Patent ID: 7735527
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: F25C,G07F

Abstract:
1. An ice vending apparatus comprising: a holding vessel having an aperture, a length, a width, and being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply; an ice metering device; an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein toward the aperture thereof and to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container; and an ice circulation device positioned in an upper portion of the holding vessel and substantially disposed above the ice transferring device in the holding vessel, and adapted and configured to selectively inhibit or prevent the permanent freezing together of the ice pieces, the buildup of ice adjacent an inner surface of the holding vessel, the accumulation of ice pieces that are partially melted, or a combination thereof by facilitating the movement of the ice pieces adjacent the ice supply away therefrom.