Fused heater circuit with voltage reducing diode

Abstract

A heated fill tube, for an icemaker, including a fluid tube and a heater circuit connected to the fluid tube. The heater circuit includes a heater element, a fuse in a series connection with the heater element and a diode also in series connection with both the fuse and the heater element. The diode includes an RMS voltage reducing diode and provides a reduced voltage to the heater element. The fuse includes an increased current rating corresponding to the reduced voltage.

1 . A heated fill tube for an icemaker, comprising: 
 a fluid tube;    a heater circuit connected to said fluid tube, said heater circuit including a heater element, a fuse in a series connection with said heater element and a diode also in said series connection with both said fuse and said heater element, said diode comprising an RMS voltage reducing diode and providing a reduced voltage to said heater element, said fuse including an increased current rating corresponding to said reduced voltage.    
   
   
       2 . The heated fill tube of  claim 1 , further including an alternating voltage in said series connection with said heater element, said diode and said fuse.  
   
   
       3 . The heated fill tube of  claim 1 , wherein said diode is a rectifying diode.  
   
   
       4 . The heated fill tube of  claim 1 , wherein said heater element is wrapped around said fluid tube.  
   
   
       5 . The heated fill tube of  claim 1 , wherein said heater element is connected between said fuse and said diode.  
   
   
       6 . The heated fill tube of  claim 1 , wherein said fuse is connected between said heater element and said diode.  
   
   
       7 . A heater circuit, comprising: 
 a heater element;    a fuse in a series connection with said heater element; and    a diode also in said series connection with both said fuse and said heater element, said diode comprising an RMS voltage reducing diode and providing a reduced voltage to said heater element, said fuse including an increased current rating corresponding to said reduced voltage.    
   
   
       8 . The heater circuit of  claim 7 , wherein said heater circuit is configured for connection to an alternating voltage.  
   
   
       9 . The heater circuit of  claim 7 , wherein said diode is a rectifying diode.  
   
   
       10 . The heater circuit of  claim 7 , wherein said heater element is connected between said fuse and said diode.  
   
   
       11 . The heater circuit of  claim 7 , wherein said fuse is connected between said heater element and said diode.  
   
   
       12 . A method of connecting a heater circuit; comprising the steps of: 
 providing a source of alternating voltage;    serially connecting a heater element and a fuse with said source of alternating voltage;    connecting a diode to said source of alternating voltage and said heater element;    reducing a voltage to said heater element; and    increasing a current rating in said fuse.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further including the step of wrapping said heater element around a fluid tube.