Patent attributes
A machine (1) for dispensing an ice beverage in the form of a pourable homogenous mixture of ground ice, liquid and flavour ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, fruit juice, milk, yoghurt or the like. The machine (1) includes a blending unit (3) for blending the constituents of the ice beverage, and an ice dispensing unit (5) for supplying ice to the blending unit (3). The ice dispensing unit (5) includes a portion control device for measuring a predetermined quantity of ice required for blending. The blending unit (3) includes a bendable spout (41) for selectively releasing blended constituents from the blending unit (3). The ice dispensing unit (5) is advantageously able to dispense accurate portions of ice and does not require connection to an external water line or access to a floor drain. The blending unit (3) is advantageously able to produce and pour an ice beverage without requiring a blending container (43) of the unit (3) to be tilted, turned upside down and shaken.