Automated beverage dispenser system and method

Abstract

A beverage manufacturing system is provided which includes a turntable assembly having a central axis. The turntable assembly further includes an inner turntable and an outer turntable arranged circumferentially around the inner turntable. The beverage manufacturing system further includes a cup dispensing station configured to dispense cups onto either the inner or outer turntable. The beverage manufacturing system further includes a beverage dispensing station configured to dispense beverages into cups.

Description

Background Art

[0001]

[0001] Restaurants and other dining establishments may distribute a very large number of beverages to their customers during business hours. As a result, the dining establishment may have a beverage dispenser or other similar system that can be used by customers and / or employees to efficiently produce beverages.

Summary of the Invention

[0002]

[0002] To explain various exemplary embodiments in detail, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] [Figure 1]

[0003] A perspective view showing a beverage manufacturing system according to some embodiments. [Figure 2]

[0004] A perspective view showing a beverage handling assembly of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 3]

[0005] An exploded view showing a turntable assembly of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 4]

[0006] An exploded view showing a cup dispensing station of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments. [Figure 5]

[0007] An exploded view showing a dispenser of the cup dispensing station of FIG. 4 according to some embodiments. [Figure 6]

[0008] An enlarged side view showing a ring gear and wedge assembly of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in a first position according to some embodiments. [Figure 7]

[0009] An enlarged side view showing a ring gear and wedge assembly of FIG. 6 in a second position according to some embodiments. [Figure 8]

[0010] This is a top view showing a wedge assembly that may be used in a cup dispensing station of the beverage manufacturing and dispensing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 9]

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cup dispensing station of a beverage manufacturing system according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cup dispensing station of a beverage manufacturing system according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cup dispensing station of a beverage manufacturing system according to several embodiments. [Figure 12]

[0012] This is a schematic diagram showing an ice distribution station of the beverage production system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 13]

[0013] This is a schematic diagram showing a beverage dispensing station of the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 14]

[0014] This is a schematic side view showing a lidding station of the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 15] This is a schematic side view showing a lidding station of the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16]

[0015] This is a perspective view showing the lidding station of the beverage manufacturing and distribution system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 17]

[0016] This is a top view showing a pair of merging rails at the lidding station of the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 18]

[0017] This is a perspective view showing the lid press of the lid-applying station of the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 1, according to several embodiments. [Figure 19]

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing compression belts for securing lids to cups within a lid-applying station of a beverage manufacturing system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 20]

[0019] Perspective view showing a roller assembly for securing a lid to a cup within the lid application station of the beverage manufacturing and dispensing system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 21]

[0020] Schematic view showing a heat-sealing lid application assembly of the lid application station of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 22]

[0021] Side view showing a beverage identification assembly of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 23]

[0022] Flow diagram showing a method for manufacturing a beverage, according to some embodiments. [Figure 24]

[0023] Schematic view showing a computer system suitable for implementing one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 25]

[0024] Perspective view showing a beverage manufacturing system according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 26]

[0025] Perspective view showing a modified turntable assembly of the beverage manufacturing system of FIG. 25, according to one embodiment. [Figure 27]

[0026] Partial cutaway view showing the modified turntable assembly of FIG. 26 shown with a slide assembly, according to one embodiment. [Figure 28]

[0027] Enlarged perspective view showing the slide assembly shown in FIG. 27, according to one embodiment. [Figure 29]

[0028] Side perspective view showing another embodiment of a modified turntable assembly and a slide assembly. [Figure 30A]

[0029] Perspective view showing an upper magnetic assembly and a lower magnetic assembly of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 29, according to another embodiment. [Figure 30B]

[0030] This is a perspective view showing the upper magnetic assembly, the lower magnetic assembly, and the inner turntable according to another embodiment. [Figure 30C]

[0031] This is a perspective view showing the underside of the slide assembly and the modified turntable according to another embodiment. [Figure 31]

[0032] This is a perspective view showing a modified turntable assembly placed in a sink according to another embodiment. [Figure 32]

[0033] This is a perspective view showing a sink and drain according to one embodiment. [Figure 33]

[0034] This is a perspective view showing a modified turntable assembly placed in a sink, with the cup holder removed, according to another embodiment. [Figure 34]

[0035] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the sink with the modified turntable assembly removed. [Figure 35]

[0036] This is a perspective view showing a sink and drain according to one embodiment. [Figure 36A]

[0037] This figure shows a modified turntable assembly drive system according to one embodiment. [Figure 36B] This figure shows a modified turntable assembly drive system according to one embodiment. [Figure 36C] This figure shows a modified turntable assembly drive system according to one embodiment. [Figure 36D] This figure shows a modified turntable assembly drive system according to one embodiment. [Figure 36E] This figure shows a modified turntable assembly drive system according to one embodiment. [Figure 37]

[0038] This is another perspective view showing the beverage manufacturing system of Figure 25, which illustrates a lidded and printed assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 38]

[0039] This figure shows a cover-printing assembly and a lift assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 39A]

[0040] This is a top view showing a portion of a modified turntable assembly and lift assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 39B]

[0041] This is a perspective view showing a cup receptacle according to one embodiment. [Figure 40A]

[0042] This is a perspective view showing a portion of the beverage manufacturing system shown in Figure 25, according to one embodiment. [Figure 40B]

[0043] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing other parts of the beverage manufacturing system according to a further embodiment. [Figure 40C] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing other parts of the beverage manufacturing system according to a further embodiment. [Figure 41]

[0044] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 42]

[0045] Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a conveyor assembly of a beverage manufacturing system according to several embodiments. [Figure 43]

[0046] This is a top view showing the conveyor assembly of Figure 42 according to several embodiments. [Figure 44]

[0047] This is a perspective view showing the cup receiving section of the conveyor assembly in Figure 42, according to several embodiments. [Figure 45] This is a perspective view showing the cup receiving section of the conveyor assembly in Figure 42, according to several embodiments. [Figure 46] This is a perspective view showing the cup receiving section of the conveyor assembly in Figure 42, according to several embodiments. [Figure 47] This is a perspective view showing the cup receiving section of the conveyor assembly in Figure 42, according to several embodiments. [Figure 48]

[0048] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 49]

[0049] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a cup dispensing station of a beverage manufacturing system according to several embodiments, as shown in Figure 48. [Figure 50]

[0050] This is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 51]

[0051] This is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 52]

[0052] Figure 51 is another perspective view showing the beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 53]

[0053] Figures 51 and 52 are perspective views showing the turntable of the beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 54]

[0054] This figure shows an embodiment of a cup holder and transfer assembly for a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 55]

[0055] Another diagram showing a beverage manufacturing system and transition assembly. [Figure 56]

[0056] This is a rear perspective view showing a cup holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 57]

[0057] This is a bottom perspective view showing a cup holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 58]

[0058] This is a perspective view showing a lift mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 59]

[0059] This is a perspective view showing a positioning plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 60]

[0060] This is a perspective view showing a covering and printing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 61]

[0061] Another perspective view showing a covering and printing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 62]

[0062] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 63]

[0063] This is a perspective view showing a wiper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 64]

[0064] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 65]

[0065] This is a top view showing an ice container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 66]

[0066] A perspective view showing a filling chute and chute cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 67]

[0067] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system. [Figure 68]

[0068] This figure shows the upper interior of a beverage manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 69]

[0069] This figure shows a beverage manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with a cup dispenser in the open position. [Figure 70]

[0070] This is a perspective view showing a covered and printed assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 71]

[0071] This figure shows a cover and print assembly on a sliding rail according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 72]

[0072] This is another figure showing a cover and print assembly on a sliding rail according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 73]

[0073] This figure shows the upper frame of a beverage manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 74]

[0074] This figure shows the drive mechanism of a beverage manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0004]

[0075] The following discussion covers various embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples disclosed herein have a wide range of applications, and that any discussion of any embodiment is intended to be merely illustrative of this embodiment, and not intended to imply that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to this embodiment.

[0005]

[0076] The figures in the drawings are not necessarily to exact scale. Certain features and components in this specification may be shown in an exaggerated scale or in a somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0006]

[0077] In the following discussion and claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used non-restrictively and should therefore be interpreted as “not limited to, but including…”. Furthermore, the terms “couple” or “couples” are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, when a first device couples with a second device, this connection may be via a direct connection between the two devices or via an indirect connection established through other devices, components, nodes, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “in the axial direction” generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g., the central axis of a body or port), while the terms “radial” and “in the radial direction” generally mean perpendicular to a given axis. For example, axial distance means a distance measured along or parallel to an axis, and radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to an axis.

[0007]

[0078] As already explained, beverages can be produced in restaurants or dining establishments using beverage dispensers or other similar systems. However, many such devices require physical interaction with humans for many (or all) steps of the beverage production process. For example, when beverages are produced in a beverage dispenser, it may still be necessary for a server, customer, etc., to pull out a cup, position and hold the cup under the nozzle of the selected beverage type, and engage with the device or otherwise interact with the device to dispense the desired beverage. Each of these additional manual interactions can increase the time and complexity of the beverage production process and thus reduce the overall efficiency of the food service.

[0008]

[0079] Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include beverage manufacturing systems and related methods that can further improve the efficiency of the beverage manufacturing and distribution process by automating many, most, or substantially all of the steps for manufacturing a beverage. Thus, by using embodiments disclosed herein, the number of manual steps that may be required to fulfill a beverage order can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the beverage manufacturing process and improving the overall food service.

[0009]

[0080] Referring now to Figure 1, several embodiments of the beverage manufacturing system 100 are shown. As will be described in more detail later, the beverage manufacturing system 100 can be used to automatically prepare and dispense beverages that are finished or substantially finished during operation, thereby reducing the number of manual actions performed by servers, customers, etc. Generally, the beverage manufacturing system 100 includes a freezer 112, a cabinet 114, and a beverage handling assembly 120 positioned between the freezer 112 and the cabinet 114.

[0010]

[0081] Referring next to Figures 1 and 2, the beverage handling assembly 120 includes a number of stations for carrying out various stages or steps of the beverage manufacturing process. Specifically, the beverage handling assembly 120 includes a cup dispensing station 130, an ice dispensing station 180, a beverage dispensing station 190, and a lidding station 200. The beverage can be manufactured by advancing through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 using a turntable assembly 122.

[0011]

[0082] Referring next to Figures 2 and 3, the turntable assembly 122 includes a central axis 155 and a pair of concentric turntables 124 and 126. Specifically, the turntable assembly 122 includes an inner turntable 124 and an outer turntable 126 arranged circumferentially around the inner turntable 124. The inner turntable 124 is defined by including the cup receiving portion 125 of the first row or inner row 154, and the outer turntable 126 is defined by including the cup receiving portion 125 of the second row or outer row 156. The inner row 154 and the outer row 156 extend in an annular manner around the central axis 155, with the inner row 154 positioned radially inward of the outer row 156. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first row 154 and the second row 156 extend circumferentially around the central axis 155, and as a result, the cup receiving portions 125 of rows 154 and 156 are arranged concentrically around the axis 155.

[0012]

[0083] Referring specifically to Figure 3, the inner turntable 126 and the outer turntable 124 are supported by a base plate 149. More specifically, the base plate 149 includes a pair of circumferential rails 148, 147 that support the turntables 124, 126, respectively, via a pair of bearings 144, 146. The bearings 144, 146 can, respectively, facilitate the rotation of the turntables 124, 126 about a central axis 155 relative to the base plate 149 during operation. In some embodiments, the bearings 144, 146 may comprise wheels, sliding surfaces, and / or other suitable components or features to facilitate the motion (e.g., rotation) of the turntables 124, 126 relative to the base plate 149. In other embodiments, the inner turntable 126 may be supported by a shaft (not shown), and the outer turntable 124 is supported along the outer diameter of the outer turntable 124 by a support structure (not shown) of the beverage manufacturing system 100.

[0013]

[0084] The inner turntable 124 and the outer turntable 126 are housed within an outer housing 140, which is mounted on a base plate 149 such that the outer housing 140 further conceals the rails 147, 148 and bearings 144, 146. A gearbox 142 is mounted within the outer housing 140 and includes one or more gears (not shown) that mesh with gear teeth or other suitable structures formed on the outer turntable 126. In other embodiments, either or both of the outer turntable 126 and the inner turntable 124 may be driven by rubber wheels (not shown) that are frictionally engaged externally or frictionally engaged with other parts of the turntable 124 and / or 126.

[0014]

[0085] The first driver 141 and the second driver 143 are supported within a housing 145 connected to a base plate 149 on opposite sides of the turntables 124, 126 and the outer housing 140. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the second driver 143 may be located on the same side as the turntables 124, 126. In this embodiment, the output shaft of the first driver 141 extends through a first aperture 150 in the base plate 149 and connects to the inner turntable 124, and the output shaft of the second driver 143 extends through a second aperture 152 in the base plate 149 and engages with a gear in the gearbox 142. In some embodiments, the drivers 141, 143 may be equipped with electric motors, while in other embodiments, the drivers 141, 143 may be equipped with pneumatic motors, hydraulic motors, and the like.

