MXPA98002134A - Device to detect and control the hi level - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus split inspect and control the level of ice in a reservoir or container for storing ice, estácaracterizado apparatus comprising: a motor mounted within the tank for storing ice emitter, a detector mounted within the reservoir for the storage of ice, in a position directly opposite the emitter, a pulse circuit to apply a working rate signal to the emitter, where the signal of the working regime allows the application to the emitter of an increased power, increased , to increase the signal level of an output of the pulse train by the transmitter, the pulse circuit comprises: a timer configured to generate a signal from the pulse train an inventor to invert the pulse train signal, and a transistor of power to amplify signal of the pulse train, a circuit of the receiver to emit a signal sensitive to the pulse train s detected by the detect

Description

DEVICE TO DETECT AND CONTROL THE ICE LEVEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the manufacture of ice, the storage of ice, and equipment for the distribution of ice, and, more particularly, though not by way of limitation, to a method and apparatus for inspecting and controlling the level of ice. ice in a tank or container for ice storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A system for controlling the level of ice will require a device cle of providing a signal indicating the level of ice in a tank or container for the storage of ice. One of these devices may be formed of a transmitter / emitter pair, where the emitter produces an infrared beam or beam, detected by the detector. When the detector detects the beam, the level of the ice is REF: 27125 under the transmitter / emitter pair, which indicates that there is insufficient ice in the ice storage bin or container. Conversely, when the detector does not detect the beam, the level of the ice is above the emitter / detector pair, which indicates that there is insufficient ice in the ice storage bin. When an emitter / detector pair is selected, for use in a system for controlling the level of ice, the most important factors are cost and size. Unfortunately, low-cost, small-sized emitter pairs can not currently be used in ice-level control systems because the infrared beam signal strength produced by the emitter, it is insufficient to travel through the deposit for the storage of ice, and therefore it is not detected by the detector. There are more powerful emi sor / det ector pairs, however their cost is prohibitive. Accordingly, a method and apparatus that allows the use of low-cost, small-sized emitter / tech pairs will significantly improve common systems for ice level control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an apparatus for inspecting and controlling the level of ice, in an ice storage bin, includes an emitter mounted inside the ice storage bin, and a detector mounted in a position directly opposite the emitter. . A pulse circuit operates the emitter in such a way as to produce a pulse train that triggers the detector. A receiver circuit produces a signal sensitive to the detection of the pulse train by the detector. A controller activates an ice producing device, sensitive to the signal produced by the receiver circuit. The apparatus further includes a second emitter mounted within the reservoir for the storage of ice, and a second detector mounted in a position directly opposite the second emitter. A second pulse circuit drives or operates the transmitter in such a way that it emits a train of pulses that trip to the second detector. A second receiver circuit produces a signal when the second detector fails to detect the pulse train. The controller deactivates the ice producing device, sensitive to the signal produced by the circuit of the second receiver. Each of the pulse circuits includes a timer configured to generate a pulse train signal, an inverter for inverting the pulse train signal, and a power transistor for amplifying the signal of the pulse train. By including the pulse circuit the device uses low-cost and small-sized emitters, because the signal strength of the pulse train, generated, is sufficient to travel through a deposit for ice storage. Each circuit of the receiver includes an amplifier to amplify the pulse train signal detected by the detector, a multiple vibrator configured to emit a first signal sensitive to the input of the pulse train, wherein, when the multiple vibrator fails to detect the pulse train for a predetermined period of time, it emits a second signal, and a sensitive switch to the first and second signals emitted by the multiple vibrator. The use of the pulse train facilitates the use of receiver circuits, which inspect the detectors and the only transition is when the pulse train has been interrupted for a predetermined period. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that allows the use of low-cost, low-cost emi-t / ector pairs, employing a pulse train to supply energy to the emitters. In view of the following, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view, with part separation, illustrating the assembly of the liner or liner of the tank, either for an ice dispenser or for a combined ice and beverage dispenser.

