Patent ID: 6827529
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: F25C

Abstract:
Apparatus for conveying ice comprising:a plurality of receptors for receiving ice, with at least one receptor at each of a plurality of remote locations; wherein said ice is substantially uncontaminated ice cubes; a hollow elongated ice conduit having an initial conduit portion from a source of ice to at least one intermediate division point from which a plurality of branch conduits extend, said initial conduit and said branch conduits providing an ice communication connection between said source of ice and said plurality of receptors; a diverter in said conduit at each said intermediate division point for direction of ice traversing said conduit from said initial conduit to any of said branch conduits; and a vacuum pump in fluid communication through a vacuum line having an inlet approximate to each said receptor for withdrawing air from said conduits and creating a vacuum comprising said negative air pressure in said conduits, said negative air pressure causing said ice to traverse said conduit from said source through said diverter to a selected one of said plurality of receptors.