Device for producing clear ice products

Abstract

Systems and methods for making clear ice are described. The system may include a housing with a plurality of elongated troughs. Each of the plurality of elongated troughs may have at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath. The system may further include at least one inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow to the housing, and means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one inlet to the plurality of elongated troughs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 486,102, filed February 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Incorporation by Reference All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] 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 clear ice. [Background technology]

[0004] Ice can crack in a variety of situations that occur during or after the freezing process. During the freezing process, the outside of the ice freezes first, and further cooling during subsequent freezing can create tension within the ice. This internal tension can cause the ice to crack if the tension exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., approximately 1 MPa). This supercooling can result in opaque ice. For example, some ice makers supercool the water slightly before freezing occurs. This can cause smaller, faster crystallization, leading to uneven pressure and greater cloudiness. Overall, improper ice freezing techniques and equipment result in less-than-ideal ice. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Specifically, there is a need for new and useful devices and methods for producing clear ice for use in beverages. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device for making clear ice, the device including: a housing including a plurality of elongated troughs, each of the plurality of elongated troughs having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one fluid inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow to the housing; and means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the plurality of elongated troughs while the housing is immersed in the fluid bath and during a freezing operation of the device, while maintaining a substantially laminar fluid flow and substantially equal fluid pressures along the plurality of elongated troughs.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which at least one fluid inlet is coupled to a venturi nozzle to increase fluid flow to one or more elongated troughs in a plurality of elongated troughs in response to determining that one or more elongated troughs exhibit a fluid pressure drop below a predefined threshold pressure. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which each of the plurality of elongated troughs is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device and modularly coupled to at least one other elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device, wherein the plurality of elongated troughs includes: a first elongated trough having a first sidewall, the first sidewall having a first notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the first sidewall and a first keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the first sidewall, the first notch portion and the first keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the first sidewall; and a second sidewall having a second notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the second sidewall and a second keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the second sidewall, the second notch portion and the second keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the second sidewall; and a second elongated trough having a third sidewall, a third sidewall having a third notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the third sidewall and a third keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the third sidewall, the third notch portion and the third keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the third sidewall; and a fourth sidewall having a fourth notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the fourth sidewall and a fourth keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the fourth sidewall, the fourth notch portion and the fourth keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the fourth sidewall, wherein the second notch portion is configured to align with the third notch portion and the second keyhole shaped slot is configured to be removably fastened to the third keyhole shaped slot.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further including a third elongated trough within the plurality of elongated troughs, the third elongated trough including a fifth sidewall having a fifth notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the fifth sidewall and a fifth keyhole-shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the fifth sidewall, the fifth notch portion and the fifth keyhole-shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the fifth sidewall, the fourth notch portion configured to align with the fifth notch portion, and the fourth keyhole-shaped slot configured to be removably fastened to the fifth keyhole-shaped slot.

[0009] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device where the fluid reservoir provides a fluid level that is 2.5 centimeters to about 10.1 centimeters above a top surface of the submerged housing. In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device further including an extrusion assembly including at least a lead screw coupled to a drive mechanism, the extrusion assembly coupled to a portion of the housing and to a frame structure coupled to the housing, and a paddle assembly including a plurality of prongs and a guide, the guide configured to receive the lead screw threaded therethrough.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device, wherein the housing further includes a first end and a second end configured to rise from a first position to a second position to release clear ice formed in at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs, wherein the first position includes both the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing being substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid bath, and the second position includes the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing rising from the first position substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid bath and above the second end.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further configured to vibrate at least a portion of the housing during elevation from the first position to the second position to release transparent ice formed in at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further including a pusher assembly including a plurality of knurled wheels, each of the plurality of knurled wheels rotatably mounted on an axle radially mounted to a support, the support being movably mounted to a portion of the housing, each knurled wheel in resiliently contacting a portion of at least one transparent ice formed in the plurality of elongated troughs and configured to rotate on the axle to grip the at least one transparent ice piece and move the at least one transparent ice piece along the plurality of elongated troughs.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein at least one flume surface wall is further configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source, the heat source configured to heat the at least one flume surface wall after a freezing operation of the device. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further including a plurality of pneumatic actuators operably connected between a housing and a frame structure secured to and supporting the housing, the frame structure coupled to a first support arm engaging the first slide structure, a second support arm engaging the second slide structure, a third support arm engaging the third slide structure, and a fourth support arm engaging the fourth slide structure.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device where a plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to cause lifting of the housing in translation along the first, second, third, and fourth slide structures from an initial position of the housing to a predetermined elevated position, and then lift the housing on the first, second, third, and fourth support arms to enable release of transparent ice formed in a plurality of elongated troughs.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further including a first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders operably connected between the housing and the frame structure in a spaced apart relationship between the first and second support arms, and a second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders operably connected between the housing and the frame structure in a spaced apart relationship between the third and second support arms.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders and a second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders are operable to lift a housing from a submerged position to a predetermined elevated position. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which two or more of a plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to generate waves in a fluid bath by vibrating a frame structure according to a predefined recipe.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to vibrate a frame according to a predefined recipe and during a freezing operation of the device by sequentially and repeatedly performing the following cycles: a first cycle including raising a front side of the housing along both the first and second sliding structures from an initial position of the housing to a first raised position; a second cycle including lowering a rear side of the housing along both the third and fourth sliding structures from the initial position of the housing to a first lowered position; a third cycle including lowering the front side of the housing along both the first and second sliding structures from the first raised position to a second lowered position; and a fourth cycle including raising the rear side of the housing along both the third and fourth sliding structures from the first lowered position to the second raised position.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device having a predefined recipe programmed into a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the device, the predefined recipe including instructions regarding at least an amount of time to pause operation of a frame structure between one or more of a first cycle, a second cycle, a third cycle, a fourth cycle, and any repeating cycles, and an amount of elapsed time for executing each of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, and the fourth cycle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a predefined recipe includes instructions to the device to pause operation of the frame structure for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the second cycle and for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the fourth cycle, to perform the first cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, to perform the second cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, to perform the third cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, and to perform the fourth cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein each of the plurality of elongated troughs further includes at least one drain positioned to drain fluid from a respective elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the means for distributing the fluid flow is a manifold coupled to the at least one fluid inlet, the manifold defining an inlet manifold cavity fluidly connected to the plurality of elongated troughs through a respective inlet portal corresponding to each elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

[0020] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device further including at least one drain having a drain manifold defining a single drain manifold cavity fluidly connected to the plurality of elongated troughs through an outlet portal corresponding to each elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs. In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the fluid bath is a water bath configured to be maintained at a temperature of about 0.1 degrees Celsius to about 5 degrees Celsius.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the fluid flow is substantially constant down the plurality of elongated troughs and has a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the plurality of elongated troughs. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a cooling source is coupled to a plurality of cooling cavities configured to control a temperature to facilitate ice formation in the plurality of elongated troughs by flowing a coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities, each of the plurality of cooling cavities forming a coolant inlet valve for receiving coolant from the cooling source and a coolant outlet valve positioned to remove coolant from the cooling cavity.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device, wherein a cooling source is coupled to a manifold having at least one inlet for each of a plurality of cooling cavities, the manifold configured to select a flow rate of coolant through each coolant inlet valve associated with a respective cooling cavity in the plurality of cooling cavities to induce a laminar flow of coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities or a turbulent flow of coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a coolant inlet valve and a coolant outlet valve are both located at a first end of each respective elongated trough in a plurality of elongated troughs. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which each of a plurality of cooling cavities extends along a substantially tubular path from a coolant inlet valve at a first end of a respective elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs to a second end of the respective elongated trough, bending at a first radius on a first side of the second end and bending at a second radius on a second side of the second end, substantially extending the length of the respective elongated trough to the coolant outlet valve at the first end of the respective elongated trough.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the substantially tubular pathway comprises a substantially equiangular polygonal channel. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a coolant is circulated from a cooling source through a plurality of cooling cavities in a turbulent flow. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the coolant is a glycol-based coolant cooled to about -7 degrees Celsius to about -13 degrees Celsius. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the coolant is provided to each elongated trough from a coolant source at a rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute to about 3 gallons per minute.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device for making clear ice, the device including: a housing including a plurality of elongated troughs, each of the plurality of elongated troughs having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow to the housing; means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one inlet to the plurality of elongated troughs; and a plurality of pneumatic actuators operatively connected between the housing and a frame structure secured to and supporting the housing, wherein the plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to generate waves in the fluid bath by vibrating the frame structure during a freezing operation of the device and while the housing is immersed in the fluid bath according to a predefined recipe.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which two or more of a plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to generate waves in a fluid bath by vibrating a frame structure according to a predefined recipe. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the frame structure is coupled to a first support arm that engages with a first slide structure, a second support arm that engages with a second slide structure, a third support arm that engages with a third slide structure, and a fourth support arm that engages with a fourth slide structure.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a pneumatic actuator is operable to vibrate a frame structure by sequentially and repeatedly executing the following cycles according to a predefined recipe and during a freezing operation of the device: a first cycle including raising a front side of the housing along both the first and second sliding structures from an initial position of the housing to a first raised position; a second cycle including lowering a rear side of the housing along both the third and fourth sliding structures from the initial position of the housing to a first lowered position; a third cycle including lowering the front side of the housing along both the first and second sliding structures from the first raised position to a second lowered position; and a fourth cycle including raising the rear side of the housing along both the third and fourth sliding structures from the first lowered position to the second raised position.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device having a predefined recipe programmed into a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the device, the predefined recipe including instructions regarding at least an amount of time to pause operation of a frame structure between one or more of a first cycle, a second cycle, a third cycle, a fourth cycle, and any repeating cycles, and an amount of elapsed time for executing each of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, and the fourth cycle.

[0029] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a predefined recipe includes instructions to the device to pause operation of the frame structure for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the second cycle and for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the fourth cycle, to perform the first cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, to perform the second cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, to perform the third cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, and to perform the fourth cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device for making clear ice, the device including: a housing including at least one elongated trough having at least three flume surface walls in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet arranged to provide fluid flow to the housing through a manifold that provides fluid flow to the at least one elongated trough and in a substantially laminar fluid flow along the at least one elongated trough during a freezing operation of the device; and support means attached to the housing, the support means including a movable support member and a fixed guide structure for supporting and guiding the movable support member and the housing to elevate to a preselected height after a freezing operation of the device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device where the freezing operation is configured to cool at least three surfaces of at least one elongated trough to a temperature of about zero degrees Celsius or below at at least one flume surface wall. In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a device where the cooling source is selected from the group consisting of an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and a condenser.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for producing clear ice, the method comprising providing a device for making clear ice comprising: a housing including at least one elongated trough, the housing having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow to a first end of the housing; and means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one inlet to the at least one elongated trough, the means for distributing the fluid flow with a substantially laminar flow and substantially equal pressure along the at least one elongated trough while the housing is immersed and during a freezing operation of the device; providing a substantially constant fluid flow through the inlet down the at least one elongated trough from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing opposite the first end of the housing; and cooling the at least one flume surface wall to a temperature of about zero degrees Celsius or below at the at least one flume surface wall.

[0033] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, further comprising, after the freezing operation including cooling, extruding the elongated ice structures formed in the at least one elongated trough, the extruding comprising lifting a first end of the housing to a preselected height and expelling the elongated ice structures from a second end of the housing.

[0034] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the device for making clear ice further includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform instructions including receiving a recipe program, the recipe program defining a cooling source temperature protocol, a cooling time protocol, and a rate for a fluid flow; and executing the recipe program to cause the device to produce clear ice in at least one elongated trough in accordance with the recipe program.

[0035] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein a cooling-source temperature protocol indicates a plurality of settings for configuring a duration of a cooling time associated with a cooling-time protocol, the plurality of settings including two or more of a temperature to cool a fluid bath, an initial cooling temperature to cool at least one flume surface wall, a mid-cycle plateau flow or temperature to cool at least one flume surface wall, an end plateau flow or temperature, and an annealing time.

[0036] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the cooling source is selected from the group consisting of an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and a condenser. In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the substantially constant fluid flow down the at least one elongated trough has a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the at least one elongated trough.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for making clear ice, the method including: providing a housing including at least one elongated trough formed with at least one surface flume wall defining a cavity, the at least one elongated trough having at least one coolant inlet valve and at least one coolant outlet valve; and a coolant source in thermal communication with the at least one surface flume wall for circulating coolant within the housing via the at least one coolant inlet valve and the at least one coolant outlet valve; varying one or more of a temperature of the coolant source, a coolant flow rate, and a motion profile of the housing over time; and lifting the housing to a predetermined height at a predetermined time to push out ice formed in the at least one elongated trough. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the predetermined time is selected based on an amount of increase or decrease in temperature of the coolant source, the coolant flow rate, or the motion profile of the housing.

[0038] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0039] The foregoing is a summary and, therefore, 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]

[0040] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough for installation in a device for making clear ice. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough for installation in a device for making clear ice.

[0041] [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary elongated trough for producing clear ice during a freezing operation.

[0042] [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary modularly connected elongated trough.

[0043] [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates an exemplary elongated trough that can be modularly coupled to at least one other elongated trough.

[0044] [Figure 2D] 2C illustrates a front view of the elongated trough of FIG. 2B.

[0045] [Figure 2E] 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0046] [Figure 2F] 1 illustrates a right perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0047] [Figure 2G] 1 illustrates a bottom-up view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0048] [Figure 2H] 2C illustrates a bottom-up view of the elongated trough of FIG. 2B.

[0049] [Figure 2I] 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0050] [Figure 2J] 1 illustrates a left perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0051] [Figure 2K] 1 illustrates a left perspective view of another exemplary elongated trough.

[0052] [Figure 2L] 2K illustrates a front view of the elongated trough of FIG.

[0053] [Figure 2M] 2K illustrates a zoomed-in view of the slot formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K.

[0054] [Figure 2N] 2K illustrates an exemplary insert for filling the slot formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K.

[0055] [Figure 2O] 2K illustrates another exemplary insert for filling the slot formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K.

[0056] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an elongated trough in a device for making clear ice.

[0057] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for making clear ice. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for making clear ice.

[0058] [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates perspective views of a device for making clear ice at various positions during the process for making clear ice. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates perspective views of a device for making clear ice at various positions during the process for making clear ice.

[0059] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for creating and releasing clear ice from one or more troughs.

[0060] [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exemplary fluidic system installed in a device for making clear ice.

[0061] [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates fluidic components for maintaining flow and pressure through one or more elongated troughs.

[0062] [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exemplary device for making clear ice.

[0063] [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exemplary device for making and removing clear ice.

[0064] [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates a manifold for circulating coolant within a plurality of cooling cavities associated with a plurality of elongated troughs.

[0065] [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates a set of equations for determining the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in a relative internally displaced coolant.

[0066] [Figure 8E] 1 illustrates an exemplary table that may be configured to receive ice ingots after an ice making operation.

[0067] [Figure 8F] 1 illustrates an exemplary springboard assembly for use with the tables described herein.

[0068] [Figure 8G] 8F illustrates a zoomed-in view of the example table of FIG. 8E.

[0069] [Figure 9]1 illustrates an exemplary alignment element that may be used with the trough assemblies and tables described herein.

[0070] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exemplary device for making clear ice.

[0071] [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly for extruding ice from one or more elongated troughs.

[0072] [Figure 12] 11 illustrates the exemplary assembly of FIG. 10 disposed within one or more elongated troughs.

[0073] [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an exemplary paddle for pushing ice from one or more elongated troughs.

[0074] [Figure 14] 11 illustrates the example assembly of FIG. 10 in a raised position.

[0075] [Figure 15] Illustrated is an example of extruding ice ingots after the ice making operation is completed.

[0076] [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for producing clear ice.

[0077] [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a cross section of a trough for producing clear ice.

[0078] [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow straightener in place within a trough.

[0079] [Figure 19A]10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 19B] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 19C] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes.

[0080] [Figure 20A] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 20B] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 20C] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes.

[0081] [Figure 21A] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 21B] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes. [Figure 21C] 10 illustrates cross-sections of embodiments of elongated troughs having different cross-sectional shapes.

[0082] 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

[0083] Detailed Description The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for producing clear ice. For example, the devices, systems, and methods described herein can be configured to produce clear ice of various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the clear ice can be produced and shaped in an ice mold or ice trough. In some embodiments, the clear ice can be produced using an ice mold or ice trough and later molded, cut, or otherwise formed into a size and / or shape. The shape and / or size of a particular ice mold or ice trough may differ from that depicted in the figures. Those skilled in the art will understand how these devices and methods can be adapted to such different shapes and / or sizes.

[0084] Generally, each of the devices and / or assemblies described herein can be used to produce clear ice in any situation where crystal clear ice is desired, such as to produce ice ingots that can be cut and / or formed into smaller shapes and / or sizes. The devices and / or assemblies described herein can additionally or alternatively be used for any suitable application in which a liquid material is frozen. The devices and / or assemblies described herein can produce clear ice according to user input, recipe input, automatic input, or any combination thereof.

[0085] Described herein are devices and methods for making clear ice. In particular, the disclosure herein provides devices and methods that enable the rapid production of clear ice with improved quality over conventional devices and methods. In some embodiments, the devices and methods disclosed herein are adapted for freezing water into clear ice, but those skilled in the art will understand how these devices and methods can be adapted to enable the freezing of other liquids (e.g., ethanol, food-based liquids, etc.) in situations where removal of air bubbles and dissolved impurities is desired.

[0086] As used herein, the terms "fluid" and "liquid" are used interchangeably to refer to the material that flows through the device and is frozen. In some embodiments, the term "water" will also be frequently used; however, this use of the term "water" should not be considered limiting for reasons described herein. For similar reasons, the use of the term "ice" to refer to a selected liquid when frozen should not be considered limiting. As used herein, the terms "elongated trough" and "trough" and "flume" are considered synonymous and are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

[0087] In some embodiments, ice produced (e.g., made, created, manufactured, produced, etc.) by the systems and devices described herein may have one or more of the following characteristics: clear, relatively free of impurities, relatively free of bubbles, relatively free of dissolved gases and / or cracks, may or may not have inclusions (e.g., flowers, alcohol, food, etc.), etc. Such characteristics should not be considered limiting in any way.

[0088] In some embodiments, the water or liquid used to make clear ice may be degassed (e.g., via gas sweep, vacuum, etc.), degassed, purified (e.g., sediment filtration, activated carbon block filtration, activated carbon granular filtration, reverse osmosis filtration, distillation, passing through an ion exchange column, treating with ultraviolet light, ultrafiltration, activated alumina filtration, ionization, etc.), or otherwise treated before being used to make clear ice. The water or liquid may be from a private well, a municipal groundwater source, a reservoir, etc.

[0089] Generally, each of the elongated troughs described herein can receive fluid (e.g., water) from an inlet (e.g., a fluid / water inlet) aligned with each respective elongated trough. Each inlet described throughout this disclosure can receive water from a manifold or other fluid flow system configured to distribute the fluid flow. The manifold can distribute the water flow with the intent of maintaining substantially laminar flow and substantially equal pressure along each respective elongated trough. In some embodiments, the laminar flow and pressure can be provided during the freezing operation of the ice-making device and can be maintained while the housing assembly including the elongated trough is submerged or partially submerged in a water bath.

