Systems and methods of ice making devices

Abstract

An ice maker can include a first chamber including an inlet, a second chamber disposed in the first chamber, extending around a shaft, including a first aperture, a plurality of ice slicers positioned on the second chamber, a die extending around the shaft and in contact with the second chamber, the die including a die aperture to allow ice out of the first aperture in an ice extrusion mode, an ice pusher extending around the shaft and including a rod, the rod aligned with the first aperture and extending into the first aperture in the ice extrusion mode to push ice out of the second chamber, a drive assembly to move the die and the ice pusher in the ice extrusion mode, and a controller to cause the rod to extend into the first aperture to push ice out of the second chamber and through the die aperture.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ICE MAKING DEVICESBACKGROUND

[0001] Ice making devices, such as ice making appliances, can manipulate ice into various useful structures, such as shaved ice.SUMMARY

[0002] Systems and methods in accordance with the present disclosure can allow for ice making devices to both shave ice and extrude the shaved ice into useful shapes or textures, such as snowflake ice. This can allow for a more efficient ice-making process, such as to allow for a more compact or integral ice making device to achieve snowflake ice. For example, the ice making device, in a first mode of operation, can drive a shaving ice roller to form shave ice (or flake ice), and in a second mode of operation, can drive the shave ice through an extruder to form the shave ice into a target shape, such as squeezed or snowflake ice. Various such systems and methods as described herein can allow for generation of ice in a single, connected assembly while retaining a compact form factor for the ice making device.

[0003] At least one aspect relates to an ice maker. The ice maker can include an ice shaver to shave ice into shaved ice. The ice maker can include an ice pusher to push the shaved ice from the ice shaver. The ice maker can include a die to extrude the shaved ice pushed from the ice shaver by the ice pusher into ice of a target shape. The ice maker can include a die to extrude the shaved ice pushed from the ice shaver by the ice pusher into ice of a target shape. The ice maker can include a controller to cause the drive assembly to drive the ice shaver to shave the ice and to drive the ice pusher to push the shaved ice from the ice shaver into the die.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to an ice making apparatus. The ice making apparatus can include an inlet to receive ice. The ice making apparatus can include a chamber coupled to the inlet. The ice making apparatus can include an ice shaving device located in the chamber to shave ice within the chamber. A die coupled to a first end of the ice shaving device, the die comprising an aperture. An ice pusher aligned with a second end of the ice shaving device to push ice out of the ice shaving device through the aperture.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method can include detecting, by one or more processors, ice received through an inlet of a chamber. The method can include causing, by theone or more processors, an ice shaving device disposed in the chamber to rotate to shave ice within the chamber. The method can include detecting, by the one or more processors, completion of a target amount of rotation of the ice shaving device. The method can include causing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting the target amount of rotation of the ice shaving device, an ice pusher to drive the shaved ice out of the ice shaving device and through an extruder.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an example of an ice making appliance.

[0002] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of a housing and ice making components of an ice making appliance.

[0003] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0004] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an ice shaving assembly of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0005] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an ice pusher assembly of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0006] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of a drive assembly of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0007] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming ice.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of ice making devices. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0009] Ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can shave and extrude ice to ice of a target shape, such as crushed ice, snow ice, or snowflake ice (e.g., snowflake-shaped crushed ice). The ice making device can include an ice shaver and an ice extruder. The ice shaver can receive ice and shave the ice into shaved ice, and the ice extruder can extrude the shaved ice. For example, a plurality of ice slicers can be positioned on the ice shaver and can shave ice as theice shaver is being rotated. The ice shaver can also store ice to be extruded by the ice extruder. One or more rods can be driven into the ice shaver to push shaved ice out of the ice shaver through the ice extruder to be formed into the target shape. In addition, ice makers that provide shaved ice can be mechanically complex. For example, some devices can require multiple ice processing pathways or multiple ice processors, such as separate ice shaving and ice extruding devices. As compared to systems that are limited to forming shaved ice, which then is transferred to a separate extrusion device, ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can generate ice of the target shape with less complex and / or more efficient operation.

[0010] In some implementations, ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can be deployed independently of a refrigerator. These devices may not have similar limits (e.g., compared to refrigerator-based ice makers) on the amount of ice that can be produced, and may not rely on the refrigeration system of the refrigerator to form the ice.

[0011] Ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can facilitate making shaved ice with sequential and / or integrated ice shaving and extruding processes. The ice making device can include a first transmission device coupled to a motor and an ice shaver to drive the ice shaver to shave ice. The ice making device can also include a second transmission device coupled to the motor, an ice pusher, and a die to drive the die and the ice pusher to extrude ice from the ice shaver. While the ice making device is driving the first transmission device, the second transmission device may be inactive (e.g., still, unmoving). While the ice making device is driving the second transmission device, the first transmission device may be inactive. The ice making device may be arranged as an integrated ice shaving machine that both shaves and extrudes ice. The ice making device can include a sensor that detects a rotation of the motor to switch between operation of the first and the second transmission devices, such as to switch between an ice shaving mode and an ice extruding mode.

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an appliance 100 (e.g., ice-making appliance, ice maker, ice- making device, stand-alone appliance, ice-making system). The components as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be disposed within a housing (e.g., housing 202 of FIG. 2), which can be positioned separately from other refrigeration devices in a space, such as to provide the appliance 100 as a stand-alone device.

[0013] The appliance 100 can include at least one controller 102. The controller 102 can include one or more processors (e.g., hardware processors) and a memory. The processor may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory (e.g., fuzzy logic, etc.) or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.) to perform one or more of the processes described herein. The memory may include one or more data storage devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, computer-readable storage media, etc.) configured to store data, computer code, executable instructions, or other forms of computer-readable information. The memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. The controller 102 can be implemented as a hardware processor including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application- Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an Application-Specific Instruction-SetProcessor (ASIP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Physics Processing Unit (PPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a Controller, a Microcontroller unit, a Processor, a Microprocessor, an ARM, or the like, or any combination thereof. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. The memory may be communicably connected to the processor via the processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor) one or more of the processes described herein. The memory can include various modules (e.g., circuits, engines) for completing processes described herein. The controller 102 can include and / or be coupled with one or more user interface devices and / or one or more network interface devices, such as to facilitate receiving or providing inputs and outputs for the controller 102. The controller 102 (e.g., stored in memory) can include any one or more instructions, functions, algorithms, machine learning models, logic, rules, heuristics, or various combinations thereof to implement operations described herein.

