US3196628A - Ice making and dispensing machine - Google Patents

Description

Jil y 1965 D. s. REYNOLDS 3,

ICE MAKING AND DISPENSING MACHINE Filed June 10, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG 1 Fl .7 I04 G /06" /04 VEN'fiR. Donald S Reynolds 42 43M [Z g M A1775.

July 27, 1965 D. s. REYNOLDS ICE MAKING AND DISPENSING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 10, 1963 IN VE'N TOR. Donald S Reynolds BYfi 94 M W y 7, 1965 n. s. REYNOLDS 3,196,628

ICE MAKING AND DISPENSING MACHINE Filed June 10, 1963 s sheets-gnl i s ICE WATER R q 36 2 DJSP WATER INVENTOR.

Donald S. Reynolds MM, 4%, y zn, M X M United States Patent 3,196,628 ICE MAKING AND DISPENSING MACHINE Donald S. Reynolds, Wilmette, Ill., assignor to Reynolds Products, Inc Rolling Meadows, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed June 10, 1%3, Ser. No. 286,717 13 Claims. (Cl. 62-137) This invention relates to ice cube making and dispensing machines and particularly to automatic combination ice cube making and dispensing machines, and to the methods of operation thereof.

Although, the combination ice cube making and dispensing machine of the present invention has general utility, it is particularly useful in cafeterias, restaurants, hospitals, soda fountains, drive-in restaurants, and the like wherein ice cubes are to be dispensed quickly in small quantities upon demand by an individual user. The ice cubes may be dispensed into an empty glass or container, or into water, or into a flavored drink, or into a carbonated drink or a non-carbonated drink, it being desirable when the ice cubes are dispensed into any flavored and/or carbonated drink that the ice cubes be substantially dry and introduce little or substantially no water into the drink therewith. It further is desirable in the case of carbonated drinks that the ice cubes have a minimum surface area and a minimum number of sharp edges so as not to cause an increase in the loss of the carbon dioxide gas from the drink to produce a flat drink; it likewise is desirable that the ice cubes have a minimum surface area in relation to the volume thereof so as to minimize the melting thereof and thus to prolong the life of the ice cubes in the drink.

The type of ice desired in the drink is the type prepared in refrigerators and other large refrigerating machines wherein water is frozen to a solid condition in the form of a cube whereby the surface area of the ice cube is small relative to the volume thereof. It is to be understood that when the term cube is used throughout the specification that a unitary mass or block of ice is meant. The term is not to be construed in its geometric sense and is merely used as a convenient nomenclature to distinguish the compact unitary ice mass produced by the present invention from the flaked ice or small pieces of ice of the prior art. In ice cubes prepared in refrigerators and other large refrigerating machines, there is substantially no entrained water therein and the ice is hard, compact and dense. Such an ice cube is ideal for use in drinks which are flavored and carbonated since the hard, dry character thereof dose not dilute the drink and does not destroy the carefully maintained proportions among the ingredients of the drink, the small surface area of the ice cube relative to its volume and the lack of a large number of sharp edges minimizing the loss of carbonation and the ice cube lasting throughout the normal consumption time of the drink due to its hard, compact character.

The ice cubes of the present invention are preferably small and substantially smaller than those produced heretofore, and furthermore, it is desirable that the ice cubes be produced substantially continuously, and further that the ice making apparatus be contained within relatively small physical confines so that it may be mounted upon a counter, shelf, or the like. Prior ice making machines which will fit upon counters and shelves in cafeterias, restaurants, soda fountains, drive-in restaurants, and the like have not produced the quality of ice cube desired, and those prior ice making machines that have produced ice cubes of the character and quality desired have not been sufficiently small to be placed upon a counter or shelf during the operation thereof and in ready access to a user.

3,196,628 Patented July 27, 1965 Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to provide an improved combined ice cube making and dispensing machine, and particularly an improved machine that can make and dispense hard, dense and compact ice cubes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved ice cube dispenser which includes an ice cube making machine that can produce substantially continuously and at a high rate ice cubes possessing the desired characteristics.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combination ice cube making and dispensing machine of the type set forth which is small and compact relative to its high ice producing and dispensing capacity, and specifically to provide such a machine that can readily fit upon counters and shelves in cafeterias, restaurants, soda fountains, drive-in restaurants and the like now in common use.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved ice cube making machine of the type set forth utilizing a cold wall and auger arrangement to produce flaked ice and incorporating therein improved structure for converting the flaked ice into hard and compact rods of ice which can be broken into compact ice cubes of the desired size and quality.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in an ice cube dispenser of the type set forth an improved ice hopper for receiving and storing the ice cubes as they are made and improved ice level control apparatus for stopping the operation of the ice making machine forming a part thereof when the ice hopper has been filled to a predetermined level. In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of the invention to provide an improved seal between the annular wall defining the ice cube hopper and a cover therefor which also carries a portion of the control mechanism, the improved seal serving better to preserve the character of the ice within the hopper and also serving better to protect the control mechanism mounted upon the cover therefor.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved ice cube dispenser of the type set forth having an improved ice storage hopper and specifically an improved structure for dispensing the ice cubes therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide in an improved ice cube dispenser of the type set forth an improved control mechanism therefor so that ice cubes can be dispensed therefrom upon demand, or alternatively can be dispensed therefrom continuously, or alternatively can be dispensed upon demand together with a stream of water.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of making ice cubes and an improved method of operating the combination ice cube making and dispensing machine of the present invention.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts of the combination ice cube making and dispensing machine and to the particular method of making ice cubes therein and dispensing ice cubes therefrom, whereby the above outlined and addi tional operating features are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following specification when taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the front of the improved combined ice cube making and dispensing machine of the present invention, the control switch therefor being placed in the demand dispensing or ICE position thereof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in vertical section with certain parts broken away illustrating the ice making machine and the ice storage hopper of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged view in horizontal section along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the relationship between the upper end of the auger, the extruding die and the ice compressor and cutter, the upper end of the auger being shaded with vertical lines and the upper surface of the ice compressor and cutter being shaded with horizontal lines better to illustrate the relative positions thereof;

FIG. 4 is a View in horizontal section along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the ice cube storage hopper and the ice directing-structure that assists in dispensing ice cubes from the storage hopper;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical sec tion illustrating a seal between the upper edge of the ice cube storage hopper and the sealing diaphragm carried by the cover and sealing the upper end of the hopper; and

