Patent ID: 7082782
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: F25C

Abstract:
1. An ice machine comprising: (a) an evaporator having a plurality of individual ice-forming cells, each cell having a closed perimeter and an opening at a lower end; (b) a water distributor coupled to the evaporator and configured to deliver water at or near an upper end of each of the plurality of individual ice-forming cells; (c) a water disperser in an upper end of each of the plurality of individual ice-forming cells, wherein the water disperser is configured to disperse the flow of water from the water distributor into the upper end of the ice-forming cells so that the water flows downward inside the perimeter of the individual ice-forming cells; (d) a water recirculation system including a sump, a water pump positioned within the sump, and a water recirculation line coupled to the water pump and to the water distributor; and (e) a refrigeration system configured to cool each of the plurality of ice-forming cells from outside the perimeter, such that individual ice cubes are formed in the ice-forming cells.