[0014] The appliance 100 can include at least one ice shaver 104. As described further herein, the ice shaver 104 can include one or more shavers, slicers, or blades, for example and withoutlimitation, that can remove portions of ice according to a position of the ice shaver 104 relative to the ice. The controller 102 can control operation of the ice shaver 104 to shave ice, including to cause larger ice portions (e.g., cubes, sheets, pellets, and / or nuggets) to be formed into smaller ice portions (e.g., snowflake or particle ice). The controller 102 can control operation of the ice shaver 104 according to a mode of operation; for example, the controller 102 can cause the ice shaver 104 to operate to shave ice in an ice shaving mode. The controller 102 can cause the ice shaver 104 to rotate to shave the ice in the ice shaving mode.

[0015] The appliance 100 can include at least one ice extruder 106. The ice extruder 106 can receive ice material, such as shaved ice outputted from the ice shaver 104, and can extrude the ice material into ice of a target shape. The target shape can correspond to a structure of the ice extruder 106. For example, the ice extruder 106 can be or include one or more dies, which can include one or more apertures through which the ice material can be driven to extrude the ice material as ice of the target shape. In some implementations, the controller 102 can control operation of the ice extruder 106 to extrude ice from the ice shaver 104, such as to control a position and / or orientation of the ice extruder 106, and / or control a position of one or more rods that drive the ice material from the ice shaver 104 through the one or more dies. The ice shaver 104 may store the smaller ice portions following shaving of the larger ice portions. The controller 102 can control the ice extruder 106 to push ice out of the ice shaver 104. The controller 102 can control operation of the ice extruder 106 according to a mode of operation; for example, the controller 102 can cause the ice extruder 106 to operate to extrude ice in an ice extruding mode. The controller 102 can cause the ice extruder 106 to rotate to extrude the ice in the ice extruding mode.

[0016] The controller 102 can selectively control operation of the ice shaver 104 and the ice extruder 106. For example, the controller 102 can cause either the ice shaver 104 to operate or the ice extruder 106 to operate. The controller 102 can cause the ice extruder 106 to operate following causing the ice shaver 104 to discontinue operation. The controller 102 can also cause the ice shaver 104 to operate following causing the ice extruder 106 to discontinue operation.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts an example of the appliance 100. The appliance 100 can include at least one housing 202. The housing 202 can be a shell. The housing 202 can house (e.g., contain) various components of the appliance 100. The housing 202 can include one or more of metal,plastic, and / or a composite. An inner liner (not shown) that includes one or more of metal, plastic, and / or a composite can be coupled with an inner surface of the housing 202. The housing 202 can include one or more openings, such as to allow for ice or water or other liquids to be received and / or outputted.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the appliance 100 can include a first chamber 212. The first chamber 212 can include an inlet 216 to receive ice. The inlet 216 can be positioned to receive ice through the first opening 204. The first chamber 212 can include one or more covers. For example, the first chamber 212 can include an upper cover 304 and a lower cover 308 as depicted in FIG. 3. The upper cover 304 can include a first opening 412 aligned with the inlet 216 to receive ice. The upper cover 304 and the lower cover 308 can be coupled together. The upper cover 304 and the lower cover 308 can define a cavity 312 as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Ice received from the inlet 216 can be stored (e.g., received) in the cavity 312, such as to be processed by the ice shaver 104 as described further herein.

[0019] Referring further to FIG. 4, the lower cover 308 can include one or more receiving spaces (e.g., slots, channels, cavities). For example, the lower cover 308 can include a first receiving space 416 to receive, for example, a rod of extruder 602. The lower cover 308 can include a second receiving space 420. The lower cover 308 can include a first end 424 and a second end 428. The first receiving space 418 may extend from the first end 424. The second receiving space 420 may be located on the second end 428.

[0020] In some implementations, the upper cover 304 and the lower cover 308 are fixedly coupled, such as for the first receiving space 418 and the second receiving space 420 to be located between the upper cover 304 and the lower cover 308. In some implementations, the lower cover 308 includes a plurality of the second receiving spaces 420 both located on the second end 428. In some implementations, the appliance 100 includes the inlet 216 and the first chamber 212 is coupled to the inlet 216.

[0021] Referring further to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, the appliance 100 can include at least one ice shaver 320 (e.g., ice shaving device, ice flaker). The ice shaver 320 can be disposed in the first chamber 212. For example, the ice shaver 320 can be at least partially disposed in the cavity 312. The ice shaver 320 can process the received from the inlet 216, such as to cut (e.g., shave, slice, scrape)the ice into shaved ice. The ice shaver 104 described with reference to FIG. 1 can be or include the ice shaver 320.

[0022] As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the appliance 100 can include at least one shaft 220. The ice shaver 320 can extend around the shaft 220. In some implementations, the ice shaver 320 is coupled to the shaft 220. The ice shaver 320 can be rotated by the shaft 220, e.g., about a rotation axis defined by the shaft 220. As depicted in FIG. 2, the appliance 100 can include a bearing 208. The bearing 208 can be coupled with the housing 202. The bearing 208 can be coupled with the shaft 220 to facilitate rotation of the shaft 220 relative to the housing 202 (and first chamber 212).

[0023] As depicted in FIG. 4, the appliance 100 can include one or more ice slicers 406 (e.g., blades, knives, shavers). The ice slicer 406 can be positioned on the ice shaver 320. The ice slicer 406 can slice (e.g., shave) ice received from the inlet 216 and within the cavity 312. The ice slicer 406 can create shaved ice. Rotation of the ice shaver 320 can allow the ice slicer 406 to slice the ice.

