# US 10,502,474 B2 · Ice distribution system and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,502,474 B2 - Document ID: US10502474B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/054,716 - Filed: 2018-08-03 - Published: 2018-11-29 - Granted: 2019-12-10 - Earliest claimed: 2007-05-31 - Assignees: Reddy Ice Corporation - Applicants: Reddy Ice Corporation - Inventors: Mark C. Metzger - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10502474B2 ## CPC - F25C 5/24: {for storing bins (ice bins F25C5/182)} - B65B 1/04: Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles - B65B 1/30: Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled - B65B 39/007: {Guides or funnels for introducing articles into containers or wrappers} - B65B 43/52: using roller-ways or endless conveyors - B65G 47/32: Applications of transfer devices {(such devices per se B65G47/74)} - F25C 1/00: Producing ice (F25C3/00 takes precedence) - F25C 5/187: with ice level sensing means - F25C: PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE - B65B: MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B1/00-B67B6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C9/00) - B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is coupled to the component. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a drive motor adapted to cause the component to move along the one or more tracks. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, to actuate the apparatus from the first configuration to the second configuration, the component is configured to discharge the first ice-filled bag into the available space identified by the sensor. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ice maker adapted to make ice that fills an empty bag to produce the first ice-filled bag. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a hopper operably coupled to the ice maker and adapted to receive the ice from the ice maker before the ice fills the empty bag to produce the first ice-filled bag. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an enclosure connected to the temperature-controlled storage unit, wherein at least a portion of the hopper is enclosed by the enclosure. ### Claim 8 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. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor is coupled to the component. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, further comprising causing, using a drive motor, the component to move along the one or more tracks. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein actuating the apparatus from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises discharging the first ice-filled bag from the component to dispose the first ice-filled bag in the available space. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, further comprising: making, using an ice maker, ice; and filling an empty bag with the ice to produce the first ice-filled bag. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving the ice in a hopper operably coupled to the ice maker before filling the empty bag with the ice to produce the first ice-filled bag. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein an enclosure is connected to the temperature-controlled storage unit, and wherein at least a portion of the hopper is enclosed by the enclosure.