US3580416A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for dispensing ice cubes and the like
Assignee: King Seeley Thermos Co
•
Filing: 1968-11-12
•
Granted: 1971-05-25
•
Expires: 1988-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for transferring ice cubes and the like from a storage compartment to a remotely located dispensing compartment, the apparatus comprising passage means extending between the storage compartment and dispensing compartment and means providing a flow of conveying fluid through the passage means of sufficient magnitude to cause ice cubes to be conveyed through the passage means; an ice cube agitating mechanism for selectively agitating ice cubes within the dispensing compartment and for effecting movement thereof toward the passage means, and a discharge chute disposed adjacent one end of the passage means.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter H Hoenisch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 05:26
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G51/00; B65G51/02; F; F25; F25C; F25C5/00; F25C5/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 108
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In an apparatus for handling discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles, means defining an article discharge compartment, means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; means selectively opening and closing said passage adjacent said discharge compartment, means including a relatively rotatable agitating element disposed adjacent the lower end of said storage compartment and having means projecting upwardly therefrom into said mass of articles for transferring articles toward the lower end of said conveying passage upon rotation of said element; and means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage of sufficient magnitude to transfer articles from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In an apparatus for handling discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles, means defining an article discharge compartment, means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; means selectively opening and closing said passage adjacent said discharge compartment, means including a relatively rotatable agitating element disposed adjacent the lower end of said storage compartment and having means projecting upwardly therefrom into said mass of articles for transferring articles toward the lower end of said conveying passage upon rotation of said element; and means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage of sufficient magnitude to transfer articles from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage comprises blower means for introducing a flow of air through said passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means for providing a flow of air through said passage comprises an air motor and conduit means communicating a flow of air from said motor to said passage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 2 which includes means for recirculating at least a portion of the air conveyed through said passage back to said blower means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said agitator element comprises a rotatable disc disposed generally coplanar the lower end of said storage compartment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said agitating element is operatively connected to said passage defining means and is thereby movable in response to preselected movement of said passage defining means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes drive motor means disposed below said element for rotating the same.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for transferring articles from the mass to said conveying passage comprises an agitator disc rotatable about an axis extending generally parallel to said passage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention as set forth in claim 8 wherein said passage defining means comprises a substantially vertically extending conduit having said agitator disc fixedly secured to the lower end thereof, and which includes means for selectively rotating said conduit, whereby articles disposed adjacent said disc will move toward said conduit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes nozzle means disposed adjacent the lower end of said passage for introducing said flow of conveying fluid into said passage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
The invention as set forth in claim 9 wherein said agitator disc is tapered downwardly toward the central portion thereof, and wherein the lower end of said conduit has an access opening formed therein, whereby rotation of said conduit and said disc will result in articles moving inwardly and downwardly toward said access opening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 which includes nozzle means fixedly mounted below a central portion of said agitator disc and adapted to introduce said flow of conveying fluid into the lower end of said conduit, whereby articles disposed adjacent said access opening will be drawn into said conduit through said access opening and thereaftEr will be forced upwardly through said conduit by said flow of conveying fluid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
107 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which comprises a support structure disposed within said storage compartment, wherein said means for transferring articles from said mass to said conveying passage comprises an agitator disc rotatably mounted on said structure, wherein said passage defining means comprises a substantially vertically extending conduit, said conduit having an access opening formed in the lower end thereof adjacent the upper surface of said disc, which includes means for introducing said flow of conveying fluid into the lower end of said conduit, and which includes motor means for selectively rotating said agitator disc and for communicating the conveying fluid to said conduit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
134 words
In an apparatus for handling discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; a support structure disposed within said storage compartment; a relatively rotatable agitator disc mounted on said structure; means defining an article discharge compartment remotely located from said storage compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment; means providing an access opening at one end of said passage defining means and adjacent the upper surface of said agitator disc; and means for introducing a flow of conveying fluid into the lower end of said passage defining means including motor means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage defining means of sufficient magnitude to transfer articles introduced through said access opening to said discharge compartment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
134 words
In an apparatus for handling discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; a support structure disposed within said storage compartment; a relatively rotatable agitator disc mounted on said structure; means defining an article discharge compartment remotely located from said storage compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment; means providing an access opening at one end of said passage defining means and adjacent the upper surface of said agitator disc; and means for introducing a flow of conveying fluid into the lower end of said passage defining means including motor means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage defining means of sufficient magnitude to transfer articles introduced through said access opening to said discharge compartment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 wherein said agitator disc is inclined relative to said conduit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 wherein said motor means is disposed at least in part below the bottom of said storage compartment.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes first and second motor means and wherein at least one of said motor means is disposed below said disc.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
An invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes means for selectively opening and closing said access opening for controlling the transfer of articles from said mass to the interior of said conduit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 18 wherein said means for opening and closing said access opening comprises door means movable in response to the movement of articles within said storage compartment.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper surface of said agitator disc includes lug means projecting upwardly into said mass of articles for agitating the articles upon rotation of said disc.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes means on said support structure and extending adjacent said agitator disc for preventing the entire mass from rotating upon rotation of said disc.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes antijamming means for preventing articles from jamming in said access opening upon rotation of said conduit and said disc.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 wherein said antijamming means comprises an antijamming pin extending upwardly within the lower end of said conduit and adapted to selectively register with said access opening upon rotation of said conduit.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes timing means for selectively energizing said motor means at periodic intervals to prevent adherence of the articles in the mass.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 which includes an article dispensing assembly communicable with said conduit, said assembly comprising closure means selectively closing a discharge opening, and means for selectively actuating said motor means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as set forth in claim 25 which includes movably mounted spout means, and switch means actuable in response to moveMent of said spout means for energizing said motor means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as set forth in claim 25 which includes means for recirculating the conveying fluid used for conveying the articles to the dispensing assembly back to said second motor means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 25 which includes means responsive to the volume of articles within said assembly for deenergizing said motor means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention as set forth in claim 28 which includes safety means actuatable by a preselected volume of articles within said dispensing assembly for opening an electrical circuit to said motor means and thereby deenergizing said motor means when the quantity of articles within said dispensing assembly exceeds a predetermined amount.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
85 words
In an apparatus for conveying ice cubes: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending from a position adjacent the lower end of said mass of cubes to a position above said storage compartment and communicating said compartments; and means providing a flow of air through said passage of sufficient magnitude to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
85 words
In an apparatus for conveying ice cubes: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending from a position adjacent the lower end of said mass of cubes to a position above said storage compartment and communicating said compartments; and means providing a flow of air through said passage of sufficient magnitude to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 which includes a rotatable element for transferring ice cubes from said mass toward said conveying passage, and which further includes an air motor for supplying said flow of air to said passage.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as set forth in claim 31 wherein said means for transferring ice cubes from the mass comprises an agitator disc disposed adjacent the mass, and which includes means for selectively rotating said disc, whereby ice cubes will move from said mass toward said conveying passage.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
125 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 which includes a support structure disposed within said storage compartment, wherein said means for transferring ice cubes from said mass comprises an agitator disc rotatably mounted on said structure, wherein said passage defining means comprises a substantially vertically extending conduit disposed adjacent said agitator disc, said conduit having an access opening formed in the lower end thereof adjacent the upper surface of said disc, which includes means for introducing a flow of air into the lower end of said conduit, which includes first motor means for selectively rotating said agitator disc, whereby ice cubes disposed above said disc will move toward said access opening, and which includes second motor means for forcing air through said nozzle means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as set forth in claim 33 wherein said dispensing compartment includes closure means selectively closing a discharge opening and means controlling operation of said motor means in response to preselected movement of said closure means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 which includes means within said dispensing compartment for removing moisture from said ice cubes before they are dispensed through said discharge opening, said means comprising imperforate baffle means against which the ice cubes are impinged prior to being dispensed.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as set forth in claim 33 which includes means for selectively deenergizing said first and second motor means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as set forth in claim 33 which includes timer means for selectively energizing said first motor means to periodically rotate said agitator disc and thereby prevent adherence of the ice cubes within said storage compartment.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention as set forth in claim 37 which includes means for reversing the direction of said first motor means, whereby said agitator disc is rotated in one direction in order to agitate ice cubes within said storage compartment and is rotated in the opposite direction during an ice vend cycle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
207 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 which includes a support structure disposed within said sTorage compartment, wherein said means for transferring ice cubes from said mass comprises an agitator disc rotatably mounted on said structure, said disc being inclined toward the lower end of said passage defining means, wherein said passage defining means comprises a generally vertically extending conduit, the lower end of which is disposed adjacent said agitator disc, said conduit having an access opening formed therein adjacent the upper surface of said disc, which includes door means movable to and from a position opening and closing said access opening in response to the direction of movement of said agitator disc, which includes first motor means for introducing a flow of air through said conduit, which includes a second motor means disposed below said disc for rotating said disc, which includes control means for energizing said first and second motor means, said control means being operable to rotate said disc in different directions, which includes manually engageable actuator means for actuating said control means, and which includes safety switch means for effecting deenergization of said first and second motor means in response to an excess quantity of ice cubes disposed within said dispensing assembly.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention as set forth in claim 33 which includes cooperable worm and worm gear means drivingly connecting said first motor means with said conduit, whereby energization of said first motor means will result in rotation of said conduit means and said agitator disc.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
