Ice dispensing apparatus
US4942979A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2600/04
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for selectively dispensing discrete quantities of elongated ice pieces from a supply thereof. The apparatus includes a baffle defining an upper edge and mechanism adjacent the baffle for causing ice pieces received from the supply to extend lengthwise generally parallel to the baffle and to be translated upwardly to above the level of the baffle upper edge while concurrently tipping the ice pieces over the upper edge to pass to forwardly of the baffle for dispensing thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer mechanism is defined by at least one helical vane extending from a rearward transfer position to a forward dispensing position defined by the upper edge of the baffle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes extend approximately 105.degree. about an axis of rotation thereof within a tubular drum. The apparatus may include a constant speed dispensing mechanism and a timer control for any one of a plurality of preselected time periods. Each time period is preselected to provide a preselected amount of ice bodies from the dispenser. The control further provides dynamic braking of the transfer mechanism motor, and an actuator for automatically init…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.