The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 1990
Filed:
Jun. 24, 1985
William J Linstromberg, Lincoln Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Donald E Janke, Benton Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Chris A Scriber, St. Joseph, MI (US);
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for selectively dispensing discrete quantities of elongated ice pieces from a supply thereof. The apparatus includes a baffle defining an upper edge and mechanism adjacent the baffle for causing ice pieces received from the supply to extend lengthwise generally parallel to the baffle and to be translated upwardly to above the level of the baffle upper edge while concurrently tipping the ice pieces over the upper edge to pass to forwardly of the baffle for dispensing thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer mechanism is defined by at least one helical vane extending from a rearward transfer position to a forward dispensing position defined by the upper edge of the baffle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes extend approximately 105.degree. about an axis of rotation thereof within a tubular drum. The apparatus may include a constant speed dispensing mechanism and a timer control for any one of a plurality of preselected time periods. Each time period is preselected to provide a preselected amount of ice bodies from the dispenser. The control further provides dynamic braking of the transfer mechanism motor, and an actuator for automatically initiating operation of a dispensing cycle.