Device for forming transparent ice products

Abstract

A method and device for forming ice ingots is described, which can include an apparatus including at least a support frame, a mold for forming the ice ingots, positioning means configured to position a first surface of a first clamshell part against a first side of an elongated ice ingot and a second surface of a second clamshell part against a second side of the elongated ice ingot, the first side of the elongated ice ingot being opposite the second side of the elongated ice ingot, and at least one fluid inlet valve for each of the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 482,841, filed February 2, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of ice production, and more particularly to the field of clear ice production. Described herein are devices and methods for producing and shaping clear ice. [Background technology]

[0003] Craft cocktails have been a staple in most restaurants and bars since the end of Prohibition to the present day. To enhance the overall experience, many restaurants and bars add garnishes and / or specialty ice to cocktails. Currently, these restaurants and bars purchase large blocks of ice, which are then cut in-house to the appropriate size for each drink. While some companies in this field claim to produce clear ice using a unidirectional freezing method, the transparency of the ice and the scalability of the technology are questionable. Furthermore, problems with standard ice makers include cracks, trapped air bubbles, and water impurities that result in ice that lacks the desired appeal and appearance. A need exists for new and useful devices and methods for shaping ice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system and method for forming ice ingots is described. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, the apparatus including: a support frame; a mold for forming ice ingots, the first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on the support frame, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel embedded behind the first surface and configured to receive a first fluid flow; and a second clamshell part mounted on the support frame and coupled to a second pivot point substantially adjacent to the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel embedded behind the second surface and configured to receive a second fluid flow. and a positioning means configured to position a first surface of the first clamshell part against a first side of the elongated ice ingot and a second surface of the second clamshell part against a second side of the elongated ice ingot, the first side of the elongated ice ingot being opposite the second side of the elongated ice ingot; and at least one fluid inlet valve for each of the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part, the at least one fluid inlet valve configured to control a first fluid flow through a first channel associated with the first clamshell part and a second fluid flow through a second channel associated with the second clamshell part.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device, wherein a first clamshell part is configured to pivot about a first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device toward the second surface, and a second clamshell part is configured to pivot about a second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device toward the first surface.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the positioning means is further configured to cause the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingots between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, such that the elongated ice ingots selectively melt to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures include a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities and formed by compressing an elongated ice ingot over a predetermined period of time until the first surface is bonded to the second surface.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein a plurality of shaped cavities are defined when a first surface of a first clamshell part is positioned adjacent to a second surface of a second clamshell part.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the first clamshell part further includes a first set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the first clamshell part, and the second clamshell part further includes a second set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the second clamshell part.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein at least one cavity in a first plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole and at least one cavity in a second plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, the apparatus further including an input chamber and an output chamber in a first layer of a first clamshell part, a first channel associated with the first clamshell part including a plurality of input channels and a plurality of output channels, the plurality of input channels and the plurality of output channels being positioned in a second layer of the first clamshell part, the plurality of input channels being fluidly connected to the input chamber, and the plurality of output channels being fluidly connected to the output chamber.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the fluid is water, the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are constant during the molding process, and the fluid is at a temperature between about 37 degrees Celsius and about 98 degrees Celsius.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the positioning means is configured to cause a first clamshell part to turn about a first pivot point in a first direction toward a second surface, and to cause a second clamshell part to turn about a second pivot point in a second direction toward the first surface, to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot until the first surface of the first clamshell part contacts the second surface of the second clamshell part.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the positioning means is further configured to cause the first clamshell portion and the second clamshell portion to maintain a constant force on the elongated ice ingot until the ice-forming process is completed. The apparatus further includes a conveyor system including a transport portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system being arranged substantially parallel to the mold and directly below the bottom surface of the mold, the conveyor system being configured to receive the elongated ice ingot at two or more of the offset supports and advance the transport portion to move the elongated ice ingot into position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold, and to transport a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures formed within the plurality of mold cavities upon completion of the ice-forming process.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, the apparatus further including a computing device, the computing device including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to generate and launch a display of at least one user interface configured to receive user input corresponding to at least one of a mold clamping metric, a recipe for forming elongated ice ingots, or a mold size.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein the mold further includes an evacuation system that evacuates fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus, wherein a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a cloverleaf shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of manufacturing a plurality of ice structures, the method comprising providing a mold for molding ice, the mold including: a first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on a support, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel embedded behind the first surface; and a second clamshell part mounted on the support and substantially adjacent the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel embedded behind the second surface, the first surface substantially facing the second surface at a predetermined angle from a longitudinal plane of the mold; and forming an elongated ice structure in the mold. the first clamshell part receiving the elongated ice ingot; causing the first clamshell part to pivot toward the second surface about a first pivot point and the second clamshell part to pivot toward the first surface about a second pivot point to at least partially enclose the elongated ice ingot; causing a first fluid flow through the first channel and a second fluid flow through the second channel, the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow being thermally heated to a predetermined temperature; and causing the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow such that the elongated ice ingot selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first and second plurality of mold cavities.

[0019] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein a first clamshell part is configured to pivot about a first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device housing the mold toward the second surface, and a second clamshell part is configured to pivot about a second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device housing the mold toward the first surface.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein causing a first clamshell part and a second clamshell part to compress an elongated ice ingot includes providing a tension force on a first side of the elongated ice ingot by the first clamshell part, while providing an equal and opposite tension force on a second, opposite side of the elongated ice ingot by the second clamshell part.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein a plurality of sufficiently distinct ice structures comprises a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities and formed by bonding a first surface to a second surface for a predetermined period of time.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, the method further including: providing a conveyor system including a transport portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system arranged substantially parallel to a mold and directly below a bottom surface of the mold; causing the conveyor system to receive an elongated ice ingot at two or more of the offset supports and advancing the transport portion to move the elongated ice ingot to a predetermined position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold; and causing transport of a plurality of sufficiently distinguishable ice structures upon release from the plurality of mold cavities and in response to detecting completion of the ice forming process.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the mold further includes an evacuation system that evacuates fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the ejection system includes a pressure relief pinhole in each of a first plurality of mold cavities and a pressure relief pinhole in each of a second plurality of mold cavities.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a clover shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

[0026] The foregoing is a summary and, thus, is necessarily limited in detail. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 1D] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 1E] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 1F] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots.

[0028] [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates an exemplary device for forming ice ingots.

[0029] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary device assembly for forming elongated ice ingots.

[0030] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary device assembly having an elongated ice ingot being forced against a second mold housing.

[0031] [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary device assembly for capturing generated ice structures.

[0032] [Figure 3D] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an expanded linear actuator assembly of an exemplary device assembly.

[0033] [Figure 3E] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a retracted linear actuator assembly of an exemplary device assembly.

[0034] [Figure 3F] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an air knife installed in an exemplary device assembly.

[0035] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4E] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4F] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4G] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein. [Figure 4H] 1 illustrates a diagram of a mold assembly for use with an exemplary device described herein.

[0036] [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an exemplary layer view of a mold assembly described herein. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an exemplary layer view of a mold assembly described herein. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates an exemplary layer view of a mold assembly described herein.

[0037] [Figure 6A] 10 illustrates another exemplary mold assembly for use with the exemplary devices described herein. [Figure 6B] 10 illustrates another exemplary mold assembly for use with the exemplary devices described herein.

[0038] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device assembly for forming two or more elongated ice ingots.

[0039] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for forming ice.

[0040] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for shaping ice.

[0041] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates another block diagram of an exemplary system for molding ice.

[0042] [Figure 11]1 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for producing multiple ice structures.

[0043] The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The schematic diagrams are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The foregoing is a summary and, thus, is necessarily limited in detail. The above aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology, are described herein in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the contemplated invention(s). Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. As described and illustrated herein, aspects of the present disclosure can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different arrangements, all of which are expressly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for forming and harvesting ice ingots. For example, the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be configured to form and harvest ice of various shapes ready for use in beverages. Generally, ice formed by the devices, systems, and methods described herein is produced from elongated ice ingots produced by an ice maker. The elongated / stretched ice ingots may be captured or otherwise received by the devices described herein in a transparent crystalline form. However, the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be configured to work with ice of any transparency, shape, and / or size.

[0046] In some embodiments, the elongated ice ingot is substantially rectangular in shape and has a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end. The bottom is opposite the top. The first side is opposite the second side. The first end is opposite the second end. In some embodiments, ice ingots formed by the devices and methods described herein may measure a length of about 1 meter to about 4 meters. In some embodiments, the ice ingot may be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, or asymmetrical, and have a radius of about 1.25 centimeters to about 8 centimeters. In some embodiments, the ice ingot may be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical and have a radius of about 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters. In some embodiments, the ice ingot may be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical and have a radius of about 5 centimeters to about 8 centimeters.

[0047] In some embodiments, the devices described herein may be installed with or coupled to one or more molds. The molds may be used to process (e.g., mold) elongated ice ingots to generate multiple pieces (e.g., structures) of molded ice structures per cycle. In some embodiments, the mold may include one, two, or more mold sections arranged to receive a flow of water into mold cavities formed by the mold sections. In some embodiments, each mold section may be a single-cavity mold. In some embodiments, each mold section may be a multi-cavity mold. For example, the mold may be a multi-plate mold having several separate sections (e.g., plates) that may be heated and / or cooled by flowing water and / or a heat transfer fluid throughout one or more cavities and / or channels within one or more of the mold plates.

[0048] As used herein, the term "molding" may include forming, cutting, melting, stamping, etching, planing, or any other method that produces ice having a desired shape, form, or appearance. As used herein, the term "shape" may include any three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a cube, a polyhedron, a sphere, a heart, a diamond, a clover, a polygon, a hemisphere, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, a shape may represent a portion and / or the entire mold cavity. In some embodiments, a mold may include multiple mold cavities, each mold cavity formed as a shape such as a cube, polyhedron, sphere, heart, diamond, clover, polygon, and hemisphere. However, one skilled in the art will understand that any of the molds or devices or systems described herein may be adapted to process a single ice structure, such as a cube or sphere (or other shape), resulting from a mold cavity of about 1 cubic inch (e.g., 16.4 cubic centimeters) to about 2.75 cubic inches (e.g., 45 cubic centimeters). Any mold size can be configured to create ice forms of any size therein for processing by any of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0050] Systems and Devices The devices (e.g., systems, apparatus) described herein can operate to produce shaped ice. For example, such devices may be used to shape ice in any situation where clear (e.g., non-cloudy) or opaque ice is desired, such as for consumption in cocktails and other beverages, but may additionally or alternatively be used for any suitable application in which a liquid material (e.g., fluid, water, etc.) is frozen. As used herein, shaping ice can refer to heating and cooling a mold (or mold portion) to melt and / or refreeze liquid from an ice ingot according to one or more cavity shapes defined by a particular mold, respectively, to form several shaped structures. In some embodiments, the devices described herein function to shape ice ingots into several different shapes and sizes by strategically melting portions of the ice ingot that are partially or entirely attached within one or more molds.

[0051] The molds described herein may include mold cavities of a particular size and / or shape. The molds described herein may be interchangeably installed in an ice-forming device. For example, the mold may be a single piece or multiple pieces and may be interchangeable with other molds for the purpose of forming ice having a plurality of different shapes and sizes. For example, a mold (or mold assembly) may be configured to produce 1-10, 10-50, or 1-50 formed ice structures from an elongated ice ingot. The elongated ice ingot may be substantially rectangular, asymmetric (e.g., one side that is substantially semicircular opposite a second side that is substantially rectangular), symmetric, cylindrical, etc. Furthermore, the mold may be adapted to form other sizes and shapes of ice ingots and may be configured to produce ice structures having any other formable shape or size associated with a particular installed mold (or mold assembly).

[0052] During operation, the ice-forming devices (e.g., apparatus, systems) described herein may function to form ice ingots using heating and / or cooling steps. Such steps can be performed using a combination of materials configured to heat and / or cool a mold, mold portion, or container that can enclose and / or partially enclose the ice ingot. The ice-forming devices described herein can employ electrical heating or cooling techniques, heat transfer (e.g., using heated or cooled fluids), induction heating or cooling techniques, or plumbing heating or cooling techniques via combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the ice-forming devices described herein can be configured to heat and / or cool ice ingots by heating or cooling mold portions configured to generate, hold, or seal the ice ingots. The heating and cooling can function to generate ice of a specific shape from a larger block of ice or ice ingot. For example, heated water can be continuously flowed throughout the multi-plate manifold of the first and / or second mold housings to heat the respective assemblies or mold cavities surrounding and / or pressing against at least two surfaces of the ice ingot. In particular, the heated water (or other fluid) may be in thermal communication with the molded mold cavities, but not in fluid communication with them. The mold assemblies can be pressed together (or toward one another) to form the molded mold cavities as the ice ingot melts and forms ice structures within the molded mold cavities of the mold assemblies / housings. In some embodiments, the ice ingot can be compressed on at least two sides by a clamshell mold that compresses from a substantially hinged (e.g., pivot point) joint to at least partially surround the ice ingot. Such a mold can be compressed for a predetermined time and / or until both sides of the clamshell mold meet the surrounding ice structures within the molded mold cavity.Upon completion of the creation (e.g., shaping) of the ice structures, the devices described herein can eject the ice structures into one or more devices that can receive, hold, and / or transport (e.g., roll) the ice into a container, conveyor, or other assembly, device, or structure for transporting the shaped ice structures.

[0053] FIG. 1A illustrates a top-down front perspective view of an exemplary device 100 for forming ice ingots. Device 100 represents an ice-forming device that can receive elongated ice ingots and perform heating and / or cooling steps to form the received elongated ice ingots into many distinct and separate ice shapes (e.g., ice structures). The shapes may depend on a selected and / or installable mold 101 that includes one or more cavities, each of a particular shape. Generally, device 100 can form ice products using subtractive manufacturing techniques. In particular, device 100 can generate one or more (or multiple) ice shapes at a time using one or more mold housings by heating portions of the mold housing and ultimately exchanging heat (from the mold housing portions) into a formed mold cavity, which can then transfer heat to the ice ingot to melt and remove unwanted ice portions, and then form and mold an ice structure within the cavity.

[0054] At a high level, device 100 includes a support frame 112, a first ice mold housing (e.g., clamshell component 102), a second ice mold housing (e.g., clamshell component 104), and a processing conveyor system 116 for providing ice ingots (e.g., ice ingots 106) to components 102, 104. In some embodiments, a computing station (not shown) is also communicatively connected to device 100 to receive commands, for example, to operate device 100, to display a graphical user interface, and / or to otherwise interface between device 100 and a user and / or other devices communicatively coupled to device 100.

[0055] 1A, device 100 includes a mold 101 for forming an ice ingot into a particular cavity shape. Mold 101 may be formed by, or may generally consist of, a first mold housing including a first clamshell part 102 and a second mold housing including a second clamshell part 104.