[0090] In particular, the devices and / or assemblies described herein solve the technical problem of mitigating the entrapment of air bubbles within ice structures during the freezing process, which provides the technical effect of producing clear ice. The technical solution to the technical problem may lie in the ability of the devices described herein to generate and sustain a substantially constant water flow at a specific pressure and Reynolds number. Such water flow can be achieved using one or more manifold devices or components (or other fluid flow systems) to maintain uniform pressure within each flow path intended for the elongated troughs. For example, the manifold devices (or equivalent flow systems) described herein may work in conjunction with a fluidic system to evenly distribute fluid flow to each trough by balancing the pressure drop between them (e.g., see pipes 438, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, and 714 in FIG. 7A for the pipe paths leading to the troughs). Pressure drop can be balanced by inducing a larger pressure drop along the pipe path with the least inherent resistance (e.g., a straight line) and a smaller pressure drop along the pipe path with higher inherent resistance (e.g., a valve, elbow, or reduction). Thus, the manifold can create a higher or lower relative friction for the water depending on the path of the water flow in the particular pipe or inlet leading to the trough.

[0091] Additional technical problems solved by the devices described herein include extruding (e.g., releasing, ejecting, discharging, sliding, etc.) relatively large ingots of ice with little or no ice fracture and / or little or no manual intervention when harvesting such ice ingots. For example, the systems and devices described herein may provide technical solutions to the above-mentioned technical problems by being adapted to extrude, eject, slide, release, and / or otherwise remove or eject ice ingots from particular ice troughs and / or ice molds. For example, the systems and devices described herein may include ice troughs and / or ice molds adapted to be mounted on a support system that allows the troughs and / or molds to be tilted to facilitate ice removal. In some embodiments, the ice troughs and / or ice molds may be shaped to allow for gravity-assisted or gravity-induced ice removal after a freeze cycle, as described in detail below. In some embodiments, the ice troughs and / or ice molds may be shaped to allow for mechanically assisted removal of ice after a freeze cycle, as described in detail below.

[0092] Exemplary ice ingots can range in size according to the size of the flumes / troughs modularly installed (e.g., coupled together) within the ice generation devices described herein. The ice ingots generated and harvested as described herein can then be modified to generate a variety of aesthetically pleasing foods. In some embodiments, the ice ingots generated and harvested as described herein can then be molded, cut, or otherwise formed into selectable sizes and / or shapes.

[0093] Systems and Devices The devices described herein function to produce clear ice. The devices can be used to produce ice in any situation where crystal-clear ice is desired, such as for consumption in cocktails and other beverages, but can additionally or alternatively be used for any suitable application in which a liquid material is frozen. In some embodiments, the devices generally include at least one elongated trough or flume in thermal communication with one or more reservoirs or lines of circulating coolant on one or more cooling devices (e.g., cooling plates, cooling elements, etc.). A flow of fluid (e.g., water) is provided down at least a portion of the length of the elongated trough during a freezing operation of the device. During such a freezing operation, clear ice may form on one or more surface walls of the trough, grow in thickness, and fill to a certain height within the elongated trough according to various predetermined parameters described herein. In some embodiments, the velocity of the water through the elongated trough (either laminar or turbulent) can be provided to ensure the formation of clear ice. For example, laminar or turbulent flow through and / or around the elongated trough can displace air bubbles from any or all of the ice-forming surfaces. In some embodiments, the device provides a flow of water having a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second (about 0.3 feet per second) throughout the length of the elongated trough. In some embodiments, the water velocity is at least about 0.15 meters per second (about 0.5 feet per second). In some embodiments, the water velocity is at least about 0.21 meters per second (about 0.7 feet per second).

[0094] The elongated troughs described herein can be submerged in a water bath during the freezing operation. The water bath can be deep enough to partially or completely submerge the housing assemblies (e.g., of the elongated troughs) described herein. For example, the water bath can be about 1 centimeter to about 30 centimeters above the surface of the elongated troughs submerged therein. In some embodiments, the water bath can have a water level that is about 2.5 centimeters to about 10.2 centimeters above the top surface of the submerged housing (e.g., multiple elongated troughs). In some embodiments, the water bath can have a water level that is about zero centimeters to about 10.2 centimeters above the top surface of the submerged housing (e.g., multiple elongated troughs).

[0095] The devices and / or assemblies described herein may allow water to flow along and / or through and / or over each elongated trough while portions of the trough are cooled or subcooled. The elongated troughs may be adapted to have two or more surfaces. When multiple troughs are present, the troughs may be arranged side-by-side to receive water along and / or through each trough and through one or more cavities associated with the respective trough surface. In some embodiments, the water received through the one or more cavities may be a coolant that is not part of the water being used to generate ice.

[0096] For each elongated trough in a device / assembly described herein, a flow of fluid (e.g., water) is provided down at least a portion of the length of each trough during a freezing operation of the device and / or assembly, which includes at least one cooling cavity receiving coolant therethrough when the cooling cavity is in thermal communication with at least a portion of each trough.

[0097] For example, coolant can be distributed from a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B ) through multiple cooling cavities in at least partial thermal communication with one or more portions of each elongated trough. For example, each ice generating device described herein can include multiple elongated troughs, each having a cooling cavity for circulating coolant from the cooling source. In some embodiments, the coolant flow can be substantially turbulent with substantially equal pressures within the cooling cavities, while the device housing is immersed, for example, during the freezing operation of the device. The turbulent flow of coolant through the cooling cavities of each of the elongated troughs can result in reduced time to ice production and harvest. In some embodiments, the coolant flow can instead be substantially laminar with substantially equal pressures along the cooling cavities of each of the multiple elongated troughs.

[0098] During the freezing operation, clear ice forms on one or more surface walls of the trough(s) and grows in thickness, filling to a particular thickness within the elongated trough(s) according to various predetermined parameters described herein. In some embodiments, the velocity of water (either laminar or turbulent) through the elongated trough can be varied to configure the devices and / or assemblies described herein to form clear ice at a particular velocity and / or clarity. In general, the water flow can be configured to expel air bubbles from the ice-forming surface within the elongated trough.

[0099] Once an ice ingot is generated within a particular elongated trough, the freezing operation can be stopped to allow collection of the ice ingot. In some embodiments, a heating process can occur using a heating source to heat a portion of the elongated trough prior to collection of the ice ingot. The heating process can function to melt a portion of one or more outer walls of the ice ingot to aid in removal of the ice ingot. For example, one or more flume surface walls can be in thermal communication with a heating source configured to heat clear ice formed within at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs after the freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments, there is no heating process after generation of the ice ingot.

[0100] The devices / assemblies described herein can ensure that the appropriate water velocity flows through one or more elongated troughs to ensure the formation of clear ice, as opposed to cloudy or opaque ice. In some circumstances, rapidly freezing a volume of still or slowly moving water can result in air bubbles and impurities becoming trapped in the ice, resulting in a hazy appearance. However, the devices described herein can ensure that the water flow occurs at a specific pressure and stratification to mitigate the trapping of air bubbles within the ice during the freezing process, even at high freezing rates. In some embodiments, the water flow can be turbulent. Therefore, the devices described herein are capable of producing solid ingots of clear ice of sufficient quality faster than other conventional devices and methods.

[0101] In some embodiments, the water flow rate through the elongated trough remains constant throughout the entire freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments, the water flow rate varies throughout the freezing operation. In some embodiments, periods of water flow reversal may occur where the inlet and / or outlet / drain are reversed.

[0102] 1A-1B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary elongated trough 102 for installation in a device for making clear ice. Each elongated trough 102 described herein has a longitudinal axis (L ) that is parallel to at least one other elongated trough. device ) disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the troughs to create an assembly of multiple elongated troughs that can be installed in a housing that can interface the troughs with fluid control, power, water, and / or other fluids.

[0103] Each elongated trough may have a similar shape to another elongated trough in the assembly to ensure that substantially similar ice ingots are produced during the freezing process. Although multiple elongated troughs are shown, a device or system may include one elongated trough, one or more elongated troughs, or multiple elongated troughs.

[0104] In some embodiments, the trough shape can be a continuous arcuate shape with a single flow surface from end to end. Such a shape can be considered to be defined by a single flume surface wall. However, in some embodiments, an elongated trough can be defined by three flume surface walls (e.g., two side flume surface walls and one base flume surface wall). In some embodiments, the trough shape can be a continuous rectangular shape with a base surface joined to a first side along the length of the first side and joined to a second side along the length of the second side. Of course, other shapes are possible.

[0105] The particular shape and contour of one or more flume surface walls of each elongated trough defines the cross-sectional shape or profile of that elongated trough. In some embodiments in which the housing defines two or more elongated troughs, each elongated trough can have the same or a different cross-sectional profile as another elongated trough of the same device / assembly. In some embodiments, a single elongated trough can be shaped so that its cross-sectional shape varies over the length of the elongated trough. For example, the beginning, middle, or end of the elongated trough can have different cross-sectional shapes. In some of these embodiments, having such a variable shape can aid in removing generated ice ingots from the trough.

[0106] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 100 including three elongated troughs 102. Each elongated trough 102 may include one or more surface walls 103. The assembly 100 may be installed in a device for making clear ice (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A-8B). The assembly 100 provides three elongated troughs (e.g., flumes) in thermal communication with at least one reservoir of circulating coolant (e.g., cooling cavity inlet 212a and cooling cavity outlet 212b shown in FIG. 2A). The reservoir may be a cooling line, cooling pipe, cooling tube, cooling cavity, or the like. In some embodiments, the circulating coolant may be pressurized within one or more surfaces of the assembly 100 and / or a cavity (e.g., cavity 104) associated with the surface of a particular trough 102. In some embodiments, the coolant may flow through a portion of the assembly 100 at a relatively constant flow and pressure, for example, to maintain a particular cooling rate and / or temperature and to keep the structure adjacent the cooling portion of each elongated trough 102 consistently cooled. In some embodiments, additional cooling may be applied to the troughs described herein via one or more additional cooling devices (e.g., cooling plates, cooling elements, etc.).

[0107] The elongated trough(s) 102 may be substantially similar in dimensions and cross-section. Each elongated trough 102 may have a length 106, a depth or height 108, and a width 110. As used herein, the terms "depth" 108 and "height" with respect to an elongated trough (e.g., 102) are considered synonymous and are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the elongated trough(s) 102 may have a depth 108 measured from the lowest point of the trough 102 to the highest point of one of the surface walls 103 ranging from about 2.5 centimeters to about 25.40 centimeters (about 1 to about 10 inches). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a depth 108 of about 3.81 centimeters to about 12.70 centimeters (about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a depth 108 of about 5.08 centimeters to about 12.70 centimeters (about 2 inches to about 5 inches). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a depth 108 of about 3.5 inches (8.89 centimeters).

[0108] In some embodiments, the depth 108 of the elongated trough 102 can be divided into an ice formation zone and a water overflow zone. In these embodiments, the total depth 108 of the elongated trough 102 can be divided into various proportions between these zones without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 can have a total depth 108 of about 5 inches, divided into an ice formation zone of about 3.5 inches and a water overflow zone of about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, for example, when the assembly 100 is immersed in water or a water bath, water flows over the entire assembly 100. In such instances, ice can form up to the top edge of the defined surface wall(s). In some embodiments, a water tank may surround assembly 100, and one or more top surfaces (top surface 112 and / or top surface 114) may be part of assembly 100, allowing for defining an edge on the top surface of any ice ingots formed during the freezing operation.

[0109] The elongated trough(s) 102 may have a width 110 between the two closest points of the opposing side walls 103 of about 1 inch to about 12 inches. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a width 110 of about 1 inch to about 10 inches. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a width 110 of about 1 inch to about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a width 110 of about 3 inches.

[0110] In some embodiments, the elongated trough(s) 102 may have a length 106 of at least about 18 inches. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a length 106 of at least about 3 feet. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a length 106 of about 4 feet to about 12 feet (about 1.22 meters to about 3.66 meters). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a length 106 of about 4 feet to about 8 feet (about 1.22 meters to about 2.44 meters). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a length 106 of about 3 feet to about 7 feet (about 91.44 centimeters to about 2.13 meters). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 may have a length 106 of about 6 feet (about 1.83 meters). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 can have a length 106 of about 2.03 meters (about 80 inches). In some embodiments, the elongated trough 102 can have a length 106 of about 45.72 centimeters to about 3.66 meters (about 18 inches to about 12 feet). In various embodiments in which the housing / assembly defines multiple elongated troughs 102, each trough can have the same or a different length from another elongated trough.

[0111] The elongated troughs described herein are modular and may be interchangeable to produce ice of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, four elongated troughs having a width 110 of approximately 4 inches may be installed in one of the ice making devices described herein to replace eight elongated troughs having a width 110 of approximately 2 inches. Furthermore, each single elongated trough described herein may be modularly interchangeable to configure ice making devices with any number of troughs.

[0112] The modularity of the troughs in the design and construction of the ice-making assemblies / devices described herein can facilitate both ease of manufacturing and transportation / transportation, thus reducing shipping costs and facilitating variable ice sizes and shapes. Having such trough modularity can also facilitate modification, repair, and / or improvement of a single component without redesigning or replacing the entire ice-making assembly.

[0113] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly 150 including six elongated troughs. For example, elongated trough 152 may be part of assembly 150, as may five additional elongated troughs. Any number of troughs may be possible. Each elongated trough 152 may include one or more surface walls / surface portions 154, 156, and / or 158. In some embodiments, trough 152 may be formed of a single material molded into multiple troughs to create a trough width that spans from a first end A of assembly 150 to a second end C of the assembly. Additionally, assembly 150 may have substantially similar length, width, and depth options as described in FIG. 1A above.

[0114] Generally, assembly 150 can be installed in a device for making clear ice (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A-8B ). Assembly 150 can represent a housing including a plurality of elongated troughs (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 16, 18, 24, 32, etc.), elongated troughs substantially similar to trough 152, in thermal communication with at least one reservoir (not shown) of circulating coolant. The reservoir can be a cooling line, cooling pipe, cooling tube, cooling cavity, or the like. In some embodiments, the circulating coolant can be pressurized within one or more surfaces or surface portions (e.g., 154, 156, and / or 158) of assembly 150 and / or a cavity (e.g., cavity 160 and cavity 162 associated with trough 152) that functions to cool another surface of trough 152. In some embodiments, the coolant may flow through a portion of assembly 150 at a relatively constant flow and pressure, for example, to maintain a particular cooling rate and / or temperature and to maintain consistent cooling of structures adjacent the cooling portion of each elongated trough of assembly 150. In some embodiments, additional cooling may be applied to the troughs described herein via one or more additional cooling devices (e.g., cooling plates, cooling elements, etc.).

[0115] Each elongated trough of assembly 150 may be substantially similar in size and cross-section. In some embodiments, a width 164 at a front end (e.g., end A) of the trough may be formed to be narrower than a width 166 at a rear end (e.g., end B) of the trough. In some embodiments, a width 166 at a rear end (e.g., end B) of the trough may be formed to be narrower than a width 164 at a front end (e.g., end A) of the trough.

[0116] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 150 may be operable to tilt the first end (defined by a width from end A to end C) from a first position (e.g., substantially parallel to a floor surface associated with the device-holding assembly 150) to a second position to allow for the release of clear ice formed within at least one of the elongated troughs. Generally, the first position represents a location where both the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing are parallel to and above the surface of the aquarium associated with the device holding assembly 150. The second position represents a location where the first end of the housing (e.g., end A to end C) is elevated from the first position to a tilt angle from the first position. The tilt angle may be from about 20 to about 90 degrees from the first position, as described in detail below.

[0117] In some embodiments, the base of the trough (e.g., surface 156) can be narrower than the width of the top of the trough to produce an inverted trapezoidal ice ingot produced in such a trough during a freezing operation. In some embodiments, the base of the trough (e.g., surface 156) can be wider than the width of the base of the trough to produce a trapezoidal ice ingot produced in such a trough during a freezing operation.

[0118] Generally, each trough (e.g., 152, etc.) of assembly 150 is defined in such a manner to allow the flow of water (or in various embodiments, another liquid) down at least a portion of the length of the elongated trough from at least one suction source to at least one drain source. In some embodiments, water can be seen to flow down elongated trough 152 from an inlet in a housing that holds the elongated trough(s) to a drain. In some embodiments, the drain returns to the suction source for water to circulate through and over the elongated trough (e.g., 152, etc.).

[0119] Each elongated trough (e.g., trough 152, etc.) may be fed by a single inlet (e.g., a partial or complete opening at the end of the elongated trough for receiving water) and drained by a single drain (at or near the opposite end of the elongated trough). However, different numbers, arrangements, and placements of these valves are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Because ice forms and grows on at least a portion of the flume surface wall (e.g., surface portions 154-158 of trough 152) during the freezing operation of the device (e.g., housing assembly 150), one or more inlets and drains may be positioned to allow free passage of water above the growing ice ingot (i.e., in the water overflow zone and / or water tank) regardless of the height of the ingot or at least the predetermined ice height.

[0120] Each inlet (see FIG. 7A for inlets 436, 716-728) may include a pipe, tube, hose, or other holding mechanism designed to provide a flow of water (e.g., water) to at least one elongated trough based on the water flow it receives from a manifold (or other water flow system) configured to provide and / or regulate the flow of water to each of the troughs described herein.

[0121] In some embodiments, each trough of assembly 150 does not include a drain, as assembly 150 may be adapted to be immersed in a water bath during the freezing operation. The water bath may include a drain source that can drain water during the freezing process to maintain the water bath at a specific temperature. For example, the water bath may be maintained at a temperature of about 0.1 degrees Celsius to about 5 degrees Celsius. Such a water bath may have a water level / depth that is about 1 centimeter to about 30 centimeters above the top surface of an immersed assembly 150. In some embodiments, the water bath may have a water level / depth that is about zero centimeters to about 30 centimeters above the top surface of a partially immersed assembly 150.

[0122] In some embodiments, each inlet described throughout this disclosure may provide water from a manifold or other fluid flow system configured to distribute the water flow from the inlet to the multiple elongated troughs. Such distribution of the water flow may be performed to maintain a substantially laminar flow and a substantially equal pressure along the multiple elongated troughs. In some embodiments, the laminar flow and pressure may be maintained while the housing containing the multiple elongated troughs is submerged and during the freezing operation of the ice-making device.

[0123] In some embodiments, each inlet (for water to each elongated trough) may be coupled to a venturi nozzle to increase the flow of water into the trough. The increase in water flow may be automatically triggered by the ice making device when the device detects that one or more inlets or pipes / troughs are exhibiting a water pressure drop below a predefined threshold pressure.

[0124] In some embodiments, each inlet (in combination with a manifold) can provide a water flow such that the entire volume defined within each elongated trough (e.g., trough 152) is filled with moving water, except for the portion occupied by the growing mass of clear ice during the freezing operation of assembly 150. In some embodiments, the inlets and manifolds (and / or valves) in combination with the drains can provide water having a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second (about 0.3 feet per second) throughout the length of elongated trough 152. In some embodiments, the water velocity is at least about 0.15 meters per second (about 0.5 feet per second). In some embodiments, the water velocity is at least about 0.21 meters per second (about 0.7 feet per second). In some embodiments, the inlet and / or manifold and / or drain are adapted to provide a flow of water such that the entire volume defined within the troughs and a portion of the space above the housing (holding the multiple elongated troughs) is filled with moving water except for the portion occupied by the growing mass of clear ice during the freezing operation of the assembly 150.