Figure 2 is a perspective view, with separation of parts, illustrating the delivery system with distribution wheel.

Figure 3 is a perspective view, with separation of parts, illustrating the distribution wheel and the crown of the distribution wheel.

Figure 4 is a perspective view, with separation of parts, illustrating the final assembly of the ice container and the inclusion of distributor valves, for the ice and beverage dispenser, combined.

Figure 5 is a top, front view, illustrating the distribution wheel.

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of the drip tray, either on the ice dispenser or on the ice and beverage dispenser, in combination.

Figure 7 is a top, side, cross-sectional view, illustrating an ice and beverage dispenser, in combination, partially assembled or assembled.

Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the crown of the distribution wheel.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pulse circuit of the system for inspection and control of the level of ice.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the receiver circuit of the system for the inspection and control of the level of ice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to FIGS. 1-8, an ice dispenser and an ice and beverage dispenser, in combination, using the system for detecting and controlling the ice level of this preferred embodiment will be described. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 7, the dispensing apparatus 10 includes the liner 11, the base 12, and the mounting plate 13. The mounting plate 13 is connected to the base 12 using any suitable means, such as screws or nuts and bolts. The liner 11 includes the opening 14 for receiving therein the crown 15. The crown 15 is mounted to the liner 11 using any suitable means such as screws or nuts and bolts. The insertion ring 16 is inside the ring 15 and its clamping allows the lining 11 to be mounted on the mounting plate 13. Although the lining 11 is mounted on the mounting plate 13, the ring 15 separates the lining 11 and mounting plate 13, to create a gap between them, containing insulating foam. Once the crown 15 has been secured in the opening 14, the mounting plate 13 is placed against the crown 15, followed by the placement of the insertion crown 16 through the opening 17 within the crown 15. The crown 16 is then secured to the crown 15 using any suitable means such as screws or nuts and bolts, to secure the liner 11, the crown 15, the mounting plate 13, and the insertion crown 16, with each other. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes the conduit 29 to provide a discharge passage. Consequently, the duct 29 extends through the gap between the liner 11 and the mounting plate 13, to allow communication of the outer ice to the dispensing apparatus 10. The duct 29 fits through the opening 20A of the liner 11 and of the opening 20B of the mounting plate 13. The duct 29 includes a lip that abuts the inside of the liner 11, around the opening 20A, to prevent the evacuation of the duct 29 from inside the openings 20A and B. If the distribution apparatus 10 distributes only ice, includes plate 75 having sides 76A and B. Sides 76A and B are joined to liner 11 using any suitable fastening means, such as screws or nuts, and bolts, to secure the plate 75 inside the liner 11. The side walls of the liner 11 are tilted down from the rear wall towards the front wall, so that the connection of the plate 75 to the liner 11 results in the plate 75 being placed at a certain inclined angle towards the front wall of the lining 11. The plate 75 is placed at an angle that inclines towards the front wall of the liner 11 (approximately 5 degrees in this preferred embodiment) to facilitate drainage of water exiting the plate 75. In addition, the plate 75 includes the drain orifice 77 communicating with the hole 23 for draining the base 12, so that any amount of water that accumulates on the plate 75 can be drained from the dispensing apparatus 10. If the dispensing apparatus 10 dispenses both ice and beverages, the plate 75 is replaced with the cold plate 18. cold plate 18 is a conventional cold plate that includes the input lines 21A that connect to a source of beverages, and the output lines 21B that connect to distribution valves, to allow distribution or supply of drinks. The cold plate 18 is attached to the liner 11 using the brackets or supports 19A and B and any suitable means such as screws or nuts, and bolts. The side walls of the liner 11 are inclined downwards from the rear wall towards the front wall, in such a way that the connection of the cold plate 18 to the lining 11 results in the cold plate 18 being placed at a certain inclined angle towards the wall front of the liner 11. The cold plate 18 is positioned at an angle inclined toward the front wall of the liner 11 (approximately 5 degrees in this preferred embodiment) to facilitate drainage of the water outwardly of the plate 18. In addition, the plate 18 includes the hole 22 for drainage, communicating with the hole 23 for drainage, of the base 12, so that any amount of water that accumulates on the cold plate 18 can be