Patent Grant
10160557
The present disclosure relates in general to ice and in particular to a system for bagging ice, the ice bagging system including primary and auxiliary sources of bags.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 is configured to receive ice from the hopper 32, and deliver measured amounts of ice to the bagging system 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 defines a volume into which an amount of ice is received from the hopper 32, thereby volumetrically measuring the amount of ice. The measurement system 34 then delivers the volumetrically measured amount of ice to the bagging system 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 is, or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments of measurement systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/701,984, filed Nov. 6, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 is, or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments of measurement systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,300, filed Mar. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,812, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, such as, for example, the drawer section disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,300. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 is, or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments of measurement systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/837,320, filed Aug. 10, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, such as, for example, the compartment assembly disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/837,320. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement system 34 is, or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments of measurement systems disclosed in the following U.S. patent applications: U.S. patent application No. 60/659,600, filed Mar. 7, 2005; U.S. patent application No. 60/837,374, filed Aug. 11, 2006; U.S. patent application No. 60/941,191, filed May 31, 2007; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/931,324, filed Oct. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,062, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution system 37 is configured to distribute ice-filled bags within the merchandiser 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution system 37 includes one or more tracks (not shown) disposed within the merchandiser 20, and one or more sensors. The distribution system 37 is configured to search for available spaces within the merchandiser 20 in which to dispose ice-filled bags, and to dispose the ice-filled bags in the available spaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution system is, or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/130,946, filed May 30, 2008; and U.S. patent application No. 61/300,612, filed Feb. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, each of the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d includes one or more sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d include respective photo cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d are distributed throughout the apparatus 10. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d, or one or more other sensors, are positioned in and/or on, and/or are coupled to, the merchandiser 20 or the doors 22a and/or 22b thereof, and are configured to determine if the doors 22a and/or 22b are open or closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d are positioned in one or more different locations in one or more of the ice makers 12a and 12b, the hopper 32, the measurement system 34, the bagging system 36, the distribution system 37, the merchandiser 20, and the control system 38.
In several exemplary embodiments, the computer 40 includes, and/or functions as, a data acquisition unit that is adapted to convert, condition and/or process signals transmitted by the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d, and one or more other sensors operably coupled to the computer 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 18 is a touch screen, a multi-touch screen, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the control panel 18 includes one or more input devices such as, for example, one or more keypads, one or more voice-recognition systems, one or more touch-screen displays and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the control panel 18 includes one or more output devices such as, for example, one or more displays such as, for example, one or more digital displays, one or more liquid crystal displays and/or any combination thereof, one or more printers and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the control panel 18 includes one or more card readers, one or more graphical-user interfaces and/or other types of user interfaces, one or more digital ports, one or more analog ports, one or more signal ports, one or more alarms, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer 40 and/or the processor 42 includes, for example, one or more of the following: a programmable general purpose controller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other controller devices and/or any combination thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 48b is positioned below the main bag advance assembly 56 and slightly to the left thereof, as viewed in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
A shaft assembly 118 having a longitudinal axis is coupled to the auxiliary roll 100 of bags 100a so that the auxiliary roll 100 is permitted to rotate in place about the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly 118. A roller support 120 is coupled to the enclosure 14 and the shaft assembly 118, thereby supporting the shaft assembly 118 at one end portion thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, another roller support similar to the roller support 120 may support the shaft assembly 118 at its other end portion, and/or the shaft assembly 118 may be otherwise coupled to the enclosure 14. The primary roll 98 of bags 98a is positioned below the auxiliary roll 100 of bags 100a. A shaft assembly 122 having a longitudinal axis is coupled the primary roll 98 of bags 98a so that the primary roll 98 is permitted to rotate in place about the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly 122. The shaft assembly 122 is supported by the bag guide frame 102, and extends within a notch 102a formed in a side wall 102b of the bag guide frame 102.
