Ice transportation system and method

摘要

A system for transporting ice pieces or the like from a primary bin to one or more satellite bins is disclosed. A dispenser forms a charge of ice pieces in a precharge chamber, which is then transferred by air assist to a delivery tube. A driver member is provided to engage and move the substantially defined charge of ice pieces to the selected satellite bin. The driver member is propelled by a differential pressure within the tube. This permits the defined charge to be exposed only to the low pressure side and insulated from the high pressure propelling medium to minimize breakage and melting during delivery. Before reaching the satellite bin, the piston is reversed to shuttle back to the home position. The satellite bins are connected in series and delivery of a charge to an intermediate bin is provided by moving a tube section out of alignment with the delivery tube. Lubrication and continuous cleaning is performed by the driver member sweeping minimal residual water from melting ice. A full, two phase cleaning cycle is also provided by injecting cleaning fluid/rinse water into the tube for delivery by the piston. Single or dual fans are used to provide the differential pressure. A controller coordinates the system operation and allows monitoring and adjustment of all parameters.