Refrigerator having an ice maker and a control system therefor
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
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Nov 13, 2001
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jan 12, 2000
filing date -
Dec 28, 1998
priority date (Note) -
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Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a control system for an ice making system. The ice making system includes an ice maker, and an ice storage bin for receiving ice pieces formed by the ice maker. The control system controls the ice maker and includes optic elements for emitting and receiving a beam of light directed across the upper portion of the bin. The control system senses when the ice maker is ready to harvest ice pieces and then directs a beam of light or light signal from a first side of the ice storage bin, across the bin toward a second side of the ice storage bin. The control system senses for the light signal at the second side of the ice storage bin and if ice pieces block the path of the light signal, the control system prevents ice harvesting from the ice maker. The optic elements of the control system include a light emitting element and a light receiving element. If the status of the light receiving element indicates that the optic elements are impaired due to ice or moisture build up, the optic elements are heated.
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