Ice dispenser with an upwardly inclined channeled ramp and two part auger
US4694661A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/24
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Effective active storage volume of an ice dispenser is increased by an upward and forward sloping bottom wall with a compound curve. A stainless steel helically bent auger rod has a conical shape and closely fits within a trough having a relatively large radius at a rear and a relatively small radius at a front. Larger radius curved lateral areas complete the bottom wall. Ice moves upward toward the front of the bin and then upward at an obtuse angle toward the top of the bin and then tumbles rearward and downward. The rotating auger prevents bridging and continually pushes more ice forward than is dispensed. A helical auger with solid flytes radially extends from a forward portion of the shaft to move ice cubes through the dispensing opening in the front wall at the front end of the trough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.