[0125] In operation of assembly 150, each inlet and / or manifold is fluidly connected to a water supply, such as a water supply (not shown) and any other additional devices understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to enable a substantially continuous flow of water to one or more elongated troughs during the freezing operation of assembly 150. In some embodiments, the water supply provides a substantially continuous flow of fresh water to assembly 150 throughout the freezing operation. In some embodiments, the water supply can recirculate at least a portion of the starting volume of water throughout the freezing operation. In some embodiments, degassed water can be supplied or recirculated to assembly 150 from the water supply.

[0126] Cooling cavity 160 and cooling cavity 162 may be in thermal communication with flume surface walls (e.g., wall portion 154 and wall portion 158, respectively) to establish heat transfer for forming transparent ice within at least one elongated trough 152. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and cooling cavity 162 represent a cooling source. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and cooling cavity 162 represent a respective single internal cooling cavity / source. In some embodiments, the cooling cavities described herein represent multiple cooling cavities in thermal communication with various subsets of flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 and / or portions of the flume surface walls. In some embodiments of the elongated trough 152 having a base flume surface wall 156 and two side flume surface walls 154 and 158, each flume surface wall 154, 156, and 158 is in thermal communication with its own internal cooling cavity (not shown) defined by the housing assembly 150. Across various embodiments, the cooling cavities described herein (e.g., cooling cavities 160, 162, 244, 246, etc.) may include various internal structures and structural features to facilitate uniform flow and distribution of coolant therein. In some embodiments, these structures may include, but are not limited to, mesh grates.

[0127] During a freezing operation of assembly 150, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 can be at least partially filled with circulating coolant sufficient to reduce the temperature of at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 to approximately zero degrees Celsius or below. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 can be at least partially filled with circulating coolant sufficient to reduce the temperature of at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 to approximately −45 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 can be at least partially filled with circulating coolant sufficient to reduce the temperature of at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 to between approximately zero degrees Celsius and approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 can be at least partially filled with circulating coolant sufficient to reduce the temperature of at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 by between about −2 degrees Celsius and about −20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooing cavity 162 can be at least partially filled with circulating coolant sufficient to reduce the temperature of at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 by between about −2 degrees Celsius and about −35 degrees Celsius.

[0128] In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 and the circulating coolant contained therein are adapted to maintain at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 at a substantially constant temperature during a freezing operation of assembly 150. In some embodiments, cooling cavity 160 and / or cooling cavity 162 and the circulating coolant contained therein are adapted to provide a variable temperature to at least a portion of one or more flume surface walls 154, 156, and / or 158 during a freezing operation of assembly 150 that varies according to a predetermined temperature schedule.

[0129] In some embodiments, the volume of the cooling cavities described herein can be minimized and / or insulated from portions of the assembly 150 that are not the flume surface wall to minimize the amount of coolant used to sufficiently cool the flume surface wall for ice production. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, one or more cooling cavities can be replaced with other cooling devices (e.g., cooling plates, cooling elements, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of coolants can be used, including, but not limited to, water, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, refrigerant gas, salt water, and any combination thereof. For circulation of the coolant, each cooling cavity can be fluidly connected to a coolant circulation system (not shown) via at least one coolant inlet and at least one coolant outlet. In particular, in embodiments, the housing of assembly 150 encloses multiple internal cooling cavities, various numbers, arrangements, locations, and fluid connectivity of the internal cooling cavities, coolant inlets, and / or coolant outlet valves, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the coolant circulation system can include any number of pumps, compressors, evaporators, etc., as described herein, as needed to provide sufficient circulation of the coolant for the features of the present disclosure.

[0131] 2A-2O illustrate exemplary views of elongated troughs for use with the ice making devices described herein. FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of exemplary elongated trough 200 for producing clear ice midway through a freezing operation. Elongated trough 200 may be modularly arranged and / or coupled into an ice making device having two or more additional elongated troughs, such that each elongated trough is assembled side-by-side and each longitudinal axis (L1, L2, etc.) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of another elongated trough in the assembly.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 2A , the housing 202 of the ice-making device described herein defines a single elongated trough 200 having a rectangular / square base flume surface wall 206 and first and second side flume surface walls 208 and 210. The surface flume walls 206, 208, 210 are in thermal communication with an interior cooling cavity 212 (and / or other cooling devices enclosed by the housing 202). The interior cooling cavity 212 is shown here to refer to the cavity formed between an inlet 212 a and an outlet 212 b. During a freezing operation of the ice-making device described herein, sufficient coolant is circulated through the interior cooling cavity 212, as divided by line A, so that water 214 flowing down the length of the elongated trough 200 within its ice formation zone 204 b can freeze onto the surface flume walls 206, 208, 210 to form clear ice ingots. 2A depicts an intermediate point during the freezing operation where clear ice 216 (shaded region) has begun to form on the flume surface walls 206, 208, 210 but has not yet frozen enough water to form a solid ingot of clear ice. Arrow 218 illustrates the general direction of ice formation during this process. When a solid ingot of clear ice has formed, any remaining flowing water can traverse an elongated trough 200 in the water overflow zone 204a, which may represent the water tank level described herein.

[0133] In some embodiments, elongated troughs 102 may be modularly coupled (e.g., connected, attached, interlocked, fastened together, etc.). For example, FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of modularly coupled exemplary elongated trough 240 and exemplary trough 242. Elongated trough 240 or elongated trough 242 may represent any of the troughs described herein. For example, elongated trough 240 may replace or be substituted for any of the elongated troughs described herein. Elongated trough 240 may be modularly arranged within an ice making device having elongated trough 242 and one or more additional elongated troughs (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 24, etc.) such that each elongated trough is assembled side by side. For example, elongated trough 240 is disposed alongside elongated trough 242 such that the longitudinal axis (L1) of trough 240 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L2) of trough 242. Additionally, each trough 240, 242, etc. is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L device For example, troughs 240, etc. may be modularly coupled to at least one other elongated trough (e.g., trough 242) and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1, L2, etc.) associated with each trough and parallel to the longitudinal axis L associated with the ice-making device. device may be parallel to

[0134] Each elongated trough may include a cooling cavity similar to cooling cavity 212. For example, elongated trough 240 includes cooling cavity 244 having inlet 244a in fluid communication with outlet 244b (e.g., interconnected via cooling cavity 244). Similarly, elongated trough 242 includes cooling cavity 246 having inlet 246a in fluid communication with outlet 246b (e.g., interconnected via cooling cavity 246). Cooling cavities 244 and 246 may be configured to circulate a coolant therethrough.

[0135] For example, one of the ice-making devices described herein may contain elongated troughs 240 and 242 (in addition to any number of other elongated troughs). The device may include a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B ) coupled to multiple cooling cavities (e.g., cooling cavity 244, cooling cavity 246, etc.) configured to control temperature to facilitate ice formation within elongated troughs 240, 242, etc. by flowing coolant into each cooling cavity. For example, the cooling cavities may be cooled via an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser. Each of the cooling cavities (e.g., cavity 244, etc.) may form a coolant intake valve (e.g., at inlet 244a for receiving coolant from the cooling source). Additionally, each of the cooling cavities (e.g., cavity 244, etc.) may form a coolant exhaust valve (e.g., outlet 244b) positioned to remove coolant from the cooling cavity.

[0136] In some embodiments, a coolant inlet valve (at inlet 244 a) and a coolant outlet valve (e.g., at outlet 244 b) are both located at the first end 250 of each respective elongated trough. In general, the cooling cavity may extend through a portion of the elongated trough that is separate from any water flowing through a mold portion (e.g., flume / trough cutout) of the elongated trough. For example, each cooling cavity may be formed along a substantially tubular path 254 from a coolant inlet valve (e.g., inlet 244 a) at the first end 250 of the elongated trough 240 to the second end 252 of the elongated trough 240. The cavity defined by the path 254 may curve at a first radius 255 at a first side 256 of the second end 252. Additionally, the cavity defined by the path 254 may curve at a second radius 257 at a second side 258 of the second end 252. Generally, the cavity formed by the passage 254 may extend substantially the length of each elongated trough from the inlet 244a to the coolant discharge valve (at the outlet 244b) at the first end 250 of the elongated trough 240. Each trough in the ice-making device may include such a cavity. The cavity may form other shapes, such as a star, asterisk, square, triangle, rectangle, square, or other substantially equiangular polygonal channel. In some embodiments, the cavity may form other polygonal channels, such as an oval, circle, hexagon, or the like.

[0137] During operation, turbulence in the coolant may be generated using turbulators in each elongated trough. The turbulators may be comprised of metal shaped, such as coils or other shapes, installed within the coolant flow field (either upstream of the elongated troughs or within each trough). For example, the turbulators may be configured to partially block a portion of the coolant flow field and / or a portion of the inlet in each elongated trough to generate turbulence by stirring the coolant flow through the elongated troughs.

[0138] In some embodiments, the coolant flow can be a substantially constant flow through the plurality of elongated troughs, flowing at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the plurality of elongated troughs. In some embodiments, each trough can receive a turbulent flow of about 1.5 gallons to about 3 gallons of coolant (e.g., glycol) per minute. The coolant can be maintained at a temperature range of about -7 degrees Celsius to about -13 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the coolant is circulating turbulently, the temperature of the coolant can be maintained at about zero degrees Celsius to about 10 degrees Celsius.

[0139] 2C and 2D illustrate an exemplary elongated trough 240 that may be modularly connectable / couplable to at least one other elongated trough 242. While two troughs 240, 242 are depicted in FIG. 2C, any number of troughs may be modularly and removably interlocked together to create an array of elongated troughs for use in the ice-making devices described herein. Each trough 240, 242, etc. may include at least one groove 243 along the bottom wall of the respective trough 240, 242, etc. The groove 243, in combination with a fastener (not shown), may be used to couple the troughs 242 and secure an end cap (not shown) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L2 onto the trough 242 to prevent ice from forming outside the ice formation zone defined by the trough 242, as described in detail in FIG. 17 below. An end cap may be disposed at each end of a particular trough. For example, each trough described herein (e.g., troughs 240, 242, 278, 279, each trough of assemblies 100, 150, 602, etc.) may include end caps that can be fastened to grooves, such as groove 243, to prevent ice from forming outside of a predefined ice formation zone. In some embodiments, the end caps can be a single end cap for each end of each trough. In some embodiments, the end caps can instead be a single assembly for multiple troughs, where each assembly of troughs can be fastened to a first end assembly (not shown) and a second end assembly (not shown), the first end assembly being opposite the second end assembly.

[0140] Each interlocking trough may include multiple sidewalls and interlocking / slidably connectable components. For example, elongated trough 240 includes a first sidewall 259 having a first notched portion 260 formed in a top inner edge 261 of the first sidewall 259 and a first keyhole-shaped tab 262 formed in an outer edge 263 of the first sidewall 259. First notched portion 260 and first keyhole-shaped tab 262 may extend along a length 264 of the first sidewall 259. Elongated trough 240 also includes a second sidewall 265 having a first grooved overhang 266 formed in a top outer edge 267 of the second sidewall 265 and a first keyhole-shaped slot 268 formed in the outer edge 269 of the second sidewall 265. The first grooved overhang 266 and the first keyhole-shaped slot 268 may extend along a length 270 of the second sidewall 265 .

[0141] The elongated trough 242 includes a third sidewall 271 having a second notched portion 272 formed on a top inner edge of the third sidewall 271 and a second keyhole-shaped tab 273 formed on an outer edge of the third sidewall 271. The second notched portion 272 and the second keyhole-shaped tab 273 may extend along a length (not shown) of the third sidewall 271. The elongated trough 242 includes a fourth sidewall 274 having a second grooved overhang 275 formed on a top outer edge of the fourth sidewall 274 and a second keyhole-shaped slot 276 formed in the outer edge of the fourth sidewall 274. The second grooved overhang 275 and the second keyhole-shaped slot 276 may extend along a length 277 of the fourth sidewall 274 (FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E). First grooved overhang 266 is configured to removably interlock with second notched portion 272. Second keyhole-shaped tab 273 is configured to slidably engage first keyhole-shaped slot 268. In some embodiments, first sidewall 259 can have a height that is about 80 percent to about 90 percent of the height of second sidewall 265.

[0142] In some embodiments, additional troughs may be coupled to trough 240 or trough 242. For example, similar to trough 240, a third elongated trough may include a fifth sidewall having a third grooved overhang formed on a top outer edge of the fifth sidewall and a third keyhole-shaped slot formed in the outer edge of the fifth sidewall. The third grooved overhang and the third keyhole-shaped slot may extend along the length of the fifth sidewall. In this example, the third grooved overhang may be configured to removably interlock with first notch portion 260, and the third keyhole-shaped slot may be configured to slidably engage with first keyhole-shaped tab 262.

[0143] FIG. 2F illustrates a right perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough. FIG. 2G illustrates a bottom-up view of an exemplary elongated trough. Groove 243 spans the length of the bottom of trough 240. FIG. 2H illustrates a bottom-up view of elongated troughs 240, 242 of FIG. 2B. FIG. 21 illustrates a left side view of exemplary elongated trough 242. FIG. 2J illustrates a left perspective view of an exemplary elongated trough.

[0144] 2K illustrates a left perspective view of another exemplary elongated trough assembly 350 having a first trough 278 and a second trough 279. The first trough 279 includes a sidewall 280 that abuts a sidewall 281 of the trough 279. In some embodiments, the troughs 278, 279 may be modularly coupled (e.g., connected, attached, interlocked, fastened together, etc.). For example, the sidewalls 280 and 281 are shown coupled along the outer walls of each sidewall 280, 281 from the first end A to the second end B. The troughs 278, 279 may be coupled together by fasteners (not shown) at slots 282a and 282b, and similarly may be coupled together by fasteners (not shown) at another slot or slot pair (not shown) at end B. If additional troughs are part of assembly 350, additional fasteners may function to join the additional troughs at slots 283 and / or slots 284 and to join similar respective slots (not shown) at end B. In some embodiments, the troughs described herein may be joined together via welding along a shared outer wall. In some embodiments, the troughs described herein may be joined together via a food-safe resin or epoxy along a shared outer wall. In some embodiments, the troughs described herein may be held together via, for example, a mechanical cage surrounding the trough assembly.

[0145] Troughs 278, 279 may represent any of the troughs described herein. For example, elongated trough 278 may replace or be substituted for any of the elongated troughs described herein. Elongated trough 278 may be modularly arranged within an ice-making device having elongated trough 279 and one or more additional elongated troughs (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 24, etc.) such that each elongated trough is assembled side-by-side. For example, elongated trough 278 is arranged side-by-side with elongated trough 279 such that the longitudinal axis (L1) of trough 278 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L2) of trough 279. Additionally, each trough 278, 279, etc. may be aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the ice-making device (e.g., device 400, 500, 600, 755, 1000, etc.). device The axial direction of the slit 14 may be substantially parallel to the axial direction of the slit 14 .

[0146] Insert 293 or insert 294 (see FIGS. 2N and 2O) can be placed in a slot (e.g., slot 285) formed when trough 278 is coupled to trough 279. The slot can span the length of assembly 350 from end A to end B. Thus, the inserts described herein can be for the length of assembly 350 from end A to end B. Such inserts can function to ensure that ice does not grow beyond the height of the sidewalls of the flume / trough surface walls (e.g., surface wall 286). In some embodiments, the inserts described herein can further function as a divider between the troughs, for example, to ensure that ice ingots formed in trough 278 do not contact ice ingots formed in trough 279.

[0147] Trough 278 further includes a cooling cavity 287 having at least one inlet 287a in fluid communication with at least one outlet 287b (e.g., interconnected via cooling cavity 287). Similarly, trough 278 includes a cooling cavity 288 having at least one inlet 288a in fluid communication with at least one outlet 288b (e.g., interconnected via cooling cavity 288). Cooling cavities 287 and 288 may be configured to circulate a coolant therethrough.

[0148] For example, one of the ice-making devices described herein may contain an elongated trough or two or more elongated troughs, e.g., elongated troughs 278 and 279. The device may include a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B ) coupled to multiple cooling cavities (e.g., cooling cavities 287, 288, etc.) configured to control temperature to facilitate ice formation within elongated troughs 278, 279, etc. by flowing coolant through each of cooling cavities 287, 288. For example, cooling cavities 287, 288 may be cooled via an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser. Each of the cooling cavities (e.g., cavities 287, 288, etc.) may form a coolant intake valve (e.g., respective inlets 287a, 288a, etc.) for receiving coolant from the cooling source. Additionally, each of the cooling cavities (e.g., cavities 287, 288, etc.) may define a coolant exhaust valve (e.g., respective outlets 287b, 288b, etc.) positioned to remove coolant from the cooling cavity 287, 288, etc. In general, the term coolant may include, but is not limited to, water, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, a cooling gas, salt water, and / or any combination thereof.

[0149] In some embodiments, a coolant inlet valve (at each inlet 287a, 288a, etc.) and a coolant outlet valve (e.g., at each outlet 287b, 288b, etc.) are both located at the first end A of each respective elongated trough 278, 279, etc. In general, the cooling cavity may extend through a portion of the elongated trough that is separate from any water flowing through a mold portion (e.g., a flume / trough cutout) of the elongated trough 278, 279, etc. For example, each cooling cavity 287, 288, etc. may be formed along a substantially tubular path (here shown in FIG. 2K as an asterisk (e.g., a conformal polygon), but may also be formed as a star, asterisk, square, triangle, rectangle, square, oval, circle, hexagon, etc.) that may traverse from a coolant intake valve (e.g., at inlet 287a, 288a, etc.) at a first end A of the elongated trough 278, 279 to a second end B of the elongated trough 278, 279, arc or traverse along the second end B, and traverse back to the outlet 287b, 288b. Each trough in an ice-making device (e.g., device 400, 500, 600, 755, 1000, etc.) may include such a cavity.

[0150] The pathways fluidly connecting the cooling cavities from the inlets 287a, 288a to the outlets 287b, 288b may be fluidly connected along molded channels. Shapes such as the asterisk shown here may provide increased surface area along the channels / paths (as opposed to circular or square) to allow for additional heat transfer between the coolant in the channels and the material of the troughs 278, 279. Additionally, the manufacturability / extrusion of such cooling cavities 287, 288, etc. may be evaluated when selecting a particular shape for the cavities 287, 288. The cavities 287, 288 may be formed in several different shapes, including, but not limited to, asterisk shapes (e.g., stars, snowflakes, etc.), substantially equiangular polygonal shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, triangular shapes, circular shapes, oval shapes, hexagonal shapes, etc.

[0151] During operation, turbulent flow of the coolant can be generated using turbulators in each elongated trough 278, 279, etc. The turbulators can be formed from a metal or alloy thereof that can be shaped as coils or other shapes installed within the coolant flow field (either upstream of the troughs or within each trough). For example, the turbulators can be configured to partially block a portion of the coolant flow field and / or a portion of the inlet in each elongated trough to generate turbulence by stirring the coolant flow through the trough. In some embodiments, turbulence within the troughs 278, 279, etc. can be caused by one or more of the pneumatic lifts (described herein) rocking, vibrating, or otherwise agitating the trough assembly during freezing / ice formation.

[0152] In some embodiments, the coolant flow can be a substantially constant flow of coolant through a plurality of troughs flowing at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the troughs. In some embodiments, each trough can receive a turbulent flow of about 1.5 gallons to about 3 gallons per minute of coolant (e.g., glycol, brine, etc.). The coolant can be maintained at a temperature range of about -7 degrees Celsius to about -13 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the coolant is circulating turbulently, the temperature of the coolant can be maintained at about zero degrees Celsius to about 10 degrees Celsius.

