Automated beverage dispensing system
AssigneeMiso Robotics, Inc.
InventorsRyan R. Wach, Ziwei Zheng, Benjamin Brinton Jordan, Troy M. Swartwood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein is an automated beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage into a cup based on an order. The automated beverage dispenser may include a conveyor and a plurality of functional stations along the conveyor route. Exemplary stations include a cup singulation or placement station, an ice dispensing station, a beverage dispensing station, and a sealing station for covering the top of the cup with a liquid tight film. Related methods are described.
Claims22
An automated beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverage into a cup according to an order, the system comprising:
- a conveyor defining a continuous conveyor route;
- at least one cup holder assembly operable with the conveyor to move along the conveyor route;
- wherein the cup holder assembly comprises a cup holder for holding the cup,
- a lift adapted to interlock with the cup holder and to elevate the cup holder and cup therein from the conveyor;
- a plurality of functional stations positioned along the conveyor route, wherein said plurality of functional stations comprise:
- a singulation station operable to eject a cup into a cup holder assembly,
- an ice dispensing station operable to dispense ice into the cup,
- a first beverage dispensing station operable to dispense beverage into the cup,
- a sealing station operable to lid or seal the top of the cup,
- a staging station operable to stage or present beverage-filled cups in an area for pickup;
- and
- a computer system programmed and operable to control the conveyor, lift, and functional stations.
An automated beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverage into a cup according to an order, the system comprising:
- a conveyor defining a continuous conveyor route;
- at least one cup holder assembly operable with the conveyor to move along the conveyor route;
- a plurality of functional stations positioned along the conveyor route, wherein said plurality of functional stations comprise:
- a singulation station operable to eject a cup into a cup holder assembly,
- an ice dispensing station operable to dispense ice into the cup,
- a first beverage dispensing station operable to dispense beverage into the cup,
- a sealing station operable to lid or seal the top of the cup,
- a staging station operable to stage or present beverage-filled cups in an area for pickup;
- and
- a computer system programmed and operable to control the conveyor and functional stations;
- and
- wherein the conveyor is mounted to a set of linear slides such that the conveyor is laterally extendable from beneath the functional stations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.