FIG. 6 is a plan View of the extruding head or die forming a part of the ice making machine of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the extruding head illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational View of the extruding head with the head rotated 60 from the position illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view in horizontal section along the line 99 of FIG. 2 illustrating the portion of the ice level control mechanism mounted upon the cover for the ice cube storage hopper; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic and diagrammatic view of the electric control circuit and the water control circuit forming a part of the ice cube making and dispensing machine of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings there is shown a perspective view of a combination ice cube making and dispensing machine made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention, the machine being generally designated by the numeral 2%. The machine includes a lower housing 21 within which is disposed the ice making mechanism forming a part of the machine 20, the lower housing 21 including a front wall 22, a pair of side walls 24 and a rear wall (not shown). Disposed upon the lower housing 21 is an upper housing 25 including a front Wall 26, a pair of side walls 28, a forwardly extending and overhanging bottom wall 3% and top and rear walls (not shown). Extending downwardly from the bottom wall is an ice dispensing spout 32 through which ice is dispensed, a control member in the form of an enlarged push button 34 being mounted upon the front wall 22 for controlling the dispensing of ice through the spout 32, all as will be described more fully hereinafter; positioned beside the push button 34 is a manual knob 36 for a control switch to be described hereinafter, the knob 34 having a marker 38 thereon cooperating with indicia on a plate 49 mounted on the front wall 22, the indicia including a first position designated ICE in which position ice will be dispensed from the spout 32 upon the inward urging of the push button 34%; a second position designated DISP. (abbreviation for dispense) in which position ice is continuously dispensed from the spout 32 without contact with the push button 34; and a third position designated WATER in which position both ice cubes and water are dispensed from the spout 32 upon the pressing of the push button 34 inwardly toward the front wall 22. Also mounted upon the front wall 22 is a drain tray 42 having a perforated screen 44 thereon communicating with a collecting area therebelow (not shown) provided with a drain connection 46 is adapted for discharge into any suitable receptacle or drain for water and melt-down from ice upon the drain tray 42.

Disposed within the housing 21 is an ice cube making machine, generally designated by the numeral 5%, and ineluding a refrigerated cylinder 52 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) having disposed therein an auger 54 driven by a motor (not shown) mounted within the lower housing 21 through a gear reducer (not shown) and driving flaked ice through an extruding head or die 69 past an ice compressor and cutter 62 and into an ice storage compartment or hopper generally designated by the numeral 64 and positioned in the upper housing 25 for the machine 29. The cylinder 52 is arranged generally vertical and has the lower end thereof rigidly connected to a fixed portion of the machine 5% to hold the cylinder 52 from rotation with respect to the ice making and dispensing machine 20. Wrapped about the outer surface of the cylinder 52 and disposed in good thermal contact therewith throughout substantially the entire length thereof is a refrigerating coil "it? which is connected to a refrigeration system that is arranged and constructed to supply to the refrigerating coil '74? a suitable refrigerant under the proper temperature and pressure conditions to freeze water within the cylinder 52' Disposed about the refrigerating coil 76 and about the major portion of the cylinder 52 is a quantity of heat insulating material 72.

The auger 54 has a cylindrical body 76 about which is disposed a helical blade 7%, the lower end of the auger 54 being supported by a bearing 8 and connected through a shaft iii to the output of a gear reducer mechanism or transmission driven by an electrical motor, as will be described more fully hereinafter; the auger drive connection is operative to rotate the auger 54 upon operation of the associated drive motor. The upper end of the auger 54 is provided witha reduced shaft portion 82 Which is received within a pilot bearing 84 which is held in turn and press-fitted into a cylindrical opening in the center of the extruding head so. The extruding head 69 is in turn fixedly mounted with respect to the cylinder 52 by means of. three bolts as which also firmly hold the bearing 84 with respect to the extruding head 6%).

The cylinder 52 during the operation of the ice making machine 56 is supplied with'water from a water level maintaining mechanism generally designated by the numeral (see FIG. 10) which includes an upright cylinder 91 havingtherein a float 92 operating a control valve 93. Water for freezing into flaked ice is fed from a main supply line 94 under a constant head from the lower end of the cylinder 91 through a conduit (see FIG. 2 also) communicating with the interior of the cylinder adjacent to the lower end thereof. A watertight condition for the lower end of the cylinder 52 is maintained by a watertight seal 98 extending therearound.

As the water from the inlet conduit 96 rises in the refrigerated cylinder 52, heat is extracted therefrom by means of the refrigerating coil 70 and a layer of ice is formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 52; the outer edge of the auger blade 78 is spaced only a short distance from the inner surface of the cylinder 52 and is operative when the auger 54 is rotated to scrape the ice therefrom in a flaked ice form and to thrust it or feed it upwardly in a continuous manner along the'inner periphery of the cylinder 52 and into a collecting chamber designated by the numeral 106; the collecting chamber 10b is more particularly disposed between and defined by the upper end of the auger blade 78 and the lower surface of the ice extruding head 66. The flaked ice from the collection chamber 1% is further pushed upwardly into and through the extruding head 6th.

The specific construction of the extruding head 60 can be best seen in FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings wherein it will be seen that it comprises generally a hollow cylinder or hub 02 within which is press-fitted the pilot bearing 84 receiving the upper end of the auger shaft 82 as has been described'above. Extending radially outwardly from the hub 102 are two sets of'arms including a narrow set 104 and a wider set 1%, the arms 104 being disposed between adjacent pairs of the arms 1% and spaced equidistantly therefrom. The extruding head 69 in FIGS. 6 to 8 of the drawings has been illustrated as having three of the arms 104 equi-angularly disposed apart 120 and three of the arms 106 also equi-angularly disposed apart 120. The outer surfaces of the arms 106 are curved and in fact are sections of the walls of a cylinder and nicely fit within the inner surface of the cylinder 52 as is best illustrated in FIG. 3. The spaces or areas between adjacent arms 104 and 106m cooperation with the inner surface of the cylinder 52 define flutes 110 that serve as ice passages, the angular extent of the outermost portion of each of the ice passages 110 being about 42 and the ice passages 110 converging slightly radially inwardly toward the hub102. The angular extent of the outer end of each of the arms 104 is about 6 /2" and the angular extent of the outer ends of each of the arms 106 is about 27 /2". The six flutes or ice passages 110 in the head 60 provide ice receiving and compressing and extruding passages when the extruding head 60 is mounted within the cylinder 52 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The upper surface of the extruding head 60 is formed substantially flat; the lower end of the extruding head 60 is best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings wherein it will be seen that the vertical extent of the arms 104 is substantially less than the vertical extent of the arms 106 which in turn is substantially less than the vertical extent of the hub 102. Each of the arms 106 has a lower rounded surface 122 which serves to guide flaked ice from the collecting chamber 100 around the arms 106 and upwardly through the ice passages 110 formed between the arms 104 and 106. Each of the thicker arms 106 is also provided with a threaded opening 128 therein disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extruding head 60 to receive therein the positioning bolts 86 described above, the arms 106 being formed with a greater angular extent for the specific purpose of accommodating the threaded openings 128 and the associated bolts 86 therein.

In a preferred construction of the ice making machine 50 in which there are six of the ice passages 110 in the extruding head 60, the total cross-sectional area of the ice passages 110 is substantially equal to 65% of the crosssectional area of the flaked ice collecting chamber 100 that is disposed between the upper end of the auger blade 78 and the lower portions of about the arms 104 and 106 on the extruding head 60. It has been found in practice that cross-sectional area represented by the combined ice passages 110 may vary from about 45% to about 75% of the lateral cross-sectional area of the ice collecting chamber 100 and still obtain satisfactory operation of the ice cube making machine 50;

The reduced shaft portion 82 at the upper end of the auger 84 (see FIG. 2) has a further reduced portion 83 thereon which also is provided with a flat 85, see particularly FIG. 3. Disopsed upon the shaft portion 83 is the ice cutter 62, the construction thereof being best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, the ice cutter 62 includes a hub 130 from which extends radially outwardly an ice blocking and breaking arm 132, the outer surface of the arm 132 being curved as at 138 to fit within the inner surface of the cylinder 52 and extending from a leading or cutting edge 140 and a trailing edge 144, it being understood that the auger54 and the cutter 62 fixedly attached thereto rotate in the direction of the arrow 133 in FIG. 3. The leading edge 140 serves to cut or break solid rods of ice issuing from the passages 110, the leading edge 140 actually being cut back away from a line such as the line 135 extending through the center of the shaft portion 83 and the outer point 142 of the surface 140, whereby the outer point 142 on the cutter 62 is the first to contact the rod of ice and thereafter the leading edge 140 progressively engages the rod of ice, the line of engagement moving inwardly toward the center of the ice cutter as the cutting action progresses. The trailing edge 144 on the other hand does lie along a radial line through the center of the shaft portion 83, the angular extent between the trailing surface 144 and the forward point 142 on the leading surface 140 being about 136. The hub 130 has a D-shaped opening 134 therein including a flat 136 thereon, the opening 134 being shaped and arranged to receive the auger shaft portion 83 carrying the flat therethrough.

