Patent Description:
From the end of the prohibition error to modem day, craft cocktails are a mainstay in most restaurants and bars. To enhance the overall experience, many restaurants and bars add garnishes and/or specialty ice to the cocktails. Currently, these restaurants and bars buy large blocks of ice that are then cut down in-house to the appropriate size for each drink. Some companies in the space claim to produce clear ice using directional freezing, but the clarity of the ice and scalability of the technology are questionable. Further, issues with standard ice machines include cracking, trapped air bubbles, dendritic formations, and water impurities resulting in ice that lacks the desired appeal and appearance.

For example, ice cracks when the exterior of the ice freezes first and then the interior freezes resulting in expansion of the earlier formed exterior ice and cracking of the ice. Additionally, or alternatively, during the freezing process, when the exterior of the ice freezes first and then further cools during subsequent freezing, interior tension in the ice is created. This interior tension causes cracking of the ice when it exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., about 1MPa). Unclear ice may result from super cooling. Water crystallizes around nucleation sites. The ice then grows from this point forming a near perfect lattice structure, given the proper environment. For example, some ice machines slightly super cool the water before freezing. This causes smaller, faster crystallization, which can lead to uneven pressure and greater cloudiness. Lastly, impurities in the water used for freezing can create unclear ice. While impurities play a role in the imperfections in ice, they often aren't the main culprit. Filtered water has on average <NUM> ppm impurities.

In other cases, some ice machines cause cloudy ice because the water contains dissolved air, and ice contains almost none. During the freeing process, as water turns to ice, and the remaining water reaches saturation level for dissolved gases, the dissolved gas comes out of solution. The gas bubbles stick to the ice-water interface due to surface adhesion. If these gas bubbles do not get released, they get frozen into the ice, resulting in optical imperfections which affect the straight passage of light (i.e., "cloudiness").

Taken together, improper ice freezing techniques and equipment result in less than ideal ice for the booming craft cocktail industry. Thus, there is a need for new and useful systems and methods for creating clear ice. One example of a method of making clear ice, known in the art, is disclosed in <CIT>.

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

It is an object of the present disclosure to describe a method for creating clear ice. For example, the method described herein may be configured to produce clear ice in a variety of shapes that are ready for use in beverages.

The invention is defined by the method according to claim <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ice created by the systems and devices described herein may have one or more of the following characteristics: clear, relatively free of impurities, relatively free of gas bubbles, relatively free of dissolved gasses, and/or cracking, may or may not have inclusions (e.g., flowers, liquor, food, etc.), etc. Such characteristics shall not be viewed as limiting in any way.

In some embodiments, water or liquid used to make the clear ice may be deaerated (e.g., gas sweeps, via vacuum, etc.), degassed, purified (e.g., sediment filtered, activated carbon block filtered, granular activated carbon filtered, reverse osmosis filtered, distilled, passed over an ion exchange column, treated with ultraviolet light, ultrafiltered, activated alumina filtered, ionized, etc.), or otherwise treated before being used to make clear ice. The water or liquid may be from a private well, a municipality, groundwater source, reservoir, etc..

The devices and systems described herein may have one or more of the following characteristics: sized to fit in a bar (e.g., under a counter, on a countertop, in backroom, etc.) but scalable to a manufacturing or a large or industrial scale method, units of ice produced are controllable, minimal effort is required by the user, device outputs sufficient for an establishment's daily needs, etc. Such characteristics shall not be viewed as limiting in any way.

As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the method described herein may be applicable to any size of device or system - small or large scale. For example, the method described herein may be employed in a bar top device but also in a large scale, industrial device or system.

In any of the embodiments described herein, each mold may include a cold surface interfacing with a cold plate, which forms at least one direction in a directional freezing process. Directional freezing of ice formed in each mold may be achieved by applying a cooling effect to a bottom mold portion, a top mold portion, a first mold portion, a second mold portion, and/or to one or more sides of the mold. In some embodiments, the cooling effect is movable such that directional freezing can be initiated in any direction (e.g., top to bottom, bottom to top, side to side, etc.).

In any of the embodiments described herein, vacuum may be applied to the mold, for example to deaerate the mold or liquid in the mold. Further, in any of the embodiments described herein, agitation or circulation of the liquid in the mold may be included, for example via water flow via inlets and outlets, mechanical flow (e.g., via a propeller at the top of the mold and/or reservoir that circulates water in the mold; shaking table; ultrasonic movement from piezo electric elements), or any other method that induced water circulation or agitation. In one embodiment, applying ultrasonic energy to a mold or a portion of a mold may induce ultrasonic moving of a skewer or clip in the mold, thereby creating agitation or water circulation.

In any of the embodiments described herein, freezing may be accomplished by any device or method known in the art, for example compressors, thermoelectric devices, etc..

Described herein are reservoirless molds, for example, such that the water is circulated into and out of the main cavity for forming one or more ice structures. Further, described herein are molds including a reservoir, for example, such that the mold includes a cavity or other means in which to circulate water (e.g., to prevent dissolved gases from freezing in the water) into and out of the main cavity for forming one or more ice structures. Both reservoirless and reservoir containing molds allow liquid to circulate around the formed ice structure even once the mold has been frozen past the point where the desired shape is achieved. In some embodiments, reservoirless molds will either have flow turned off before the top most section of the mold freezes or ice formation will block inlets/outlets and stop flow in the mold.

Various molds described herein may include one liquid inflow or inlet and one liquid outflow or outlet or one or more or a plurality, such that water can be circulated into and out of the cavity in any pattern or dimension to produce a clear ice structure. In some embodiments, an outlet may be used to remove gas from a liquid in the mold, for example to form deaerated liquid.

In any of the embodiments described here, the mold may be a monolithic piece (one piece) or two or three or any number of pieces. The pieces of each mold may be easily separated and assembled via a snap-fit connection or screw connection or hinge connection or the like.

Using any of the embodiments described herein, ice structures of any size and/or shape may be formed. For example, a completely assembled mold may have a volume of about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>) to about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>); about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>) to about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>); about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>) to about <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>); <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>), etc. The shape inside the mold that is formed by a first mold portion and a second mold portion may vary and include any number of shapes such as cubes, spheres, rectangles, cylinders, stars, hearts, custom shapes, crescents, etc. The size of the ice shape formed within the molds will necessarily be smaller than the size of the mold. For example, a <NUM> (<NUM> inch) mold may form a <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>) cube, or a <NUM> (<NUM> inch) mold may form a <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>) sphere, etc. Any mold size may be configured to create any sized ice form therein. The systems and devices described herein allow for the automated production of clear ice into predetermined shapes. In some cases, the systems and devices may also enable the addition of inclusions into each ice shape.