The bags 98a are wound around the primary roll 98, and the bags 100a are wound around the auxiliary roll 100. The bags 98a are connected end-to-end to form a substantially continuous roll, and are pre-perforated to a predetermined measurement. Likewise, the bags 100a are connected end-to-end to form a substantially continuous roll, and are pre-perforated to a predetermined measurement. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the bags 98a and 100a includes digitally-coded information that is adapted to be read by one or more sensors distributed within the apparatus 10, and/or by one or more of the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d; the digitally-coded information includes, for example, bag number, bag type, bag name and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, each of the bags 98a and/or 100a is a single layer of material, portions of which are either initially sealed together and/or otherwise manipulated (such as two or more edges of the single layer of material being bunched together) so that the material is able to receive and hold or contain ice, or are to be sealed together and/or otherwise manipulated during the operation of the apparatus 10 so that the material is able to receive and hold or contain ice. In several exemplary embodiments, each of the bags 98a and/or 100a includes two or more layers of material, and at least respective portions of the two or more layers are either initially sealed together and/or otherwise manipulated so that the material is able to receive and hold or contain ice, or are to be sealed together and/or otherwise manipulated during the operation of the apparatus 10 so that the material is able to receive and hold or contain ice.
The idle rollers 68, 70, 72 and 74 are supported by the bag guide frame 102, and are configured to guide the bags 98a and/or 100a from each of the rolls 98 and 100 and to one or more of the main bag advance assembly 56 and the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62. The idle rollers 68, 70, 72 and 74 stretch out, and provide at least a degree of resistance to the travel of, the bags 98a and/or 100a. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The hopper 32 and the measurement system 34 are also shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
Pivot arms 126a and 126b are coupled to respective inside vertically-extending surfaces of the side portions 75a and 75b. The top roller 64 extends between, and is coupled to, the pivot arms 126a and 126b. A support plate 128a is coupled to a vertically-extending inside surface of the solenoid support bracket 106 so that the support plate 128a is disposed between the solenoid support bracket 106 and the side portion 75a of the support frame 75. A support plate 128b is coupled to a vertically-extending side bracket 130, which, in turn, is coupled to the side wall 102c of the bag guide bar frame 102. The support plate 128b is disposed between the side bracket 130 and the side portion 75b of the support frame 75. A pivot element, such as a pivot rod 132, extends between, and is coupled to, the support plates 128a and 128b. The pivot rod 132 extends through the opening 75c of the support frame 75, an opening (not shown) formed through the pivot arm 126a that is coaxial with the opening 75c, the region 75g within the middle portion 75e of the support frame 75, an opening (not shown) formed through the pivot arm 126b that is coaxial with the opening 75d of the support frame 75, and the opening 75d. The support frame 75, the pivot arms 126a and 126b, and the top roller 64, are configured to pivot about the pivot rod 132, under conditions to be described below.
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In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
If it is determined in the step 142 that the merchandiser 20 is filled with bags of ice, then in step 148 the apparatus 10 enters a “merchandiser full” mode in which the apparatus 10 ceases automatically bagging any more ice, and/or at least ceases introducing any more ice-filled bags into the merchandiser 20. In an exemplary embodiment, a sensor (not shown) is mounted to an inside wall of the merchandiser 20, and is used to determine whether the merchandiser is filled with bags of ice. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the step 148, the step 142, and additional steps of the method 134 that are subsequent to the step 142, are repeated when a predetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door 22a or 22b of the merchandiser 20 using the control system 38, and/or any combination thereof. Similarly, if it is determined in the step 136 that the merchandiser 20 is filled with bags of ice, then in step 150 the apparatus enters the “merchandiser full” mode. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the step 150, the step 136, and additional steps of the method 134 that are subsequent to the step 136, are repeated when a predetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door 22a or 22b of the merchandiser 20 using the control system 38, and/or any combination thereof.