[0056] The first clamshell part 102 includes a first surface s1 having a first plurality of mold cavities (not shown). The first clamshell part 102 can be movably coupled to a support structure 108 at a first pivot point 109. The support structure 108 can be coupled to a surface 118 of a support frame 112 at a first end 108a of the support structure 108 and can be coupled to the first pivot point 109 substantially adjacent a second end 108b of the support structure 108. The first support arm 111 can be coupled to (or otherwise molded to) the side wall 102s of the first clamshell part 102 at the first end portion 111a. The first support arm 111 includes an aperture within a distance of the second end portion 111b for receiving (or otherwise threading, mating with, or attaching to) the first pivot point 109.

[0057] In some embodiments, first clamshell part 102 is further movably coupled to support structure 110 (see FIG. 1B) at third pivot point 117 (see FIG. 1B). Support structure 110 is arranged parallel to support structure 108 on the opposite side of surface 118 of support frame 112. Support structure 110 can be coupled to surface 118 of support frame 112 at a first end and to third pivot point 117 at a second end of support frame 112. Third support arm 121 (see FIG. 1B) can be coupled to (or otherwise molded into) side wall 102s of first clamshell part 102. The third support arm 121 includes an aperture within a distance of an end portion of the arm 121 for receiving (or otherwise threading, mating with, or attaching to) the third pivot point 117.

[0058] In some embodiments, second clamshell part 104 is further movably coupled to support structure 110 at fourth pivot point 119 (see FIG. 1B ). Support structure 110 may be coupled to surface 118 and fourth pivot point 119. Fourth support arm 123 (see FIG. 1B ) may be coupled to (or otherwise molded into) side wall 104s of second clamshell part 104. Second support arm 123 includes an aperture within a distance of a second end of arm 123 for receiving (or otherwise threading, mating with, or attaching to) fourth pivot point 119.

[0059] The second clamshell part 104 includes a second surface s2 having a second plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 104a, 104b, etc.). The second clamshell part 104 can be movably coupled to the support structure 108 at a second pivot point 114. The support structure 108 can be coupled to a portion of the support frame 112 at the first end 108a of the support structure 108 and to the second pivot point 114 substantially adjacent the second end 108b of the support structure 108. The second support arm 115 can be coupled to or otherwise molded to the side wall 102s of the second clamshell part 104 at the first end portion 114a. The second support arm 115 includes an aperture within a distance of the second end portion 114b for receiving (or otherwise threading, mating with, or attaching to) the second pivot point 114.

[0060] First clamshell part 102 can be arranged to move (e.g., swing / turn) in a first direction about first pivot point 109 toward second surface s2 of second clamshell part 104 (indicated by arrow 105a) to enable device 200 to form the ice ingot into a harvestable ice structure. Similarly, second clamshell part 104 can be arranged to move (e.g., swing / turn) in a first direction about second pivot point 114 toward first surface s1 of first clamshell part 102 (indicated by arrow 105b) to enable device 100 to form the ice ingot into a harvestable ice structure.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1A , surface s1 is positioned at angle a1 from the longitudinal plane L of device 100. Surface s1 of first clamshell part 102 can be automatically positioned based on a recipe for forming ice, including, but not limited to, forming time, forming temperature, machine configuration steps, ice ingot size, and / or the location of the ice ingot or the location of second clamshell part 104. In some embodiments, surface s1 can be manually positioned. In some embodiments, surface s1 can start at an initial position and move over time to additional ice forming positions and / or ice structure ejection positions. For example, an initial position for first clamshell part 102 can include a position 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of device 100 and away from second surface s2 relative to at least one top or bottom edge of part 102. For example, the first clamshell part 104 can be pivoted approximately 30 degrees (or any angle between zero and 30 degrees) from the pivot point 109 during the ice-molding process so that the bottom edge of the part 102 moves away from the second surface s2.

[0062] Generally, angle a1 can represent the first clamshell component 102 being arranged between about 15 degrees and about 20 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of the device 100 and between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 25 degrees and about 30 degrees, between about 30 degrees and about 35 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 40 degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 45 degrees, or between about 45 degrees and about 50 degrees from the second surface s2.

[0063] Similarly, surface s2 is positioned at angle a2 from the longitudinal plane L of device 100. Surface s2 of second clamshell part 104 can be automatically positioned based on a recipe for forming ice, including, but not limited to, forming time, forming temperature, machine configuration steps, ice ingot size, and / or the location of the ice ingot or corresponding first clamshell part 102. In some embodiments, surface s2 can be manually positioned. In some embodiments, surface s2 can start at an initial position and move over time to additional ice forming positions and / or ice structure ejection positions. For example, the initial position of second clamshell part 104 may include 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of device 100 angled away from first surface s1 on at least one top or bottom edge of part 104. For example, the second clamshell part 104 can be pivoted approximately 30 degrees (or any angle between zero and 30 degrees) from the pivot point 114 during the ice-forming process such that the bottom edge of the part 104 moves away from the first surface s1.

[0064] Generally, angle a2 can represent second clamshell component 104 arranged between about 15 degrees and about 20 degrees from longitudinal plane L of device 100 and between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 25 degrees and about 30 degrees, between about 30 degrees and about 35 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 40 degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 45 degrees, or between about 45 degrees and about 50 degrees from first surface s1.

[0065] The device 100 further includes a positioning means 120 configured to dispose the first surface s1 of the first clamshell part 102 against the first side 106a (FIG. 3A) of the elongated ice ingot 106 and the second surface s2 of the second clamshell part 104 against the second side 106b (FIG. 3A) of the elongated ice ingot 106. The first side 106a of the elongated ice ingot 106 is opposite the second side 106b.

[0066] The positioning means 120 can function to cause movement of the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 about pivot points 109, 114, 117, 119. The positioning means 120 can maintain a constant force on the elongated ice ingot 106 to ensure that melting and ice shaping continues until the ice shaping process is complete, as described elsewhere herein.

[0067] The positioning means 120 can be coupled to the support structure 108 through apertures in the support surface 118. The positioning means 120 is depicted here as an air cylinder, pin, and tie rod system. However, those skilled in the art will contemplate other systems for the positioning means 120, including, but not limited to, one or more pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear motors / actuators and / or bearing / rail systems that can function to move (e.g., angle, hinge, swing, etc.) the first clamshell part 102 and / or the second clamshell part 104 toward and / or away from the longitudinal plane L of the device 100, for example, to compress the ice ingot 106 and / or release the ice structure from the first or second plurality of mold cavities (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c, etc.). For example, the first clamshell part 102 may be moved (e.g., angled) toward the second clamshell part 104, while the second clamshell part 104 is moved (e.g., angled) toward the first clamshell part 102 to compress the ice ingot 106 by causing the support arms 111, 115 to rotate about their respective pivot points 109, 114, 117, 119. This movement can act to surround the elongated ice ingot 106 on a first side and a second side opposite the first side, while moving the movable parts 102, 104 to a position of surface s1 that is substantially adjacent to the position of surface s2. As the ingot 106 is formed within the mold cavities of the mold 101 (i.e., the cavity of the first clamshell part 102 and the cavity of the second clamshell part 104), the motion can continue intermittently or continuously until physical contact between the two parts 102, 104 is substantially reached, ultimately forming (e.g., molding) the ice ingot 106 into a plurality of ice structures within the shape of the mold cavity (not shown) defined by the mold 101.

[0068] In some embodiments, the positioning means 120 can cause the first clamshell part 102 to turn in a first direction around the pivot points 109, 117 toward the second surface s2 (e.g., as shown by arrow 105a), and the second clamshell part 104 to turn in a second direction around the pivot points 114, 119 toward the first surface s1 (e.g., as shown by arrow 105b) to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot 106 until the first surface s1 of the first clamshell part 102 contacts the second surface s2 of the second clamshell part 104.

[0069] In operation of device 100, and to begin forming ice ingot 106, first clamshell part 102 and second clamshell part 104 can be oriented about pivot points 109, 114, 117, 119 (by receiving instructions provided to a processor of device 100) to grip ice ingot 106 and begin applying a force to ice ingot 106 on at least two sides of ingot 106. This force can be applied while parts 102, 104 are heated, as described elsewhere herein. The force can be applied until a portion of ice ingot 106 melts and another portion of ice ingot 106 forms an ice structure within the mold cavity created by joining first clamshell part 102 to second clamshell part 104. For example, the positioning means may function to cause the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 to compress the elongated ice ingot 106 during first and second flows of a fluid (e.g., water) through one or more channels leading to the multiple cavities of the parts 102 and 104, causing the elongated ice ingot 106 to selectively melt and form multiple, well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the multiple mold cavities of the parts 102 and 104.

[0070] Once the formation of the ice structure within the mold cavity is complete, the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 can be unclamped or disengaged by pivoting about their respective pivot points 109, 114, 117, 119 in opposite directions of their respective arrows 105a, 105b to release the formed / molded ice structure from the cavity that can be formed when surface s1 is positioned so that it is in substantial physical contact with surface s2.

[0071] While two mold housings (e.g., first clamshell part 102, second clamshell part 104) are shown for mold 101, any number of mold housings can be attached for use with device 100. For example, first clamshell part 102 may include a single housing or multiple housings joined together. Each housing can have one or more ice cavity portions. Additionally, while all components are shown in a vertical orientation (with lateral and / or angled movement therebetween), those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and systems described herein can be configured horizontally or at other angles between the vertical and horizontal orientations, such as, for example, with mold portions moving vertically or angled toward each other to process input elongated ice ingots.

[0072] 1B illustrates a top-down rear perspective view of an exemplary device 100 for shaping ice ingots. The conveyor system 116 shown here includes a transport section 124 that moves a conveyor belt (116a, 116b, 116c, etc.) along a track and a plurality of offset supports 126 that can, for example, balance the ice ingots 106 as the belt is transported. The conveyor system 116 includes a plurality of sections that are divided into ice collection bins on the conveyor belt, shown here as bins 116a, 116b, 116c, etc., where each bin is defined between at least two offset supports 126.

[0073] The conveyor system 116 can be arranged substantially parallel to the mold 101 and below the bottom surface s3 of the mold 101. The conveyor system 116 can receive and transport the ice ingot 106 on two or more of the offset supports 126 and can advance the transport portion 124 to move the elongated ice ingot 106 into position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold 101. Once the ingot 106 is in position to be formed, the device 100 can clamp the ingot 106 using parts 102 and 104 to hinge or otherwise compress the sides 106 a, 106 b of the ingot 106 to form multiple, well-distinguishable ice structures from the mold cavity of the mold 101. Upon completion of the ice-forming cycle, the conveyor system 116 can transport the multiple, well-distinguishable ice structures by retaining such structures in bins 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, etc., upon release from the multiple mold cavities.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures are formed in a first plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h, 102i, 102j, 102k, 102l, 102m, 102n, 102o, 102p, 102q in FIG. 4E) and a second plurality of mold cavities (e.g., 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h, 104i, 104j, 104k, 104l, 104m, 104n, 104o, 104p, 104q in FIG. 4E). 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h, 104i, 104j, 104k, 104l, 104m, 104n, 104o, 104p, 104q) and formed by compressing an elongated ice ingot 106 for a predetermined period of time until a first surface s1 is joined to a second surface s2. For example, the predetermined period of time may represent an ice forming process occurring between about 30 seconds and about 180 seconds, between about 30 seconds and about 45 seconds, between about 45 seconds and about 60 seconds, between about 60 seconds and about 75 seconds, between about 75 seconds and about 90 seconds, between about 90 seconds and about 105 seconds, between about 105 seconds and about 120 seconds, between about 120 seconds and about 135 seconds, between about 135 seconds and about 150 seconds, between about 150 seconds and about 165 seconds, or between about 165 seconds and about 180 seconds.

[0075] Other mold cavities and mold sections having different ice shapes are possible, including, but not limited to, mold cavities arranged to form shapes such as cubes, polyhedrons, hearts, diamonds, cloverles, polygons, and hemispheres.

[0076] Conveyor system 116 may include one or more motors 130 and a controller 132 for moving the conveyor belt, thereby moving the formed ice structures to another location after formation. One or more motors 130 may represent one or more pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear motors / actuators, or other positioning means capable of actuating conveyor system 116. Motors 130 may be activated to move based on controller 132, which may include one or more processors using signals and / or programming received from one or more processors and / or microcontrollers, PLCs, etc., as described throughout this disclosure.

[0077] Device 100 further includes memory and one or more processors. The memory and one or more processors may be stand-alone or integrated within one or more computing devices. The instructions may be stored in the one or more processors and / or the one or more computing devices. When executed, the instructions may cause the one or more processors (and / or the one or more computing devices) to generate and activate the display of at least one user interface configured to receive user input corresponding to at least one of a mold clamping metric, a recipe for forming an elongated ice ingot, or a mold size. The mold clamping metric, the recipe, and / or the mold size may be used by device 100 to arrange the ice ingot formation.

[0078] 1C illustrates a front view of an exemplary device 100 for forming ice ingots. As shown, the first clamshell part 102 is arranged at an angle a1, while the second clamshell part 104 is arranged at an equal and opposite angle a2. The depicted arrangement may represent an initial forming position before the ice ingots are introduced into the device 100 on the conveyor system 116. For example, the initial position of the first clamshell part 102 may include the part 102 being angled from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of the device 100. The parts 102, 104 may be held in place and / or moved according to a positioning means 120, as described elsewhere herein.

[0079] 1D illustrates a front view of the exemplary device 100 having an elongated ice ingot 106 positioned between a first clamshell part 102 and a second clamshell part 104. While the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 are arranged in an initial position, instructions can be received by one or more processors associated with the device 100 to move the parts 102, 104 to any number of forming positions that surround and encase the ice ingot 106. During compression, fluid can flow (e.g., from hoses 140, 142 to ports / inlets (not shown) in the parts 102, 104) to melt portions of the ice ingot 106 while forming other portions of the ice ingot 106 into a formed ice structure.

[0080] For example, parts 102 and 104 can pivot on pivot points 109, 114, 117, and 119, respectively, to compress the ingot of ice 106 until portions of the ice ingot melt and form shapes from other portions of the ice ingot. For example, parts 102 and 104 can move in the directions of respective arrows 105a and 105b, as shown in FIG. 1E.

[0081] 1E depicts ice ingot 106 being partially melted and compressed while beginning to form an ice structure into the shape formed by the cavity in part 102 meeting the cavity in part 104. While the positions of parts 102, 104 represent positions between the beginning and completion of ice forming, the ice forming process may include continuing to compress ice ingot 106 until ice structures are formed within the cavities of parts 102, 104 and the remaining ice ingot portions are melted. An exemplary completion position (not shown) may be about 5 degrees to about zero degrees from the longitudinal plane L of device 100 for both first clamshell part 102 and second clamshell part 104.