The systems and devices described herein allow for the automated production of clear ice into predetermined shapes. In some cases, the systems and devices may also enable the addition of inclusions into each ice shape.

Various examples of a mold with a reservoir integrated into the mold cavity will now be described with reference to <FIG>. One embodiment of a reservoirless mold <NUM> for forming a cuboidal ice structure is shown in <FIG>. Mold <NUM> includes a first mold portion <NUM> and a second mold portion <NUM>. In a closed configuration, as shown in <FIG>, first mold portion <NUM> and second mold portion <NUM> together form mold <NUM>, such that a clear ice structure is formed therein. In an open configuration, as shown in <FIG>, an ice structure formed within mold <NUM> is accessible, for example, to remove the ice structure. First and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM> are matingly secured together during ice formation via one or more mechanisms. For example, first mold portion <NUM> may include sealing member <NUM> (e.g., gasket) extending around a portion of or all of a perimeter <NUM> on a bottom of mold portion <NUM> to seal the first mold portion <NUM> to a second mold portion <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, first mold portion <NUM> may define one or more apertures <NUM> that are configured to receive one or more pins or dowels extending from a second mold portion <NUM> to seal the first mold portion <NUM> to a second mold portion <NUM>. Pressure may also be applied optionally to a first and/or second mold portion <NUM>, <NUM> to create a liquid tight seal therebetween, for example via a plate in a system or device for freezing multiple molds, as will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

While the terms top mold and bottom mold or first mold portion and second mold portion are used herein, what is called the top mold may be the bottom mold and vice versa. In other embodiments, the molds may be split between a left side and a right side or a front side and a back side. Alternatively, the molds may be split along a plane or surface that is not orthogonal. In still other embodiments, there may be a different number of mold portions such as three or four or any other suitable number.

The first mold portion <NUM> may further include liquid compartment <NUM> that is configured for liquid circulation during ice formation, as will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein. First mold portion <NUM> further includes liquid inlet <NUM> and liquid outlet <NUM>, such that the liquid is transferred into mold <NUM> via liquid inlet <NUM> and cycled out of mold <NUM> via liquid outlet <NUM>. Liquid entering the mold <NUM> through liquid inlet <NUM> circulates in mold cavity <NUM> defined by the first and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The ice structure for use is defined by first and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM>, while liquid compartment <NUM> defines an internal water circulation cavity, similar to a reservoir. During post-processing, the ice formed in liquid compartment <NUM> is removed by shaving, melting, or cleaving the ice so that a spherical, cuboidal, or otherwise shaped ice structure is the end result. Second or bottom portion <NUM> of mold <NUM> further includes one or more cutouts <NUM> or features that enable mold <NUM> to be matingly coupled, slidingly received, or snapped into a system where multiple molds fit therein, as will be shown and described in connection with <FIG>.

The first mold portion may be comprised of any number of materials. For example, the first mold may be comprised of plastics such as acetal, polycarbonate, or any other suitable plastic. In some embodiments, the first mold is a composite of multiple materials. The second mold may likewise be comprised of any number of materials. In some embodiments, the second mold comprises or is formed of a material that conducts heat well such as an aluminum while the top mold comprises or is formed of a material that conducts heat less well such as a plastic. In such a configuration (i.e., differing materials forming the top and bottom mold portions), the directional freezing that occurs from the cooling plate connected to the second mold portion may be limited past the point where the first and second mold portions connect.

Turning now to <FIG>, which show one embodiment of a reservoirless mold <NUM> for forming a spherical ice structure. Mold <NUM> includes a first or top mold portion <NUM> and a second or bottom mold portion <NUM>. In a closed configuration, as shown in <FIG>, first mold portion <NUM> and second mold portion <NUM> together form mold <NUM>, such that a clear ice structure is formed therein. In an open configuration, as shown in <FIG>, an ice structure formed within mold <NUM> is accessible, for example, to remove or eject the ice structure. First and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM> are matingly secured together during ice formation via one or more mechanisms. For example, first mold portion <NUM> may include sealing member <NUM> (e.g., gasket) extending around a portion of or all of a perimeter <NUM> on a bottom of mold portion <NUM> to seal the first mold portion <NUM> to a second mold portion <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, first mold portion <NUM> may define one or more apertures <NUM> that are configured to receive one or more pins or dowels extending from a second or bottom mold portion <NUM> to seal the first mold portion <NUM> to a second mold portion <NUM>. Pressure may also be applied optionally to a first and/or second mold portion <NUM>, <NUM> to create a liquid tight seal therebetween, for example via a plate in a system or device for freezing multiple molds, as will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

The first mold portion <NUM> may further include liquid compartment <NUM> that is configured for liquid circulation during ice formation, as will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein. First mold portion <NUM> further includes liquid inlet <NUM> and liquid outlet <NUM>, such that the liquid is transferred into mold <NUM> via liquid inlet <NUM> and cycled out of mold <NUM> via liquid outlet <NUM>. Liquid entering the mold <NUM> through liquid inlet <NUM> circulates in mold cavity <NUM> defined by the first and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The ice structure for use is defined by first and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM>, while liquid compartment <NUM> defines an internal water circulation cavity, similar to a reservoir. During post-processing, the ice formed in liquid compartment <NUM> is removed by shaving, melting, or cleaving the ice so that a spherical, cuboidal, pressing, or otherwise shaped ice structure is the end result. First and second mold portions <NUM>, <NUM> of mold <NUM> further include one or more ribs <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or features that enable mold <NUM> to be matingly coupled, slidingly received, or snapped into a system where multiple molds fit therein (<FIG>). Alternatively, or additionally, each rib <NUM> houses a fixed or moveable pin therein for securing the first mold portion <NUM> to the second mold portion <NUM>. In a moveable state, the pin may be advanced and retracted to secure the first mold portion <NUM> to the second mold portion <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, which shows a vertically splitting mold (as opposed to the horizontally splitting molds described above). Mold <NUM> includes a first mold portion <NUM> and a second mold portion <NUM> that seal together along vertical line or vertical engagement plane <NUM> during an ice making process. Further, mold <NUM> defines one or more apertures for liquid inlets, liquid outlets <NUM>, and/or retractable skewers or clips. For example, first mold portion <NUM> defines liquid outlet <NUM> and aperture <NUM> for receiving a retractable skewer or clip therethrough (either manually or automatically retractable). The second mold portion <NUM> defines one or more liquid inlets <NUM>. The first and second mold portions may be keyed to one another, as shown in <FIG> such that when sealed together, they form a liquid tight seal for making clear ice therein. Further, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, the second mold portion <NUM> or the first mold portion <NUM> may include all the inlets, outlets, and apertures for the skewer or clip. Further, although the inlets <NUM> are formed in the second mold portion <NUM>, one will appreciate that these inlets may alternatively reside in the first mold portion <NUM>. Further, although outlet <NUM> and skewer or clip aperture <NUM> is in the first mold portion <NUM> as depicted, one of skill in the art will appreciate that they be formed alternatively in the second mold portion <NUM>.

