Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110049190 | Undercounter ice dispenser - An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control. | 03-03-2011 |
20110220689 | Ice dispense system and method - An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features. | 09-15-2011 |
20140305316 | Hot/Cold Beverage Dispenser and Method - A beverage dispenser for dispensing either a hot or cold beverage, for example tea, from a common mixing chamber and a method for making and/or operating the same is disclosed. The dispense has a source of hot water, usually a heater, and a source of water, a refrigeration system to cool the water and one or more sources of flavor. The hot or cold water, or both can be provided to the common or same, mixing chamber and mixed assisted with a static and/or dynamic mixer and then dispensed. The last portion of the water is used to rinse for the next beverage. Flavor or syrup pump current is sensed to provide the appropriate amount of flavor concentrate to a known quantity of water to form a beverage of appropriate strength or syrup. | 10-16-2014 |
20140353330 | CUP STORAGE SYSTEM - The cup storage device includes a tube having opposing dispensing and terminal ends and inner and outer surfaces that define an inner volume. The inner volume receives cups stacked upon each other and stores them. The cup storage device includes a plurality of resilient cup restraining members disposed on the inner surface of the tube at the dispensing end. The cup restraining members extend from a mounting end proximate the inner surface of the tube to a contact end. A guide structure is positioned on the inner surface of the tube. The guide structure defines a recess. The contact ends of the plurality of cup restraining members are disposed within the recess. | 12-04-2014 |