It has been found in accordance with the present invention that it is desirable to maintain a particular angular relationship between the upper end of the auger flight 7 8 and particularly the leading edge 79 thereof and the leading point 142 on the outer end of the cutting edge 140. More specifically, the leading edge 79 on the upper end of the auger flight 78 and the point 142 on the cutting edge 140 preferably are spaced apart as illustrated in FIG. 3, this angular relationship among the parts being fixed and determined by the positioning of the flat 85 on the shaft portion 83 with respect to the leading edge 79 on the upper end of the auger blade 73. As will be explained more fully hereinafter, after the leading edge on the ice cutter 62 breaks the rod of ice extending from one of the ice passages 110, the arm 132 passes thereover and substantially blocks the upper end of the ice passage 110 for slightly more than 90 of rotation of the auger 54 during which time flaked ice within the blocked ice passage 110 is compressed and compacted to form a congealed rod of ice. For the sake of economy of construction, the ice cutter 62 is preferably formed as two identical thinner members which are suitably secured together such as by welding in stacked relationship as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The outermost end of the shaft portion 83 is threaded as at 87 (see FIG. 2) and threadedly receives thereon an upstanding substantially cylindrical hub having an internally threaded opening to receive the threaded shaft portion 07. More specifically, the hub 150 threads downwardly upon the threaded shaft portion 87 and clamps the cutter 62 against a shoulder formed at the junction of the shaft portions 82 and 83. As the ice rods issue from the ice passages 110 and are cut into ice cubes by the cutter 62, the ice cubes thus formed pass upwardly and beyond the upper edge of the cylinder 52 and into the storage hopper 64.

The construction of the storage hopper 64 is best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 9 of the drawings wherein it will be seen that the hopper 64 includes an upstanding cylindrical wall 152 having a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the cylinder 52 and arranged substantially concentrically therewith, the lower end of the vertical wall 152 having an inwardly and slightly downwardly directed bottom wall 154 integral therewith and extending inwardly to a cylindrical portion 155 surrounding the cylinder 52 adjacent to the upper end thereof and forming a watertight connection therewith. The upper end of the side wall 152 has an outwardly directed curved sealing flange 156 extending completely around the periphery thereof. There further is formed in the side wall 152 adjacent to the bottom thereof an ice cube discharge opening 158 which is preferably rectangular in form and is closed by a door 160 hinged at 159 and solenoid operated, the discharge opening 158 being in alignment with a discharge chute 162 that conveys the ice cubes to the dispensing spout 32 (see FIG. 1).

In order to maintain the ice stored within the hopper 64 in a substantially dry condition, means is provided to drain away any melt-down therefrom and to this end there is disposed in the lower end of the hopper 64 a perforated wall 164 having an outer substantially vertically arranged flange 166 carrying three brackets 168 equi-angularly arranged around the periphery thereof, the brackets 168 resting upon the bottom wall 154 of the hopper 64. The wall 164 slopes inwardly and upwardly from the flange 166 and terminates in an inwardly and downwardly curved flange 170 which surrounds and is suitably secured to the upper end of the cylinder 52.

Freshly formed ice cubes aremoved upwardly under the urging of later formed ice cubes out of the upper end of the cylinder 52 and across the curved flange 17d and fall upon the perforated wall 164, any melt-down from the ice cubes upon the wall 164 falling downwardly through the openings 172 which are distributed throughout the area of the wall 164. As the water from the melt-down of the ice cubes accumulate in the bottom of the hopper 64, the level thereof eventually rises so that it can flow through an opening 173 provided in the cylinder 52. and flow downwardly through the extruding head 6% and into the area between the cylinder 52 and the auger for reuse and refreezing.

As ice cubes accumulate in the hopper 64 and begin to melt therein, there may be a tendency for the ice cubes to melt together or to coalesce, and in order to counteract such a tendency a stirring mechanism has been provided which includes the hub 15% that is driven with the auger 54. More specifically, the hub 5t carries a first set of shorter stirring arms 174 which extend radially outwardly and downwardly from the hub 15%, four of the arms 174 having been illustrated arranged at equiangularly disposed positions around the hub As may be best seen in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the outer ends of the arms 1'74 extend only a short distance, beyond the outer periphery of the freezing cylinder 52. Also mounted upon the hub 50 and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom is a second set of longer stirring arms 1'76, four of the arms 176 having been illustrated equi-angularly disposed about the hub 155 each of the arms 176 being disposed substantially midway between a pair of the arms 174 as illustrated in FIG. 4. As is also illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer ends of the arms 174- extend outwardly and terminate only a short distance from the inner surface of the side wall 152 and as may be seen in FIG. 2 and are disposed only a short distance above the upper surface of the perforated wall 164 As the auger 54 is rotated about its axis, it drives the hub 15% and therefore moves the various stirring arms 1'74 and 1'76 to agitate the ice cubes within the storage hopper 6 thus to prevent coalescing thereof. The stirring arms 174- and 176 also perform an important function during the dispensing of ice cubes from the storage hopper 64. More specifically, each time that the solenoid for opening the door 16% is energized, the auger motor is also energized to cause a stirring movement of the stirring arms 174 and 176 continuously to urge ice cubes about the periphery of the storage hopper 64 and outwardly through the opening 158 therein. in order to aid in directing ice cubes outwardly through the opening 158, an ice cube directing member 173 is provided on the upper surface of the perforated wall 164 disposed a short distance clockwise from the opening 158 (see FIG. 4). The directing member 178 is in the form of a wire positioned with the axis thereof pointed generally toward the hinge 159 and lying upon the upper surface of the wall 164. The end of the directing member 1'78 disposed away from the opening 158 is bent downwardly and extends through one of the openings 172 in the wall 164 and has a portion 177 extending beneath the wall 164 and then upwardly through a second opening 172 to provide an anchor portion 179. The ice cube directing member 178 is mounted in this manner so as to provide a certain amount of give and resilience therein so that it may better serve its ice cube directing function.

There is provided about the storage hopper 64 a suitable surrounding quantity of heat insulating material 165 which substantially completely surrounds the side wall 152 so as to hold to a minimum the heat loss through the metal wall 152. The insulation also surrounds and envelopes the unde-rsurface of the bottom wall 154 so that in cooperation with the heat insulating material '72 all of the side Walls of the ice making machine 50 and the storage hopper 64 are well insulated.