drained from the distribution apparatus 10. The distribution apparatus 10 includes tray 24 which is connected to liner 11 using a bracket or support 25 and any suitable fastening means such as screws or nuts, and bolts. The tray 24 provides a platform supporting a container containing ice, during the emptying or loading of ice to the distribution stop 10. As illustrated in figures 2 and 7, the distribution apparatus 10 includes a motor with gear reducer 26 which it is located in the cavity defined by the insertion crown 16. The gear reducer motor 26 is mounted inside the insertion crown 16 using a bracket 28 and any suitable fastening means such as screws or nuts, and bolts. Both the insertion crown 16 and the crown 15 include openings therethrough, to allow the shaft 27 of the gear motor 26 to protrude into the liner 11. A mounting bearing (not shown) is mounted within the openings , through the insertion crown 16 and the crown 15, using any suitable means, such as an adhesive, to provide a fastener for the seal 80. The seal 80 includes a flange 81 and a cylindrical portion 82 having the opening 83 through it, which receives the shaft 27 of the gear motor 26. The seal 80 includes the grooves 83, while the fixing bearing includes mating grooves receiving the grooves 83 to secure the seal 80 within the fixing bearing. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes the seal 80 to prevent water and ice escaping from the liner 11, through the openings in the insertion crown 16 and in the crown 15, necessary to allow the shaft 27 protrudes into the liner 11. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes the door frame 30, the door 31, the conduit 34, and the pipe conduit 35, for directing the ice traveling through the conduit, towards the container. The door frame 30 fits in and over the conduit 29 and is connected to the mounting plate 13 using any suitable means such as screws or nuts, and bolts. The door 31 is attached, so as to rotate, within the frame 30 of the door, using a pivot pin (not shown) to prevent ice discharge, except during activation of the dispensing apparatus 10. The conduit 34 is adjusted above the frame 30 of the door and connected to the mounting plate 13 using any suitable means such as screws. The tube conduit 35 is pivotally connected to the lower side of the conduit 34 using brackets and pivot pins (not shown) to provide the outlet for the ice discharged from the dispensing apparatus 10. The solenoid 32 is attached to the plate. assembly 13 using any suitable means such as screws and engages the door 31 via the lever 33 to control the opening and closing of the door 31. The switch 36 is mounted to the front of the conduit 34 using any suitable means such as screws for control the activation of solenoid 32 and motor 26 with reduction gear. The switch 36 includes the contactor 36A abutting the protrusion 35A of the pipe conduit 35. When the pipe conduit 35 is pivoted or rotated, the protrusion 35A moves away from the switch 36 thereby releasing the contactor 36A which facilitates the activation of the switch 36. The spring 37 is connected between the projection 34A of the conduit 34 and the projection 35A of the pipe conduit 35, to provide a restoring force between the pivoting of the pipe conduit 35. The lever 38 is mounted on the lower back portion of the tube conduit 35 using any suitable means such as pins (not shown) to provide a pivot or pivot point for the tube conduit, accessible to a user. As illustrated in Figure 3, the dispensing apparatus 10 includes the splash plate 39, which is attached to the box or cover 61 (see Figure 4) using any suitable means such as screws, to prevent distributed drinks from making contact with motor 26 with gear reducer. The spigot plate 40 is attached to the mounting plate 13 using any suitable means, such as screws, to provide a connection point for the distribution valves, to which reference is made generally to the number 41 (see figure 4). As illustrated in Figures 3, 7, and 8, the dispensing apparatus 10 includes the wheel 42 and the crown 43, to facilitate the distribution of ice from the dispensing apparatus 10. The crown 43 includes the cylindrical portion 44 that defines a recess in which wheel 42 resides. Cylindrical portion 44 includes conduit 45 and openings 46 and 47 therethrough. The cylindrical portion 44 further includes the depression 48A which has through it the opening 48B. The conduit 45 and the depression 48A allow placement, at a certain angle, of the crown 43, on the front wall of the liner 11. The depression 48A resides around a portion of the crown 15, while the conduit 45 is inserted inside the duct 29 so that the crown 43 is suspended at a certain angle that slopes away from the upper part of the front wall of the liner 14. The cover 49 extends from the cylindrical portion 44 and includes the lip 50 that abuts the the tray 24 to help support the crown 43 and to increase the rigidity thereof. The crown 43 includes a curved plate 51 that extends from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 44 to provide a conduit that causes ice to the recess defined by the indi cular portion 