초록 ▼

An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice makers water/ice systems and establishing saf

An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice makers water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of automatically cleaning the surfaces of an ice making machine comprising i) a coolant/refrigerant system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion device and a hot gas valve for directing hot gases from the compressor to the evaporator; ii) a water/ice system comprisin

A method of automatically cleaning the surfaces of an ice making machine comprising i) a coolant/refrigerant system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion device and a hot gas valve for directing hot gases from the compressor to the evaporator; ii) a water/ice system comprising a fresh water inlet, a water reservoir, a water circulation mechanism, and an ice forming evaporator plate; and iii) an electronic controlling/monitoring system comprising a microprocessor which controls the compressor, the water circulation mechanism and the hot gas valve; the method comprising the steps of: a) stopping the compressor; b) performing a wash cycle by i) starting the water circulation mechanism; ii) adding a cleaning/sterilizing solution to water in the water/ice system; and iii) circulating the water containing the cleaning/sterilizing solution through the water reservoir and over the ice forming evaporator plate for a period of time after step b) i), said period of time being controlled by the microprocessor; c) automatically stopping the circulation of water containing the cleaning/sterilizing solution over the ice forming evaporator plate after said period of time, and d) performing a rinse cycle in which the microprocessor controls the water/ice system to automatically operate through a series of multiple rinse operations in each of which fresh water is introduced through the fresh water inlet and water from the water reservoir is removed from the water/ice system, thereby ensuring a complete rinsing of the cleaning/sterilizing solution from the water/ice system.