On-demand popcorn dispenser
AssigneeValidFill LLC
InventorsJeremy Wade, Peter Dorney
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the system can relate to a popcorn dispenser system that may be configured for tracking popcorn and/or other items associated with the dispensement of popcorn. Some embodiments can include the use of markers to generate tracking information. Some embodiments can include use of modifiable markers to generate additional tracking information. The popcorn dispenser system can include devices that facilitate producing popped corn on-demand, which may include providing popped corn from un-popped kernels in specified amounts, at specified times, and/or with specified flavors.
Claims20
A tracking device, comprising:
- at least one marker configured to be associated with a popcorn container and/or a token, the at least one marker having at least one property, the at least one property being identifiable to generate first tracking information, the popcorn container and/or the token being associated with a kernel, popped corn, and/or an additive;
- a popcorn dispensing apparatus configured to store the kernel and/or the additive, the popcorn dispensing apparatus further configured to generate the popped corn from the kernel and dispense the popped corn into the popcorn container;
- wherein the at least one property is modifiable, the at least one modified property being identifiable to generate second tracking information;
- and
- wherein the first tracking information and the second tracking information is used to identify, track, and/or monitor at least one attribute of the popcorn container and/or the token.
A tracking system, comprising:
- at least one marker associated with a popcorn container and/or a token, the at least one marker having at least one property, the at least one property being identifiable to generate first tracking information, wherein the at least one property is modifiable, the at least one modified property being identifiable to generate second tracking information, wherein the at least one property and/or the at least one modified property is modifiable due to the at least one marker being subject to at least one condition;
- and,
- a popcorn dispensing apparatus, comprising:
- at least one reader configured to capture the first tracking information and/or the second tracking information;
- at least one condition source configured to subject the at least one marker to the at least one condition;
- and
- at least one processor configured to receive and process the first tracking information and/or the second tracking information to identify, track, and/or monitor at least one attribute of the popcorn container and/or a token and/or use of the popcorn container and/or a token.
A popcorn dispensing apparatus, comprising:
- a kernel compartment configured to store at least one type of kernel;
- an additive compartment configured to store at least one type of additive;
- a heating compartment;
- a means to transfer at least one of the kernel and additive in predetermined amounts to the heater compartment to transform the kernel into popped corn;
- an air pop feed to dispense the popped corn to a popcorn container;
- a reader configured to capture tracking information from a marker associated with the popcorn container;
- a condition source configured to subject the marker to a condition;
- and
- a processor configured to receive and process the tracking information to identify, track, and/or monitor at least one attribute of the popcorn container, the kernel, the additive, and/or the popcorn.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.