If it is determined in the step 143 that the event has occurred, then in step 152 an initial bag from the auxiliary source is automatically filled with ice in response to the determination, and the initial bag from the auxiliary source is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in step 154. In step 156, it is again determined whether the merchandiser 20 is full of bags filled with ice. If not, then another bag from the auxiliary source is filled with ice in step 158, and the other bag from the auxiliary source is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in step 160. The steps 156, 158 and 160 are repeated until it is determined in the step 156 that the merchandiser 20 is full of bags filled with ice, at which point the apparatus enters the “merchandiser full” mode in step 162. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the step 162, the step 156, and additional steps of the method 134 that are subsequent to the step 156, are repeated when a predetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door 22a or 22b of the merchandiser 20 using the control system 38, and/or any combination thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
The bags 100a are pulled and advanced from the auxiliary roll 100 of bags 100a, which, as necessary, rotates in place about the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly 118. The bags 100a engage the idle roller 70, which stretches out, and provides at least a degree of resistance to the travel of, the bags 100a. The bags 100a extend from the idle roller 70 and across or above the middle portion 75e of the support frame 75. At least one of the bags 100a is engaged between the top roller 64 and the bottom roller 66 of the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62, thereby operably coupling the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62 to the auxiliary roll 100 of bags 100a. For the purpose of clarity, this at least one of the bags 100a will hereinafter be referred to as “the initial auxiliary bag 100a.” The distal end of the initial auxiliary bag 100a is located either at the main bag advance assembly 56 or between the main bag advance assembly 56 and the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more guide plates and/or supports (not shown) are disposed between the main bag advance assembly 56 and the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62, and are configured to guide and/or support the initial auxiliary bag 100a as it is fed to the main bag advance assembly 56, as will be described in further detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal end of the initial auxiliary bag 100a is proximate the main bag advance assembly 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary bag advance assembly 62 is proximate the main bag advance assembly 56 to such a degree (such as that shown in
As shown in
To feed the initial primary bag 98a in the step 138cb, the feed motor 112 drives and thus rotates the lower roller 60 of the main bag advance assembly 56. As a result, the bags 98a are pulled and advanced from the primary roll 98, and at least respective portions of one or more of the bags 98a roll off of the primary roll 98, and travel through the idle rollers 68, 72 and 74, which stretch out, and provide at least a degree of resistance to the travel of, the bags 98a. The initial primary bag 98a travels between the upper roller 58 and the lower roller 60 of the main bag advance assembly 56 at least until the initial primary bag 98a is at least partially disposed in the bag basket 78. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial primary bag 98a travels about 20 inches. The position of the initial primary bag 98a is detected by the sensor 48b, and one or more signals corresponding to the position of the initial primary bag 98a are transmitted to the computer 40 of the control system 38 before, during and/or after the foregoing movement of the bags 98a within the apparatus 10. The control system 38 controls the movement of the bags 98a within the apparatus 10, and thus the disposal of the initial primary bag 98a in the bag basket 78, via at least the feed motor 112 operably coupled to the main bag advance assembly 56 and the sensor 48b. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 38 controls the bagging system 36 so that the bags 98a are fed by a predetermined length. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial primary bag 98a includes a rectangular bar on the right side thereof (as viewed in
As noted above, after the initial primary bag 98a is fed in the step 138cb, the initial amount of ice is automatically disposed in the initial primary bag 98a in the step 138cc. In an exemplary embodiment, the blower fan 82 blows air into the chute 76 and causes the holding plate 80 to pivot clockwise (as viewed in
As noted above, after the step 138c, it is determined whether the initial primary bag 98a is filled with ice in the step 138d. If not, then another amount of ice is measured in the step 138e, and disposed in the initial primary bag 98a in the step 138f, using the hopper 32 and the measurement system 34.
The steps 138d, 138e and 138f are repeated until the initial primary bag 98a is filled with ice while remaining disposed in the basket 78, after which the ice-filled initial primary bag 98a is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in the step 140 of the method 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial primary bag 98a is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in the step 140 using the distribution system 37, which moves the bag basket 78, and thus the ice-filled initial primary bag 98a, along the one or more tracks (not shown) of the distribution system 37, and/or uses one or more sensors, such as the sensor 48c, to search for an available space within the merchandiser 20. When such an available space is found, the rotator motor 96 is activated to cause the bag basket 78 to rotate; as a result, the ice-filled initial primary bag 98a falls into and is disposed in the available space in the merchandiser 20.