[0015]

[0086] During operation, drivers 141 and 143 can be biased to rotate turntables 124 and 126, respectively, around a central axis 155. Specifically, the first driver 141 can be biased to rotate the inner turntable 124 around axis 155, and the second driver 143 can be biased to rotate the outer turntable 126 around axis 155 via gears (not shown) in a gearbox 142. Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the rotation of turntables 124 and 126 around axis 155 allows for the selective advancement of beverages through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 within the beverage handling assembly 120. Since the turntables 124 and 126 are rotated about axis 155 via separate drivers (e.g., drivers 141 and 143 shown in Figure 3), the turntables 124 and 126 can rotate about axis 155 independently of each other during operation. Not bound by this theory or any other theory, the independent rotation of the turntables 124 and 126 can provide redundancy to the beverage manufacturing system 100 in the event of failure of one or more components of the beverage manufacturing system 100. In addition, the independent rotation of the turntables 124 and 126 can allow beverage manufacturing to be subdivided and systematized through columns 154 and 156. For example, columns 154 and 156 can be arranged to manufacture beverages for different sources (e.g., drive-through orders versus eat-in orders) and / or can be used to manufacture different types of beverages (e.g., carbonated versus still, hot versus cold). Next, further details of the embodiments of stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 will be described below.

[0016]

[0087] Referring next to Figures 1 and 4, in some embodiments, the cup dispensing station 130 includes a central axis 135, a dispenser 134, and a plurality of tubular magazines 132 connected to the dispenser 134 and extending axially from the dispenser 134 relative to the axis 135. Each magazine 132 includes a first end or upper end 132a and a second end or lower end 132b opposite the upper end 132a. The lower end 132b is connected to a corresponding receiving portion 136 in the dispenser 134, and the upper end 132a projects axially away from the dispenser 134. Each magazine 132 can receive and store a plurality of stacked cups 50. In some embodiments, the cups 50 can be loaded into the magazine 132 from the upper end 132a. In some embodiments, the magazine 132 can be detached from the dispenser 134 to facilitate loading the cups 50 into it. In some embodiments (not shown), the outer configuration of the multiple tubular magazines 132 may not be circular, but instead hexagonal or of other shapes, and the sides of the tubular magazines 132 may include openings for receiving cups, so that cups can be loaded from the side instead of the top or bottom. In such embodiments, the hexagonal or other shape can hold the cups based on the geometry of the open tubular magazine 132.

[0017]

[0088] The dispenser 134 is a substantially cylindrical member including a first side or upper side 134a, a second side or lower side 134b opposite the upper side 134a, and a cylindrical outer surface 134c extending axially between sides 134a and 134b. The receiving portion 136 extends axially through the dispenser 134 between sides 134a and 134b with respect to the axis 135. The magazine 132 engages with the receiving portion 136 at the upper side 134a, and as a result, during operation, the cups 50 distributed from the magazine 132 move through the receiving portion 136 and are discharged from the lower side 134b.

[0018]

[0089] The dispenser 134 is housed within the housing 131. During operation, the dispenser 134 can rotate within the housing 131 about an axis 135. A bearing 139 is inserted into the housing 131 and can engage with the lower side 134b of the dispenser 134, thus facilitating the rotation of the dispenser 134 about the axis 135 during operation. A driver 138 may be coupled to one or more gears 133 located within the gearbox 129 of the housing 131. In some embodiments, the driver 138 comprises an electric motor, while in other embodiments, the driver 138 may comprise a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and the like. One or more gears 133 may be coupled (e.g., meshed) to gear teeth or other suitable structures on the cylindrical outer surface 134c of the dispenser 134. A top plate 137 may cover the gearbox 129, and the driver 138 may be supported on the top plate 137. In another embodiment, the dispenser 134 may be driven by a timing belt pulley (not shown) engaged with the top portion of the dispenser 134.

[0019]

[0090] Referring further to Figures 1 and 4, during operation, the driver 138 can rotate the dispenser 134 around the axis 135 via one or more gears 133. Specifically, the driver 138 can rotate the dispenser 134 so that a selected receiving portion 136 from the magazine 132 or within the dispenser 134 is positioned in the cup receiving portion 125 of rows 154, 156 on the turntable assembly 122. In some embodiments, the magazine 132 can hold cups of various sizes and / or types that can be selectively positioned in rows 154, 156 to produce the desired beverage during operation.

[0020]

[0091] Referring now to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the dispenser 134 includes an outer housing 163 that defines an internal chamber 167. A cap 160 is fitted into the housing 163 to close the chamber 167 and conceal the components disposed inside (which will be described in more detail later). The cap 160 can define the upper side 134a, and the housing 163 can define the lower side 134b and the cylindrical outer surface 134c of the dispenser 134.

[0021]

[0092] Multiple ring gears 166 are arranged within a chamber 167 and aligned with each of the corresponding shafts 165 in a receiving portion 136. A drive gear 168 engages (e.g., meshes) with the gear teeth or other suitable structure on the radially outer surface of each ring gear 166. The drive gear 168 is coupled to a driver 162 which may be mounted in a cap 160. For example, the drive gear 168 may engage with an output shaft (not shown) of a driver 162 extending through a suitable aperture (not shown) within the cap 160. During operation, the driver 162 can rotate the drive gear 168, thereby driving the rotation of the ring gears 166 around the corresponding shafts 165. A bearing 169 may be mounted within the chamber 167 to facilitate and support the rotation of the ring gears 166 around the shafts 165. In some embodiments, the driver 162 comprises an electric motor, while in other embodiments, the driver 162 may comprise a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and the like.

[0022]

[0093] Each axis 165 is parallel to the central axis 135 and offset radially from the central axis 135. In some embodiments, the axes 165 are spaced evenly apart circumferentially with respect to the axis 135. In the embodiment of the cup dispensing station 130 shown in Figures 4 and 5, there are a total of three magazines 132, and therefore a total of three receiving sections 136. As a result, the axes 165 are spaced approximately 120° apart from each other circumferentially with respect to the axis 135. In other embodiments, there may be four or more magazines 132 or fewer than three magazines 132 to accommodate a desired number of cup sizes and cup types.

[0023]

[0094] Multiple wedge members 164 are arranged within each ring gear 166. Referring next to Figures 6 and 7, each wedge member 164 includes a cylindrical body 174 with a central axis or longitudinal axis 175. Within each ring gear 166, the axis 175 of the wedge member 164 may be parallel to the axis 165 or may be radially offset from the axis 165. The body 174 includes multiple gear teeth 176 that extend circumferentially around the axis 175. The teeth 176 can engage (e.g., mesh) with corresponding teeth 172 on the radially inner surface 170 of the ring gear 166. Thus, the rotation of the ring gear 166 around the axis 165 causes the wedge member 164 to rotate around the axis 175 via the engagement of teeth 172, 176.

[0024]

[0095] A pair of wedges 178 and 179 extend radially outward from the body 174. The wedges 178 and 179 can extend radially outward from both sides of the body 174 in the radial direction relative to the axis 175. In some embodiments, the wedges 178 and 179 can extend circumferentially around the body 174 at approximately 180°, but in some embodiments, the wedges 178 and 179 may extend circumferentially at more or less than 180° around the body 174. In addition, the wedges 178 and 179 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, so that wedge 178 may be axially positioned above wedge 179 along the axis 175. Thus, wedge 178 may be referred to herein as the first wedge or upper wedge 178, and wedge 179 may be referred to herein as the second wedge or lower wedge 179.

[0025]

[0096] During operation, the wedge members 164 can rotate about the axis 175 so as to engage the wedges 178 and 179 with the cups 50 extending into the receiving portion 136 of the dispenser 134. Generally speaking, the upper wedge 178 can engage between adjacent cups 50 in the axial direction to remove the cups 50 from the dispenser 134 when desired, and the lower wedge 179 can support the cups 50 within the dispenser 134 when no cups 50 are being dispensed from the dispenser 134. Specifically, during operation, each wedge member 164 can be moved between a first position shown in Figure 6 and a second position shown in Figure 7 to selectively remove and dispense cups 50 from the dispenser 134. In the first position (Figure 6), the lower wedge 179 can be rotated circumferentially about the axis 175 so as to extend radially inward toward the axis 165 and, consequently, toward the cups 50. As a result, the lower wedge 179 of each wedge member 164 engages with the lip 52 of the lowest cup 50 in the dispenser 134, preventing the cup 50 from falling through the dispenser 134 when the wedge assembly 164 is in the first position (Figure 6).

[0026]

[0097] When it is desired to dispense cups 50 from the dispenser 134, the wedge member 164 can be moved from a first position (Figure 6) to a second position (Figure 7) by rotating the body 174 around the axis 175, thereby engaging the upper wedge 178 between the lips 52 of the two lowest cups 50 in the dispenser 134. The upper wedge 178 may have an axial width (for example, with respect to the axis 175) that tapers axially as it moves circumferentially around the body 174, so that as the body 174 rotates from a first position (Figure 6) to a second position (Figure 7) about the axis 175, the lips 52 of adjacent cups 50 are gradually spaced apart along the axis 165 until the contact between adjacent cups 50 is reduced, up to the point where the lowest cup 50 in the axial direction can fall through the receiving portion 136 into the cup receiving portion 125 in one of the rows 154, 156 on the turntable assembly 122 shown in Figures 1 and 2. When in the second position (Figure 7), undistributed cups 50 in the dispenser 134 may be supported by the upper wedge 178.

[0027]

[0098] When the lowest cup 50 is dispensed from the dispenser 134, the wedge assembly 164 can be moved again from the second position (Figure 7) to the first position (Figure 6) by rotating the body 174 around the axis 175, thereby repositioning the lower edge 179 within the cup 50. As the body 174 is rotated from the second position (Figure 7) to the first position (Figure 6) around the axis 175, the cup 50 can fall downward along the axis 165, and as a result, the lip 52 of the lowest cup 50 in the dispenser 134 engages with the lower wedge 179 as before. Thus, when the wedge assembly 164 returns to the first position (Figure 6), the dispenser 134 is again ready to dispense another cup 50 in the manner described above. In some embodiments, the wedge assembly 164 can be moved from a first position (Figure 6) to a second position (Figure 7) and back to the first position (Figure 6) via a continuous rotation of the body 174 around the axis 175 (for example, a full 360° around the axis 175).

[0028]

[0099] While several specific examples of the cup dispensing station 130 have been described above, it should be recognized that various features of the cup dispensing station 130 may be modified, replaced, or removed in various embodiments, and that some embodiments of the cup dispensing station 130 may include additional features. For example, referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the dispenser 134 may include one or more reciprocating wedge members 270 in the receiving portion 136, either instead of or in addition to the wedge member 164. The wedge member 270 includes one or more wedges 272 that can slide and engage along the lip 52 between adjacent cups 50 in the axial direction when the wedge 270 is moved radially inward toward the axis 165. The wedge 272 may include an inclined or angled surface, so that as the wedge 270 moves radially inward toward the axis 165, adjacent cups 50 are moved axially away from each other along the axis 165, so that the lowest cup 50 can be removed and fall through the receiving portion 136 as schematically described above.

[0029]

[0100] Referring now to Figure 9, in some embodiments, the cup dispensing station 130 may include a gripper arm 274 that can grasp a cup 50 extending through the dispenser 134 and pull the cup 50 downward toward the turntable assembly 122 (Note: For the sake of simplicity, only a schematic description of the outer row 156 is provided in Figure 9).

[0030]

[0101] Referring now to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the magazine 132 can reciprocate linearly along the track 276 or other structure to selectively align the magazine 132 with rows 154, 156 of the turntable assembly 122 (Figure 2) (Note: For the sake of simplicity in the drawing, Figure 10 also includes only a schematic representation of one of the rows 156). In some embodiments of these embodiments, the cups 50 can be dispensed from the magazine 132 via any of the methods and systems described herein and / or other known methods and systems. Figure 10 depicts the gripper arm 274 of Figure 9 to illustrate some examples.

[0031]

[0102] Referring now to Figure 11, in some embodiments, the magazine 132 may be fixed and aligned with rows 154 and 156 of the turntable assembly 122 (Figure 2). In some embodiments of these embodiments, an additional magazine 132 may be included to allow a variety of cup sizes and types to be distributed over each of rows 154 and 156 (Note: For the sake of simplicity in the drawing, Figure 11 also includes only a schematic representation of one of the rows 156). In some embodiments of these embodiments, the cups 50 may be distributed from the magazine 132 via any of the methods and systems described herein.