[0024] The ice shaver 320 can include a housing 432. The ice slicer 406 can be coupled to the housing 432. For example, the ice slicers 406 can extend from the housing 432, such as to extend at an angle away from the housing 432. The ice slicers 406 can be straight, or can be curved.

[0025] The ice shaver 320 can include at least one ice storage tank 324. The ice storage tank 324 can be located in the housing 432, such as to define an interior of the housing 432. The ice storage tank 324 can receive ice processed by the ice slicer 406, and can store the received ice (e.g., the shaved ice). The ice storage tank 324 can be positioned around the shaft 220, such as to be located between the shaft 220 and the ice slicer 406 within the housing 432. For example, the ice processed by the ice slicer 406 can enter from ice storage tank 324 from a slot of the ice slicer 406.

[0026] The ice shaver 320 can include one or more apertures, e.g., a first aperture 436 and a second aperture 440. The first aperture 436 can be located at a first end 416 of the housing 432. The second aperture 440 can be located at a second end 418 of the housing 408. In some implementations, the ice shaver 320 includes a plurality of first apertures 436 at the first end 416. In some implementations, the ice shaver 320 includes a plurality of second apertures 440 at the second end 418.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the appliance 100 can include at least one ice pusher 224. The ice pusher 224 can extend around the shaft 220. In some implementations, the ice pusher 224 is coupled to the shaft 220. The ice pusher 224 can be aligned with the second end 418 of the ice shaver 320. The ice pusher 224 can push (e.g., move) ice out of the ice storage tank 324.

[0028] The ice pusher 224 can include at least one rod 228. The rod 228 can be aligned with the second aperture 440. The rod 228 can extend into and out of the second aperture 440 to push ice out of the ice shaver 320 through the first aperture 436 (e.g., the first and second apertures 436, 440 can be aligned on a same axis along which the rod 228 can be moved).

[0029] In some implementations, the rod 228 can cover (e.g., block) the second aperture 440. This can allow the appliance 100 to hold (e.g., contain) ice within the ice storage tank 324 while the rod 228 is positioned to block the second aperture 440. For example, the rod 228 can be positioned at the second aperture 440 to block the second aperture 440 in an ice making mode. For example, a distal end of the rod 228 can be positioned at least partially in the second aperture 440 and / or through the second aperture 440 to block the second aperture 440. The ice pusher 224 can be moved along the shaft 220 to extend the rod 228 into and / or out of the second aperture 440.

[0030] In some implementations, the ice shaver 320 can include a plurality of ice storage tanks 324, which can each be aligned with at least one of the plurality of ice slicers 406. The plurality of rods 228 can each correspond to one of a corresponding plurality of ice storage tanks 324 and the plurality of ice slicers 406. Each of the plurality of ice storage tanks 324 can include corresponding apertures 436, 440. Each of the plurality of rods 228 can be aligned with the apertures of the plurality of ice storage tanks 324.

[0031] In some implementations, adjusting a size (e.g., length, width, height) of the ice storage tank 324 and the rod 228 can result in a correspond change to structure of the ice. For example, decreasing the size of the ice storage tank 324 can affect a density (e.g., compactness) of the ice.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the appliance 100 can include a least one extruder 240. The extruder 240 can extend around the shaft 220. In some implementations, the extruder 240 is coupled to the shaft 220. The extruder 240 can be in contact with the ice shaver 320, or can be spaced from the ice shaver 320. The extruder 240 can be in contact with the first end 416 of the ice shaver 320. In some implementations, the extruder 240 is coupled to the first end 416.

[0033] The extruder 240 can be or include a die. The extruder 240 can include one or more apertures 244. The aperture 244 can align with the first apertures 436. The extruder 240 can receive ice driven out of the ice shaver 320 from the first aperture 436 through the aperture 244. The extruder 240 can rotate around the shaft 220. The extruder 240 can be rotated to align the aperture 244 with the first aperture 436 to receive ice out of the ice shaver 320. The extruder 240 can also be rotated to block the first aperture 436 to contain the ice within the ice shaver 320. For example, while the ice shaver 320 is rotating, the extruder 240 and the ice pusher 224 can be positioned (e.g., by the controller 102) to block the first aperture 436 and the second aperture 440. While the extruder 240 and the ice pusher 224 are blocking the first aperture 436 and the second aperture 440, the controller 102 can rotate the ice shaver 320 to process ice in the ice storage tank 324.

[0034] The appliance 100 (e.g., based on operation of drive assembly 260) can position the various components at one or more positions, e.g., along the shaft 220. For example, the extruder 240 can be located at a first position 328 on the shaft 220. The ice pusher 224 can be located at a second position 332. The ice shaver 320 can be located at a third position 336. The third position 336 can be between the first position 328 and the second position 332. The first position 328 may be located closer to the second position 332 than the third position 336.

[0035] In some implementations, the rod 228 can be driven to a position at which the rod 228 faces and / or is coupled to the extruder 240. The rod 228 can extend into and out of the first aperture 436 to push ice out of the second aperture 440 and into the extruder 240.

[0036] The appliance 100 can include at least one funnel 248. The funnel 248 can extend at least partially through the second opening 206. The funnel 248 can be located to face the second cover 308 and / or the extruder 240. The funnel 248 can receive and output ice pushed out (e.g., shaved ice) from the ice shaver 320 by the ice pusher 224 through the extruder 240. The ice of the target shape that is pushed out of the extruder 240 by the ice pusher 224 can be received in the funnel 248 (e.g., to fall into the funnel 248 by action of gravity).

[0037] As depicted in FIG. 4, the extruder 240 can include or be coupled with at least one guide 448. The guide 448 can be between the apertures 244 of the extruder 240 and the ice shaver 320. The guide 448 can guide the extruder 240 while the extruder 240 is moved relative to the shaft 220. The guide 448 can couple the extruder 240 with the ice shaver 320. The first guide 448 caninclude a first guide rod 452. The first guide rod 452 can be coupled to the extruder 240. The first guide rod 452 can extend into the first receiving space 418 to guide rotation of the extruder 240 relative to the ice shaver 320.