[0153] FIG. 2L illustrates a front view of the elongated trough of FIG. 2K. Here, slots 282a, 282b, 283, and 284 can receive fasteners to connect / couple the troughs together. End slots 283, 284 are shown open because the troughs are not connected to either slot. In such an example, end slots 283, 284 can function as end plates for the trough assembly that can be used to fasten an insert (e.g., insert 293 or insert 294) to stop ice from growing beyond the interior of trough 278. For example, an insert (not shown) can be fastened to end slot 283 such that the insert extends upward beyond top surface S1 of trough 278, which can stop ice from growing on rear surface S2 of trough 278. In some embodiments, end slots 283 can instead be used to fasten additional troughs to trough 278 such that the additional troughs are substantially parallel to troughs 278, 279. Additionally, trough 278 can include additional slots 289a, 289b, 289c that can be used to fasten the troughs to ice generating devices described herein. Similarly, trough 279 includes slots 290a, 290b, and 290c for the same purpose.

[0154] The first trough 278 may include a first sidewall S2 having a first notch portion N1 formed in a top outer portion of the first sidewall and a first keyhole-shaped slot 283 formed in a middle outer portion of the first sidewall. The first notch portion N1 and the first keyhole-shaped slot 283 may extend along the length of the first sidewall S2. The first trough 278 may also include a second sidewall S3 having a second notch portion N2 formed in a top outer portion of the second sidewall S3 and a second keyhole-shaped slot 282a formed in a middle outer portion of the second sidewall S2. The second notch portion N2 and the second keyhole-shaped slot 282a may extend along the length of the second sidewall S2.

[0155] The second elongated trough 279 may include a third sidewall S3 having a third notch portion N3 formed in a top outer portion of the third sidewall S3 and a third keyhole-shaped slot 282b formed in a middle outer portion of the third sidewall S3. The third notch portion N3 and the third keyhole-shaped slot 282b may extend along the length of the outer wall of the third sidewall S3.

[0156] The fourth sidewall S5 may include a fourth notch portion N4 formed in a top outer portion of the fourth sidewall S5, and a fourth keyhole-shaped slot 284 may be formed in a central outer portion of the fourth sidewall S5. The fourth notch portion N4 and the fourth keyhole-shaped slot 284 may extend along the length of the outer wall of the fourth sidewall S5. The second notch portion N2 is configured to align with the third notch portion N3, and the second keyhole-shaped slot 282a is configured to removably fasten to the third keyhole-shaped slot 282b.

[0157] Each elongated trough (e.g., elongated troughs 278, 279, etc.) can have an inner sidewall S6 and an opposing inner sidewall S7 connected by a base wall S8. The height (e.g., depth) of the inner sidewalls S6, S7 can be about 1.25 centimeters to about 4 centimeters, about 1.25 centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters, about 1.5 centimeters to about 2 centimeters, about 2 centimeters to about 2.5 centimeters, about 2.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters, about 3 centimeters to about 3.5 centimeters, or about 3.5 centimeters to about 4 centimeters. The length l of the sidewalls S6, S7 and base S8 can be about 1.25 centimeters to about 4 centimeters, about 1.25 centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters, about 1.5 centimeters to about 2 centimeters, about 2 centimeters to about 2.5 centimeters, about 2.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters, about 3 centimeters to about 3.5 centimeters, or about 3.5 centimeters to about 4 centimeters. s can be from about 45.72 centimeters to about 91.44 centimeters, from about 1.22 meters to about 3.66 meters, from about 1.22 meters to about 2.44 meters (about 4 feet to about 8 feet), or from about 2.03 meters to about 3.66 meters. In various embodiments in which the housing / assembly defines multiple elongated troughs 102, each trough can have the same or a different length from another elongated trough.

[0158] An additional elongated trough may be coupled in series to either the slot 283 of the trough 278 or the slot 284 of the trough 279. Such a trough may include a third elongated trough including a fifth sidewall (not shown) having a fifth notch portion (not shown) formed in a top outer portion of the fifth sidewall (not shown) and a fifth keyhole-shaped slot (not shown) formed in a central outer portion of the fifth sidewall. The fifth notch portion (not shown) and the fifth keyhole-shaped slot (not shown) may extend along the length of the outer wall of the fifth sidewall (not shown). The fourth notch portion N4 (or alternatively, the first notch portion N1) may be configured to align with the fifth notch portion, and the fourth keyhole-shaped slot (or alternatively, the first slot 283) may be configured to removably fasten to the fifth keyhole-shaped slot (not shown).

[0159] 2M illustrates a zoomed-in view of slot 285 (e.g., well) formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K. For example, when trough 278 is fastened to trough 279, slot 285 is formed from the abutting trough walls together. The outer walls of troughs 278, 279 are textured, as shown by overhangs 291 and grooves 292. Overhangs 291 and grooves can be configured to receive inserts 293 or 294. Any number of overhangs 291 and grooves 292 can form the outer walls of the troughs described herein. In general, slot 285 can be textured (e.g., with ridges, fins, grooves, overhangs, etc.) to provide a fit for inserts 293 or 294, which can act as ice guards to prevent ice from forming on the outer walls of the troughs described herein. An insert 293 or 294 may be placed in the slot 285 and the texture may prevent the insert from displacing during the ice making process.

[0160] FIG. 2N illustrates an exemplary insert 293 for filling a slot (e.g., slot 285) formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K. The insert 293 may be an injection-molded plate that may be about 2 millimeters to about 4 millimeters wide. The insert 293 may have a length that spans the length of the sidewall of troughs 278, 279, for example. The insert 293 may have a height of about 7.5 centimeters to about 9 centimeters. In some embodiments, the insert 293 may be placed within the slot (e.g., slot 285) such that the insert 293 extends above the sidewall S7, for example, about 1.3 centimeters below the top level of ice formed in trough 278 or 279 and about 2.5 centimeters above the top level of ice formed in trough 278 or 279. The insert 293 may be formed from 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™, and the like.

[0161] FIG. 2O illustrates another exemplary insert 294 for filling the slot formed when joining the elongated troughs of FIG. 2K. Insert 294 may be an injection-molded T-shaped piece. First portion 294a may be substantially perpendicular to second portion 294b. Portion 294a may have a width of about 2 millimeters to about 4 millimeters. Portion 294a may have a length that spans the length of the sidewalls of troughs 278 and 279, for example. Portion 294a may have a height of about 7.5 centimeters to about 9 centimeters. In some embodiments, portion 294a may have the same length, width, and height as portion 294b. In some embodiments, portion 294a may extend across, but may extend beyond, the sidewalls of trough 278 and trough 279. Thus, portion 294a may have a width of about 8 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

[0162] The insert 294 may be formed from 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™, and the like.

[0163] 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an elongated trough 300 in a device for making clear ice. In this embodiment, the elongated trough 304 is defined by three flume surface walls 324a, 324b, and 324c, each in thermal communication with a corresponding interior cooling cavity 326a, 326b, and 326c. Each interior cooling cavity 326a, 326b, and 326c can be supplied by a coolant inlet and outlet 328a, 328b, and 328c. The compartmentalized arrangement of the cooling cavities 326a, 326b, and 326c in this embodiment allows for more specific control of the temperature experienced at each flume surface wall 324a, 324b, and 324c during the freezing operation of the trough 300.

[0164] 4A-4B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a device 400 for making clear ice. Device 400 may be sized to receive one of the elongated trough assemblies / devices described herein (e.g., assembly 100, assembly 150, etc.) therein. In general, device 400 may include a support, a frame, an inlet, an outlet, air pressure, and / or electronics for producing and extruding / releasing clear ice.

[0165] 4A, assembly 150 is shown seated within water basin 402 of device 400. Water basin 402 may be supported by frame 404. Assembly 150 may be submerged in water 406 disposed within water basin 402. Assembly 150 may also be connected to a water port (e.g., connected via manifold 430, not shown), a water pump 408, a trough lift mechanism, electronics (not shown) for operating ice production, the trough lift mechanism, and / or a user interface associated with device 400.

[0166] Device 400 may include a trough lift mechanism, such as, for example, an arm, a slide structure, a pneumatic lift cylinder, or the like, for lifting assembly 150 from water basin 402. For example, device 400 shown in FIG. 4A includes a support arm 410 that can be coupled and slidable within slide structure 412 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 150. Device 400 also includes a support arm 414 that can be coupled and slidable within slide structure 416 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 150. Device 400 also includes a support arm 418 that can be coupled and slidable within slide structure 420 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 150. Device 400 also includes a support arm 422 that can be coupled and slidable within a slide structure (not shown) to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 150. Each support arm pair (e.g., arms 410, 414 and 418, 422) may also be connected by a connecting beam connecting connecting beam 424 and connecting beam 426, respectively. Connecting beams 424 and 426 function to provide support and stability across assembly 150 during lifting and tilting operations. For example, connecting beam 424 may constrain angular motion along the x-axis while support arms 410, 414 move assembly 150 upward along the y-axis, as shown in FIG. 4A , which may or may not cause angular rotation about the x-axis along the z-axis. Similarly, connecting beam 426 may constrain angular motion along the x-axis while support arms 418, 422 move assembly 150 upward along the y-axis or tilt in the zy-plane.

[0167] In some embodiments, support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures may represent pneumatic actuators that can raise and lower part or all of housing assembly 150 from water 406 in water basin 402. In some embodiments, support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures may represent electromechanical actuators that can raise and lower part or all of housing assembly 150 from water 406 in water basin 402.

[0168] 4B, device 400 is shown with a panel of water basin 402 removed to provide a view of a portion of the fluidic system. The fluidic system shown here includes a water pump 408 connected to an inlet 432. Inlet 432 is connected to a manifold 430. Manifold 430 is connected via a valve and an inlet manifold cavity (e.g., inlet manifold cavity 434) to at least one inlet 436 coupled to a pipe 438 and positioned to provide water flow to housing assembly 150. For example, for each elongated trough of assembly 150, manifold 430 may provide water flow to inlet 432 via pump 408 to manifold 430 and pipe 438. Manifold 430 may provide an inlet (e.g., inlet 436) to each elongated trough of assembly 150. Manifold 430 can ensure that water flows through the fluidic system of device 400 in a substantially laminar flow while maintaining substantially equal pressure along each respective elongated trough during freezing operations of device 400. In some embodiments, the flow of water is substantially constant down each trough and flows through each trough at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second.

[0169] 5A-5B illustrate perspective views of device 500 for making clear ice at various positions during the process for making clear ice. For example, device 500 may represent device 400 with housing assembly 100 or 150 installed therein.

[0170] 5A, device 500 is coupled to housing assembly 100 having three elongated troughs. Assembly 100 is shown connected to support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and suspended over a water reservoir (e.g., water basin 402). Assembly 100 is shown connected to multiple coolant ports 502.

[0171] Device 500 may include a trough lift mechanism, such as an arm, slide structure, pneumatic lift cylinder, or the like, for lifting assembly 100 out of water basin 402. For example, device 500 shown in FIG. 5A includes a support arm 410 that is coupled and slidable within slide structure 412 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 100. Device 500 also includes a support arm 414 that is coupled and slidable within slide structure 416 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 100. Device 500 also includes a support arm 418 that is coupled and slidable within slide structure 420 to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 100. Device 500 also includes a support arm 422 that is coupled and slidable within a slide structure (not shown) to assist in raising, lowering, and / or tilting a portion of assembly 100. Each pair of support arms (eg, arms 410, 414 and 418, 422) may also be connected by a connecting beam, similar to device 400, connecting beam 424 and connecting beam 426, respectively.

[0172] In some embodiments, support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures 412, 416, 420, etc. may represent pneumatic actuators that may raise and lower part or all of housing assembly 100 from water basin 402. In the depicted example of FIG. 5A , the support system including support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and sliding structures 412, 416, 420, etc. receive signals to lift assembly 100 from basin 402. For example, upon completing a freezing operation to produce clear ice, a processor in communication with components of device 500 may receive instructions (e.g., automatically based on a recipe for making ice, based on user input via a user input device, etc.) to lift assembly 100 and begin harvesting clear ice ingots from elongated troughs 504, 506, and 508. In some embodiments, assembly 100 can be elevated by a plurality of pneumatic actuators operatively connected between housing assembly 100 and a frame structure (e.g., frame structure 404) secured to and supported by housing assembly 100 and basin 402. Frame structure 404 can also be coupled to a first support arm (e.g., support arm 410) that engages with a first slide structure (e.g., slide structure 412), a second support arm (e.g., support arm 414) that engages with a second slide structure (e.g., slide structure 416), a third support arm (e.g., support arm 418) that engages with a third slide structure (e.g., slide structure 420), and a fourth support arm (e.g., support arm 422) that engages with a fourth slide structure (not shown, but connected to support arm 422).

[0173] In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators may include and / or control a first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders (e.g., slide structure 412 and slide structure 416) and a second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders (e.g., slide structure 420 and a slide structure associated with fourth support arm 422). The first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders may be operably connected between housing assembly 100 and frame structure 404 in a spaced-apart relationship with first support arm 410 and second support arm 414. The second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders may be operably connected between housing assembly 100 and frame structure 404 in a spaced-apart relationship with third support arm 418 and second support arm 422. The first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders and the second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders may be operable to lift housing assembly 100 from a submerged position to a predetermined elevated position. For example, assembly 100 may be initially submerged in a bath of water within basin 402. Assembly 100 may then be lifted by the multiple actuators in combination with first and second lift cylinder pairs (and / or support arm pairs) from basin 402 while ensuring that the top surface of assembly 100 (the surface of assembly 100 facing connecting beams 424, 426) remains substantially parallel to the water surface of basin 402 (i.e., the z-axis in FIG. 5A ). Lifting assembly 100 may ensure that the assembly is removed from the water tank, which may allow water to drain from assembly 100 before expelling ice ingots from the elongated trough of assembly 100.

[0174] In some embodiments, a device described herein (e.g., device 400, 500, 600, 755, 1000, etc.) can be configured to move to sway, vibrate, or otherwise create water movement within an elongated trough. For example, a device described herein can include a frame structure (e.g., frame structure 404) coupled to two or more of: (1) a first support arm (e.g., support arm 410) that engages with a first slide structure (e.g., slide structure 412), (2) a second support arm (e.g., support arm 414) that engages with a second slide structure (e.g., slide structure 416), (3) a third support arm (e.g., support arm 418) that engages with a third slide structure (e.g., slide structure 420), and (4) a fourth support arm (e.g., support arm 422) that engages with a fourth slide structure (not shown, but connected to support arm 422). In particular, such components may form a first pneumatic lift cylinder pair (e.g., sliding structure 412 and sliding structure 416) and a second pneumatic lift cylinder pair (e.g., sliding structure 420 and a sliding structure associated with fourth support arm 422). Pneumatic actuators may move the pneumatic lift cylinders either singly or in pairs. For example, sliding structures 412 and 416 may be actuated to move together in unison (e.g., articulate). Similarly, sliding structures 420, 422 may be actuated to move together in unison. Such actuation may be triggered by one or more pneumatic actuators.

[0175] In some embodiments, two or more of the pneumatic actuators may be operable to generate waves in the aquarium by vibrating the frame structure 404 according to a predefined recipe. For example, the pneumatic actuators may utilize two or more pneumatic lift cylinders to vibrate the frame structure 404 according to a predefined recipe by sequentially and repeatedly performing one or more cycles during the freezing operation of the device. For example, a first cycle may include raising the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the initial position of the housing to a first raised position. A second cycle may include lowering the rear side of the housing along both the third sliding structure 420 and the fourth sliding structure from the initial position of the housing to a first lowered position. A third cycle may include lowering the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the first raised position to a second lowered position. A fourth cycle may include raising the rear side of the housing from the first lowered position to the second raised position along both the third slide structure 420 and the fourth slide structure 420. The cycle may be repeated to create a wave pool in the basin 760, keeping the housing submerged in the water of the basin 760 and continuously moving the water over the ice / water interface.

[0176] In some embodiments, a predefined recipe may be programmed into a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the ice making device. The predefined recipe may include instructions indicating an amount of time to pause operation of the frame structure 404 between one or more of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, the fourth cycle, and any repeating cycles, and may also indicate an amount of elapsed time for performing each of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, and the fourth cycle. For example, the predefined recipe may include instructions to cause the ice making device to pause operation of the frame structure 404 for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the second cycle and for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the fourth cycle. In some embodiments, the predefined recipe may also include instructions to cause the ice making device to perform the first cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the second cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the third cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, and the fourth cycle for about 1 second to about 2 seconds. Of course, other recipe configurations are possible.

[0177] In some embodiments, two of the pneumatic actuators may be operable to generate waves in the aquarium by vibrating the frame structure 404 according to a predefined recipe. For example, the pneumatic actuators may utilize two pneumatic lift cylinders to vibrate the frame structure 404 according to a predefined recipe by sequentially and repeatedly performing one or more cycles during the freezing operation of the device, without the use of any additional pneumatic lift cylinders. For example, a first cycle may include raising the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the housing's initial position to a first raised position. A second cycle may include lowering the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the housing's first raised position to a first lowered position. A third cycle may include raising the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the housing's first lowered position to the first raised position again. The fourth cycle may include lowering the front side of the housing along both the first sliding structure 412 and the second sliding structure 416 from the first raised position to the first lowered position of the housing. The cycle may be repeated to create a wave pool in the basin 760, keeping the housing submerged in the water of the basin 760 and continuously moving the water over the ice / water interface during the freezing operation of the device 400. For example, all of the cycles may be completed within a period of about 4 seconds to about 6 seconds. In some embodiments, all of the above four cycles may be repeatedly completed within a period of about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds. In some embodiments, all of the above four cycles may be repeatedly completed within a period of about 6 seconds to about 8 seconds. In some embodiments, all of the above four cycles may be repeatedly completed within a period of about 9 seconds to about 12 seconds. The four-cycle process may be repeated throughout the freezing operation of the device 400.

[0178] In some embodiments, the vibration of the frame structure 404 may be performed for any number of cycles that move the frame structure 404 from a position parallel to the z-axis (as shown in FIG. 4B ) to a position tilted or inclined at an angle from the z-axis and toward or away from the y-axis.

[0179] In some embodiments, ice ingots produced by the devices described herein can be clear slabs of ice measuring about 5.1 centimeters (e.g., 2 inches) to about 10.2 centimeters (e.g., 4 inches) in height. Slabs can be produced in a single elongated trough or multiple elongated troughs. Such slabs can be produced by utilizing variations in the temperature of the coolant source, the coolant flow rate, and / or the housing's motion profile.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 5B , device 500 includes assembly 100 depicted tilted from the substantially parallel position shown in FIG. 5A to a tilted or inclined position at an angle from the z-axis and toward the y-axis, where the tilt occurs at the origin defined by line A. Line A is shown parallel to connecting beam 426 associated with third support arm 418 and fourth support arm 422. Line A may represent the axis of rotation of assembly 100. Assembly 100 may be tilted from about z=0 to about z=90, as shown in FIG. 5B . For example, assembly 100 may be tilted from about z=0 to a tilt angle, where the tilt may occur about the axis of rotation defined by line A. Stated differently, the tilt may occur from a surface defined parallel to the surface of the aquarium to a tilt angle in the zy plane.

