Patent ID: 7757513
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: B65B,F25C

Abstract:
1. An automated ice bagging system, comprising: an ice forming machine to form a plurality of ice cubes; a storage bin to store said plurality of ice cubes formed by said ice forming machine; an ice dispensing machine to transfer said plurality of ice cubes from said storage bin; a bagging system to receive said plurality of ice cubes from said ice dispensing machine to within a bag, wherein said bag is filled with a predetermined amount of said ice cubes; wherein said bagging system includes a platform to support said bag and said plurality of ice cubes within said bag; wherein said platform vertically adjusts as said bag fills with said plurality of ice cubes; wherein said bagging system includes a switch, wherein said switch is engaged by said platform; wherein said switch deactivates said ice dispensing machine; wherein said platform pivotally adjusts; wherein said bagging system includes at least one actuator to pivot said platform; wherein said bagging system includes a timer to detect a failure of said bagging system; a delivery system to transfer said filled bag of ice cubes from said bagging system to a customer; wherein said delivery system transfers said filled bag of ice cubes from an inside of said enclosure to an outside of said enclosure; a purchasing system to activate said ice dispensing machine to fill said bag with said plurality of ice cubes to be delivered to said customer in an automated manner; wherein said purchasing system includes a currency acceptor; an alerting system to alert a maintenance personnel of error in filling said bag with said plurality of ice cubes; and an enclosure to enclose said ice forming machine, said ice dispensing machine and said bagging system.