Method and apparatus for dispensing frozen confectionery
US8989893B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23G9/245
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.