Automated pizza preparation apparatus

Abstract

Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 433,928, filed Jan. 18, 2011 entitled Improved Automated Pizza Preparation and Vending System, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to the field of food preparation devices and vending systems. More specifically, preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated system for preparing and vending individual pizzas for consumption.[0004]2. Discussion of the Prior Art[0005]Pizza is a very popular food in many countries throughout the world. Although pizza is a relatively simple food, having generally just three ingredients in its most basic form—dough, tomato sauce and cheese, there are many variations in the taste and quality of the finished, cooked pizza. There are also a number of ways of preparing and cooking pizza. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The pizza preparation machine may also include appropriate controlled movement mechanisms employing controlled motors or other types of actuators for moving various elements within the machine in order to create the pizza and then transfer the pizza through the various sections within the machine. For example, such controlled movement mechanisms, driven by one or more corresponding actuators, may include a controlled knife for cutting a specific piece of dough, horizontal and vertical transfer mechanisms for moving the cut dough to the various sections of the machine, as well as controlled movement mechanisms for dis

Problems solved by technology

These requirements restrict the availability of “fresh” pizza.

However, the use of frozen pizzas still requires one to have access to an oven.

However, such vending machines typically use frozen pizza as the starting point.

As a consequence, the resulting pizza produced by such a machine is not really considered “fresh” pizza, nor does have the taste of “fresh” pizza.

Images