ICE/BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH IN-LINE ICE CRUSHER

摘要

An ice crusher (18) is attached to an ice dispenser (10) or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet (16) of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin (12) , the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute (17) or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select.