The upper end of the hopper 64 is closed by a cover generally designated by the numeral 18%) and including a top metal wall 182 having a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the hopper M and provided on the outer periphery thereof with an integral downturned cylindrical flange 184 which is adapted in use to extend below the sealing flange 156. Suitably secured as by an adhesive to the inner surface of the top wall 132 is an insulating block 185 which may be formed of a cellular synthetic organic plastic resin such as Styrofoam, the insulating block 186 being generally circular in outline and having a substantial thickness to provide a good insulation with respect to the top wall 182. Bonded to the lower surface of the insulating block 186 as viewed in FIG. 2 is an inner wall 1S8 having an outer edge thereof offset downwardly and away from the insulating block 186 to form an outwardly extending flange 1% therearound which extends outwardly substantially 'to the flange 1-84 and carries an upturned flange 192 in contact with the flange 184 and adhesively secured thereto around the periphery thereof. Disposedbelow the inner wall 133 is a sealing diaphragm 1% generally circular in outline and having a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the hopper side wall 152 and extending outwardly beyond the sealing flange 156 at the upper edge thereof. More specifically, the outer edge of the diaphragm 194 extends outwardly to be clamped against the adjacent surface of the inner wall 188 and more particularly between the flange 1% thereof and a clamping ring 196 carried therebeneath. The clamping ring 196 is held in clamping position with respect to the flange 1% by a plurality of screws 1% which extend through aligned holes in the flange 1%, the diaphragm 19d and the clamping ring 1% (see FIG. 5), the upper ends of the screws 1% engaging a second ring 2% disposed above the flange 1% and having threaded openings therein and receiving the threaded shanks of the screws 198. It will be seen that the diaphragm 1%, which is preferably formed of rubber, provides an air-tight and water-tight seal for the upper end of the hopper 64, the sealing flange 156 on the upper edge of the upper wall 152 engaging the undersurface of the diaphragm 1% completely around the adjacent contacting surfaces thereof within the clamping ring 196. In order to hold the cover 18% upon the hopper '64, the side wall 152 has a pair of brackets 2&2 extending outwardly therefrom and carrying threaded openings (see FIG. 9) to receive thumb screws 269 extending downwardly through the cover 189 and threadedly engaging the brackets 202.

As the ice cube making machine 50 operates, and if no ice cubes are dispensed from the hopper 64, the hopper 64 proceeds to fill with ice cubes and eventually the entire hopper would fill and would even tend to overflow in the absence of the cover 18f). Means is provided to stop operation of the ice cube making machine 50 when the storage hopper 64 becomes filled and to this end the cover 186 carries on the upper surface thereof a microswitch 2% which when actuated serves to stop operation of the ice making machine 5% as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The switch Zltiis provided with the usual actuating arm 2% which is moved in accordance with the level of ice cubes in the hopper '64. More specifically, the diaphragm 1% supports therein a plate 211 which has a lateral extent less than the diameter of the hopper 64 and therefor lies within the sealing flange 156 thereof and is disposed substantially centrally of the diaphragm 194. The plate 210 is fixedly secured to the lower end of a plunger 212 by means of a screw 214, the plunger 212 extending upwardly from the plate 210 and being guided for vertical movement within a guide member 215 which is fixedly secured to the top wall 182 of the cover 180. The upper end of the plunger 212 carries a laterally and outwardly extending plate 218 secured thereto and having the actuating arm 268 of the switch 206 disposed therebeneath (see P16. 9 also). The switch and the associated parts disposed above the top walls 182 are all mounted 9 within and surrounded by a housing 220 also carried by a top wall 1.82.

The various parts of the assembly for controlling the level of ice cubes in the hopper 64 are all shown in the ice cube making position by solid lines in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the position for the interrupting of operation of the ice cube making machine 56 being illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 2. More specifically, when there are no ice cubes in the hopper 64 or when the level of ice cubes within the hopper 64 is below the position of the diaphragm 194 illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 2, the microswitch 206 is actuated to a position that does not interfere with the normal operation of the ice cube making machine 50. As the hopper 64 fills with ice cubes, the accumulated ice cubes gradually rise within the hopper 64 and the upper surface thereof eventually contacts the lower surface of the diaphragm 194 and thereafter eventually moves the diaphragm 124 and the various connected parts including the plate 216*, the plunger 212, and the actuating arm 298 to the positions illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 2. When the parts arrive in the dashed line position, the microswitch 2% is actuated to interrupt the operation of the ice cube making machine 50 and the operation of the ice cube making machine 56 is interrupted until the level of ice within the hopper 64 has fallen to a point such that parts including the diaphragm 194 and the actuating arm 2% return to the solid line positions thereof.

A suitable electrical control system is provided for the combination ice cube making and dispensing machine 2a, the electrical control systemand its interconnection with the Water supply system being diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. of the drawings. Suitable provision is made such as by a conventional electrical plug, for connection to a standard source of operating potential such as the typical 118 volt A.C. supply line to supply operating potential upon the main supply conductors 230 and 231. The supply conductor 23% connects with a water control switch 232 which is operated from the float 92, the switch 232 being normally closed when the level of water within the cylinder 91 is proper for the operation of the machine 26) and serving to connect the main supply conductor 23% to a conductor 233. The push button 34 illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings serves to operate a switch 234, the switch 234 having one terminal thereof connected to the conductor 233 and the other terminal thereof connected to a conductor 237 which in turn connects with one terminal of a dispensing solenoid 238 for operating the door 160, the other terminal of the solenoid 238 being connected to the conductor 231. The solenoid 238 also operates a switch 236 having a movable arm 239 movable between a first contact 240 connected to a conductor 241 and a second contact 242 connected to the main supply conductor 231, the arms 239 being normally engaged with the contact 240 and being movable upon the depressing of the push button 34 into engagement with the contact 242. The arm 239 is further connected by a conductor 243 to one terminal of an auger drive motor 244 for the auger 54, the other terminal of the drive motor 244 being connected to the conductor 233. Connected between the conductors 233 and 241 is a compressor motor 245 and a fan motor 246, the compressor motor 245 being a part of the refrigeration circuit for supplying refrigerant under the proper conditions of temperature and pressure to the refrigerating coil 7% (see FIG. 2) and the fan motor 246 also being a part of the refrigeration system for blowing cooling air over the condenser forming a part thereof. The conductor 241 is further connected to one terminal of the ice level microswitch 206 which has the other terminal thereof connected to the main supply conductor 231, the microswitch 206 being normally closed when the various parts including the diaphragm 124 and the actuating arm 208 are in the positions illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 2.