Any of the mold portions described herein may include various arrangements of liquid inlets and outlets. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a mold portion <NUM> may include optionally concentrically arranged liquid inlets <NUM>, <NUM> and/or liquid outlets <NUM>. Liquid inlets may include an outer ring <NUM> and/or <NUM> an inner ring. These various arrangements may allow inlets and outlets to be turned on and off in various patterns to promote clear ice formation. For example, liquid inflows <NUM> may be turned on first and then liquid inflows <NUM>, starting from outside to inside of the mold, although inside to outside turning on of inflows may also be employed. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid inflows <NUM>, <NUM> are turned on and/or off depending on the stage of freezing and/or a location of the boundary layer of ice formation. In some embodiments, liquid inflows are turned on in a sweeping pattern during early ice formation and then into a more targeted pattern, for example directed to the boundary layer, during later ice formation. Although various patterns are described herein, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any combination of activation of inflows and outflows is envisioned that will promote clear ice formation. Each inlet and/or outlet may further include an independent flow rate, such that the flow rate of each inlet and/or outlet may be controlled and/or configured for optimal ice formation.

Further as shown <FIG> and as described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, mold portion <NUM> may include a sealing feature (e.g., gasket) along a perimeter <NUM> of a bottom of the mold portion and/or one or more apertures <NUM> configured to receive a dowel or pin from the other mold portion to seal the first mold portion to a second mold portion. Mold portion <NUM> may further define an aperture <NUM> configured to receive a skewer therethrough.

Optionally, first mold portion <NUM> and/or second mold portion <NUM> further defines an aperture for receiving a skewer <NUM> therein for suspending an article (e.g., food, prize, liquid, etc.) in an ice structure formed in mold <NUM>. A distal end potion of skewer <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The skewer <NUM> holds an inclusion (e.g., fruit, leaf, etc.) at a desired location in the mold <NUM> while the liquid is freezing. When the ice freezes past the inclusion, the skewer <NUM> is removed (e.g., automatically or manually retracted) and the rest of the ice freezes around the inclusion. For example, the skewer <NUM> may sense a progression of freezing based on a sensor or probe on the skewer <NUM>. Alternatively, in methods where the freezing process occurs during a relatively fixed length of time, the skewer <NUM> is retracted at a pre-determined time or after a fixed length of time has elapsed. The distal tip of the skewer may be sharpened or barbed to enhance retention of objects.

In some embodiments, the skewer may include inlets or outlets for fluids or gases. For example, the skewer may be used as an inlet port in the manner described above that circulates water into the mold. In this embodiment, the water may circulate out of the skewer through a single hole at its distal end or through any number of holes along its length. The holes may be sized and positioned such that they provide optimal flow for the agitation of the water during the freezing process. The skewer may be retracted during the freezing process such that the inlet hole or holes remain above the frozen ice. Alternatively, the holes may be occluded as the ice freezes, resulting in blockade of the holes while other holes above the ice remain patent. This may act to selectively change the flow profile as the ice is formed. In other embodiments, the skewer may form the outlet rather than the inlet. In some embodiments, the skewer may have multiple lumens and have both inlets and outlets along its length. In still other embodiments, the skewer may be used to inject gases such as air into the water. The injected gases may act as an agitator during the ice formation process. Alternatively, the gases may be used to form decorative bubbles within the ice. In still other embodiments, other fluid infusions may be injected into the ice through the skewer such as alcohol, mixers, CBD liquid, or any other number of fluids that may enhance the ice novelty.

One embodiment of a skewer <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Each skewer <NUM> may include an elongate body <NUM> comprising or coupled to a distal tip <NUM> configured to pierce an article or clasp an article. In one embodiment, the distal end of skewer <NUM> includes a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM> that are transitionable between an open or unclasped configuration and a closed or clasped configuration. Legs <NUM>, <NUM> are biased towards the closed or clasped configuration such that pressure or force is applied to the article clasped therein. As shown in <FIG>, legs <NUM>, <NUM> define slot <NUM> in which an article is clasped therein and between legs <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed, clasped configuration. Further, each leg <NUM>, <NUM> includes a first region 70a, 70b and a second region 72a, 72b. The first regions 70a, 70b slightly decrease in thickness from a proximal end to a distal end and encounter or couple to second regions 72a, 72b which each include a bevel or convex groove. Region 72a contacts region 72b when the skewer <NUM> is in a closed, clasped configuration, although an article may be therebetween in some embodiments. Once at least a portion or part of the article is frozen in the ice structure in the mold, retraction of the skewer <NUM> causes leg <NUM> to move apart from leg <NUM>, which releases the article and allows the skewer <NUM> to be fully removed. Alternatively, in some embodiments, legs <NUM>, <NUM> each have a fixed width. Alternatively, in some embodiments, legs <NUM>, <NUM> include a hinge mechanism that is biased towards the closed or clasped configuration. In such embodiments, one or both legs <NUM>, <NUM> include a hinge that, when manipulated, allows an article to be secured therein.