[0032]

[0103] Referring again to Figure 2, after the cups 50 are distributed into one or both cup receiving sections 125 of rows 154, 156 of the turntable assembly 122, the turntables 124, 126 are rotated around the axis 155 to advance the empty cups 50 to the ice distribution station 180. Next, referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the ice distribution station 180 includes an inlet 182, a pair of outlets 188, 189, and a chute 185 positioned between the inlet 182 and the outlets 188, 189. Outlet 188 may be aligned with the cup receiving section 125 of the inner row 154 (Figure 2), and outlet 189 may be aligned with the cup receiving section 125 of the outer row 156 (Figure 2).

[0033]

[0104] The inlet 182 may be connected to or include part or all of the freezer chambers 122 shown in Figure 1. A stirrer 184 is installed inside the inlet 182. The stirrer 184 includes a number of paddles 186 driven by a driver 187 to rotate inside the inlet 182. The engagement between the paddles 186 and the ice in the inlet 182 breaks up ice obstructions in the inlet 182 and helps ensure that the ice moves continuously and reliably through the inlet 182 into the chute 185.

[0034]

[0105] A distribution valve 181 is located within the chute 185. The distribution valve 181 may generally comprise a gate valve that can move between a first position or closed position (shown as a solid line in Figure 12) for preventing ice from advancing through the chute 185 toward the outlets 188, 189, and a second position or open position (shown as a dotted line in Figure 12) for allowing ice to advance through the chute 185 toward the outlets 188, 189. In some embodiments, a driver 183 can actuate the distribution valve 181 between the closed and open positions by pivoting the distribution valve 181 around a hinge 177. In some embodiments, the distribution valve 181 may move into and out of the chute 185 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the flow or movement of ice within the chute 185 during operation.

[0035]

[0106] In some embodiments, an outlet selection valve 193 is connected to outlets 188 and 189. The outlet selection valve 193 may include a gate 173 that is pivotable around a hinge 191 to selectively shut off one of the outlets 188 or 189. Specifically, a driver 192 can pivot the gate 173 around the hinge 191 to a first position (shown as a solid line in Figure 12) to shut off outlet 188, thereby guiding ice advancing out of chute 185 into outlet 189. In addition, the driver 192 can pivot the gate 173 around the hinge 191 to a second position (shown as a dotted line in Figure 12) to shut off outlet 189, thereby guiding ice advancing out of chute 185 into outlet 188.

[0036]

[0107] Next, referring briefly to Figures 2 and 12, the outlets 188 and 189 can be aligned with rows 154 and 156. Thus, during operation, when ice is distributed into cups 50 that will be received in one of the cup receiving sections 125 of rows 154 and 156, the driver 183 can move the distribution valve 181 to the open position, thereby allowing the ice to advance through the chute 185 by the force of gravity. Depending on whether the cups that will receive the ice are located in the cup receiving section 125 of the inner row 154 or the cup receiving section 125 of the outer row 156, the driver 192 can pivot the gate 173 of the outlet selection valve 193 to a first or second position to guide the ice out through the desired corresponding outlets 188 and 189. During these operations, the driver 187 can rotate the paddle 186 of the agitator 184 in the inlet 182 to ensure the continuous advance of the ice toward the chute 185.

[0037]

[0108] In some embodiments, the outlet selection valve 193 may be replaced by a pair of valves or gate assemblies connected to outlets 188, 189. Thus, in these embodiments, during operation, ice can be distributed out of one or both of outlets 188, 189 by activating a gate assembly (not shown) for the selected outlet 188, 189.

[0038]

[0109] Valves (e.g., valves 181, 193, etc.) may be operated to distribute ice out of outlets 188, 189 at specified times to prevent overfilling. In some embodiments, the ice distribution station 180 may include appropriate sensors or other measuring devices for monitoring the volume of ice distributed from outlets 188, 189 to prevent overfilling. In some embodiments, a weight sensor or force sensor may be employed to monitor the total weight of the cups and the ice being distributed to prevent overfilling (e.g., within the cup holder 125 in Figures 1 and 2). In these various embodiments, the amount of ice to be distributed (and thus various parameters for monitoring the amount of ice to be distributed) may be determined by the size of the cups 50 positioned in the ice distribution station 180.

[0039]

[0110] In some embodiments, drivers 187, 183, and 192 may be equipped with electric motors. However, drivers 187, 183, and 192 may be equipped with any suitable drive device, such as a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor.

[0040]

[0111] In other embodiments, instead of a pair of outlets 188, 189, the ice distribution station 180 may include only one outlet, such as either outlet 188 or 189, and distribute ice into cups 50 in only one of the rows, such as either the outer row 154 or the inner row 156. For example, in this embodiment (not shown), outlet 189 may be eliminated as well as the driver 192 and pivot gate 173. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stirrer 184 and paddle 186 may be replaced with an auger or other element that is in communication with a timing circuit to operate for a specified duration to distribute the appropriate amount of ice into the cups. This embodiment is intended to be a variation of the beverage distribution system 100 that achieves full filling of the beverage in only one of the inner row 154 or the outer row 156, instead of full filling of the beverage in both rows 154 and 156.

[0041]

[0112] Referring again to Figure 2, after ice has been distributed into the cups 50 at the ice distribution station 180, the turntables 124 and 126 can rotate around the axis 155 to position the cups 50 at the beverage distribution station 190. The beverage distribution station 190 includes a pair of nozzles 194 and 196, the first nozzle 194 being positioned at the cup receiving portion 125 of the inner row 154, and the second nozzle 196 being positioned at the cup receiving portion 125 of the outer row 156. During operation, the nozzles 194 and 196 can distribute the selected beverage into the cups 50 distributed in rows 154 and 156, respectively.

[0042]

[0113] Referring now to Figure 13, in some embodiments, each of the nozzles 194, 196 is connected to a distribution valve assembly 195. Furthermore, the distribution valve assembly 195 may be connected to a carbonated water source 197, a non-carbonated water source 198, and a plurality of flavoring sources 199. Additional valves, pumps, and other components may be included to facilitate and control the flow of fluid from the sources 197, 198, 199, but these additional components are not shown for the sake of simplicity in the drawings. During operation, the selected beverage is distributed by flowing water from one (or both) of the sources 197, 198 and flavoring from one or more of the sources 199 to the distribution valve assembly 195 when a cup (e.g., cup 50 in Figures 1 and 2) is positioned over one of the nozzles 194, 196. The distribution valve assembly 195 can then be operated to deliver fluid to the selected nozzles 194, 196. The fluid can be mixed within the distribution valve assembly 195, within the nozzles 194, 196, and / or between them to produce a selected beverage. In other embodiments, an additional fluid source may be connected to the distribution valve assembly 195 to distribute beverages that do not require mixing, such as juice, coffee, and milk, but are not limited to these.

[0043]

[0114] The distribution valve assembly 195 may include or be connected to a timing device to ensure that the correct amount of fluid is distributed from the selected nozzles 194, 196 while preventing overfilling. In some embodiments, the distribution valve assembly 195 may, in addition or otherwise, monitor the volume of fluid up to and from the nozzles 194, 196 to prevent overfilling (e.g., via flow sensors, pressure sensors, etc.). In some embodiments, a weight sensor or force sensor may be employed to monitor the total weight of the cup, ice (if any), and the beverage to be distributed (e.g., within the cup holder 125 in Figures 1 and 2) to prevent overfilling. In these various embodiments, the amount of fluid to be distributed (and thus various parameters for monitoring the amount of fluid to be distributed) may be determined by the size of the cup 50 positioned in the beverage distribution station 190.

[0044]

[0115] While the embodiment of the beverage dispensing station 190 shown in Figure 13 includes two nozzles 194 and 196, it should be recognized that different numbers and configurations of nozzles may be available in other embodiments. For example, referring again to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments the beverage dispensing station 190 may include multiple nozzles for dispensing beverages into cups 50 arranged in an inner row 154, and / or multiple nozzles for dispensing beverages into cups 50 arranged in an outer row 156. Not bound by this theory or any other theory, the number and configuration of the nozzles of the beverage dispensing station 190 (e.g., nozzles 194 and 196) can allow a particular beverage or a particular group of beverages to be dispensed from a selected nozzle, and can increase the number of beverages that can be dispensed into cups 50 over a given period of time. In addition, the nozzles of the beverage dispensing station 190 (e.g., nozzles 194 and 196) may be separately connected to sources 197, 198, and 199, so that beverages can be dispensed from various nozzles simultaneously during operation. In an embodiment in which only one of the cup receiving portions of the inner row 154 or the outer row 156 is filled with beverage, only one of the nozzles 194 or 196 may be present.

[0045]

[0116] Referring again to Figure 2, after the beverage has been dispensed into the cups 50 via the beverage dispensing station 190, the turntables 124, 126 rotate around the axis 155 to position the cups 50 in the lid station 200. Generally speaking, the lid station 200 may comprise multiple tubular magazines 202 that can receive and hold multiple lids 60 that will be dispensed and placed on top of the cups 50 during operation.

[0046]

[0117] Next, refer to Figures 14 and 15, which show embodiments of the lid station 200. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the magazine 202 includes a central axis or longitudinal axis 205, a first end or upper end 202a, and a second end or lower end 202b opposite the upper end 202a. Lids 60 can be stacked into the magazine 202 from the upper end 202a and distributed from the magazine 202 at the lower end 202b via a lid distribution assembly 210.

[0047]

[0118] In some embodiments, the lid distribution assembly 210 may include a grab pull 214 pivotally connected to the magazine 202 via a hinge 212 near the lower end 202b. A driver 226 is connected to the grab pull 214 and / or hinge 212, which can selectively rotate the grab pull 214 about the hinge 212 between a first position shown in Figure 14 and a second position shown in Figure 15. In some embodiments, the driver 226 may be an electric motor, while in other embodiments, the driver 226 may be a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and the like.

[0048]

[0119] The grab pull 214 includes a first end or inner end 214a located near the hinge 212 and a second end or outer end 214b projecting away from the hinge 212. In addition, the grab pull 214 includes a first lid grip 216 located at (or near) the outer end 214b and a second lid lip 218 located at (or near) the inner end 214a. The first lid grip 216 and the second lid grip 218 may have teeth or other suitable structures that can engage with the lid 60 during dispensing to hold the lid 60. The first lid grip 216 may be fixed in place at (or near) the outer end 214b of the grab pull 214, while the second lid grip 218 may be pivotably connected to the grab pull 214 at (or near) the inner end 214a via the hinge 220. Furthermore, the second lid grip 218 may be biased to rotate about the hinge 220 (for example, via a torsion spring or other suitable device), thereby biasing the second lid grip 218 to engage with the lid 60 held by the grab 214 (Figure 14).

[0049]

[0120] The lid 60 can be distributed from the magazine 202 by rotating the grab pull 214 to the first position in Figure 14 so as to engage with the lowest lid 60 in the magazine 202. More specifically, in the position in Figure 14, the lid 60 is gripped or engaged between the first lid grip 216 and the second lid grip 218. As already described, the second lid grip 218 can be biased around the hinge 220 to engage with the lid 60. When it is then desired to distribute the lid 60 onto the top of a cup (e.g., cup 50 in Figures 1 and 2) aligned to the lid-setting station 200, the driver 226 can rotate the grab pull 214 around the hinge 212 from the first position in Figure 14 to the second position in Figure 15. As the grab pull 214 rotates around the hinge 212 to the second position in Figure 15, the second lid grip 218 can engage with the cam surface 224 connected to (or located near) the hinge 212. As a result, the grab pull 214 continues to rotate around the hinge 212 toward the second position following the engagement of the second lid grip 218 with the cam surface 224, forcing the second lid grip 218 to rotate around the hinge 220 and thus detach it from the lid 60, so that the lid 60 can fall toward the cup 50 aligned with the lid 60 by gravity. The grab pull 214 can then be rotated around the hinge 212 so that the driver 226 returns toward the first position in Figure 14 in order to engage with another lid 60. During the lid distribution operation described above, the grab pull 214 pivots around the hinge 212 between a first position (Figure 14) and a second position (Figure 15), so that the lid 60 can be inserted into the "upside down" magazine. As a result, when the lid 60 is rotated together with the grab pull 214 to the second position in Figure 15, the bottom of the lid 60 faces the cup 50 (not shown).

