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US 10,502,474 B2Granted
Ice distribution system and method
AssigneeReddy Ice Corporation
InventorMark C. Metzger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.
Claims14
An apparatus for ice distribution, comprising:
- a temperature-controlled storage unit defining an internal region in which a plurality of ice-filled bags are adapted to be stored;
- one or more tracks extending within the internal region;
- a component coupled to, and movable along, the one or more tracks;
- and
- a sensor movable with the component;
- wherein a portion of the internal region defines an available space in which a first ice-filled bag is adapted to be disposed;
- wherein the apparatus is actuable between:
- a first configuration in which the first ice-filled bag is supported by the component before the first ice-filled bag is disposed in the available space;
- and
- a second configuration in which the first ice-filled bag is disposed in the available space;
- wherein the sensor is configured to identify the available space when the apparatus is in the first configuration.
8 more elements
A method for ice distribution, comprising:
- providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a temperature-controlled storage unit defining an internal region in which a plurality of ice-filled bags are adapted to be stored,
- one or more tracks extending within the internal region,
- a component coupled to, and movable along, the one or more tracks, and
- a sensor movable with the component,
- wherein a portion of the internal region defines an available space in which a first ice-filled bag is adapted to be disposed;
- placing the apparatus in a first configuration, in which the first ice-filled bag is supported by the component before the first ice-filled bag is disposed in the available space;
- moving the component along the one or more tracks when the apparatus is in the first configuration;
- moving the sensor with the component;
- identifying, using the sensor, the available space when the apparatus is in the first configuration;
- and
- actuating the apparatus from the first configuration to a second configuration, in which the first ice-filled bag is disposed in the identified available space.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.