[0038] In some implementations, such as depicted in FIG. 4, the appliance 100 includes at least one jacking rod 460. The appliance 100 can also include at least one spring 464 coupled with the jacking rod 460, such as to be disposed with the jacking rod 460 in channel 468 of the lower cover 308. In this case, the first guide rod 452 can include a slot 472. The slot 472 can have a rectangular shape. The jacking rod 460 can be aligned with the slot 472. The jacking rod 460 can have a surface 476, which can match a surface of the slot 472. For example, while the first guide rod 452 is extended into the first receiving space 418, the jacking rod 460 and the slot 472 can also guide the extruder 240 during rotation of the extruder 240.

[0039] The appliance can include a second guide structure 520 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The second guide structure 520 can be located between the second end 418 of the ice shaver 320 (e.g., the second aperture 440) and the ice pusher 224. The second guide structure 520 can guide the ice pusher 224 while the ice pusher 224 is moving along the shaft 220. The second guide structure 520 can guide the ice pusher 224 as the ice pusher 224 is moving from, for example, from the second position 332 and towards the third position 336. The second guide structure 520 can include a second guide rod 524. The second guide rod 524 can be in contact with the ice pusher 224. In some implementations, the ice pusher 224 includes one or more apertures. For example, the ice pusher 224 includes a first aperture 506 and a second aperture 508 as seen in FIG. 5. The second guide rod 524 can extend though the first aperture 506 to guide movement of the ice pusher 224. The second guide rod 524 can limit a distance the ice pusher 224 can travel from the second position 332. In some implementations, the appliance 100 includes a plurality of second guide rods 524. For example, one of the second guide rods 524 can extend through the first aperture 506 while another of the second guide rods 524 extends through the second aperture 508.

[0040] The second guide rod 524 can also extend to the second receiving space 420. For example, the second guide rod 524 can include a first end 820 located within the first aperture 506, and a second end 822 located within the second receiving space 420.

[0041] Referring further to FIG. 2, the appliance 100 can include a drive assembly 260. The drive assembly 260 can be coupled to at least one of the ice shaver 320, the ice pusher 224, or the extruder 240. The drive assembly 260 can move the ice shaver 320, the ice pusher 224, and the extruder 240.

[0042] The drive assembly can include at least one motor 264. The motor 264 can be operated by the controller 102. The motor 264 can include or be coupled with an output shaft 340, which can transfer rotational power from the motor 264 to one or more components coupled with the output shaft 340.

[0043] The drive assembly 260 can include a reducer 268 (e.g., reducer box), which can include one or more gears to reduce a rotation rate relative to rotation of the output shaft 340 and / or motor 264. The output shaft 268 of the motor 264 can be coupled to the reducer 268. The drive assembly 260 can also include a gear box 272, which can be used to transfer and / or modify power from the motor 264, such as to direct power from the motor 264 to the shaft 220. The gear box 272 can include a ratchet shaft 344. In some implementations, the second guide rod 524 can extend into the gear box 272.

[0044] Referring further to FIG. 3, the appliance 100 can include a first transmission device 348. The first transmission device 348 can be at least partially located in the gear box 272. The first transmission device 348 can be coupled to the motor 264 and can be coupled to the ice shaver 320 (e.g., via shaft 220 with which the first transmission device 348 can be coupled). The motor 264 can drive the first transmission device 348 to rotate the ice shaver 320 to slice ice.

[0045] The first transmission device 348 can include one or more ratchets. The first transmission device 348 can include one or more gears. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the first transmission device 348 can include a first ratchet 604 (e.g., ratchet gear) rotatably coupled to a first gear 608 and to a second gear 612. The second gear 612 can be coupled to the ice shaver 320. The first ratchet 604 can be coupled to a ratchet shaft 616. The first ratchet 604 can be coupled to the ratchet shaft 616 by a ratchet bracket 620. The ratchet bracket 620 can secure (e.g., mount) the first ratchet 604 to the ratchet shaft 616. The first ratchet 604 can include a clamp (e.g., pawl). The clamp can secure (e.g., lock) the first ratchet 604 in place. The clamp can prevent rotation of the first ratchet 604. The clamp can ensure that the first ratchet 604 rotations in a single direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise).

[0046] The first transmission device 348 can include a second ratchet 624 (e.g., ratchet gear) located on top of the ratchet bracket 620. The second ratchet 624 can provide additional securement of the first gear 608 and the second gear 612. A spring (not shown) can be located between the ratchet bracket 620 and the second ratchet 624 to drive the first ratchet 604. The spring can apply tension to maintain engagement of the second ratchet 624 with the first gear 608. For example, responsive to the motor 264 driving the ratchet shaft 616 in a clockwise rotation, the clamp of the first ratchet 604 and the second ratchet 624 can be positioned to drive the first ratchet 604 clockwise. For example, the clamp can be positioned to allow clockwise rotation of the first ratchet 604 to rotate the first gear 608 clockwise. The motor 264 can thus drive the ratchet shaft 616 to drive the first ratchet 604 and the second ratchet 624 to rotate the ice shaver 320 via the first gear 608 and the second gear 612.

[0047] Responsive to the motor 264 driving the ratchet shaft 616 counterclockwise, the clamp of the first ratchet 604 and the second ratchet 624 can position to drive the first ratchet 604 counterclockwise. In some implementations, the second ratchet 624 is a ratchet bracket.

[0048] Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 6, the appliance 100 can include a second transmission device 352. The second transmission device 352 can be coupled to the motor 264, the ice pusher 224, and the extruder 240. The motor 264 can drive the second transmission device 352 to rotate the extruder 240 and the ice pusher 224. The ice pusher 224 can, upon rotation, extend the rod 228 into and out of the second aperture 440. For example, the motor 264 can rotate the extruder 240 to open or block the first aperture 436. For example, the second transmission device 352 can move the ice pusher 224 towards the ice shaver 320 to push ice out of the ice shaver 320.

