Method and apparatus for automatic bulk vending

• US 5,997,236 A
• Filed: 07/08/1997
• Issued: 12/07/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mars Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mars Incorporated
• Inventors: Ono, Allison T., Haase, William C., Rossi, Joseph E., Picioccio, John J., Hinkle, Wayne R., Kitchen, Warren R., Kienitz, Steven D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Keenan, James W.
• Application Number:
  US08/889,677
• Time in Patent Office: 882 Days
• Field of Search: 414/303, 414/340, 414/345, 414/373, 414/403, 414/411, 414/412, 414/539, 280/43.35, 280/79.2, 280/79.3, 221/197, 221/287, 141/231
• US Class Current: 414/403
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00144 Magnets, e.g. used in valves or for stirring
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/00 Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes separating and dispensing metered quantities of liquids G01F
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/44 in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/06 with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/065 for drink preparation
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/0235 the arrangements being full-front touchscreens

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.

Claims

1. A vending machine trolley assembly that facilitates loading of an automatic bulk vending machine and that prevents tipping of the machine, comprising:

a frame;

guide means connected to the top of the frame for slidable attachment to the vending machine;

at least one bin for accepting products connected to the frame; and

at least one removable, sanitary refill container having dimensions to fit within at least one bin, the refill container having a top and a base with a funnel shaped lower portion connected at its widest part to the base and having a narrow neck portion with an opening sealed by a membrane.

2. The trolley assembly of claim 1, further comprising wheel means attached to the bottom of the frame.

3. The trolley assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one bin includes an end panel that is hingedly attached about an axis near the bottom of the bin for facilitating the loading of products.

4. The trolley assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one bin comprises a cutting means for penetrating the membrane.

5. The trolley assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one dispenser means.

6. The trolley assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one dispenser is associated with each bin.