid in the plurality of molds can result in the freezing of the liquid in each mold at approximately the same rate, thus forming a cube of ice in each mold approximately at the same time.

Those with experience in the art will recognize that, according to the description, the cooling agent dispensing apparatus 1500 and / or distribution device 1506 can be used for the manufacture of the ice cubes, such as the ice cubes described herein, for example, the ice cube 100 (shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E), the ice cube 100r (shown in FIGS. 1F to II), the ice cubes 150 (shown in FIGS. 1J to 1K), the ice cubes formed in the ice cube mold cells 202 (FIGURE 2), the ice cube 300 (shown in FIGURE 3A), the ice cube 340 (shown in FIGURE 3B), the ice cube 380 (shown in FIG. FIGURE 3C, and FIGURES 11A to 11D), the ice cubes formed in ice cube mold cells (see FIGURE 4), the ice cube 500 (see FIGURE 5), the ice cubes formed in cells of ice cube mold 603 (see FIGURE 6), ice cubes formed in ice cube mold cells 702 (see FIGURE 7), cube 100 0 ice (shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D), ice cube 1200 (shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D), and ice cube 1300 (shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D).

The apparatus 1500 can also be used to facilitate the removal of the ice cubes from the molds 1512. For example, after the ice cubes have been formed in the molds 1512, the flow of the cooling agent can be stopped, and a flow of A heating agent, also called a heat-cooling agent, can be sent to through the same route when the cooling agent, i.e. the heating agent, can be sent through the inlet 1502, the distribution device 1506, the tray 1508, and the outlet 1504. The heating agent can have a first temperature at the inlet 1502, and a second temperature at the outlet 1504. The second temperature of the heating agent at the outlet 1504 may be different than the first temperature of the heating agent at the inlet 1502. For example, the second temperature of the heating agent at outlet 1504 may be less than the first temperature of the heating agent at inlet 1502. When the heating agent flows through tray 1508, the heating agent heats the ice-mold interface, loosening by therefore, the ice cubes of the molds 1512.

The ice collection apparatus may comprise two molds. Each mold may comprise a plurality of mold cells. The two molds can be anti-phase and rotational with respect to one another.

FIGURE 16A and FIGURE 16B illustrate a mold device 1600 which may comprise ice cube molds 1602 and 1604 back to back. FIGURE 16A is a perspective view of the mold device 1600 when assembled. FIGURE 16B is an exploded view of the mold device 1600 shown in FIGURE 16A. Mold 1602 may comprise a first plurality of mold cells 1606, for example, forty-five mold cells, on one side of the mold 1602, and a first heat transfer device 1610 on an opposite side of the first plurality of cells 1606 of mold. The mold 1604 may comprise a second plurality of mold cells 1608, for example, forty-five mold cells, on one side of the mold 1604, and a second heat transfer device 1612 on an opposite side of the second plurality of cells 1608 of mold.

The mold device 1600 may comprise a first sub-assembly 1614. The first subassembly 1614 may comprise the mold 1602, a first mold cover 1616, a first heat transfer device 1610, and a first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device. The first mold cover 1616 may comprise a thermally insulated cover and / or comprise thermally insulated material. The first mold cover 1616 can define a first opening 1634. The first mold cover 1616 can be configured such that when placed on the mold 1602, the first opening 1634 allows the plurality of mold cells 1606 to be loaded with a liquid, for example, water, when the mold 1602 is in an upward facing position. The mold 1602 can be configured in such a way that the first device 1610 of Heat transfer can be placed in a compartment 1636 of the first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device.

The mold device 1600 may comprise a second sub-assembly 1620. The second subassembly 1620 may comprise the mold 1604, a second mold cover 1622, a second heat transfer device 1612, and a second cover 1624 of the heat transfer device. The second mold cover 1622 can define a second opening 1640. The second mold cover 1624 can be configured such that when placed on the mold 1604, the second opening 1640 allows the plurality of mold cells 1608 to be loaded with a mold. liquid, for example, water, when the mold 1604 is in an upward facing position. The mold 1604 can be configured in such a way that the second heat transfer device 1612 can be placed in a compartment 1642 of the second cover 1624 of the heat transfer device.

The mold device 1600 can comprise a housing 1626. The housing 1626 can be thermally insulated and / or comprise thermally insulated material. The mold device 1600 may comprise inlet cooling agent tubes 1628, outlet cooling tubes 1628 ', a shaft 1630 and shaft supports 1632. The inlet cooling agent tubes 1628 and the tubes 1628 'of Exit cooling agent can be flexible. The inlet cooling agent tubes 1628 can be configured to supply a cooling agent in at least the first heat transfer device 1610 when the first heat transfer device 1610 is in an upward facing position, or to supply an agent of cooling in at least the second heat transfer device 1612 when the second heat transfer device 1612 is in an upward facing position. The shaft 1630 can be supported by tree supports 1632. The shaft 1630 can be configured to rotate approximately on an axis A-A such that the first subassembly 1614 and the second subassembly 1620 can change positions. For example, the first subassembly 1614 can be rotated from an upward facing position as shown in FIGURE 16A to a downward facing position, and the second subassembly 1620 can be rotated from a downward facing position as shown in FIGURE 16A. 16B to an upward facing position.

The first sub-assembly 1614 and the second sub-assembly 1620 can be placed back to back in the housing 1626. In other words, a rear portion 1644 of the first heat transfer device 1618 can be oriented to a rear portion 1646 of the second cover 1624 of the transfer device of heat.

Those with experience in the art will recognize that according to the description, the first heat transfer device 1610 and the second heat transfer device 1612 can be any suitable heat transfer device, including but not limited to a transfer device. of heat comprising cooling fins 1648.

FIGURE 17A and FIGURE 17B illustrate the mold 1602 in combination with the first heat transfer device 1610 and the first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device. FIGURE 17A is a perspective of the combination, and FIGURE 17B is an exploded view of the combination. The spacers 1650 can be used at each end of the first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device. The separators 1650 can be configured to obtain the desired flow of a cooling agent from an inlet tube 1628 (see FIGURE 16B) to the first heat transfer device 1610 and from the first heat transfer device 1610 to a 1628 'outlet tube (see FIGURE 16B). As shown in FIGURE 16B, the mold 1604, the second heat transfer device 1612, and the second cover 1624 of the heat transfer device can have a similar configuration or the same as that of the mold 1602, the first device 1610 of heat transfer, and the first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device, respectively.

FIGURE 18A illustrates a side view of the mold 1602 and the first heat transfer device 1610 previously described. FIGURE 18B is a bottom view of the first heat transfer device 1610. The mold 1604 and the second heat transfer device 1612 can have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602 and the first heat transfer device 1610, respectively. The cooling fins 1648 may have a radius R1 as shown in FIGURE 18A. As shown in FIGURE 18A, the dimensions of the mold 1602 and the first heat transfer device 1610 are represented as distances A, B, C. The distance A is the height of the cooling fins 1648. The distance B is the height of the first heat transfer device 1610. The distance C is the height of the combination of the mold 1602 and the first heat transfer device 1610.

FIGURE 19 illustrates a bottom view of the first cover 1618 of the heat transfer device as previously described. The second cover 1624 of the heat transfer device can have a similar configuration or the same.

FIGURE 20A, FIGURE 20B, and FIGURE 20C illustrate the first sub-assembly 1614 when placed in the housing 1626. FIGURE 20A is a perspective view, FIGURE 20B is an exploded view, and FIGURE 20C is a top view. The staples 2002 can be used to maintain the position of the first subassembly in the housing 1626. When the second subassembly 1620 is placed in the housing 1626 it can have a configuration similar or the same as that of the first subassembly 1614.

FIGURE 21 illustrates the mold device 1600 in a cross-sectional view of the complete assembly.

FIGURE 22A illustrates a top perspective view of a mold 1602. FIGURE 22 B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mold 1602.

FIGURES 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, and 23H illustrate various methods of collecting ice, each of which can be used to collect a plurality of ice cubes.

