Ice and chilled water producing and dispensing machine

Abstract

An ice producing and dispensing machine for delivering ice on demand to a consumer with a housing containing an ice maker having a discharge outlet for discharging ice. An ice bin is disposed below the ice maker having an open top for receiving ice from the ice maker and a bottom opening for discharging ice therefrom; a substantially vertical tube in communication with the bottom opening for receiving discharged ice with an auger or the like in the tube for driving the ice directly vertically in the tube; and a discharge opening in communication with the tube for conveying the ice to the discharge outlet either in a bag or as free ice cubes. Melted water and ice chips from the ice production are recycled and used to cool the water that is fed to the ice maker.

At least the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for producing ice and chilled water for distribution from a machine having an ice maker for producing ice, the ice being directed to a storage bin, the bin containing agitating means and an outlet for dispensing the ice, the machine further having a water storage capsule inside an insulated housing, the water storage capsule receiving and holding purified water, the storage capsule having a discharge outlet for dispensing water, the insulated housing receiving ice pieces and condensation from the ice production operation, for chilling the water in said capsule, comprising the steps of:
 providing a supply of pre-chilled water;   introducing said pre-chilled water into said ice maker, thereby hastening the transformation of the water into ice.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of propelling the ice from the storage bin vertically from the outlet to a discharge opening for distribution to a consumer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of dispensing some of the pre-chilled water through a discharge outlet to a container provided by a consumer. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  in which said pre-chilled water is contained in said water storage capsule. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of dispensing ice and pre-chilled water through discharge outlets to a container provided by a consumer.