Ice maker with piezo dielectric elastomer sensor

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9863684
SERIAL NO

14476796

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Abstract

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An ice maker includes, among other things, an ice cube mold, an ice cube remover and a force sensor comprising a piezo dielectric elastomer (PDE). The ice cube mold has at least one cavity for receiving liquid. The ice cube remover is configured to apply a removal force to either the mold or an ice cube. The force sensor is provided on either the mold or the remover and provides an output indicative of the removal force. Upon the removal of an ice cube from the cavity, the ice cube remover applies a removal force to the mold or the ice cube to effect the removal of the ice cube from the cavity and the force sensor outputs a signal indicative of the removal force.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION2000 NORTH M-63 BENTON HARBOR MI 49022

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gomes, Alberto R Cumming, US 34 111
Lin, Yen-Hsi Saint Joseph, US 34 190
Tenbarge, Andrew M Saint Joseph, US 53 1327

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