초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant to a refrigeration device is provided. The system includes a mixing chamber that retains and produces the product, a compressor, and an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber for providing freezing of the product

An apparatus and method for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant to a refrigeration device is provided. The system includes a mixing chamber that retains and produces the product, a compressor, and an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber for providing freezing of the product being produced within it. The system further includes a expansion valve coupled to the evaporator that regulates the flow of the refrigerant through the evaporator. A scraper rotatably mounted within the mixing chamber is provided for scraping the frozen product from the interior surface of the mixing chamber. A beater motor rotates the scraper. An electronic control is provided for controlling the refrigeration cycle. The electronic control employs a microprocessor which is operated in accordance with an algorithm for controlling the operation of the expansion valve. The microprocessor periodically receives signals from the beater motor indicative of the viscosity of the product being produced within the mixing chamber. The electronic control transmits signals to turn the compressor on and off and adjust the position of the valve in response to the signals received from the beater motor so as to control the rate of refrigerant flowing through the evaporator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] A method for controlling the flow of refrigerant in a refrigeration device having a mixing chamber that produces a product, an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber that freezes the product being produced within the mixing chamber, a valve coupled to t

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] A method for controlling the flow of refrigerant in a refrigeration device having a mixing chamber that produces a product, an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber that freezes the product being produced within the mixing chamber, a valve coupled to the evaporator for regulating the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, a scraper disposed in the mixing chamber that scrapes the frozen product from the interior surface of the mixing chamber, a beater motor that operates the scraper, and a control circuit connected to the beater motor and the valve, comprising the steps of:(a) transmitting a signal from the beater motor to the control circuit indicative of the viscosity of the product being produced within the mixing chamber;(b) determining an instruction to communicate to the valve based on the signal received from the beater motor; and(c) transmitting the instruction to the valve via a control signal, said control signal being used to open, close, and vary the open percent of the valve so as to control the rate of refrigerant flowing through the evaporator.