Ice agitation and dispensing device and method
US8469232B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice dispensing system includes: a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one projection extending from the inner surface of the bin for directing ice within the bin; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position. The bin is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position and the opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the bin and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the bin reaches the second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.