Ice dispenser with crusher for a refrigerator appliance
US8826683B2 · kind B2 · utility
4Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2400/08
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice dispenser for a refrigeration appliance is provided that can deliver both crushed ice and whole or non-crushed ice. A rotating drum or cylinder carries one or more blades that can crush ice against non-rotating blades carried on an axis or rod that extends into the drum. The direction of rotation of the drum can be selected so as to determine whether crushed or non-crushed ice is dispensed. The dispensing system can be located on the door of the refrigerator. An ice maker can also be positioned with the ice dispenser on the door of the appliance or, optionally, can be located in a compartment of the refrigerator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.