Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes: a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one projection extending from the inner surface of the bin for directing ice within the bin; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position. The bin is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position and the opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the bin and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the bin reaches the second position.
Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes a rotatable barrel (3) having an opening (4); an input chute (2) having a first end coupled to an ice making machine (1) and a second end in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel is in a first position; an output chute (14) in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel (3) is in a second position; a containment system (12) positioned around a portion of the body of the barrel (3); and a drive system (5) coupled to the barrel (3) for rotating the barrel (3). The opening (4) has a geometry and size (15) that directs the ice and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The regulated amount of ice is then dispensed into the output chute (14) when the barrel (3) reaches the second position.
Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes a rotatable barrel (3) having an opening (4); an input chute (2) having a first end coupled to an ice making machine (1) and a second end in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel is in a first position; an output chute (14) in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel (3) is in a second position; a containment system (12) positioned around a portion of the body of the barrel (3); and a drive system (5) coupled to the barrel (3) for rotating the barrel (3). The opening (4) has a geometry and size (15) that directs the ice and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The regulated amount of ice is then dispensed into the output chute (14) when the barrel (3) reaches the second position.