Dispensing unit for ice or snow-like particles

Abstract

A dispensing unit 601 dispenses ice, snow or snow-like particles to a customer on demand, generally without storage of ice within the unit. The unit 601 includes an actuation device 640 which is operable by the customer. Further, the unit includes apparatus 639 for making the ice or snow-like particles. The apparatus 639 is responsive to actuation of the actuation device 640 to produce the ice or snow-like particles on demand. The ice or snow-like particles are produced from ingredients including liquid water and preferably cryogenic material. The unit is operable to deliver the ice or snow-like particles to a containment vessel 612B, 632, which is accessible by the customer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a dispensing unit for dispensing ice, snow or snow like particles to a customer on demand. In particular, the invention relates to a machine for making instant packing ice or powdered snow for use as an ice or crushed ice substitute. Typically such products are used for cooling foods and beverages in ice boxes, coolers and the like. The present specification forms part of a continuation-in-part application based on our earlier application Ser. No. 10 / 475,228. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Over the years, a number of methods of making snow have been proposed, and two examples will now be discussed. The “Polar Process” is a cryogenic form of snow making, where liquid nitrogen (N2) is mixed with water atomised by an air compressor in a snow pipe to make snow. This has proven a popular form of snow production for events and promotions. While the capital cost is not great, the operational costs for making the snow are very high, as up to 5...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Once the process is started, preferably water and liquid refrigerant are mixed together in a mixing process to produce a granulated or particulate product referred to as packing ice. The packing ice produced is expelled from the machine to fill the container below. The process is quick and energy efficient as power is only used at the time of making the product and there is no requirement for storage, transport or expensive refrigeration or bagging equipment. As well, the cost of producing the product may be a similar gross cost as the current method of producing bagged ice but the consumer is provided with a free flowing product that is easy to spread in their cooler box. The packing ice can also be provided at a desired selected temperature from 0 degrees Celsius to −20 degrees Celsius or lower for use.

The packing ice or snow produced by this cryogenic process may also be created to have a longer life cycle than any other snow produced by varying the amount of cryogenic material included in the process. This also makes the storage of the product in cold rooms more favourable as the snow does not stick together due to the elimination of water from the final product.

Problems solved by technology

As well, the cost of producing the product may be a similar gross cost as the current method of producing bagged ice but the consumer is provided with a free flowing product that is easy to spread in their cooler box.

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