[0050]

[0121] In some embodiments, the grab pull 214 may be eliminated, and the lid 60 may be distributed from the magazine 202 via other systems or methods. Referring now to Figure 16, in some embodiments, the magazine 202 may include a slot 230 extending radially through the wall of the magazine 202 at a point closer to the lower end 202b than to the upper end 202a. The lid 60 inserted into the upper end 202a of the magazine 202 may drop axially downward through the magazine 202 along the axis 205 or advance by other means until it finally aligns with the slot 230. A ram 232 may be coupled to the magazine 202 and aligned with the slot 230. The ram 232 may be selectively moved radially relative to the axis 205 to pass through the slot 230 during operation (e.g., via a suitable driver or actuator). Each time the ram 232 moves radially through the slot 230, the lid 60 may be pushed radially out of the slot 230 and the magazine 202, thereby allowing it to fall downward toward the cup 50 (which may be located within the receiving portion 125).

[0051]

[0122] In some embodiments, the lids 60 distributed from the lid station 200 may be misaligned with the cups 50. Therefore, in some embodiments, the distribution mechanism of the lid station 200 (e.g., a grabble 214) can align the lids 60 with the cups 50 (e.g., resulting in the lids 60 being substantially centered on the top of the cups 50). In some embodiments, the lid station 200 may include a separate device or assembly for aligning the lids 60 with the cups 50 after they have been distributed (e.g., from a magazine 202). For example, referring to Figure 17, the cups 50 and the distributed lids 60 may be fed between a pair of merging rails 234 (e.g., via turntables 124, 126). The shape and position of the rails 234 may be selected so that the lids 60 can be aligned with the cups 50 below as the cups 50 and lids 60 are moved between the rails 234.

[0052]

[0123] Once the lid 60 is distributed over the cup 50 and aligned with the cup 50, the lid 60 can then be fixed over the cup 50 and pressed against the cup 50. In some embodiments, the grab pull 214 in Figures 14 and 15 can be moved axially with respect to the shaft 205 (for example, independently or integrally with the magazine 202) to press the distributed lid 60 against the cup 50.

[0053]

[0124] In some embodiments, the distributed lid 60 may be pressed against the cup 50 via a separate press or other suitable device. For example, referring to Figure 18, in some embodiments, the press 237 may engage with the lid 60 after it has been loosely fitted over the cup 50 (e.g., after it has been dropped). The press 237 includes a plunger 236 connected to a linear actuator 238. The plunger 236 may have any suitable shape that can correspond to the shape of the lid (e.g., the lid 60 in Figures 14 and 15). The plunger 236 may be selectively extended and retracted along a central axis 235 via the linear actuator 238. In some embodiments, the linear actuator 238 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. In some embodiments, the linear actuator 238 may comprise an electric linear actuator.

[0054]

[0125] Referring now to Figure 19, in some embodiments, the distributed lid 60 can be pressed against the cup 50 via a belt 240 spaced apart from rows 154, 156 (Figure 2). Specifically, during operation, the lid 60 and cup 50 are pressed between the corresponding cup receiving portions 125 (not shown in Figure 19) of rows 154, 156 and the belt 240, thereby securing the lid 60 to the cup 50.

[0055]

[0126] Referring now to Figure 20, in some embodiments, the lid-setting station 200 may include a roller assembly 242 for pressing and securing the distributed lids 60 against the cups 50. The roller assembly 242 may include a ring 244 and a plurality of rollers 246 rotatably mounted on the ring 244. The rollers 246 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may include a central axis 245. The rollers 246 may be mounted on the ring 244 such that the axis 245 is angled with respect to the central axis 55 of the cups 50. In some embodiments, the axis 245 is positioned at an angle θ greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the central axis 55. During operation, the cups 50 and the distributed lids 60 are aligned with the roller assembly 242, the roller assembly 242 is lowered along the axis 55 to engage with the lids 60 and simultaneously rotated about the axis 55, so that the rollers 246 press the lids 60 against the cups 50.

[0056]

[0127] Referring next to Figure 21, in some embodiments, the lid station 200 (Figures 1 and 2) may comprise a heat-sealing lid assembly 250. The heat-sealing lid assembly 250 includes a heat sealer 256 that can cut a lid from a continuous belt of lid material 258 (e.g., a polymer film) unfolded from a start roller 252 and wound up by a finish roller 254, and heat-seal the lid to a cup 50. Specifically, the heat sealer 256 may include a heating element (not shown) that moves along an axis 55 toward the cup 50 to cut off a portion of the lid material 258 and fuse the lid material 258 to the rim of the cup 50. In some embodiments, a pair of heat sealers 256 may be included within the heat-sealing lid assembly 250, with each heat sealer 256 aligned to a corresponding row of rows 154, 156 of a turntable assembly 122. In some embodiments, each row 154, 156 can be aligned to a separate, independent heat-sealed cover assembly 250.

[0057]

[0128] In some embodiments, part or all of the lid-setting process may be performed manually (e.g., by an employee or customer). For example, in some embodiments, the lid 60 may be manually removed and secured to the cup 50. In some embodiments, the lid-setting station 200 may distribute (and possibly align) the lid 60 onto the cup 50, but an employee / customer may then manually press the lid 60 against the cup 50. Thus, in some embodiments, part or all of the lid-setting station 200 may be eliminated from the beverage handling assembly 120 (Figures 1 and 2).

[0058]

[0129] Referring next to Figures 1 and 22, in some embodiments the beverage manufacturing system 100 may include a beverage identification assembly 260 for identifying ready beverages that are advanced through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 to be picked up by employees or customers. Specifically, as best shown in Figure 22, the beverage identification assembly 260 may comprise a plurality of radiators 262 connected to a beverage handling assembly 120, configured to emit light 264 that can be used to identify a particular beverage or beverage order over a cup 50 and (if present) a lid 60. In some embodiments, the light 246 may be color-coded to identify a particular beverage (or order) using a variety of colors. In some embodiments, the light 264 may generate an image (e.g., letters and / or symbols) on the beverage that can provide sufficient information (e.g., name, order number, table number, vehicle identification information). In some embodiments, the radiators 262 may comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or other suitable light-emitting devices.

[0059]

[0130] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, during operation, commands for manufacturing a selected beverage may be received by appropriate electronic equipment (not shown) of the beverage manufacturing system 100. For example, an employee or customer may select a desired beverage on the user interface 110, and then initiate the beverage manufacturing process outlined above. In some embodiments, the user interface 110 may include a touch-sensitive electronic display. In some embodiments, the beverage manufacturing system 100 may receive commands for manufacturing beverages via other electronic devices communicably connected to the beverage manufacturing and distribution system 100 via an appropriate network or connection. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage manufacturing system 100 may receive commands for manufacturing beverages from a point-of-sale management system of a restaurant or dining establishment that can take orders via a customer or employee. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale management system may include part of a computer system, and the computer system further includes the beverage manufacturing system 100 (e.g., computer system 400, which will be described later).

[0060]

[0131] When a command to produce a beverage is received by the beverage production system 100, the turntables 124 and 126 are rotated around the axis 155 to advance the cup receiving section 125 through the stations 130, 180, 190, and 200. Simultaneously, the assemblies and mechanisms within each of the stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 can be operated in the manner described above to produce the beverage. Specifically, as described above, the cup dispensing assembly 130 can distribute cups 50 from the magazine 132 into the cup receiving section 125 in one or both of the rows 154 and 156, and then the cups 50 are positioned in the ice dispensing station 180, thereby dispensing ice into the cups 50. In some examples, depending on the selected preference for each requested beverage, ice may not be distributed into the cup when the cup is positioned in the ice dispensing station 180. Next, the cup 50 and ice (if dispensed) are positioned at the beverage dispensing station 190, where the selected beverage is dispensed into the cup 50 (e.g., via nozzles 194, 196). Then, depending on the lid system employed, the cup 50 may be advanced to the lid station 200, where a lid 60 may be dispensed from the magazine 202 and secured onto the cup 50, or a film lid may be positioned and secured onto the cup by heat fusion or the like. Finally, referring briefly to Figures 1 and 22, after the cup 50 has been advanced to pass the lid station 200, the cup is generally moved to position itself in the beverage identification assembly 260, where it can be identified via projected light 264 as schematically described above. As already described, in some embodiments, some or all of the lid process may be performed manually, resulting in the lid station 200 being simplified or eliminated entirely from the beverage handling assembly 120.

[0061]

[0132] Next, referring to Figure 23, a method 300 for producing a beverage using an embodiment of the beverage dispensing system 100 according to several embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, one or more elements of method 300 may be performed by components of a beverage handling assembly 120 and / or by a computer system (e.g., computer system 400, which will be described in more detail later) as described herein. Thus, in describing the features of method 300, the beverage production system 100 shown in Figure 1 and the beverage handling assembly 120 depicted in Figure 2 will be referred to consecutively.

[0062]

[0133] First, method 300 includes receiving instructions (or commands) for manufacturing a desired beverage in block 302. Instructions may be generated or received through interaction between an employee or customer with a user interface device, such as the user interface 110 shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, instructions may be generated or received by a point-of-sale management system used by the restaurant or dining establishment, as described above.

[0063]

[0134] Method 300 further includes selecting rows 154 and 156 on the turntable assembly 122 for beverage production in block 304. Specifically, in some embodiments, the row selection in block 304 may be determined based on predefined rules for producing beverages using the beverage production system 100. For example, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the origin of the beverage order (e.g., drive-through, eat-in) may indicate which rows 154 and 156 are selected in block 304. In addition, in some embodiments, the desired type and / or size of beverage may further indicate which rows 154 and 156 are selected in block 304.

[0064]

[0135] Method 300 further includes aligning the magazine 132 of the cup dispensing station 130 with the selected rows 154, 156 in block 306 and dispensing cups 50 from the magazine 132. As already described, the magazine 132 can hold cups 50 of various sizes and / or types therein. Thus, during operation, the magazine 132 holding the desired cup sizes and types can be instructed, based on the command received in block 302, to be used to dispense cups 50 for the beverage production operation. In some embodiments, as already described, the dispenser 134 of the cup dispensing station 130 may be rotated to align the selected magazine 132 with the selected rows 154, 156 on the turntable assembly 122 (e.g., via the driver 138 shown in Figure 4).

[0065]

[0136] Method 300 further includes aligning the cups 50 distributed to outlets 188, 189 of the ice distribution station 180 in block 308, and distributing ice into the cups 50 from the aligned outlets 188, 189. The outlets 188, 189 used to distribute ice in block 308 may be indicated by rows 154, 156 selected in block 304. As described above, in some embodiments, an outlet selection valve 193 (Figure 12) may be operated to guide the distributed ice out of the selected outlets 188, 189.

[0066]

[0137] Method 300 further includes aligning the nozzles 194, 196 of the beverage dispensing station 190 with the cup 50 in block 310 and dispensing the beverage from the aligned nozzles 194, 196. Similar to the ice dispensing station 180, the nozzles 194, 196 used to dispense the beverage in block 310 may be indicated by the selection of rows 154, 156 in block 304. In some embodiments, the nozzles to be aligned in block 310 may be selected based on the type of beverage being manufactured based on an order received in block 302.

[0067]

[0138] Method 300 further includes, in block 312, distributing lids 60 onto cups 50 using a lid-setting station 200. In some embodiments, the lid-setting station 200 may be operated to distribute lids 60 onto cups 50, and the lids 60 may then be manually secured by an employee or customer. In some embodiments, the lid-setting station 200 may be operated for both distributing lids 60 and securing lids 60 onto cups 50.

[0068]

[0139] In each of blocks 306, 308, 310, and 312 of Method 300, the turntables 124 and 126 of the turntable assembly 122 may be rotated (e.g., via drivers 141 and 143) to align the cup holder 125 (and / or the cup 50 placed therein) with respect to each of the cup dispensing stations 130, 180, 190, and 200, respectively.

[0069]

[0140] Figure 24 shows a computer system 400 suitable for carrying out one or more embodiments disclosed herein. For example, a beverage production system 100 (Figure 1) may include or be connected to a computer system 400. During operation, the beverage production system 100 may utilize the computer system 400 to receive and process beverage orders (or commands associated with beverage orders) and to operate the various components of the beverage handling assembly 120 as described above. In some embodiments, one or more components of the computer system 400 may be located in the cabinet 114 shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the beverage production system 100 may include all or some embodiments of the computer system 400 connected to a point-of-sale (POS) system or other system, and the PSOS system further includes all or some embodiments or combinations of the computer system 400. Such configurations allow beverage selection to be performed in either the beverage distribution and production system 100 or the PSOS system, or both.

