Patent ID: 9003822
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: F25C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a bin for storing ice cubes therein; an axle rotatably supported by the bin; an actuator operatively coupled to the axle to rotate upon driving of the axle; a housing disposed within the bin, the housing having an ice crushing area between a first opening and a second opening downstream of the first opening, to allow the ice cubes to move from the first opening into the ice crushing area, and on to the second opening under gravity or action; an ice breaker operatively coupled to the actuator and disposed outside of the housing in the bin, the ice breaker being configured to move in a reciprocal manner upon rotation of the actuator, thereby breaking ice clumps outside of the housing in the bin; and an agitator disposed within the bin oppositely to the first opening of the housing and operatively coupled to the axle, the agitator being configured to rotate upon driving of the axle, thereby propelling the ice cubes in the bin into the housing through the first opening of the housing.