Method and apparatus for automatic bulk vending
First Claim
1. An automatic bulk vending machine for delivery to a customer of a customer selected blend selected from a plurality of non-liquid products stored in bulk comprising:
- a plurality of bins to store products to be selected;
a customer selection mechanism to enable the customer to select a blend of products;
a dispenser mechanism responsive to the customer selection mechanism to dispense customer selected products;
a fines separator and collector; and
a package mechanism operably connected to provide a package to receive the customer selected products dispensed by the dispenser mechanism.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic bulk vending machine is described including specific details as to various aspects of accurate volumetric dispensing, the separation of small broken pieces or fines from the dispensed product, and the easy and sanitary loading of such a machine. Further details as to how to provide a highly flexible selection process are provided. An automatic bulk vending machine according to the present invention may include a touch-screen for providing a visually entertaining and instructive display to guide a customer through the product selection process. Products to be selected may be stored in bins and volumetrically dispensed by a dispenser to a blending and holding pan. From this pan, they are then directed through a dispenser tube including a fines separator and collector to a dispensing cup. Bulk refill containers are also disclosed. Unlike an ordinary vending machine, the customer can choose the blend of product to be purchased. Unlike manual bulk vending, the automatic bulk vending machine is automatic and sanitary.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An automatic bulk vending machine for delivery to a customer of a customer selected blend selected from a plurality of non-liquid products stored in bulk comprising:
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a plurality of bins to store products to be selected; a customer selection mechanism to enable the customer to select a blend of products; a dispenser mechanism responsive to the customer selection mechanism to dispense customer selected products; a fines separator and collector; and a package mechanism operably connected to provide a package to receive the customer selected products dispensed by the dispenser mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for automatic bulk vending for delivery to a customer of a customer selected blend selected from a plurality of consumable non-liquid food products stored in bulk comprising:
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storing a plurality of items to be selected; presenting choices of items to be selected to the customer; automatically accepting payment for the selected blend of items; blending the items; separating the fines from the items; and dispensing the customer selected blend of items into a package.
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25. A method for operating an automatic bulk vending machine to deliver a customer selected blend of product from a plurality of consumable non-liquid food products stored in bulk, comprising:
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storing a plurality of products in a plurality of bins to be selected; presenting choices of products to be selected; inviting a customer to insert a customer determined amount of money; sensing the amount of money inserted and determining the amount of product to be vended; inviting the customer to select a blend of product; automatically accepting payment for the selected blend of products; blending the products; and dispensing the customer selected blend of products into a package. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification