초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

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

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. liquid is warmed by the cryogenic vapor to a desired temperature; and f. a conditioned liquid dispensing line also in communication with the gas and liquid mixer so that the warmed cryogenic liquid may be dispensed therefrom. 4. The system of claim 3 further comprising a pressure control circuit positioned in said liquid delivery line, said pressure control circuit selectively increasing the pressure within said liquid delivery line so that a greater portion of the pumped cryogenic liquid may vaporized and ultimately directed to said gas and liquid mixer so that greater heating of the cryogenic liquid occurs therein. 5. The system of claim 1: wherein said pumping cylinder is divided by said pumping piston into a first chamber and a second chamber, each of which includes an inlet and an outlet; and further comprising: e. first and second inlet check valves in communication with the inlets of the first and second pumping cylinder chambers, respectively; f. first and second outlet check valves in communication with the outlets of the first and second pumping cylinder chambers, respectively; and g. said check valves cooperating to permit cryogenic liquid to flow into said first pumping cylinder chamber and out of said second pumping cylinder chamber when said pumping piston moves in a first direction and out of said first pumping cylinder chamber and into said second pumping cylinder chamber when said pumping piston moves in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. 6. The system of claim 5: wherein said actuating cylinder is divided by said actuating piston into a first chamber and a second chamber, each of which includes an inlet; and further comprising an automated control valve in circuit between the heat exchanger and the actuating cylinder inlets, said automated control valve introducing cryogenic vapor into said first and second actuating cylinder chambers in an alternating fashion thereby propelling the actuating piston in the first and second directions in a reciprocating fashion so that said pumping piston is moved in the first and second directions in a reciprocating fashion. 7. The system of claim 6 further comprising first and second limit switches, a stroke change cam attached to said connecting rod and a controller, said controller in communication with the automated control valve and the first and second limit switches, said stroke change cam tripping said first limit switch when said actuating and pumping pistons have traveled to a first position and said stroke change cam tripping the second limit switch when said actuating and pumping pistons have traveled to a second position, said controller reconfiguring said automated control valve whenever said first and second limit switches are tripped so that cryogenic vapor is redirected to a different chamber of the actuating cylinder. 8. The system of claim 1: wherein said actuating cylinder is divided by said actuating piston into a first chamber and a second chamber, each of which includes an inlet; and further comprising an automated control valve in circuit between the heat exchanger and the actuating cylinder inlets, said automated control valve introducing cryogenic vapor into said first and second actuating cylinder chambers in an alternating fashion thereby propelling the actuating piston in first and second directions in a reciprocating fashion so that said pumping piston is moved in the first and second directions in a reciprocating fashion. 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising first and second limit switches, a stroke change cam attached to said connecting rod and a controller, said controller in communication with the automated control valve and the first and second limit switches, said stroke change cam tripping said first limit switch when said actuating and pumping pistons have traveled to a first position and said stroke change cam tripping the second limit switch when said actuating and pumping piston