FIGURE 23A illustrates an ice collection process 2310. The following is a description of method 2310. In step 2311 of method 2310, water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed facing upwards. This freezing in step 2311 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2311 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through of the channels 2304. The channels 2304 may be the same as or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or same as that of mold 1602, previously described. In step 2312 of method 2310, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that upper portion 2317 of ice cubes 2315 is oriented downward. In addition in step 2312, a heating agent 2314, also called a heat-cooling agent, can be used to heat the mold 2300 to allow the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. The heating agent 2314 can be passed to through channels 2304. Passing heating agent 2314 through channels 2304 can occur during or shortly after mold rotation 2300. In step 2313 of method 2310, ice cubes 2315 can be removed from mold 2300 when using gravity, and a 2303 aid rod for harvesting. In step 2313, removal of ice cubes 2315 2315 from mold 2300 can be facilitated by passing heating agent 2314 through channels 2304.

FIGURE 23B illustrates a method of ice collection 2320. The following is a description of procedure 2320. In step 2321 of procedure 2320, the Water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2321 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2321 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to FIG. 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2322 of method 2320, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that top 2317 of ice cubes 2315 are oriented downward. In step 2323 of method 2320, a thin electrical heater 2306 may be used to heat mold 2300 to loosen ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300. Thin electrical heater 2306 may surround or be in each ice-mold interconnect. In addition, in step 2323 of method 2320, ice cubes 2315 can be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity, and a pickup rod 2303. The method 2320 can provide rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect.

FIGURE 23C illustrates an ice collection procedure 2330. The following is a description of method 2330. In step 2331 of method 2330, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2331 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2331 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same as or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to FIG. 2m. , or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In the first step 2332 of the method 2330, the mold 2300 is rotated, for example, to rotate 180 degrees, so that the upper part 2317 of the ice cubes 2315 faces downwards. In step 2333 of method 2330, a light source 2335 is turned on, and light emitted from light source 2335 is absorbed by light absorbing coating 2334 in mold 2300, thereby heating mold 2300 to loosen the ice cubes 2315 from the mold 2300. Further, in step 2333 of the process 2330, the ice cubes 2315 can be removed from the mold 2300 by using gravity, and a rod 2303 from help for collection. The method 2330 can provide rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect.

FIGURE 23D illustrates an ice collection procedure 2340. The following is a description of method 2340. In step 2341 of method 2340, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2341 may be approximately 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2341 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to the FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2342 of method 2330, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that top 2317 of ice cubes 2315 faces downward. In step 2343 of the method 2340, a low adhesion coating 2344 in the mold 2300 in combination with gravity allows the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. Furthermore, in step 2343 of the process 2340, the cubes 2315 of ice they can be removed from the mold 2300 when using gravity, and a 2303 rod of aid for harvesting. By using a low adhesion coating 2344, the need for heating of the ice-mold interconnect can be reduced or eliminated.

FIGURE 23E illustrates an ice collection procedure 2350. The following is a description of method 2350. In step 2351 of method 2350, water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2331 may be about 30 seconds. Freezing water to form ice cubes in step 2351 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same as or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. Before freezing, 2355 extractors can be placed in the water that will freeze to form ice cubes. In step 2352 of method 2350, mold 2300 can be heated using a heat-cooling agent 2314 that is passed through channels 2304, thereby leaving ice cubes 2315 loosen from the mold 2300. In step 2353 of the process 2350, the ice cubes 2315 can be removed from the mold 2300 by lifting the extractors 2355, as shown by the arrow in FIGURE 23E, and / or lowering the mold 2300 away from the extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). The extractors 2355 can be located in an extraction bar 2356. At step 2353, removal of ice cubes 23415 from mold 2300 can be facilitated by passing heating agent 2314 through channels 2304. In step 2354 of process 2350, ice cubes 2315 can be released. of extractors 2355 when heating extractors 2355.

FIGURE 23F illustrates an ice collection procedure 2360. The following is a description of method 2360. In step 2361 of method 2360, water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2361 may be about 30 seconds. Freezing water to form ice cubes in step 2361 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or same as that of mold 1602, previously described. Before freezing, extractors 2355 can be placed in water that will freeze to form ice cubes. In step 2362 of method 2360, rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect can be achieved by using a thin-film electrical heater 2306, thereby allowing the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. The heater 2306 Slim electrical can surround or be found in each ice-mold interconnection. In step 2363 of method 2360, ice cubes 2315 can be removed from mold 2300 by lifting the extractors 2355 as shown by the arrow in FIGURE 23F, and / or lower the mold 2300 away from the extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). The extractors 2355 can be located in an extraction bar 2356. In step 2364 of method 2360, ice cubes 2315 can be released from extractors 2355 by heating extractors 2355.

FIGURE 23G illustrates an ice collection procedure 2370. The following is a description of method 2370. In step 2371 of process 2370, water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed facing upwards. This freezing in step 2371 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2371 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same as or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. Before freezing, extractors 2355 can be placed in water that will freeze to form ice cubes. In step 2372 of method 2370, rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect can be achieved using a light source 2335. The light emitted from the light source 2335 can be absorbed by the light absorbing coating 2334, thereby allowing the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. In step 2373 of the 2370 process, the ice cubes 2315 they can be removed from the mold 2300 by lifting the extractors 2355 as shown by the arrow in FIGURE 23G, and / or lowering the mold 2300 away from the extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). The extractors 2355 can be located in an extraction bar 2356. In step 2374 of method 2370, ice cubes 2315 can be released from extractors 2355 by heating extractors 2355.

FIGURE 23H illustrates an ice collection procedure 2380. The following is a description of process 2380. In step 2381 of method 2380, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2381 may be about 30 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2381 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. Channels 2304 can be the same or similar to channels 204 previously described with respect to the FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. Before freezing, extractors 2355 can be placed in water that will freeze to form ice cubes. In step 2382 of method 2380, the ice cubes 2315 can be removed from the mold 2300 by lifting the extractors 2355 as shown by the arrow in FIGURE 23H and / or lowering the mold 2300 away from the extractors 2355 (not shown by an arrow). The extractors 2355 can be located in an extraction bar 2356. Removal of ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 can be helped by using a low adhesion 2344 coating. The low adhesion liner 2344 in the mold 2300 as shown in FIGURE 23H, in combination with the movement of the extractors 2355 away from the mold 2300 allows the ice cubes 2315 to be loosen from mold 2300. By using a low adhesion coating 2344, the need for heating of the ice-mold interconnect can be reduced or eliminated. In step 2383 of method 2380, ice cubes 2315 can be released from extractors 2355 by heating extractors 2355.

FIGURES 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E illustrate various methods of collecting ice, each of which can be used to collect a plurality of ice cubes.

FIGURE 24A illustrates a method of ice collection 2410. The following is a description of the process 2410. In step 2411 of the process 2410, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, oriented upwards. This freezing in step 2411 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2-4-4rl can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. The mold 2300 can comprise a first set 2408 of channels, channels 2304 by under the bottom of the ice cubes that are going to form. A second set of channels 2409, of the channels 2304 can also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed. Channels 2304 can be the same or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a configuration similar or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2412 of method 2410, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that the top of the ice cubes is oriented downward. Before or after the rotation in step 2412, the second set of channels 2409 can be removed away from ice cubes 2315. As shown in step 2412, removal of a plate 2419 comprising the second set of channels 2409 away from ice cubes 2315 can be facilitated by passing a heating agent 2314 through channels 2304 of the second set of channels 2409. In step 2412, a heating agent 2314, also called a heat-cooling agent, can be used to heat the mold 2300 to allow the ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. The heating agent can be passed through through channels 2304 of the first set 2408 of channels. By passing the heating agent through the channels 2304 of the first set 2408 of channels, rotation of the mold 2300 can occur during or shortly thereafter. In step 2413 of the process 2410, the ice cubes 2315 can be removed from the mold 2300 when using gravity, and a rod 2303 of help for collection. In step 2413, removal of ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300 can be facilitated by passing heating agent 2314 through channels 2304 of first channel assembly 2408.

FIGURE 24B illustrates a method of ice collection 2420. The following is a description of the process 2420. In step 2421 of the process 2420, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, facing upwards. This freezing in step 2421 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2421 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. The mold 2300 can comprise a first set of channels 2408, channels 2304 below the bottom part of the ice cubes that are going to form. A second set of channels 2409, of the channels 2304 can also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed. The channels 2304 may be the same or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2422 of method 2420, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, so that the top of the ice cubes are facing downwards. Before or after the rotation in step 2422, the second set of channels 2409 can be removed from the ice cubes 2315. As shown in step 2422, removal of the second set of channels 2409 away from the ice cubes 2315 can be facilitated by using a portion 2307 of a thin electrical heater 2306. In step 2422, a thin electrical heater 2306 may be used to heat the mold 2300 to loosen the ice cubes 2315 from the mold 2300. The thin electrical heater 2306 may surround or be in each ice-mold interconnect. Alternatively, or in addition to heating in step 2422, heater 2306 can be used in step 2423 of method 2420 to loosen ice cubes 2315 from mold 2300. In step 2423, ice cubes 2315 can be removed from mold 2300 at use gravity, and a 2303 help rod for collection. The method 2420 can provide rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect.

