Abstract: A compact miniature motor system includes a motor configured to rotate an output shaft on an axis. The compact miniature motor system also includes a series of gears to drive the motor and a housing. The housing includes: a set of ribs that correspond to the shape of the motor; a first axial retaining wall at a first end of the motor when the housing is installed with the motor; and a second axial retaining wall at a second end of the motor when the housing is installed with the motor, where the second end of the motor opposes the first end of the motor. The notch is configured to mate with a corresponding groove of the motor.

Abstract: A gear box has a housing and first and second direct current motors inside of the housing. A first rotatable output shaft extends through a wall of the housing and is rotatably driven by the first motor via a first gear train. A second rotatable output shaft extends through the wall of the housing and is rotatably driven by the second motor via a second gear train. The gear box can be used to dispense ice from a refrigerator/freezer. The first motor drives the first output shaft in one direction to dispense shaved ice. The second motor drives the second output shaft in one direction to dispense ice cubes and drives the second output shaft in an opposite direction to dispense crushed ice. The first and the second motors operate independently of each other.