Ice dispense system and method
US8225960B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/24
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.