FIGURE 24C illustrates an ice collection procedure 2430. The following is a description of the process 2430. In step 2431 of the process 2430, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, oriented upwards. This freezing in the stage 2431 can be approximately 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2431 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. The mold 2300 can comprise a first set of channels 2408, channels 2304 below the bottom part of the ice cubes that are going to form. A second set of channels 2409, of the channels 2304 can also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed. The channels 2304 may be the same or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2432 of method 2430, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that top 2317 of ice cubes 2315 is oriented downward. Before or after the rotation in step 2432, the second set of channels 2409 can be removed away from the ice cubes 2315. In the stage 2432 of method 2430, a low adhesion coating 2344 in the mold 2300 in combination with gravity allows the ice cubes to loosen from the mold 2300. In step 2433 of the process 2430, removal of the ice cubes 2315 from the mold 2300 can be facilitated by heating the mold 2300, thereby reducing the collection time of the molds. ice cubes. In step 2433, a heating agent 2314, also called a heat-cooling agent, can be used to heat the mold 2300 to allow the ice cubes to loosen from the mold 2300. The heating agent 2314 can be passed through. of the channels 2304 of the first set of channels 2408.

FIGURE 24D illustrates an ice collection process 2440. The following is a description of method 2440. In step 2441 of method 2440, water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed facing upwards. This freezing in step 2441 may be about 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2441 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. The mold 2300 can comprise a first set of channels 2408, channels 2304 below the bottom part of the ice cubes that are going to form. A second set of channels 2409, channels 2304 can also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed. The channels 2304 may be the same as or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2442 of method 2440, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that upper portions 2317 of ice cubes 2315 are oriented downward. Before or after the rotation in step 2442, the second set of channels 2409 can be removed away from the ice cubes 2315. In step 2443 of method 2440, a thin electrical heater 2306 can be used to heat the mold 2300 to loosen the ice cubes of the mold 2300. The thin electrical heater 2306 can surround or be in each ice-mold interconnect. In addition, in step 2443 of method 2440, ice cubes can be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity. Removal of ice cubes can also be facilitated by using a pickup assist rod (not shown in FIGURE 24D), such as pickup aid 2303, discussed previously. The method 2440 can provide rapid heating of the ice-mold interconnect.

FIGURE 24E illustrates a 2450 ice collection process. The following is a description of the process 2450. In step 2451 of the process 2450, the water in a mold 2300 is subjected to freezing, with the upper part of the upper face of the ice cubes being formed, oriented upwards. This freezing in step 2451 may be approximately 17 seconds. The freezing of water to form ice cubes in step 2451 can be achieved by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. The mold 2300 can comprise a first set of channels 2408, channels 2304 below the bottom of the ice cubes that are going to form. A second set of channels 2409, of the channels 2304 can also be provided above the top of the ice cubes to be formed. The channels 2304 may be the same or similar to the channels 204 previously described with respect to FIGURE 2, or to the passages 409 previously described with respect to FIGURE 4. The mold 2300 may have a similar configuration or the same as that of the mold 1602, previously described. In step 2452 of method 2450, mold 2300 is rotated, for example, rotated 180 degrees, such that upper portions 2317 of ice cubes 2315 face downward. Before or after the rotation in step 2452, the second set of channels 2409 can be removed away from ice cubes 2315.

Removal of the second set of channels 2409 can be facilitated by using a low adhesion coating 2344 in the ice-mold interconnect in the upper portions 2317 of the ice cubes, and the second set of channels 2409. In step 2453 of the process 2450, a low adhesion coating 2344 in the mold 2300 in combination with gravity allows ice cubes 2315 to loosen from the mold 2300. Further, in step 2453 of procedure 2450, ice cubes 2315 can be removed from mold 2300 by using gravity, and a pickup rod 2303. By using a low adhesion coating 2444 in the 2450 process, the need for heating of the ice-mold interconnect can be reduced or eliminated.

FIGURE 25 illustrates a 2500 ice collection method. The following is a description of procedure 2500. Two molds 2502 and 2504 can be provided back to back. Each of the molds 2502 and 2504 comprises 45 cube molds. The molds 2502 and 2504 can be the same or similar to the molds 1602 and 1604 previously described. The mold device 1600, previously described, can comprise the molds 2502 and 2504. The mold device 1600 can be used to carry out the process 2500. Each of the molds 2502 and 2504 can be used to produce 45 cubes of ice every 40 seconds, which correspond to 0.63 kg (1.4 pounds) of ice cubes per min Molds 2502 and 2504 in combination provide a cycle of production of ice cubes in 80 seconds, which includes the freezing and collective collection of 90 ice cubes from molds 2502 and 2504.

In step 2511 of the process 2500, the water is filled into the hub molds 2506, of the mold 2502. During step 2511, the cooling of the mold 2502 can be achieved at passing a cooling agent 2302 through the channels 2304. During step 2511, the heating of the mold 2504 can begin to loosen previously frozen ice cubes in the hub molds 2508, from the mold 2504. The mold heating 2504 it can occur by passing a heating agent 2314 through channels 2305, from mold 2504. Step 2511 can take approximately 10 seconds.

After the water is filled into mold molds 2506 of mold 2502 in step 2511, then step 2512 can be carried out. In step 2512, cooling of mold 2502 can continue, as cooling agent 2302 continues to pass. through the channels 2304, thus starting the freezing of the water in the cube molds 2506. In step 2512, heating of the mold 2504 can continue, as the heating agent 2314 continues to pass through the channels 2305 of the mold 2504. The heating of the mold 2504, in combination with the gravity and using a support rod 2303 for pickup to hit or push the ice cubes of the cube molds 2506, results in a pick-up of the ice cubes 2550 from mold 2504 in step 2512. Step 2512 can take approximately 20 seconds.

In step 2513, the cooling of the mold 2502 can continue, as the cooling agent 2302 continues to pass. through channels 2304, thus continuing to freeze water in cube molds 2506. In step 2513, the cooling of the mold 2504 can begin by passing the cooling agent 2302 through the channels 2305. The step 2513 can take about 10 seconds.

In step 2514, molds 2502 and 2504 are rotated 180 degrees such that mold 2502 and corresponding channels 2304 take the place of mold 2504 and corresponding channels 2305. The procedure 2500 can be repeated, starting with the mold hubs 2508 of the mold 2504 which are filled with water instead of the mold hubs 2506 of the mold 2502 according to step 2511, and starting with the heating of the mold 2502 (to loosen the ice cubes previously frozen in the mold hubs 2506 of the mold 2502 in step 2513), for example, by heating the mold 2502 by passing the heating agent 2314 through the channels 2304.

FIGURE 26 illustrates a 2600 ice collection method. The following is a description of the method 2600. Two molds 2602 and 2604 can be provided. Each of the molds 2602 and 2604 comprises 45 cube molds. The molds 2602 and 2604 may be the same or similar to the molds 1602 and 1604 previously described. The mold device 1600, previously described, can comprise the molds 2602 and 2604. The mold device 1600 can used to perform procedure 2600. Each of the molds 2602 and 2604 can be used to produce 45 cubes of ice every 40 seconds, corresponding to 0.63 kg (1.4 pounds) of ice cubes per minute. Molds 2602 and 2604 in combination provide a cycle of production of ice cubes in 80 seconds, which includes the freezing and collective collection of 90 ice cubes from molds 2602 and 2604.

In step 2611 of method 2600, water is filled into mold molds 2606 of mold 2602. Water can be filled using needles 2620 to fill water. Cooling of mold 2602 can also occur during step 2611. During step 2611, cooling of mold 2602 can also occur by passing a cooling agent 2302 through channels 2304. During step 2611, mold 2604 can heat to loosen the ice cubes 2640 previously formed in mold 2604. For example, this heating can be performed as shown in step 2611 of FIGURE 26 by passing a heating agent 2314 through the channels 2304 of the mold 2604, or by using a thin film electrical heater, for example, a heater 2306 thin film electrical as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 23B, FIG. 24B, and 24D, or by using a light absorption coating 2332 and light source 2335 as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 23C and 23G.

