Ice Management Apparatus

Abstract

An ice making and delivery apparatus for making and delivering ice to different ones of a plurality of receptacle units is provided, in which ice delivered via a conduit to a diverter valve mechanism, is diverted from alignment with one ice discharge line to another, depending upon sensors in ice receptacles recognizing a level of build-up of ice in any given receptacle, for computer control of a gearmotor for moving the diverter valve from one position to another. Various controls are provided for preventing ice build-up, and for operating the diverter valve during a “dwell” period of ice movement in the conduit, as distinguished from a “push” period of ice movement in the conduit to the diverter valve. A force multiplication technique is employed for moving the diverter valve notwithstanding the presence of ice therein.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An ice making and delivery apparatus for making ice and delivering the ice to an receptacle unit, comprising:
 (a) an ice making means for discharging ice therefrom;   (b) a conduit means for receiving ice from the ice making means and delivering ice to at least one ice receptacle unit;   (c) at least one ice receptacle unit; and   (d) wherein said conduit means is comprised of flexible tubing with reinforcement for said tubing.   
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein said reinforcement is a braided medium along the tubing. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein said reinforcement is a generally spirally wound wire embedded in the tubing. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein said conduit means is provided with couplings at least some ends thereof, which couplings are comprised of thin-walled stainless steel tubing disposed in a molded coupling housing. 
     
     
         27 - 30 . (canceled)