Turning now to <FIG>, which show various embodiments of skewer placement and/or a retraction process. In some embodiments, one or more implements or skewers may be used to secure inclusions within the mold cavity during an ice formation cycle. Further, height and/or positioning can be adjusted for each skewer or a subset of skewers, such that each skewer comprises a flexible shaft. In some embodiments, a timing of retraction can be controlled individually to accommodate the different placements and/or freeze times of the molds and/or synchronized such that all skewers are removed at the same time. In some embodiments, one or more mold portions include a skewer drive housing (e.g., motor, processor, etc.) within a sidewall of the mold portion to control skewer movement, heating, positioning, etc. Further, one or more of the skewers may include a heating element therein such that the skewer can be heated for ease of retraction in the case of ice formation around skewer. As shown in <FIG>, three flexible skewers or clips <NUM> with inclusions <NUM> secured thereto are positioned within the mold cavity <NUM> defined by sidewalls <NUM> of mold <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, two of the three skewers or clips of <FIG> have been retracted (retracted skewers <NUM>, unretracted skewer <NUM>) leaving the articles <NUM> frozen in the ice <NUM>, while the third skewer <NUM> is currently above the boundary of the ice <NUM> in liquid <NUM>, so it will not be retracted until the ice <NUM> forms past or partially past the article <NUM> secured thereto. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, more than one skewer or a plurality of skewers may be aggregated (manually or automatically) to maintain an inclusion in a desired position.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, which show systems for creating clear ice. For example, as shown in <FIG>, system <NUM> for creating clear ice has a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively. System <NUM> includes one or more or a plurality of molds <NUM>, <NUM>, arranged therein. As described elsewhere herein, the molds <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to, attached to, matingly received, or otherwise snapped into system <NUM> for ice creation. For example, each mold <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dowel or pin along its length (e.g., see ribs <NUM> of <FIG>), such that the system <NUM> includes a slotted tube extending perpendicularly from base or cooling apparatus <NUM> that is configured to receive the dowel or pin to secure the mold <NUM>, <NUM>, into the system. Alternatively, each mold <NUM>, <NUM> may include a slotted tube such that the system <NUM> includes one or more dowels or pins extending perpendicularly from base or cooling apparatus <NUM> to be received within the slotted tube of each mold to secure the mold to the base plate or cooling apparatus <NUM>. Of course, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, any mechanical connection or coupling mechanism may be used to secure each mold to the base plate or cooling apparatus <NUM>. System <NUM> further includes lid <NUM>. Lid <NUM> includes one liquid compartment or manifold for all molds positioned therein or a separate manifold or liquid compartment <NUM> for each mold. Lid <NUM> further defines one or more apertures <NUM> configured to receive a skewer or clip <NUM> therein for inclusion insertion in each mold. As described elsewhere herein, the skewers or clips <NUM> may be manually or automatically retracted. Lid <NUM> includes one or more ports <NUM> (e.g., valves, inlets, outlets) that are configured to move liquid into and out of each mold. Lid <NUM> may be removably coupled to the manifolds or liquid compartments <NUM> of each mold <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, lid <NUM> may have integrated liquid compartments or manifolds or be irreversibly coupled to the liquid compartments or manifolds such that removing lid <NUM> from the system <NUM> allows access to the formed ice in each mold.

<FIG> disclose another system <NUM> for making clear ice. A system <NUM> for creating clear ice includes an ice forming module <NUM>, an inclusion module <NUM>, an ejector module <NUM>, and a movement module <NUM>, each of which will be described in turn below. As one of skill will appreciate, the embodiment shown and described in <FIG> may function in the absence of an inclusion module <NUM>, an ejector module <NUM> (e.g., ice may be removed manually or by gravity), and/or a movement module <NUM>. The system as shown in <FIG> may be structured and configured that it fits on a countertop, for example in a bar or home. Alternatively, it may be structured or configured for large scale manufacturing or industrial scale ice production.

As shown in <FIG>, an ice forming module <NUM> includes one or more molds <NUM> (e.g., 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d. 174n) coupled to a cooling apparatus <NUM>. For example, either or both molds may be coupled to a cooling apparatus <NUM>. Each mold <NUM> may comprise one monolithic piece; alternatively, each mold may include a first mold portion <NUM> and a second mold portion <NUM> or any number of mold portions, as shown and/or described elsewhere herein. Mold <NUM> may define a mold cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, a second mold portion <NUM> is reversibly couplable to the first mold portion <NUM> along a vertical axis or an engagement plane <NUM> that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees) to the cooling apparatus <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Although molds for making spherical ice shapes are represented, one of skill in the art will appreciate that molds for making any ice shape (e.g., cube, rectangle, etc.) may be included. Further, system <NUM> may include a variety of molds for forming different ice shapes during one cycle.

In some embodiments, a first mold portion <NUM> is movable relative to a second mold portion <NUM> and/or a cooling apparatus <NUM>. In other embodiments, a second mold portion <NUM> is movable relative to a first mold portion <NUM> and/or a cooling apparatus <NUM>. A mold portion may be static or fixed relative to the other mold portion and/or relative to a cooling apparatus. For example, a first <NUM> or second <NUM> mold portion may be static or fixed while the opposite mold portion is movable. In other embodiments, the first <NUM> and second <NUM> mold portions are movable relative to one another and/or a cooling apparatus <NUM>. Movement of the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> mold portions may be parallel with respect to the cooling apparatus <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows the first mold portion <NUM> moving rotationally <NUM> counterclockwise relative to the second mold portion <NUM>. For example, rotational translation <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees; or any range or subrange therebetween relative to a position of the first mold portion <NUM> that is parallel to the second mold portion <NUM> or relative to a position of the first mold portion <NUM> that is perpendicular to alignment rail <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, as shown in <FIG>, first mold portion <NUM> may be rotated <NUM> counterclockwise about <NUM> degrees to release the ice therein via gravity. Alternatively, or additionally, as shown in <FIG>, first mold portion <NUM> may be rotated <NUM> clockwise about <NUM> degrees to allow for inclusion (skewer or clip <NUM>) loading and/or manual ice removal.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each mold <NUM> includes a manifold <NUM>, one or more fluid inlet valves <NUM>, and one or more fluid outlet valves <NUM>, such that fluid flow is controllable within each mold <NUM>. Optionally, mold flow insert <NUM>, defining one or more ports or apertures, may be included in one or more molds or a subset of the one or more molds for varying a liquid flow rate into the mold. For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show various arrangements of ports or apertures.

