Method and apparatus for a front access removable agitator motor
US7748571B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/24
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.