In step 2612, cooling of the mold 2602 continues to freeze the water in the mold 2602. During step 2612, the extraction rod 2656 can be moved away from the mold 2604, thereby moving the water filling needles 2630 and the ice cubes 2640 away from the mold 2604. The movement of the ice cubes 2640 away from the mold 2604 can be facilitated by continuing to heat the mold 2604, thereby heating the ice-mold interconnection.

In step 2613, the cooling of the mold 2602 continues until the water in the mold 2602 is frozen. During step 2613, the extraction rod 2656 can move towards the ice cube remover 2650. The 2650 ice cube remover can be a rod or bar. When the ice cubes 2640 are contacted with the ice cube remover 2650, the ice cube remover 2650 hits or pushes the ice cubes 2640 out of the water filling needles 2630. During step 2613, the cooling agent 2302 can begin to pass through the channels 2304 of the mold 2604 in order to start cooling the mold 2604.

Step 2614 is the mirror image of step 2611. During step 2614, extraction rod 2656 is returned back to mold 2604 and water filling needles 2630 begin to fill mold 2604 with water. During step 2614, mold 2602 can be heated to loosen pre-formed ice cubes 2660 in mold 2602. heating of the mold 2602 during step 2614 may be similar to heating the mold 2604 as discussed previously in conjunction with step 2611. As shown in FIGURE 26, during step 2614, a heating agent 2314 is passed through the the channels 2304 of the mold 2602 for loosening the ice cubes 2660 from the mold 2602. During step 2614, the cooling agent 2302 can continue to pass through the channels 2304 of the mold 2604 in order to start cooling the mold 2604 The freezing of water in the mold 2604 can begin in step 2614.

Step 2615 is the mirror image of step 2612. During step 2615, by passing cooling agent 2302 through continuous channels 2304, cooling of mold 2604 continues, and water freezing in the mold 2604. During step 2615, the extraction rod 2658 moves away from the mold 2602, thereby moving the needles 2620 to fill water associated with the extraction rod 2568 and the ice cubes 2660 away from the mold 2602 The movement of the ice cubes 2660 away from the mold 2602 can be facilitated by continuing to heat the mold 2602, thereby heating the ice-mold interconnection.

In step 2616, the heating of the mold 2604 can begin by heating the ice-mold interconnect. In step 2616, the extraction bar 2658 can move towards The 2652 remover of ice cubes. The 2652 ice cube remover can be a rod or bar. When ice cubes 2660 are contacted with ice cube remover 2652, ice cube remover 2652 hits or pushes ice cubes 2660 out of needles 2620 to fill water. During step 2616, the cooling agent 2302 can begin to pass through the channels 2304 of the mold 2602 in order to start cooling the mold 2602.

Each of the molds 2602 and 2604 can have an ice cube production cycle in 80 seconds according to the 2600 method.

FIGURES 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate a water filling system 2700 according to at least one aspect of the description. FIGURE 27A is a side view, FIGURE 27B is a bottom view, and FIGURE 27C is a front view of the water filling system 2700. The water filling system 2700 comprises needles 2702 for water supply, water inlets 2704, and chamber 2706. Water enters through water inlets 2704 and empty in chamber 2706. Water leaves the chamber 2706 through the water supply needles 2702. The needles 2702 may be the same as the needles 2620 and 2630 previously described.

FIGURES 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D illustrate an ice collection apparatus 2800. The ice collection apparatus may comprise a 2700 water filling system, and 2702 needles for filling water. As shown in FIGURE 28A, water can be filled into mold 2802, and frozen using a cooling agent (not shown). After the water has been frozen, the water filling system 2700, including the water filling needles 2702, can be moved away from the mold 2802 as shown in FIGURE 28B, thereby removing the ice cubes 2830 that they are attached to the needles 2702. The water filling system 2700 can be retained in an arm 2804. The arm 2804 can be supported by the support 2820. The arm 2804 can be pivoted or tilted up and away from the mold 2802 as shown in FIG. FIG. 28B, taking with arm 2804 water filling system 2700 and ice cubes attached to needles 2702. Motor 2816 can provide power to inclined arm 2804. Those with experience in the art will recognize that according to the description, the motor 2816 can be any suitable motor, including but not limited to a hydraulic motor. The arm 2804 can be pivoted on a pivot 2818 on a support 2820.

The water filling system 2700 can be moved together with the arm 2804 to the ice cube remover 2806, as shown in FIGURE 28C. When the ice cubes 2830 attached to the needles 2702 come into contact with the ice cube remover 2806, the ice cubes are pounded or pushed out of the needles 2702, and fall into the hopper 2808 of ice, as shown in FIGURE 28C and FIGURE 28D. The water filling system 2700 may comprise an extraction rod, for example, the extraction bar 2656 or 2658, previously described. Alternatively, the extraction bar 2656 or 2658 may comprise a water filling system, for example, the water filling system 2700. The 2806 ice cube remover can be the same as or similar to the ice cube remover 2650 or 2652, previously described.

The water fill system 2700 can be connected to the extension arm 2810. Extension arm 2810 may be configured to extend and retract from housing 2812. Motor 2814 may be configured to provide power to move a distal end 2822 of extension arm 2810 away from housing 2812, thereby moving system 2700 filling water to the 2806 ice cube remover. After the ice cubes 2830 have been removed from the needles 2720 by the ice cube remover 2806, the motor 2814 can provide power to move the distal end 2822 of the extension arm 2810 back into the housing 2812, moving, therefore, the water filling system 2700 back of the mold 2802. After the water filling system 2700 moves together with the arm 2804 towards the mold 2802, the arm 2804 can then be pivoted or tilted downwards (actuated by the motor 2816) in such a way that the arm 2804 is perpendicular to the floor 2824, after which the water filling system 2700 can fill the mold 2802 with water and the procedure for making the ice cube and collecting the ice cube can be repeated. Those with experience in the art will recognize that according to the description, the motor 2814 can be any suitable motor, including but not limited to a hydraulic motor.

FIGS. 29A to 291 further illustrate ice harvesting according to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D. FIGURES 29A, 29D, and 29G are side views, FIGURES 29B, 29E, and 29H are views in perspective below, and FIGURES 29C, 29F, and 291 are front views of water filling system 2700, arm 2804, and the 2806 remover of ice cubes. For illustration purposes, two rows of 2830 ice cubes are shown in these figures for a total of ten (10) ice cubes 2830, although the water filling system has 45 water filling needles in a 9x5 arrangement. Ice cube remover 2806 may comprise channels 2912. Channels 2912 may be configured to allow needles 2702 to enter and move through channels 2912. Ice cube remover 2806 may be attached to arms 2902 and 2904 The ice cube remover 2806 may have posts 2914 that extend downward from the loops 2908 of the arms 2902 and 2904. The ice cube remover 2806 may have a grid 2916 that slopes down at an angle from posts 2914. Screen 2916 can define channels 2912.

As shown in FIGS. 29A to 291, the water filling system 2700 also comprises a pull bar 2656, and needles 2702. In the embodiment shown, the arm 2804 comprises a first arm 2902 and a second arm 2904. Each arm 2902 and 2904 may define a pivot hole 2906 and an elongated loop 2908. The pivot holes 2906 can be configured to receive pivots 2818. The wheels 2910 can be configured to rotate and move along the elongated loop 2908 of each arm 2902 and 2904. The wheels 2910 can rotate when the water filling system 2700 is moved together with arm 2804, that is, each arm 2902 and arm 2904.

As shown in FIGS. 29A to 291, the ice cubes 2830 can be moved relative to the ice cube remover 2806 until they are struck or pushed out of the needles 2702 by the ice cube remover 2806.

The apparatus shown and described in the foregoing together with FIGS. 27A to 27C, FIGS. 28A to 28D, and FIGS. 29A to 291 may be used in a 30-second collection operation.

The following is a description of an apparatus that can be used in a collection operation that can be less than 30 seconds. More specifically, the apparatus described then together with FIGS. 30 to 32L can be used in a collection operation which is approximately 17 seconds.