In an exemplary embodiment, before or during the distribution of the initial primary bag 98a in the merchandiser 20 in the step 140 of the method 134, the initial primary bag 98a is sealed and separated from the remainder (if any) of the bags 98a by activating the motor (not shown) that is operably coupled to the moveable arm 88 so that the one or more rods 94, and thus the moveable arm 88, the bag cutter 90 and the bumper strip 92, move towards the static heat seal bar 86. As a result, the upper portion of the initial primary bag 98a is pressed between the bumper strip 92 and the static heat seal bar 86, and so that the bag cutter 90 engages the initial primary bag 98a and/or the bag 98a adjacent thereto in the vicinity of the perforated line between the adjacent bags 98a. In response, the initial primary bag 98a is heat sealed and cut off and separated from the remainder of the bags 98a. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 38 controls the heat sealing and separation of the initial primary bag 98a via the sensor 48d, the motor that is operably coupled to the moveable arm 88, one or more thermostats, and/or any combination thereof.
As noted above, if it is determined in the step 142 that the merchandiser 20 is not full of bags filled with ice and in the step 143 that the event has not occurred (e.g., not all of the bags 98a from the primary roll 98 have been used), then another bag 98a from the primary roll 98 is automatically filled with ice in the step 144, and is distributed in the merchandiser in the step 146. In the step 144, the other bag 98a is fed by the main bag advance assembly 56, traveling between the upper roller 58 and the lower roller 60 at least until the other bag 98a is at least partially disposed in the bag basket 78. The step 144 is substantially identical to the step 138, except that the step 138ca (i.e., placing the bagging system 36 in its primary configuration) is omitted because the bagging system 36 is already in its primary configuration; therefore, the step 144 will not be described in further detail. The step 146 is substantially identical to the step 140 and therefore will not be described in detail.
In an exemplary embodiment, to determine in the step 143 whether the event has occurred (for example, to determine whether all of the bags 98a from the roll 98 have been used), it is determined whether the sensor 48b is “blocked,” that is, it is determined—using the sensor 48b—whether one of the remaining bags 98a, which succeeds the initial primary bag 98a on the roll 98, is above the sensor 48b after at least a portion of the initial primary bag 98a has been fed by the main bag advance assembly 56 and the initial primary bag 98a is at least partially disposed in the bag basket 78. If the sensor 48b is so “blocked,” then it is determined in the step 143 that the event has not occurred, that is, not all of the bags 98a from the primary roll 98 have been used. If the sensor 48 is not so “blocked,” then it is determined in the step 143 that the event has occurred, that is, all of the bags 98a from the primary roll 98 have been used and thus no more of the bags 98a are available for bagging ice. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to determining whether all of the bags 98a from the primary roll 98 have been used, it is determined in the step 143 whether a different event has occurred such as, for example, whether a predetermined number (rather than all) of the bags 98a from the primary roll 98 have been used, and/or whether an alarm has been triggered by the control system 38. In an exemplary embodiment, such an alarm may indicate the inability of the apparatus 10 to further automatically dispose measured amounts of ice in the respective bags 98a provided from the primary roll 98 due to, for example, an operational problem with the primary roll 98 and/or the feeding of the bags 98a therefrom, such as the jamming of the primary roll 98 and/or one or more of the bags 98a.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As noted above, after the initial auxiliary bag 100a is fed in the step 152cb, the initial measured amount of ice is automatically disposed in the initial auxiliary bag 100a in the step 152cc. In an exemplary embodiment, the blower fan 82 blows air into the chute 76 and causes the holding plate 80 to pivot clockwise (as viewed in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As noted above, after the step 152c, it is determined whether the initial auxiliary bag 100a is filled with ice in the step 152d. If not, then another amount of ice is measured in the step 152e, and automatically disposed in the initial auxiliary bag 100a in the step 152f, using the hopper 32 and the measurement system 34.
