Method and apparatus for an ice conveyance system
US8833406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/046
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice supply system delivers a product to a product engagement device having at least one product engagement jaw, and a discharge tube. An engaged product is delivered at an outlet of the tube. The ice supply system includes a sensor disposed in communication with a product stream to detect the product at a sensor elevation, and communicate the presence of product to a controller. The ice supply system further includes a product receptacle for receiving the engaged product. The product receptacle may be mobile or have an elevation adjustment, thereby providing the ability to create a product pile of a predetermined height beneath the discharge tube. In this configuration, the controller ceases the flow of product when the pile height reaches the sensor disposed in the discharge tube. Alternatively, the ice supply system includes a diverter to toggle between first and second flowpaths, thereby delivering engaged and non-engaged product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.