Volumetric ice dispensing and measuring device
AssigneeManitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
InventorsGreg A. Glass, David C. Hobson, Jerry L. Landers, Richard K. Renken
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the volumetric measuring and dispensing of ice from a holding bin. The ice is desirably in a crushed or cubed state and is agitated during storage to prevent its freezing into a solid block. When a volume of ice is desired, a user activates the machine to dispense the desired amount. As the ice is dispensed, it rotates a wheel that provides a volumetric measurement and closes a door to the holding bin when the proper amount is dispensed.
Claims23
An apparatus for dispensing ice from an ice bin, comprising:
- a) a chute connected to the ice bin;
- b) a door connected to the chute;
- c) a first wheel having an outer portion that protrudes into the chute;
- d) a control system for controlling operation of the door coupled to the first wheel;
- and
- e) at least one selector for selecting an amount of ice, operably connected to the control system,
- wherein activation of the selector opens the door, allowing ice to flow down the chute, and wherein ice flowing down the chute causes rotation of the wheel, which indicates to the control system the amount of ice flowing, and after a predetermined amount of ice has flowed in accordance with the at least one selector activated, the control system causes the door to close.
A method of dispensing a predetermined amount of ice, comprising:
- a) selecting a predetermined amount of ice;
- b) activating a flow of ice through a chute;
- c) measuring a volume of ice as the ice flows through the chute;
- and
- d) stopping the flow of ice when the predetermined amount has been reached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.