99 words
In the method of transferring discrete articles from an article storage compartment containing a mass of articles through an article transfer passage to an article discharge compartment, the steps which include, selectively conveying articles from the mass toward the passage, conveying the articles through the passage by communicating a conveying fluid through the passage at a flow rate of sufficient magnitude to transfer the articles from the storage compartment to the discharge compartment, and recirculating at least a portion of the conveying fluid back toward the source thereof so that at least part of said fluid may be reused.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
99 words
In the method of transferring discrete articles from an article storage compartment containing a mass of articles through an article transfer passage to an article discharge compartment, the steps which include, selectively conveying articles from the mass toward the passage, conveying the articles through the passage by communicating a conveying fluid through the passage at a flow rate of sufficient magnitude to transfer the articles from the storage compartment to the discharge compartment, and recirculating at least a portion of the conveying fluid back toward the source thereof so that at least part of said fluid may be reused.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 which includes the step of conveying the articles from the storage compartment to the discharge compartment by introducing a flow of air into said conveying passage.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 which includes the step of agitating the articles adjacent the conveying passage, whereby said articles will move toward said passage.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as set forth in claim 43 which includes the step of rotating an agitator disc disposed below a portion of the mass of articles in response to preselected movement of the conveying passage.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage is actuatable in response to preselected movement of said means opening and closing said passage.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
111 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending through a portion of said mass of cubes and communicating said compartments; means including a rotatable transfer element disposed below said mass of cubes for moving ice cubes disposed at the lower end of said mass thereof toward said passage defining means; and a source of conveying fluid communicable with the lower end of said passage defining means and being of sufficient magnitude to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
111 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending through a portion of said mass of cubes and communicating said compartments; means including a rotatable transfer element disposed below said mass of cubes for moving ice cubes disposed at the lower end of said mass thereof toward said passage defining means; and a source of conveying fluid communicable with the lower end of said passage defining means and being of sufficient magnitude to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage communicating said compartments; and means providing a conveying circuit, including meaNs for recirculating conveying fluid, whereby said fluid may be initially communicated from a source thereof through said passage defining means, in order to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment, and at least a portion of said conveying fluid may be communicated back to said source thereof for reuse in transferring additional ice cubes through said passage defining means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage communicating said compartments; and means providing a conveying circuit, including meaNs for recirculating conveying fluid, whereby said fluid may be initially communicated from a source thereof through said passage defining means, in order to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment, and at least a portion of said conveying fluid may be communicated back to said source thereof for reuse in transferring additional ice cubes through said passage defining means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage communicating said compartments; a source of forced air for transferring ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for communicating at least a portion of the forced air communicated through said passage defining means back to said source thereof, whereby at least a portion of said air may be recirculated for reuse.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage communicating said compartments; a source of forced air for transferring ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for communicating at least a portion of the forced air communicated through said passage defining means back to said source thereof, whereby at least a portion of said air may be recirculated for reuse.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment disposed above said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between and communicating said compartments; means for selectively closing said passage defining means; first power actuated means for proving a flow of conveying fluid through said passage defining means; and control means movable within said dispensing compartment for controlling operation of said first power actuated means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment disposed above said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between and communicating said compartments; means for selectively closing said passage defining means; first power actuated means for proving a flow of conveying fluid through said passage defining means; and control means movable within said dispensing compartment for controlling operation of said first power actuated means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 49 which includes second power actuated means for effecting transfer of ice cubes toward said passage defining means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as set forth in claim 50 which includes first and second switch means for energizing and deenergizing said first and second power actuated means in response to preselected movement of said means closing said passage defining means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as set forth in claim 51 which includes means for sequentially actuating said first second switch means.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; and control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; and control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and said control means being adapted to simultaneously energize said first power operated means and said second power operated means in a first mode of operation and energize only said second power operated means in a second mode of operation.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and said control means being adapted to simultaneously energize said first power operated means and said second power operated means in a first mode of operation and energize only said second power operated means in a second mode of operation.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 54 wherein the first mode of operation of said second power operated means moves articles within said storage compartment in one direction and wherein the second mode of operation of said second power operated means moves the articles within said storage compartment in another direction.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 54 which includes timer means for periodically energizing said second power operated means in said second mode of operation.