FIGURE 30 illustrates a side view of a water filling system 3000. The water filling system 3000 may comprise a water filling container 3002, a cooling cover 3004, and water isolation channels 3006. Also shown in FIGURE 30 is ice cube mold 3008. The ice cube mold 3008 can be the same as or similar to mold 1602 or 2802, previously described. The water can flow from the water filling container 3002, through the water isolation channels 3006, which are cooled by the cooling cover 3004, thereby cooling the water. Water can flow from the water isolation channels 3006 through the water filling nozzles 3014 in the ice cube mold 3008. A cooling agent 3010 can flow through the cooling channels 3012. Cooling channels 3012 may be perpendicular to water isolation channels 3006. The water can be further cooled by the ice cube mold 3008 until the water turns to ice in the ice cube mold 3008.

FIGURES 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D illustrate an ice collection apparatus 3100. The ice collection apparatus 3100 may be similar to the collection apparatus 2800 of ice, previously described. The ice picking apparatus 3100 may comprise a water filling system 3000, an articulated line 302 of cooling agent supply, and a remover 3104 of ice cubes. In another aspect, the ice collection apparatus 3100 may be similar to or the same as the ice collection apparatus 2800. As previously observed, the mold 3008 can be the same as or similar to the mold 1602 or 2802, previously described. For purposes of illustration, ice cubes 3106 are only shown in FIGURE 31A and FIGURE 31D.

As shown in FIGURE 30, the water can be filled into the mold 3008, and frozen in the mold 3008.

After the water has been frozen in the mold 3008, the ice-mold interconnect can be loosened by heat applied to the mold 3008 in accordance with the heating or heating for the molds previously discussed herein, or the ice-mold interconnect can loosen due to a low adhesion coating on the mold 3008. Once the ice-mold interconnect is loose enough, the water filling system 3000, which includes the water filling nozzles 3014 can move away from the mold 3008 as shown in FIGURE 31A, therefore, removing the ice cubes 3103 that are attached to the water filling nozzles 3014. The water filling system 3000 can be retained in an arm 2804. The arm 2804 can be supported by the support 2820. The arm 2804 can be pivoted or tilted up and away from the mold 3008 as shown in FIGURE 31A, taking with the arm 2804, the water filling system 3000 and the ice cubes 3103 attached to the nozzles 3014 of water filling The motor 2816 can provide power to tilt the arm 2804. Those skilled in the art will recognize that according to the description, the motor 2816 can be any suitable motor, including but not limited to a hydraulic motor. The arm 2804 can be pivoted on a pivot 2818 on a support 2820.

The water filling system 3000 can be moved along the arm 2804 to the ice cube remover 3104, as shown in FIGURE 31B. When the ice cubes 3106 attached to the nozzles 3014 come into contact with the ice cube remover 3104, the ice cubes 3106 strike or push out of the nozzles 3014, and fall into an ice bin, such as the ice cube. Ice hopper 2808, as shown in FIGURE 28C and FIGURE 28D. The water filling system 3000 may comprise an extraction rod, for example, the extraction rod 2656 or 2658, previously described. Alternatively, the extraction bar 2656 or 2658 may comprise a water filling system, for example, the water filling system 3000. The ice cube remover 3104 can be the same as or similar to the ice cube remover 2650 or 2652, previously described.

The water filling system 3000 can be connected to the arm extension 2810. The arm extension 2810 can be configured to extend and retract from the housing 2812. The motor 2814 can be configured to provide power to move a distal end 2822 of the extension arm 2810 away from the housing 2812, thereby moving the water filling system 3000 to the ice cube remover 3104. After the ice cubes 3106 have been removed from the nozzles 3014 by the ice cube remover 3104, the motor 2814 can provide power to move the distal end 2822 of the extension arm 2810 rearwardly of the housing 2812, moving, so both, the water filling system 3000 behind the mold 3008, After the water filling system 3000 moves along the arm 2804 to the mold 3008, the arm 2804 then has to pivot or tilt downwards (actuated by the motor 2816) in such a way that the arm 2804 is perpendicular to the floor 2824, whereby the water filling system 3000 can fill the mold 3008 with water and the ice cube manufacturing process and the collection of the ice cube can be repeated. ice. The one skilled in the art will recognize that according to the description, the motor 2814 can be any suitable motor, including but not limited to a hydraulic motor.

FIGURES 32A to 32L further illustrate the collection of ice according to the apparatus shown in FIGS.

FIGURES 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D. FIGURES 32A, 32D, 32G, and 32J are side views, FIGURES 32B, 32E, 32H, and 32K are views in perspective below, and FIGURES 32C, 32F, 321, and 32L are front views of the system 3000 of filling water, arm 2804, and 3104 remover of ice cubes. As shown in this mode, five rows of 3106 ice cubes, with nine ice cubes in each row, provide a total of forty-five (45) ice cubes (9 x 5 arrangement) for collection. The ice cube remover 3104 may comprise bars 3200 for removing ice cubes 3200. The ice cube remover 3104 may be attached to the arms 2902 and 2904. The ice cube remover 3104 may have supports 3202 that can be configured to pivot around the pivots 3204, therefore, raising or lowering the 3200 ice cube stirrers as desired.

FIGURES 32A to 32C show the position of ice cubes 3106 in relation to the supports 3202 before the ice cubes 3106 move along the arms 2902 and 2904 towards the supports 3203. FIGURES 32D to 32F show the position of the ice cubes after the ice cubes have moved as far as possible. length of the arms 2902 and 2904 in such a way that they move on the 3200 ice cube stirring bars. FIGS. 32G to 32H show the position of the 3200 ice cube stir bars after they have been pivoted in the spaces between the ice cubes 3106. The FIGURES 32J to 32K show that when the 3200 ice cube removing rods are pivoted further around the pivots 3204, the bars 3200 strike or push the ice cubes 3106 out of the nozzles 3014. At the same time, or in an embodiment Alternatively, after the bars 3200 have been pivoted in the spaces between the ice cubes 3106, the water filling system 3000 can move further along the arm 2804 until they strike or push out of the nozzles 3014 by the bars 3200 In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for making ice is provided. The ice maker may comprise a mold, the mold defines a first volume for an ice cube, the mold comprises a bottom face having an internal perimeter and side faces. Each side face of the mold may have a corresponding internal perimeter, a corresponding upper edge, and a corresponding lower edge. The corresponding upper edge of each side face may be longer than the corresponding lower edge. Each side face may extend inwardly from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The mold may comprise a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume, the three-dimensional form comprises a second volume. The second volume can be defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion of the three-dimensional shape. The protrusion may extend upward between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter. The protrusion may taper when it extends upwardly between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The mold can also define a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, with the mold configured to receive water within the third volume. The apparatus may comprise a cooling device configured to cool water within the third volume sufficiently to freeze the water. Those with experience in the art will recognize that according to the description, any suitable cooling device can be used to freeze water in the mold. For example, the cooling device may comprise one or more passages configured to receive a cooling agent having a sufficiently low temperature that when the cooling agent flows through one or more passages, heat transfer will occur between the water in the mold and the mold, in such a way that, the water in the mold will freeze. A suitable cooling device may comprise an evaporator.

In one aspect, the lower face and the side faces of the mold comprise parallelograms. In one aspect, the ice maker may comprise an evaporator, the The evaporator is configured to provide a cooling agent to the cooling device, the cooling agent having a temperature sufficient to freeze the water in the third volume. In one aspect, the mold may comprise a mold body. The mold body may comprise a plurality of mold cells. In one aspect, each mold cell may comprise a fin. Each fin can be connected to the mold body. In one aspect, the mold may comprise a plurality of passages. Each passage can be configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within the mold cells to the mold cells, and freeze the water within the mold cells.