44. The wheel 42 includes the disc 52 and the ring flange 53 extending therefrom. The disc 52 includes the protective washer 54 formed integrally therewith, to support the shaft 27 of the gear motor 26 with reduction gear, which passes through the opening 48B of the depression 48A. The shaft 27 is coupled to the protective washer 54 to allow the rotary drive of the wheel 42 (described herein). The wheel 42 includes the vanes 55A-J to facilitate the supply of ice to the duct 45. The vanes 55A-J can be of any suitable material, such as rubber, plastic, metal, etc. The vanes 55A-J fit in grooves that lie around the annular flange 53 and are secured in place by friction or by a suitable adhesive (see figure 5). Alternatively, the disc 52, the annular rim 53, and the vanes 55A-J can be molded as a single piece, using a suitable material such as plastic, metal, etc., to form the wheel 42. As illustrated in the figures 4 and 7, the dispensing apparatus 10 includes a stirrer 58 which prevents the ice within the dispensing apparatus 10 from freezing in the form of a single dough. One end of the agitator 58 fits within the protection washer 54 of the disc 52 and is secured to the shaft 27 of the motor 26 with gear reducer, using the pin 59 of the agitator. The agitator pin 59 passes through aligned openings in the shielding washer 54, in the shaft 27, and in the agitator 58, to couple both the wheel 42 and the agitator 58, to the axis 27. The opposite end of stirrer 58 fits within sleeve 60 to allow rotation of stirrer 58 within liner 11. Case or cover 61 fits around liner 11 and is connected to mounting plate 13 using any suitable means such as screws or nuts , and bolts. An insulating foam is sprayed between the liner 11, the mounting plate 13, and the box or cover 61, to form an insulated, water-tight deposit 62 for storing the ice. The cabinet 63 for removal of the merchandise is attached to the mounting plate 13 above the manifold valves 41, using any suitable means such as screws or nuts, and bolts. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes the cabinet for the removal of the merchandise, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as to provide a structure for presenting advertising material. As illustrated in Figure 6, the supports 90 and 91 and the locks 92 and 93 allow the clamping of the drip tray 64, in front of the mounting plate 13 below the distribution valves 41. The collecting tray The drip tray 64 assembles the splashed product and supplies it to a drain, to prevent the product from accumulating around the dispensing apparatus 10. The drip tray 64 includes the brackets 94 and 95, while the supports 90 and 91 include the pins that support brackets 94 and 95. Brackets 90 and 91 are attached to base 12 using any means such as screws. The latches 92 and 93 are attached to the mounting plate 13 using the respective screws 96 and 98 and the bearings 97 and 99. The bearings 97 and 99 allow their respective latches 92 and 93 to rotate, which facilitates the fixing of the tray drip catcher 64 on the supports 90 and 91. To join the drip tray 64, the latches 92 and 93 are first placed in an articulated form, away from the supports 90 and 91, respectively. The brackets 94 and 95 are then placed on the pins of a respective support, 90 and 91, to support the drip tray 64 in front of the mounting plate 13. After the placement of the drip tray 64 on the supports 90 and 91, the locks 92 and 93 are placed in an articulated manner on the supports 90 and 91, respectively, in such a way as to secure the brackets 94 and 95, respectively, on the supports 90 and 91 to prevent accidental detachment of the brackets 90 and 91. drip tray 64, brackets 94 and 95. As illustrated in figures 4 and 7, the emitter 150 is mounted on a lower portion of a side wall of the liner 11, while the detector 151 is mounted on the wall opposite side, directly to the other side of the emitter 150. Similarly the emitter 152 is mounted on an upper portion of a side wall of the liner 11, while the detector 153 is mounted on the opposite side wall, directly on the other side of the side wall. The emitter 152. The emitters 150 and 152 and the detectors 151 and 153 enter into orifices through the liner 11 and secure thereon using any suitable means such as brackets or supports. In this preferred embodiment, emitters 150 and 152 are Honey ell infrared emitters, Model No. SE5470-003, and detectors 151 and 153 are Honeywell infrared detectors, Model No. SD5443-003. As illustrated in Figure 9, the emitters 150 and 152 are each electrically connected to an identical pulse circuit 154 mounted on a control board (not shown). Similarly, as illustrated in Figure 10, the detectors 151 and 153 are each electrically connected to an identical receiver circuit 155, also mounted on the control board. The control board receives power from a standard 110/120 VAC line and includes a voltage regulator to provide the 5 VDC required for the operation of the pulse circuits 154 and the circuits 155 of the receiver. The control board also includes a microprocessor that inspects the output of each receiver circuit and controls a relay in response