[0070]

[0141] The computer system 400 includes a processor 402 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit, or CPU) in communication with memory devices, including secondary storage 404, read-only memory (ROM) 406, random access memory (RAM) 408, input / output (I / O) devices 410, and network connectivity devices 412. The processor 402 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[0071]

[0142] It will be understood that by programming and / or loading executable instructions into the computer system 400, at least one of the CPU 402, RAM 408, and ROM 406 is modified, and the computer system 400 is partially transformed into a particular machine or device having the novel functionality taught by this disclosure. It is fundamental to the fields of electrical and software engineering that functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be transformed into hardware implementations according to well-known design rules. Decisions between implementing software versus hardware concepts usually depend not on any issues associated with transforming from a software domain to a hardware domain, but on considerations of the design and number stability of the units to be manufactured. Generally, designs that undergo continuous and frequent changes may be preferable to be implemented in software, because respinning a hardware implementation is more costly than respinning a software design. Generally, stable designs destined for mass production may be preferable to implement in hardware, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), because, for mass production processes, hardware implementations may be less expensive than software implementations. Often, a design may be developed and tested in software form using well-known design rules, and then converted into an equivalent hardware implementation within an application-specific integrated circuit that hardwires the software instructions. Just as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a special machine or device, a computer programmed with and / or loaded with executable instructions can also be considered a special machine or device.

[0072]

[0143] In addition, after system 400 is turned on or started up, CPU 402 can execute computer programs or applications. For example, CPU 402 can execute software or firmware stored in ROM 406 or RAM 408. In some cases, at startup and / or when an application is started, CPU 402 can copy the application or part of an application from secondary storage 404 to RAM 408 or to memory space within CPU 402 itself, and then CPU 402 can execute the instructions that make up the application. In some cases, CPU 402 can copy the application or part of an application from memory accessed via network connection device 421 or I / O device 410 to RAM 408 or to memory space within CPU 402, and then CPU 402 can execute the instructions that make up the application. During execution, an application can load instructions into CPU 402, for example, some of the application's instructions can be loaded into CPU 402's cache. In some contexts, it can be said that the application being executed configures the CPU 402 to do something, such as configuring the CPU 402 to perform a function facilitated by this application. When the CPU 402 is configured by an application in this way, the CPU 402 becomes a computer or machine for a specific purpose.

[0073]

[0144] Secondary storage 404 typically consists of one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data, or as an over-flow data storage device when RAM 408 is not large enough to hold all the working data. Secondary storage 404 may be used to store programs that are loaded into RAM 408 when such programs are selected for execution. ROM 406 is used to store instructions and data as possibilities that are read during program execution. ROM 406 is a non-volatile memory device that typically has a smaller storage capacity compared to the larger storage capacity of secondary storage 404. RAM 408 is used to store volatile data and instructions as possibilities. Accessing both ROM 406 and RAM 408 is usually faster than accessing secondary storage 404. Secondary storage 404, RAM 408, and / or ROM 406 may, in some contexts, be referred to as computer-readable storage media and / or non-temporary computer-readable media.

[0074]

[0145] I / O data 410 may include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touchscreen displays (e.g., user interface 110 shown in Figure 1), keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, trackballs, voice recognition devices, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input / output devices.

[0075]

[0146] The network connectivity device 412 can take the form of a modem, modem bank, Ethernet card, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface card, serial interface, Token Ring card, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) card, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) card, Wireless Transceiver Card, and / or other well-known devices. The network connectivity device 412 can provide wired communication links and / or wireless communication links (for example, the first network connectivity device 412 can provide a wired communication link, and the second network connectivity device 412 can provide a wireless communication link). Wired communication links may be provided according to Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Internet Protocol (IP), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), and / or Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), etc.In the embodiment, the wireless transceiver card can provide a wireless communication link using protocols such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiFi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth®, Zigbee, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB IoT), Near Field Communication (NFC), and Radio Frequency Identity (RFID). The wireless transceiver card can facilitate wireless communication using 5G, 5G New Radio, or 5G LTE wireless communication protocols. These network connectivity devices 412 can enable the processor 402 to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. By using such network connectivity, it is intended that the processor 402 may receive information from the network or output information to the network in the process of performing the method steps described above. Such information, often represented as a series of instructions to be executed using processor 402, can be received from or output to a network, for example, in the form of computer data signals embodied on a carrier wave. Accordingly, this disclosure intends to receive instructions via network-connected device 412, such as customer orders received online or via so-called internet applications or other means, including orders for beverages to be later automatically manufactured by beverage manufacturing system 100, without input from employees or staff located in or operating beverage manufacturing system 100.

[0076]

[0147] Such information, which may include data or instructions to be executed using, for example, processor 402, may be received from and output to a network in the form of signals embodied, for example, as baseband signals or carrier signals of computer data. Baseband signals or carrier signals, or other types of signals currently in use or to be developed in the future, may be generated according to several methods well known to those skilled in the art. Baseband signals and / or carrier signals may, in some contexts, be referred to as transient signals.

[0077]

[0148] Processor 402 executes instructions, code, computer programs, and scripts that it accesses from a hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (all these various disk-based systems can be considered secondary storage 404), flash drive, ROM 406, RAM 408, or network-attached device 412. Although only one processor 402 is shown, there may be multiple processors. Thus, while instructions may be considered as being executed by a processor, instructions may be executed simultaneously or sequentially, or in other ways, by one or more processors. For example, instructions, code, computer programs, scripts, and / or data that can be accessed from secondary storage 404, ROM 406, and / or RAM 408, such as hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and / or other devices, may in some contexts be referred to as non-temporary instructions and / or non-temporary information.

[0078]

[0149] In embodiments, the computer system 400 may comprise two or more computers in communication with each other, collaborating to perform tasks. For example, an application may be partitioned to enable parallel and / or concurrent processing of application instructions, for example, but not limited to. Alternatively, data processed by an application may be partitioned to enable parallel and / or concurrent processing of different parts of data set by two or more computers. In embodiments, virtualization software may be employed by the computer system 400 to provide the functionality of numerous servers that are not directly connected to numerous computers within the computer system 400. For example, virtualization software may provide 20 virtual servers on four physical computers. In embodiments, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by running one or more applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may include providing computing services over network connectivity using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. Cloud computing environments may be established by enterprises and / or leased as needed from third-party providers. Some cloud computing environments may include cloud computing resources owned and operated by companies, as well as cloud computing resources rented and / or leased from third-party providers.

[0079]

[0150] In embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-available program code embodied therein in order to implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may include data structures, executable instructions, and other computer-available program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable and / or non-removable computer storage media. Removable computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, paper tape, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid memory chips, such as analog magnetic tape, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, and multimedia cards. The computer program product may be suitable for the computer system 400 to load at least a portion of its contents into secondary storage 404, ROM 406, RAM 408, and / or other non-volatile and volatile memories of the computer system 400. The processor 402 can partially process executable instructions and / or data structures by directly accessing the computer program product, for example, by reading from a CD-ROM disk inserted in a disk drive surrounding the computer system 400. Alternatively, the processor 402 can process executable instructions and / or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example, by downloading them from a remote server via a network-connected device 412.A computer program product may include instructions that facilitate loading and / or copying data, data structures, files, and / or executable instructions to the secondary storage 404, the ROM 406, the RAM 408, and / or other non-volatile and volatile memories of the computer system 400.

[0080]

[0151] In some contexts, the secondary storage 404, ROM 406, and RAM 408 may be referred to as non-temporary computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media. A dynamic RAM embodiment of RAM 408 may similarly be referred to as non-temporary computer-readable media, because, for example, during the time when the computer system 400 is turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM receives power and operates according to its design while it stores information written to it. Similarly, the processor 402 may include internal RAM, internal ROM, cache memory, and / or other internal non-temporary storage blocks, sections, or components that may, in some contexts, be referred to as non-temporary computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media.

[0081]

[0152] Figure 25 shows another embodiment of the beverage production system 500. The beverage production system 500 may be similar to the beverage production system 100 in some respects. For example, the beverage production system 500 may employ the cup dispensing station 130 described above. However, the beverage production system 500 includes several notable differences, such as the lidded and printed assembly 502 for sealing and identifying the filled beverages, which will be discussed further later. While it is expected that beverages may be dispensed in both rows, in this embodiment, the beverage production system 500 may be configured so that cups are dispensed and ice and beverages are dispensed in only one row, such as the inner or outer row, rather than both rows of the turntable. This embodiment shows the beverage fully filled in the cup holder in the outer row.

[0082]

[0153] Referring further to Figure 26, the beverage manufacturing system 500 may also employ a modified turntable assembly 504 (similarly shown cutout in Figure 25). The modified turntable assembly 504 may be similar in several respects to the turntable assembly 122 described above. The modified turntable assembly 504 may be configured to have an outer turntable 505 having cup holders 506 in the outer row and an inner turntable 507 having cup holders 508 in the inner row. The inner turntable 505 and outer turntable 507, which may be collectively referred to as the modified turntable 510, may be configured to rotate independently of each other and may be equipped with a drive unit, motor, and gearbox (not shown) that operate similarly to those described above in relation to the inner turntable 124 and outer turntable 126.

[0083]

[0154] The cup holders 506 and 508 are configured to hold cups 50 distributed from the cup dispensing station 130. The cup holders 506 and 508 can be sized to hold cups 50 of various sizes. The outer row cup holder 506 may include an opening 512 near the bottom outer 511 of the outer row cup holder 506. Furthermore, instead of being circular, the outer row cup holders 506 and inner row cup holders 508 are U-shaped in this embodiment. Thus, the outer turntable 505 and inner turntable 507 can be rotated so that the U-shaped opening of a particular outer row cup holder 506 can be aligned with the U-shaped opening of a particular inner row cup holder 508. For example, Figure 26 shows a cup 520 disposed within an outer row cup holder 506 aligned with an inner row cup holder 508. The cups 520 can be filled with beverage via the beverage dispensing station 502 while they are placed in the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row.

[0084]

[0155] Referring further to the partial cutaway view in Figure 27, a slide assembly 530 positioned below the turntable assembly 510 extends through an opening 512 in the outer row of cup holders 506 that holds the cups 520, and includes an actuated arm 532 to slide or move the cups 520 from their position in the outer row of cup holders 506 to the aligned inner row of cup holders 508. Once the cups 520 are filled with beverage, the cups 520 can remain in the outer row of cup holders 506 or slide into one of the open cup holders in the inner row of cup holders 508. Thus, in this embodiment, the inner row of cup holders 508 provides additional space for storing the beverages filled in the outer row of cup holders 506 until they are removed for serving to a customer or removed by a customer.

[0085]

[0156] Figure 28 shows in more detail one embodiment of the slide assembly 530. The slide assembly 530 includes an arm 532, a rail 534, a motor 536, and a belt drive unit 538. The arm 532 includes a portion 533 molded to engage with the curved side of the cup 520. The arm 532 is slidably mounted on the rail 534 and further connected to the belt drive unit 538. The motor 536 is an electric motor, but in other embodiments, the motor 536 may be a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, or the like. The motor 536 is connected to the belt drive unit 538 and, when in operation, drives the belt drive unit 538 as considered above, which in turn moves the rail 534 laterally by the arm 532, thereby moving the cup 520. The motor 536 may be connected to a computer and / or other system that works in coordination to rotate the turntable 510 in order to align an opening 512 (see also Figures 26 and 27) in one of the cup holders of the outer row 506 with the arm 532 in order to slide a cup such as a cup 520 from the cup holder 506 of the outer row to the cup holder 508 of the inner row.

[0086]

[0157] The modified turntable assembly 504 shown in Figures 26 and 27 is shown having 12 cup holders in the outer row cup holder section 506 and 7 cup holders in the inner row cup holder section 508, but the disclosure intends for fewer or more cup holders and fewer or more rows, which may be determined by the overall size of the beverage manufacturing system 500, the size of the cups 520, and other considerations that will come to the mind of those skilled in the art.

[0087]

[0158] Figure 29 is another partial cutaway view of the modified turntable assembly 504, showing an outer turntable 505 having an outer row of cup holders 506. Figure 29 also shows another embodiment of a slide assembly 530 located below the modified turntable assembly 504. As also shown in the exploded perspective view of Figure 30A, the slide assembly 530 in this embodiment includes an upper magnetic assembly 560 and a lower magnetic assembly 561. The upper magnetic assembly 560 includes an arm 532 having a portion 533 configured to engage with a cup 50 to transport the cup 50 from the outer row of cup holders 506 to the inner row of cup holders 508 through an opening 512 located within the outer row of cup holders 506, as substantially as considered above. The upper magnetic assembly 560 includes a body 562 which may be a metal, plastic, or polymer body or covering that houses magnets located within the lower plate region 563 of the upper magnetic assembly 560. The magnet located within the lower plate region 563 may be formed integrally with the lower plate region 563, or it may be housed within an opening formed within the lower plate region 563.

[0088]

[0159] The lower magnetic assembly 561 includes a roughly L-shaped bracket 564, which includes a flat upper portion 565 that is generally parallel to the lower plate area 563 of the upper magnetic assembly 560. The upper portion 565 includes a magnet 570 connected to the upper portion 565. The bracket 564 further includes a lateral portion 566 that is generally perpendicular to the upper portion 565. The bracket 564 includes a lip 567 and an installation point 568. The lower magnetic assembly 561 is installed on the rail 534 of the slide assembly 530 by the lip 567 engaging with the upper portion of the rail 534, and is attached at the installation point 568 to an arm 569 installed on the side of the rail 534. In this way, when the belt drive unit 538 of the slide assembly 530 engages with the arm 569 and moves the rail 534 laterally, the lower magnetic assembly 561 is carried forward and backward on the rail 534. In some embodiments, the lip 567 of the lower magnetic assembly 561 may be mounted on a carriage 572 positioned on a rail 534, and a belt drive 538 engages with the carriage 572 and / or arm 569 to facilitate the movement of the lower magnetic assembly 561 along the slide assembly 350. The magnets of the upper magnetic assembly 560 and the lower magnetic assembly 561 may be formed integrally, provided in openings or recesses within their respective assemblies, press-fitted, bonded, mechanically fixed, or configured in other ways that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0089]

[0160] In some embodiments, the magnets in the upper magnetic assembly 560 and the lower magnetic assembly 561 include multiple magnets in each of the upper and lower assemblies 561. In embodiments having multiple magnets in each of the upper and lower assemblies 560 and the lower assembly 561, some of the magnets may be arranged to have a polarity in a different direction from the polarity of the other magnets in each of the upper and lower assemblies 561, and as a result, they may be magnetically positioned in only one direction or orientation (for example, a precise position as shown in Figure 29) to prevent the upper magnetic assembly 560 from being mispositioned by an operator so that it is facing the wrong direction.

[0090]

[0161] The rail 534 and the lower magnetic assembly 561 are positioned below the sink 600 (discussed later in relation to Figures 31-35 and not shown in Figure 29). The modified turntable assembly 504 is positioned within the sink 600 so that spills and waste from beverage preparation flow into the sink for drainage and washing. The upper magnetic assembly 560 is positioned above the sink 600 so as to be directly above the lower magnetic assembly 561. Thus, the sink 600 is positioned within the gap 571 between the upper magnetic assembly 560 and the lower magnetic assembly 561. In this way, when the rail 534 moves the slide assembly 530 laterally toward the lower magnetic assembly 561, the attractive force of the magnet 570 in the upper part 565 of the lower magnetic assembly 561 toward the magnet in the body 562 within the upper magnetic assembly 560 causes the lower magnetic assembly 561 to move laterally toward the upper magnetic assembly 560 along the bottom of the sink 600, following a path corresponding to the bottom of the sink 600.

[0091]

[0162] Since the upper magnetic assembly 560 is located at the bottom of a sink 600 that can collect spills from beverages prepared by the beverage manufacturing system 500, the upper magnetic assembly 560 may require periodic cleaning. As considered above, the upper magnetic assembly 560 may be manufactured such that its outer surface is made of plastic, polymer, or has a coating that allows for easy cleaning. Thus, the upper magnetic assembly 560 can be easily removed in the event of cleaning because there is no mechanical or fixed connection to the slide assembly 530, and only the engagement portion between the upper magnetic assembly 560 and the lower magnetic assembly 561 is magnetized. Therefore, the magnetic coupling of the upper magnetic assembly 560 and the lower magnetic assembly 561 allows for easy manual removal and replacement by a user or operator of the beverage manufacturing system 500 without the need for tools or disassembly of the slide assembly 530. Furthermore, this configuration prevents spills from beverage preparation from coming into contact with the lower magnetic assembly 561, motor 536, belt drive unit 538, and rail 534, which are located below or beneath the sink.

[0092]

[0163] Figure 30B is a perspective view of another embodiment showing the lower magnetic assembly 561 coupled to the carriage 572, with the remaining portions of the slide assembly 530 and outer turntable 505 cut out. Figure 30C shows a perspective view from below or the bottom of the inner turntable 505 and outer turntable 507 and the slide assembly 530. In the embodiments shown, the upper magnetic assembly 560 is equipped with a pusher plate 573 which can be attached to the bottom or lower portion of the body 562 of the upper magnetic assembly 560. In some embodiments, the pusher plate 573 may not be attached to the bottom of the body 562, but instead may be simply attached to or fitted into the front end 574 of the body 562. The pusher plate 573 may be configured to have a wedge 575 or a V-shaped front edge. It will be recognized that ice distributed into cups 50 located within the outer turntable 505 can flow down and collect in the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row, and that as the cups 50 are moved to the cup receiving section 508 of the inner row, the ice can be pushed by the cups 50 and consequently collect in the cup receiving section 508 of the inner row. The ice can also fall into the sink 600 below the inner turntable 505 and outer turntable 507 and collect therein. As the upper magnetic assembly 560 is positioned at the bottom of the sink 600, ice may obstruct the smooth and efficient movement of the upper sliding assembly 560 along the bottom of the sink 600 while the cups 50 are being transported between the outer turntable 505 and the inner turntable 507. The front edge of the wedge 575 of the pusher plate 573 acts as a snowplow, moving or shifting ice located at the bottom of the sink 600 in the path of the upper magnetic assembly 560 during cup transport.

[0093]

[0164] Figures 30B-30C further illustrate another embodiment of the inner turntable 507 with modifications made to the inner row cup holders 508. In this embodiment, openings 576 are provided in the lower rear portion 577 of each of the inner row cup holders 508. The openings 576 allow ice, which, for example, collects in or is pushed into the inner row cup holders 508 by cups 50, to be further pushed out of the inner row cup holders 508 through the openings 576 and fall into the sink 600 located below the inner turntable 507. This prevents the accumulation of ice that would otherwise collect at the bottom of the inner row cup holders 508 and obstruct the transport of cups 50 into the inner row cup holders 508.

[0094]

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner row cup holder 508 includes a sloping portion 578 along the lower front edge 579 of the inner row cup holder 508. The sloping portion 578 gradually increases in height or thickness from the lower front edge 579 toward the height of the bottom 585 of the inner row cup holder 508. The sloping portion 578 allows the bottom edge of the cup 50 to transition more smoothly from the outer row cup holder 506 to the inner row cup holder 508 without colliding with or catching on a vertical or sharp edge at the lower front edge 579 of the inner row cup holder 508.

[0095]

[0166] Figures 30B-C further show a notch 587 that forms a rectangular opening along the lower front edge 579 of the inner row cup holder 508. The notch 587 allows the arm 532 of the upper magnetic assembly 560 to extend sufficiently into the inner row cup holder 508 in order to allow the cup 50 to move completely into its designated position within the inner row cup holder 508.

[0096]

[0167] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a modified turntable assembly 504 disposed within a sink 600 according to another embodiment of the beverage production system 500. In this embodiment, an upper sensor 588 is shown positioned above the inner turntable 507. The upper sensor 588 may be mounted above the inner turntable 507 as part of or as part of the beverage production system 500. The upper sensor 588 is positioned to sense whether a cup 50 is present or absent in the inner row cup holder 508 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the turntable 504. In this embodiment, only one sensor 588 is provided and is positioned within the inner row cup holder 508 to determine whether a cup 50 is in the position when the cup 50 is moved by the slide assembly 530 from the outer row cup holder 506 to the inner row cup holder 508. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, one or more additional sensors may be used and positioned to detect the presence of cups 50 in other locations or in all cup holders within the inner turntable 507. Furthermore, the upper sensor 588 may be movable, such as by being driven by a motor, to sense cups 50 in other locations, or it may include an array of sensors oriented in various directions to sense cups 50 in any combination of cup holders within the inner turntable 507.

[0097]

[0168] Similarly, a lateral sensor 589 may be positioned adjacent to the outer turntable 505 and may be attached to the sink 600 or to other structures of the beverage production system 500. The lateral sensor 589 is positioned to sense whether a cup 50 is present or absent in the outer row cup holder 506 in a direction horizontal to the surface of the turntable 504. In this embodiment, only one sensor 589 is provided and is positioned within the outer row cup holder 506 to determine whether the cup 50 is in a position as it is moved by the sliding assembly 530 from the outer row cup holder 506 to the inner row cup holder 508. The lateral sensor 589 may be positioned at a constant height to detect horizontally traversing above the outer turntable 505 and any portion of the cup 50 extending above the outer turntable 505. It should be recognized that in other embodiments, one or more additional sensors may be used and positioned to detect the presence of cups in other positions or the presence of cups 50 in all cup holders within the outer turntable 505. Furthermore, the lower sensor 589 may be movable, such as by being driven by a motor, to sense cups 50 in other positions, or it may include an array of sensors oriented in various directions to sense cups 50 in any combination of cup holders within the outer turntable 505. Sensors 588, 589 may be photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, passive infrared sensors, or other motion sensors, infrared transducers, ultrasound, cameras, computer vision, combinations thereof, or any known or future-developed sensors capable of detecting the presence of one or more cups 50 in the inner and / or outer rows of cup holders 506, 508.

[0098]

[0169] The following is a brief overview of the operation of a portion of the beverage manufacturing system 500 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the slide assembly 530 is positioned to move the cup 50 from the outer row of cup receiving section 506 to the inner row of cup receiving section 508, at a position immediately before the position in the outer turntable 505 where the cup 50 is dispensed and filled. When the cup 50 is dispensed and filled, the fully filled beverage remains in the cup receiving section in the outer turntable 505. As the outer turntable 505 is rotated, for example, clockwise, to continuously dispense and fill the beverage, a lateral sensor 589 determines whether a cup 50 is present in a cup receiving section adjacent to the slide assembly 530. If no cup 50 is detected, the outer turntable 505 may be rotated to continue filling the beverage. However, if the lateral sensor 589 detects a cup 50 in an adjacent cup holder within the outer turntable 505, the upper sensor 588 detects whether a cup 50 exists in the inner row's cup holder 508 at the position where the cup 50 is moved to the inner turntable 507 by the slide assembly 530. If the upper center 588 determines that a cup 50 does not exist in the adjacent inner row's cup holder 508, the slide assembly is activated and the cup 50 is moved or transferred from the outer row's cup holder 506 to the inner row's cup holder 508. The outer turntable 505 is then rotated to fill the cup holder vacated by this transfer with the next beverage. However, if the upper center 588 detects a cup 50 in an inner row's cup holder 508 located adjacent to the slide assembly 530, the inner turntable 507 is rotated, for example, in one direction to determine whether the next inner cup holder is blocked. If the next cup holder in the inner row is blocked, the inner turntable 507 continues to rotate until an empty cup holder is in position, or it is determined that all cup holders in the inner turntable 507 are blocked.This system may employ logic to periodically rotate or recheck the empty cup receiving sections of either or both the outer turntable 505 and the inner turntable 507.

[0099]

[0170] Figure 31 shows details of the sink 600. In this embodiment, the sink 600 is substantially rectangular, but in other embodiments it may be elliptical, circular, or molded in other ways. The sink 600 may be constructed from plastic, polymer, aluminum, or other materials. In this embodiment, the sink 600 is a single, integral component constructed substantially from a polymer material. Referring further to Figure 32, the sink 600 has an upper outer edge 601 extending around the sink 600 from a concave tab 602. The upper outer edge 601 is provided for holding and positioning the sink 600 within a cabinet, frame, or other structure (not shown) of the beverage manufacturing system 500. The concave tab 602 has a wall 604 extending from the top surface 606 to the bottom surface 608 of the sink 600, the wall 604 defining the roughly circular outer shape of the concave tab 602. The sink 600 includes an opening or drain 610 on its bottom surface 608, where spills and waste from beverages produced by the beverage production system 500 can be collected and removed from the sink 600. Piping (not shown) for discharging spills and waste may be connected to the drain 610.

[0100]

[0171] Referring to Figures 31-33, the sink 600 and recessed tab 602 are resized to accommodate the modified turntable assembly 504. In these figures, the outer turntable 505 and inner turntable 507, having outer row cup holders 506 and inner row cup holders 508, are shown positioned within the recessed tab 602 of the sink 600. In particular, the cup holder 506a (to be discussed in more detail later) is shown positioned within the outer row cup holder 506 in Figure 31 and removed from the figure shown in Figure 33. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 31-36, the cup holder 506a may be provided only in the outer row cup holder 506, and the inner row cup holder 508 may not include the cup holder 506a; instead, the cup holder may be integrally formed as part of the inner turntable 507.

[0101]

[0172] The recessed tab 602 may include a lip 612 (see Figure 32) extending around the upper portion of the recessed tab 602, configured to receive the outer edge 614 (see Figure 31) of the outer turntable 505. The wall 604 may include ribs 616 or other various configurations extending from the wall 604 to facilitate engagement with the mating portion (not shown) of the outer turntable 505. Furthermore, structural components 619, such as tracks or channels, are formed within the bottom 608 of the sink 600. The structural components 619 are configured to facilitate the guidance and movement of the upper magnetic assembly 560 along the bottom 608 of the sink 600 when the slide assembly 530 is operated.

