Ice dispensing and metering system and methods
US9989293B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 11, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F11/24
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice dispensing assembly includes a hopper, a metering disk, a shelf member, and a separating wall. The hopper includes an outlet opening defined in a bottom end of the hopper, and an ice inlet defined in a top end of the hopper. The metering disk is positioned in the hopper and includes a plurality of cavities. The shelf member is arranged to at least partially shield the cavities from a supply of ice held in the hopper. The metering disk is rotatable relative to the hopper between a first position wherein at least one cavity is exposed to the supply of ice to be filled with ice, and a second position wherein the cavity is separated from the supply of ice by the separating wall and ice in the cavity is dispensed through the outlet opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.