[0181] In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 30 degrees to about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 35 degrees to about 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 55 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 60 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 70 degrees to about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0182] Tilting to a particular tilt angle may be predefined by a recipe associated with making clear ice in the devices described herein, hi some embodiments, tilting to a particular tilt angle may be performed according to a user, a programmed device, a switch, or other manual or automatic method of tilting a component.

[0183] The tilting, pivoting, translating, or other movement of assembly 100 may be preceded by one or more cycles of producing clear ice. For example, upon completing a freezing operation to produce clear ice, a processor in communication with components of device 500 may receive instructions to lift assembly 100 and begin harvesting clear ice ingots 510, 512, 514 (FIG. 5B) from elongated troughs 504, 506, and 508 (FIG. 5A). During operation, the multiple pneumatic actuators may be operable to lift the translating housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100) along an inclination angle using the first slide structure 412 from an initial position of the housing assembly 100 (e.g., z=0 or parallel to the water surface of the basin 402) to a predetermined elevated position (and along the shaft / support arm) associated with the first slide structure 412, while lifting the translating housing assembly 100 along that inclination angle using the second slide structure 416 to tilt the housing at the third support arm 418 and the fourth support arm 422 when in the predetermined elevated position to a first preselected inclination position (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 90 degrees) to enable the extrusion / release of the transparent ice 510, 512, and 514 formed in the multiple elongated troughs. In some embodiments, using first slide structure 412 and second slide structure 416 to lift housing assembly 100 during translation may result in lifting and tilting (e.g., pivoting about line A ( FIG. 5B )) to move the entire assembly 100 the same distance from a non-tilted (e.g., parallel to about z=0) position to a tilted position about line A and in the y-axis and / or yz-axis. In some embodiments, housing assembly 100 is not configured to tilt, but instead is configured to lift to a preselected height. Additional mechanisms may be used to assist in removing ice ingots from the trough of housing assembly 100, as described in detail in FIGS. 10-15 .

[0184] In some embodiments, the support arms, slide structures, actuators, and / or lift cylinders described herein may function in combination to move assembly 100 to a position / angle that allows for the retention or removal of ice ingots from within the elongated troughs. For example, once the freezing operation to produce clear ice is complete, the first pneumatic lift cylinder pair (e.g., slide structures 412 and 416) may be operable to tilt housing assembly 100 at third support arm 418 and fourth support arm 422 to a preselected tilted position (e.g., the tilted position of assembly 100 shown in FIG. 5B ) when housing assembly 100 is in a predetermined elevated position (e.g., the parallel position of assembly 100 shown in FIG. 5B ). The pneumatic lift cylinder pair may use gravity to enable the extrusion / release of clear ice formed within at least one of the elongated troughs.

[0185] In some embodiments, the ice troughs and / or ice making machines described herein (e.g., device 400, device 500, device 600, device 755, etc.) can be shaped to allow for mechanically assisted ice removal after a freeze cycle. For example, assembly 100 can include a pusher arm having an end effector with a gripping portion that can grasp an ice ingot and push or pull the ingot. In some embodiments, the gripping portion can be a metal ice pick or tongs. In some embodiments, the pusher arm has a substantially flat end that can be pushed into one or more ice ingots to slide the ingots along one or more elongated troughs and onto a table or other surface. In some embodiments, assembly 100 can include a gravity-assisted ice removal system, as well as a pusher arm to both mechanically assist ice ingot removal while utilizing the tilt of the ice ingots to allow gravity to assist ice ingot removal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 100 may include a vibrating component to assist in ice ingot removal. For example, the assembly 100 may include a vibrating member to finely agitate a portion of the elongated trough so that the clear ice is shaken from the elongated trough. The vibrating member may include a piezoelectric vibrating element, an ultrasonic transducer, or other vibrating element to generate sonic motion. In some embodiments, the portion of the elongated trough may be heated after a freeze cycle to detach the ice surface from the elongated trough and assist in ice removal.

[0187] In some embodiments, device 400 or device 500 can be a device for making clear ice that includes a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100, assembly 150, or other assembly) having at least one elongated trough. The at least one elongated trough can include at least three flume surface walls that are in thermal communication with a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B) while the housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100, assembly 150, or other assembly) is immersed in a water bath. Cooling source 423 can be selected from an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser.

[0188] Assembly 100 (FIG. 1A) includes three elongated troughs 102, but may instead include a single elongated trough 102 that includes one or more flume surface walls 103. For example, surface wall 103 may include a base wall and two side walls. In some embodiments, assembly 100 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 elongated troughs 102, and in such examples, each trough may include any number of flume surface walls.

[0189] Device 400 or device 500 may provide at least one inlet (e.g., inlet 436) positioned to provide water flow to a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100) through a manifold that provides water flow to a single elongated trough 102. The manifold may ensure a substantially laminar flow of water along the elongated trough 102 during a freezing operation of the ice-making device (e.g., device 400 or device 500).

[0190] Device 400 or device 500 may also include a support means attached to the housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100 or assembly 150). The support means may include a movable support member (e.g., support arms 410, 414, 418, and / or 422) and a fixed guide structure (e.g., slide structure 412, 416, and / or 420) for supporting and guiding the movable support member and housing (e.g., assembly 100 or housing assembly 150) to tilt to a preselected tilt angle after the freezing operation of the device. The support means may represent the support arm and slide structure described herein, as shown above. In some embodiments, the support means may instead include a single support arm and a single slide structure for raising, lowering, tilting, spinning, or otherwise manipulating the assembly described herein to process or extrude ice ingots.

[0191] The preselected tilt angle may be about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees from parallel to the surface of the aquarium to allow for extrusion / release of clear ice formed during the freezing operation in the at least one elongated trough.

[0192] In some embodiments, the freezing operation may be computer program instructions that trigger cooling of at least three surfaces of at least one elongated trough of assembly 100 or 150 to a temperature of about zero degrees Celsius or below on one or more of the flume surface walls defined by the at least one elongated trough.

[0193] In some embodiments, the support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures described herein may represent electromechanical actuators that can raise and lower part or all of the housing assembly 150 from the water 406 of the water basin 402. In some embodiments, the support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures may represent pneumatic actuators that can raise and lower part or all of the housing assembly 150 from the water 406 of the water basin 402.

[0194] Although support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and slide structures 412, 416, 420, etc. are depicted in the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that other lifting and support mechanisms may be possible, including, but not limited to, ram / piston configurations, cable / pulley configurations, etc.

[0195] Ice harvesting equipment may be utilized when extruding / releasing the ice ingots described herein. For example, device 500 depicts table 520 for receiving ice from multiple elongated troughs. Table 520 allows the ice ingots to slide while in motion, but may be lined and / or coated with a material to protect the ingots during harvesting and / or transportation. For example, table 520 may be constructed of food-grade rubber or other material that may inhibit movement of the ice ingots when extruded / releasing onto table 520.

[0196] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device 600 for creating and releasing clear ice from one or more elongated troughs. The device 600 includes a housing assembly 602 that can include at least one elongated trough. In the depicted example, the assembly 602 includes three elongated troughs 604, 606, and 608. Each elongated trough can include one or more flume surface walls. The elongated troughs 604-608 can each include a single shaped flume surface wall that defines the trough. In some embodiments, the troughs 604-608 can instead include multiple flume surface walls. For example, a flume surface wall can include a base wall and two side walls. In some embodiments, the assembly 602 can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 elongated troughs, and in such examples, each trough can include any number of flume surface walls.

[0197] One or more flume surface walls of each elongated trough of assembly 602 may be in thermal communication with a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B) while housing assembly 602 is immersed in a water bath. The cooling source may be selected from an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser.

[0198] Device 600 may provide at least one inlet (not shown) positioned to provide water flow to a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 602) through a manifold (not shown) that provides water flow to one or more troughs 604-608. The manifold may ensure a substantially laminar flow of water along one or more troughs 604-608 during a freezing operation of ice making device 600.

[0199] Device 600 may also include a support means attached to housing assembly 602. The support means may include movable support members (e.g., support arms 610, 612, 614, and / or 616) and fixed guide structures (e.g., slide structures 618, 620, 622, and / or 624) for supporting and guiding the movable support member(s) to tilt housing assembly 602 to a preselected tilt angle after a freezing operation of the device. The support means may be coupled to assembly 602 via assembly carrier components, including, but not limited to, mounting structures such as arms 630, 632, 634, and / or 636. Each arm 630-636 may be further coupled to each other and to one or more of support arms 610, 612, 614, and 616. The preselected tilt angle may be about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees from parallel to the surface of the water tank 638 to allow for extrusion / release of the clear ice 640 formed during the freezing operation in the at least one elongated trough 604-608.

[0200] In some embodiments, the support means may instead include a single support arm and a single slide structure for raising, lowering, tilting, spinning, or otherwise manipulating the assembly described herein to process or extrude / release ice ingots. Such a single support arm may be centrally located on the underside of assembly 602 facing water tank 638 in water basin 642 when mounted on device 600.

[0201] In some embodiments, the freezing operation can be computer program instructions that trigger cooling of at least three surfaces of at least one elongated trough of assembly 602 to a temperature below about zero degrees Celsius on one or more of the flume surface walls defined by at least one elongated trough 604-608.

[0202] FIG. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary fluidic system installed in device 400 for making clear ice. The diagram depicted in FIG. 7A illustrates a top-down view of device 400 with the water basin removed and assembly 150 removed. Device 400 includes a water pump 408 connected to an inlet 432. Water pump 408 is also connected to a pipe 433 that flows from pump 408 to a water tank (not shown). Inlet 432 is connected to a manifold 430. Manifold 430 is connected, via a valve and / or inlet 432 and an inlet manifold cavity (e.g., inlet manifold cavity 434), to at least one inlet 436 that is coupled to a pipe 438 and positioned to provide a flow of water to a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100 or 150). Similarly, the manifold may provide water to pipes 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, and 714, each connected to intakes 716, 718, 720, 722, 724, 726, and 728, respectively, via a respective intake manifold cavity.

[0203] Generally, a single inlet is provided for each elongated trough. Because device 500 includes eight inlets 436, 716-728, assembly 150 includes eight elongated troughs for producing clear ice. For each elongated trough of assembly 150, manifold 430 may provide a flow of water via pump 408 and inlet 432. Water may flow at a substantially constant flow and pressure from manifold 430 to pipes 438, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, and 714 and through the respective inlets (e.g., inlets 436, 716-728) of each elongated trough of assembly 150. For example, manifold 430 may ensure that water flows through the fluidic system of device 400 in a substantially laminar flow while maintaining substantially equal pressure along each respective elongated trough during the freezing operation of device 400. In some embodiments, the flow of water is substantially constant down each trough and flows through each trough at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second.

[0204] FIG. 7B illustrates a fluidic component 750 for maintaining flow and pressure through multiple elongated troughs. Fluidic component 750 includes pump 408 connected to inlet 432, shown here as pipe section 432a and pipe section 432b. Pump 408 is also connected to pipe 433, which flows from pump 408 to a water tank (not shown). Inlet section 432a is connected to manifold 430. Manifold 430 is connected to at least one inlet 436, coupled to pipe 438 ( FIG. 7A ), via a valve and / or inlet 432a and an inlet manifold cavity (e.g., inlet manifold cavity 434), which is positioned to provide water flow to a housing assembly (e.g., including the elongated troughs). Any number of inlet manifold cavities 434 may receive flow from manifold 430.

[0205] Manifold 430, in conjunction with the fluidic system, may evenly distribute the water flow by balancing the pressure drop between each pipe path (e.g., pipes 438, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, and 714 in FIG. 7A) leading to each trough. Pressure drop may be balanced by inducing a larger pressure drop on the pipe path with the most inherent resistance (e.g., straight lines) and a smaller pressure drop on the more difficult pipe path (e.g., valves, elbows). Thus, manifold 430 may increase or decrease friction depending on the path of the water flow in a particular pipe or inlet.

[0206] In some embodiments, the devices described herein may not utilize pumped water or valves to supply water to the elongated troughs. For example, the devices described herein may use the movement of water in a tank rather than using a flow of water provided directly to each elongated trough. Such an arrangement ensures ice formation without the use of pumps, nozzles, valves, etc. to pump and / or circulate water within the elongated troughs.

[0207] 8A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary device 755 for making clear ice. Device 755 includes an assembly 756 having a plurality of elongated troughs 758. As shown, device 755 includes 16 elongated troughs. However, any number of troughs may be contemplated for device 755. Each trough may include at least three flume surface walls that are in thermal communication with a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 of FIG. 4B ) while assembly 757 of troughs 758 is immersed in a water bath. The cooling source may be selected from an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser, as described in detail throughout this disclosure.

[0208] Device 757 may be configured to substantially cover elongated troughs 758 within basin 760 and to receive the flow of water into the housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100) during a freezing operation of ice-making device 755. For example, basin 760 may be sized to receive a particular assembly 757 of elongated troughs 758. For example, basin 760 may have a length of about 2.4 meters (e.g., 8 feet), a width of about 1.2 meters (e.g., 4 feet wide), and a height of about 40.6 centimeters (e.g., 16 inches). Other basin sizes are possible based on the number and size of the elongated troughs utilized during the freezing operation.

[0209] Device 755 may also include support means attached to assembly 757. The support means may include one or more movable support members (e.g., support arms 410, 414, 418, and / or 422) and fixed guide structures (e.g., slide structures 412, 416, and / or 420) for supporting and guiding the movable support members and housing (e.g., assembly 757) to tilt back and forth during the freezing operation of device 755 to vibrate the water in basin 760, and to tilt assembly 757 to a preselected tilt angle after the freezing operation of device 755. The support means may represent the support arm and slide structures described herein, as shown above. In some embodiments, the support means may instead include a single support arm and a single slide structure for raising, lowering, tilting, spinning, or otherwise manipulating the assembly described herein to process, produce, and / or extrude ice ingots. The preselected tilt angle may be about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees from parallel to the surface of the aquarium to allow for extrusion / release of clear ice formed during the freezing operation in the at least one elongated trough.

[0210] Upon completing a recipe or ice-making process, device 755 can be configured to tilt to remove the generated ice. FIG. 8B illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary device for making and removing clear ice. An assembly 757 of elongated troughs 758 is shown tilted from a substantially parallel position (similar to FIG. 5A ) to a tilted or inclined position at an angle from the z-axis and toward the y-axis, where the tilt occurs at the origin defined by line D. Line D is shown parallel to the connecting beam 426 associated with the third support arm 418 ( FIG. 8A ) and the fourth support arm 422 ( FIG. 8A ). Line D may represent the axis of rotation of assembly 757. Assembly 757 may be tilted from about z=0 to about z=90. For example, assembly 757 may be tilted from about z=0 to a tilt angle, with the tilt occurring about the axis of rotation defined by line D. In other words, the tilt can occur from a surface defined parallel to the surface of the tank to a tilt angle in the zy plane.

[0211] In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 30 degrees to about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 35 degrees to about 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can be in the range of about 55 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 60 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 70 degrees to about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle can range from about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0212] The tilting to a particular tilt angle may be predefined by a recipe associated with making clear ice in the devices described herein. In some embodiments, the tilting of assembly 757 to a particular tilt angle may be performed according to a user, a programmed device, a switch, or other manual or automated method of tilting a component.

[0213] The tilting, pivoting, translating, or other movement of assembly 757 may be preceded by one or more cycles of producing clear ice. For example, upon completing a freezing operation to produce clear ice, a processor in communication with the components of device 755 may receive instructions to lift assembly 757 and begin harvesting clear ice ingots (not shown) from elongated trough 758. During operation, the multiple pneumatic actuators may be operable to lift the translating housing assembly 757 along an inclination angle using the first slide structure 412 from an initial position of the housing assembly 757 (e.g., z=0 or parallel to the water surface of the basin 760) to a predetermined elevated position (and along the shaft / support arm) associated with the first slide structure 412, while lifting the translating housing assembly 757 along that inclination angle using the second slide structure 416 to tilt the housing at the third support arm 418 and the fourth support arm 422 when in the predetermined elevated position to a first preselected inclination position (e.g., about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees) to enable the extrusion / release of clear ice (not shown) formed within the multiple elongated troughs 758. In some embodiments, using the first slide structure 412 and the second slide structure 416 to lift the housing assembly 757 during translation can result in the entire assembly 757 being lifted and tilted (e.g., pivoted about line D) to move the same distance from a non-tilted (e.g., parallel to about z=0) position to a tilted position about line B and in the y-axis and / or yz-axis.

[0214] In some embodiments, the support arms, slide structures, actuators, and / or lift cylinders described herein may function in combination to move assembly 757 to a position / angle that allows for retention or removal of ice ingots from within elongated troughs 758. For example, once the freezing operation to produce clear ice is complete, the first pneumatic lift cylinder pair (e.g., slide structures 412 and 416) may be operable to tilt housing assembly 757 at third support arm 418 and fourth support arm 422 to a preselected tilted position (e.g., the tilted position of assembly 757 shown here in FIG. 8B) when housing assembly 757 is in a predetermined raised position (e.g., a parallel position of assembly 757 similar to assembly 100 in FIG. 5A). The pneumatic lift cylinder pair may use gravity to enable extrusion / release of clear ice formed within at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs 758.

[0215] In some embodiments, housing assembly 757 may include a vibrating component to assist in ice ingot removal. For example, assembly 757 may include a vibrating member to finely agitate a portion of the elongated trough so that clear ice is shaken from the elongated trough onto table 520. The vibrating member may include a piezoelectric vibrating element, an ultrasonic transducer, or other vibrating element for generating sonic motion. In some embodiments, a portion of elongated trough 758 may be heated after a freeze cycle to detach the ice surface from the elongated trough and assist in ice removal.

[0216] In some embodiments, support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures described herein may represent electromechanical actuators that can raise and lower part or all of housing assembly 757 from the water in water basin 760. In some embodiments, support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and / or associated sliding structures may represent pneumatic actuators that can raise and lower part or all of housing assembly 757 from the water in water basin 760.

[0217] Although support arms 410, 414, 418, and 422 and slide structures 412, 416, 420, etc. are depicted in the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that other lifting and support mechanisms may be possible, including, but not limited to, ram / piston configurations, cable / pulley configurations, etc.

[0218] Ice harvesting equipment may be utilized when pushing / releasing the ice ingots described herein. For example, device 755 depicts table 520 for receiving ice from multiple elongated troughs. Table 520 allows the ice ingots to slide while in motion, but may be lined and / or coated with a material to protect the ingots during harvesting and / or transportation. For example, table 520 may be constructed of food-grade rubber or other material that may inhibit movement of the ice ingots when pushed / releasing onto table 520.

[0219] 8C illustrates a manifold 762 for circulating coolant within multiple cooling cavities associated with multiple elongated troughs. As shown, the manifold 762 includes several controls 764 and 766 for controlling the turbulent or laminar flow of coolant within multiple pipes 768 and 770 flowing to one or more cooling cavities associated with the elongated troughs. The controls 764 and 766 may also be used to control the temperature of the coolant flow within the multiple pipes 768 and 770 flowing to one or more cooling cavities associated with the elongated troughs. In some embodiments, the controls 764, 766 may include manual dials or knobs for manually adjusting the coolant flow or temperature. In some embodiments, the controls 764, 766 may be adjusted in an automated manner to electronically adjust the coolant flow or temperature according to a recipe, sensor input, and / or user request.

[0220] In some embodiments, the water basins described herein may include a lid (not shown) for maintaining a particular temperature within the basin. The lid may be attached to a portion of the basin to ensure that the lid remains in place during the freezing operation. For example, the lid may have a support ring with a snap fit to a portion of the basin. In some embodiments, the lid may have a support ring with a friction fit within the rim of the basin. In some embodiments, the lid may have an opening in a central region for viewing the contents of the basin.