The manual knob 36 (see FIG. 1 also) controls a three-position double pole switch including movable switch arms 250 and 252, it being understood that the switch arms 250 and 252 are mechanically interconnected and are moved simultaneously under the control of the manual knob 36. The switch arm 250 isconnected to the conductor 233 and the switch arm 252 is connected to the conductor 237. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, when the control knob 36 is in the ICE position thereof the switch arms 250 and 252 are in engagement with the middle of the associated three contacts, the middle contacts not being otherwise connected in the control circuit. When the control knob 36 is turned to the DISP. position thereof, the switch arm 250 is moved into engagement with the contact 251 connected to the conductor 237 so as to connect the dispensing solenoid 238 between the conductors 231 and 233 to cause operation thereof and the opening of the door 160 of the ice hopper 64 and the operation of the auger motor 244. Likewise, when the control knob 36 is in the DISP. position thereof, the switch arm 252 is moved into engagement with an associated contact which is not otherwise connected in the control circuit. Finally, when the control knob 36 is turned to the WATER position thereof, the switch arm 250 is moved into engagement with an associated contact which is not otherwise connected in the control circuit, and a switch arm 252 is moved into engagement with a contact 253 which is connected by a conductor 256 to one terminal of a water solenoid 258, the other terminal of the water solenoid 258 being connected to the main supply conductor 231. The water solenoid 258 controls a water valve 260 which is in the nature of a reducing valve to reduce the pressure of the water in the supply line 94 to a reasonable dispensing pressure and a line 262 that discharges water through the spout 32.

The various methods of operation of the machine 20 under the control of the electric circuit of FIG. 10 and the user will now be described. The machine 20 must first be connected to the power source to place a suitable operating voltage upon the conductors 230 and 231 in FIG. 10; a suitable connection must be made for the water supply line 94; and finally the manual knob 36 must be placed in the desired position, for example, in the ICE position therefor illustrated in FIG. 1, whereby to place the switch arms 250 and 252. in the positions illustrated in FIG. 10. Assuming that the ice hopper 64 is empty and that a suitable supply of water is within the cylinder 91 and therefore within the cylinder 52, the switches 232 and 296, respectively, will be closed as illustrated in FIG. 10.

It will be seen that the auger motor 244, the compressor motor 245 and the fan motor 246 will all be energized; the compressor motor 245 and the fan motor 246 in cooperation with the other portions of the refrigeration system (not shown) will serve to supply refrigerant under suitable pressure and temperature conditions to the refrigerating coil 70, whereby to cool the cylinder 52. Eventually, a film of ice will form upon the inner surface of the cylinder 52 and will be scraped therefrom due to the operation of the auger motor 244 turning the auger 54 so that the auger blade 78 moves upwardly along and immediately adjacent to the inner surface of the cylinder 52. The scraping of ice by the auger blade 78 from the inner surface of the cylinder 52 will form flaked ice which has a soft waterly character, the individual flakes being relatively small. As a result there is formed in the upper end of the cylinder 52 an annular column of mushy flaked ice that gradually rises into the collecting chamber as additional water enters at the bottom of the cylinder 52 through the conduit 96, is frozen upon the inner surface of the cylinder 52, and is scraped therefrom by the auger blade 78 and fed upwardly thereby. In the absence of the extruding head 60' and the cutter 62, the annular column of flaked ice would continue to rise until the height thereof was too great to be supported by the very small internal strengh thereof.

arse,

With the extruding head 60 in position and held sta tionary with respect to the cylinder 52, the flaked ice formed in the machine 59 is forced into and eventually substantially fills the collecting chamber 126 and then upwardly into the ice passages 110 in the extruding head 60. The auger 54 operates with substantial torque on the order of 1000 inch-pounds and is thus able to force flaked ice into the ice passages 11%) of the extruding head 6t across the rounded surfaces 122 thereby completely to fill the ice passages 110 and to compress and to compact the flaked ice therein. As may be best seen from FIG. 3 of the drawings, each of the ice passages Hi? is in turn substantially blocked'at the upper end thereof by the arm 132 of the cutter 62 whereby the action of the auger 54 pushing the flaked ice thereagainst further tends to compress and to compact the flaked ice to form dense rods of ice. In fact suflicient pressure is provided by the auger 54 and sufiicient resistance to the passage of the flaked ice through the ice passages'llil'is provided by the arm 132 for about 90 of each revolution of the auger 54 so that a solid rod of ice is formed successively in each of the six ice passages 11d. Subsequently, the arm 132 is moved out of the path of the ice rod and continued operation of the auger 54 pushes the now olid, dense and compact rod of ice upwardly until it issues from the ice passage 116. As each rod of ice issues from the associated ice passages lliti, it is immediately struck by the ice cutter 62 and particularly by the cutting edge 14!) thereof, the cutting edge 14%) first contacting each rod of ice at the point 142 and progressively engaging the rod of ice radially inwardly toward the shaft of the auger 54 along the cutting edge 140 to form ice cubes that are dense, substantially dry and compact. Immediately after breaking off or cutting an ice rod, the arm 132 covers the associated ice passage 116 and keeps that ice passage 11c substantially blocked for the next 90 of rotation of the auger 54 so as to compact and congeal another section of the solid ice rod therein which will subsequently be forced to issue from the ice passage 11b to be struck by the cutting edge 14%) to form another ice cube.

Each of the ice cubes formed has a transverse cross section generally like the transverse cross section of the ice passages 110 which can be best seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings, although occasionally the impact of the cutter 62 against the rod of ice will split the rod along a longitudinally extending plane as well as along a transverse plane. The length of each ice cube is dependent upon the rate at which the rod of compact ice issues from theas- 'sociated passage IN, the ice cubes being longer when the rate of movement of the ice rod is greater and, vice versa, the len th of the ice cubes being shorter when the rate of movement of the ice rods is less. The rate of .movement of the ice rods through the ice passages 110 is in turn dependent upon the amount of refrigeration pro-' duced by the associated refrigeration system which in turn determines the rate at which flaked ice is produced by the freezing of ice on the inner surface of the cylinder 52 and the scraping therefrom by the auger 54. In all cases, however, the ice cubes produced are dense and compact in character. Whereas flaked ice produced by machines available heretofore may have a density or specific volume such that one ounce of the ice occupies 3.6 cubic inches, the ice cubes made in accordance with the present invention have a density such that one ounce thereof occupies only 2.75 cubic inches, one ounce of water for reference occupying 1.8 cubic inches. It will be seen therefore that the ice cubes produced are hard and dense and further are substantially dry and contain little or no entrained water therein or therewith, the water being effectively removed by the squeezing action to which the flaked ice is subjected as it is forced through the extruding' head 60 and against the blocking arm 132.

As the ice cubes are formed by the action of the cutting edge 14th striking the ice rods issuing from the passages 11s, the ice cubes are collected in the upper end of the cylinder 52 and eventually rise upwardly and spill over onto the upper surface of the perforated wall 164 Within the ice hopper 64. The downward and outward sloping of the wall 164 plus the action of the stirring arms 17% and 176 tends to move the ice cubes downwardly and outwardly toward the side wall 152. As the level of the ice. cubes within the storage hopper 64 rises, the upper surface of the stored ice cubes eventually contacts the diaphragm I94 and lifts the diaphragm 194 and the plate 214 thereon and the plunger 2. 12 carried thereby upwardly from the position illustrated by the solid lines in I IG. 2 to the position illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2, the rnicroswitch 2% being opened when the parts reach the position illustrated by dashed lines. Referring to FIG. 10 it will be seen that the opening of the switch 2% removes the operating potentials from the auger motor 244, the compressor motor 245 and the fan motor 24-6 thus eflectively to stop the production of additional ice cubes by the ice making machine 50. If thereafter a sufficient number of ice cubes are dispensed or if an equivalent number of ice cubes melt, the diaphragm 1% and associated parts drop so as to reclose the microswitch 2%, thus to energize the auger motor 244, the compressor motor 245 and the fan motor 246 to begin again, the manufacture of ice cubes by the machine 59.