In one aspect, the three-dimensional shape may comprise a substantially three-dimensional U shape. In one aspect, the three-dimensional shape may comprise a substantially truncated truncated M shape. In one aspect, the three-dimensional shape may comprise a set of at least two three-dimensional L-shapes. In one aspect, at least two three-dimensional L shapes can be mirror images of each other. In one aspect, the three-dimensional form may further comprise a third three-dimensional shape. The third three-dimensional shape can be placed between and joined in at least two three-dimensional L shapes. In one aspect, the protrusion may comprise at least two fins. In one aspect, the protuberance may comprise four lateral faces. In one aspect, the four side faces can be parallelograms.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making aatus comprising a mold is provided. The mold may comprise an upper part, and a lower part. Each of the parts may comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells which correspond to a plurality of ice cube mold cells of the other part. The mold can be configured in such a way that a first mold cell of the lower part of the mold and a second cell corresponds to the upper part of the mold comprising a simple enclosure. The simple enclosure can define a volume for a simple ice cube. A first channel can be configured to fill with water the first mold cell and the corresponding second mold cell. A second channel can be configured to allow air to escape from the single enclosure when the first mold cell and the second mold cell are filled with water. A plurality of passages can be configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within the mold cells to the mold cells, and freeze the water within the mold cells.

In one aspect, a sealing coating can be provided in a surface area where the upper part receives the lower part.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making aatus comprising a mold and a plate is provided. The mold can be placed on the plate. The mold may comprise a plurality of ice cube mold cells, each ice cube mold cell may comprise an opening in the bottom of the cell, and an air exhaust channel in the upper part of the cell for allow air to escape from the ice bucket mold cell when the plate is filled with water. Each of the mold and the plate may comprise a plurality of passages, each passage being configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient heat transfer from water within the ice cube mold cells to the mold cells of ice cube, and freeze water inside the ice cube mold cells. Each ice cube mold cell may comprise a corresponding channel to allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with water.

In one aspect, the cell of the ice cube mold may have the shape of a truncated pyramid.

In one aspect of the description, a method for manufacturing a plurality of ice cubes is provided. The method may comprise placing a mold on a plate. The mold can comprise a plurality of cells, each cell has an opening in the lower part of the cell, and a channel exhaust air in the upper part of the cell. The method may comprise filling each of the plurality of cells by filling the plate with water, and transferring heat from water within the plurality of cells to the mold cells and freezing water within the cells.

In one aspect, in the above method, at least one ice cube may comprise the shape of a truncated pyramid.

In one aspect, each of the plurality of ice cubes may comprise a wall having a thickness sufficient to provide the mechanical strength of an ice cube and an interior volume that does not freeze completely.

In one aspect, the wall thickness of each of the plurality of ice cubes can be in the range of about 2-3 mm.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an ice making aatus comprising a mold is provided, wherein the mold may comprise a plurality of cells. Each cell can have an opening in an upper part of each cell. The mold may comprise a plurality of passages for a freezing agent, and an upper part. The upper part can be sealed with a cover. The upper part may comprise a vacuum chamber. A vacuum pump can be provided, the vacuum pump is configured to pump moist air from the mold. Can To provide a pipe, the pipe extends from the vacuum chamber of the mold to the vacuum pump. When the pressure in the vacuum chamber begins to reduce, the dissolved gases begin to leave the volume of water in each cell. The vacuum pump can be configured to pump moist air from the mold in such a way that the pressure in the vacuum chamber drops below 610.5 Pa ((0.18 in Hg) at 0 ° C (32 ° F)).

In one aspect of the description an ice cube is provided. The ice cube may comprise an upper face having an outer perimeter, a lower face having an outer perimeter, and side faces. Each side face may include a corresponding external perimeter, a corresponding upper edge, and a corresponding lower edge, the corresponding upper edge of each side face is longer than the corresponding lower edge, each side face extends inwardly from the corresponding upper edge to the corresponding lower edge. The upper face, lower face and side faces can define a first volume. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional shape may be provided, the three-dimensional shape being located within the first volume. The three-dimensional shape may comprise a second volume. The second volume can be defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion. The protrusion may extend upwards between the perimeter inferior external and the upper external perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The protrusion may taper when it extends upwardly between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape. The ice cube can further define a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, the third volume comprises ice, and the second volume comprises liquid or unfrozen air, or a combination of liquid and unfrozen air.

In one aspect of the description, an increase in the rate of ice production can be achieved. And an increase in the rate of ice production can be achieved by increasing the surface area of ice cubes. For example, by increasing the surface area of ice cubes, approximately 40-50 second freezing times and approximately one complete ice production cycle of 90 seconds can be achieved in relation to 10-15 ice production cycles. minutes of the conventional method and apparatus.

An ice production cycle of 90 seconds can be translated to approximately 0.63 kg / minute (1.4 lbs / minute) with a good ice production rate in demand within an occupied space area, for example, of approximately 6.7 meters by 9.14 meters (22 feet by 30 feet), and energy limitations (for example, less than about 5.5 kW), if a mold is expanded from 45 typical cubes per mold to 50 cubes by mold.

The mold can be configured to provide mechanical strength and airtight properties under conditions when temperature changes of many degrees Celsius (Fahrenheit) can occur (eg, hundreds of degrees Celsius (Fahrenheit)) in a few seconds and on a separation scale in millimeters , that is, extremely high temperature gradients.

In one aspect, ice harvesting can be provided where the placement of each ice cube can be controlled. In one aspect, an ice harvesting apparatus can provide an improved release of ice wherein each ice cube or a predetermined ice cube can be individually released at a predetermined location. In one aspect, an ice collection apparatus that reduces or avoids the need for agitation in the ice hopper can be provided.

In one aspect, a deaeration apparatus and method can be provided that allows the manufacture and collection of transparent or relatively transparent ice cubes.

In one aspect, an apparatus comprising a dispensing device is provided, the dispensing device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a tray, and a dispensing body. The input can be configured to receive a cooling agent that has a first default temperature. The distribution body can be configured to receive the cooling agent from the inlet. The distribution body can be configured to distribute the cooling agent in the tray at predetermined locations in the tray and substantially provide equal cooling for a plurality of molds in heat transfer communication with the cooling agent when the cooling agent flows to the cooling agent. through the tray towards the exit. The outlet can be configured to receive the cooling agent from the tray, where the cooling agent has a second temperature after leaving the tray towards the outlet, the second temperature of the cooling agent at the exit is different than the first temperature of the cooling agent at the entrance.

In one aspect, the first temperature of the cooling agent at the inlet is less than the second temperature of the cooling agent at the outlet. In one aspect, the first temperature of the cooling agent at the inlet is sufficient to freeze water in a plurality of molds in contact with the cooling agent. In one aspect, the distribution body has a length, width, and height that is increasingly smaller than the corresponding length, width, and height of the tray. The distribution body can define holes for distributing the cooling agent in the tray at predetermined locations in the tray.

In one aspect, the distribution body may comprise a first end, a second end, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The second side surface may be opposite to the first side surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is opposite to the top surface, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein the second end it is closer to the exit than to the first end. The distribution body may comprise a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first section lies between the exit and the second section, wherein the second section is between the first section and the third section, and wherein the third section comprises the second end. The first section can define a first set of holes, the first set of holes comprises at least one hole located in the first side surface and at least one is kept located in the second side surface. The second section can define a second set of holes, the second set of holes comprises at least one hole located in the first side surface and at least one hole located in the second side surface. The third section can define a third set of holes, the third set of holes comprises at least one hole located on the first side surface and at least a hole located on the second side surface.

The first set of holes comprises two holes in the first side surface and two holes in the second side surface opposite the two holes in the first side surface. The second set of holes may comprise a hole in the first side surface and a hole in the second side surface opposite the hole in the first side surface. The second set of holes may comprise a hole in the upper surface of the distribution body. The third set of holes may comprise three holes in the first side surface and three holes in the second side surface opposite the three holes in the first side surface. The third set of holes may comprise two holes in the upper surface of the distribution body.

In one aspect, the tray may comprise an end in fluid communication with an outlet. The end of the tray may comprise a plurality of orifices in fluid communication with the outlet. The end of the tray may comprise a funnel in fluid communication with the outlet.

In one aspect, the apparatus may comprise a mold, the mold comprises a plurality of molds for ice cubes, the mold is configured to rest on a lower surface of the tray and be placed in communication of heat transfer with the cooling agent between the distribution body and one end of the tray.

In one aspect, the inlet can be configured to receive a heating agent, the heating agent has a predetermined inlet temperature, wherein when the heating agent flows through the tray, the heating agent heats an ice interconnection. mold between ice cubes previously formed in the plurality of molds. The heating agent can have an outlet temperature at the outlet, the inlet temperature of the heating agent is higher than the outlet temperature of the heating agent.