In some embodiments, ice forming module <NUM> includes a manifold, one or more fluid inlet valves, and one or more fluid outlet valves, such that the one or more molds are in fluid communication so that fluid flows between molds and/or fluid flow in all the molds is substantially similar.

In one embodiments of a mold <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the one or more fluid inlet valves <NUM> are on the first mold portion <NUM>, and the one or more fluid outlet valves <NUM> are on the second mold portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the one or more fluid inlet valves <NUM> are on the second mold portion <NUM> and the one or more fluid outlet valves <NUM> are on the first mold portion <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the first mold portion <NUM> includes one or more fluid inlet valves <NUM> and one or more fluid outlet valves <NUM>. Alternatively, the second mold portion <NUM> includes one or more fluid inlet valves <NUM> and one or more fluid outlet valves <NUM>.

The ice forming module <NUM> may further includes mold carrier <NUM> coupled to cooling apparatus insulation <NUM>, which insulates cooling apparatus <NUM> (e.g., chill plate, Peltier, thermoelectric cooler, coolant, refrigerant, etc.), as shown in <FIG>.

A system <NUM> for creating clear ice, as shown in <FIG>, may further include an inclusion module <NUM>. The inclusion module <NUM> may include one or more skewers or clips <NUM> that are each reversibly insertable into one of the one or more molds <NUM>. For example, a first mold portion <NUM> may define an aperture configured to receive a skewer or clip <NUM> therein. Alternatively, a second mold portion <NUM> defines an aperture configured to receive a skewer or clip <NUM> therein. The skewer or clip <NUM> may enter each mold <NUM> at an angle to center an item or inclusion in the mold during ice formation. Alternatively, when the first and second mold portions come together at an engagement plane <NUM>, they may, together, define an aperture configured to receive a skewer or clip <NUM> therein. An inclusion may include a consumable or a non-consumable. An inclusion may include a liquid, solid, or gas, such that the skewer may define one or more apertures to release a liquid or gas into the ice during ice formation, to remove a liquid or gas from the liquid during ice formation, or such that the skewer may pierce or pinch a solid and hold it in position during ice formation.

As shown in <FIG>, the inclusion module <NUM> may include a motor <NUM> and one or more timing belts <NUM> coupled to one more screws <NUM>, such that when the motor <NUM> is actuated, the one or more timing belts <NUM> move the one or more screws <NUM> to move the skewer or clip <NUM> into or out of each mold <NUM> via plate <NUM> which interfaces with the skewers or clips <NUM>. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, while a screw mechanism is shown in the figures, other mechanisms may be used, such as electro-magnetic solenoids, pneumatics solenoids, etc..

In some embodiments, a system <NUM> for creating clear ice may include an ejector module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The ejector module <NUM> includes one or more ejector pins <NUM> that are each reversibly insertable into one of the one or more molds <NUM> to dislodge an ice shape that is formed in the one or more molds <NUM>. The one or more ejector pins <NUM> are coupled to an ejector pin brace <NUM>, via ejector pin bracket <NUM>. The ejector pin brace <NUM> is coupled to the ejector carriage <NUM> (e.g., ball bearing carriage). Ejector carriage <NUM> moves along rail <NUM> to move the ejector pin brace <NUM>, and thus ejector pins <NUM> into and out of the molds. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the ejector pin mechanism may be replaced with an air-based mechanism, hydraulics, or the like. Further, in some embodiments, the molds include heat coils therein, such that at the conclusion of an ice formation cycle, the molds are heated to allow removal of the ice shapes by gravity or manually via a user grasping the ice shapes from each mold. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the ice formed in the molds is simply removed by gravity or manually by a user.

A system <NUM> for creating clear ice may further include a movement module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The movement module <NUM> is configured to axially translate <NUM> the first mold portion <NUM> and/or the ejector module <NUM> (in embodiments having an ejector module) relative to the second mold portion <NUM> and/or rotationally translate <NUM> the first mold portion <NUM> relative to the second mold portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the movement module <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> (e.g., ball bearing rail) coupled to alignment rail <NUM> and a mold carriage <NUM> coupled to the first mold portion <NUM>. In embodiments having both an ejector module <NUM> and a movement module <NUM>, the mold carriage <NUM> and the ejector carriage <NUM> translate axially <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. In some embodiments, movement of the mold carriage <NUM> and the ejector carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM> occurs substantially simultaneously. For example, as the first mold portion <NUM> is axially translated, the ejector module <NUM> is also axially translated which causes ejector pin <NUM> to enter the second mold portion <NUM> to dislodge the ice shape formed therein. Alternatively, movement of the mold carriage <NUM> and the ejector carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM> occurs asynchronously. In some embodiments, alignment rail <NUM> includes a stop <NUM> (e.g., spring based mechanism), as shown in <FIG>, such that the ejector carriage <NUM> is prevented from further axial movement once the ice shape is ejected from the second mold portion <NUM>, while the mold carriage <NUM> coupled to the first mold portion <NUM> further axially translates and/or rotationally translates to dispense the ice shape therein, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The movement module <NUM> may further include guide block <NUM> pivotally coupled to bearing block <NUM> which is pivotally coupled to mold pivot plate <NUM>. Mold pivot plate <NUM> is coupled to a first or only mold <NUM> in an assembly of molds <NUM> such that mold pivot plate <NUM> rotates <NUM> with the first or only mold <NUM> relative to the bearing block <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, which disclose ice formation processes and related mechanisms. The following parameters may be adjusted to affect the speed of ice formation and clarity:.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the ice formation in a mold during a start phase and end phase, respectively, of one embodiment of a process for ice formation. Water is circulated from one or more inlets (e.g., inner region inlets <NUM>; outer region inlets <NUM>) and out through an outlet <NUM>, disposed in manifold <NUM>, in the mold cavity <NUM> defined by first and second mold portions. As shown in <FIG>, liquid <NUM> is circulated in mold cavity <NUM>. Ice formation <NUM> begins proximal to cold plate <NUM> as liquid <NUM> is circulated in the remained of mold cavity <NUM>. Ice <NUM> continues to form over time resulting in a smaller volume in which liquid is flowed during the ice making process, as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, liquid <NUM> may flow into the mold cavity <NUM> via inner region inlet <NUM> and/or outer region inlet <NUM>. As is described elsewhere herein, flow may be switched between inlets during an ice making method and/or flow may come from both inlets during an ice making method. In one embodiment, during an end phase of ice formation as shown in <FIG>, liquid is circulated from the inner inlets <NUM> (as opposed to the outer inlets <NUM>) and out through outlet <NUM>. The flow rate (percent of max flow) and origination of flow (inner region, outer region, flow reversal) may change over time during a method of making clear ice. For example, in some embodiments, outlet <NUM> may become a liquid inlet during a flow reversal period in a clear ice making method. Additionally, or alternatively, inlets <NUM>, <NUM> may become a liquid outlet during a flow reversal period in a clear ice making method.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangement of one or more ports or valves on a bottom of a manifold <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>. In this embodiment, the outer inlets <NUM> are around a perimeter of the mold (in this case a cube), and the inner inlets <NUM> are arranged radially such that they are between the outer inlets <NUM> and outlet <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, inner region <NUM> (demarcated by the dotted oval) includes inner inlets <NUM> and outlet <NUM>, and outer region <NUM> includes outer inlets <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the ice formation in a mold during an end phase of one embodiment of a process for forming ice.

