초록 ▼

An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared t

An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared to a predetermined value to determine when ice is frozen and ready for harvesting. Harvesting is delayed a pre-selected time based upon the position of the feeler arm to avoid premature harvesting. A harvest fix algorithm is executed when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period by operating a heater at an elevated temperature and by de-energizing a motor. A water fill algorithm determines whether the mold is full of water based upon a change in the thermistor reading.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A controller for an automatic icemaker including a mold, a heater coupled to the mold, a rake for ejecting ice from the mold and a feeler arm in communication with an ice storage bin, said controller comprising: a thermistor in fluid communication with the mold, a first transducer coupled to

1. A controller for an automatic icemaker including a mold, a heater coupled to the mold, a rake for ejecting ice from the mold and a feeler arm in communication with an ice storage bin, said controller comprising: a thermistor in fluid communication with the mold, a first transducer coupled to the rake for sensing a position thereof; a second transducer coupled to the feeler arm for determining a position thereof; a processor coupled to said first transducer, said second transducer, and said thermistor, said processor programmed to: execute a freeze state for freezing water in the mold; calculate a temperature input value between successive time intervals; cumulatively sum the temperature input values at each successive time cycle; and compare the cumulatively summed value to a predetermined harvest count value corresponding to adequately frozen ice. 2. A controller in accordance with claim 1 further programmed to operate the heater and rake to harvest the ice when the summed value exceeds the harvest count value. 3. A controller in accordance with claim 2 further programmed to delay a harvest of ice for a pre-selected time after the summed value exceeds the harvest count value based upon a position of the feeler arm. 4. A controller in accordance with claim 2 further programmed to execute a harvest fix algorithm when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period. 5. A controller in accordance with claim 4 further programmed to operate the heater at an elevated temperature when in the harvest fix mode. 6. A controller in accordance with claim 5, further programmed to de-energize the motor for a predetermined time period when in the harvest fix mode. 7. A controller in accordance with claim 1 further programmed to determine whether the mold is full of water based upon a reading from said thermistor. 8. A controller for an automatic icemaker including a mold, a heater coupled to said mold, a rake for ejecting ice from the mold and a feeler arm in communication with an ice storage bin, said controller configured to execute at least one of a harvest operation when a summed calculated value exceeds a harvest count value, a harvest delay algorithm when the feeler arm indicates a need for an ice harvest and ice is ready for harvesting, and a harvest fix algorithm when a harvest operation is not completed in a predetermined time period.