The steps 152d, 152e and 152f are repeated until the initial auxiliary bag 100a is filled with ice while remaining disposed in the basket 78, after which the ice-filled initial auxiliary bag 100a is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in the step 154 of the method 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial auxiliary bag 100a is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in the step 154 using the distribution system 37, which moves the bag basket 78, and thus the ice-filled initial auxiliary bag 100a, along the one or more tracks (not shown) of the distribution system 37, and/or uses one or more sensors, such as the sensor 48c, to search for an available space within the merchandiser 20. When such an available space is found, the rotator motor 96 is activated to cause the bag basket 78 to rotate; as a result, the ice-filled initial auxiliary bag 100a falls into and is disposed in the available space in the merchandiser 20.
In an exemplary embodiment, before or during the distribution of the initial auxiliary bag 100a in the merchandiser 20 in the step 154 of the method 134, the initial auxiliary bag 100a is sealed and separated from the remainder of the bags 100a in a manner substantially identical to the above-described manner by which the initial primary bag 98a is sealed and separated.
As noted above, if it is determined in the step 156 that the merchandiser 20 is not full of bags filled with ice, then another bag 100a from the auxiliary roll 100 is automatically filled with ice in the step 158, and is distributed in the merchandiser 20 in the step 160. In the step 158, the other bag 100a is fed by the main bag advance assembly 56, traveling between the upper roller 58 and the lower roller 60 at least until the other bag 100a is at least partially disposed in the bag basket 78. The step 158 is substantially identical to the step 152, except that the steps 152ca and 152cd (i.e., placing the bagging system in its initial auxiliary configuration and its continuing auxiliary configuration, respectively) are omitted because the bagging system 36 is already in its continuing auxiliary configuration; therefore, the step 158 will not be described in further detail. The step 160 is substantially identical to the steps 140 and 146 and therefore will not be described in detail.
If it is determined in the step 156 that the merchandiser 20 is filled with bags of ice, then in step 162 the apparatus 10 enters the “merchandiser full” mode. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the step 162, the step 156, and additional steps of the method 134 that are subsequent to the step 156, are repeated when a predetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door 22a or 22b of the merchandiser 20 using the control system 38, and/or any combination thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, at least one other apparatus substantially similar to the apparatus 10 and located at the same or another location may be operably coupled to the server 26 via the network 28. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of apparatuses substantially similar to the apparatus 10 and located at the same and/or different locations may be operably coupled to the server 26 via the network 28. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer readable medium of the server 26, and the contents stored therein, may be distributed throughout the system 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer readable medium of the server 26 and the contents stored therein may be distributed across a plurality of apparatuses such as, for example, the apparatus 10 and/or one or more other apparatuses substantially similar to the apparatus 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the server 26 may include one or more host computers, the computer 40 of the apparatus 10, and/or one or more computers in one or more other apparatuses that are substantially similar to the apparatus 10.
In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be characterized as a thick client. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be characterized as a thin client, and therefore the functions and/or uses of the computer 40 including the processor 42 and/or the memory 44 may instead be functions and/or uses of the server 26. In several exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 10 may function as both a thin client and a thick client, with the degree to which the apparatus 10 functions as a thin client and/or a thick client being dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the instructions stored in the memory 44 for execution by the processor 42.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the central server 26, the network 28, the remote user devices 30a and 30b, the control system 38, the computer 40, the control panel 18, the communication module 46, the sensors 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d, any other of the above-described sensors, and/or any of the above-described motors is, or at least includes, the node 164 and/or components thereof, and/or one or more nodes that are substantially similar to the node 164 and/or components thereof.
In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.
In several exemplary embodiments, hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In several exemplary embodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable of storing machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. In several exemplary embodiments, other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.
In several exemplary embodiments, software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In several exemplary embodiments, software may include source or object code. In several exemplary embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, for example, on a client machine or server.
In several exemplary embodiments, combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, software functions may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.