to it. When the microprocessor receives a signal indicating that the ice level in the reservoir 62 is low, it operates the relay until it receives a signal indicating that the ice reservoir 62 is full. In this preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is a microprocessor Micropas t i 1 integrated circuits, Model PIC16C54, which is supplied with power by the 5VCD on the control board. The relay is electrically coupled to an ice making machine mounted on the ice dispensing apparatus 10. When operated, the relay supplies power to the ice making machine, in such a way that it supplies ice to the reservoir 62. the ice maker being on the reservoir 62, the tray 24 functions to allow the manual emptying of ice in the reservoir 62, if the machine making the ice malfunctions or can not replenish the ice fast enough to comply with the buyers' demands. The pulse circuits 154 increase the energy delivered to their respective emitters 150 and 152, each transmitter 150 and 152 with higher voltage and current, at a predetermined working rate (of 10% in this preferred embodiment). The pulse circuits 154 each include a chronometer, 156, model LM566, configured in a stable operation mode and to which power is supplied by the 5VDC input from the control board, at terminal 4. The resistors 157 and 158 and capacitor 159 are connected between the 5VDC potential and a reference potential (for example, the earth) and are also connected to the threshold terminal 2 and the trigger terminal 6 to establish the activity period and the period of time. Stopwatch inactivity 156. Discharge terminal 1 is connected between resistors 157 and 158 to provide capacitor 159 with a discharge path when timer 156 is turned on. The terminal 3 of the control voltage is connected to the reference potential via the capacitor 160 to adjust the level of the threshold voltage, while the terminal 5 is the output terminal. In operation, capacitor 159 is charged through resistors 157 and 158 at the speed set by the values of those two resistors. As long as a capacitor 159 has a load level below the threshold level, the trigger terminal 6 receives no signal and the timer 156 remains off. Once the capacitor 159 reaches the threshold voltage, the trigger terminal 6 receives a signal that results in the ignition of the chronometer 156. With the chronometer 156 on, the capacitor 156 is discharged to the reference potential through the terminal. 1. After the capacitor 159 discharges, the terminal 6 stops receiving a signal and the timer goes off, which starts the capacitor charge cycle 159. Therefore, the chronometer 156 generates pulses on and off, for producing a signal of the working rate, on the output terminal 5. The output terminal 5 is connected to the base of the transistor 161 via the resistor 162 to provide the transistor 161 with an activation signal. The collector of transistor 161 is connected via resistor 163 to 5 VDC to receive a bias voltage, and the emitter of transistor 161 is connected to the reference potential. In this preferred embodiment, transistor 161 is an NPN transistor, Model No. 2N3904, which inverts the output of the pulses, of timer 156, and inputs the inverted signal to the base of transistor 164, thereby providing a signal of activation. The collector of the transistor 164 is connected to a respective emitter 150 and 152 via the current limiting resistor 165, while the emitter of the transmitter 164 is connected to the reference potential. In this preferred embodiment, transistor 164 is a high-power NPN transistor, Darlington, Model No. TIP120, which emits an increased current and voltage to a respective emitter 150 and 152, in response to the output of the rate signal working, inverted, of the transistor 161. The detectors 151 and 153 each receive the infrared pulses from their respective emitter 150 or 152, and produce a corresponding input of electrical pulses, to the circuits 155 of the receiver. Circuits 155 of the receiver include transistor 166 and resistors 167-169 for amplifying the output of the pulse train of detectors 151 and 153. In this preferred embodiment, transistor 166 is an NPN transistor Model No. 2N3904. The receiver circuits 155 further include a multiple vibrator 170 which introduces the amplified pulse train, at its terminal 2, to determine when there is ice between the emitter 150 and the detector 151, and the emitter 152 and the detector 153. In this mode Preferred multiple vibrator 170 is a monostable, re-firing multiple vibrator, Model No. 74LS123, configured to produce a high signal as long as it receives the amplified pulse train. The resistor 171 and the capacitor 172 are connected between the 5VDC source and the reference potential and further to the terminal 1 of the multiple vibrator 170 to adjust the output of the multiple vibrator 170 in the absence of the amplified pulse train. The R / C terminal, 3, is connected between the resistor 171 and the capacitor 172 to adjust the time constant R / C of the multiple vibrator 170 which establishes the period during which the amplified pulse train must be interrupted before it changes the output of the multiple vibrator 170.