[0049] The second transmission device 352 can include or be coupled with a bracket 356. The bracket 356 can be fixedly coupled to the housing 202. The second transmission device 352 can include a bevel gear shaft 360 (e.g., gear shaft). The bevel gear shaft 360 can be rotatably coupled to the bracket 356. The second transmission device 352 can include a bevel gear 364 (e.g., gear). The bevel gear shaft 360 can be coupled to the bevel gear 364.

[0050] The second transmission device 352 can include a drive wheel 368. The bevel gear 364 can be rotatably coupled to the drive wheel 368. The drive wheel 368 can be coupled to the bracket 356, such as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 356 for driving the ice pusher 224 towards (or away from) the ice shaver 320.

[0051] The drive wheel 368 can be coupled with a clamp 540 as depicted in FIG. 5. For example, the clamp 540 can be coupled to an outer edge 544 of the drive wheel 368. In this case, the ice pusher 224 can include one or more grooves 510. The clamp 540 can extend into the groove strip 510 and be rotatably coupled or coupled via sliding to the groove 510. The clamp 540 may prevent or enable motion of the ice pusher 224. The clamp 540 moving along the groove 510 by the drive wheel 368 can cause the ice pusher 224 to move along the shaft 220. For example, rotation of the drive wheel 368 can be transferred to the clamp 540 to cause translation of the groove 510 relative to the drive wheel 368 (e.g., to translate about an axis along and / or parallel with the axis of the shaft 220).

[0052] Referring further to FIG. 6, the appliance 100 can include at least one third transmission device 366. The third transmission device 640 can be coupled to the second transmission device 352. For example, the third transmission device 640 can allow the motor 264 to drive the second transmission device 352 to move the ice pusher 224, e.g., to drive the rod 228 into and out of the second aperture 440. The bevel gear shaft 360 can be coupled to the third transmission device 366 to couple the third transmission device 366 to the second transmission device 352.

[0053] The third transmission device 366 can include a first ratchet 640 (e.g., ratchet gear). The first ratchet 640 can include a plurality of teeth 644. The third transmission device 366 can include one or more gears rotatably coupled to each other. The third transmission device 366 can include a first gear 648 coupled to the bevel gear shaft 360. The third transmission device 366 can move the ice pusher 224 via the first gear 648.

[0054] The third transmission device 366 can include at least one of a second gear 652, a third gear 656, or a fourth gear 660 rotatably coupled to each other and the first gear 648. The first ratchet 640 can be rotatably coupled to the fourth gear 660 via the plurality of teeth 644. The first ratchet 640 can be coupled to the ratchet shaft 616. For example, the ratchet shaft 616 can have one or more ends. The first ratchet 640 can be coupled to a first end 684 of the ratchet shaft 616 and the first ratchet 604 can be coupled to a second end 686 of the ratchet shaft 616.

[0055] The third transmission device 366 can include a first ratchet bracket 664 coupled to the first end 684 of the ratchet shaft 616. The third transmission device 366 can include a second ratchet 668 located at the first ratchet bracket 664. The second ratchet 668 can assist the first ratchet bracket 664 and the first ratchet 640 in securing and directing movement of the fourthgear 660. The third transmission device 366 can include a spring 672 located between the first ratchet bracket 664 and the second ratchet 668. The spring 672 may provide additional tension to the first ratchet 640 via the first ratchet bracket 664 and the second ratchet 668.

[0056] Responsive to the motor 264 driving the ratchet shaft 616 clockwise, the first ratchet 640 may be arranged to allow for clockwise rotation of the fourth gear 660. Responsive to the motor 264 driving the ratchet shaft 616 counterclockwise, the first ratchet 640 may be arranged to allow for counterclockwise rotation of the fourth gear 660. As such, rotation and / or movement of the ice shaver 320 and of the extruder 240 and the ice pusher 224 can be switched by the drive assembly 260.

[0057] To move the ice pusher 224 (e.g., in an ice extrusion mode), the drive assembly 260 drives the third transmission device 366. For example, in the ice extrusion mode, the first transmission device 348 and the ice shaver 320 can be made to be steady or fixed in position, e.g., to not move. In turn, the third transmission device 366 can drive the bevel gear shaft 360 to rotate. The bevel gear shaft 360 then drives the bevel gear 364 to rotate simultaneously with the drive wheel 368. During rotation of the drive wheel 368, the clamp 540 drives the ice pusher 224 to move on the shaft 220 in a direction of the ice storage tank 324. For example, the clamp 540 drives the ice pusher 224 to move from the second position 332 towards the third position 336. The groove 510 can include one or more ends. The clamp 540 can be located at a first end 512 of the groove 510. Responsive to the drive wheel 368 rotating, the clamp 540 can move towards a second end 514 of the groove 510 to move the ice pusher 224. The rod 228 can thus be extended into ice storage tank 324 via the second aperture 440 as the ice pusher 224 moves towards the third position 336. While the clamp 540 is moving the ice pusher 224, the second transmission device 352 can drive the extruder 240 to rotate to open the first aperture 436 to allow for ice to be pushed out of the ice storage tank 324. The rod 228 may drive the ice from the ice shaver 320 as a single structure (e.g., icicle). In some implementations, the rod 228 and the extruder 240 may form a structure similar to a fixture or a clamp to extrude the ice in the ice storage tank 324.

[0058] As the drive wheel 368 continues to rotate, the rod 228 continues to extend until the ice is released from the ice storage tank 324. For example, the rod 228 continues to extend until the ice breaks off from the ice storage tank 324. The drive wheel 368 rotating 180 degrees can correspond to the clamp 540 reaching the second end 514 of the groove 510. The drive wheel368 can continue to rotate to drive the ice pusher 224 and the rod 228 back through the second aperture 440. For example, the clamp 540 can begin moving towards the first end 512 to move the ice pusher 224 back towards the second position 332. At a time the rod 228 moves out of the ice storage tank 324, the drive wheel 368 can complete a 360 degree rotation. Once the drive wheel 368 completes the 360 degree rotation, the clamp 540 can return to the first end 512 of the groove strip 510 and the rod 228 can be located at the second aperture 440 (e.g., not extending through the second aperture 440). The drive assembly 260 can then drives the first transmission device 348 to rotate the ice shaver 320 to shave ice.