Assuming that the ice cubes are present in the storage chamber 64 and it is desired to place a few of the ice cubes therein within a glass or other container, the user positions the glass beneath the spout 32 (seeFIG. 1) and against the push button 34 and then pushes inwardly; this action will cause the push button 34 to operate the switch 234, the closure of the switch 234 energizing the dispensing solenoid 238 to open the door covering the opening 153 in a side wall 152 of the ice hopper 64 and moving the switch arm 239 into engagement with the contact 242. If the auger motor 244 has been energized whereby the auger 54 is in operation, the auger 54 continues in operation whereby to rotate the stirring arms 174 and 176 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4, this action of the stirring arms 1'74 and 176 tending to move ice in a counterclockwise direction toward the opening 158, the guide member 178 helping to direct the ice cubes through the opening 153 and onto the chute 162 for dispensing through the spout 32 into the glass held against the push button 3 In the event that the ice making machine is not operating, for example, if the ice level switch 2% is open in FIG. 10, the movement of the switch arm 239 into engagement with the contact 242 will energize the motor 244 to insure that the proper action of the stirring arms 174 and 176 is obtained during the ice cube dispensing operation.

So long as the user depresses the push button 34- (see FIG. 1), the switch 234 will be closed to energize the dispensing solenoid 233 which in turn moves the switch arm 2390f the switch 236 into engagement with its contact 24-2, these changes in the control circuit opening the door 16%} and energizing the auger motor 244 to cause operation of the stirring arms I74 and 176. Under these conditions ice cubes will be dispensed from the hopper 6 down the chute 162 through the spout 32 and into the container held against the push button 34 at a rate of about three to four cubic inches of ice cubes per second, the ice cubes being untouched by human hand or implements from tie freezing thereof through and including the dispensing thereof into the container. The ice cubes will continue to be dispensed continuously from the spout 32 so long as the containeris held against the push button 34, the ice making machine 53 having an ice cube making capacity substantially equal to the dispensing rate. To stop the dispensing of ice cubes into the container held against a push button 34, the user need only remove the container from contact with the push button 34. This will open the switch 234- to (lo-energize the dispensing solenoid Z38, de-energizing of the dispensing solenoid 233 closing the door res for the ice hopper 13 6 4 and moving the parts of the switch 236 so that the switch arm 23? is in engagement with its contact 249. Thus dispensing of ice from the spout 32 will be positively and rapidly interrupted.

If a large container is to be filled with ice cubes from the machine 25 it may be more convenient for the user to move the manual knob 36 from the ICE position to the DISP." position wherein ice cubes are continuously dispensed from the storage hopper 64 without the necessity of holding the push button 34 in the inward or closed position thereof. Placing the manual knob 36 in the DISP. position thereof moves the switch arm 250 into engagement with-the contact 2-51 so as to energize the dispensing coil 238 to open the door 160 of the storage hopper 64 and to energize the auger motor 244, thus rotating the auger 54 and the stirring arms 174 and 176 attached thereto to insure an adequate dispensing of ice cubes from the hopper 64 even if the ice level switch 20-5 is open. Ice cubes will be continuously dispensed from the spout 32 at a rate of three to four cubic inches of ice cubes per second so long as the control knob 36 and the switches controlled thereby are in the 318?. position, it being understood that the ice cube making machine will produce additional ice cubes at a rate substantially equal to the rate of dispensing of ice cubes from the hopper 64. When the user no longer desires additional ice cubes, the control knob 36 can be returned to the ICE position thereof or can be placed in the WATER position thereof so that the dispensing of ice cubes is again under the control of the push button 34. If the push button 34 is not depressed, the dispensing of ice cubes from the hopper 64 will stop immediately since the dispensing solenoid 238 will be de-energized thus to close the door 160 of the hopper 64 and to return the switch arm 239 of the switch 236 into engagement with its contact 240.

Finally, if the user wishes simultaneously to dispense water and ice into a glass or other container, the user turns the manual knob 36 to the WATER position thereof, thus placing the switch arm 25% into engagement with a contact not otherwise connected in the control circuit and moving the switch arm 252 into engagement with its contact 253. If the user now urges the push button 34 inwardly such as by placing a glass or other container thereagainst, the switch 234 will be closed to establish a circuit through both the dispensing solenoid 238 and the water solenoid 258. The dispensing solenoid 238 operates in the usual manner to dispense ice cubes from the storage hopper 64 by opening the solenoid controlled door 169 and by moving the switch arm 239 of the switch 236 into engagement with its contact 242 to insure that the auger motor 244 is energized to operate the stirring arms 174 and 176. In addition, the energizing of the water solenoid see to admit water from the main supply line 94 under reduced pressure conditions into the pipe 262 which in turn dispenses through the spout 32 and into the container disposed therebeneath. As a result, the ice cubes from the storage hopper 64 and water from the main supply line 94 will be dispensed simultaneously through the spout 32 and into a container disposed therebeneath. The stream of ice cubes and water from the spout 32 can be instantaneously interrupted by releasing the push button 34 thus to open the switch 234 to de-energize the dispensing solenoid 23S and the Water solenoid 258, de-energization of the water solenoid 238 closing the valve 260 in the pipe 262. A

It will be seen that there has been provided a combination ice cube making and dispensing machine which fulfills all of the objects and advantages set forth above. There likewise has been provided an improved method of making ice cubes of a type particularly suited for use in flavored and carbonated drinks. There further has been provide an improved ice storage hopper including an 253 opens thereducing valve improved cover therefor and an improved ice level control assembly therefor.

'While there has been described what at present is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications which fall within the true scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An ice cube making machine comprising an upstanding cylindrical freezing chamber having an outlet at the upper end thereof, means for supplying water to said freezing chamber, means for cooling said freezing chamber, an upstanding anger in said freezing chamber for scraping flaked ice therefrom and for delivering the flaked ice to said outlet, an extruding head positioned above and spaced from the upper end of said auger and having a plurality of ice compressing and ice shaping passages therethrough, drive mechanism for operating said auger to force the flaked ice from said outlet into and through said ice passages, and an ice cutter mounted on said auger for rotation therewith and disposed immediately above and slightly spaced from the upper end of said extruding head and said ice passages therethrough, the radial extent of said ice cutter being such as to block each ice passage for at least about rotation of said auger sequentially to form in said ice passages rods of compact and coherent ice and thereafter sequentially to break the rods of ice into individual compact and coherent ice cubes as the rods issue from said ice passages.

2. An ice cube making machine comprising an upstanding cylindrical freezing chamber having an outlet at the upper end thereof, means for suppling water to said freezing chamber, means for cooling said freezing chamber, an upstanding auger in said freezing chamber having an auger blade thereon for scraping flaked ice from the inner surface of said freezing chamber and for delivering the flaked ice to said outlet, an extruding head positioned above and spaced from the upper end of said auger and having a plurality of ice compressing and ice shaping passages therethrough, drive mechanism for operating said auger to force the flaked ice from said outlet into and through said ice passages, and an ice cutter mounted on said auger for rotation therewith and disposed immediately above and slightly spaced from the upper end of said extruding head and said ice passages therethrough, said ice cutter including an outwardly extending arm having the outer periphery thereof shaped substantially complementary to the inner surface of said freezing chamber and having a generally radially extending leading and cutting edge and a generally radially trailing edge, said leading edge being disposed in a position trailing the upper end of said auger blade about and said trailing edge being disposed in a position trailing said leading edge about said ice cutter blocking each ice passage for at least about 90 rotation of said auger sequentially to form in said ice passages rods of compact and coherent ice and thereafter to break the rods of ice into individual compact and coherent ice cubes as the rods issue from saidice passages.

3. A combination ice cube making and dispensing machine comprising an upstanding cylindrical freezing chamber having an outlet at the upper end thereof, means for supplying water to said freezing chamber, means for cooling said freezing chamber, an upstanding auger in said freezing chamber for scraping flaked ice therefrom and for delivering the flaked ice to said outlet, an extruding head positioned above and spaced from the upper end of said auger and having an ice compressing and ice shaping passage therethrough, drive mechanism for operating said auger to force the flaked ice from said outlet into and through said ice passage to compress and to congeal the particles of flaked ice into a rod of compact oneness and coherent ice, an ice cutter mounted adjacent to the discharge end of said ice passage for breaking therod of compact and coherent ice into individual compact and coherent ice cubes as the rod issues from said ice passage, an ice cube storage hopper mounted above said freezing chamber for receiving and storing the ice cubes produced, said storage hopper including a bottom wall extending outwardly from said freezing chamber and a side wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall and terminating in a sealing flange, said side wall having a discharge opening therein, a door for selectively opening and closing said discharge opening, a stationary foraminous wall disposed in the lower end of said hopper and sloping outwardly and downwardly toward the periphery thereof and toward said discharge opening for supporting ice cubes thereon in a dry condition and for directing the ice cubes outwardly toward said opening, a stirrer in said hopper for maintaining the ice cubes therein in a free flowing condition and for urging the ice cubes outwardly through said discharge opening during a dispensing operation, and a directing member mounted on said foraminous wall adjacent to said discharge opening for directing ice cubes outwardly therethrough.

t. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a foraminous wall in the bottom of said hopper and extending downwardly and outwardly from the center thereof toward the outer periphery thereof and toward said discharge opening to support the ice cubes in a dry condition and to direct the ice cubes outwardly toward the periphery of said hopper and toward said discharge opening, a stirrer mounted for rotation in said hopper for moving the ice cubes therein relative to the foraminous wall thereby to maintain the ice cubes in a free flowing condition and to impel the ice cubes downwardly and outwardly toward the periphery of said hopper and toward said discharge opening, and a control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position and a second position, means operatively connected to said door, said stirrer and said control member for moving said door from closed position to open position and rotating said stirrer in response to the movement of said control member from the first position to the second position, said control member being movable to said second position upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout for causing the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

5. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an

ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a foraminous wall in the bottom of said hopper and extending downwardly and outwardly from the center thereof toward the outer periphery thereof and toward said discharge opening to support the ice cubes in a dry condition and to direct the ice cubes outwardly toward the periphery of said hopper and toward said discharge opening, a stirrer mounted for rotation in said hopper to move the ice cubes relative to said foraminous wall thereby to maintain the ice cubes in a free flowing condition and to direct the ice cubes downwardly and outwardly toward the periphery of said hopper and toward said discharge opening, a directing member mounted on said foraminous wall adjacent to said discharge opening and disposed therefrom in the direction of movement of ice cubes by the stirrer for directing ice cubes outwardly to said discharge opening during dispensing, a control member movement of said control mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position and a second position, means operatively connected to said door, said stirrer and said control member for moving said door from closed position to open position and rotating said stirrer in response to the iember from the first position to the second position, and said control member being movable to said second position upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout for causing the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

6. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and-an open dispensing position, a source of water in said housing communicating with said spout and having a control valve therefor, and a control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position and a second position, means operatively connected to said door, said valve and second control member for moving said door from closed position to open position and said valve to an open position in response to the movement of said control member from the first position to the second position, said control member being movable from said first position to said second position upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout for causing simultaneously the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout and the dispensing of water from said source through said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

7. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicatingwith said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, and means for moving said door from said closed position to said open dispensing position, said door moving means including a first control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout for selectively controlling the move ment of said door between the closed position and the open position, and a second control member mounted on said housing and movable between a first position placing the movement of said door under the control of said first control member and a second position moving said door to the open dispensing position independently of the first control member, said second control member in the first position thereof rendering said first control member eiiective when moved to said door opening position by the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout for causing the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into said container, said second control member in the second position thereof causing the dispensing of ice continuously from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container so long as said second control member is in the second position thereof.

3. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a source of water in said housing communicating with said spout and having a control valve therefor, a first control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position for placing said door and said valve in the closed positions thereof and a second position for placing said door and said valve in the open positions thereof, and a second control member mounted on said housing and movable between a first position lacing the movement of said door under the control of said first control member and a second position placing the movement of both said door and said valve under the control of said first control member, said second control member in the first position thereof causing sa-id first control member when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spou-t to cause the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said first control member, said second control member in the second position thereof causing said first control member when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a'container thereagainst and beneath said spout to cause simultaneously the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout and the dispensing of water from said source through said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

9. An ice cube dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube storage hopper in said housing and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a source of water in said housing communicating with said spoutand having a control valve therefor, a first control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position for placing said doorand said valve in the closed positions thereof and a second position selectively placing said door and said valve in the open positions thereof, and a second control member mounted on said housing and being movable between a first position placing the movement of said door under the control of said first control member and a second position placing said door in the open position thereof and a third position placing the movement of both said door and said valve under the control of said first control member, said second control member in the first position thereof causing said first control member when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout to cause the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said Opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said first control member, said second control member in the second position thereof causing the dispensing of ice continuously from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container so long as said second control member is in the second position thereof, said second control member in the third position thereof causing said first control member when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout to cause simultaneously the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout and the dispensing of water from said source through said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

19. A combination ice cube making and dispensing machine comprising, a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube making machine disposed in the lower portion of said housing and having an outlet at the upper end thereof, an ice cube storage hopper in the upper portion of said housing and having an inlet in the lower end thereof communicating with said outlet and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a cover for the upper end of said storage hopper, ice level control mechanism on the upper surface of said cover and a flexible and resilient diaphragm on the lower surface of said cover completely covering the upper end of said hopper to provide insulation therefor and to protect said ice level control mechanism mounted on said cover from the moisture and ice within said hopper, said ice level control mechanism permitting operation of said ice cube making machine only when the level of ice cubes in said hopper is within predetermined limits, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, and a control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout for controlling the movement of said door and movable between a door closing position and a door opening position, said control member being movable to said door opening position upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout for causing the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said control member.

11. A combination ice cube making and dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube making machine disposed in the lower portion of said housing and having an outlet at the upper end thereof, an ice cube storage hopper in the upper portion of said housing and having an inlet communicating with the outlet of said ice cube making machine and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a stirrer in said hopper for stirring the ice cubes stored in said hopper, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a first control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and selectively movable between a first position placing said door in the closed position thereof and a second position selectively placing said door in the open position thereof and causing operation of said stirrer, and a second control member mounted on said housing and movable between a first position placing the movement of said door and said stirrer under the control of said first control member and a second position placing said door in the open position thereof and causing operation of said stirrer independently of said first control member, said second control member in the first position thereof rendering said first control member effective when moved from the first to the second position by a container placed thereagainst and beneath said spout to open said door and begin operation of said stirrer to dispense ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into said container contacting said first control member, said second control member in the second position thereof moving said door to the open position thereof and cansing operation of said stirring continuously to dispense ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated containerso long as said second control member is in the second position thereof.