[0221] 8D illustrates a set of equations for determining the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid subjected to relative internal movement. Such ratio can be varied based on varying the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the elongated troughs used by the ice-making process performed by the ice-making devices described herein.

[0222] In some embodiments, the devices and / or assemblies described herein are configured to produce clear ice using a closed, pressurized environment. For example, the devices and / or assemblies described herein may include at least one closed, pressurized elongated structure (e.g., a housing, a tube, a pipe, or other elongated reservoir) adapted to receive water or other liquids therein and / or therethrough. The elongated structure may also be configured to receive a coolant in a portion separate from the water-receiving portion of the elongated structure. For example, the devices described herein allow water to flow along one or more elongated troughs (e.g., flumes, ice molds, etc.) within the elongated structure, each of which is cooled on two or more sides (via conduction of heat through the sides / sidewalls of the trough) to form clear ice. The elongated troughs may be arranged around a central core (e.g., a cooling cavity) to allow each trough to be inserted into an insulated housing. In some embodiments, the troughs may be inserted into the elongated structure as a single component with multiple troughs formed within the single component. In some embodiments, the troughs may be combined with a central core in a single combined component such that the cooling cavity (e.g., central core) and troughs are formed as a single combined component with multiple troughs surrounding the cooling cavity. The entire combined component may be inserted into an elongated structure (e.g., a housing, tube, pipe, or other elongated reservoir). As used herein, the terms "elongated trough," "trough," and "flume" are considered synonymous and may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

[0223] In some embodiments, the devices and / or assemblies described herein may be configured to allow water to flow along a pressurized elongated structure while portions of the structure are cooled or subcooled. The elongated structure may be adapted to have two or more elongated troughs within the structure. Each trough may be disposed around a cooling cavity (e.g., a central core) through which coolant may flow. Broadly described for many embodiments, the device generally provides one or more elongated troughs (e.g., flumes) configured in thermal communication with at least one reservoir of circulating coolant (e.g., cooling lines, cooling pipes, cooling tubes, cooling cavities, etc.). In some embodiments, the coolant may flow at a relatively constant flow and pressure through portions of the devices and / or assemblies described herein, for example, to maintain a particular cooling rate and / or temperature and to consistently cool structures adjacent to the cooled portions of the elongated structure. In some embodiments, additional cooling may be applied to the troughs described herein via one or more additional cooling devices (e.g., cooling plates, cooling elements, etc.).

[0224] For each elongated trough in the devices described herein, a flow of water can be provided down at least a portion of the length of each trough during a freezing operation of the device and / or assembly. The freezing operation includes at least one cooling cavity receiving a coolant therethrough when the cooling cavity is in thermal communication with at least a portion of each trough. During the freezing operation, clear ice forms on one or more surface walls of the trough(s) and grows in thickness, filling to a specific thickness within the elongated trough(s) according to various predetermined parameters described herein. In some embodiments, the velocity of water (either laminar or turbulent) through the elongated trough can be varied to configure the devices and / or assemblies described herein to form clear ice at a specific velocity and / or clarity. In general, the water flow can be configured to expel air bubbles from the ice-forming surface within the elongated trough.

[0225] Once ice ingots are generated within a particular elongated trough, the freezing operation can be stopped to allow collection of the ice ingots. In some embodiments, a heating process can occur prior to collection of the ice ingots. The heating process can function to melt a portion of one or more outer walls of the ice ingots to aid in their removal. The generated ice ingots can then be modified to generate a variety of aesthetically pleasing foods.

[0226] In some embodiments, the devices, housings, and / or assemblies described herein can be seated substantially horizontally (e.g., about -15 degrees to about 15 degrees from parallel to a horizontal surface such as a floor). Such substantially horizontal seating of the devices, housings, and / or assemblies can provide advantages, such as ease of removal of the ice ingots onto a conveyor for further processing.

[0227] In some embodiments, the devices and methods described herein can produce clear ice at rates of at least about 7 millimeters per hour to about 26 millimeters per hour, measured as the linear height of accumulated clear ice at any given point on the surface wall of the elongated trough per unit time. Furthermore, in the devices and methods described herein, ice grows in multiple directions, thereby effectively halving the ice thickness through which heat flows to produce new ice. This provides a dramatic advantage in speed compared to conventional ice production technologies, which typically can grow ice in a single direction.

[0228] In some embodiments, the ice making devices described herein (e.g., devices 400, 500, 600, 755, 1000, etc.) may use a table (e.g., a catch cart, a conveyor table, etc.) to receive ice ingots from the trough assemblies described herein. In such examples, the trough assembly may be lifted out of the water bath and the ice in the assembly may be pushed onto the table, cart, or conveyor system. In some embodiments, the trough assembly may be lifted out of the water bath and further, such trough assembly may be tilted to release the ice ingots onto a table that may be tilted to receive the ice ingots.

[0229] 8E illustrates an exemplary table 520 (e.g., a catch cart, a conveyor table, etc.) that may be configured to receive ice ingots after a freezing operation. The table 520 may include a base 451 coupled to a frame 453. The base 451 may include a number of individual pads 450 and / or bumper pads 478 for receiving and moistening the ice ingots from a trough assembly described herein. Each pad 450 or bumper pad 478 may be disposed on the base 453 of the table 520 and adjacent a first end 455 of a defined channel 479 in the table 520 that may be aligned with the defined channel in the trough assembly.

[0230] The cross-section of the defined channel 479 of the table 520 may have dimensions approximately equal to or slightly larger than the cross-section of a defined channel such as the assembly 757 described herein that includes multiple troughs / flumes 758.

[0231] Additionally, referring to FIG. 8B , the channel / trough length 782 of the table 520 can be approximately equal to or slightly greater than the channel length 780 of the defined assembly 757. The length 780 of the assembly 757 can be about 1 meter to about 2 meters. The length 780 of the defined assembly 757 can also be the length of the produced ice ingot. Because the ice ingot is elongated in shape, the table 520 can be connectable to ensure concentric alignment of the defined channel of the assembly 757 with the channel of the table 520. The movable table 520 can be transportable on wheels, rails, guides, or any other suitable transportation device.

[0232] Elements of the embodiments are contemplated for ensuring alignment. For example, transportable table 520 may include one or more alignment features at its interface with assembly 757. Table 520 may include one or more pins, fasteners, aligners, etc. Assembly 757 may include a corresponding number of defined apertures, fastener receivers, and / or receiving aligners that approximately match the diameter of the pins, fasteners, and / or aligners. The positions of the defined apertures on assembly 757 are such that, when aligned concentrically with the respective pins of table 520, alignment of the channels of assembly 757 with the channels of table 520 is achieved.

[0233] In some embodiments, the pins may be conical to improve ease of insertion of the pins into their respective apertures. Additionally, spacing table 520 away from assembly 757 may be facilitated by bump stops (not shown) attached to either table 520 or assembly 757. The bump stops (not shown) may be inserted into the interface between table 520 and assembly 757 and function to stop table 520 at predetermined intervals. In some embodiments, a removable pin may be used to lock table 520 to assembly 757.

[0234] Another exemplary alignment element may include a magnetic coupling. For example, a magnetic alignment coupling may be used in embodiments in which assembly 757 and table 520 are made of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as aluminum. In a magnetic coupling, magnets may be placed on table 520 in predetermined positions corresponding to the magnets placed on assembly 757. When table 520 is positioned near assembly 757 within a threshold distance selected based on the magnet strength, a magnetic force is generated between the magnets, for example, to hold table 520 in alignment to receive an ice ingot from assembly 757. A magnetic coupling may also be achieved by replacing the magnets in each coupling set with a portion of ferromagnetic material.

[0235] Another exemplary alignment element may include a temporary alignment jig (not shown). The alignment jig may include one or more ridges that approximately match the defined channels of table 520 and the channels of assembly 757. The alignment jig may fit into the defined channels of table 520 and assembly 757 when the two sets of channels are aligned. After table 520 is positioned at the interface with assembly 757, the alignment jig may be used as an indicator to perform fine adjustments to align the channels of assembly 757 with the channels of table 520. The alignment jig may be removed prior to transferring the ice ingot from assembly 757.

[0236] 8F illustrates an exemplary springboard assembly 401 for use with a table described herein. The springboard assembly 401 includes at least a first pad 450, a second pad 452, a platform 454, an overspring 460, an inner spring 456, and a rod 458. The rod 458 may include a first rod portion 466, a second rod portion 464, and a rod head 462.

[0237] The springboard assembly 401 may be mounted to the footboard 470 of the table 520 and may be positioned in the path of the ice ingots sliding down the sloped ice ingot channel 482 (shown in FIG. 8G). The springboard assembly 401 may function to arrest (e.g., slow to a stop) the sliding ice ingots by damping their motion and reducing the likelihood of damaging the ice ingots.

[0238] 8G illustrates a zoomed-in view of the example table of FIG. 8E. The view of table 520 shown here includes, for example, a footboard 470 that may define one or more apertures 472 in a footplate 474 mounted within springboard assembly 401. The diameter of aperture 472 may be larger than the diameters of both first rod portion 466 and second rod portion 464, but smaller than the diameter of rod head 462, the diameter of overspring 460, and the diameter of inner spring 456.

[0239] The springboard assembly 401, along with the rod 458, may be mounted within the defined aperture 472 and the footplate 474 between the overspring 460 and the rod head 462 (shown in FIGS. 8F and / or 8G). When the sliding ice ingot contacts the springboard assembly 401 at the first pad 450, energy may be transferred through the first pad 450, the second pad 452, and the platform 454, compressing the overspring 460 as the rod 458 is forced into the defined aperture 472 (shown in FIGS. 8F and / or 8G). When the ice ingot kinetic energy is great enough to continue compressing the outer spring 460 until the second rod portion 464 enters the defined aperture 472, the inner spring 456 contacts the footplate 474 and begins to compress (shown in FIGS. 8F and / or 8G). The spring constant of the overspring 460, which generates the deceleration force for the springboard assembly 401, is now added by the spring constant of the inner spring 456, and the deceleration force of the dual springs now generates a deceleration force faster in terms of compression distance. The added spring constant of the inner spring 456 helps to block the forward movement of the ice ingot. Using the overspring 460 and inner spring 456 in this manner can reduce the shock applied to the ice ingot. For example, because the ice ingot has decelerated before the increase in spring constant occurs when the inner spring 456 is engaged, a lower shock input will be experienced compared to a system with the sum of the spring constants experienced at the initial contact of the ice ingot with the springboard assembly 401. When the potential energy of the ice ingot is unbalanced by the potential energy of the springs 460, 456, the springs 460, 456 begin to push the ice ingot back toward the assembly 490, and thus the inner spring 456 disengages earlier than the overspring 460. The ice ingot bounces back with a decreasing vibration amplitude. Damping of the bounce can be provided by friction between the ice ingot and the ice ingot channel 482 and the materials used in the first pad 450 and the second pad 452.For example, if the first pad 450 and the second pad 452 are constructed of a compressible material such as foam, the rate of vibration amplitude reduction may be increased. The materials used for the first pad 450 and the second pad 452 may be the same or different. For example, the first pad 450 may be made of a first food-safe foam, and the second pad 452 may be made of a second food-safe foam, with the first foam of the first pad 450 having a reduced density compared to the second foam of the second pad 452. Furthermore, the springboard assembly 401 may include a hydraulic or mechanical damper used in combination with one or more of the above elements. For example, the first pad 450, the second pad 452, and the platform 454 may be assembled as shown in FIG. 8F, and a hydraulic damper may be coupled to the platform 454 and a footboard 470 (shown in FIG. 8G). When the moving ice ingot contacts the first pad 450, a part of the kinetic energy of the ice ingot is absorbed by the hydraulic damper, reducing the impact of stopping the ice ingot and increasing the rate of reduction of the vibration amplitude.

[0240] The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8G may include a springboard assembly 401 for each ice ingot channel 482. Alternative embodiments may include one springboard assembly 401 for multiple ice ingot channels. For example, a single springboard assembly 401 may be used to block any number of channels less than the number of ice ingot channels 482. Further embodiments may include bumper pads 478, 476 instead of the springboard assembly 401. As shown in FIG. 8G, the bumper pads 478, 476 may be placed on the ice ingot travel path and footboard 470. The first bumper pad 478 and the second bumper pad 476 may be made of the same or different materials. For example, the first bumper pad 478 may be made of food-safe foam, and the second bumper pad 476 may be made of food-safe foam having an increased density than the first bumper pad 478. The low density foam of the first bumper pad 478 may provide a cushioned interface for the ice ingots, while the harder foam of the second bumper pad 476 may provide a rigid base. The first bumper pad 478 and the second bumper pad 476 may extend across all of the ice ingot channels of the table, or may be cut across any number of channels less than the total number of ice ingot channels of the table.

[0241] In some embodiments, the blocking element may include a flexible sling or band strapped across one or more ice ingot channel outlets 480 (as in FIG. 8G). For example, a food-safe rubber band may be strapped across the ice ingot outlets 480 to slow and block the sliding ice ingot. Upon contact with the rubber band, the kinetic energy of the ice ingot is transferred to the potential energy of the stretching rubber band until the kinetic energy is overcome and the ice ingot is pushed back into the ice ingot channel of the table. The ice ingot may bounce back with a reduced vibration amplitude due to friction of the ice ingot on the ice ingot channel until it stops moving.

[0242] 9 illustrates an example alignment element (e.g., guide slot system 582) that may be used with the flume / trough assemblies and tables described herein. The alignment element may include a track system or a guide slot system. For example, one or more guide slots may be used to translate the table to or from assembly 490.

[0243] As shown, guide slot system 582 includes first guide slot portion 496a, second guide slot portion 496b, third guide slot portion 494a, fourth guide slot portion 494b, one or more tables 488, and one or more assemblies 490. Table 488 may include first portion 480, second portion 482, third portion 484, and fourth portion 486 that engage with guide slot system 582. First guide slot portion 496a may be parallel to second guide slot portion 496b. Third guide slot portion 494a may be parallel to fourth guide slot portion 494b, and third guide slot portion 494a and fourth guide slot portion 494b may connect to first guide slot portion 496a and second guide slot portion 496b (as shown in FIG. 9 ). In the illustrated example, the table 488 may have a guide slot system 582 that engages the first portion 480, the second portion 482, the third portion 484, and the fourth portion 486. The portions 482, 484, 486, and 488 may be roller assemblies. When the table 488 is translated along the axis 498, the first portion 480 and the second portion 482 may be within the first guide slot portion 496a, and the third portion 484 and the fourth portion 486 may be within the second slot portion 496b. The table 488 thus positioned may be translated along the first portion 496a and the second portion 496b while maintaining an aligned orientation (with respect to the axes 492 and 498) for coupling to the assembly 490 to receive the ice ingot. Translation along first and second guide slot portions 496a, 496b can be performed when transporting table 488 to assembly 490 or when moving away from assembly 490 when loaded with ice ingots. If there is more than one assembly 490, guide slot system 582 can be used, for example, to transport table 488 to a particular assembly 490, to a table with ice ingots ready to be harvested. Third and fourth guide slot portions 494a, 494b can be utilized when moving table 488 from assembly 490 to a position to receive ice ingots.The table 488 may be translated to a point where the first and second guide slot portions 496a and 496b contact the third and fourth guide slot portions 494a and 494b. At the junction where the first and second guide slot portions 496a and 496b contact the third and fourth guide slot portions 494a and 494b, the table 488 may change its translation direction from along the axis 498 to along the axis 492. In changing its translation direction, the first and third portions 480 and 484 may engage with the third guide slot portion 494a, and the second and fourth portions 482 and 486 may engage with the fourth guide slot portion 494b. The third and fourth guide slot portions 494a and 494b may provide tolerance at the interface of the aligned assembly 490 and portions 480, 482, 484, and 486 to ensure alignment of the table 488 relative to the assembly 490. In some embodiments, one or more tables 488 may be used with the guide slot system 582. It may be advantageous to translate the table 488 along the first and second guide slot portions 496a and 496b past another table 488 that engages with the assembly 490. The portion length 580 of the third and fourth guide slot portions 494a and 494b may be greater than the length 584 of the table 488. Thus, as the table 488 is guided toward the interface with the assembly 490, it may translate past another table 488 that engages with the first and second guide slot portions 496a and 496b.

[0244] Some examples of food-safe materials used in the construction of the device elements described herein may include polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, silicone, nylon, acetal, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, neoprene, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and the like.

[0245] While the table can be used to receive and transport ice ingots as described in the examples herein, the table can also include elements for controlling the temperature(s) proximate to the ice ingots. Controlling the temperature proximate to the ice ingots (e.g., lowering the temperature relative to ambient temperature) reduces the risk of the ice ingots melting while being transported or stored on the table. In some embodiments, the element for controlling the temperature(s) can be a device or method that reduces the thermal (e.g., heat) transfer rate of the environment proximate to the ice ingots. For example, a cover or lid surrounding the top of the table can be used to reduce the heat transfer rate of the environment proximate to the ice ingots. The cover or lid can protect the ice ingots from convective heat transfer of airflow and trap air between the cover and the ice ingot, which acts as insulation around the ice ingots. The effectiveness of the cover can be improved by constructing the ice ingot channel from or coating the ice ingot channel with a material having a high thermal resistivity. When the ice ingot is placed on and in contact with a material with high thermal resistivity, heat transferred to the ice ingot through conduction is reduced. The cover or lid may be hingedly coupled to the table or may be removable. Additionally, the cover or lid may fasten to the table with a gasket or otherwise sealed interface. In embodiments with a sealed interface between the cover and the table, a vacuum pump may be used to draw a vacuum inside the cover. Drawing a vacuum inside the cover may eliminate heat transfer through air molecules that would otherwise be inside the cover. Radiation heat transfer through the cover may be reduced by constructing the cover from or coating the cover with a material that has heat-reflective properties. For example, the cover may be covered with polished aluminum foil.

[0246] Another example of an element for controlling the temperature(s) proximate the ice ingots on the table can be the use of a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module can be a Peltier module, which can be used to transfer thermal energy. The Peltier module uses the Peltier effect so that when an electric current is supplied to the module, a "cold" side is created and a "hot" side opposite the "cold" side is created. Some embodiments can include one or more Peltier modules coupled to a portion of the table near the ice ingot channel 482 (shown in FIG. 9 ) so that the "cold" side is conductively coupled to the table portion. The "hot" side of the Peltier module can be conductively coupled to a heat sink. When an electric current is supplied to one or more Peltier modules, thermal energy can be transferred from any material in contact with the "cold" side of the Peltier module, transferred to the "hot" side, and transferred to the heat sink. One or more Peltier modules can be used in conjunction with the cover devices described herein.

[0247] 10 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an exemplary device 1000 for making clear ice. Device 1000 includes a frame 1002 that supports a basin 1004 that can receive assembly 1006 (e.g., a housing for two or more troughs / flumes 1008). Device 1000 also includes a support means attached to assembly 1006. The support means can include one or more movable support members (e.g., support arms 1010, 1014, 1018, and / or 1022) and fixed guide structures (e.g., slide structures 1012, 1016, 1020, and / or 1023) for supporting and guiding the movable support members and housing (e.g., assembly 1006) to tilt back and forth during the freezing operation of device 1000 to vibrate the water in basin 1004 and for lifting assembly 1006 to a preselected height after the freezing operation of device 1000. The support means may represent the support arm and slide structures described herein, as shown above. In some embodiments, the support means may instead include support arm and slide structures for raising, lowering, tilting, spinning, or otherwise manipulating the assembly described herein to process, produce, and / or extrude ice ingots. Generally, device 1000 may also include, or be in fluid and / or electrical communication with, water, pump, and electrical systems not shown here but which may be included, as described in Figures 7A-8D herein.

