Automated Ice Cube Makers with Interchangeable Trays for Making Stylized Ice Cubes

Abstract

An automated ice cube tray cycling system is provided with interchangeable trays. In some embodiments, a single removable ice tray allows users to switch between different ice trays depending on the specific characteristics of the individual trays and the user's ice cube requirements. In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of removable trays that a user may switch between utilizing a switching mechanism and a control module. The system gives a user advantageous control over the automatic ice making process, allowing a user to easily adjust the size, shape, and other characteristics of the ice cube through simple tray replacement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated ice cube maker including:
 at least one rotating rod;   at least one ejector blade attached to the at least one rotating rod;   a removable tray, wherein the removable tray has an ejector handle attached thereto and includes at least one reservoir;   a fluid inlet; and   a motor in communication with the at least one rotating rod for providing rotational force to the rod.   
     
     
         2 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 1 , further comprising a color addition module. 
     
     
         3 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 2 , wherein the color addition module is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. 
     
     
         4 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 1 , wherein the removable tray includes at least two reservoirs, wherein the at least two reservoirs have a different shape. 
     
     
         5 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 1 , further comprising a heated base. 
     
     
         6 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 5 , further comprising a track disposed above the heated base, wherein the removable tray is suspended above the heated base through interaction with the track. 
     
     
         7 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 1  and further including an ice cube tray cycling system, said ice cube tray cycling system comprising a plurality of removable trays attached to a cycling mechanism, wherein said cycling mechanism selectively brings at least one of said plurality of removable trays into proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod. 
     
     
         8 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 7 , wherein the cycling mechanism is selected from a carousel, a conveyer belt, a cassette, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 7 , further comprising a control module configured to allow a user to select which of said plurality of removable trays is selectively brought into proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod. 
     
     
         10 . The automated ice cube maker according to  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the automated ice cube maker is located within a freezer and the control module includes a control device located outside of the freezer. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using an automated ice cube maker comprising the steps of:
 inserting a removable tray into a frame;   introducing a liquid into said removable tray using a liquid delivery system;   heating a bottom of said removable tray;   rotating a rod using a motor to remove ice from said removable tray, wherein said rod has at least one ejector blade attached thereto; and   removing said removable tray.   
     
     
         12 . The method of using an automated ice cube maker according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of cycling a plurality of removable trays into proper alignment with said rod. 
     
     
         13 . The method of using an automated ice cube tray cycling system according to  claim 12 , wherein said plurality of removable trays are arranged in a cassette and wherein the step of cycling a plurality of removable trays into proper alignment comprises the step of repositioning at least one of a removable tray and a rod relative to each other such that said rod is in a position to remove formed solid from said removable tray. 
     
     
         14 . An automated ice cube tray cycling system comprising:
 at least one rotating rod;   at least one ejector blade attached to the at least one rotating rod;   at least one removable tray, wherein the at least one removable tray has an ejector handle attached thereto and includes at least one reservoir having a desired shape;   a fluid inlet comprising a color addition module;   a first motor in communication with the at least one rotating rod for providing rotational force to the rod;   an ice cube tray cycling system having a plurality of removable trays attached to a cycling mechanism, wherein said cycling mechanism selectively brings at least one of said plurality of removable trays into proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod;   a control module configured to allow a user to select which of said plurality of removable trays is selectively brought into proper alignment with said at least one rotating rod.   
     
     
         15 . The automated ice cube tray cycling system according to  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of removable trays are arranged in a carousel, a conveyer belt, a cassette, and combinations thereof.