In one aspect, an apparatus comprising a dispensing device may be provided, the dispensing device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a tray, and a dispensing body. The input can be configured to receive a heating agent having a predetermined inlet temperature. The distribution body can be configured to receive the heating agent from the inlet, the distribution body is configured to distribute the heating agent in the tray at predetermined locations of the tray and substantially provide equal heating for a plurality of molds in communication of heat transfer with the heating agent when the heating agent flows through from the tray to the exit. The outlet can be configured to receive the heating agent from the tray, where the heating agent has an exit temperature after leaving the tray towards the outlet, the outlet temperature of the heating agent at the outlet is different than the exit temperature. entry temperature of the heating agent at the entrance.

In one aspect, the inlet temperature of the heating agent at the inlet is greater than the outlet temperature of the heating agent at the outlet. In one aspect, the inlet temperature of the heating agent at the inlet is sufficient to heat an ice-mold interconnect between ice and the plurality of molds.

In one aspect, there is provided a device comprising a first ice cube mold, the first ice cube mold comprises an upper face and a lower face, the upper face of the first ice cube mold comprises a first plurality of cells printed. The device may comprise a second ice cube mold, the second ice cube mold comprises an upper face and a lower face, the upper face of the second ice cube mold comprises a second plurality (1608) of mold cells. The device may comprise a housing, the housing having an axis that is parallel to the lower face of the first ice cube mold and parallel to the lower face of the second mold of ice cube. The first ice cube mold can be placed in the housing with the upper face of the first ice cube mold facing upwards. The second ice cube mold can be placed in the housing with the upper face of the second ice cube mold facing downwards, wherein the lower face of the first ice cube mold is in a back-to-back orientation with the face bottom of the second ice cube mold. The housing can be configured to rotate about the axis and rotate the first ice cube mold such that the top face of the first ice cube mold is oriented downward, and the second ice cube mold rotates in such a way that the upper face of the second ice cube mold is oriented upwards.

The device may comprise a tree. The tree can be configured to rotate the tree around the axis. The device may comprise a first subassembly. The first subassembly may comprise the first ice cube mold, a first top cover, and a first lower cover, the first ice cube mold being retained between the first top cover and the first lower cover. The device may comprise a second subassembly. The second sub-assembly may comprise the second ice cube mold, a second upper cover, and a second lower cover, the second ice cube mold being retained between the second upper cover and second lower cover.

The device may comprise a first heat transfer device, the first heat transfer device being positioned between the first ice cube mold and the first lower cover; and a second heat transfer device, the second heat transfer device is placed between the second ice cube mold and the second lower cover. The first heat transfer device may comprise a first set of cooling fins, and the second heat transfer device may comprise a second set of cooling fins. The first top cover can define a first opening of the top cover. The first top cover opening can be configured in such a way that when the first top cover is placed on the first ice cube mold, the first top cover opening allows the plurality of mold cells of the first ice cube mold to be charge with a liquid when the first ice cube mold is in an upward facing position. The first top cover opening can be configured in such a way that the first top cover opening allows a plurality of ice cubes to form in the mold cells of the first ice cube mold to fall from the mold cells of the mold. First ice cube mold when the first mold of ice cube is in a downward facing position.

The device may comprise a tube with cooling agent configured to supply a cooling agent in heat transfer communication with the first ice cube mold and the freezing liquid in the mold cells of the first ice cube mold when the First ice cube mold is in upward facing position. The device may comprise a tube with heating agent configured to supply a heating agent in heat transfer communication with the first ice cube mold and heat an ice-mold interconnect between ice and the mold cells of the first mold of ice. ice cube when the first ice cube mold is in the downward facing position.

In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising freezing a liquid in a plurality of mold cells, from an ice cube mold to forming ice cubes, the ice cube mold is oriented upward. The method may comprise rotating the ice cube mold such that the ice cube mold is oriented downward. The method may comprise heating the ice cube mold to loosen an ice-mold interconnect between the ice cubes and the ice cube mold and allow the ice cubes to fall out of the ice cube mold. The method can Understand how to move a pickup rod relative to the ice cube mold to facilitate the removal of the ice cubes from the ice cube mold. The freezing of the liquid may comprise a method which may comprise cooling the liquid with a cooling agent in heat transfer communication with the liquid. The method may comprise sending the cooling agent through a plurality of channels, where each channel corresponds to one of the mold cells. The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a heating agent in heat transfer communication with the ice cube mold. The method may comprise sending the heating agent through a plurality of channels, wherein each channel corresponds to one of the mold cells. The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a thin film electric heater, the thin film electrical heater being placed around at least a portion of each mold cell. The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a light source and a light absorbing coating, the light absorbing coating being placed around at least a portion of each mold cell and the which absorbs the light emitted from the light source.

The freezing of the liquid may comprise cooling the liquid with a cooling agent in heat transfer communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent through a plurality of channels, where there is a first set of channels below the channels. mold cells, and a second set of channels above the mold cells, and where there is a channel above and below each corresponding mold cell. The second set of channels can be placed inside a heat transfer plate. The method may comprise, after freezing the liquid in the mold, heating the heat transfer plate to loosen the ice-plate interconnection between the ice cubes in the mold and the plate. The heating of the heat transfer plate may comprise sending a heating agent through the second set of channels. The heating of the heat transfer plate may comprise heating the heat transfer plate with a thin film electric heater.

In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising freezing a liquid in a plurality of mold cells, from an ice cube mold to forming ice cubes, the ice cube mold is oriented upwardly. The method may comprise rotating the ice cube mold such that the ice cube mold is oriented downward. The method can comprising providing a low adhesion coating around at least a portion of mold cells sufficient to allow the ice cubes to at least partially fall out of the ice cube mold after the rotation step. The method may comprise moving a pickup assist rod relative to the ice cube mold to facilitate removal of the ice cubes from the ice cube mold. The method can comprise cooling the liquid with a cooling agent in heat transfer communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent through a plurality of channels, where there is a first set of channels below the mold cells , and a second set of channels above the mold cells, and where there is a channel above and below each corresponding mold cell.

In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising placing a liquid in a plurality of mold cells of an ice cube mold, placing an extractor in the liquid in each of the mold cells, and freezing the liquid in each from the mold cells to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold is oriented upwards. The method may comprise heating the ice cube mold to loosen an ice-mold interconnect between the ice cubes and the ice cube mold. The method may comprise moving each extractor away from the ice cube mold, moving, so so much, an ice cube that corresponds to each extractor away from the ice cube mold. The method may comprise heating each extractor to loosen an ice-mold interconnect between each ice cube and the corresponding extractor to allow each ice cube to fall from the corresponding extractor.

The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a heating agent in heat transfer communication with the ice cube mold. The method may comprise sending the heating agent through a plurality of channels, wherein each channel corresponds to one of the mold cells. The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a thin film electric heater, the thin film electrical heater being placed around at least a portion of each mold cell. The heating of the ice cube mold may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a light source and a light absorbing coating, the light absorbing coating being placed around at least a portion of each mold cell and the which absorbs the light emitted from the light source.

In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising placing liquid in a plurality of mold cells, of an ice cube mold, placing an extractor in the liquid in each of the mold cells, freeze the liquid in each of the mold cells to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold is oriented upward, and provides a low adhesion coating around at least a portion of enough mold cells to allow the ice cubes to move away from the ice cube mold when the extractors move away from the ice cube mold. The method may comprise moving each extractor away from the ice cube mold, thereby moving an ice cube corresponding to each extractor away from the ice cube mold. The method may comprise heating each extractor to loosen an ice-mold interconnect between each ice cube and the corresponding extractor to allow each ice cube to fall from the corresponding extractor.

In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising freezing a liquid in a plurality of mold cells, an ice cube mold to form ice cubes, the ice cube mold is oriented upward, the liquid freezing in addition it comprises cooling the liquid with a cooling agent in heat transfer communication with the liquid by sending the cooling agent through a plurality of channels, where there is a first set of channels below the mold cells, and a second set of channels above the mold cells, and where there is a channel above and below each cell of corresponding mold, wherein the second set of channels is placed inside a heat transfer plate. The method may comprise providing a low adhesion coating on the heat transfer plate sufficient to allow the heat transfer plate to be removed from the ice cubes while the ice cubes are left in the mold cells. The method may comprise providing a low adhesion coating on at least a portion of mold cells sufficient to allow the ice cubes to move at least partially away from the ice cube mold when the ice cube mold is rotated and The ice cube mold is oriented downwards. The method may comprise rotating the ice cube mold such that the ice cube mold is oriented downward and the first set of channels is above the mold cells.

