AUTOMATED ICE BAGGING APPARATUS AND METHODS

摘要

An automatic ice vending apparatus (205) including a holding vessel (2) capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device (3) designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces in a substantially horizontal direction through and out of the holding vessel (2), and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device (12) operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device (21), whereby the weighing device (21) meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container (17). Methods of delivering ice to a consumer are also included.