Patent ID: 8881952
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: A47J,F25C,G01F

Abstract:
1. An ice dispensing system, comprising: a hopper configured to retain a supply of ice, the hopper having a bottom end with an outlet opening; a motor positioned vertically below the hopper; a shelf member positioned in the hopper dividing a portion of the supply of ice from a supply of ice under the shelf member; a metering member mounted within the hopper, the metering member including a plurality of ice cavities, the metering member being rotatable by the motor between a fill position wherein at least one of the ice cavities is exposed to and filled by the supply of ice under the shelf member, and a dispense position wherein the at least one cavity is aligned with the outlet opening to dispense ice from the at least one cavity; wherein the shelf member constantly shields at least a portion of each of the plurality of ice cavities.