Method and apparatus for selling an aging food product
US6298331A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07G5/00
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automated kitchen apparatus determines a time until expiration of a food product. In one embodiment, the kitchen apparatus determines the time until expiration by receiving a start signal indicating that a food product is available to sell. Such a start signal may be generated by a timer on a warming bin that is initiated when a food product is placed in the warming bin. By measuring the elapsed time since the start signal was received, the time until expiration is determined. Based on the time until expiration, the automated kitchen apparatus sets the minimum price of that food product. Customers at a POS terminal may then purchase the aged food product for the minimum price. In one embodiment, an offer describing the food product and its minimum price is displayed on the POS terminal. In another embodiment, the customer is offered the food product for his change due, if that change due is not less than the minimum price.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.