The method may comprise heating an ice-mold interconnect between the ice cubes and the ice cube mold sufficient to allow ice cubes to fall out of the ice cube mold when the ice cube mold is rotated in such a way that the ice cube mold is oriented downwards. The heating may comprise sending a heating agent through the first set of channels. The heating may comprise heating the ice cube mold with a heater thin film electric, the thin film electric heater is placed around at least a portion of each mold cell.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises an arm. The apparatus may comprise an ice cube mold comprising a plurality of ice cube mold cells, the ice cube mold being configured to cool a liquid in ice cube mold cells far enough for a cube of ice is formed in each cube cell of ice cube. The apparatus may comprise a water filling system. The water filling system can be configured to move along with the arm. The water filling system can comprise water filling distributors, each water filling distributor is configured to distribute a liquid that is going to freeze in a corresponding ice cube mold cell. Each water fill dispenser can be configured to move an ice cube that forms in the corresponding ice cube mold cell away from the corresponding ice cube mold cell when the water fill system moves away from the mold of ice cube. The apparatus may comprise an ice cube remover. The ice cube collector can be configured to push ice cubes out of the water fill dispensers when the water filling system moves along the arm to the water remover. ice cubes.

The water filling dispensers may comprise needles for filling water and / or needles. The water filling system may comprise a cooling cover. The cooling cover can be configured to surround a portion of each water filling needle and / or nozzle. The cooling cover can be configured to cool water before distributing it in the ice cube mold cells.

The arm can be configured to tilt from a horizontal position to a tilted position away from the ice cube mold.

As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, the embodiments described above may be configured to be compatible with the requirements of the soda source system, and may accommodate a wide variety of soda source offers, including but not limited to. well-known drinks under any PepsiCo trademark, such as Pepsi-Cola®, and personalized beverage offers. The modalities described herein offer at least one speed in the service, and fast or faster than conventional systems. The modalities described herein can be configured to be monitored, including remotely monitored, with respect to the operation and levels of supply. The modalities described herein are economically viable and can be constructed with the off-shelf components, which may be modified in accordance with the descriptions herein.

Those with experience in the art will recognize that according to the description any of the features and / or options in a modality or example may be combined with any of the features and / or options of another modality or example.

The description herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of the description are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or substitution without departing significantly from the spirit of the description. For example, the dimensions, number, size and shape of the various components can be altered to suit specific applications. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and the description is not limited, except for the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing ice characterized in that it comprises: a mold for an ice cube, the mold comprises: a first volume defined by the mold; a lower face that has an internal perimeter; side faces, each side face has a corresponding internal perimeter, a corresponding top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge, the corresponding top edge of each side face is longer than the corresponding bottom edge, each side face extends inward from the edge corresponding top to the corresponding lower edge; Y a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume, the three-dimensional shape comprises a second volume, the second volume is defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion of the three-dimensional shape, the protuberance it extends upwards between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter, the protrusion tapers when it extends upwards between the lower external perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape; the mold also defines a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, the mold is configured to receive water within the third volume; Y a cooling device configured to cool water within the third volume sufficiently to freeze the water.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower face and the side faces of the mold comprise parallelograms.

3. The ice making apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises an evaporator, the evaporator configured to provide a cooling agent to the cooling device, the cooling agent has a temperature sufficient to freeze the water in the third volume.

4. The ice making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mold comprises a mold body, the mold body comprises a plurality of mold cells.

5. The ice making apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that each mold cell comprises a fin, each fin is connected to the mold body.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 5, characterized in that the mold comprises a plurality of passages, each passage is configured to receive a cooling agent and provides the transfer sufficient heat from water inside the mold cells to the mold cells, and freeze the water inside the mold cells.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape comprises a substantially three-dimensional U-shape.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape comprises a substantially truncated truncated M shape.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape comprises a set of at least two three-dimensional L-shapes.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 9, characterized in that at least two three-dimensional L shapes are mirror images of each other.

11. The ice making apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape further comprises a third three-dimensional shape, the third three-dimensional shape being placed between and joining in at least two three-dimensional L-shapes.

12. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the protuberance comprises at least two fins.

13. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the protuberance comprises four lateral faces.

14. The apparatus for manufacturing ice according to claim 13, characterized in that the four side faces are parallelograms.

15. An apparatus for manufacturing ice characterized in that it comprises: a mold, the mold comprises an upper part and a lower part, each of the parts has a plurality of ice cube mold cells corresponding with a plurality of ice cube mold cells of the other part, the mold it is configured in such a way that a first mold cell of the lower part of the mold and a corresponding second cell of the upper part of the mold comprises a simple enclosure, the simple enclosure defines a volume for a simple ice cube, a first channel configured to fill with water the first mold cell and the corresponding second mold cell, a second channel configured to allow air to escape from the simple enclosure when the first mold cell and the second mold cell are filled with water, and a plurality of passages, each passage is configured to receive a cooling agent and provide sufficient transfer of heat from water within the mold cells to the mold cells, and freeze the water within the mold cells.

16. The ice making apparatus according to claim 15, further characterized in that it comprises a sealing liner in a surface area where the upper part receives the lower part.

17. An apparatus for making ice, characterized in that it comprises: a plate; Y a mold, the mold is placed on the plate, the mold comprises a plurality of ice cube mold cells, each ice cube mold cell has an opening at the bottom of the cell, and an exhaust channel of air in the upper part of the cell to allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with one of the mold and the plate comprises a plurality of passages, each passage being configured to receive a cooling agent and provides sufficient heat transfer from water inside the ice cube mold cells to the ice cube mold cells, and freeze water inside the ice cube mold cells; each cube cell of ice cube comprises a corresponding channel to allow air to escape from the ice cube mold cell when the plate is filled with water.

18. The ice making apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the ice cube mold cells are in the form of a truncated pyramid.

19. A method for manufacturing a plurality of ice cubes, the method characterized in that it comprises: placing a mold on a plate, the mold comprises a plurality of cells, each cell has an opening in the lower part of the cell, and an air exhaust channel in the upper part of the cell, filling each of the plurality of cells by filling the plate with water, and transferring heat from water within the plurality of cells to the mold cells and freezing water within the cells.

20. The method for manufacturing a plurality of ice cubes according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one ice cube comprises the shape of a truncated pyramid.

21. The method for manufacturing a plurality of ice cubes according to claim 19, characterized in that each of the plurality of ice cubes comprises a wall having a sufficient thickness to provide the mechanical strength of an ice cube and an interior volume that is not completely frozen.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the thickness of the wall of each of the plurality of ice cubes is in the range of approximately 2-3 mm.

23. An apparatus for making ice, characterized in that it comprises: a mold, the mold comprises a plurality of cells, each cell has an opening in an upper part of each cell, the mold comprises a plurality of passages for a freezing agent, and an upper part that is hermetically enclosed with a cover, the upper part comprises a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump configured to pump moist air from the mold, and a pipe, the pipe extends from the vacuum chamber of the evaporator to the vacuum pump, where when the pressure in the vacuum chamber begins to reduce, the dissolved gases begin to leave the volume of water in each cell, the vacuum pump is configured to pump humid air from the evaporator in such a way that the pressure in the chamber under vacuum drop below 610.5Pa ((0.18 in Hg) at 0 ° C (32 ° F)).

24. A mold for an ice cube, the mold characterized because it comprises: a first volume defined by the mold; a lower face that has an internal perimeter; side faces, each side face has a corresponding internal perimeter, a corresponding top edge, and a corresponding bottom edge, the corresponding top edge of each side face is longer than the corresponding bottom edge, each side face extends inward from the edge corresponding top to the corresponding lower edge; Y a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape is located within the first volume, the three-dimensional shape comprises a second volume, the second volume is defined by an upper external perimeter, a lower external perimeter, and at least one protrusion of the three-dimensional shape, the protuberance it extends upwards between the lower outer perimeter and the upper outer perimeter, the protrusion tapers when it extends upwards between the lower external perimeter and the upper outer perimeter of the three-dimensional shape; the mold further defines a third volume between the first volume and the second volume, the mold configured to receive water within the third volume.