Automated beverage dispensing system with cup lidding and beverage identification

A method of placing a lid on a cup in an automated beverage dispenser, comprising:

• maneuvering a lidding mechanism about a lid stack;
• lowering the lidding mechanism on to the lid stack until a contact switch is actuated by the lid;
• removing the lid from the lid stack;
• maneuvering the lidding mechanism about the cup;
• and
• lowering the lidding mechanism by a predetermined distance so as to place the lid on the cup.

An automated beverage dispenser using a number of cups and a number of lids, comprising:

• a dispensing conveyor;
• a beverage dispensing station positioned along the conveyor;
• and
• a lidding station positioned along the dispensing conveyor;
• the lidding station comprising a lidding mechanism and a positioning device such that the lidding mechanism attaches one of the number of lids to one of the number of cups as maneuvered by the positioning device;
• wherein the positioning device comprises a vertical actuator and/or a horizontal actuator.

An automated beverage dispenser using a number of cups and a number of lids, comprising:

• a lid stack with the number of lids;
• a lidding mechanism;
• and
• a positioning device for maneuvering the lidding mechanism so as to remove one of the number of lids from the lid stack and to attach the lid to one of the number of cups;
• wherein the lidding mechanism comprises a base with a plurality of lid attachment members;
• wherein the base comprises a proximity switch thereon;
• and
• wherein the proximity switch comprises a contact switch.