In operation, as long as the multiple vibrator 170 receives an input pulse, from a respective detector 151 and 153, before the expiration of the time constant R / C, it produces a high signal on the terminal 4. However, if the time constant R / C expires before receiving an input pulse, the connection of the multiple vibrator 170 to the resistor 171 and the capacitor 172 results in the multiple vibrator 170 undergoing a transition to produce a low signal on the terminal 4. The base of the transistor 173 is connected to the terminal 4 via the resistor 174 to receive the output of the multiple vibrator 170. The collector of the transistor 174 is connected to the microprocessor, while its emitter is connected to the reference potential. In this preferred embodiment, transistor 166 is an NPN transistor Model No. 2N3904. When there is no ice between a respective transmitter / receiver pair, 150 and 151, or 152 and 153, the receiver circuits 155, produce a low signal because the transistor 173 connects the microprocessor to the reference potential. . Conversely, when there is ice between a respective emitter / emitter pair, 150 and 151 or 152 and 153, the receiver circuits 155 produce a high signal because, with transistor 173 turned off, the microprocessor is connected to the receiver. the 5VDC source. The microprocessor inspects the outputs of the detectors 151 and 153 and their respective circuits 155 of the receiver, to determine when the ice making machine must supply ice to the reservoir 62. During most of the time the ice will be between the emitter pair. Thus, the pulse train will be interrupted, resulting in the microprocessor receiving a high signal. As long as the microprocessor receives that high signal, it will not activate the ice making machine to supply ice to the tank 62. However, once the level of the ice in the tank 62 falls below the emitter / emitter pair. In this case, the microprocessor receives a low signal which indicates that ice must be placed in the tank 62. Subsequently, the microprocessor emits a signal that operates the relay, resulting in the machine that makes ice deposits. ice in tank 62.

