Automated beverage dispenser system and method

US12338022B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Yum Connect, LLC · US

Inventors

• Aaron Thomas · Louisville, US
• Karl Thomas Szatrowski · Louisville, US
• Hunter Patrick Wyer · Lexington, US
• Zachary Logan Dulcie · Columbia, US
• James Timothy Hance, Jr. · Columbia, US
• Grant Rorie Phillips · Columbia, US
• Paul Christopher Brown · Elgin, US
• Mark William Ahring · Columbia, US
• Sarah Katherine Gilliam · Charleston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 10, 2023
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2025
• Expiry date: Feb 10, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D2210/00078
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A beverage production system is provided that includes a cup dispensing station configured to dispense cups and a beverage dispensing station configured to dispense a beverage. The beverage production system also includes a turntable assembly having a central axis, an inner turntable including a row of cup receptacles, and an outer turntable disposed circumferentially about the inner turntable. The inner turntable configured to rotate about the central axis to align the cup receptacles of the row with the cup dispensing station and the beverage dispensing station. The turntable assembly configured to align an opening in the turntable assembly with a cup receptacle in the row, the opening adjacent the outer turntable. The beverage production system also having an actuator configured to move a cup positioned in the cup receptacle in the row onto the outer turntable.