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 54 which includes manually engageable means for selectively energizing said first power operated means and said second power operated means in said first mode of operation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 57 which includes timer means for controlling the period of energization of said first power operated means and said second power operated means in said first mode of operation irrespective of actuation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 57 which includes safety switch means for preventing energization of said first and second power operated means regardless of actuation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 53 which includes signal means responsive to the quantity of articles within said article storage compartment.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein said first and second power operated means comprises first and second motors, and wherein said second motor is reversible.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 61 which includes a reversing circuit for selectively reversing said second motor.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 62 which includes timer means for automatically energizing said reversing circuit and thereby effecting energization of said second motor in a reverse direction.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 62 which includes manually engageable means and circuit means energizable in response to actuation of said manually engageable means to effect energization of said first motor and simultaneous energization of said second motor in a forward direction.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 64 which includes timer means for deenergizing said first and second motors regardless of actuation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for transferring articles from the mass to said conveying passage comprises an agitator element rotatable about an axis inclined slightly from the longitudinal axis of said conveying passage.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention as set forth in claim 33 wherein said dispensing compartment includes closure means selectively closing said discharge opening and means responsive to the volume of ice cubes within said dispensing compartment for at least in part controlling operation of said motor means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the transfer passage includes closure means, of the steps of conveying articles in a first direction for opening said closure means to permit transfer of articles into the interior of said passage, and conveying said articles in another direction to close said closure means and thereby prevent the further transfer of said articles into the interior of said passage.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
An ice cube dispensing machine as set forth in claim 49 wherein said control means includes said means for selectively closing said passage defining means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
39 words
An ice cube dispensing machine as set forth in claim 49 wherein said control means comprises switch means responsive to a preselected volume of ice cubes within said dispensing compartment for controlling operation of said first power actuated means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
114 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for contRolling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and said control means being adapted to simultaneously energize said first and second power operated means and energize only one of said power operated means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
114 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for contRolling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and said control means being adapted to simultaneously energize said first and second power operated means and energize only one of said power operated means.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and timer means for periodically energizing one of said power operated means.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an apparatus for conveying discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage between said compartments; means including first power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; means including second power operated means for moving articles within said storage compartment; control means responsive to the delivery of articles to said discharge compartment for controlling operation of at least one of said power operated means; and timer means for periodically energizing one of said power operated means.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
102 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between said compartments; means for providing a flow of forced air through said passage defining means, whereby ice cubes will be transferred from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for removing any water which may accumulate on said ice cubes during transfer thereof to said dispensing compartment preparatory to said ice cubes being discharged from said dispensing compartment.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
102 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between said compartments; means for providing a flow of forced air through said passage defining means, whereby ice cubes will be transferred from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for removing any water which may accumulate on said ice cubes during transfer thereof to said dispensing compartment preparatory to said ice cubes being discharged from said dispensing compartment.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
79 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; said storage compartment comprising in part a generally flat article supporting surface inclined toward said conveying passage; and a transfer element movable relative to said surface and arranged generally coplanar therewith for transferring articles from said mass thereof toward said conveying passage.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
79 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; said storage compartment comprising in part a generally flat article supporting surface inclined toward said conveying passage; and a transfer element movable relative to said surface and arranged generally coplanar therewith for transferring articles from said mass thereof toward said conveying passage.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
94 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; means providing an access opening for communicating articles from said storage compartment to the interior of said passage; closure means movable between positions opening and closing said access opening; and a transfer element movably disposed within said storage compartment for moving articles toward said access opening and for controlling opening and closing movement of said closure means.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
94 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment; means defining an article conveying passage extending between said compartments; means providing an access opening for communicating articles from said storage compartment to the interior of said passage; closure means movable between positions opening and closing said access opening; and a transfer element movably disposed within said storage compartment for moving articles toward said access opening and for controlling opening and closing movement of said closure means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
120 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between said compartments; means for providing a flow of forced air through said passage defining means, whereby ice cubes will be transferred from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for recirculating forced air from said dispensing compartment back through said mass of ice cubes toward the inlet end of said passage defining means, whereby said forced air may be at least in part reused for transferring ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
