Abstract: A method and mechanism is disclosed for the conversion of ice chests of the type having a door to enable removal of unlimited quantities of ice as are in common use in hotels, motels, etc. The method involves a modification to the access door by the installation of an ice conveyor mechanism extending downwardly into a collector hopper placed within the ice chest bin. The ice lift conveyor mechanism is controlled by a token or coin-operated device to limit the quantity of ice dispensed from the ice chest. The ice lift conveyor mechanism is disclosed as a manually operated auger extending into the collector hopper with rotations of the auger controlled by a solenoid interlock gear mechanism, in turn controlled by a coin or token-operated control device.

Abstract: A token operated dispenser of metered quantities of crushed or cubed ice comprising a housing, a cylindrical magazine in the housing and having access and discharge openings, a closure rotatable on a shaft to close one opening while clearing the other, and a token-responsive clutch mechanism for controlling rotation of the closure. The clutch comprises two adjacent, coaxial members complementally forming a coin pocket such that a coin in the pocket mechanically couples the two members for common rotation. A cam ejects the token.