[0059] In some implementations, the bracket 356 includes one or more ends. The bracket 356 includes a first end 528 and a second end 532. The first end 528 can be coupled to the housing 202. The appliance 100 can include an outer cover 210 depicted in FIG. 2. The outer cover 210 can be coupled to the housing 202. The second end 532 can be coupled to the outer cover 210. In some implementations, the second transmission device 352 can include a stop block 372. The second transmission device 352 can also include a fixed shaft 376 (e.g., immobile shaft). The first end 528 can be coupled to the stop block 372. The stop block 372 can be coupled to the fixed shaft 376. The stop block 372 can be coupled to the fixed shaft 376 via screws.

[0060] The drive wheel 368 can move along the fixed shaft 376. The stop block 372 can stop the drive wheel 368 from moving further along the fixed shaft 376. The fixed shaft 376 can extend through the drive wheel 368. The drive wheel 368 can include an aperture 548, as depicted in FIG. 5. The fixed shaft 376 can extend through the aperture 548. A diameter of the fixed shaft 376 can be less than a diameter of the aperture 548. The drive wheel 368 can rotate between the fixed shaft 376 and the bracket 356.

[0061] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the first transmission device 348 can include a first end 676 and a second end 680. The third transmission device 366 can include one or more ends. The third transmission device 366 can include a first end 378 and a second end 682. The first end 676 can be coupled to a second end 686 of the ratchet shaft 616. The second end 680 can be coupled to the shaft 220 to rotate the ice shaver 320. In some implementations, the second end 680 is coupled to the ice shaver 320. The first end 684 of the ratchet shaft 616 can be coupled to an output end of the reduction reducer 340 via the first end 378 of the third transmission device 366.The first end 378 is coupled to the ratchet shaft 616 while the second end 682 is coupled to the bevel gear shaft 360.

[0062] In some implementations, the gear box 272 includes one or more drive shafts. The gear box 272 can include a first drive shaft 688 and a second drive shaft 692. The first drive shaft 688 can be coupled to the first gear 608 and the fourth gear 660. The gear box 272 can include a plurality of first bearings 690. The first drive shaft 688 can be coupled to the first gear 608 and the fourth gear 660 via the plurality of first bearings 690. The second drive shaft 692 can be coupled to the second gear 652.

[0063] In some implementations, the gear box 272 can include a gear case 694. The first transmission device 348 and the third transmission device 366 may be located within the gear case 694. The gear case 694 can include a gear cover 696. The second drive shaft 692 can be coupled to the second gear 652 and the gear cover 696. The gear box 272 can include a plurality of second bearings 698. The second drive shaft 692 can be coupled to the second gear 652 and the gear cover 696 via the plurality of second bearing 698. The first drive shaft 688 and the second drive shaft 692 can space the first transmission device 348 and the third transmission device 366 apart. The spacing of the first transmission device 348 and the third transmission device 366 can ensure that the first transmission device 348 and the third transmission device 366 do not interfere with a function of the other transmission device.

[0064] In some implementations, adjusting an output speed of the motor 264, adjusting a reduction ratio of the reduction reducer 340, and / or adjusting a transmission of each gear of the first transmission device 348 and / or the third transmission device 366 can adjust a speed and / or rate of ice shaving and ice extruding. This can allow for greater control over ice formation while maintaining a compact and / or integrated form factor for the appliance 100.

[0065] In some implementations, the second transmission device 352 can include a worm gear and a worm wheel (not shown). The second transmission device 352 can also include the bracket 356. In this case, the second transmission device 352 does not include, for example, the bevel gear shaft 360, the bevel gear 364, or the drive wheel 368. The worm can be rotatably coupled to the bracket 356. The worm can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the worm can be rotatably coupled and engaged with the worm wheel. The second end of the worm can be coupled to the third transmission device 366. An outer edge of the worm wheel can include theclamp 540. The clamp 540 can extend into the groove 510 and slide or rotate along the groove 510.

[0066] The motor 264 can drive the third transmission device 366 to operate and drive the worm to rotate. The worm can then drive the worm wheel to rotate. During rotation of the worm wheel, the clamp 540 can drive the ice pusher 224 in a direction of the ice storage tank 324 on the shaft 220. For example, the clamp 540 drives the ice pusher 224 to move from the second position 332 towards the third position 336. The rod 228 then extends into the ice storage tank 324 to extrude ice within the ice storage tank 324. The worm wheel can continue to rotate while the rod 228 continues to extend into the ice storage tank 324 to push the ice through the aperture 244 and away from the extruder 240. Responsive to the worm wheel rotating 180 degrees, the worm wheel continues to rotate while the ice pusher 224 drives the rod 228 back through the second aperture 440. The rod 228 can located at the second aperture when the worm wheel has completed a 360 degree rotation.

[0067] Referring further to FIGS. 1-6, the appliance 100 can operate in one or more modes of operation. For example, the appliance 100 can operate in an ice extrusion mode, and can operate in an ice making mode. For example, the extruder 240 rotates to allow ice out of the aperture 244 in the ice extrusion mode and the rod 228 extends into the second aperture 440 in the ice extrusion mode. The controller 102 can operate the drive assembly 260 responsive to switching between modes. In some implementations, the controller 102 selects the mode according to user input. In some implementations, the controller 102 selects the mode responsive to monitoring of operation of the appliance 100; for example, the controller 102 can cause the appliance to operate in the ice extrusion mode responsive to detecting a completion of operation in the ice making mode, or vice versa. This can allow the appliance 100 to operate in cycles of ice making and ice extrusion, such as to use the ice shaver 320 to form ice (e.g., form shaved or flaked ice) in the ice making mode, and to use the ice pusher 224 to drive the ice formed by the ice shaver 320 through the extruder 240 to cause formation of ice of the target shape, such as snow ice or snowflake ice resulting from compression

[0068] In the ice making mode, the apertures of the ice shaver 320 can be covered to allow for ice formed in the ice shaver 320 to be held prior to extrusion. For example, the rod 228 can be located at the second aperture 440 (e.g., adjacent to or inside the second aperture 440) to block(e.g., plug) the second aperture 440. At a same time, the extruder 240 can be positioned (e.g., rotated about the shaft 220) to the first aperture 436 of the ice shaver 320 to prevent ice from leaving the ice shaver 320. The motor 264 can then drive the first transmission device 348 to drive the ice shaver 320 to slice ice into snowflake (e.g., shaved, particle) ice and store the ice in the ice storage tank 324. For example, rotation of the ice shaver 320 within the first chamber 212 can allow the ice slicer 406 to slice (e.g., shave) the ice within the first chamber 212.

[0069] In the ice extruding mode, the motor 264 can drive the third transmission device 366, which drives the second transmission device 352. The second transmission device 352 can then drive the ice pusher 224 to move along the shaft 220 in the direction of the ice shaver 320. For example, the second transmission device 352 can move the ice pusher 224 from the second position 332 towards the third position 336. The rod 228 can then move into the ice storage tank 324 to push ice out. The rod 228 can then continue to move until ice is extruded form the ice storage tank 324 through the aperture 244. Responsive to the ice being extruded, the operation of the second transmission device 352 can cause the ice pusher 224 to return to the second position 332, and the extruder 240 can return to a position to block the first aperture 436 for the ice making mode.

[0070] Referring further to FIG. 2, the appliance 100 can include at least one sensor 280. The controller 102 can be coupled with the sensor 280 to receive a sensor signal from the sensor 280, such as a signal indicative of operation of at least one of the ice pusher 224 or the ice shaver 320.

[0071] The appliance 100 can include a bracket 276. The sensor 280 can be coupled with the bracket 276, such as to attach the sensor 280 to the housing 202. The sensor 280 can be located at or proximate to the drive assembly 260. The sensor 280 can be located at a side of the drive wheel 368.

[0072] The sensor 280 can detect a state of at least one of the ice pusher 224, the ice shaver 320, or the drive assembly 260, according to which the controller 102 can control operation of the at least one of the ice pusher 224, the ice shaver 320, or the drive assembly 260. The state can include at least one of a position, an orientation (e.g., rotation angle), or a completion of a mode of operation of the at least one of the ice pusher 224, the ice shaver 320, or the drive assembly 260. For example, the controller 102 can use a rotation angle of the drive wheel 368 to determine the mode of the appliance 100. For example, the controller 102 can control movement of the icepusher 224, the extruder 240, and the ice shaver 320 responsive to the sensor 280 detecting the rotation angle. In some implementations, the sensor 280 can detect the rotation of the ice shaver 320 and / or a movement of the ice pusher 224 to determine the mode of the appliance 100. Starting in the ice making mode, the controller 102 can cause the extruder 240 to block the first aperture 436 and the rod 228 to block the second aperture 440. The controller 102 can also cause the ice shaver 320 to rotate to slice the ice. Responsive to the sensor 280 detecting the rotation angle being between 180 to 360 degrees, inclusive, of the drive wheel 368, the controller 102 can switch the appliance 100 from the ice making mode to the ice extruding mode. The controller 102 can then control the drive assembly 260 to move the ice pusher 224 and the extruder 240. The drive assembly 260 can then cause the ice pusher 224 to extend the rod into and out of the second aperture 440 and rotate the extruder 240 to allow ice out of the first aperture 436 and through the aperture 244. In this case, the controller 102 also discontinues rotation of the ice shaver 320. The controller 102 can continuously switch between the ice making mode and the ice extruding mode based on the rotation angle detected by the sensor 280. For example, the controller 102 can discontinue operation of the ice pusher 224 and the extruder 240 and cause the ice shaver 320 to rotate and shave ice.

[0073] Referring further to FIG. 4, the appliance 100 can include a damper assembly 480. In some implementations, the appliance 100 includes a damper assembly 480 as seen in, for example, FIG. 5. The damper assembly 480 can include a damper 482. The damper 482 can be coupled to the first chamber 212. The damper assembly 480 can include a rack 484. The rack 484 can be coupled to the extruder 240. The damper 482 can include a first gear 486. The first gear 486 can be rotatably coupled to the rack 484. The damper assembly 480 can provide the extruder 240 with additional resistance to maintain its position relative to the ice shaver 320. For example, the damper assembly 480 can resist force applied by the ice pusher 224 during the ice extrusion mode to maintain the extruder 240 at the first aperture 436.

[0074] Referring further to FIG. 2, the appliance 100 can include at least one tension device 284. The tension device 284 can apply tension to the extruder 240 in a direction towards the ice shaver 320. The tension device 284 can allow the extruder 240 to be positioned at the first aperture 436 and / or be maintained in a position at or adjacent to the first aperture 436. For example, the tension device 284 can resist force applied by the ice pusher 224 on the extruder 240 during the ice extrusion mode to maintain the extruder 240 at the first aperture 436. Theextruder 240 can overcome a resistance of the damper assembly 480 and the tension device 284 to rotate and block the first aperture 436.

[0075] In some implementations, a speed of movement of the extruder 240 can be less than a speed of movement of the rod 228 when moving out of the second aperture 440. This can be due to the damper assembly 480 providing resistance to the extruder 240. Due to a slower movement of the extruder 240, the ice can fall to the funnel 248 by gravity. A degree of compaction of the ice can be adjusted by adjusting a force of the tension device 284.

[0076] FIG. 7 depicts an example of a method 700 of forming ice of a target shape, such as a method of forming ice by shaving and extrusion. The method 700 can be performed using any of various systems and devices described herein, including the appliance 100 or one or more components thereof. The method 700 can be performed responsive to an instruction (e.g., received via a user interface, according to a schedule, or as a command from a remote device), such as an instructions to form ice of the target shape. The method 700 can be performed responsive to ice being provided to an ice maker, such as to the appliance 100. The method 700 can be performed to generate at least one of shaved ice or snowflake ice.