<FIG> shows a side profile view of a device for making clear ice. The device includes manifold, mold <NUM>, and cold plate <NUM>. One embodiment of a manifold <NUM> of a housing has one or more angled liquid inlets <NUM>. For example, an angle <NUM> of the inlet <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to degrees <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or any range or subrange therebetween. The angle <NUM> of the liquid inlets <NUM> may match an angle or curvature of the mold <NUM> (forming of first <NUM> and second <NUM> mold portions), for example a spherical mold. As shown in <FIG>, inlet <NUM> may be positioned on the same mold portion (i.e., in this embodiment, the first mold portion <NUM>) as outlet <NUM>; in other embodiments, inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> are positioned on separate mold portions. Further, the angled liquid inlets <NUM> may function to create liquid <NUM> flow along a perimeter of the mold cavity in areas that typically receive little to no flow, such as undercut (i.e., a lip or a shelf adjacent to the inlets) or narrow regions to increase clear ice formation <NUM>. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the manifold <NUM> of <FIG>, where the angled liquid inlets <NUM> are disposed radially or circumferentially on one of the mold portions and a liquid outlet <NUM> resides in a center region of the angled liquid inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet <NUM> is substantially equally spaced from all the angled liquid inlets <NUM>. Alternatively, the liquid outlet <NUM> may be closer or in proximity to a subset of the angled liquid inlets <NUM>. Although a plurality of liquid inlets is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any of the preceding embodiments may include one, more than one, one or more, or a plurality of liquid inlets.

Various temperature control configurations and/or processes will now be described with respect to <FIG> show a device for making clear ice including mold <NUM>, inlet <NUM>, outlet <NUM>, optionally one or more sidewall refrigerant lines <NUM>, and optionally one or more cold plate refrigerant lines <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, mold temperature may be controlled in segmented bands such that one or more sidewalls <NUM> of the mold <NUM> include one or more refrigeration lines <NUM>, for example formed in concentric circles around a mold cavity <NUM> from bottom to top (or any patterned deemed to be effective). In such embodiments, the mold <NUM> is chilled from the bottom or from a first mold portion and/or the sides to improve efficiency and/or overall process duration. <FIG> show various temperature control scenarios. For example, as shown in <FIG>, all refrigerant lines are active. The process for ice formation <NUM> may include an initial cool down to bring a liquid <NUM> temperature down from ambient temperature to just above freezing temperature. Further, for example, as shown in <FIG>, all refrigerant lines are active, and the process for ice formation includes a mid-cycle plateau in temperature using both the refrigerant lines and the chill plate to improve efficiency. Further, for example as shown in <FIG>, a subset of the refrigerant lines <NUM> is active (e.g., only the lines disposed in one or more sidewalls of the mold), and the process for ice formation includes an end cycle plateau in temperature using the one or more refrigerant lines to improve efficiency and/or help to reduce the overall temperature gradient in the ice which reduces internal stresses and the likelihood of cracking. Internal tension (which often results in cracking) may also be reduced over time, through the process of creep, without adjusting or reducing the temperature gradient. As another example, instead of, or in addition to, refrigerant lines, a mold may include a thermoelectric cooling apparatus coupled to or integrated into the mold. Additionally, or alternatively, a mold may include one or more heating elements opposite a cooling apparatus to control ice formation boundary that migrates up the mold as its formed.

<FIG> show various exemplary, non-limiting methods for forming clear ice using any ice mold structure described herein or known in the art. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, any of the parameters, temperature ranges, stages, rates, time periods, circulation, agitation, etc. of any of <FIG> may be exchanged with each other. Various parameters were adjusted in each of the figures. For example, temperature, time, end plateau (i.e., flow or temperature stays constant for a time period at the end of the method, mid-cycle plateau (i.e., flow or temperature stays constant for a time period during the recipe), flow paths (i.e., flow inlets that are located towards the outside of the mold are being controlled separately from flow inlets towards a center of the mold), flow direction (i.e., flow reversal; pump direction is switched such that the inlets become the outlets and the outlets become the inlets), circulation (e.g., maintain some degree of water flow at the ice formation boundary to prevent dissolved gasses from freezing in the water), initial cool down (i.e., an initial aggressive ramp down in temperature to bring the water in the molds close to freezing more quickly, for example an initial temperature drop to about <NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC), and annealing (i.e., period at the end of the method after the ice has been formed that allows for the temperature gradient in the ice to lessen or reduce internal stresses that can lead to cracking). For example, one or more temperature plateaus may be from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes. Further for example, an annealing period may be characterized by a coolant source temperature between about -<NUM> oC and about <NUM> oC and the percentage max flow of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. As shown below, each step in each method may include or comprise about <NUM> to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; substantially <NUM> minutes; substantially <NUM> minutes; substantially <NUM> minutes; about less than <NUM> minutes; etc. As shown in the following figures, the initial steps may vary in time from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes and then the subsequent steps may vary in time from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes. Although, as one of skill in the art will appreciate decreasing or increasing a step by about <NUM> minute to about <NUM> minutes will not depart substantially from the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a method for forming clear ice includes: providing a mold, for example, any of the mold embodiments (e.g., one piece, two pieces, multiple pieces, vertical split, horizontal split, etc.); optionally inserting a skewer or clip through the first or second mold portion, the skewer or clip being coupled to an item or configured to release a fluid into a cavity in the ice (e.g., skewer defines one or more apertures); circulating, using the fluid inlet and outlet valves, a fluid in the cavity defined by the first and second mold portions; optionally varying overtime one or both of: a temperature of the cooling apparatus or source or a fluid flow, through the fluid inlet valve, as a percentage of max flow; and optionally retracting the skewer or clip when the ice formation encases at least a portion of the item.