[0082] FIG. 1F illustrates a partial perspective view of device 100 for molding ice. Here, support surface 118, support structure 108, and support frame 112 have been removed to clearly show portions of positioning means 120 and the mechanisms coupled to positioning means 120. Positioning means 120 shown here includes air cylinder 120a. Air cylinder 120a is coupled to pin or bolt 120b. Bolt 120b is coupled to tie bar 120c1 on a first side and to tie bar 120c2 on a second side opposite the first side. Tie bar 120c1 is coupled to support arm 123 coupled to (or molded as part of) second clamshell part 104 at pivot point 122c1. Tie bar 120c2 is coupled to support arm 123 coupled to (or molded as part of) first clamshell part 102 at pivot point 122c2. In operation, air cylinder 120a can be moved into engagement with tie bars 120c1, 120c2 to move about respective pivot points 122c1, 122c2, which can move parts 102 and 104 about pivot points 109, 114, 117, 119 while moving pivot points 122c1, 122c2 away from centerline C. For example, parts 102, 104 may hinge / move to surround and compress ice ingot 106 when air cylinder 120a provides a signal to raise bolt 120b. Similarly, parts 102, 104 can hinge / move away from ice ingot 106 at angles described herein when air cylinder 120a provides a signal to lower bolt 120b.

[0083] Positioning means 211 is depicted here as an air cylinder, pin, and tie rod system. However, those skilled in the art will contemplate other systems for positioning means 211, including, but not limited to, one or more pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear motor / actuator and / or bearing / rail systems that can function to shuttle carriage 210 (coupled to first mold housing 202) toward and / or away from second mold housing 204. Referring again to FIG. 1F, first clamshell part 102 and second clamshell part 104 each include at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet.

[0084] Although several fluid inlets and outlets (valved or unvalved) are described with respect to the second clamshell component 104, each clamshell component 102, 104 described herein includes a similar or substantially identical set of fluid inlets and outlets (and / or valves). For example, device 100 includes at least one fluid inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152) for each of first clamshell component 102 and second clamshell component 104. In some embodiments, inlet valve 150 is not a valve, but instead a direct inlet. In some embodiments, inlet valve 152 is not a valve, but instead a direct inlet. Device 100 also includes at least one outlet valve or valves (e.g., outlet valve 154, outlet valve 156) to allow water to circulate through components 102, 104 and out of inlet valves 150, 152. In some embodiments, the inlet valves 150, 152 can receive a heated fluid (e.g., water) into one or more layers of the parts 102, 104, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the outlet valves 154, 156 can receive a fluid (e.g., water) that is being cooled in or near one or more channels of the parts 102, 104 during the ice molding process. In some embodiments, additional mold cavity pressure relief outlets (e.g., relief outlets 158, 160) can be included in each of the parts 102, 104 to provide pressure relief from accumulated water and / or air in the channels of the parts 102, 104.

[0085] 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary device 200 for forming ice ingots. Device 200 represents an ice-forming apparatus capable of receiving elongated ice ingots and performing heating and / or cooling steps to form the received elongated ice ingots into many distinct and distinct ice shapes (e.g., structures). The shapes may depend on a selected and / or installable mold 201, which may include one or more or multiple cavities of each specific shape. Generally, device 200 can form ice products using subtractive manufacturing techniques. In particular, device 200 can generate one or more (or multiple) ice shapes at a time using one or more mold housings by heating portions of the mold housing and eventually exchanging heat from the mold housing portions into a formed mold cavity that can transfer heat to the ice ingots to melt and remove unwanted ice portions, and then form and mold ice structures within the cavity.

[0086] At a high level, device 200 includes a support frame 212, a first ice mold housing 202, a second ice mold housing 204, and a processing conveyor 214 for providing ice ingots 206 to the ice mold housings 202, 204. In some embodiments, a computing station (not shown) is also communicatively connected to device 200 to, for example, receive commands to operate device 200.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 2A, device 200 includes a mold 201 for forming ice ingots. Mold 201 can be formed by a first mold housing 202 and a second mold housing 204. First mold housing 202 can be movably coupled to at least one guide rail 208a (e.g., a linear rail) and / or guide rail 208b ( FIG. 2C ). For example, first mold housing 202 can move toward (e.g., arrow 205) and away from second mold housing 204 (e.g., via a sliding motion) along guide rail 208a and / or guide rail 208b to enable device 200 to produce and harvest ice structures. First mold housing 202 and second mold housing 204 are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal plane L of device 200. This longitudinal plane L is a plane in the y-axis as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0088] The second mold housing 204 can be fixedly coupled to the support frame 212 on the sidewalls 204s of the housing 204. The housing 204 can also be fixedly coupled to the end portions 213a of the guide rails 208a. Additionally, if a second guide rail 208b (FIG. 2C) is utilized, the housing 204 can also be fixedly coupled to the second guide rail 208b at the end portions 213b of the second guide rail 208b. In some embodiments, the second mold housing 204 can instead be movably coupled to at least one guide rail 208a. In such an example, the second mold housing 204 can move along the guide rails toward the first mold housing 202 to, for example, provide tension to a first side of the ice ingot 206, while the first mold housing 202 provides an equal and opposite tension from a second, opposite side of the ice ingot 206. The second mold housing 204 can also be moved away from the first mold housing 202 to release the formed / molded ice structure from the cavity formed when the housing 202 was positioned in contact with the housing 204.

[0089] Mold 201 can be mounted on a portion of a support structure (e.g., support frame 212). For example, ice mold housing 204 can be fixedly coupled to a portion of surface 215 of support table 218. Ice mold housing 204 is coupled to a slidable carriage 210 that functions in conjunction with positioning means 211 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 2C) to allow housing 204 to slide on guide rails 208 a and / or guide rails 208 b. In some embodiments, carriage 210 can allow ice mold housing 202 to traverse horizontally along guide rails 208 a and / or guide rails 208 b.

[0090] The guide rails 208a, 208b can be installed in a transverse plane T that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane L. In particular, the guide rails 208a, 208b can be fixedly attached to a surface 215 of a support table 218 of the support frame 212. The guide rails 208a, 208b can be coupled to a positioning means 211. The positioning means 211 can be configured to allow horizontal / lateral movement (e.g., as indicated by arrow 205) of the first mold housing 202 until the surface 106b of the first mold housing 202 contacts the surface of the side wall 104a of the second mold housing 204 (see FIG. 3A for the surfaces). The surfaces 106a and 106b are substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 106d of the ice ingot 206.

[0091] Positioning means 211 is depicted here as an air cylinder, pin, and tie rod system, however, one skilled in the art will contemplate other systems for positioning means 211, including, but not limited to, one or more pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear motors / actuators and / or bearing / rail systems that can function to shuttle carriage 210 (coupled to first mold housing 202) toward and / or away from second mold housing 204.

[0092] For example, as carriage 210 moves along guide rails 208 a, 208 b (e.g., horizontally along arrow 205), first mold housing 202 can be positioned adjacent to second mold housing 204. This movement can function to surround elongated ice ingot 206 on a first side and on a second side opposite the first side, while moving carriage 210 toward mold housing 204 (and thus moving mold housing 202). As ingot 206 forms within the mold cavity of mold 201 (i.e., the cavities of first mold housing 202 and second mold housing 204), movement can continue intermittently or continuously until physical contact is reached between the two mold housings 202, 204, ultimately forming (e.g., molding) ice ingot 206 into a plurality of ice structures in the shape of the mold cavity (not shown) defined by mold 201.

[0093] While two mold housings are shown for mold 201, any number of mold housings can be attached for use with device 200. For example, mold housing 202 may include a single housing or multiple housings joined together. Each housing can have one or more ice cavity sections. Additionally, while all components are shown vertically (with lateral movement between them), those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and systems described herein can be configured horizontally, for example, with mold sections moving vertically toward each other to process input elongated ice ingots.

[0094] Each mold housing 202 and mold housing 204 includes a plurality of fluid inlets (e.g., fluid inlet 439, etc.) that can be fluidly connected to source inlet 414 (see FIG. 4B and / or FIG. 4D). Each fluid inlet 439, etc. can allow fluid flow (e.g., water) through at least one channel associated with first mold housing 202 or associated with second mold housing 204. In some embodiments, each fluid inlet 439 can have an inlet that connects at least one channel (e.g., channel 432a, 432b, etc.) in the mold housing and provides fluid flow from source inlet 414 to the respective fluid inlet 439 and through each fluidly connected channel. The fluid flowing through the channels of the mold housings 202, 204 may be water heated and maintained at a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius to about 98 degrees Celsius (e.g., about 100 degrees Fahrenheit to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit), about 37 degrees Celsius to about 47 degrees Celsius, about 45 degrees Celsius to about 55 degrees Celsius, about 50 degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius, about 57 degrees Celsius to about 70 degrees Celsius, about 65 degrees Celsius to about 80 degrees Celsius, about 75 degrees Celsius to about 90 degrees Celsius, or about 80 degrees Celsius to about 98 degrees Celsius.

[0095] In some embodiments, device 200 is coupled to one or more fluid pumps, for example, for circulating fluid throughout channels (e.g., cavities, passages, etc.) associated with mold housings 202, 204. In particular, embodiments in which device 200 includes multiple internal cooling channels, various numbers, arrangements, and positioning, as well as mold housings that seal the internal cooling cavities, valves, fluid inlets, and / or fluid outlets, can be used with (or installed within) device 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that a heat transfer fluid circulation system can include any number of pumps, compressors, evaporators, etc. to provide circulation of water, coolant, or other fluid sufficient to form ice structures from ice ingot 206.

[0096] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of device 200 for forming elongated ingots of ice 206 and receiving ice structures produced by mold 201 during the forming / molding process. Here, device 200 additionally includes trapdoor assembly 217. Trapdoor assembly 217 includes first plate 220 and second plate 222. First plate 220 is hinged to a first or left side of cradle assembly 254. Similarly, second plate 222 is hinged to a second or right side of cradle assembly 254. The position of trapdoor assembly 217 can be changed before, during, and / or after ice formation to aid in harvesting the ice structures. For example, when ice structures (not shown) have formed, mold 201 may be opened to expose and allow formed ice structures 221 to fall over and / or through opening 203 defined at least in part by trapdoor assembly 217. While the depicted trapdoor assembly 217 uses two plates 220, 222, any number of trapdoors are contemplated. For example, an alternative trapdoor design may include a single plate that can be tilted to provide a sloped exit for the ice structures 221 received from the mold 201. In another example, three, four, five, or six plates may be included as the trapdoor assembly 217. The three, four, five, or six plates may be moved to provide an exit ramp for the ice structures 221. In some embodiments, the three, four, five, or six plates may be angled toward a central position to form an aperture for the ice structures to collect and / or drop.

[0097] 2C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exemplary guide rail system 281 that can be installed in device 200. Guide rail system 281 includes at least guide rail 208a, guide rail 208b, positioning means 211, mold housing 202, and mold housing 204. As shown, guide rail 208a and guide rail 208b can each be movably coupled to mold housing 202 to allow substantially lateral movement to slide along guide rails 208a, 208b and bring mold housing 202 into contact with mold housing 204. Positioning means 211 can cause such movement based at least in part on signals and / or programming received from one or more processors and / or microcontrollers, PLCs, etc., as described throughout this disclosure.

[0098] 3A illustrates a front view of a portion (i.e., device assembly) of an exemplary device 200 for forming elongated ice ingots. The trapdoor assembly 217 is depicted in a preliminary configuration before the device 200 begins to produce a formed ice structure from the ingot 206. That is, this preliminary configuration can include the position of the ice ingot 206 and the mold housings 202, 204 before the formed ice formation process begins and before the device 200 begins to form the cavity of the mold 201 by pressing the ice ingot 206 between the first mold housing 202 and the second mold housing 204. For example, the positioning means is configured to allow horizontal movement of the first mold housing until a first side of the elongated ice ingot contacts the first mold portion and a second side of the elongated ice ingot contacts the second mold portion. The positioning means (eg, positioning means 211) can maintain a constant force on the elongated ice ingot 206 to ensure that melting and ice forming continues until the ice forming process is complete.

[0099] 3A , trapdoor assembly 217 includes first plate 220 and second plate 222. Each plate is substantially rectangular (although any shape is contemplated) and includes widthwise sides (e.g., widthwise sides / edges w1, w2, w3, w4) and longitudinal sides (e.g., longitudinal sides l1, l2, l3, l4). First plate 220 is hingedly coupled to cradle assembly 254 on longitudinal side l2. Similarly, second plate 222 is hingedly coupled to cradle assembly 254 on longitudinal side l1. Plates 220, 222 are coupled to linear actuator 232 proximate widthwise edge w2 of trapdoor assembly 217. As described throughout this disclosure, the position of trapdoor assembly 217 can be changed before, during, and / or after ice formation to aid in harvesting (e.g., removal) of ice structures from device 200. For example, the trapdoor assembly 217 can be actuated by the linear actuator 232 to hinge the first and second hinge link plates 220, 222 from an initial configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A ) to a harvesting configuration (as shown in FIG. 3C ) during or upon completion of the ice-forming process of the device 200. The initial configuration can include aligning the first and second hinge link plates 220, 222 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane L of the device 200. The harvesting configuration can include positioning the first and second hinge link plates 220, 222 at an acute angle to the longitudinal plane L of the device 200 to form a slot 243 (or trough) between the first and second hinge link plates 220, 222. In some embodiments, the acute angle of first hinge plate 220 can be between about 1 degree and about 45 degrees, with longitudinal side l2 remaining hinged while longitudinal side l3 drops to between about minus 1 degree and about minus 45 degrees. Similarly, longitudinal side l1 remains hinged while longitudinal side l4 drops to between about minus 1 degree and about minus 45 degrees.

[0100] In some embodiments, the angle of first hinged plate 220 can be from about 1 degree to about 90 degrees, with longitudinal side l2 remaining hinged while longitudinal side l3 drops to about minus 1 degree to about minus 90 degrees. Similarly, longitudinal side l1 remains hinged while longitudinal side l4 drops to about minus 1 degree to about minus 90 degrees. In such examples, trapdoor 217 can form an opening to allow ice structures to be released from mold housings 202, 204 and through the opening formed by angled plates 220, 222.

[0101] In some embodiments, the length 280 of the trapdoor assembly 217 may substantially match the length of the ice ingot 206. In some embodiments, the length 280 of the trapdoor assembly 217 may be between about 0.5 meters and 1.5 meters, between about 0.75 meters and about 1.25 meters, between about 0.875 meters and about 1.225 meters, etc. The width 282 of the trapdoor assembly may be between about 2 centimeters and about 16 centimeters, between about 4 centimeters and about 14 centimeters, between about 6 centimeters and about 12 centimeters, between about 8 centimeters and about 10 centimeters.

[0102] In operation of device 200, processing conveyor 214 can position ice ingot 206 in the ice-forming configuration between first mold housing 202 and second mold housing 204 to begin pressing ice ingot 206. For example, when first surface 202b of first mold housing 202 is positioned in contact with first surface 106a of ice ingot 106 and second surface 106b of ice ingot is positioned in contact with second surface of sidewall 204a of second mold housing 204, device 200 can be in the ice-forming configuration and can begin forming ice by pressing first mold housing 202 toward second mold housing 204, as shown by arrow 205 in FIG.

[0103] In some embodiments, the positioning means (positioning means 211 in FIG. 2C ) can perform such pressing and substantially lateral or left-to-right (or right-to-left) movement (along the x-axis shown in FIG. 2A ) and can be configured to dispose the first surface 202 a of the first mold housing 202 against the first side 106 a of the elongated ice ingot 106 and the second surface of the sidewall 204 a of the second mold housing 204 against the second side 106 b of the elongated ice ingot 106. The first side 106 a of the elongated ice ingot 106 is opposite the second side 106 b of the elongated ice ingot 106.