In several exemplary embodiments, computer readable mediums include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine. In several exemplary embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code. In several exemplary embodiments, data signals could be carried across transmission mediums and store and transport various data structures, and, thus, may be used to transport an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In several exemplary embodiments, the network 28, and/or one or more portions thereof, may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more portions of the network 28 may be executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks.
In several exemplary embodiments, a database may be any standard or proprietary database software, such as Oracle, Microsoft Access, SyBase, or DBase II, for example. In several exemplary embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may be associated through database specific software. In several exemplary embodiments, data may be mapped. In several exemplary embodiments, mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another data entry. In an exemplary embodiment, the data contained in the location of a character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In several exemplary embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting, and the database may be distributed. In an exemplary embodiment, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separate platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the database may be accessible across the Internet. In several exemplary embodiments, more than one database may be implemented.
In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures could also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures could be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.
A method has been described that includes automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a first source of bags; determining whether an event has occurred; and if the event has occurred, then automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a second source of bags in response to the determination of the occurrence of the event. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is selected from the group consisting of: all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; a predetermined number of bags from the first source of bags having been used; and an inability to further automatically dispose measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises engaging a first roller with a bag from the first source of bags; driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags comprises engaging a second roller with an initial bag from the second source of bags; driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; driving the first roller to further feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; and disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags further comprises before driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, engaging a third roller with the initial bag from the second source of bags so that the initial bag from the second source of bags is held in place between the second and third rollers; and during or after driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, disengaging the third roller from either the initial bag from the second source of bags or a remaining bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; wherein determining whether the event has occurred comprises sensing the presence or absence of one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein the occurrence of the event is determined when, after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags, the absence of the one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags is sensed. In an exemplary embodiment, the first source of bags is a first roll of bags; wherein the second source of bags is a second roll of bags; wherein automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises engaging between a first pair of rollers a bag from the first source of bags; driving at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to a bag basket the bag from the first source of bags; and when the bag from the first source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises engaging between a second pair of rollers an initial bag from the second source of bags to thereby hold the initial bag from the second source of bags in place; driving one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers to thereby feed to the first pair of rollers the initial bag from the second source of bags; driving the at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to the bag basket the initial bag from the second source of bags; when the initial bag from the second source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags; and spacing the other of the rollers in the second pair of rollers away from the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers during or after driving the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes making the ice; measuring the respective amounts of ice; and storing in a temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes distributing within the temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed.
An apparatus has been described that includes a first source of bags, each of the bags from the first source of bags being adapted to be filled with ice; a second source of bags, each the bags from the second source of bags being adapted to be filled with ice; a first bag advance assembly configured to be operably coupled to either the first source of bags or the second source of bags; and a second bag advance assembly configured to be operably coupled to the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the first bag advance assembly comprises a first roller; and a first motor adapted to drive the first roller; and wherein the second bag advance assembly comprises second and third rollers; and a second motor adapted to drive the second roller. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first configuration in which the first roller of the first bag advance assembly is engaged with a bag from the first source of bags so that, when the first motor drives the first roller, the first bag advance assembly feeds the bag from the first source of bags; and an initial bag from the second source of bags is engaged with, and held in place between, the second and third rollers. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a second configuration in which the first roller of the first bag advance assembly is not engaged with any bag from the first source of bags; the initial bag from the second source of bags is engaged with the second and third rollers so that, when the second motor drives the second roller, the second bag advance assembly feeds the initial bag from the second source of bags to the first bag advance assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a third configuration in which the first roller of the first bag assembly is engaged with the initial bag from the second source of bags so that, when the first motor drives the first roller, the first bag advance assembly feeds the initial bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a support frame to which the third roller is coupled; a pivot element about which the support frame and thus the third roller are adapted to pivot; a solenoid actuator comprising an actuator rod; wherein the actuator rod engages the support frame when the solenoid actuator is energized. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first spring coupled to the support frame and configured to urge the support frame to pivot in a first direction; a spring clip adapted to engage the support frame to thereby resist the pivoting of the support frame in the first direction; and a second spring coupled to the spring clip and configured to urge the spring clip to pivot, relative to the support frame. In an exemplary embodiment, when the solenoid actuator has not yet been energized: the actuator rod does not engage the support frame; and the spring clip engages the support frame and thereby resists the pivoting of the support frame in the first direction. In an exemplary embodiment, when the solenoid actuator is energized: the actuator rod engages the support frame and thereby urges the support frame to pivot in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; and the spring clip does not engage the support frame; and the spring clip is permitted to pivot, relative to the support frame, in response to the urging of the second spring. In an exemplary embodiment, when the solenoid actuator is de-energized: the actuator rod does not engage the support frame; the spring clip does not engage the support frame; and the support frame is permitted to pivot in the first direction, in response to the urging of the first spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the first bag advance assembly comprises a first roller; and a first motor adapted to drive the first roller; wherein the second bag advance assembly comprises second and third rollers; and a second motor adapted to drive the second roller; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a support frame to which the third roller is coupled; a pivot element about which the support frame and thus the third roller are adapted to pivot; a solenoid actuator comprising an actuator rod, wherein the actuator rod engages the support frame when the solenoid actuator is energized; a first spring coupled to the support frame and configured to urge the support frame to pivot in a first direction; a spring clip adapted to engage the support frame to thereby resist the pivoting of the support frame in the first direction; and a second spring coupled to the spring clip and configured to urge the spring clip to pivot, relative to the support frame; a first configuration in which: the solenoid actuator is not energized; the actuator rod does not engage the support frame; the first roller of the first bag advance assembly is engaged with a bag from the first source of bags so that, when the first motor drives the first roller, the first bag advance assembly feeds the bag from the first source of bags; an initial bag from the second source of bags is engaged with, and held in place between, the second and third rollers; and the spring clip engages the support frame and thereby resists the pivoting of the support frame in the first direction, thereby maintaining the engagement of the initial bag from the second source of bags with the second and third rollers; a second configuration in which: the first roller of the first bag advance assembly is not engaged with any bag from the first source of bags; the solenoid actuator is energized and thus the actuator rod engages the support frame and thereby urges the support frame to pivot in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; the initial bag from the second source of bags is engaged with the second and third rollers so that, when the second motor drives the second roller, the second bag advance assembly feeds the initial bag from the second source of bags to the first bag advance assembly; and the spring clip does not engage the support frame and thus the spring clip is permitted to pivot, relative to the support frame, in response to the urging of the second spring; and a third configuration in which the solenoid actuator is not energized; the actuator rod does not engage the support frame; the spring clip does not engage the support frame; and the first roller of the first bag assembly is engaged with the initial bag from the second source of bags so that, when the first motor drives the first roller, the first bag advance assembly feeds the initial bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one ice maker; a hopper in which ice made by the at least one ice maker is adapted to be disposed, wherein the respective bags are configured to be filled with ice previously disposed in the hopper; and a temperature-controlled storage unit configured to store the respective ice-filled bags.
A system has been described that includes means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a first source of bags; means for determining whether an event has occurred; and means for if the event has occurred, then automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a second source of bags in response to the determination of the occurrence of the event. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is selected from the group consisting of: all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; a predetermined number of bags from the first source of bags having been used; and an inability to further automatically dispose measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises means for engaging a first roller with a bag from the first source of bags; means for driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and means for disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags comprises means for engaging a second roller with an initial bag from the second source of bags; means for driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; means for driving the first roller to further feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; and means for disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags further comprises means for before driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, engaging a third roller with the initial bag from the second source of bags so that the initial bag from the second source of bags is held in place between the second and third rollers; and means for during or after driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, disengaging the third roller from either the initial bag from the second source of bags or a remaining bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; wherein means for determining whether the event has occurred comprises means for sensing the presence or absence of one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein the occurrence of the event is determined when, after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags, the absence of the one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags is sensed. In an exemplary embodiment, the first source of bags is a first roll of bags; wherein the second source of bags is a second roll of bags; wherein means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises means for engaging between a first pair of rollers a bag from the first source of bags; means for driving at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to a bag basket the bag from the first source of bags; and means for when the bag from the first source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein means for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprises means for engaging between a second pair of rollers an initial bag from the second source of bags to thereby hold the initial bag from the second source of bags in place; means for driving one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers to thereby feed to the first pair of rollers the initial bag from the second source of bags; means for driving the at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to the bag basket the initial bag from the second source of bags; means for when the initial bag from the second source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags; and means for spacing the other of the rollers in the second pair of rollers away from the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers during or after driving the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes means for making the ice; means for measuring the respective amounts of ice; and means for storing in a temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes means for distributing within the temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed.
