Patent ID: 7654097

Claim:
An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit, comprising: (a) an ice delivery conduit for delivering ice to the ice distribution device in an axial direction; (b) mounting means on the ice distribution device for mounting the ice distribution device relative to an ice retaining unit; (c) an ice distribution nozzle for receiving ice delivered from said ice delivery conduit and for discharging ice through the nozzle into an ice retaining unit; (d) said mounting means mounting said nozzle at an angle to said axial direction and for axial rotation; said mounting means including means responsive to the force of ice being delivered from said ice delivery conduit and through said nozzle, applying a sufficient partially lateral force to said nozzle to drive said nozzle in an eccentric rotation; and (e) whereby ice distributed through said nozzle can be dispersed in a fan-like array that has both axial and lateral components, for providing a substantially uniform distribution of ice in an ice retaining unit.