Method for manufacturing a vending machine for serving extremely cold frozen product and method for distributing same
US6401464B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D25/00
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream. In accordance with this method, a novelty ice cream product is manufactured to take on a beaded and free-flowing form. This ice cream product is then shipped and distributed through vending machines capable of maintaining temperatures sufficiently cold to preserve the beaded…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.