Patent ID: 6112539
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: F25C,F25D,G07F

Abstract:
An apparatus for making and bagging ice, comprising:a) a housing for holding the components of the apparatus;b) a refrigeration unit for producing ice;c) a hopper for holding ice;d) outfeed means for delivering ice from said hopper;e) ice bagging means for bagging said ice received from said hopper;f) plastic bag material supply means for supplying bag material to said ice bagging means; and,g) access means whereby a user can access the bag of ice from said housing; said ice bagging means comprising means for contacting and opening plastic bag material whereby said ice can be conveyed into said bag material, said means for contacting and opening plastic bag material comprises means for opening said plastic bag material; means for creating a vacuum; and an upper jaw having holes therein for contacting said plastic bag material and applying a negative pressure thereto.