Ice Agitation and Dispensing Device and Method

An ice dispensing system includes a rotatable barrel having an opening; an input chute having a first end coupled to an ice making machine and a second end in communication with the opening when the barrel is in a first position; an output chute in communication with the opening when the barrel is in a second position; a containment system positioned around a portion of the body of the barrel; and a drive system coupled to the barrel for rotating the barrel. The opening has a geometry and size that directs the ice and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The regulated amount of ice is then dispensed into the output chute when the barrel reaches the second position.