This is a great example of an gas-absorption cycle refrigerator the Crosley Icy Ball Refrigerator in working order. The following link explains in detail the non-electric method of refrigeration better than I can.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icy_Ball
It was a true excitement to see one as complete as this @ the Pageant Of Steam in Canandaigua, New York. My only regret is that I wasn't able to speak with the owners who were away from their campsite.
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Fascinating device! Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWhat you have there is a picture of my Crosley Icy Ball at the Pageant of Steam in Canandaigua, NY. It's good to know it received some attention at the show. I even had it cooling at one time during the show. I have the original manuals to boot. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWOW !
ReplyDeleteWhat a small world!
I have got to tell you when I saw your Icy Ball I started jumping up & down. What a fine example.
Would love to read a blog entry on how you obtained it, your expirence with daily use, well just everything with it.
Can you tell I'm green with envy.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments on my Icy Ball. My desire to own an IcyBall started when I saw one on display at the Pioneer gas engine show in Marion, NY.
Being a refrigeration service tech, and a collector of things old and mechanical, I decided that I had to find one.
I kept in touch with a well known Crosley collector until one day in May of last year he indicated that there existed a very nice Icy Ball, however it was in IL. I contacted the current owner (at the time), however he was not interested in shipping it. This was probably a better choice for the sake of the refrigerator.
My youngest brother had purchased a small 32V Delco Light plant out in IN so making it to IL was only a few hours out of the way. It was settled- we were to pick up the Icy Ball and Delco light plant in mid July.
When the Icy Ball arrived home it was promptly moved into the house and eventually into the basement. I had it sitting for about a month amidst the other junque and tools, much to my parents' dismay.
The steam show was around the corner and I had decided that it would be beneficial for the Icy Ball to get some publicity.
Publicity is exactly what it received. Friends of mine were set up across the row displaying what I consider cream of the crop gas engines, the rarest engines at the show no less, ones that I could only dream of owning or even affording. And there was my Icy Ball, partnered by a few of my gas engines and a two hole corn sheller, attracting more attention than any gas engine there could muster up.
I wasn't there until late afternoon due to my summer job, so I wasn't around much to answer any questions. However I had about 20 people ask me all about it when I was around. At one point I was a little bit curious to see if the device was still operational. Out came the Coleman stove and a pail of cold water. Two hours later, FROST!!, just as the Icy Ball manual had dictated. What a rewarding feeling. I left a tray of water in the cylindrical portion of the cold ball overnight, only to find ice cubes in the morning. Sucess!! For a while several beverages accompanied the cold ball in the box, however they were removed long before the night was over.
However, I haven't used the refrigerator since. I assumed it would be an excellent back up unit for any sort of emergency- Especially considering that any heat source can be used to begin the ammonia absorption process. It will probably frequent a few other shows next year. If you plan on going to the steam show in 2008, I will try my best to be there with the Icy Ball to answer any questions. Thanks.
I have a chest type one. Not yet tried. I need original pail, burner, icecube tray and a oval nameplate for the wood handle.
ReplyDeleteI also have other absorption units and Oilpulls and other old tractors and engines.
Ed edschott@comcast.net 8159684060 or 8156081977