After receiving a low signal from the detector 151 and its circuit 155 of the respective receiver, the microprocessor will keep the relay operating until it receives a high signal from the detector 153 and its circuit 155 of the respective receiver. When the relay is running, the microprocessor will inspect the output of the detector 153 and its circuit 155 of the respective receiver to determine when ice remains between the emitter / tech pair 152 and 153. As long as the microprocessor receives a signal low, it will not cause the relay to stop working. However, once the ice level in the tank 62 rises above the transmitter / emitter pair 152 and 153, the pulse train is interrupted such that the microprocessor receives a high signal indicating that the tank 62 is full. Consequently, the microprocessor produces a signal that causes the relay to stop working, resulting in the ice maker not depositing ice in the tank 62. Alternatively, the emitter / reactor pair, 152 and 153, can stir and the ice machine can be placed on a stopwatch. In that case, the microprocessor activates it to the stopwatch in such a way that the ice making machine will supply ice to the tank 62 until the time of the crash is finished. Once the tank 62 has been filled, the supply or distribution of the ice can begin. The angular positions of the cold plate 18 and the crown 43 within the reservoir 62 direct the ice on the curved plate 51 of the crown 43. The curved plate 51 directs the ice towards the lower section of the cylindrical portion 44 of the crown 43 The placement of the wheel 42 in the recess defined by the cylindrical portion 44 creates pockets that facilitate the elevation of the ice to the conduit 45. Specifically, the adjacent vanes 55A-J, the annular rim 53, and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 44 defining the recess in which the wheel 42 resides, produce pockets. To activate the wheel 42 and distribute or supply the ice, a user pushes the lever 38 towards the splash plate 39, typically with a cup or cup. The thrust of the lever 38 causes the tube conduit 35 to rotate towards the plate 39 for splashing, and away from the switch 36. When the tube conduit 35 rotates away, the protrusion 35A releases the contactor 36A, resulting in the activation of the switch 36. Activation of switch 36 allows operation of solenoid 32 and gear motor 26. Once activated solenoid 32 opens door 31 via lever 33 to allow ice discharge through conduit 34 and conduit from tube 35 to the cup or glass below. Once driven, the gear motor 26 rotates the wheel 42 inside the crown 43 to lift ice to the duct 45. The curved plate 51 directs the ice towards the pockets defined by the wheel 42 and the crown 43, so such that, when the wheel 42 rotates, it lifts ice to the duct 45 of the crown 43. Additionally, a portion of the ice leaves the crown 43 through the openings 46 and 47 to fill the front portion of the tank 62 with ice. The ice within the reservoir 62 not only provides ice for drinks but also cools the beverages flowing through the cold plate 18. Accordingly, the ice must reside at the maximum surface area of the cold plate to ensure that the drinks are delivered at a minimum temperature. Thus, the ice that emerges from the crown 43 via the openings 46 and 47 falls on the front and on the front portion of the cold plate. When the ice reaches the conduit 45 it passes through the conduit 45 and into the conduit 34 and then down the conduit 35 to the cup or vessel below. While the user presses the lever 38, the gear motor 26 rotates the wheel 42 to facilitate delivery of ice. However, once the lever 38 is released, the spring 37 pulls the tube conduit 35 back to its unrotated position. As a result, the projection 35A presses the contactor 36A to deactivate the switch 36 and thus the solenoid 32 and the gear motor 26. With the gear motor 26, deactivated, the distributor wheel 42 stops rotating to finish the delivery of ice. In addition, stopping the operation of the solenoid 32 allows the door 31 to close which prevents the flow of ice through the conduit 34 and into the pipe conduit 35. In addition to the rotary wheel 42, the gear motor 26 rotates the agitator 58. The agitator 58 travels through the ice and into the reservoir 62 to break and separate any of the large, thick pieces of ice that have been joined by freezing. Accordingly, the agitator 58 ensures that the ice within the reservoir 62 remains small enough to fit within the pockets defined by the wheel 42 and the crown 43. In addition, the dispensing apparatus 10 includes a chronometer that periodically operates. the motor with gear reducer 26 to facilitate the rotation of the wheel 42 and the agitator 58. However, the chronometer does not actuate the solenoid 32 in such a way that the door 31 remains closed. Consequently, the wheel 42 rotates to supply ice on the front of the tank 62 via the openings 46 and 47, while the agitator 58 rotates to prevent the ice inside the tank 62 from freezing.