120 words
In an ice cube dispensing machine: means defining an ice storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between said compartments; means for providing a flow of forced air through said passage defining means, whereby ice cubes will be transferred from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; and means for recirculating forced air from said dispensing compartment back through said mass of ice cubes toward the inlet end of said passage defining means, whereby said forced air may be at least in part reused for transferring ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
94 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles through a receptacle: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge Compartment; means defining an article conveying passage communicating said compartments; power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; and control means for controlling operation of said power operated means including switch means engageable by said receptacle for initiating operation of said power operated means and timer means for terminating operation of said power operated means after a preselected time interval.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
94 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles through a receptacle: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge Compartment; means defining an article conveying passage communicating said compartments; power operated means for providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage; and control means for controlling operation of said power operated means including switch means engageable by said receptacle for initiating operation of said power operated means and timer means for terminating operation of said power operated means after a preselected time interval.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an article conveying passage communicating said compartments; means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage for transferring articles from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment; a relatively movable transfer element disposed within said transfer compartment; and said transfer element being movable in one direction for transferring articles toward said conveying passage and being movable in another direction for agitating articles within said compartment to prevent adherence thereof to one another.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an apparatus for dispensing discrete articles: means defining an article storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of discrete articles; means defining an article discharge compartment located remote from said storage compartment; means defining an article conveying passage communicating said compartments; means providing a flow of conveying fluid through said passage for transferring articles from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment; a relatively movable transfer element disposed within said transfer compartment; and said transfer element being movable in one direction for transferring articles toward said conveying passage and being movable in another direction for agitating articles within said compartment to prevent adherence thereof to one another.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 78 which includes timer means for actuating said transfer element to move in said direction agitating said articles at predetermined time intervals.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as set forth in claim 78 which includes timer means for controlling the length of time said transfer element moves in said direction transferring said articles toward said conveying passage.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 which includes the step of initiating the transfer of discrete articles from said article storage compartment to said discharge compartment by engaging a receptacle into which the articles are to be discharged with a control switch.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 which includes the step of terminating the transfer of discrete articles from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment by sensing the quantity of articles previously transferred to said discharge compartment.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the discharge compartment is provided with a dispensing spout and which includes power operated means for supplying the conveying fluid through said passage, of the step of deenergizing said power means in response to preselected movement of said discharge spout.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 which includes the step of agitating the mass of articles within said storage compartment at predetermined timed intervals in order to prevent adherence of the articles to one another.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the storage compartment is provided with a transfer element for transferring articles through said conveying passage, the steps of moving said element in one direction to transfer the articles within the storage compartment toward the passage and moving the transfer element in another direction to agitate the articles within the storage compartment.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the passage includes an access opening and door means movable between positions opening and closing the access opening, of the steps of moving the articles within the storage compartment in a preselected manner such that said articles engage said closure means to open the same and permit the transfer of articles from said storage compartment into said passage.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the passage includes an access opening and door means movable between positions opening and closing the access opening, of the steps of moving the articles within the storage compartment in a preselected manner such that said articles engage said closure means to close the same and prevent the transfer of articles from said storage compartment into said passage.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
106 words
In an ice cuBe dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between and communicating said compartments; power operated means providing a source of conveying fluid adapted to flow through said passage defining means at a sufficiently high flow rate to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; first actuatable means for energizing said power operated means; and second actuatable means for deenergizing said power operated means regardless of whether or not said first actuated means is actuated.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
106 words
In an ice cuBe dispensing machine: means defining an ice cube storage compartment adapted to contain a mass of ice cubes; means defining an ice cube dispensing compartment; means defining an ice cube conveying passage extending between and communicating said compartments; power operated means providing a source of conveying fluid adapted to flow through said passage defining means at a sufficiently high flow rate to transfer ice cubes from said storage compartment to said dispensing compartment; first actuatable means for energizing said power operated means; and second actuatable means for deenergizing said power operated means regardless of whether or not said first actuated means is actuated.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention as set forth in claim 88 wherein said second actuatable means includes means for maintaining said power operated means in a deenergized condition in response to a predetermined quantity of ice cubes being transferred from said storage compartment to said discharge compartment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |