公开(公告)号：US06827529B1

公开(公告)日：2004-12-07

申请号：US09364794

申请日：1999-07-30

Applicant: J. Eric Berge ,  Glenn S. Seamark ,  Alfred A. Schoeder ,  Mark A. McClure ,  Daniel A. Glimn

Inventor： J. Eric Berge ,  Glenn S. Seamark ,  Alfred A. Schoeder ,  Mark A. McClure ,  Daniel A. Glimn

IPC: B65G5366

CPC classification number: F25C5/20

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances. Ice and vacuum may simultaneously be routed into different branched routes, utilizing a unique diverter/air shifter with the capability of providing routing to up to four different routes. Appropriate sensors and controllers, which may be microprocessor-based, may be used to automate the system. The entire system is easily cleanable. The system is advantageously used by restaurants, groceries, hotels and motels, hospitals, laboratories, and many other establishments where the providing of ice at various locations is desirable or required.

Abstract translation: 描述了真空气动输送装置和方法，以提供一种简单，经济，方便（且最好是自动的）系统，用于根据要求将冰从诸如制冰机的源传送到远离该制冰机的位置处的一个或多个受体 资源。 该系统可以被配置为使得分配位置可以从系统中添加或消除，或者暂时从系统“离线”而不需要改变基本系统配置或中央制冰提供装置。 各种实施例中的装置包括冰源，从源到接收器的输送管道，用于通过真空将冰移动通过导管的真空泵，以及收集所输送的冰的接收器。 受体可以是冰/饮料分配器，用于保持和排放到其他装置的储存器，中间储存分配器或从其可以在相当长的距离上投射冰的空气锁定装置。 冰和真空可以同时路由到不同的分支路线，利用独特的分流器/换气器，能够提供多达四条不同路线的路线。 可以使用适合的基于微处理器的传感器和控制器来使系统自动化。 整个系统易于清洁。 该系统有利地被餐馆，杂货店，酒店和汽车旅馆，医院，实验室以及许多其他需要或需要在各个地方提供冰的机构使用。