[0102]

[0173] The sink 600 may further include a centering post 618 located in the center of a recessed tab 602 and extending from the bottom 608 of the sink 600, configured to engage with an opening 620 at the center of the inner turntable 507. In some embodiments, the centering post 618 is provided to orient the inner turntable 507 for rotation around the centering post 618. In this embodiment, a motor or drive unit may be located elsewhere and can engage with the inner turntable 507 for rotation of the inner turntable 507. Referring further to Figure 34, a side view of the sink 600 is shown. In this embodiment, the centering post 618 may be omitted, and an opening (not shown) at the bottom 608 of the sink 600 may be provided in the position of the centering post 618. A motor 630 can drive a shaft 632 extending through the opening, and the engaging end 634 of the shaft 632 (see also Figure 35) may be configured to attach to the inner turntable 507 for rotation of the inner turntable 507. In this embodiment, the inner turntable 507 is formed to have a centrally located opening formed to engage with the engaging end 634 of the shaft 632 for rotation. As shown in Figure 34, the sink 600 is considered to be generally sloped from left 635 to right 636 toward the drain 610, so that the flow of liquid spillage in the recessed tab 602 toward the drain 610 can be facilitated for discharge.

[0103]

[0174] In the embodiment shown in Figure 35, the sink 600 may further include an inner wall 638 that generally defines an inner concentric ring (relative to an outer concentric ring defined by the wall 604 of the recessed tab 602) within the recessed tab 602, the inner concentric ring being sized and configured to receive an inner turntable 507. In this embodiment, the inner wall 638 does not form a perfect circle and includes an opening 640. The opening 640 is located on the modified turntable assembly 504 where the cups 50 are transported by the slide assembly 530 from the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row to the cup receiving section 508 of the inner row, as discussed earlier, allowing the cups 50 to pass between the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row and the cup receiving section 508 of the inner row. The inner wall 638 can provide an additional structure to stabilize the inner turntable 507 during rotation and can also function as a barrier to prevent cups 50 that have not been moved between the outer turntable 505 and the inner turntable 507 during rotation from moving or sliding out of the cup receiving portion 508 of the inner row. In this embodiment, the inner wall 638 can prevent liquid spills from reaching the drain 610 directly. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner wall 638 can be equipped with a drain access opening 642 along the lower portion of the wall 638 adjacent to the bottom portion 608 of the sink 600. The drain access opening 642 can be located on the side of the wall 638 closest to the drain 610, and as a result, the inclined overall design of the bottom portion 608 of the sink 600 considered above (see Figure 34) allows spills to flow out of the area within the inner wall 638 to the drain 610.

[0104]

[0175] As can be seen in Figures 29-35, each of the individual cup holders 506a, the outer turntable 505 and the inner turntable 507, and the upper magnetic assembly 560 of the slide assembly 530 are all easily removable, either separately or as a whole, for easy cleaning of the individual cup holders 506a, the outer turntable 505 and the inner turntable 507, and the upper magnetic assembly 560. After removal, whether the sink 600 is removed or not, the sink 600 and the recessed tab 602 can be accessed and cleaned, and all excess fluid from the cleaning will incline towards the drain 610 and exit the sink 600. Thus, the inner turntable 507 can be easily removed and returned to its fixed position in the sink by simply lifting the inner turntable 507 to disengage it from its stationary engagement with the engaging end 634 of the shaft 632 (see also Figure 35). Similarly, the outer turntable 505 can be easily removed and returned to its original position within the sink 600 without disassembling or reassembling the drive system or other components.

[0105]

[0176] Figures 36A–E are perspective views showing one embodiment of a drive system 700 for driving an outer turntable 505. Figure 36A shows the outer turntable 505 disposed within a recessed tab 602 of a sink 600. In this embodiment, the drive system 700 may include two pinch drives 704 and two idlers 706 installed in the sink 600. Each pinch drive 704 includes an electric motor 702, but in other embodiments, a pneumatic system or other systems may be employed. The motors 702 drive an up pinch roller 708 and a down pinch roller 710. In some embodiments, the electric motor 702 can drive the rotation of both pinch rollers 708 and 710, whereas in other embodiments, the drive unit can drive the rotation of only the down pinch roller 710, with the up pinch roller 708 provided for stability and tension, and vice versa. The pinch drive unit 704 and the up-side pinch roller 708 and down-side pinch roller 710 can be seen in the exploded view of Figure 36E, where the edge portion 712 of the outer turntable 505 is positioned between the up-side pinch roller 708 and the down-side pinch roller 710, resulting in frictional engagement between the up-side pinch roller 708 and the down-side pinch roller 710 and the upper and lower surfaces of the edge portion 712 of the outer turntable 505. Thus, when the electric motor 702 drives one or both of the pinch rollers 708 and 710, the frictional engagement of the up-side pinch roller 708 and the down-side pinch roller 710 with respect to the edge portion 712 of the outer turntable 505 facilitates the rotation of the outer turntable 505 in the desired direction.

[0106]

[0177] The idler 706 includes an idler roller 714 and a lift bearing 716. The idler roller 714 is positioned to face the outer edge of the outer turntable 505 and engages with the outer edge of the outer turntable 505, and is provided to apply tension to the outer turntable 505 along a horizontal plane parallel to the upper horizontal surface of the outer turntable 505 to stabilize it. Similarly, the lift bearing 716 is positioned below the lower surface of the edge portion 712 of the outer turntable 505 and engages with the lower surface of the edge portion 712 of the outer turntable 505, and is provided to apply tension to the outer turntable 505 along a vertical plane parallel to the vertical surface of the wall 604 of the recessed tab 602 to stabilize it, for example, to prevent the outer turntable 505 from sagging near the position of the idler 706. The up-side pinch roller 708 and down-side pinch roller 710, the idler roller 714, and the lift bearing 716 may be constructed of rubber or other material to facilitate frictional engagement of the rollers with the surface of the outer turntable 505.

[0107]

[0178] The pinch drive units 704 and idlers 706 are shown arranged in specific positions around the sink 600 and the outer turntable 505, but the pinch drive units 704 and idlers 706 may be provided in other arrangements and configurations in other embodiments. Similarly, two pinch drive units 704 and two idlers 706 are shown, but it is intended that fewer or more may be provided in other embodiments. Furthermore, although two idlers 706 are described, it will be recognized that the idlers 706 are provided primarily to support the outer turntable 505, and that other support structures or support systems may also be employed, as will readily come to the minds of those skilled in the art.

[0108]

[0179] Referring to Figure 37, a portion of the beverage manufacturing system 500 is shown in more detail. A cup 50 is shown positioned in one of the cup holders 506 (similarly shown in partial cutouts) in the outer row of a modified turntable assembly 504 (shown in partial cutouts). A lid-and-print assembly 502 and a beverage dispensing station 503 are also shown.

[0109]

[0180] Referring further to Figure 38, the lid-printing assembly 502 is shown in more detail. The lid-printing assembly 502 includes a sealing film 544, an inline printer 540, and a perforating device 542. The sealing film 544 may be supplied in a roll (as shown) and placed on a series of rollers 546. The sealing film 544 may be fed into one or more motors / rollers 548, so that when the sealing film 544 is pulled by one or more motors / rollers 548, the roll of sealing film 544 unfolds and extends to a position for sealing as a lid 60 over the cup 50. The inline printer 540 prints a beverage identification mark on the top or apex side of the sealing film 544 so that it is visible to the server or customer. The beverage identification mark may identify the type and size of the beverage, an accompanying order number, the customer's name, or any other useful or identifying information.

[0110]

[0181] The perforating device 542 can make holes, cuts, or various notches in the sealing film 544 to facilitate the insertion of a drinking straw through the sealing film 544, for example, but not limited to. A sealer bulb 550 is positioned above the sealing film 544 and the lip or rim of the cup 50. An electric current may then be passed through the sealer bulb 550 to generate heat for heat-sealing the sealing film 544 around the lip or rim of the cup 50. The sealing film 544 may then be separated, for example, by cutting the sealing film 544 or tearing it along the perforated or cut sections. The disclosure also intends that in other embodiments, the printing process, the perforating process, and the heat-sealing process may be performed in a different order.

[0111]

[0182] Figure 38 further shows a lift assembly 580. The lift assembly 580 operates to lift the cup 50 vertically from its seated position in the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row, carrying the top lip or top rim of the cup 50 to a fixed position below the lid-printing assembly 502 for lidging. The lift assembly 508 includes a linear actuator 582 and a cup centering device 584. The cup centering device 584 is coupled to an elbow 586 extending from the bottom of the linear actuator 582. A belt-driven motor (not shown) drives the linear actuator 582 vertically up and down perpendicular to a plane parallel to the surface of the modified turntable assembly 504. The belt-driven motor (not shown) may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. A plunger limit switch 583 is configured to determine when the linear actuator 582 has raised the cup 50 vertically sufficiently to the position for lidging.

[0112]

[0183] Referring further to Figure 39A, a top-down view of a portion of the modified turntable assembly 504 is shown. As can be seen, the cup centering device 584 is positioned within an opening in the bottom 590 of the outer row cup holder 506. In this embodiment, the cup centering device 584 is cross-shaped and extends through a larger but similarly configured cross-shaped opening 581 located at the bottom of the outer row cup holder 506. Figure 39B further shows a more detailed perspective view of one of the cup holders of the outer row cup holder 506, which may also be referred to as a cup holder 506a. The cup centering device 584 is configured to engage with the bottom of a cup 50 to vertically lift the cup 50 out of the outer row cup holder 506 when the linear actuator 582 is raised. The cup centering device 584 may be configured to facilitate engagement of the bottom of the cup 50, so that the cup centering device 584 is positioned generally in the center of the bottom of the cup 50, stabilizing the cup 50 during the lifting and lowering process. The cup centering device 584 is shown as schematically cross-shaped, but as alternative forms, other shapes and configurations for engaging with the bottom of the cup 50 for these purposes will readily come to mind.

[0113]

[0184] Once the lid-setting and printing process is complete, the linear actuator 582 lowers the cup 50 back into place within the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row. Before the outer turntable 505 is rotated, the linear actuator 582 may be lowered further, so that the cup centering device 584 is positioned below and away from the bottom of the cup receiving section 506 of the outer row so as not to interfere with the rotation of the outer turntable 505.

[0114]

[0185] In other embodiments (not shown), all or part of the lid-printing assembly 502 may be positioned above the cup 50 and moved vertically downward toward the cup 50 to lid the cup 50, while the cup 50 remains stationary within the cup receiving portion 506 of the outer row.

[0115]

[0186] Figure 40A shows another diagram of a portion of the beverage production system 500. An ice chute 594 is shown connected to a portion of an ice dispenser 596 to distribute ice into cups 50 placed in the outer row of cup holders 506. In this embodiment, the ice dispenser 596 is configured to provide ice only into cups 50 on the outer row of cup holders 506, as already considered with reference to Figure 12. Figures 40B and 40C show other portions of the beverage production system 500. As can be seen, the beverage production system 500 includes, arranged in series, a cup dispensing station 130, an ice dispensing chute 594, a beverage dispensing station 503, and a printing and lid assembly 502. Therefore, the beverage manufacturing system 500 fulfills the order by distributing cups 50 into the outer row cup holders 506, distributing ice into the cups 50, filling the cups 50 with beverage via the beverage distributing station 503, and covering the cups 50 with lids via the lid-printing assembly 502 and printing labels on the cups 50. As considered above, the process further includes moving the filled beverages from the outer row cup holders 506 to the inner row cup holders 508 as desired, in order to allow more beverages to be prepared and stored until they are removed for inspection.

[0116]

[0187] It will be recognized that the overall configuration of the beverage manufacturing system 500 may have advantages over the beverage manufacturing system 100 described further above. For example, completely filling the outer row cup receiving section 506 with beverage can be achieved using only a single station for each of the processes of distributing cups, distributing ice, distributing beverage, and covering multiple rows, each of which requires multiple stations and thus additional space, additional equipment, and additional complexity.

[0117]

[0188] Referring now to Figure 41, another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system 800 is shown. The beverage manufacturing system 800 includes a support table 810, and further includes several components of the system described above, including a beverage handling assembly 120 disposed on the support table 810, as well as a freezer chamber 112 and an electronic equipment housing 814 disposed beneath the table 810.

[0118]

[0189] The beverage handling assembly 120 includes multiple stations for carrying out various stages or steps of the beverage manufacturing process. Specifically, the beverage handling assembly 120 includes a cup dispensing station 130, an ice dispensing station 180, a beverage dispensing station 190, and a lidding station 200. The beverage can be manufactured by advancing through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 using a conveyor assembly 822.

