Abstract: An ice storage and dispensing apparatus includes a container (10) defining an inlet aperture (15) for receiving frozen product and an outlet aperture (30) for dispensing frozen product. A platform (16) is movably mounted within a lower end of the container. A rake (18) is rotatably mounted within an upper end of the container. An actuator (26) is mounted within the container between the platform and a support frame at the lower end of the container, and can be activated to selectively move the platform toward or away from the rake. A motor (24) is coupled to the rake for driving rotation of the rake. A torque sensor associated with the motor senses the level of load being applied on the motor as a measure of the proximity of the top layer of stored ice to the rake. A controller controls operation of the actuator in response to the sensor to automatically adjust the position of the platform relative to the rake.

Abstract: A disk flake ice machine (10) includes a cooling member (12) mounted for rotation about an axis(52) and defining a first and second annular cooling surfaces (24) and a peripheral edge (25) in which is formed an annular groove (32). A motor (16) drives rotation of the cooling member. A refrigerant supply (18) supplies refrigerant to cool the cooling member. Liquid material to be frozen is introduced to the cooling surfaces of the cooling member by spray tubes (28). Ice removal blades (30) are disposed adjacent the cooling surfaces of the cooling member to remove flakes of frozen material. A guide member (34) engages the groove in the peripheral edge of the cooling member to limit wobble of the cooling member relative to the ice removal tools during rotation.

Abstract: A plurality of knives (100) carried by driven means (36) to travel in circular paths along an inside, cylindrical freezing surface (16) of a refrigerated double-walled drum (12) to remove salt water ice formed thereon. A substantially flat lower surface (122) extends along the bottom of a knife leading section (106) and a substantially flat lower surface (124) extends along the bottom of a knife trailing section (108). In a direction transversely to the length of knife (100), the leading and trailing lower surfaces (122, 124) are disposed substantially normal to the drum freezing surface (16), and in the direction extending rearwardly along the length of knife (100), the leading lower surface (122) is inclined slightly downwardly from the horizontal while the trailing lower surface (124) is inclined downwardly at an angle substantially greater than the angle of inclination of the lower leading surface (122).

Abstract: An ice making machine having an improved drip shield which prevents water from dripping into an ice storage bin beneath the machine. The ice machine has an inner freezing surface over which is spread water. Ice formed on the freezing surface is scraped therefrom by a rotating sweep arm having a plurality of sweeps thereon. The drip shield is frusto-conical in shape and is located at the bottom of the ice making machine and extends radially outward beyond the inner freezing surface of the machine. A portion of the drip shield adjacent the sweep arm is removed to allow ice to fall from the freezing surface into an ice storage bin. The drip shield is continuously washed by water from a spray tube located on the top portion of the drip shield and having a series of orifices therein thus preventing ice build-up on the drip shield and clogging of the machine.