As shown above, in some embodiments, temperature is varied (e.g., <NUM> oC and about -<NUM> oC or any of the ice making methods described elsewhere herein); in other embodiments, the flow rate is varied (e.g., percentage of max flow between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>% or any of the ice making methods described elsewhere herein). In some embodiments, both temperature and flow rate are varied. In some embodiments, neither temperature nor flow rate are varied.

In some embodiments, the mold is configured to receive a skewer or clip therethrough, such that the method includes inserting the skewer or clip and optionally retracting the skewer or clip at a predetermined time. The predetermined time is dependent on a type of item coupled to the skewer, dependent on a volume of the mold, a random predetermined time, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, ice formation is monitored via a sensorized mold and/or skewer/clip such that the skewer or clip is removed or retracted based on a progress of ice formation. The method may optionally include releasing the ice from the mold with the item encased therein, for example via gravity, manual removal, automatic removal (e.g., ejector pin, air, hydraulics, etc.). In some embodiments, the method optionally includes sealing a first mold portion to a second mold portion or sealing various mold pieces to one another, for example via a gasket, pressure seal, screw type seal, etc. The seal that is formed is positioned vertically between the first and second mold portions. Alternatively, the seal that is formed is positioned horizontally between the first and second mold portions, as shown and described elsewhere herein.

<FIG> show varied temperature over time at a constant flow. As shown in <FIG>, temperature is decreased incrementally over time. The size of the increments may vary over time; alternatively, the increments may not vary over time (i.e., are fixed), such that increment remains the same over time. In one exemplary embodiment, the increment is <NUM> oC, such that the temperature decreases by an increment of about <NUM> oC over time. In other embodiments, the increment may be less than about <NUM> oC or more than about <NUM> oC. In some embodiments, the increment may be from about <NUM> oC to about <NUM> oC; <NUM> oC to about <NUM> oC; about <NUM> oC to about <NUM> oC; about <NUM> oC to about <NUM> oC; about <NUM> oC to about <NUM> oC; etc..

Further, as shown in <FIG>, a temperature variation may be from about <NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC; about <NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC; about <NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC; about -<NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC; about -<NUM> oC to about -<NUM> oC; etc. For example, the temperature may decrease gradually over time. In the example shown in <FIG>, the percent max flow remains at <NUM>% through the duration of the ice making method. Alternatively, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, and as shown elsewhere herein, the percent max flow may vary over time.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, a skewer or clip may be retracted at one or more of: a predetermined time, based on a degree of ice formation, based on a volume of ice formation, based on a type of inclusion or item coupled to the skewer or clip, based on a sensor reading (e.g., temperature, clarity of ice, volume of ice, etc.) or a combination thereof. As shown in <FIG> and for any of the embodiments described herein, a skewer or clip may be retracted after about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; at about <NUM> minutes; at about <NUM> minutes; etc. from or after the start time (time = <NUM>) of the method. Alternatively, or additionally, in any of the embodiments described herein, a skewer or clip, may include a heating means (e.g., heating element, heating coils, etc.) such that the skewer or clip may be heated and retracted at any time during or after the ice making process.

<FIG> show varied flow rate over time at a constant temperature. As shown in <FIG>, flow rate, as a percentage of max flow, is decreased incrementally over time. The size of the increments may vary over time; alternatively, the increments ma not vary over time, such that increment remains the same over time. In one exemplary embodiment, the increment is about <NUM>%, such that the flow rate decreases by an increment of about <NUM>% over time. In other embodiments, the increment may be less than about <NUM>% or more than about <NUM>%. In some embodiments, the increment may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. For example, the percent max flow may decrease gradually over time. In the example shown in <FIG>, the temperature remains constant or fixed during the method. For example, the temperature may remain close to or at about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>. For example, the temperature may remain at about or substantially -<NUM>. Alternatively, as one of skill in the art will appreciate, and as shown elsewhere herein, the temperature may vary over time. In this embodiment, the skewer or clip is retracted after about or substantially <NUM> minutes from the start (time = <NUM>) of the method.

<FIG> show varied flow rate and temperature over time. As one can appreciate, <FIG> show a combination of the methods of <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, both the temperature and the flow rate are varied over time. The variation may be incremental, at a fixed interval, or variable, in a defined pattern or stochastic within a defined range.

<FIG> show a method of making clear ice. The method includes an initial cool down cycle where the temperature remains fixed for a period of time. For example, the temperature may be set at or below about <NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, or -<NUM>. The temperature may also be set between about <NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, or at about or substantially -<NUM>. The period of time may range from about <NUM> minute to about <NUM> minutes about <NUM> minute to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; etc. This initial cool down cycle may also be referred to herein as a start plateau or beginning plateau. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the method may include an end plateau, such that the temperature is kept substantially constant for a period of time. For example, the temperature may be maintained between about <NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, or -<NUM> and -<NUM>. etc. for about <NUM> to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; etc. In between the initial plateau and the end plateau, the temperature may be incrementally decreased from about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>. For example, the temperature may incrementally decrease by <NUM> between the beginning and end plateaus. Alternatively, the increment may be between about <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and about <NUM>, or <NUM> and about <NUM>; etc. For the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the flow rate may vary over time as shown and described for <FIG>. Further, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the skewer or clip is retracted at about or substantially <NUM> minutes from a start of the method, as described elsewhere herein.