For the ice and beverage dispenser, in combination, a user can serve a drink after receiving a glass of ice. The user presses a lever of one of the dispensing valves 41 which opens to allow the beverage to flow from the cold plate 18 and into the cup via the open dispensing valve. The product supplied can be any suitable beverage, such as a fruit drink or carbonated soda water formed by mixing the syrup of the beverage with water or carbonated water, in the distributor valves 41. Consequently, the plate 18 is connected to any source of drinks, distant, convenient, such as a bag in a box, along with a source of carbonated water and pure water. Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiment, that description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those already immersed in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, that scope is not limited in any respect by the foregoing description, on the contrary it is defined only by the following indications. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best known method for carrying out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (8)

1. An apparatus for inspecting and controlling the level of ice in a tank or container for the storage of ice, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: an emitter mounted inside the tank for the storage of ice; a detector mounted inside the tank for the storage of ice, in a position directly opposite the emitter; a pulse circuit for applying a working speed signal to the transmitter, and the working speed signal allows the application to the emitter of an increased power, to increase the signal level of an output of the pulse train by the emitter; and a receiver circuit, to emit a signal sensitive to the pulse train detected by the detector.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a controller that activates an apparatus for making ice, sensitive to the signal output of a receiver circuit.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulse circuit comprises: a timer configured to generate a signal of the pulse train; an inverter to invert the pulse train signal; and a power transistor to amplify the pulse train signal.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiver circuit comprises: an amplifier for amplifying the signal of the pulse train, detected by the detector; a multiple vibrator configured to produce a first signal responsive to the input of the pulse train, wherein, when the multiple vibrator fails to detect the pulse train, for a predetermined period of time, the multiple vibrator produces a second signal; and a switch sensitive to the first and second signals produced by the tipper vibrator.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: a second emitter mounted inside the tank for the storage of ice; a second detector mounted inside the ice storage tank, placed in a position directly opposite the second emitter; a second pulse circuit, to apply a working speed signal, to the emitter, where the signal of the working regime allows the application, to the emitter, of an increased power, to increase the signal level of a train output of impulses produced by the emitter; and a second circuit of the receiver to emit a signal when the detector fails to detect the pulse train.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the controller deactivates the apparatus for making ice, sensitive to the signal output of the second circuit of the receiver.

7. A method for inspecting and controlling the level of ice in an ice storage tank, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: operating or operating an emitter mounted inside the tank for the storage of ice, with a signal of the working rate, wherein the signal of the working regime allows the application, to the emitter, of an increased power to increase the signal level of a pulse train output produced by the emitter; detecting the pulse train using a detector mounted inside the ice storage tank, in a position directly opposite the emitter; emit a signal to activate an ice making device, to supply ice to the ice storage bin, in response to detection of the train of ice.

8. It also comprises the steps of: activating or operating a second emitter mounted inside the tank for the storage of ice, with a signal of the working regime, wherein the signal of the regime of work allows the application, to the emitter, of increased power, to increase the signal level of a pulse train output, produced by the emitter; detecting the pulse train using a second detector mounted inside the ice storage tank, in a position directly opposite the emitter; issue a signal to deactivate the ice maker to deliver ice to the ice storage bin in response to the failure to detect the pulse train.