[0104] 3A, the upper surface 214a of the processing conveyor 214, along which the ice ingots 106 are actuated, can be approximately flush with the upper surface 229 of the trapdoor assembly 217 when the plates 220, 222 are held by the linear actuator 232. The trapdoor assembly 217 configured in this manner can serve as a surface across which the ice ingots 106 are held and / or moved as the first mold housing 202 moves (as indicated by the arrow 205 in FIG. 2A and by the positioning of the ice ingots 206 in FIG. 3B).

[0105] 3B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary device assembly in which an elongated ice ingot 106 is being forced toward the second mold housing 204 (see, e.g., arrow 205 in FIG. 3A). In this example, the first mold housing 202 is actuated along guide rails 208a and / or 208b (FIG. 2C) to engage the elongated ice ingot 106 and begin to force the ice ingot against the second mold housing 202, initiating ice formation. Once ice structure formation is complete, the trapdoor assembly 217 can function to capture, process, and / or transport the formed ice structure from the mold cavity of the mold housings 202, 204 to another location, including, but not limited to, one or more conveyors, bins, boxes, tables, cavities, etc. For example, the formed / generated ice structures may fall from the first mold housing 202 and the second mold housing 204 due to gravity, or may roll out of the trap door assembly 217 onto a conveyor or table, or into a bin, box, cavity, etc. The trap door assembly 217 may be configured to catch the generated ice structures.

[0106] 3C illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary device 200 for capturing generated ice structures. In this example, linear actuator 232 can retract and lower inner longitudinal edge 240 of plate 220 and inner longitudinal edge 242 of plate 222. Lowering inner longitudinal edges 240, 242 of plates 220, 222 can form a trough / slot 243 defined by trapdoor assembly 217 (i.e., from plates 220 and 222). Trapdoor assembly 217 can catch the formed ice structures within trough / slot 243 as they exit first mold housing 202 and / or second mold housing 204. In other words, the V-shaped or angled shape created by plates 220, 222 confines the ice structures therein to avoid leakage or loss of the ice structures outside of trapdoor assembly 217. Once the ice structure is held in the trapdoor assembly 217, the linear actuator 232 can then continue to contract or compress as described in detail in Figures 3D and 3E.

[0107] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of an extended linear actuator assembly 290 of an exemplary device assembly. The linear actuator assembly 290 can include a linear actuator 232. The linear actuator 232 can include a static portion 258 coupled to the support frame 212, a piston 256, and an upper portion 250 in contact with the plates 220, 222. Additionally, the linear actuator assembly 290 can include a compression spring 252 positioned between the static portion 258 of the linear actuator 232 and the cradle assembly 254. FIG. 3D depicts the linear actuator 232 in an extended or fully extended configuration, holding the plate 220 substantially adjacent, holding the plate 222 substantially parallel, and generally flush with the upper surface 214a of the conveyor 214. As illustrated, the upper portion 250 of the linear actuator 232 has a larger diameter than the piston 256. In this manner, the piston 256 can pass through an aperture defined by the cradle assembly 254 during retraction, while the upper portion 250 cannot pass through the cradle assembly 254 during retraction of the linear actuator 232. The cradle assembly 254 is coupled to a static portion 258 of the linear actuator 232 by a compression spring 252. This compression spring 252 can have an appropriate spring velocity and pre-compression to hold the trapdoor assembly 217 in a static position, at which the plates 220, 222 are flush with the upper surface 214a of the conveyor 214. This can allow the ice ingots 106 to slide unimpeded across the plates 220, 222. As the linear actuator 232 retracts, lowering the plates 220, 222 into a V-shape or angled configuration to form the trough / slot 243, the cradle assembly 254, supported by the compression spring 252, holds the trapdoor assembly 217 in place, as described above. The spring velocity and pre-compression of the compression spring 252 may be sufficient to hold the trapdoor assembly 217 in place while also retaining any generated ice structures on the trapdoor assembly 217 .In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to roll the generated ice structure away from the trapdoor assembly 217. Rolling the ice structure away from the trapdoor assembly 217 can be achieved by continued contraction of the linear actuator 232. Such continued contraction can tilt the trapdoor to raise widthwise edge w1, which, because widthwise edge w1 is opposite widthwise edge w2, can lower widthwise edge w2. The trapdoor assembly 217 (e.g., plates 220, 222) can be formed from and / or coated with one or more thermally insulating materials or materials with low thermal conductivity, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), expanded polystyrene (EPS), ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, Syneffex®, etc.

[0108] FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of the retracted linear actuator 232 of the exemplary device assembly 200. As shown, when the top 250 of the linear actuator 232 contacts the cradle assembly 254, compression of the compression spring 252 occurs. The compression of the compression spring 252 allows the linear actuator 232 to continue to retract, but instead of continuing to lower the inner longitudinal edges 240, 242 of the plates 220, 222 (shown in FIG. 2C ), the cradle assembly 254 begins to lower toward the static portion 258 of the linear actuator 232. With another point of the trapdoor assembly 217 hinged to the support frame 212, shown at hinge 260 in FIG. 3E , lowering the cradle assembly 254 can cause the trapdoor assembly 217 to raise a widthwise side w1, which can lower a widthwise edge w2 of the trapdoor assembly 217. Due to the effect of gravity, tilting the trapdoor assembly 217 in this manner allows the ice structures to roll off the trapdoor assembly 217 towards the widthwise side 282 .

[0109] Once the ice structures roll off the trapdoor assembly 217, auxiliary machinery or elements can be introduced for further transportation of the generated ice structures. For example, the ice structures can land on a truck that continues to transport the ice structures due to gravity effects. Alternatively or additionally, the ice structures can land on another conveyor belt that transports them to a further destination. Alternatively or additionally, the ice structures can land in bins, cartons, boxes, or other packaging, or a combination of the above can occur.

[0110] 3F illustrates a top perspective view of air knife 292 installed in an exemplary device assembly. Generally, device 200 can include one or more air knives, such as air knife 292, for removing residual water from formed ice structures (e.g., cube-shaped ice structures, polyhedron-shaped ice structures, sphere-shaped ice structures, heart-shaped ice structures, diamond-shaped ice structures, clover-shaped ice structures, etc.). For example, as the ice structures exit trapdoor assembly 217, one or more air knives 292 can be activated to blow air across the ice structures (e.g., over one or more surfaces of the ice structures) to remove residual water from one or more surfaces of the ice structures.

[0111] One or more air knives can be positioned proximate to the location where the formed ice structures exit the first and second mold housings 202, 204 and / or the trapdoor assembly 217. For example, air knife 292 is positioned to provide air to the first and second mold housings 202, 204 during the release of the ice structures from the cavities of the housings 202, 204. When supplied with compressed air, the air knife 292 can generate a high-velocity air curtain through which the rolling ice structures pass as they enter, pass through, and / or exit the trapdoor assembly 217. As the ice structures roll / pass through the air curtain generated by the air knife 292, residual water can be blown off one or more surfaces of the ice structures, thereby removing fluid from the ice surface(s) and, in some instances, eliminating the possibility of fluid water freezing back onto the ice structures. Freezing residual fluid water (e.g., from the melting process) into the ice structures can degrade the quality of the generated ice structure shape and, therefore, may be undesirable. While the exemplary placement of the air knives 292 is shown directly above the exiting ice structures, one or more air knives may alternatively or additionally be positioned adjacent to or at an angle such that directed air from one or more air knives can be directed at or across at least one surface of the exiting (e.g., rolling, sliding, falling, draining) ice structures. In some embodiments, two or more air knives may be used to remove fluid water from the ice surface of the ice structures. In some embodiments, compressed (and dry) air may also, or alternatively, be applied to or through one or more apertures in the back surface (e.g., surface 460 in FIG. 5C ) of each mold housing 402, 404 to assist in the removal of the ice structures from the mold cavities.

[0112] 4A illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-part ice mold assembly 400 (e.g., mold 101, 201). Mold assembly 400 includes a first mold housing 402 (e.g., clamshell component 102 or mold housing 202, etc.) and a second mold housing 404 (e.g., clamshell component 104 or mold housing 204, etc.). Mold housings 402, 404 have a length A, which may be approximately 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters. Mold housings 402, 404 have a height B, which may be approximately 2.54 centimeters to approximately 10 centimeters. In some embodiments, mold housings 402, 404 may be of the same height or different heights. For example, if the mold cavity structure formed by placing the mold housing 402 in contact with the mold housing 404 is of vertically symmetrical shape, then both housings 402 and 404 may be of the same height, and the cavity structures within such housings 402, 404 may have substantially the same depth. However, if the shape formed by the combined mold cavity structures is not of vertically symmetrical shape (or lacks symmetry), then the mold housings may be of different heights. While mold symmetry can be an indicator of mold dimensions, suitable mold dimensions can be selected based on various parameters, including ingot size, the shape of the cavity defined by the mold, the supporting frame structure, etc.

[0113] The mold housing 402 includes at least two alignment pins 406 that can engage with respective apertures 408 on the mold housing 404. The alignment pins 406 and apertures 408 can ensure that the housing 402 aligns with the housing 404 when they come together to form the ice structure during the molding process. Such alignment features can ensure that the ice structure produced using the mold housings 402, 404 is free of mold lines, cracks, or other defects at the intersection plane I of the mold housings 402, 404. Intersection plane I represents the plane that exists when the mold housing 402 interlocks with the mold housing 404 via the pins 406 that slide into the apertures 408.

[0114] In some embodiments, the mold housing 402, 404 includes multiple hemispherical cavities (such as cavity structures 410, 412) and a multi-plate manifold for supplying water through the exterior surfaces of the mold cavity structures. The multi-plate manifold can include any number of layers for flowing water through and / or around the mold cavity structures. In the depicted example, the mold housing 402 includes a first layer 402a including multiple hemispherical mold cavity structures 410, 412 and routed channels (not shown) connecting to the mold cavity structures; a second layer 402b including one or more chambers (not shown) for fluid (e.g., water) to flow over and / or around each outer mold cavity surface; and a third layer 402c that acts as a sealing plate to seal the fluid flowing through layer 402b and allow the fluid temperature to be maintained within the channels (not shown). Although three layers are shown, any number and / or depth of layers may be contemplated, including at least two, three, four, five, or six layers.

[0115] The mold cavity structures 410, 412 can form a predetermined shaped cavity when the first mold housing 402 is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the second mold housing 404. This predetermined shaped cavity, in this example, forms a sphere when the mold cavity structure 410 is positioned directly across and opposite the mold cavity structure 412. A portion of the ice ingot positioned between the mold housings 402, 404 can be melted to form a spherically shaped ice structure within the cavity of the combined mold cavity structures 410, 412. FIG. 4B illustrates a top-down perspective view of the mold assembly 400. The mold housings 402, 404 have a depth D, which can be from about 1.25 centimeters to about 8 centimeters. Other depths are, of course, possible, and the housing 402 can be of a different depth than the housing 404. In some embodiments, the mold housing 402 matches the length, width, and depth of the second mold housing 404. The mold housings 402, 404 can match in both width and length such that the cavity structure 410 of the housing 402 matches the cavity structure 412 of the housing 404 ( FIG. 4C ) when positioned adjacently to form a combined mold cavity approximating one of the shapes described herein. Positioning the mold housing 402 adjacent to the mold housing 404 can include forcing the housing 402 against the housing 404 to align the mold cavity structure 410, etc. with the mold cavity structure 412, etc., having an ice ingot (not shown) between the housings 402, 404. Each cavity structure 410, etc., can be of width C. Width C can be from about 2.54 centimeters to about 15.3 centimeters.

[0116] Each mold housing 402, 404 includes at least one source inlet 414 for receiving a fluid (e.g., water) that can be circulated throughout one or more channels within the respective mold housing. Each mold housing 402, 404 includes at least one outlet 416 for discarding the fluid (e.g., water) that has been circulated throughout one or more channels within the respective mold housing.

[0117] For example, the first mold housing 402 can include a first set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the first mold housing 402. Similarly, the second mold housing 404 can include a second set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the second mold housing 402. Each mold housing 402, 404 can include several mold cavities, and each mold cavity can include (or be associated with) one of the outlet sets.

[0118] In some embodiments, each mold cavity structure 410 can have an inlet and an outlet, and each inlet and outlet can be connected to a source fluid inlet valve 414 and an outlet 416, for example, to allow for a single source of fluid to the housing 402 and a single fluid outlet for draining fluid away from the housing 402. For example, the source inlet valve 414 can be internally connected to an inlet in each mold cavity structure 410. Similarly, the outlet 416 can be internally connected to an outlet in each mold cavity structure 410, as described in further detail below.

[0119] 4C illustrates a bottom-up perspective view of mold assembly 400. Mold housing 404 includes several cavity structures 412. Generally, cavity structures 410, 412 can each be configured to accommodate a portion of a molded ice structure. For example, if mold assembly 400 is for spherically molded ice structures, the number of cavities in mold assembly 400 dictates the number of spherically molded ice structures that can be formed / molded per cycle of mold assembly 400.

[0120] Each cavity structure 410, 412, etc. may be of width C. Width C may be from about 2.54 centimeters to about 15.3 centimeters. Additional cavity structures are shown in a row but are not labeled for convenience. While eleven cavity structures 410 and eleven cavity structures 412 are depicted in mold assembly 400, it is contemplated to form any number of cavities between the cavity structures, including, but not limited to, from about 2 cavities to about 40 cavities. While spherical shapes are depicted for cavities 410, 412, of course, other cavity shapes are contemplated as described throughout this disclosure.

[0121] During the ice-molding process, the housing 402 continues to press toward the housing 404 until the cavity structures 410 from the housing 402 align with the respective cavity structures 412 of the housing 404. In such a process, the housings 402, 404 can come together to form the shape indicated by the cavities 410, 412 as an elongated ice ingot is melted between the housings 402, 404 to form ice structures within the cavities. FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary multi-plate manifold 430 of the mold housing 402 and / or mold housing 404. This exemplary multi-plate manifold 430 can function as the heat exchanger portion of the mold housings 402, 404, while the mold cavity structure 410a (and at least one mold cavity structure 412 shown in FIG. 4C) can function as the ice-molding portion of the mold assembly 400. The heat exchanger portion of the mold housings 402, 404 can include a manifold 430 and any of the layers, plates, channels, inlets, outlets, and fluids in contact with any portion of the manifold 430. A heat transfer fluid (e.g., water, coolant, a coolant-water mixture, or other heat transfer fluid) can flow through the manifold 430 to heat the channels and plates / layers behind the mold cavity structures 410, 412. Heat can be thermally transferred from the manifold 430 to the mold cavity structures 410, 412 (e.g., apertures indicated by mold cavity structure 410a).

[0122] Generally, manifold 430 can include one or more channels 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, 432e, and 432f that can be in thermal communication with mold cavities 410, 412, but not in fluid communication with mold cavities 410, 412. Thus, fluid can heat the surrounding and / or shared rear walls of mold cavities 410, 412, but cannot flow within or otherwise contaminate mold cavities 410, 412 or ice ingots used as a basis for forming ice within mold cavities 410, 412.

[0123] The exemplary multi-plate manifold 430 includes a first layer 402a, a second layer 402b, and a third layer 402c. The layers 402a-402c can function together to flow and distribute water in and / or around one or more portions of a mold cavity, such as mold cavity structure 410a shown here as part of layer 402a.

[0124] The first layer 402a includes a mold cavity structure 410a and several fluid channels 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, 432e, and 432f (e.g., channels) for flowing a heated fluid (e.g., water) throughout the manifold. Such heated fluid flow can function to heat the mold housings 402, 404, ultimately melting unwanted portions of the elongated ice ingot into ice cavities and forming ice structures (e.g., ice structure 221 in FIG. 2B). Each channel 432a-432f can flow heated fluid to multiple exterior surface portions of the mold cavity structure 410a. Heating the exterior surface portions can deform the ice ingot pressed between the two mold housings 402, 404, melting and forming ice structures within the shape of the mold cavity formed by joining the housings 402, 404. For example, forcing the ice ingot between the mold housing 402 and the mold housing 404 may include moving the mold housing 402 to meet the ice ingot and forcing the opposite side of the ice ingot against the mold housing 404. Such forcing may be performed by a linear actuator and / or a motor for moving the mold housing 402 along the guide rails 208 a, 208 b to maintain tension on the ice ingot disposed between the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404. This tension may be maintained during heating of the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 402 (e.g., fluidly heating the channels) and may be removed upon detecting that the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404 are disposed a predetermined distance apart. For example, as the ice ingot melts around the mold to form an ice structure within the cavity of the mold assembly 400, the mold housing 402 can move closer to the mold housing 404 while the ice melts until at least a portion of the housing 402 contacts at least a portion of the housing 404.

[0125] Upon detecting that an ice structure is being formed, the positioning means (e.g., pneumatic, linear actuator, motor, etc.) can move the first mold housing 402 in a substantially horizontal direction away from the second mold housing 404 to increase its distance from the second mold housing 404. Additionally, the positioning means can activate tilting of the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404 to cause removal of the ice structure from the cavity created between the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404. The ice structure can be released / removed on the first hinged plate 220 and / or the second hinged plate 222 of the trapdoor assembly 217. The linear actuator 232 can then move the first hinge connection plate 220 and the second hinge connection plate 222 at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal plane L of the device 200 to form a slot between the first hinge connection plate 220 and the second hinge connection plate 222.

[0126] The second layer 402b includes an input chamber 434 and an output chamber 436. The input chamber 434 can be fluidly connected to the source inlet valve 414 and thus can receive a continuous flow of heat transfer fluid (e.g., water), for example, during the formation of the ice ingot 206. The output chamber 436 can receive fluid flowing through any and all of the channels 432a-432f and discard or recirculate the fluid via a pump associated with the device 200. The input chamber 434 can be in fluid communication with the channels 432a, 432b, and 432c, for example, to provide heated fluid to the exterior surface of the mold structure 410a. After flowing around the exterior surface of the mold structure 410a and heating it during the ice-forming process, such fluid can be removed in the output chamber 436, as the output chamber 436 can be in fluid communication with the channels 432d, 432e, and 432f.

[0127] The third layer 402c includes a sealing plate on a top surface 438 that seals the input chamber 434 and the output chamber 436. The sealing plate of layer 402c can further include any number of inlets and outlets, including inlet 414 and outlet 416, as well as additional inlets and outlets for each cavity structure of the mold housing, such as cavity structure 410a of mold housing 402. The sealing plate of layer 402c can allow fluid temperature to be maintained within the input chamber 434, the output chamber 436, and the channels 432a-432f.

[0128] Drain channels 440 are provided at the anchor points of cavity structure 410, shown here as hemispheres with a central anchor point 442. Anchorage 442 is an aperture that allows meltwater from the elongated ice to flow from the ice cavity / cavity structure through layers 402b and 402c and out of mold housing 402. Draining ice meltwater in this manner can ensure that the ice-forming process removes water from the ice cavities and ensures that a smooth surface is maintained on the formed ice structure during the ice-forming process. While three layers are shown in FIG. 4D, any number and / or depth of mold housing layers may be contemplated, including at least two, three, four, five, or six layers.

[0129] 4E illustrates a cavity view of an example mold 101 configured for device 100. The cavity view depicts surface s1 of first clamshell part 102 and surface s2 of second clamshell part 104. First clamshell part 102 includes a first plurality of cavities 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h, 102i, 102j, 102k, 102l, 102m, 102n, 102o, 102p, and 102q. The second clamshell part 104 includes a second plurality of mold cavities 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h, 104i, 104j, 104k, 104l, 104m, 104n, 104o, 104p, and 104q. The cavities 102a-102q can be bonded to respective cavities 104a-104q to form a plurality of shaped ice structures. The plurality of shaped cavities are defined when the first surface s1 of the first clamshell part 102 is positioned substantially adjacent to the second surface s2 of the second clamshell part 104. For example, multiple spherically shaped ice structures can be formed by compressing an elongated ice ingot 106 between parts 102 and 104 until a first surface s1 is bonded to a second surface s2 for a predetermined period of time defined by an ice-forming process defined elsewhere herein. The length, width, number of cavities, and depth of parts 102, 104 can be substantially the same as those described with respect to Figures 4A-4C.

[0130] In some embodiments, the clamshell components 102, 104 can include several hemispherical cavities (such as cavity structures 102a, 102b, 104a, 104b) and a multi-plate manifold for supplying fluid (e.g., water) through the exterior surfaces of the components 102, 104. The multi-plate manifold can include any number of layers for fluid flow through and / or around the cavity structures.

[0131] Each cavity 102a-102q and 104a-104q of mold 101 includes an aperture (e.g., aperture 131) that can discharge fluid flowing through channels in clamshell part 102 and / or clamshell part 104. For example, heated fluid may be continuously provided to circulate within channel 164 (FIG. 4G), and overflow may be discharged through an aperture such as aperture 131 during the ice-forming process.

[0132] The heated fluid can be continuously provided to circulate within the U-shaped channel 604, can be discharged through an aperture 612 (e.g., similar to or identical to aperture 452), and can be discharged through an exhaust channel (e.g., similar to exhaust channel 440).

[0133] FIG. 4F illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exterior surface / layer of clamshell part 102. Although part 102 is depicted, the inlets and outlets are substantially identical on the exterior surface / layer of part 104. First clamshell part 102 includes a first plurality of mold cavities 102a-102q on a first surface s1. Surface s4 shown in FIG. 4F is the surface opposite surface s1.

[0134] Surface s4 can include inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152. Surface s4 can further include outlet / outlet valve 154 and / or outlet valve 156 to allow fluid (e.g., water) circulating from inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152 to exit channels in part 102. In some embodiments, inlet valves 150, 152 can receive heated fluid (e.g., water) into one or more layers of parts 102, 104, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, outlet valves 154, 156 can receive fluid (e.g., water) that has been cooled in or near one or more channels of parts 102, 104 during the ice molding process. In some embodiments, additional mold cavity pressure relief outlets (e.g., relief outlets 158, 160) can be included in each of parts 102, 104 to provide pressure relief from accumulated water and / or air in channels of parts 102, 104. A number of bolts 162 may be used to secure the layers of the part 102 together.

[0135] 4G illustrates another layer of clamshell assembly 102. In this example, channel 164

[0136] First clamshell part 102 can include a first plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 102a-102q) on first surface s1 and a first channel (e.g., channel 164) recessed behind first surface s1 and configured to receive a first fluid flow (e.g., water) through inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152. Mold 101 can further include second clamshell part 104 mounted on support 108 and coupled to second pivot point 114 substantially adjacent first pivot point 109. Second clamshell 104 can have a second plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 104a-104q) on second surface s2 and a second channel (not shown, but similar to channel 164) recessed behind second surface s2 and configured to receive a second fluid flow (e.g., water) through inlets similar to 150, 152. The first surface s1 faces the second surface s2 substantially at a predetermined angle from the longitudinal plane L of the mold 101.

[0137] Channel 164 can allow heated fluid (e.g., water) to flow from inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152 to outlet 154 and / or outlet 156. In some embodiments, additional fluid and / or air can flow through the cavity connecting release outlets 158, 160 during the ice forming process.

[0138] In operation of device 100 using mold 101, at least one fluid inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve 150 and / or inlet valve 152, etc.) for each of parts 102 and 104 can be configured to control a first fluid flow through a first channel 164 associated with first clamshell part 102 and a second fluid flow through a second channel (not shown, but similar to channel 164) associated with second clamshell part 104, which can provide heated fluid to inlet valves 150, 152, etc. Although three layers are shown in Figures 4E-4H, any number and / or depth of layers may be contemplated, including at least two, three, four, five, or six layers.

[0139] 4H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the clamshell part 102. The inlet 156 can allow heated fluid to circulate within the channel 164 to melt the ingot 106 into the shape formed by the cavities 102a-102q and 104a-104q when the first and second clamshell parts 102, 104 are hinged together to compress the ingot 106 between the parts 102, 104. Each part 102, 104 can include at least one pressure relief pinhole 168 for releasing air and / or water pressure from channels and / or apertures within the parts 102, 104. The pressure relief pinhole 168 can function as a vent channel to or through portions of one or more layers of the parts 102, 104. Such relief pinholes 168 can ensure an improved level of quality for the resulting molded ice by allowing a location for hot water (generated from melting the ingots 106 within the parts 102, 104) to drain. The relief pinholes 168 can provide the advantage of relieving pressure between the ice being molded and the mold parts, preventing water buildup and melt flow that could degrade or otherwise damage the surface of the ice being molded. For example, the pressure relief pinholes 168 can prevent excess water from flowing around the surface of the ice being molded by the mold cavities 102a-102q, 104a-104q, thereby avoiding the formation of ridges or marks on the molded ice.

[0140] In some embodiments, each mold cavity 102a-102q, 104a-104q may include a pressure relief pinhole 168, for example, to release air and / or water pressure as the ice ingot 106 is formed. In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is substantially centered on the rear wall of the respective cavity that vents toward the other layer of the mold parts 102, 104 (e.g., the layer shown in FIGS. 4A-6B). In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is integrated into every other mold cavity rather than into every other mold cavity. In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is integrated into every second or third mold cavity rather than into every mold cavity. In some embodiments, two or more pressure relief pinholes 168 are provided per mold cavity.

[0141] The release pinhole 168 can have a cross-section having a circular, square, rectangular, or triangular shape. The cross-section may be uniform throughout the pinhole 168 or may taper from one or both ends toward a central cross-section. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pressure release pinhole 168 may be about 0.31 centimeters, about 0.025 centimeters to about 0.1 centimeters, about 0.1 to about 0.2 centimeters, about 0.2 centimeters to about 0.3 centimeters, or about 0.3 to about 0.31 centimeters.

[0142] Similar to the mold housings 202, 204, each clamshell part 102, 104 includes at least one fluid inlet that can be fluidly connected to a source inlet. Each fluid inlet can allow fluid flow (e.g., water) through at least one channel associated with the first clamshell part 102 or associated with the second clamshell part 104. In some embodiments, each fluid inlet connects at least one channel within the parts 102, 104, and each part 102, 104 can have an inlet that provides fluid flow from the source inlet to the respective fluid inlet and to each fluidly connected channel and / or outlet. The fluid flowing through the channels of components 102, 104 may be water heated and maintained at a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius to about 98 degrees Celsius (e.g., about 100 degrees Fahrenheit to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit), about 37 degrees Celsius to about 47 degrees Celsius, about 45 degrees Celsius to about 55 degrees Celsius, about 50 degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius, about 57 degrees Celsius to about 70 degrees Celsius, about 65 degrees Celsius to about 80 degrees Celsius, about 75 degrees Celsius to about 90 degrees Celsius, or about 80 degrees Celsius to about 98 degrees Celsius.

[0143] In some embodiments, device 100 is coupled to one or more fluid pumps for circulating fluid throughout the channels (e.g., cavities, passages, etc.) associated with parts 102, 104. In particular, embodiments in which device 100 includes multiple internal cooling channels, various numbers, arrangements, and positioning, as well as mold portions sealing the internal cooling cavities, valves, fluid inlets, and / or fluid outlets, may be used with (or installed within) device 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that a heat transfer fluid circulation system can include any number of pumps, compressors, evaporators, etc. to provide sufficient circulation of water, coolant, or other fluid to form ice structures from ice ingots 106.

[0144] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary top-down perspective view of layer 402a. Layer 402a shown here represents the right side of layer 402a when looking at layer 402a in FIG. 4D. The opposite side and left side (not shown in FIG. 5A) can include mold structures 410a (i.e., hemispheres in this example). For example, layer 402a includes several mold structures on the right side and several channels for receiving a heated fluid (e.g., water) at the outer surface of the mold surface, shown here as spiral channels positioned within layer 402a (and on the left side of layer 402a as depicted in FIG. 4D). In this example, layer 402a includes five mold structures 410a1, 410a2, 410a3, 410a4, and 410a5, although any number of mold structures may be contemplated. Each back surface of mold structures 410a1-410a5 is in fluid communication with a respective spiral channel to allow fluid (e.g., water) to be received from input chamber 434 of layer 402b into aperture 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d, or 450e. Each aperture 450a-450e can be fluidly connected to input chamber 434, as shown in FIG. 5B as fluid input apertures 434a, 434b, 434, 434d, and 434e. In some embodiments, input chamber 434 may be a single chamber connected to fluid source inlet valve 414 and individually connected to each fluid input aperture 434a-434e (i.e., for each mold structure within a particular mold housing).

[0145] In operation of device 100 or 200 during the ice-molding process, heated fluid (e.g., heated water) can flow from a water source (e.g., a heat pump, a heated water source, etc.) to source inlet valve 414 (or inlet valve 150 and / or valve 152), which continuously provides heated fluid to input chambers 434a-434e (coupled to input chamber 434). Input chambers 434a-434e can be milled or machined into layer 402b at locations adjacent each mold structure 410a1-410a5 to serve as fluid inlets for each structure 410a1-410a5. Water can flow from each input chamber 434a-434e into apertures 450a-450e to warm the back / outer surfaces (e.g., outer surface 610 in FIG. 6B ) of mold structures 410a1-410a5. In the depicted example, water can flow around the provided spiral shape of each mold structure 410a1-410a5. In some embodiments, the channel shape behind the mold structures of a particular mold housing may not be spiral, but instead may be a single U-shaped channel (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A), one or more square-shaped or square-shaped spiral channels, one or more serpentine channels, etc.

[0146] FIG. 5B illustrates a top-down perspective view of layer 402b. Layer 402b can be disposed on top of layer 402a to manage fluid between the channels of layer 402a and the components. Each mold structure 410a1-410a5 also includes apertures 452 (e.g., apertures 452a, 452b, 452c, 452d, and 452e) shown in FIG. 5A in layer 402a and apertures shown in FIG. 5B in layer 402b. Each aperture 452a-452e can function to evacuate fluid from each channel of mold structures 410a1-410a5 via respective apertures 454a, 454b, 454c, 454d, and 454e. Each aperture 452a-452e can be fluidly connected to the output chamber 436 via a respective aperture 454a-454e, and each aperture 454a-454e can receive fluid discharged from the aperture 452a-452e and can further discharge or recirculate the received discharged fluid.

[0147] 5C illustrates a top-down perspective view of layer 402c. Layer 402c may be a metal housing plate disposed on top of layer 402b to maintain the temperature of the fluid flowing through mold housing 402. While layers 402a-402c are described with respect to mold housing 402, those skilled in the art will understand that similar or identical features may be present in mold housing 404, and that both housings 402, 404 may be utilized together to mold ice within device 200. Layer 402c includes surface 460. Surface 460 may include, for example, one or more apertures for receiving compressed air to assist in the removal of ice structures from ice mold housing 402.

[0148] FIG. 6A illustrates a top-down view of layer 602 of an exemplary mold assembly. Layer 602 shown in FIG. 6A may be similar to layer 402a shown in FIG. 5A. In this example, layer 602 includes a U-shaped channel 604 for each mold structure 606a, 606b, 606c, 606d, 606e, 606f, 606g, 606h, 606i, 606j, and 606k. This U-shaped channel may be a three-dimensional channel that surrounds and covers a portion of the exterior surface of each mold cavity. Each mold structure 606a-606k includes an aperture (e.g., aperture 608) that can function to drain water away from channel 604 for each mold structure 606a-606k. Although a single mold assembly is shown in FIG. 6A , one skilled in the art will understand that a corresponding second mold assembly having a layer (e.g., similar or identical to layer 602) can be utilized in combination with layer 602 to mold ice during the ice-molding process of device 200.

[0149] 6B illustrates an enlarged perspective view of mold structure 606a. Mold structure 606a is shown here with layers removed (e.g., layer 402c removed for illustration purposes) to depict U-shaped channel 604 and mold structure exterior surface 610. During operation, heated fluid (e.g., water) can be received from a source inlet (e.g., source fluid inlet valve 414) through an aperture providing access to U-shaped channel 604. The heated fluid can be continuously provided to circulate within U-shaped channel 604, can be discharged through aperture 612 (e.g., similar to or identical to aperture 452), and can be discharged through an exhaust channel (e.g., similar to exhaust channel 440).

[0150] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a device assembly 700 for forming two or more elongated ice ingots. The device assembly 700 can include two or more devices 200 (e.g., device 200a, device 200b) for forming ice. Each device 200a, 200b can form a separate ice ingot (e.g., ingot 206_1, ingot 206_2). Each set of formed ice structures can be dropped into a trapdoor associated with each respective device 200a, 200b, as described in detail above. The trapdoor system described herein can bring the formed ice together and transport the structures along portions of the trapdoor assembly. In some embodiments, the trapdoor system described herein can separate each ice structure into a container or into a cavity within a container, allowing for separation and transportation of the individual ice structures. Additional conveyor systems can be installed to move the ice ingots 206_1, 206_2 and transport the formed ice structures. Similar to assembly 700, any two or more portions of device 100 can be combined into an assembly to increase throughput of producing molded ice.

[0151] 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 800 for molding ice. At a high level, process 800 includes providing a mold including multiple channels and multiple mold cavities at block 802, providing a positioning means for moving at least one portion of the mold at block 804, providing a fluid source for continuously flowing a fluid through the multiple channels of the mold at block 806, receiving an ice ingot within the mold at block 808 and causing the mold to at least partially encapsulate the ice ingot at block 810, causing a fluid flow through the multiple channels of the mold at block 812, the fluid flow being thermally heated to a predetermined temperature or predetermined temperature range before flowing through the multiple channels of the mold, and causing at least one portion of the mold to press against at least one surface of the ice ingot during the fluid flow at block 814, such that the ice ingot selectively melts to form multiple well-distinct ice shapes (e.g., ice structures 221) defined by the multiple mold cavities.

[0152] At block 802, process 800 includes providing a mold including a plurality of channels (e.g., channels 432a-432f, one or more channels 440, and / or one or more channels or chambers 434, 436) and a plurality of mold cavities (e.g., mold cavities 410, 412). In particular, process 800 can be performed on device 200, which includes mold 201 having at least first mold housing 202 and second mold housing 204. Mold 201 (e.g., mold housings 202, 204) can be arranged to receive elongated ice ingot 206 therebetween. In such an arrangement, device 200 can begin forming ice into an ice structure formed by the cavities (410, 412) associated with mold 201.

[0153] At block 804, process 800 includes providing a positioning means for moving at least one portion of the mold. For example, device 200 includes a positioning means 211 for moving mold housing 202 laterally along guide rails 208a, 208b toward or away from mold housing 204.

[0154] At block 806, process 800 includes providing a fluid source for continuously flowing a fluid through a plurality of channels of the mold. For example, a water source (e.g., water supply 910) may continuously flow water through the channels (e.g., channels 432a-432f, one or more channels 440, and / or one or more channels or chambers 434, 436) to heat the backside of mold cavities 410, 412.

[0155] Generally, the process 800 for forming ice ingots 206 can be initiated by one or more processors programmed to cause the movements and operations of equipment, assemblies, and / or parts of device 200. For example, device 200 for making clear ice can include, or be communicatively coupled to, at least one processor and memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform some or all of the instructions of blocks 802-814.

[0156] At block 808, process 800 includes receiving an ice ingot into a mold. For example, a conveyor system may deliver an ice ingot 206 to device 200 positioned within and / or between portions of mold 201. The ice ingot 206 may be compressed between first mold housing 402 and second mold housing 402 when device 200 is activated to compress (e.g., move laterally) mold housing 402 toward a first surface of the ice ingot and move a second surface (opposite the first surface) laterally into mold housing 404. Such movement may cause the mold to at least partially enclose the ice ingot, as shown in block 810.

[0157] At block 812, process 800 includes causing a fluid flow (e.g., water) through a plurality of channels (e.g., channels 432a-432f, one or more channels 440, and / or one or more channels or chambers 434, 436) of the mold. The fluid (e.g., water) may be thermally heated to a predetermined temperature before flowing through the plurality of channels of the mold, as described throughout this disclosure. For example, device 200 may provide heated water to several fluid channels 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, 432e, and 432f. Such flow of heated water can function to heat the mold housings 402, 404 and ultimately melt the elongated ice ingot 206 into the ice cavity to form an ice structure (e.g., ice structure 221 in FIG. 2B). In particular, each channel 432a-432f can flow heated water to an outer surface portion of the mold cavity structure 410a. Heating the outer surface portion can deform the ice ingot pressed between the two mold housings 402, 404 to melt and form an ice structure within the shape of the mold cavity formed by joining the housings 402, 404.

[0158] In block 814, the process 800 includes pressing at least one portion of a mold (e.g., mold housing 202 or mold housing 402) against at least one surface of the ice ingot 206 in a fluid flow (e.g., water) so that the ice ingot 206 selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinct ice shapes (e.g., ice structures 221) defined by a plurality of mold cavities 410, 412.

[0159] In one example of process 800, forcing an ice ingot, such as ingot 206, between mold housing 402 and mold housing 404 may include moving mold housing 402 to meet ice ingot 206 and forcing an opposite side of ice ingot 206 against mold housing 404. Such forcing may be performed by a linear actuator and / or motor that moves mold housing 402 along guide rails 208 a, 208 b to maintain tension on ice ingot 206 disposed between first mold housing 402 and second mold housing 404. This tension may be maintained during heating of first mold housing 402 and second mold housing 402 (e.g., fluidically heating channels) and may be removed upon detecting that first mold housing 402 and second mold housing 404 are disposed a predetermined distance apart. For example, as the ice ingot melts around the mold to form an ice structure within the cavity of the mold assembly 400, the mold housing 402 can move closer to the mold housing 404 while the ice melts until at least a portion of the housing 402 contacts at least a portion of the housing 404.

[0160] In some embodiments, process 800 further includes providing a trapdoor assembly 217 positioned substantially parallel to mold 201 and beneath mold bottom surface 106d (FIG. 3A). Process 800 can further include causing trapdoor assembly 217 to catch (e.g., drop from mold 201, 400) and transport (e.g., roll) the plurality of sufficiently distinct ice structures 221 upon release from the plurality of mold cavities 410, 412 and in response to detecting completion of the ice-forming process. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 903) can detect completion of the ice-forming process being performed on device 200, as described in FIGS. 3A-2E, and can initiate release of ice structures 221 and movement of trapdoor assembly 217 to catch ice structures 221.

[0161] In some embodiments, the mold further includes a drainage system that drains fluid from the multiple mold cavities 410, 412. This drainage system can include one or more of an outlet 416, a drain channel 440, and / or an output chamber 436. For example, each mold housing 402, 404 includes at least one outlet 416 for discarding fluid (e.g., water) circulated throughout one or more channels of the housing 402. Each mold housing 402, 404 can include several mold cavities 410, 412, and each mold cavity can include (or be associated with) one or more outlet sets (e.g., apertures leading away from the mold cavity).

[0162] Additionally, each mold housing (e.g., mold housings 402, 404) can include drainage channels 440 at a fixed point of cavity structure 410a (in FIG. 4D), shown as a hemisphere with a central fixed point 442. Fixed point 442 is an aperture that allows melted ice water to flow from the ice cavity / cavity structure through layers 402b and 402c and out of mold housing 402. Draining the ice meltwater in this manner can ensure that the ice molding process removes water from the ice cavity and ensures that a smooth surface is maintained on the formed ice structure during the ice molding process.

[0163] In some embodiments, the plurality of mold cavities 410, 412 are of a predetermined shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a clover shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

[0164] When the ice forming process is complete or upon determining that the ice structure has been formed according to desired specifications, the positioning means (e.g., pneumatic, linear actuator, motor, etc.) can move the first mold housing 402 in a substantially horizontal direction away from the second mold housing 404, causing an increase in distance from the second mold housing 404. Additionally, the positioning means can actuate tilting the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404 to remove the ice structure from the cavity created between the first mold housing 402 and the second mold housing 404. The ice structure 221 can be released / removed onto the first hinge linkage plate 220 and / or the second hinge linkage plate 222. The linear actuator 232 can then move the first hinge coupling plate 220 and the second hinge coupling plate 222 at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal plane L of the device 200 to form a slot between the first hinge coupling plate 220 and the second hinge coupling plate 222 of the trapdoor assembly 217.

[0165] In some embodiments, device 200 includes or is communicatively coupled to at least one computing device including at least one processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the at least one processor to generate and activate the display of at least one user interface. The user interface can receive user input corresponding to a recipe for forming elongated ice ingots, including, but not limited to, mold clamping metrics, clamping force, clamp timing, forming timing, and mold shape, and / or mold size, air knife blow rate, or air temperature. The computing device can also include one or more controls and / or outputs for providing feedback to a user to indicate the timing and completion status of a recipe being processed on device 200.

[0166] Device 200 may include or be coupled to a computer program product that may be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product may also include instructions that, when executed, perform one or more of the methods and / or computer-implemented methods described herein. The information carrier may be a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as a memory, or other storage associated with the ice making device described herein.

[0167] 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system 900 for molding ice. Device 200 can be installed in device 200. System 900 includes at least a control interface 902, an optional sensor interface 904, a pneumatic / motor 906, and a fluid pump 908. Control interface 902 includes one or more processors 903 and memory 905. One or more processors 903 can receive sensor signals from optional sensor interface 904 to initiate or terminate use of any of the components of system 900. One or more processors 903 and / or memory can be programmed to control the distribution of water through valve 912.

[0168] System 900 can be used to control the operation of ice forming device 200. Control interface 902 can be operably coupled to an electrically actuated valve 912. Valve 912 can optionally be coupled to a fluid pump 908 to pump fluid / water from a water supply 910 to mold 914 (e.g., mold 201, mold assembly 400, and / or components thereof). In some embodiments, control interface 902 can optionally be coupled via water supply 910 to a cooling interface 916 to cool the water before providing it to mold 914. Cooling interface 916 can be a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier-type cooler.

[0169] Valve 912 can be actuated by control interface 902 to add a predetermined amount of water to mold 914. In some embodiments, valve 912 functions to continuously provide a flow of water to mold 914 for the duration of the ice-forming process. Exemplary durations of the ice-forming process can include about 15 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 15 seconds to about 20 seconds, about 20 seconds to about 25 seconds, about 25 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 35 seconds to about 40 seconds, about 40 seconds to about 45 seconds, about 45 seconds to about 50 seconds, about 50 seconds to about 55 seconds, and about 55 seconds to about 60 seconds. This can be accomplished either by controlling the period for which valve 912 is open to a predetermined flow rate or by providing a flow meter to measure the amount of water dispensed through valve 912.

[0170] The control interface 902 can be operatively coupled to an electrically actuated sensor interface 904 for detecting mold position, ice formation, fluid (e.g., water, heat exchanger fluid) flow rate, and / or fluid (e.g., water, heat exchanger fluid) temperature throughout any and all molding processes. The control interface 902 can also be operatively coupled to an electrically actuated pneumatic / motor 906 to move the mold housing 202, 402, etc., as described herein.

[0171] The control interface 902 may also be operatively coupled to one or more air knives 918, trapdoor assembly 920, and / or linear actuator 922 to control the trapdoor assembly 920 and / or to control the one or more air knives 918 (e.g., one or more air knives 292). Each air knife 918 may be coupled to a pneumatic slide (not shown) to move the air knife into position. When in position, the air knife may direct a line of air across a surface associated with the ice structures ejected from one or more molds 914 to remove excess fluid (e.g., water) from the ice structures and / or molds 914. For example, the air knife 918 may be positioned and oriented to blow air toward an area proximate either or both of side w3 and side w1 of the trapdoor assembly 920 (e.g., trapdoor assembly 217).

[0172] The trapdoor assembly 920 can move via a linear actuator 922 (e.g., linear actuator 232). The trapdoor assembly 920 can include a first hinge linkage plate 220 and a second hinge linkage plate 222 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The first hinge linkage plate 220 can include a first longitudinal side l2 opposite the second longitudinal side l3 and a first widthwise side w3 opposite the second widthwise side w4. The second hinge linkage plate 222 can include a third longitudinal side l4 opposite the fourth longitudinal side l1 and a third widthwise side w1 opposite the second widthwise side w2.

[0173] The linear actuator 922 can be configured to hinge the first hinged plate 220 and the second hinged plate 222 from an initial configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 3A) to an ice harvesting configuration (shown in FIG. 2C) upon completion of the ice-forming process of the device 200, as described in FIGS. 3A-2E. The initial configuration includes the first hinged plate 220 and the second hinged plate 220 aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the device 200. The ice harvesting configuration includes the first hinged plate 220 and the second hinged plate 220 positioned at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the device 200 to form a slot (e.g., a trough / slot 243) between the longitudinal edge l3 of the first hinged plate 220 and the longitudinal edge l4 of the second hinged plate 222. The acute angle of the first hinge coupling plate 220 and the acute angle of the second hinge coupling plate 220 can be matched so that the longitudinal edge l3 drops off from parallel by about 1 degree to about 45 degrees, while the longitudinal edge l4 drops off from parallel by the same amount.

[0174] 10 illustrates another block diagram of an exemplary device 1000 for molding ice. Device 1000 can be installed within device 100 or 200. Device 1000 includes at least a control interface 1002, an optional sensor interface 1004, a pneumatic / motor 1006, and a fluid pump 1008.

[0175] The control interface 902 includes one or more processors 1003 and memory 1005. The one or more processors 1003 can receive sensor signals from an optional sensor interface 1004 to initiate or terminate the use of any of the components of the device 1000. The one or more processors 1003 and / or memory 1005 can be programmed to control the distribution of fluid (e.g., water) through one or more valves 1012.

[0176] Device 1000 can be used to control the operation of ice molding device 100 or 200. Control interface 1002 can be operably coupled to an electrically actuated valve 1012. Valve 1012 can optionally be coupled to a fluid pump 1008 to pump fluid / water from a water supply 1010 to a mold 1014 (e.g., mold 101, mold 201, mold assembly 400, and / or components thereof). In some embodiments, control interface 1002 can optionally be coupled to a cooling interface 1016 via the water supply 1010 to cool the water before providing it to mold 1014. Cooling interface 1016 can be a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier-type cooler.

[0177] Valve 1012 can include any number of valves to mold 1014 that can be actuated by control interface 1002 to add a predetermined amount of water to mold 1014, for example. In some embodiments, valve 1012 functions to continuously provide a flow of water to mold 1014 for the duration of the ice-molding process. Exemplary durations of the ice-molding process can include from about 30 seconds to about 180 seconds, from about 30 seconds to about 45 seconds, from about 45 seconds to about 60 seconds, from about 60 seconds to about 75 seconds, from about 75 seconds to about 90 seconds, from about 90 seconds to about 105 seconds, from about 105 seconds to about 120 seconds, from about 120 seconds to about 135 seconds, from about 135 seconds to about 150 seconds, from about 150 seconds to about 165 seconds, or from about 165 seconds to about 180 seconds.

[0178] This can be accomplished either by controlling the duration for which the valves 1012 are open to a predetermined flow rate, or by providing a flow meter to measure the amount of water dispensed through one or more valves 1012.

[0179] The control interface 1002 can be operatively coupled to an electrically actuated sensor interface 1004 for detecting mold position, ice formation, fluid (e.g., water, heat exchanger fluid) flow rate, and / or fluid (e.g., water, heat exchanger fluid) temperature throughout any and all molding processes. The control interface 1002 can also be operatively coupled to an electrically actuated pneumatic / motor 1006 to move the mold housing 102, 202, 402, etc., as described elsewhere herein.

[0180] The control interface 1002 may also be operatively coupled to one or more air knives 1018, the clamshell assembly 1020, and / or the positioning means 1022 to control the clamshell components 102, 104 of the assembly 1020 and / or to control one or more air knives 1018 (e.g., one or more air knives 292). Each air knife 1018 may be coupled to a pneumatic slide (not shown) to move the air knife into position. When in position, the air knife may direct a line of air across a surface associated with the ice structures ejected from one or more molds 1014 to remove excess fluid (e.g., water), ice debris, etc. from the ice structures and / or molds 1014. For example, the air knife 1018 may be positioned and oriented to blow air toward an area proximate to a side of either or both of the components 102, 104.

[0181] The positioning means 1022 can be configured to hinge the clamshell assembly 1020 (i.e., the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104) to compress the ice ingot and open the hinge to release the formed shaped ice structure from the ice ingot. For example, the positioning means 1022 can hinge the clamshell assembly 1020 between an initial configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 1C ) entering an ice-forming configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 1E ) and an initial configuration in an ice-harvesting configuration to drop the ice structure onto a conveyor 1030 (e.g., conveyor system 116) upon completion of the ice-forming process of the device 100.

[0182] 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1100 for producing a plurality of ice structures. Process 1100 can be performed on a device 100, 200 that includes any or all of the components of system 900 and / or device 1000.

[0183] At block 1102, process 800 includes providing a mold (e.g., mold 101 in device 100) for molding ice. Mold 101 may include a first clamshell part 102 coupled to a first pivot point 109 mounted on support 108. First clamshell part 102 may include a first plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 102a-102q) on a first surface s1 and a first channel (e.g., channel 164) embedded behind first surface s1. Mold 101 may further include a second clamshell part 104 mounted on support 108 and coupled to a second pivot point 114 substantially adjacent to first pivot point 109. The second clamshell 104 can have a second plurality of mold cavities (e.g., cavities 104a-104q) on the second surface s2 and a second channel (not shown, but similar to channel 164) embedded behind the second surface s2. The first surface s1 substantially faces the second surface s2 at a predetermined angle from the longitudinal plane L of the mold 101.

[0184] Generally, process 1100 for forming ice ingot 106 can be initiated by one or more processors (e.g., processor 903 or processor 1003) programmed to cause movements and operations of equipment, assemblies, and / or parts of device 100. For example, device 100 can include, or be communicatively coupled to, at least one processor 1003 and a memory 1005 that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1003, cause device 100 to perform some or all of the instructions in blocks 1102-1112. In particular, process 1100 can be performed on device 100 including a mold 101 having at least a first clamshell part 102 and a second clamshell part 104. Mold 101 (e.g., parts 102, 104) can be arranged to receive elongated ice ingot 106 therebetween. In such an arrangement, the device 100 can begin to form ice into ice structures formed by the cavities (102a-102q, 104a-104q) associated with the mold 101.

[0185] At block 1104, the process 1100 includes receiving an elongated ice ingot in a mold. For example, the ice ingot 106 may be received on two or more offset supports 126 of the conveyor system 116. The ingot can be advanced to a position substantially below the mold 101 (i.e., the clamshell components 102, 104).

[0186] At block 1106, the process 1100 includes causing the first clamshell part 102 to pivot about the first pivot point 109 toward the second surface s2, and the second clamshell part 104 to pivot about the second pivot point 114 toward the first surface s1 to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot 106. Similarly, the process 1100 can also cause movement along the third pivot point 117 and the fourth pivot point 119 to allow the parts 102, 104 to hinge symmetrically. For example, the first clamshell part 102 can be configured to pivot about the first pivot point 109 to align the first surface s1 between about zero degrees and about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of the device 100 and toward the second surface s2. The second clamshell part 104 can be configured to pivot about the second pivot point 114 to align the second surface s2 from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane L of the device 100 and toward the first surface s1.

[0187] At block 1108, the process 1100 includes causing a first fluid flow through a first channel. For example, the processor 1003 may activate the water supply 1010 and the fluid pump 1008 to supply water to the inlets 150, 152 in the part 102, which can flow through the channel 164, for example.

[0188] At block 1110, the process 1100 includes initiating a second fluid flow through a second channel. For example, the processor 1003 can activate the water supply 1010 and the fluid pump 1008 to provide water to an inlet in the part 104 and flow through the channels of the part 104. Blocks 1108 and 1110 can be performed simultaneously or with a time lag, but once the water flow begins, the fluid provided to both parts 102, 104 can be a substantially continuous flow through the channels (e.g., channel 164) to ensure mold heating and enable the melting and forming of the ice ingot 106 during the ice forming process. The first fluid flow in the first part 102 and the second fluid flow in the second part 104 can be thermally heated to a predetermined temperature, as described elsewhere herein.

[0189] At block 1112, the process 1100 includes causing the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 to compress the elongated ice ingot 106 between the first and second fluid flows, so that the elongated ice ingot 106 selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first plurality of mold cavities 102a-102q and the second plurality of mold cavities 104a-104q. For example, causing the first clamshell part 102 and the second clamshell part 104 to compress the elongated ice ingot 106 includes providing a tension force on a first side 106a of the elongated ice ingot 106 by the first clamshell part 102, while the second clamshell part 104 provides an equal and opposite tension force on a second, opposite side 106b of the elongated ice ingot 106.

[0190] In some embodiments, the plurality of distinct ice structures comprises a plurality of ice spheres formed according to the first plurality of mold cavities 102a-102q and the second plurality of mold cavities 104a-104q and formed by bonding the first surface s1 to the second surface s2 for a predetermined period of time.

[0191] In some embodiments, process 1100 may further include providing a conveyor system (e.g., conveyor system 116) including a transport portion (e.g., transport belt 124) and a plurality of offset supports 126. Conveyor system 116 may be arranged substantially parallel to and beneath the bottom surface of mold 101. Process 1100 may further include causing conveyor system 116 to receive elongated ice ingots 106 at the two or more offset supports 126 and advancing transport portion 124 to move elongated ice ingots 106 substantially along the bottom surface of the mold to a predetermined position to align the ice for forming. Process 1100 may further include causing transport of the plurality of sufficiently distinguishable ice structures upon release from the plurality of mold cavities and in response to detecting completion of the ice forming process.

[0192] In some embodiments, the mold 101 further includes a drainage system (e.g., outlets 154, 156) for draining fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities 102a-102q and the second plurality of mold cavities 104a-104q. In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of mold cavities (102a-102q, 104a-104q) are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube, a polyhedron, a sphere, a heart, a diamond, a cloverleaf, a polygon, and a hemisphere. In some embodiments, the drainage system includes one or more pressure relief pinholes 168 (FIG. 4H). For example, the drainage system can include a pressure relief pinhole in each of the first plurality of mold cavities 102a-102q and a pressure relief pinhole in each of the second plurality of mold cavities 104a-104q. In some embodiments, each part 102, 104 can include at least one pressure relief pinhole 168 for releasing air and / or water pressure from channels and / or apertures in the part 102, 104. Each pressure relief pinhole 168 can function as a drainage channel to or through one or more layer portions of the part 102, 104. Such a release pinhole 168 can ensure an improved level of quality for the resulting molded ice by allowing a location for hot water (generated from melting the ingot 106 within the part 102, 104) to drain. The release pinhole 168 can provide the advantage of relieving pressure between the ice being molded and the mold part, avoiding water buildup and melt flow that could degrade or otherwise damage the surface of the ice being molded. For example, the pressure relief pinholes 168 can prevent excess water from flowing around the surface of the ice being formed by the mold cavities 102a-102q, 104a-104q, thereby avoiding the formation of bumps or marks on the formed ice.

[0193] In some embodiments, each mold cavity 102a-102q, 104a-104q may include a pressure relief pinhole 168, for example, to release air and / or water pressure as the ice ingot 106 is formed. In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is substantially centered on the rear wall of the respective cavity that vents toward the other layer of the mold parts 102, 104 (e.g., the layer shown in FIGS. 4A-6B). In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is integrated into every other mold cavity rather than into every other mold cavity. In some embodiments, each pressure relief pinhole 168 is integrated into every second or third mold cavity rather than into every mold cavity. In some embodiments, two or more pressure relief pinholes 168 are provided per mold cavity.

[0194] The release pinhole 168 can have a cross-section having a circular, square, rectangular, or triangular shape. The cross-section may be uniform throughout the pinhole 168 or may taper from one or both ends toward a central cross-section. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pressure release pinhole 168 may be about 0.31 centimeters, about 0.025 centimeters to about 0.1 centimeters, about 0.1 to about 0.2 centimeters, about 0.2 centimeters to about 0.3 centimeters, or about 0.3 to about 0.31 centimeters.

[0195] Described herein are various exemplary ice-forming devices and methods. The several examples described herein may be used in combination and / or independently.

[0196] Provided below is a list of examples, each of which may include aspects of any of the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, aspects of any of the examples above may be implemented in any of the numbered examples provided below.

[0197] Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the processes or algorithms described herein may be performed in a different sequence, added, merged, or omitted entirely. Thus, in a particular embodiment, not all described acts or events are necessarily required to practice a process.

[0198] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: a support frame; a mold for forming ice ingots, the first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on the support frame, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel embedded behind the first surface and configured to receive a first fluid stream; and a second clamshell part mounted on the support frame and coupled to a second pivot point substantially adjacent the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel embedded behind the second surface and configured to receive a second fluid stream. and at least one fluid inlet valve for each of the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part, the at least one fluid inlet valve configured to control a first fluid flow through a first channel associated with the first clamshell part and a second fluid flow through a second channel associated with the second clamshell part.

[0199] Example 2. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the device of Example 1, wherein the first clamshell part is configured to pivot about a first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device toward the second surface, and the second clamshell part is configured to pivot about a second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device toward the first surface.

[0200] Example 3. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the positioning means is further configured to cause the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingots between the first and second fluid flows, such that the elongated ice ingots selectively melt to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first and second plurality of mold cavities.

[0201] Example 4. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 3, wherein the plurality of substantially distinct ice structures includes a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities, and formed by compressing an elongated ice ingot until bonding a first surface to a second surface over a predetermined period of time.

[0202] Example 5. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 1, wherein a plurality of shaped cavities are defined when the first surface of the first clamshell part is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the second clamshell part.

[0203] Example 6. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the first clamshell part further comprises a first set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the first clamshell part, and the second clamshell part further comprises a second set of outlets for discharging the fluid flow away from the second clamshell part.

[0204] Example 7. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 1, wherein at least one cavity in the first plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole and at least one cavity in the second plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole.

[0205] Example 8. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the device of Example 1, further comprising an input chamber and an output chamber in a first layer of the first clamshell part, wherein the first channel associated with the first clamshell part comprises a plurality of input channels and a plurality of output channels, the plurality of input channels and the plurality of output channels being positioned in a second layer of the first clamshell part, the plurality of input channels being fluidly connected to the input chamber, and the plurality of output channels being fluidly connected to the output chamber.

[0206] Example 9. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the fluid is water, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream are constant during the molding process, and the fluid is at a temperature between about 37 degrees Celsius and about 98 degrees Celsius.

[0207] Example 10. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the positioning means is configured to cause the first clamshell part to turn about the first pivot point in a first direction toward the second surface, and to cause the second clamshell part to turn about the second pivot point in a second direction toward the first surface, to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot until the first surface of the first clamshell part contacts the second surface of the second clamshell part.

[0208] Example 11. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 1, wherein the positioning means is further configured to cause the first clamshell portion and the second clamshell portion to maintain a constant force on the elongated ice ingot until completion of the ice-forming process. The apparatus further comprises a conveyor system including a transport portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system being arranged substantially parallel to the mold and beneath a bottom surface of the mold, the conveyor system being configured to receive the elongated ice ingot at two or more of the offset supports and advance the transport portion to move the elongated ice ingot into position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold, and to transport a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures formed within the plurality of mold cavities upon completion of the ice-forming process.

[0209] Example 12. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly as described in Example 1, further comprising a computing device, the computing device including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to generate and activate the display of at least one user interface configured to receive user input corresponding to at least one of a mold clamping metric, a recipe for forming elongated ice ingots, or a mold size.

[0210] Example 13. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 1, wherein the mold further comprises a drainage system that drains fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0211] Example 14. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 1, wherein the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a cloverleaf shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

[0212] Example 15. A method for producing a plurality of ice structures, the method comprising: providing a mold for shaping ice, the mold comprising: a first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on a support, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel embedded behind the first surface; and a second clamshell part mounted on the support and substantially adjacent the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel embedded behind the second surface, the first surface substantially facing the second surface at a predetermined angle from a longitudinal plane of the mold; receiving an elongated ice ingot in the mold; a first clamshell part turning about a first pivot point toward a second surface and a second clamshell part turning about a second pivot point toward the first surface to at least partially enclose an elongated ice ingot; causing a first fluid flow through a first channel and a second fluid flow through a second channel, the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow being thermally heated to a predetermined temperature; and causing the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, such that the elongated ice ingot selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first and second mold cavities.

[0213] Example 16. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 15, wherein the first clamshell part is configured to pivot about a first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device that houses the mold toward the second surface, and the second clamshell part is configured to pivot about a second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device that houses the mold toward the first surface.

[0214] Example 17. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 15, wherein causing the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot includes providing a tension force on a first side of the elongated ice ingot by the first clamshell part, while the second clamshell part provides an equal and opposite tension force on a second, opposite side of the elongated ice ingot.

[0215] Example 18. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 15, wherein the plurality of sufficiently distinct ice structures comprises a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to a first plurality of mold cavities and a second plurality of mold cavities and formed by bonding a first surface to a second surface for a predetermined period of time.

[0216] Example 19. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 15, wherein the method further includes: providing a conveyor system including a transport portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system arranged substantially parallel to the mold and beneath a bottom surface of the mold; causing the conveyor system to receive elongated ice ingots at two or more of the offset supports and advancing the transport portion to move the elongated ice ingots into position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold; and causing transport of the plurality of sufficiently distinguishable ice structures upon release from the plurality of mold cavities and in response to detecting completion of the ice forming process.

[0217] Example 20. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of example 15, wherein the mold further comprises a drainage system that drains fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0218] Example 21. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of example 20, wherein the exhaust system comprises a pressure relief pinhole in each of the first plurality of mold cavities and a pressure relief pinhole in each of the second plurality of mold cavities.

[0219] Example 22. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 15, wherein the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a cloverleaf shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

[0220] Example 23. An apparatus, comprising: a support structure; a mold for forming an ice ingot, the mold including: a first mold housing movably coupled to and configured to slide along a guide rail, the first mold housing having at least one channel for receiving a fluid flow; and a second mold housing fixedly coupled to the support structure and to an end portion of the guide rail, the second mold housing having at least one channel for receiving a fluid flow; and a first surface of the first mold housing being fixedly coupled to a first side of an elongated ice ingot. and positioning means for disposing a second surface of the second mold housing against a first side of the elongated ice ingot and against a second side of the elongated ice ingot, the first side of the elongated ice ingot being opposite the second side of the elongated ice ingot; and fluid inlet valves for each of the first mold housing and the second mold housing, the at least one fluid inlet valve configured to control fluid flow through at least one channel associated with the first mold housing and through at least one channel associated with the second mold housing.

[0221] Example 24. The apparatus of example 23, wherein the plurality of mold cavities are defined when the first surface of the first mold housing is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the second mold housing.

[0222] Example 25. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 23, wherein the first mold housing further comprises a first set of outlets for discharging the fluid stream away from the first mold housing, and the second mold housing further comprises a second set of outlets for discharging the fluid stream away from the second mold housing.

[0223] Example 26. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 23, further comprising an input chamber and an output chamber within a first layer of the first mold housing, wherein the at least one channel associated with the first mold housing comprises a plurality of input channels and a plurality of output channels, the plurality of input channels and the plurality of output channels being positioned within the first layer of the first mold housing, the plurality of input channels being fluidly connected to the input chamber, and the plurality of output channels being fluidly connected to the output chamber, and the input chamber and the output chamber being positioned within a second layer of the first mold housing.

[0224] Example 27. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 23, wherein the fluid is water, the fluid flow is constant during the molding process, and the fluid comprises water at a temperature between about 37 degrees Celsius and about 98 degrees Celsius.

[0225] Example 28. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of example 23, wherein the positioning means is configured to allow lateral movement of the first mold housing until the first surface of the first mold housing contacts the second surface of the second mold housing.

[0226] Example 29. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 23, wherein the first mold housing and the second mold housing are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the apparatus.

[0227] Example 30. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of Example 23, wherein the positioning means is configured to permit lateral movement of the first mold housing until a first side of the elongated ice ingot contacts the first mold portion and a second side of the elongated ice ingot contacts the second mold portion, and the positioning means is further configured to maintain a constant force on the elongated ice ingot.

[0228] Example 31. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the device described in Example 23, further comprising: a trap door assembly including a first hinge linkage plate having a first longitudinal side opposite the second longitudinal side and a first widthwise side opposite the second widthwise side, and a second hinge linkage plate having a third longitudinal side opposite the fourth longitudinal side and a third widthwise side opposite the second widthwise side; and a linear actuator, wherein the trap door assembly is coupled to the linear actuator by a cradle assembly along the second widthwise side and along the fourth widthwise side.

[0229] Example 32. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 31, further comprising at least one air knife oriented to blow air toward an area adjacent the first widthwise side of the trapdoor assembly.

[0230] Example 33. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the device of Example 31, wherein the linear actuator causes the first and second hinge connection plates to hinge from an initial configuration to a harvesting configuration, the initial configuration comprising the first and second hinge connection plates aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the device, and the harvesting configuration comprising the first and second hinge connection plates positioned at an acute angle to the longitudinal plane of the device so as to form a slot between the first and second hinge connection plates.

[0231] Example 34. The apparatus of any preceding example, but particularly example 33, wherein the acute angle of the first hinged plate and the second hinged plate is between about 1 degree and about 45 degrees.

[0232] Example 35. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of example 31, wherein the first mold housing and the second mold housing are configured to maintain tension on an ice ingot positioned between the first mold housing and the second mold housing, the tension being maintained during heating of the first mold housing and the second mold housing and being removed upon detecting that the first mold housing and the second mold housing are positioned a predetermined distance apart.

[0233] Example 36. Any of the preceding embodiments, but particularly the apparatus of Example 35, wherein removing the tension activates: a positioning means for moving the first mold housing in a substantially horizontal direction to increase its distance from the second mold housing and activating a tilt of the first mold housing and the second mold housing to cause detachment of the ice structure from the first mold housing and the second mold housing to the first hinge connection plate or the second hinge connection plate; and a linear actuator for moving the first hinge connection plate and the second hinge connection plate at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal plane of the apparatus to form a slot between the first hinge connection plate and the second hinge connection plate.

[0234] Example 37. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of example 23, wherein the first mold housing and the second mold housing each include a plurality of cavities configured to form ice structures.

[0235] Example 38. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the apparatus of example 23, further comprising a computing device, the computing device including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the at least one processor to generate and activate the display of at least one user interface configured to receive user input corresponding to at least one of a mold clamping metric, a recipe for forming elongated ice ingots, or a mold size.

[0236] Example 39. A method for molding ice, comprising: providing a mold having a plurality of channels and a plurality of mold cavities; providing a positioning means for moving at least one portion of the mold; providing a fluid source for continuously flowing a fluid through the plurality of channels of the mold; receiving an ice ingot in the mold; causing the mold to at least partially enclose the ice ingot; causing a fluid flow through the plurality of channels of the mold, wherein the fluid is thermally heated to a predetermined temperature to flow through the plurality of channels of the mold; and causing at least one portion of the mold to press against at least one surface of the ice ingot during the fluid flow, so that the ice ingot selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the plurality of mold cavities.

[0237] Example 40. The method of any of the preceding examples, but particularly example 39, further comprising providing a trap door substantially parallel to and beneath the bottom surface of the mold, and causing the trap door to catch and transport the plurality of sufficiently distinguishable ice structures upon release from the plurality of mold cavities and in response to detecting completion of the ice-forming process.

[0238] Example 41. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of example 39, wherein the mold further comprises a drainage system for draining fluid from the plurality of mold cavities.

[0239] Example 42. Any of the preceding examples, but particularly the method of Example 39, wherein the plurality of mold cavities are a shape selected from the group consisting of cubic shapes, polyhedral shapes, spherical shapes, heart shapes, diamond shapes, clover shapes, polygonal shapes, and hemispherical shapes.

[0240] The processes described herein, 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 can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the system and one or more portions of a processor on a computing device that communicates with various components of the device for producing and / or shaping clear ice, such as, but not limited to, its various valves. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical device (e.g., CD or DVD), hard drive, floppy drive, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component may be an application-specific processor, ASIC, PLC, or the like, although any suitable dedicated hardware or hardware / firmware combination can alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.

[0241] As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "mold" may include, and is intended to include, a plurality of molds. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as "plurality," "one or more," or "at least one," but the absence of such terms is not intended to, and should not be interpreted to, mean that a plurality is not intended.

[0242] The terms "about" or "approximately," when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicate an approximation that may vary by 5%, 1%, or 0.1% (+) or (-). All numerical ranges provided herein include the stated beginning and ending numerical values. The term "substantially" refers to the majority (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

[0243] As used herein, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" are intended to mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and may additionally include any other elements. "Consisting essentially of" shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude other elements that are essential to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a system or method consisting essentially of elements as defined herein will not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. "Consisting of" shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude more than trivial or insignificant elements or steps. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0244] The examples and illustrative figures contained herein show, by way of illustration, not limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Since other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be individually or collectively referred to herein by the term "invention" merely for convenience, and without any intention to intentionally limit the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is actually disclosed. Thus, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments with other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above specification.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: A support frame; A mold for forming ice ingots, a first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on the support frame, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel embedded behind the first surface and configured to receive a first fluid flow; a mold including: a second clamshell part mounted on the support frame and coupled to a second pivot point substantially adjacent the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel embedded behind the second surface and configured to receive a second fluid stream; positioning means configured to position the first surface of the first clamshell part against a first side of an elongated ice ingot and the second surface of the second clamshell part against a second side of the elongated ice ingot, the first side of the elongated ice ingot being opposite the second side of the elongated ice ingot; at least one fluid inlet valve for each of the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part, the at least one fluid inlet valve configured to control the first fluid flow through the first channel associated with the first clamshell part and the second fluid flow through the second channel associated with the second clamshell part.

2. the first clamshell component is configured to pivot about the first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from a longitudinal plane of the device toward the second surface; 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second clamshell component is configured to pivot about the second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the device toward the first surface.

3. The positioning means is 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to cause the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, such that the elongated ice ingot selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of distinct ice structures comprises a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities and formed by compressing the elongated ice ingot for a predetermined period of time until the first surface is bonded to the second surface.

5. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of shaped cavities are defined when the first surface of the first clamshell part is positioned adjacent the second surface of the second clamshell part.

6. the first clamshell part further comprising a first set of outlets for discharging the fluid stream away from the first clamshell part; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second clamshell part further comprises a second set of outlets for discharging the fluid stream away from the second clamshell part.

7. at least one cavity in the first plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one cavity in the second plurality of mold cavities includes a pressure relief pinhole.

8. further comprising an input chamber and an output chamber in the first layer of the first clamshell component; the first channel associated with the first clamshell component comprises a plurality of input channels and a plurality of output channels; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input channels and the plurality of output channels are positioned within a second layer of the first clamshell part, the plurality of input channels being fluidly connected to the input chamber, and the plurality of output channels being fluidly connected to the output chamber.

9. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid is water, the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are constant during the molding process, and the fluid is at a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius to about 98 degrees Celsius.

10. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning means is configured to cause the first clamshell part to turn about the first pivot point in a first direction toward the second surface and to cause the second clamshell part to turn about the second pivot point in a second direction toward the first surface to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot until the first surface of the first clamshell part contacts the second surface of the second clamshell part.

11. the positioning means is further configured to cause the first clamshell portion and the second clamshell portion to maintain a constant force against the elongated ice ingot until the ice forming process is completed; The method further comprises a conveyor system including a transport portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system being arranged substantially parallel to the mold and directly below a bottom surface of the mold, the conveyor system comprising: receiving the elongated ice ingot at two or more of the offset supports and advancing the transport section to move the elongated ice ingot into position substantially along the bottom surface of the mold; The apparatus of claim 1 , configured to transport a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures formed within the plurality of mold cavities upon completion of an ice-forming process.

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a computing device, the computing device including at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to generate and launch the display of at least one user interface configured to receive user input corresponding to at least one of a mold clamping metric, a recipe for forming the elongated ice ingot, or a mold size.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mold further comprises a drainage system for draining fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

14. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a clover shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

15. 1. A method for producing a plurality of ice structures, comprising:

1. A mold for forming ice, comprising: a first clamshell part coupled to a first pivot point mounted on a support, the first clamshell part having a first plurality of mold cavities in a first surface and a first channel recessed behind the first surface; a second clamshell part mounted on the support and substantially adjacent the first pivot point, the second clamshell part having a second plurality of mold cavities in a second surface and a second channel recessed behind the second surface, the first surface substantially facing the second surface at an angle from a longitudinal plane of the mold; receiving an elongated ice ingot in said mold; causing the first clamshell part to pivot toward the second surface about the first pivot point and the second clamshell part to pivot toward the first surface about the second pivot point to at least partially encapsulate the elongated ice ingot; causing a first fluid flow through the first channel; causing a second fluid flow through the second channel, wherein the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are thermally heated to a predetermined temperature; causing the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow such that the elongated ice ingot selectively melts to form a plurality of well-distinguishable ice structures defined by the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

16. the first clamshell part is configured to pivot about the first pivot point to align the first surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from a longitudinal plane of the mold-containing device toward the second surface; 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second clamshell part is configured to pivot about the second pivot point to align the second surface from about zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal plane of the mold-containing device toward the first surface.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein causing the first clamshell part and the second clamshell part to compress the elongated ice ingot includes providing a tension force by the first clamshell part on a first side of the elongated ice ingot while the second clamshell part provides an equal and opposite tension force on a second, opposite side of the elongated ice ingot.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of sufficiently distinct ice structures comprises a plurality of ice spheres shaped according to the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities and formed by bonding the first surface to the second surface for a predetermined period of time.

19. The method comprises: providing a conveyor system including a carrying portion and a plurality of offset supports, the conveyor system being arranged substantially parallel to the mold and directly beneath a bottom surface of the mold; causing the conveyor system to receive the elongated ice ingot at two or more of the offset supports and advancing the transport section to move the elongated ice ingot to a predetermined position substantially along a bottom surface of the mold; 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: causing transport of the plurality of substantially distinguishable ice structures upon release from the plurality of mold cavities and in response to detecting completion of the ice-forming process.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the mold further comprises a drainage system for draining fluid from the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities.

21. The exhaust system comprises: a pressure relief pinhole in each of the first plurality of mold cavities; a pressure relief pinhole in each of the second plurality of mold cavities.

22. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of mold cavities and the second plurality of mold cavities are arranged to form a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube shape, a polyhedron shape, a sphere shape, a heart shape, a diamond shape, a clover shape, a polygonal shape, and a hemisphere shape.

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