[0077] At 705, ice is detected within an inlet of a chamber. For example, a sensor can detect a presence of ice within the inlet of the chamber. The sensor can detect the ice to be a threshold amount of ice for processing into shaved ice.

[0078] At 710, an ice shaving device is caused to rotate to shave the ice. The controller can cause the ice shaving device to rotate to shave the ice. For example, one or more blades of the ice shaving device can be driven against the ice to process the ice into shaved ice.

[0079] At 715, a state, such as a position or rotation, of the ice shaving device is detected. For example, a sensor can detect the state of the ice shaving device. The state can correspond to a completion of the processing of the ice into shaved ice, such as to indicate that a complete rotation of the ice shaver (or number of rotations of the ice shaver) has been performed. For example, the state can be compared with a completion condition, such as a total angle of rotation, to determine the completion of processing the ice into shaved ice.

[0080] At block 720, responsive to detecting the state of the ice shaving device, an ice pusher can be caused to drive the shaved ice through an extruder. The controller can cause the icepusher to push the shaved ice out of the ice shaving device and into the extruder. For example, the controller can cause the ice pusher to extend a rod into an aperture of the ice shaving device to push ice out of the ice shaving device. The ice can be extruded to have the target shape.

[0081] In some implementations, the method can also include discontinuing operation of the ice shaving device based on the rotation of the ice shaving device. For example, the controller can simultaneously cause the ice pusher to push the shaved ice and cause the ice shaving device to discontinue operation. The method can also include detecting a movement of the ice pusher. The movement of the ice pusher can be detected by, for example, the sensor. The controller can then, in response, discontinue operation of the ice pusher and simultaneously cause the ice shaving device to rotate and shave the ice. In some implementations, the method can include controlling (e.g., by the controller) operation of a drive assembly (e.g., the drive assembly 260) to cause the ice shaving device to rotate.

[0082] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The orientation of various elements can differ according to other illustrative implementations, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. References herein to the order of elements (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth,” “seventh”) are merely used for ease of description relative to each element in the FIGURES.

[0083] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0084] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts, and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations.

[0085] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing”“involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0086] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0087] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0088] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0089] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their 1absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0091] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / -10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An ice maker, comprising: an ice shaver to shave ice into shaved ice; an ice pusher to push the shaved ice from the ice shaver; a die to extrude the shaved ice pushed from the ice shaver by the ice pusher into ice of a target shape; a drive assembly coupled with the ice shaver and with the ice pusher; and a controller to cause the drive assembly to drive the ice shaver to shave the ice and to drive the ice pusher to push the shaved ice from the ice shaver into the die.

2. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the target shape comprises at least one of a flake shape, a snow shape, or a snowflake shape.

3. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the ice shaver comprises: a chamber comprising one or more openings; and a plurality of blades on the chamber to shave the ice into the shaved ice, the chamber to receive the shaved ice, wherein the ice pusher comprises at least one rod to push the shaved ice out of the one or more openings of the chamber.

4. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises a motor and a shaft coupled with the motor and with the ice shaver, wherein the controller is to cause the motor to rotate the shaft to rotate the ice shaver.

5. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the die is coupled with a shaft coupled with the ice shaver, and the die comprises a plurality of apertures to receive the shaved ice to be extruded.

6. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises: a first transmission device coupled with a motor and with the ice shaver, the motor to drive the first transmission device to rotate the ice shaver to shave the ice; anda second transmission device coupled with the motor, the ice pusher, and the die, the motor to drive the second transmission device to drive the ice pusher.

7. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor positioned to detect a position of at least one of the drive assembly or the ice shaver, the controller to selectively operate the drive assembly in a first mode to rotate the ice shaver or a second mode to drive the ice pusher according to the position.

8. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising at least one guide to support rotation of the die and movement of the ice pusher.

9. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a chamber coupled with the ice shaver to provide the ice to the ice shaver.

10. The ice maker of claim 1 , further comprising a funnel facing the die to receive the ice of the target shape from the die.

11. An ice making apparatus, comprising: an inlet to receive ice; a chamber coupled to the inlet; an ice shaving device located in the chamber to shave ice within the chamber; a die coupled to a first end of the ice shaving device, the die comprising an aperture; and an ice pusher aligned with a second end of the ice shaving device to push ice out of the ice shaving device through the aperture.

12. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a shaft coupled with the ice shaving device, the die located at a first position along the shaft, the ice pusher located at a second position along the shaft.

13. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a housing, the inlet formed on a top side of the housing.

14. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a drive assembly coupled to the ice shaving device, the drive assembly to cause the ice shaving device to rotate around the shaft.

15. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a drive assembly coupled to the ice pusher to drive the ice pusher towards the die.

16. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a sensor coupled with the ice shaving device to detect a rotation of the ice shaving device.

17. The ice making apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a drive assembly coupled with the ice pusher and the ice shaving device; and a controller comprising one or more processors to: control the drive assembly, in an ice shaving mode, to rotate the ice shaving device; and control the drive assembly, in an ice extrusion mode, the drive the ice pusher towards the die.

18. A method, comprising: detecting, by one or more processors, ice received through an inlet of a chamber; causing, by the one or more processors, an ice shaving device disposed in the chamber to rotate to shave ice within the chamber; detecting, by the one or more processors, completion of a target amount of rotation of the ice shaving device; and causing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting the target amount of rotation of the ice shaving device, an ice pusher to drive the shaved ice out of the ice shaving device and through an extruder.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising discontinuing, by the one or more processors, rotation of the ice shaving device responsive to detecting the completion of the target amount of rotation of the ice shaving device.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: detecting, by the one or more processors, a movement of the ice pusher; discontinuing, by the one or more processors, operation of the ice pusher based on the movement of the ice pusher; and causing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting the movement of the ice pusher, the ice shaving device to rotate.

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