A computer readable medium has been described that includes a plurality of instructions stored therein, the plurality of instructions including instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a first source of bags; instructions for determining whether an event has occurred; and instructions for if the event has occurred, then automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from a second source of bags in response to the determination of the occurrence of the event. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is selected from the group consisting of: all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; a predetermined number of bags from the first source of bags having been used; and an inability to further automatically dispose measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprise instructions for engaging a first roller with a bag from the first source of bags; instructions for driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and instructions for disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags comprise instructions for engaging a second roller with an initial bag from the second source of bags; instructions for driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; instructions for driving the first roller to further feed the initial bag from the second source of bags; and instructions for disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the second source of bags further comprise instructions for before driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, engaging a third roller with the initial bag from the second source of bags so that the initial bag from the second source of bags is held in place between the second and third rollers; and instructions for during or after driving the second roller to feed the initial bag from the second source of bags, disengaging the third roller from either the initial bag from the second source of bags or a remaining bag from the second source of bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the event is all of the bags from the first source of bags having been used; wherein instructions for determining whether the event has occurred comprises instructions for sensing the presence or absence of one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein the occurrence of the event is determined when, after driving the first roller to feed the bag from the first source of bags, the absence of the one or more remaining bags from the first source of bags is sensed. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprise instructions for engaging between a first pair of rollers a bag from the first source of bags; instructions for driving at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to a bag basket the bag from the first source of bags; and instructions for when the bag from the first source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the bag from the first source of bags; and wherein instructions for automatically disposing measured amounts of ice in respective bags provided from the first source of bags comprise instructions for engaging between a second pair of rollers an initial bag from the second source of bags to thereby hold the initial bag from the second source of bags in place; instructions for driving one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers to thereby feed to the first pair of rollers the initial bag from the second source of bags; instructions for driving the at least one roller in the first pair of rollers to thereby feed to the bag basket the initial bag from the second source of bags; instructions for when the initial bag from the second source of bags is at least partially disposed in the bag basket, disposing a measured amount of ice in the initial bag from the second source of bags; and instructions for spacing the other of the rollers in the second pair of rollers away from the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers during or after driving the one of the rollers in the second pair of rollers. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of instructions further comprises instructions for making the ice; instructions for measuring the respective amounts of ice; and instructions for storing in a temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of instructions further comprises instructions for distributing within the temperature-controlled storage unit the bags in which the respective measured amounts of ice are disposed.
It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.
Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.
In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.
Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/856,451, filed Aug. 13, 2010, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application No. 61/300,612, filed Feb. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/701,984, filed Nov. 6, 2003; (2) U.S. patent application No. 60/647,221, filed Jan. 26, 2005; (3) U.S. patent application No. 60/659,600, filed Mar. 7, 2005; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,300, filed Mar. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,812; (5) U.S. patent application No. 60/837,374, filed Aug. 11, 2006; (6) U.S. patent application No. 60/941,191, filed May 31, 2007; (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/837,320, filed Aug. 10, 2007; (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/931,324, filed Oct. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,062; (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/130,946, filed May 30, 2008; (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/356,410, filed Jan. 20, 2009; and (11) U.S. patent application No. 61/300,612, filed Feb. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130255194 A1 | Oct 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61300612 | Feb 2010 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12856451 | Aug 2010 | US |
| Child | 13899859 | US |