12. A combination ice cube making and dispensing machine comprising a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice Cube making machine disposed in the lower portion of said housing and having an outlet at the upper end thereof, an ice cube storage hopper in the upper portion of said housing and having an inlet communicating with the outlet of said ice cube making machine and having a discharge opening cornmunicating with said spout, a stirrer in said hopper for stirring the ice cubes stored in said hopper, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, a source of water in said housing communicating with said spout and having a control valve therefor, a control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout and movable between a first position placing said door and said valve in the closed positions thereof and a second position placing said door and said valve in the open positions thereof and causing operation of said stirrer, and a second control member mounted on said housing and movable between a first position in which said first control member controls the movement of said door and the operation of said stirrer and a second position wherein said first control member controls the movement of both said door and said valve and the operation of said stirrer, said second control member in the first position thereof rendering said first control member effective when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout to cause the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the associated container contacting said first control member, said second control member in the second position thereof rendering said first control member effective when moved from the first to the second position thereof upon the placement of a container thereagainst and beneath said spout to cause simultaneously the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout and the dispensing of Water from said source through said spout into said container contacting said control member.

13. A combination ice cube making and dispensing machine comprising, a housing having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, an ice cube making machine in the lower portion of said housing and having an outlet at the upper end thereof, an ice cube storage hopper in the upper portion of said housing and having an inlet cornmunicating with the outlet of said ice cube making ma chine and having a discharge opening communicating with said spout, a foraminous wall in the bottom of the hopper and extending downwardly and outwardly from the center thereof toward the outer periphery thereof and toward said discharge opening to support the ice cubes in a dry condition and to direct the ice cubes outwardly toward the periphery of said hopper and toward said discharge opening, a door for said opening movable between a normally closed position and an open dispensing position, and means for moving said door 3;

from said normally closed position to said open dispensing position, said door moving means including a control member mounted on said housing adjacent to said spout for causing said door moving means to move said door from the closed position to the open dispensing position, said control member being movable to said door opening position upon the placement of a container against said member and beneath said spout for causing the dispensing of ice from said hopper through said opening and said spout into the container contacting said control member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 530,526 12/94 Holden 62-320 1,020,759 3/12 Holden 62-320 1,881,171 10/32 Cooley 107-145 2,401,236 5/46 Fielitz 18-26 X 2,648,203 8/53 Heuser et al. 62-320 X 2,779,165 1/57 Pichler et a1. 62-320 2,984,059 5/61 Hollingsworth.

3,034,311 5/62 Nelson 62-354 3,059,450 10/62 Mueller et al. 62-354 X 3,059,595 10/62 Locatelli 107-14.l 3,085,520 4/63 Fiedler 62 -320 X 3,112,622 12/63 Bollefer 62-354 FOREIGN PATENTS 409,499 5/34 Great Britain.

ROBERT A. OLEARY, Primary Examiner.

Claims (2)

1. AN ICE CUBE MAKING MACHINE COMPRISING AN UPSTANDING CYLINDRICAL FREEZING CHAMBER HAVING AN OUTLET AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, MEANS FOR SUPPLYING WATER TO SAID FREEZING CHAMBER, MEANS FOR COOLING SAID FREEZING CHAMBER, AN UPSTANDING AUGER IN SAID FREEZING CHAMBER FOR SCRAPING FLAKED ICE THEREFROM AND FOR DELIVERING THE FLAKED ICE TO SAID OUTLET, AN EXTRUDING HEAD POSITIONED ABOVE AND SPACED FROM THE UPPER END OF SAID AUGER AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF ICE COMPRESSING AND ICE SHAPING PASSAGE THERETHROUGH, DRIVE MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SAID AUGER TO FORCE THE FLAKED ICE FROM SAID OUTLET INTO AND THROUGH SAID ICE PASSAGES, AND AN ICE CUTTER MOUNTED ON SAID AUGER FOR ROTATION THEREWITH AND DISPOSED IMMEDIATELY ABOVE AND SLIGHTLY SPACED FROM THE UPPER END OF SAID EXTRUDING HEAD AND SAID ICE PASSAGES THERETHROUGH, THE RADIAL EXTENT OF SAID ICE CUTTER BEING SUCH AS TO BLOCK EACH ICE PASSAGE FOR AT LEAST ABOUT 90* ROTATION OF SAID AUGER SEQUENTIALLY TO FORM IN SAID ICE PASSAGES RODS OF COMPACT AND COHERENT ICE AND THEREAFTER SEQUENTIALLY TO BREAK THE RODS OF ICE INTO INDIVIDUAL COMPACT AND COHERENT ICE CUBES AS THE RODS ISSUE FROM SAID ICE PASSAGES.

10. A COMBINATION ICE CUBE MAKING AND DISPENSING MACHINE COMPRISING, A HOUSING HAVING A DISPENSING SPOUT EXTENDING THEREFROM, AN ICE CUBE MAKING MACHINE DISPOSED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID HOUSING AND HAVING AN OUTLET AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, AN ICE CUBE STORAGE HOPPER IN THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID HOUSING AND HAVING AN INLET IN THE LOWER END THEREOF COMMUNICATING WITH SAID OUTLET AND HAVING A DISCHARGE OPENING COMMUNICATING WITH SAID SPOUT, A COVER FOR THE UPPER END OF SAID STORAGE HOPPER, ICE LEVEL CONTROL MECHANISM ON THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID COVER AND A FLEXIBLE AND RESILIENT DIAPHRAGM ON THE LOWER SURFACE OF SAID COVER COMPLETELY COVERING THE UPPER END OF SAID HOPPER TO PROVIDE INSULATION THEREFOR AND TO PROTECT SAID ICE LEVEL CONTROL MECHANISM MOUNTED ON SAID COVER FROM THE MOISTURE AND ICE WITHIN SAID HOPPER, SAID ICE LEVEL CONTROL MECHANISM PERMITTING OPERATION OF SAID ICE CUBE MAKING MACHINE ONLY WHEN THE LEVEL OF ICE CUBES IN SAID HOPPER IS WITHIN PREDETEREMINED LIMITS, A DOOR FOR SAID OPENING MOVABLE BETWEEN A NORMALLY CLOSED POSITION AND AN OPEN DISPENSING POSITION, AND A CONTROL MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING ADJACENT TO SAID SPOUT FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF SAID DOOR AND MOVABLE BETWEEN A DOOR CLOSING POSITION AND A DOOR OPENING POSITION, SAID CONTROL MEMBER BEING MOVABLE TO SAID DOOR OPENING POSITION UPON THE PLACEMENT OF A CONTAINER THEREAGAINST AND BENEATH SAID SPOUT FOR CAUSING THE DISPENSING OF ICE FROM SAID HOPPER THROUGH SAID OPENING AND SAID SPOUT INTO THE ASSOCIATED CONTAINER CONTACTING SAID CONTROL MEMBER.

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