| 摘要 |
An improved ice cube-forming machine and system comprising a plurality of hollow fluid-conducting conduits in which the outer surface thereof is provided with pocket members extending into the conduit for engagement by any fluid being conducted therethrough to selectively freeze and thaw the contents of the pocket members. A discrete water source feeds each ice cube-forming pocket for freezing while refrigerant is passed through the hollow conduits. When the water is frozen within the pockets, a control system reacts thereto to stop the flow of refrigerant and initiate the flow of heated fluid through the hollow conduit to thaw at least the surface of the ice cube and release the ice cube therefrom whence, as by gravity, it drops into a collection receptacle. The pocket members can be either a plurality of integral depressions formed therein or independent members secured thereto. In either event, the fluid selectively directed through the conduits will effect the contents of the pocket member through its thermally conductive body portion to either freeze the water therein or dislodge the ice cubes therefrom.
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