<FIG> show a method of making clear ice that is similar to that of <FIG>, except that the method of <FIG> further includes an annealing phase at or near the end of the method. For example, an annealing phase may comprise a period of warmer temperatures to lessen or reduce internal stress that may lead to cracking. In some embodiments, an annealing phase may be characterized by one or more temperature periods that range in temperature from about -<NUM> to about <NUM>, -<NUM> to about <NUM>, <NUM> to about <NUM>, or any range or subrange therebetween. For example, an annealing phase may include a first period at a temperature between about -<NUM> and <NUM> and a second period at a temperature between about <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, an annealing phase may be characterized by one period at a fixed temperature or a plurality of periods, each at a different temperature from a previous temperature and a future temperature. Each period of time may range from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; or any range or subrange therebetween. Further, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the skewer or clip is retracted at about or substantially <NUM> minutes from a start of the method, as described elsewhere herein.

<FIG> show a method of making clear ice that is similar to that of <FIG>, except that the method of <FIG> further includes a mid-method plateau, such that the temperature is kept substantially constant for a period of time. For example, the temperature may be maintained between about -<NUM> and <NUM>, -<NUM> and <NUM>, -<NUM> and <NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, -<NUM> and -<NUM>, or any range or subrange therebetween for about <NUM> to about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, etc. In one example, a mid-cycle plateau may include a temperature of about -<NUM> for about <NUM> minutes. In between the initial plateau and the end plateau, the temperature may be incrementally decreased from about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>. For example, the temperature may incrementally decrease by <NUM> between the beginning and end plateaus. Alternatively, the increment may be between about <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and about <NUM>, <NUM> and about <NUM>, etc. For the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the flow rate may vary over time as shown and described for <FIG>. Further, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the skewer or clip is retracted at about or substantially <NUM> minutes from a start of the method, as described elsewhere herein.

<FIG> show another method of making clear ice. The method is similar to that shown in <FIG>, except the method of <FIG> includes shifting or adjusting between fluid inlet valves positioned in an inner region and fluid inlet valves positioned in an outer region. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner and outer inlet valves are arranged similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the overall flow rate, as a percentage of max flow, decreases incrementally over time. The size of the increments may vary over time; alternatively, the increments may not vary over time, such that increment remains the same over time or is fixed. In one exemplary embodiment, the increment is about <NUM>%, such that the flow rate decreases by an increment of about <NUM>% over time. In other embodiments, the increment may be less than about <NUM>% or more than about <NUM>%. In some embodiments, the increment may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. For example, the percent max flow may decrease gradually over time. However, as shown in <FIG>, the overall flow rate or percent may comprise a combination of flow from flow inlet valves in an inner region and flow inlet valves in an outer region. For example, as flow into the mold from the inner region inlet valves increases over time, flow into the mold from the outer region inlet valves decreases over time. This is exemplified in the graph of <FIG>, which shows the intersection between the decreasing outer region flow and the increasing inner region flow. For example, the intersection point may be characterized by equal or substantially equal flow from the inner region and outer region inlet valves (e.g., about <NUM>% of max coming from inner region and about <NUM>% of max coming from outer region). As shown in <FIG>, flow through the inlet valves in the inner region increases incrementally over time. For example, the increment may be about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. The flow through the inlet valves in the inner region may start or begin at a flow of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. As shown in <FIG>, flow through the inlet valves in the outer region decreases incrementally over time. For example, the increment may be about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. The flow through the inlet valves in the outer region may start or begin at a flow of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. Alternatively, flow through the inner region inlet valves may decrease over time and the flow through the outer region inlet valves may increase over time. Alternatively still, the flow through the inner region inlet valves may stay constant or fixed while the flow through the outer region inlet valves increases or decreases over time. Alternatively still, the flow through the outer region inlet valves may stay constant or fixed while the flow through the inner region inlet valves increases or decreases over time.

<FIG> show a method of making clear ice. The method of <FIG> are similar to that shown in <FIG>, except that instead of the percent max flow decreasing incrementally over time, the method of <FIG> include an incremental decrease in flow over time followed by a period of flow reversal. Flow reversal means that inlet valves switch to outlet valves and/or outlet valves switch to inlet valves. As shown in <FIG>, the percentage max flow incrementally decreases over time. For example, the increment may be between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. for about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; etc. A starting flow percent may be between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. An end flow percent may be between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc. This period of positive flow may be followed by a period of flow reversal as described above. In this embodiment, flow may be reversed that the fluid inlet valve becomes a fluid outlet valve, such that the flow percent represents a flow of liquid out of the mold. For example, reversed flow may occur at between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of max flow; etc. The period of flow reversal may be between about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM>% minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; etc. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the annealing period may be characterized by a period of about <NUM>% flow such that no liquid is coming into or out of the mold. In other embodiments, the annealing period may be characterized by low flow, for example <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%; etc..

<FIG> show a method of making clear ice similar to a combination of the methods shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, during the flow reversal period, end plateau, and annealing phases, the flow from the flow inlet valves has switch almost exclusively (i. , <NUM>%) to inner region flow from the inner region inlet valves. In other embodiments, flow may switch almost exclusively (i.e., <NUM>%) to outer region flow from the outer region inlet valves. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the intersection period, in which about <NUM>% of flow is from the inner region inlet valves and about <NUM>% from the outer region inlet valves, has a time window of about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes; etc..

The systems and methods of the preferred embodiment and variations thereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with the system and one or more portions of the processor on the system, device, and/or computing device. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (e.g., CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, a server, "the cloud," or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a general or application-specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware or hardware/firmware combination can alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.

As used in the description and claims, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "cube" may include, and is contemplated to include, a plurality of cubes. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as "a plurality," "one or more," or "at least one;" however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived.

The term "about" or "approximately," when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term "substantially" indicates mostly (i.e., greater than <NUM>%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

Claim 1:
A method making clear ice, comprising:
providing a mold comprising:
one or more sidewalls defining a cavity,
a fluid inlet valve positioned to allow liquid inflow into the cavity,
a fluid outlet valve positioned to allow liquid outflow from the cavity, and
a coolant source in thermal communication with the one or more sidewalls;
inserting a skewer through one or more apertures defined by the mold and into the cavity, the skewer being configured to be coupled to an item;
circulating, using the fluid inlet and outlet valves, a fluid in the cavity defined by the one or more sidewalls;
varying over time one or both of: a temperature of the coolant source or a fluid flow rate, through the fluid inlet valve, as a percentage of max flow, wherein varying the temperature comprises including an annealing period; retracting the skewer at a predetermined time, characterized by a coolant source temperature between about -<NUM> and about <NUM> and the percentage max flow of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%.