[0248] The assembly 1006 may be coupled to any number of connecting beams 1028, 1030 that allow movable support members (e.g., support arms 1010, 1014, 1018, and / or 1022) and fixed guide structures (e.g., slide structures 1012, 1016, 1020, and / or 1023) to move (raise, lower, tilt, etc.) the assembly 1006.

[0249] The device 1000 further includes at least one inlet positioned to provide a flow of water to the housing (e.g., the trough of the assembly 1006), as described in detail with respect to Figures 7A-7B herein. The device 1000 may also include means for distributing the flow of water from the at least one inlet to the multiple elongated troughs. Such means may include a manifold and / or control and / or associated piping, valves, etc., as described herein. Generally, the flow of water is distributed in a substantially laminar manner along the multiple elongated troughs while the housing is immersed and during freezing operation of the device. The flow of water may be a substantially constant flow of water down the multiple elongated troughs, flowing at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the multiple elongated troughs, as described in detail with respect to Figures 7A-7B herein.

[0250] In some embodiments, at least one intake port is coupled to a venturi nozzle to increase the flow of water to one or more elongated troughs of assembly 1006 in response to determining that one or more troughs exhibit a water pressure drop below a predefined threshold pressure, as described in detail herein.

[0251] As shown in FIG. 10 , assembly 1006 includes 16 elongated troughs modularly connected and arranged parallel to one another. However, any number of troughs may be contemplated for use in device 1000. Each trough may include at least one flume surface wall that is in thermal communication with a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 in FIG. 4B ) while trough assembly 1006 is immersed in a water bath. The cooling source may be selected from an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and / or a condenser, as described in detail throughout this disclosure. If a coolant is used, the coolant may include, but is not limited to, water, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, salt water, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0252] During operation, turbulent coolant flow can be generated by adjusting the velocity of the coolant flowing within the internal cooling cavities within the elongated troughs. In some embodiments, turbulent coolant flow can be generated using turbulators in each elongated trough. The turbulators can be comprised of metal shaped, such as coils or other shapes, installed within the coolant flow field (either upstream of the elongated troughs or within each trough). For example, the turbulators can be configured to partially block a portion of the coolant flow field and / or a portion of the inlet in each elongated trough to generate turbulence by stirring the coolant flowing through the elongated troughs.

[0253] Device 1000 may also be configured to receive a flow of water into a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 1006) to substantially cover an elongated trough 1008 within basin 1004 and during a freezing operation of ice making device 1000. Upon completing a recipe or ice making process, device 1000 may be configured to be lifted, agitated, vibrated, heated, and / or manipulated to remove the produced ice.

[0254] Device 1000 further includes extrusion assembly 1050 (FIG. 11). Extrusion assembly 1050 may be configured to remove ice from the trough of assembly 1006. Extrusion assembly 1050 is coupled to frame 1051 (and assembly 1006), which further couples to lead screw 1052 (see FIG. 12). Lead screw 1052 may be coupled to drive mechanism 1054 (e.g., motor, hand wheel, etc.). Extrusion assembly 1050 may be coupled to a portion of housing assembly 1006 by connecting beams 1028, 1030.

[0255] In some embodiments, the extrusion assembly 1050 may be replaced by an extrusion assembly having several knurled wheels, each mounted on an axle that is radially mounted to a support. The support may be movably mounted to a portion of the housing. For example, the support may be spring-mounted to the knurled wheels, allowing the wheels to resiliently contact the elongated ice ingots in the elongated flumes, rotating the wheels and moving the ingots out of the end opening of the assembly 1006. For example, each knurled wheel may be positioned to resiliently contact a portion of at least one clear ice ingot (formed within the multiple elongated troughs). Each knurled wheel may be configured to rotate on an axle to grip at least one clear ice ingot and move the ingot along the multiple elongated troughs of the assembly 1006.

[0256] The frame 1051 may be coupled to the housing assembly 1006 by connecting the beams 1028, 1030. The frame 1051 may further be coupled to a paddle assembly 1056 to aid in the removal of the ice ingots after the freezing operation. In some embodiments, the frame 1051 may instead be coupled to supports and axles for each trough. Each support and axle may receive a knurled wheel.

[0257] During operation, the drive mechanism 1054 (e.g., a linear actuator, a stepper motor, a hand wheel, etc.) may rotate the lead screw 1052, which may cause the paddle assembly 1056 to push ice ingots out of the channel of the trough assembly 1006. For example, the trough assembly 1006 includes a first end A1 and a second end A2 configured to rise from a first position (within the water bath of the basin 1004) to a second position (above the water bath / basin 1004) to release clear ice formed in at least one of the multiple elongated troughs. The first position includes both the first end A of the housing 1006 and the second end B of the housing 1006 being substantially parallel to and below the surface of the water bath in the basin 1004. The second position includes the first end A of the housing 1006 and the second end B of the housing 1006 being raised from the first position substantially parallel to and upwardly from the surface of the water tank / basin 1004 via the movable support members (e.g., support arms 1010, 1014, 1018, and / or 1022) and fixed guide structures (e.g., slide structures 1012, 1016, 1020, and / or 1023). For example, a pneumatic actuator may be attached to the device 1000 and operable to lift the housing assembly 1006 from an initial housing position to a predetermined elevated position during translation along the first slide structure 1012, the second slide structure 1016, the third slide structure 1020, and the fourth slide structure 1023, and then lift the housing assembly 1006 with the first support arm 1010, the second support arm 1014, the third support arm 1018, and the fourth support arm 1022.

[0258] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing assembly 1006 is further configured to vibrate during lifting / raising from the first position to the second position to loosen and / or loosen clear ice formed within at least one of the multiple elongated troughs of the assembly 1006. In some embodiments, at least one flume surface wall (e.g., a trough wall) may be in thermal communication with a heating source. The heating source may be configured to heat the at least one flume surface wall after a freezing operation of the device to effect such loosening of the ice ingots. After lifting the assembly 1006 and heating the trough 1008, etc., the paddle assembly 1056 may push the ice from the assembly 1006 onto a conveyor, table, etc.

[0259] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary paddle assembly 1056 for pushing ice from one or more troughs. The paddle assembly includes prongs 1302 that can be sized to fit within and push ice from the troughs. For example, each of the 16 prongs 1302 can be sized to fit a single trough. The paddle assembly 1056 can be disposed at a first end A of the device 1000 after an ice-making operation. The paddle assembly 1056 can then be triggered to push ice ingots from each trough opening at the first end A of the device 1000 and out of the trough opening at the second end B of the device 1000, such that each paddle of the paddle assembly 1056 translates along the length of each trough opening. While paddles are shown, one skilled in the art will understand that any structure or surface can be translated along the length of the trough to remove, move, or otherwise push or guide ingots through the trough.

[0260] The paddle assembly 1056 also includes a guide 1304 for receiving the lead screw 1052. For example, the lead screw 1052 may be threaded through the guide 1304. In some embodiments, the guide 1306 may be included on the paddle assembly 1056 to hold a support shaft (not shown) for supporting the frame 1051 of the extrusion assembly 1050.

[0261] Figure 14 illustrates an example of the assembly 1006 of Figure 10 in an elevated position. For example, pusher assembly 1050 is coupled to trough assembly 1006. The combined assembly is lifted out of the water trough (not shown) and above the surface of frame 1002 to begin the ice release / extrusion process. Figure 15 illustrates an example of pushing ice ingots 1502 onto a conveyor / table 1504 after the ice-making operation is complete.

[0262] method 16 is an example flow diagram of a process 1600 for producing clear ice. Process 1600 includes providing a device for making clear ice (e.g., device 400, device 500, device 600, device 755, etc.) at block S1602, receiving a water source at block S1604, providing a flow of water down at least one elongated trough at block S1606, cooling at least a portion of at least one flume surface wall of the at least one elongated trough at block S1608, and extruding / releasing at least one elongated ice structure formed in the at least one elongated trough at block S1610.

[0263] Process 1600 includes providing a device for making clear ice according to block S1602. The device for making clear ice can be any of the device embodiments described elsewhere herein and depicted in the various figures above. In one example, the device can include a housing having a plurality of elongated troughs, each of the plurality of elongated troughs including at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a water bath.

[0264] The device may also include at least one inlet positioned to provide a flow of water from a water source to a first end of the housing assembly (e.g., assembly 100, 150, 602, etc.). The device may also include means for distributing the flow of water from the at least one inlet to the multiple elongated troughs. Such means may include a manifold and / or control and / or associated piping, valves, etc., as described herein. Generally, the flow of water is distributed with a substantially laminar flow and substantially equal pressure along the multiple elongated troughs while the housing is immersed and during freezing operation of the device. The flow of water may be a substantially constant flow of water through the multiple elongated troughs, flowing at a velocity of at least about 0.09 meters per second through the multiple elongated troughs.

[0265] At block S1604, the process 1600 includes receiving a water source at the device for making clear ice. For example, the flowing water source can be connected to the device pump or inlet. In another example, the water source can be a reservoir of water that the device pump can draw in and provide to the manifolds, pipes, and valves described herein.

[0266] In block S1606, process 1600 includes providing a substantially constant flow of water through an inlet and down a plurality of elongated troughs from a first end of a housing assembly (e.g., assembly 150 of FIG. 1B) to a second end of the housing assembly opposite the first end of the housing assembly. For example, the constant flow of water may be provided at a first end defined by widths A-C of housing 150 and may flow toward a second end of housing assembly B.

[0267] In some embodiments, the flow of water is provided to the elongated trough by at least one intake valve positioned in a housing / assembly associated with the elongated trough. In some embodiments, the flow of water can be provided by other means as understood by those skilled in the art. A sufficient flow rate of water is utilized to exclude air bubbles and impurities from the transparent ice growth layer on the at least one flume surface wall during the freezing operation of the device.

[0268] At block S1608, process 1600 includes cooling at least one flume surface wall to a temperature at the at least one flume surface wall below about zero degrees Celsius, as described in detail above. The cooling may be performed by a cooling source (e.g., cooling source 423 of FIG. 4B) including one or more of an internal cooling cavity defined by a housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, or a condenser.

[0269] In block S1610, the process includes, after the freezing operation, including cooling, pushing / releasing at least one elongated ice structure formed in the at least one elongated trough. The pushing / releasing may include lifting a first end of the housing assembly to a preselected tilt angle to eject the plurality of elongated ice structures from a second end of the housing assembly. The first end of the housing assembly may be defined by widths A-C of the housing 150 (FIG. 1B). The second end of the housing assembly may be defined by end B of the assembly 150 (FIG. 1B). The ice ejection may occur, for example, from an end opposite to the end where water flows within the elongated trough of the assembly 150.

[0270] In some embodiments, the device for making clear ice further includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform instructions including receiving a recipe program, the recipe program defining a cooling source temperature protocol, a cooling time protocol, and a rate for water flow; and executing the recipe program to cause the device to produce clear ice in the multiple elongated troughs in accordance with the recipe program.

[0271] The cooling time protocol may indicate the length of time to perform cooling according to the recipe program to produce a particular ice structure. The length of time may be based at least in part on a selected cooling source, a defined rate of water flow, an ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the device, a temperature of the flume surface wall within the device, or a combination thereof. During the length of cooling, the ice ingots produced by the device may be harvested.

[0272] The cooling source temperature protocol may indicate several settings to configure for the duration of the cooling time, which may include two or more of a temperature for cooling the water bath of the device, an initial cooling temperature for cooling at least one flume surface wall, a mid-cycle plateau flow or temperature for cooling at least one flume surface wall, an end plateau flow or temperature, and an annealing time.

[0273] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of a trough for making clear ice. As shown, the ice-making process is ongoing during a freezing operation. In this embodiment, a housing 1702 of a single elongated trough 1704 has a semicircular base flume surface wall 1706 and first and second side flume surface walls 1708 and 1710. These surface flume walls 1706, 1708, 1710 are in thermal communication with an internal cooling cavity 1712 or other cooling device enclosed by the housing 1702. During a freezing operation, sufficient coolant 1714 is circulated through the internal cooling cavity 1712 so that the coolant 1714 flowing down the length of the elongated trough 1704 within its ice-forming zone 1705b, as divided by line A, can freeze onto the surface flume walls 1706, 1708, and / or 1710 to form clear ice ingots. 17 depicts an intermediate point during the freezing operation where clear ice 1716 (shaded region) has begun to form on the flume surface walls 1706, 1708, 1710, but has not yet frozen enough water to form a solid ingot of clear ice. Arrow 1718 illustrates the general direction of ice formation during this process. Once a solid ingot of clear ice has formed, the remaining flowing water traverses the elongated trough 1704 and can be removed via an outlet (e.g., a water outlet valve, a drain, and / or an associated fluid line).

[0274] FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a flow rectifier 1800 (e.g., a flow rectifier insert) positioned within an elongated trough 1850 attached to one of the entry portals of the elongated trough 1850. In some embodiments, the flow rectifier 1800 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material insert or assembly that defines one or more apertures or openings 1802. These openings 1802 can have various shapes, numbers, and arrangements within the flow rectifier 1800 across multiple embodiments, but in many embodiments, the openings are all circular (except those abutting the edges of the flow rectifier 1800), have the same diameter, and are spaced apart in a series of packed rows as shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the height of one or more openings 1102a in the flow rectifier 1800 is no greater than the maximum height of the corresponding entry portal. In some embodiments, the height of the one or more openings 1102a is a predetermined height that is no higher than line C and within the water overflow zone of the elongated trough 1850, but is lower than the maximum height of the elongated trough 1850. In some embodiments, each trough 1850 has a flow straightener 1800 positioned at both its corresponding inlet and outlet portals. In some embodiments, each elongated trough 1850 has a flow straightener 1800 positioned at only one of the inlet or outlet portals. In some embodiments, the elongated trough 1850 can lack a flow straightener 1800 at both the inlet and outlet portals. Across various embodiments, the flow straightener 1800 can be coupled to the flow inlet portal, the outlet portal, or by one or more flow block caps by various coupling means, including, but not limited to, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, the flow straightener 1800 can be replicated in a circular pattern for each trough. The flow rectifier 1800 may consist of a single disk including the flow rectifier portion with a flow block cap between them (see FIG. 16).

[0275] In many embodiments, flow straightener 1800 helps organize the flow of water into and out of elongated trough 1850. Flow straightener 1800 can prevent or mitigate the formation of swirling vortices of water within elongated trough 1850. Such vortices can create areas within elongated trough 1850 where the water is moving too slowly, thus leading to cloudy areas within the resulting ingot of clear ice.

[0276] 19A-19C, 20A-20C, and 21A-21C depict various embodiments of possible cross-sectional shapes for the elongated trough. Any combination of trough shapes may be combined within a single elongated structure (e.g., housing 802) and / or housing assembly (e.g., assemblies 100, 150, 602). In FIGS. 19A-19C, the elongated trough is defined by semicircular base surface walls 1202a, 1202b, 1202c and first and second side walls 1204a, 1204b, 1204c and 1206a, 1206b, 1206c, respectively. In FIG. 19A, side walls 1204a and 1206a are perpendicular to a plane tangent to the lowest point of base surface wall 1202a. In FIG. 19B, first side wall 1204b has an interior angle θ away from vertical as defined in FIG. 19A. Throughout many embodiments, angle θ is greater than about zero degrees, but can be any value up to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, angle θ can be between about 0.25 degrees and about 10 degrees. In yet other embodiments, angle θ can be between about 0.25 degrees and about 8 degrees. In yet further embodiments, angle θ can be between about 0.25 degrees and about 5 degrees. In yet other embodiments, angle θ can be between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees.

[0277] In FIG. 19B, first side wall 1204b deviates from upright, while second side wall 1206b stands upright, creating an asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. In FIG. 19C, first side wall 1204c has an interior angle θ1 away from vertical, and second side wall 1206c has an interior angle θ2 away from vertical. In some embodiments, both θ1 and θ2 can each be any value greater than about zero degrees but less than or equal to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, angles θ1 and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 10 degrees. In still other embodiments, angles θ1 and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 8 degrees. In still further embodiments, angles θ1 and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 5 degrees. In yet other embodiments, angles θ1 and θ2 can each be between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have the same value, creating a symmetric cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have different values, creating an asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. Thus, across many embodiments, at least one of the two side trough (e.g., flume) surface walls 1204a, 1204b, 1204c and 1206a, 1206b, 1206c can have an interior angle of about zero degrees or more and about 15 degrees or less from upright.

[0278] Figures 20A-20C depict a similar cross-sectional shape of an elongated trough where the base surface walls 1302a, 1302b, 1302c are semi-elliptical, and Figures 21A-21C further depict a similar cross-sectional shape of an elongated trough where the base surface walls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c are flat, resulting in a square base when both the first and second side walls 1404a and 1406a are perpendicular or at right angles to the base surface wall 1402a (as shown in Figure 21A).

[0279] In some embodiments of FIGS. 20A-20C, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be any value greater than about zero degrees but less than or equal to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 10 degrees. In still other embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 8 degrees. In further embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 5 degrees. In yet other embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have the same value, creating a symmetrical cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have different values, creating an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. Thus, across many embodiments, at least one of the two side walls 1304a, 1304b, 1304c and 1306a, 1306b, 1306c can have an interior angle of about zero degrees or more and about 15 degrees or less from upright.

[0280] In some embodiments of FIGS. 21A-21C, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be any value greater than about zero degrees but less than or equal to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 10 degrees. In still other embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 8 degrees. In further embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 0.25 degrees and about 5 degrees. In yet other embodiments, angles θ, θ1, and θ2 can each be between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have the same value, creating a symmetrical cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. In some embodiments, θ1 and θ2 have different values, creating an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the elongated trough. Thus, across many embodiments, at least one of the two side walls 1404a, 1404b, 1404c and 1406a, 1406b, 1406c can have an interior angle of about zero degrees or more and about 15 degrees or less from upright. In some embodiments, the joint connecting the side wall 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1406a, 1406b, 1406c to the base surface wall 1402a, 1402b, 1402c is at an acute angle (i.e., as depicted in Figures 21A-21C). In some embodiments, the joints connecting the side walls 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1406a, 1406b, 1406c to the base surface walls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c are curved angles with some form of arcuate geometry to smooth the transition between the flat base surface walls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c and the side walls 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1406a, 1406b, 1406c. In some embodiments, the arcuate joint transitions occupy no more than about 30 percent of the total length of the base surface walls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c. In some embodiments, the arcuate joint transitions occupy no more than about 20 percent of the total width of the base surface walls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c. As used herein, an acute angle may include a plane of a first sidewall intersecting the plane of a second sidewall at a point, while as used herein, an acute angle may include a first sidewall transitioning to a second sidewall along a curved (e.g., arcuate) path.

[0281] The possible cross-sectional shape embodiments for the elongated trough depicted in Figures 19A-19C, 20A-20C, and 21A-21C are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the total number of cross-sectional shapes available.

