Patent ID: 11906229
Assignee: HOSHIZAKI AMERICA, INC.
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F  G | IPC F

Claim 14:
15. A method of using an ice machine, the method comprising:
transmitting an acoustic pulse from an ultrasonic bin sensor of an ice maker of the ice machine into a storage bin of the ice machine, the ultrasonic bin sensor mounted to a body of the ice maker, the acoustic pulse initiated by the ultrasonic bin sensor in electrical communication with a controller;
receiving a return signal resulting from a reflection of the acoustic pulse off surfaces of materials present inside an interior cavity of the ice machine within range of the ultrasonic bin sensor;
converting the return signal from an acoustic signal into an electrical signal;
filtering out a portion of the return signal that exceeds a threshold voltage for a length of time equal to or less than a predetermined time delay; and
switching off production of the ice maker of the ice machine when a portion of the return signal exceeds a threshold voltage for a length of time greater than the time delay.