초록 ▼

An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting insid

An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting inside an eccentrically mounted nozzle will produce both axial and lateral components, with the lateral components of force providing a controlled “wobble”, that will deliver a substantially uniform distribution of ice within the retaining unit. A sensing device, which may be ultrasonic, mechanical or some other means, may be used to sense the level of build-up of ice within a retaining unit, for discontinuing the flow of ice to the distribution device, or diverting it to another ice retaining unit, as may be desired. The distribution and sensing devices are mounted on a top wall of the ice retaining unit and are adapted to accommodate top walls of such units of various thicknesses.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit, comprising: (a) an ice delivery conduit for delivering ice to the ice distribution device in an axial direction; (b) mounting means on the ice distribution device for mounting the ice distribution device

What is claimed is: 1. An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit, comprising: (a) an ice delivery conduit for delivering ice to the ice distribution device in an axial direction; (b) mounting means on the ice distribution device for mounting the ice distribution device relative to an ice retaining unit; (c) an ice distribution nozzle for receiving ice delivered from said ice delivery conduit and for discharging ice through the nozzle into an ice retaining unit; (d) said mounting means mounting said nozzle at an angle to said axial direction and for axial rotation; said mounting means including means responsive to the force of ice being delivered from said ice delivery conduit and through said nozzle, applying a sufficient partially lateral force to said nozzle to drive said nozzle in an eccentric rotation; and (e) whereby ice distributed through said nozzle can be dispersed in a fan-like array that has both axial and lateral components, for providing a substantially uniform distribution of ice in an ice retaining unit. 2. The ice distribution device of claim 1, wherein said mounting means mounting said nozzle for axial rotation includes an anti-friction bearing device. 3. The ice distribution device of claim 1, in combination with an ice retaining unit and mounted at an upper end of said ice retaining unit, for substantially uniformally distributing ice in said unit. 4. The ice distribution device of claim 3, including sensor means for sensing the level of buildup of ice distributed in the unit, and in response thereto, for activating an interrupting means for interrupting the further delivery of ice to the ice distribution device. 5. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said sensor means comprises ultrasonic sensor means. 6. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said sensor means comprises any one of (i) a mechanical sensor device; and (ii) a temperature sensing device. 7. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said interrupting means includes means for shutting off the delivery of ice through said delivery conduit. 8. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said interrupting means includes means for diverting the delivery of ice to an additional ice retaining unit. 9. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said means for interrupting comprises any one of: (i) valve means; and (ii) diverter plate means. 10. The ice distribution device of claim 5, wherein said means mounting said nozzle for axial rotation includes an anti-friction bearing device and wherein said sensor means comprises ultrasonic sensor means. 11. The ice distribution device of claim 4, wherein said interrupting means includes means for effecting any one of (a) shutting off the delivery of ice to said delivery conduit; and (b) diverting the delivery of ice to an additional ice retaining unit. 12. An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit, comprising: (a) an ice delivery conduit for delivering ice to the ice distribution device in an axial direction; (b) mounting means on the ice distribution device for mounting the ice distribution device relative to an ice retaining unit; (c) an ice distribution nozzle for receiving ice delivered from said ice delivers conduit and for discharging ice through the nozzle into an ice retaining unit; (d) said mounting means mounting said nozzle at an angle to said axial direction and for axial rotation; said mounting means including means responsive to the force of ice being delivered from said ice delivery conduit and through said nozzle, applying a sufficient partially lateral force to said nozzle to drive said nozzle in an eccentric rotation; and e) whereby ice distributed through said nozzle can be dispersed in a fan-like array that has both axial and lateral components, for providing a substantially uniform distribution of ice in an ice retaining unit, in combination with an ice retaining unit and mounted at an upper end of said ice retaining unit, for substantially uniformally distributing ice in said unit, wherein the mounting means of clause (b) includes at least one housing for disposition on an upper wall of an ice retaining unit, with a generally peripheral flange carried by said housing and at least one clamping rod carried by said housing; with said at least one clamping rod having a lower portion adapted to engage inside an upper wall of an ice retaining unit and clamping thereagainst, and with tightening means carried by said at least one clamping rod for moving the at least one clamping rod relative to the housing with the lower portion of the clamping rod against the inside of an upper wall of the ice retaining unit, for tightening the generally peripheral flange of the at least one housing against the upper wall of the ice retaining unit, irrespective of the thickness of the upper wall of the ice retaining unit. 13. The ice distribution device of claim 12, wherein there are at least two said clamping rods and associated said tightening means. 14. An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit, comprising: (a) an ice delivery conduit for delivering ice to the ice distribution device; (b) mounting means on the ice distribution device for mounting the ice distribution device relative to an ice retaining unit; (c) an ice distribution nozzle for receiving ice delivered from said ice delivery conduit and for discharging ice through the nozzle into an ice retaining unit; and (d) wherein the mounting means of clause (b) includes at least one housing for disposition on an upper wall of an ice retaining unit, With a generally peripheral flange carried by said housing and at least one clamping rod carried by said housing; with said at least one clamping rod having a lower portion adapted to engage inside an upper wall of an ice retaining unit and clamping thereagainst, and with tightening means carried by said at least one clamping rod for moving the at least one clamping rod relative to the housing with the lower portion of the clamping rod against the inside of an upper wall of the ice retaining unit, for tightening the generally peripheral flange of the at least one housing against the upper wall of the ice retaining unit, irrespective of the thickness of the upper wall of the ice retaining unit. 15. The ice distribution device of claim 14, wherein there are at least two said clamping rods and associated said tightening means. 16. The ice distribution device of claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes anti-friction means carrying said nozzle for freely rotatable motion about a generally vertical axis.