[0282] In some embodiments, having θ, θ1, and θ2 above approximately zero degrees can be valuable for producing clear ice during the freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments of the present device, clear ice forms on at least a portion of the base trough (e.g., flume) wall and the two side walls (as shown in Figure 9). As discussed above, this arrangement can be considered "multidirectional freezing" in some embodiments. Multidirectional freezing can greatly facilitate the production of clear ice because ice can accumulate on multiple surfaces simultaneously to form a single ice piece. However, when the clear ice sections forming on opposite surface walls begin to approach each other, at least two situations can occur that can compromise the clarity of the ice. First, the space between the ice on the two side walls can fill with new ice too quickly, trapping air and other impurities within the narrow portion of the ice ingot. This creates a cloudy ice surface that can penetrate a portion of the ingot's volume, thus compromising the desired clear ice characteristics. Second, ice bridges can develop between the two opposing ice sheets accumulated on the side walls. These ice bridges disrupt the simple crystal lattice desired for clear ice, and if the spaces around the bridges also freeze, they can cause the final product to have internal cracks visible to the observer, again compromising the desired transparency of the final product.

[0283] A method for producing clear ice using the device described herein may include providing a device for making clear ice, providing a flow of water down at least one elongated trough, and a circulating coolant (or other fluid) through at least one internal cooling cavity. The method described herein may function to produce clear ice, particularly elongated ingots of clear ice. The method described herein may be used to produce clear ice for consumption in beverages, but may additionally or alternatively be used for any suitable application. The method described herein may be configured and / or adapted to function for any suitable rapid freezing of a liquid to produce a frozen substance.

[0284] In some embodiments, the methods described herein may include providing a flow of water down a plurality of elongated troughs. In some embodiments, the water flow may be provided to each elongated trough by at least one inlet valve positioned on the housing of the device and drained by at least one drain valve as described above. In some embodiments, the water flow may be provided by other means understood by those skilled in the art. During the freezing operation of the device, a sufficient flow rate of water may be used to exclude air bubbles and impurities from the transparent ice growth layer on the surface base and / or walls of at least one trough.

[0285] In some embodiments, the methods described herein may further include cooling at least a portion of one or more surface bases / walls of each trough to produce a transparent ice growth layer on at least a portion of one or more surface bases / walls of each trough. In some embodiments, this cooling may be performed by circulating a coolant through at least one internal cooling cavity, as described above. Also, as discussed above, coolant is provided to the device by a coolant supply system via at least one coolant inlet valve and cycled out by at least one coolant outlet valve.

[0286] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more surface bases / walls of each trough is cooled to a temperature of about zero degrees Celsius or below. In another embodiment, the bases / walls are cooled to about -45 degrees Celsius. In yet other embodiments, the bases / walls are cooled to between about zero degrees Celsius and about -20 degrees Celsius. In a further embodiment, the bases / walls are cooled to between about -2 degrees Celsius and about -20 degrees Celsius. In a further embodiment, the bases / walls are cooled to between about -2 degrees Celsius and about -35 degrees Celsius.

[0287] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more surface / base walls of each trough is adapted to maintain a constant temperature during a freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more surface / base walls of each trough is adapted to provide a variable temperature during a freezing operation of the device that varies according to a predetermined temperature schedule.

[0288] In some embodiments, the cooling described throughout this disclosure may include gradually decreasing the temperature of the base / wall over time. In some embodiments, the gradual decrease in temperature allows the device to overcome the inherent insulating properties of the ice that forms. In some embodiments, the temperature of the base / wall decreases from about 0 degrees Celsius to about -30 degrees Celsius over the duration of the freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments, the temperature of the base / wall decreases from about -2 degrees Celsius to about -20 degrees Celsius over the duration of the freezing operation of the device. In some embodiments, the freezing operation of the device lasts for about 12 hours or less. In some embodiments, the freezing operation of the device lasts for about 30 minutes to about 10 hours. In yet other embodiments, the freezing operation of the device lasts for about 30 minutes to about 4 hours. In additional embodiments, the freezing operation of the device lasts for about 2 hours.

[0289] The methods described herein allow the flow of water and circulation of coolant until a desired amount of clarity is formed within one or more of the elongated troughs. The resulting clear ice ingot has a length and cross-sectional shape determined by or related to the length and cross-sectional shape of the corresponding elongated trough in which it is formed. Once the ice ingot has formed to a predetermined or desired height or volume, the flow of water and circulation of coolant can be stopped, and the ice ingot can be removed by various means understood by those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, slightly melting the ingot or removing it by mechanical means. In some embodiments, the slight melting can be provided by circulating a warmer coolant within at least one internal cooling cavity. In some embodiments, one or more side walls can further include one or more heating elements or heating means, such that the outer surface of the ice ingot can be melted to facilitate removal of the ice from the device. For example, one or more flume surface walls can be in thermal communication with a heating source configured to heat the clear ice formed within at least one of the elongated troughs after the freezing operation of the device.

[0290] In some embodiments, the ice ingot can be removed vertically by lifting it out of the elongated trough, while in some embodiments, the ice ingot can be removed horizontally by sliding it out of the elongated trough through an openable or removable end wall. In some embodiments, the device is adapted so that the ice ingot adheres to a surface of the lid, and removal of the lid further removes the ice ingot.

[0291] As noted above, in some embodiments, the temperature of the trough surface wall (hereinafter "surface temperature") is varied (e.g., between zero degrees Celsius and about -25 degrees Celsius, or any of the ice-making methods described elsewhere herein). In some embodiments, the water flow rate (hereinafter "water flow rate") is varied (e.g., a percentage of maximum water flow between about 5 percent and about 100 percent, or any of the ice-making methods described elsewhere herein). In some embodiments, both the surface temperature and the water flow rate are varied. In some embodiments, neither the temperature nor the flow rate is varied. In various other embodiments, the temperature of the water flowing through the elongated trough (hereinafter "water temperature") can be varied, either alone or in addition to the other parameters described above.

[0292] The various freezing operations and / or associated methods may be software-controlled or implemented, such that the freezing cycle, flow rate, etc., may be programmed and controlled by software. In some embodiments, the various freezing operations and / or associated methods and variations thereof may be embodied and / or implemented, at least in part, as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are 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 clear ice, including, but not limited to, its various valves, inlets, and / or outlets. The computer-readable medium may 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 other suitable device. The computer-executable component may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor, although any suitable dedicated hardware or hardware / firmware combination may alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.

[0293] The computer program product 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.

[0294] 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 "trough" can include, and is intended to include, multiple troughs. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as "multiple," "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, multiples are not intended.

[0295] 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 percent, 1 percent, or 0.1 percent (+) 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 percent) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

[0296] 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 insignificant or inconsequential elements or steps. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0297] The examples and figures included herein show, by way of illustration, not limitation, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the present subject matter 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 this 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 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. A device for making clear ice, comprising: a housing including a plurality of elongated troughs, each of the plurality of elongated troughs having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one fluid inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow into the housing; means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the plurality of elongated troughs while maintaining substantially laminar fluid flow and substantially equal fluid pressure along the plurality of elongated troughs while the housing is immersed in the fluid bath and during a freezing operation of the device.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid inlet is coupled to a venturi nozzle to increase fluid flow to one or more elongated troughs in the plurality of elongated troughs in response to determining that the one or more elongated troughs exhibit a fluid pressure drop below a predefined threshold pressure.

3. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated troughs is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device and modularly coupled to at least one other elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

4. the plurality of elongated troughs a first elongated trough, a first sidewall having a first notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the first sidewall and a first keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the first sidewall, the first notch portion and the first keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the first sidewall; a first elongated trough including a second sidewall having a second notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the second sidewall and a second keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the second sidewall, the second notch portion and the second keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of an outer wall of the second sidewall; a second elongated trough, a third sidewall having a third notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the third sidewall and a third keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the third sidewall, the third notch portion and the third keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of an outer wall of the third sidewall; 4. The device of claim 3, comprising: a fourth sidewall having a fourth notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the fourth sidewall and a fourth keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the fourth sidewall, the fourth notch portion and the fourth keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the fourth sidewall; and a second elongated trough including: a fourth sidewall having a fourth notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the fourth sidewall and a fourth keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the fourth sidewall, the fourth notch portion and the fourth keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the fourth sidewall, the second notch portion configured to align with the third notch portion and the second keyhole shaped slot configured to be removably fastened to the third keyhole shaped slot.

5. Further comprising a third elongated trough within the plurality of elongated troughs, the third elongated trough comprising:

5. The device of claim 4, comprising a fifth sidewall having a fifth notch portion formed in an upper outer portion of the fifth sidewall and a fifth keyhole shaped slot formed in a middle outer portion of the fifth sidewall, the fifth notch portion and the fifth keyhole shaped slot extending along a length of the outer wall of the fifth sidewall, the fourth notch portion configured to align with the fifth notch portion, and the fourth keyhole shaped slot configured to be removably fastened to the fifth keyhole shaped slot.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir provides a fluid level that is between 2.5 centimeters and about 10.1 centimeters above a top surface of the submerged housing.

7. an extrusion assembly including at least a lead screw coupled to a drive mechanism, the extrusion assembly coupled to a portion of the housing and to a frame structure coupled to the housing; 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a paddle assembly comprising a plurality of prongs and a guide, the guide configured to receive the lead screw threaded therethrough.

8. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a first end and a second end configured to rise from a first position to a second position to release the clear ice formed in at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs, the first position comprising both the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing being substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid bath, and the second position comprising the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing rising from the first position substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid bath and above the second end.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the housing is further configured to vibrate during the elevation from the first position to the second position to release the transparent ice formed in at least one of the plurality of elongated troughs.

10. and an extrusion assembly including a plurality of knurled wheels, each of the plurality of knurled wheels rotatably mounted on an axle radially mounted to a support, the support being movably mounted to a portion of the housing, each knurled wheel including: in resiliently contacting a portion of at least one transparent ice formed within the plurality of elongated troughs; 2. The device of claim 1, configured to rotate on the axle to grip the at least one piece of transparent ice and move the at least one piece of transparent ice along the plurality of elongated troughs.

11. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one flume surface wall is further configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source, the heat source configured to heat the at least one flume surface wall after the freezing operation of the device.

12. a plurality of pneumatic actuators operatively connected between the housing and a frame structure fixed to and supporting the housing, the frame structure comprising: a first support arm engaging the first slide structure; a second support arm engaging the second slide structure; a third support arm engaging the third slide structure; and a fourth support arm that engages with the fourth slide structure.

13. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to cause lifting of the housing in translation along the first, second, third, and fourth slide structures from an initial position of the housing to a predetermined elevated position, and then lift the housing on the first, second, third, and fourth support arms to enable release of the transparent ice formed in the plurality of elongated troughs.

14. a first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders operatively connected between the housing and the frame structure in spaced relation to the first and second support arms; 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders operatively connected between the housing and the frame structure in spaced apart relation to the third support arm and the second support arm.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the first pair of pneumatic lift cylinders and the second pair of pneumatic lift cylinders are operable to lift the housing from a submerged position to a predetermined elevated position.

16. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein two or more of the plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to generate waves in the fluid bath by vibrating the frame structure according to a predefined recipe.

17. the plurality of pneumatic actuators according to the predefined recipe and during the freezing operation of the device; a first cycle including raising a front side of the housing along both the first slide structure and the second slide structure from an initial position of the housing to a first raised position; a second cycle including lowering a rear side of the housing along both the third slide structure and the fourth slide structure from the initial position of the housing to a first lowered position; a third cycle including lowering the front side of the housing along both the first slide structure and the second slide structure from the first raised position to a second lowered position; and a fourth cycle including raising the rear side of the housing along both the third sliding structure and the fourth sliding structure from the first lowered position to a second raised position.

18. The predefined recipe is programmed into a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the device, the predefined recipe comprising at least: an amount of time for suspending operation of the framework between one or more of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, the fourth cycle, and any repeating cycles; and and an amount of elapsed time for performing each of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, and the fourth cycle.

19. The predefined recipe is configured to: pausing the operation of the framework for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the second cycle and for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the fourth cycle; 20. The device of claim 18, comprising instructions to cause the first cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the second cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the third cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, and the fourth cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds.

20. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of elongated troughs further comprises at least one drain positioned to drain fluid from a respective elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

21. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the means for distributing fluid flow is a manifold coupled to the at least one fluid inlet, the manifold defining an inlet manifold cavity fluidly connected to the plurality of elongated troughs through a respective inlet portal corresponding to each elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

22. 22. The device of claim 21, further comprising at least one drain having a drain manifold defining a single drain manifold cavity fluidly connected to the plurality of elongated troughs through an outlet portal corresponding to each elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

23. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid bath is a water bath configured to be maintained at a temperature of between about 0.1 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.

24. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow is substantially constant beneath the plurality of elongated troughs and has a velocity through the plurality of elongated troughs of at least about 0.09 meters per second.

25. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cooling source is coupled to a plurality of cooling cavities configured to control temperature to facilitate ice formation in the plurality of elongated troughs by flowing a coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities, each of the plurality of cooling cavities forming a coolant inlet valve for receiving coolant from the cooling source and a coolant outlet valve positioned to remove the coolant from the cooling cavity.

26. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the cooling source is coupled to a manifold having at least one inlet for each of the plurality of cooling cavities, the manifold configured to select a flow rate of the coolant through each coolant inlet valve associated with a respective cooling cavity of the plurality of cooling cavities to induce laminar flow of the coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities or turbulent flow of the coolant through the plurality of cooling cavities.

27. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the coolant inlet valve and the coolant outlet valve are both disposed at a first end of each respective elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs.

28. 28. The device of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of cooling cavities extends along a substantially tubular path from the coolant inlet valve at the first end of a respective elongated trough in the plurality of elongated troughs to a second end of the respective elongated trough, bending at a first radius on a first side of the second end and bending at a second radius on a second side of the second end, substantially extending the length of the respective elongated trough to the coolant outlet valve at the first end of the respective elongated trough.

29. 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the substantially tubular passage comprises a substantially conformal polygonal channel.

30. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the coolant is circulated from the cooling source through the plurality of cooling cavities in a turbulent flow.

31. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the coolant is a glycol-based coolant cooled to about -7 degrees Celsius to about -13 degrees Celsius.

32. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the coolant is provided to each elongated trough from the coolant source at a rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute to about 3 gallons per minute.

33. 1. A device for making clear ice, comprising: a housing including a plurality of elongated troughs, each of the plurality of elongated troughs having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow into the housing; means for distributing the fluid flow from the at least one inlet to the plurality of elongated troughs; a plurality of pneumatic actuators operatively connected between the housing and a frame structure secured to and supporting the housing, the plurality of pneumatic actuators operable to generate waves in the fluid bath by vibrating the frame structure during a freezing operation of the device and while the housing is immersed in the fluid bath according to a predefined recipe.

34. 34. The device of claim 33, wherein two or more of the plurality of pneumatic actuators are operable to generate waves in the fluid bath by vibrating the frame structure according to a predefined recipe.

35. The frame structure is a first support arm engaging the first slide structure; a second support arm engaging the second slide structure; a third support arm engaging the third slide structure; and a fourth support arm that engages with the fourth slide structure.

36. the pneumatic actuator according to the predefined recipe and during the freezing operation of the device, a first cycle including raising a front side of the housing along both the first slide structure and the second slide structure from an initial position of the housing to a first raised position; a second cycle including lowering a rear side of the housing along both the third slide structure and the fourth slide structure from the initial position of the housing to a first lowered position; a third cycle including lowering the front side of the housing along both the first slide structure and the second slide structure from the first raised position to a second lowered position; and a fourth cycle including raising the rear side of the housing along both the third sliding structure and the fourth sliding structure from the first lowered position to a second raised position.

37. The predefined recipe is programmed into a processor and memory communicatively coupled to the device, the predefined recipe comprising at least: an amount of time for suspending the operation of the framework between one or more of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, the fourth cycle, and any repeating cycles; and and an amount of elapsed time for performing each of the first cycle, the second cycle, the third cycle, and the fourth cycle.

38. The predefined recipe is configured to: pausing the operation of the framework for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the second cycle and for about 1 second to about 2 seconds after performing the fourth cycle; 38. The device of claim 37, comprising instructions to cause the first cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the second cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, the third cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds, and the fourth cycle to run for about 1 second to about 2 seconds.

39. 1. A device for making clear ice, comprising: a housing comprising at least one elongated trough having at least three flume surface walls in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet arranged to provide a fluid flow to the housing via a manifold that provides a substantially laminar fluid flow along the at least one elongated trough during a freezing operation of the device; and support means attached to said housing, said support means comprising a movable support member and a fixed guide structure for supporting and guiding said movable support member and said housing to elevate to a preselected height after said freezing operation of said device.

40. 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the freezing operation is configured to cool the at least three surfaces of the at least one elongated trough to a temperature of about zero degrees Celsius or less at the at least one flume surface wall.

41. 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the cooling source is selected from the group consisting of an interior cooling cavity defined by the housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and a condenser.

42. 1. A method for producing clear ice, comprising:

1. A device for making clear ice, comprising: a housing including at least one elongated trough, the housing having at least one flume surface wall in thermal communication with a cooling source while the housing is immersed in a fluid bath; at least one inlet positioned to provide a fluid flow to the first end of the housing; means for distributing a flow of fluid from said at least one inlet to said at least one elongated trough, said means for distributing said flow of fluid with substantially laminar flow and substantially equal pressure along said at least one elongated trough while said housing is immersed and during freezing operation of said device; providing a substantially constant flow of fluid under the at least one elongated trough from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing opposite the first end of the housing through the inlet; and cooling the at least one flume surface wall to a temperature below about zero degrees Celsius at the at least one flume surface wall.

43. extruding the elongated ice structure formed in the at least one elongated trough after the freezing operation including the cooling, wherein the extruding comprises:

43. The method of claim 42, comprising raising the first end of the housing to a preselected height and ejecting the elongated ice structure from the second end of the housing.

44. said device for making clear ice comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: receiving a recipe program, the recipe program defining a cooling source temperature protocol, a cooling time protocol, and a rate for the flow of the fluid; 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: executing the recipe program to cause the device to perform instructions including: producing clear ice in the at least one elongated trough in accordance with the recipe program.

45. the cooling source temperature protocol indicates a plurality of settings for configuring a duration of a cooling time associated with the cooling time protocol, the plurality of settings comprising: a temperature to which the fluid bath is cooled; and an initial cooling temperature for cooling the at least one flume surface wall; a mid-cycle plateau flow or temperature for cooling the at least one flume surface wall; end plateau flow or temperature; and an annealing time.

46. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the cooling source is selected from the group consisting of an interior cooling cavity defined by the housing, an evaporator, a cooling plate, and a condenser.

47. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the substantially constant fluid flow beneath the at least one elongated trough has a velocity through the at least one elongated trough of at least about 0.09 meters per second.

48. 1. A method for making clear ice, comprising: providing a housing, the housing comprising: at least one elongated trough formed with at least one surface flume wall defining a cavity, said at least one elongated trough having at least one coolant inlet valve and at least one coolant outlet valve; a coolant source in thermal communication with the at least one surface flume wall for circulating coolant within the housing via the at least one coolant inlet valve and the at least one coolant outlet valve; Varying one or more of the temperature of the coolant source, the coolant flow rate, and the movement profile of the housing over time; and raising the housing to a predetermined height at a predetermined time to push out ice formed within the at least one elongated trough.

49. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the predetermined time is selected based on the amount of increase or decrease in the temperature of the coolant source, the coolant flow rate, or the movement profile of the housing.

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