Ice thickness control system and sensor probe

The present invention provides an improved system and method for sensing the presence of ice, particularly applicable in the control of ice thickness in machines employing an ice bank such as a commercial beverage chiller. The chiller may be of the conventional type having a water bath with a cold e...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser:	NORWICH DENNIS W, CESTE MARIO G, HOREY LEONARD I, SMAN SAM O
Format:	Patent
Sprache:	eng
Schlagworte:	BEER BIOCHEMISTRY BLASTING CHEMISTRY COLD ROOMS COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL ORENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT COVERED BY ANY OTHERSUBCLASS ENZYMOLOGY HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS HEATING ICE-BOXES LIGHTING LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEICACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING METALLURGY MICROBIOLOGY MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE REFRIGERATION OR COOLING REFRIGERATORS SPIRITS VINEGAR WEAPONS WINE
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:	The present invention provides an improved system and method for sensing the presence of ice, particularly applicable in the control of ice thickness in machines employing an ice bank such as a commercial beverage chiller. The chiller may be of the conventional type having a water bath with a cold element at least partially submerged therein. The cold element is cooled by a refrigerant such as freon to the point where ice forms and grows on the element, thereby forming an ice bank in the water bath. A temperature sensor, which preferably is a thermistor-type sensor comprising a bead disposed in a metal housing, is mounted on a carrier to allow the position of the sensor to be adjustable relative to the cold element. Circuitry is provided which is operative to detect the presence of ice by sensing a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to control the thickness of the ice bank. A method of controlling the thickness of an ice bank is also disclosed. The invention has broad applicability to all types of machines wherein an ice bank is used.