Abstract

An ice-forming stack for an ice-making system, comprising: an ice-making portion (112) comprising an evaporator (116) having a forward face (114); an elastomeric pad (120) disposed over the forward face; a thin planar sheet (130) disposed over a forward surface of the elastomeric pad; and a polymeric film (140) disposed over a forward surface of the sheet, wherein a forward surface of the polymeric film defines an ice-forming surface (144) for forming an ice block thereon, wherein the ice-forming surface comprises one or more openings (143) configured to release pressurized fluid between the ice-forming surface and the ice block formed thereon.

IPC Classes  ?

• F25C 1/12 - Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs

Abstract

An ice machine, comprising a pressure source configured to provide a gas above ambient pressure. The ice machine comprises an evaporator grid comprising a evaporator back board and an elastic substrate disposed over the evaporator back board, configured to elastically contract in thickness towards the evaporator back board. The evaporator grid comprises a gas valve in fluid communication with the pressure source. The ice machine comprises one or more controllers configured to initiate separation between the elastic substrate and an ice block that is formed in the evaporator grid. The gas valve is configured to inject the gas into a space formed by the separation, where the gas has a pressure above ambient pressure.

IPC Classes  ?

• F25C 5/06 - Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by deforming bodies with which the ice is in contact, e.g. using inflatable members
• F25C 1/04 - Producing ice by using stationary moulds
• F25C 1/12 - Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs

Abstract

An ice machine, comprising a pressure source configured to provide a gas above ambient pressure. The ice machine comprises an evaporator grid comprising a evaporator back board and an elastic substrate disposed over the evaporator back board, configured to elastically contract in thickness towards the evaporator back board. The evaporator grid comprises a gas valve in fluid communication with the pressure source. The ice machine comprises one or more controllers configured to initiate separation between the elastic substrate and an ice block that is formed in the evaporator grid. The gas valve is configured to inject the gas into a space formed by the separation, where the gas has a pressure above ambient pressure.

IPC Classes  ?

• F25C 5/06 - Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by deforming bodies with which the ice is in contact, e.g. using inflatable members
• F25C 1/00 - Producing ice