[0119]

[0190] Referring next to Figure 42, the conveyor assembly 822 includes a central hub 824 and a plurality of cup holders 828 movably connected to the hub 824. Specifically, the central hub 824 has a periphery or side surface 826 that is elongated ellipse or stadium-shaped. The cup holders 828 are movably connected to the central hub 824, and as a result, during operation, the cup holders 828 are moved laterally along the periphery 826, allowing them to move forward through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 of the beverage handling assembly 120.

[0120]

[0191] Referring now to Figure 43, in some embodiments, the cup holders 828 may be connected to a continuous conveyor 821 that rotates around a pair of pulleys 823. The conveyor 821 may comprise a belt or chain connected to a plurality of cup holders 828. Specifically, each cup holder 828 includes a cup holder 829 connected to the conveyor 821 using a support 827. Each pulley 823 includes a central axis 825. During operation, one or both of the pulleys 823 may be actuated to rotate around the corresponding axis 825 (e.g., via an electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor, or other suitable driver), thereby generally rotating the conveyor 821 around the central hub 824. The rotation of the conveyor 821 around the pulleys 823 further moves the cup holders 828 along the periphery 826 of the central hub 824.

[0121]

[0192] The cup holder 828 can include a number of different shapes, designs, and features in various embodiments. For example, referring to Figure 44, in some embodiments, the cup holder 829 may include a ring that can tightly engage with the cup 50 to prevent (or at least restrict) the cup 50 from moving inside when the cup holder 828 is moved along the periphery 826 of the central hub 824 during operation (Figures 42 and 43).

[0122]

[0193] Referring next to Figure 45, in some embodiments, the cup holder 829 may comprise a cup-shaped member having side walls 841 and a bottom 842. In some embodiments, the side walls 841 may loosely contact the cup 50, allowing some movement of the cup 50 within the cup holder 829 during operation.

[0123]

[0194] Referring now to Figure 46, in some embodiments the cup holder 829 may comprise a plurality of leaf spring elements 844 that are biased to engage with the cup 50 (Figures 42 and 43) inserted into the cup holder 829. In some embodiments the leaf spring elements 844 may engage with the cup 50 to prevent the cup 50 from moving during operation.

[0124]

[0195] Referring now to Figure 47, in some embodiments, the cup holder 829 may comprise a pair of gripper arms 846 that can be actuated to engage with and hold the cup 50 during operation. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the gripper arms 846 are pivotally connected to an elongated member 848 that can extend and retract into a support 827. A biasing member 849 (e.g., a coil spring) may be connected to the elongated member 848 to bias it into the support 827. Once the elongated member 848 has moved into the support 827 (e.g., via the biasing member 849), the gripper arms 846 can engage with the support 827 and rotate toward each other about an axis 845. Thus, during operation, when the cup 50 is inserted into the holder 829, the gripper arms 846 can close toward the inserted cup 50 via the spring force provided by the biasing member 849. In addition, in some embodiments, an additional support ring 843 is included on the holder 829 below the gripper arm 846 to provide additional support for the cups 50 inserted into the holder 829. Not bound by this theory or any other theory, the actuation of the gripper arm 846 can enable the fixed holding of various sizes (e.g., having various widths) within the cup holder 829 during operation. In some embodiments, the gripper arms 846 can act away from each other against a spring force provided by the biasing member 849 to receive the cups 50 to be distributed when the holder 829 is aligned with the cup distribution station 130. The actuation of the gripper arms 846 away from each other can be achieved through the engagement of the gripper arms 846 (or components connected to the gripper arms 846) with a cam surface on or adjacent to the conveyor assembly 822.

[0125]

[0196] Referring now to Figures 42 and 43, the cup receiving section 828 (and in particular the cup holder 829) is aligned with stations 130, 180, 190, and 200, as will be described in more detail later, and as part of the beverage manufacturing process, the cup receiving section 828 may be moved along the periphery 826 of the central hub 824 during operation to dispense cups 50, ice, beverage, and lids 60, respectively.

[0126]

[0197] Referring to Figure 41, the beverage production system 800 may include systems that are substantially similar in operation and configuration to those already described above, such as the tubular magazine 132, dispenser 134, beverage dispensing nozzle 194, and the tubular magazine 202 containing the lid 60 of the cup dispensing station 200.

[0127]

[0198] In addition, the beverage manufacturing system 800 is equipped with a user interface 116. An employee or customer can select a desired beverage on the user interface 116 and then initiate the beverage manufacturing process outlined above. In some embodiments, the beverage manufacturing system 800 can receive commands to manufacture beverages via other electronic devices communicably connected to the beverage manufacturing and distribution system 800 via a suitable network or connection. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage manufacturing system 800 can receive commands to manufacture beverages from a point-of-sale management system of a restaurant or dining establishment that can take orders via a customer or employee. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale management system may include part of a computer system, and the computer system further includes the beverage manufacturing system 800 (e.g., the computer system 400 described above).

[0128]

[0199] When a command to produce a beverage is received by the beverage production system 800, the cup receiving section 828 can be advanced through the conveyor assembly 822 to stations 130, 180, 190, and 200, as already described. At the same time, the assemblies and mechanisms within each of stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 can be operated in the manner described above to produce a beverage.

[0129]

[0200] In some embodiments, the beverage manufacturing system 800 may include a beverage identification assembly 860 for identifying ready beverages that are advanced through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 to be picked up by an employee or customer. Specifically, the beverage identification assembly 860 may comprise a plurality of light sources 862 (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or other suitable light-emitting devices) connected to a beverage handling assembly 120, configured to emit light of a selected color that can correspond to a particular beverage (or order). During operation, a cup 50 (with or without a lid 60) may be aligned via a conveyor assembly 822 to a selected light source among the light sources 862, causing the light sources 862 to emit light of a color corresponding to the aligned beverage. In some embodiments, the light sources 862 may comprise an electronic display (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic LED (OLED) display, or a microLED display) capable of displaying an image (e.g., letters and / or symbols) to convey sufficient information for identifying a beverage (e.g., name, order number, table number, vehicle identification information).

[0130]

[0201] Referring now to Figure 48, another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system 900 is shown. The beverage manufacturing system 900 may include a number of features that are substantially similar in configuration and operation to those already discussed, such as a support table 810, a beverage handling assembly 120 placed on the support table 810, a freezer 112 supported above the beverage handling assembly 120, and an electronics housing 814 disposed below the table 810.

[0131]

[0202] The beverage handling assembly 120 includes multiple stations for carrying out various stages or steps of the beverage manufacturing process. Specifically, the beverage handling assembly 120 includes a cup dispensing station 130, an ice dispensing station 180, a beverage dispensing station 190, and a capping station 200.

[0132]

[0203] The beverage can be produced by advancing through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 using a turntable 922. More specifically, the turntable 922 is a cylindrical member including a plurality of cup holders 925 arranged around its peripheral edge. During operation, a driver (e.g., an electric motor, hydraulic motor, magnetic motor, or pneumatic motor) rotates the turntable 922 about a central axis 927 to align the cup holders 925 with respect to stations 130, 180, 190, and 200, so that, as part of the beverage production process, it can dispense cups 50, ice, beverages, and lids 60, respectively.

[0133]

[0204] In this embodiment, referring next to Figures 48 and 49, multiple magazines 132 are connected to and extend from the corresponding dispensers 134. Each magazine 132 can hold multiple stacked cups 50 within it. Each dispenser 134 is generally aligned with a cup receiving section 925, so that during operation, cups 50 can be supplied from the magazines 132 to the dispensers 134 and then distributed from the dispensers 134 into the aligned cup receiving sections 925 on the turntable 922. In some embodiments, the magazines 132 can be detached from the dispensers 132 to facilitate loading the cups 50 inside.

[0134]

[0205] In some embodiments, each dispenser 134 may be configured to dispense cups 50 of various sizes and / or types into the cup receiving section 925 during operation. As shown in Figure 48, the dispensers 134 are positioned such that each dispenser 134 aligns with a different cup receiving section of the cup receiving section 925 at a specific rotational position of the turntable 922 around the axis 927.

[0135]

[0206] Referring specifically to Figure 49, each dispenser 134 includes a central axis 135, a first side or upper side 134a, and a second side or lower side 134b opposite the upper side 134a. The receiving section 136 extends axially through the dispenser 134 between sides 134a and 134b with respect to the axis 135. A corresponding magazine 132 engages with the receiving section 136 at the upper side 134a and extends along the axis 135 away from the upper side 134a. During operation, the cups 50 dispensed from the magazine 132 move through the receiving section 136 and are discharged from the lower side 134b.

[0136]

[0207] The dispenser 134 has an internal chamber 167 through which a cup 50 enters and exits via a receiving portion 136. A ring gear 166 is disposed within the chamber 167 and aligned with the receiving portion 136 along the shaft 135. A drive gear 168 engages (e.g., meshes) with the gear teeth or other suitable structure on each radially outer surface of the ring gear 166. The drive gear 168 is coupled to a driver 162 which may be installed within the internal chamber 167. During operation, the driver 162 can rotate the drive gear 168, thereby driving the rotation of the ring gear 166 around the shaft 135. In some embodiments, the driver 162 comprises an electric motor, while in other embodiments, the driver 162 may comprise a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and the like. Multiple wedge members 164 are arranged within the ring gear 166, each wedge member 164 comprising a cylindrical body 174 including a central axis or longitudinal axis. Dispenser 134 operates in substantially the same manner as those described above in relation to Figures 6 and 7.

[0137]

[0208] Referring now to Figure 50, another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system 1000 is shown. Similar to the system discussed above, the beverage manufacturing system 1000 includes a support table 810, a beverage handling assembly 120 positioned on the support table 1110, a freezer chamber 122 supported above the beverage handling assembly 120, and an electronic equipment housing 814 positioned below the table 810.

[0138]

[0209] The beverage handling assembly 120 includes several stations for carrying out various stages or steps of the beverage manufacturing process, which may be similar in configuration and operation to the stations already considered above, such as the cup dispensing station 130, the ice dispensing station 180, the beverage dispensing station 190, and the lidding station 200. The beverage may be manufactured by advancing through stations 130, 180, 190, and 200 using the conveyor assembly 1122. In some embodiments, the conveyor assembly 1122 may be configured and can operate similarly to the conveyor 822 described above in relation to Figures 42-47. Similarly, the cup dispensing station 120 and the lidding station 200 may operate according to any of the various configurations considered above.

[0139]

[0210] The beverage manufacturing system 1000 may further include a beverage identification assembly 1260 which may comprise a plurality of radiators 1262 connected to a beverage handling assembly 120, configured to radiate light 1264 onto a cup 50 and (if present) a lid 60, which can be used to identify a particular beverage or beverage order. In some embodiments, the light 1264 may be color-coded to identify a particular beverage (or order) using different colors. In some embodiments, the light 1264 may generate an image (e.g., letters and / or symbols) on the beverage that can provide sufficient information (e.g., name, order number, table number, vehicle identification information). In some embodiments, the radiators 1262 may comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or other suitable light-emitting devices.

[0140]

[0211] Figures 51-53 show yet another embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system 1300. The beverage manufacturing system 1300 may be similar in several respects to the various beverage manufacturing systems already described, such as the beverage manufacturing system 500. For example, in this embodiment, the modified turntable assembly 504 includes an outer turntable 505 and an inner turntable 507. However, in this embodiment, the outer turntable 505 does not have an outer row of cup holders 506, and instead the outer turntable 505 is a flat rotating surface or dial 1302. The dial 1302 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including plastic or polymer materials, rubber, stainless steel, or other materials. In some embodiments, the dial 1302 may be constructed of a material that promotes frictional engagement of the cup 50 with the dial 1302 to prevent the cup from sliding off the dial 1302, while still allowing the cup 50 to move up onto the dial 1302. The inner turntable 507 in this embodiment continues to have an inner row of cup holders 508. In this embodiment of the beverage manufacturing system 1300, the inner row of cup holders 508, which may also be referred to in this part of the description as cup holders 506a, is a separate and removable component from the inner turntable 507, although in other embodiments, these components may be formed integrally. As described above, the inner turntable 505 and the outer turntable 507 are configured to rotate independently of each other and may be equipped with a drive unit, motor, and gearbox (not shown) that operate in the same manner as described above in relation to the inner turntable 124 and the outer turntable 126 and the beverage manufacturing system 500.

[0141]

[0212] The beverage production system 1300 employs another embodiment of the cup dispensing station 130. In this embodiment, multiple tubular magazines 132 are fixed above a modified turntable assembly 504 and configured to distribute cups 50 of various sizes into cup receiving sections 508 in an inner row. The cups 50 are automatically dispensed from the tubular magazines 132 by various methods already considered. For example, when a beverage of a particular size is ordered, the beverage production system 1300 causes the tubular magazine 132 containing cups 50 of the ordered size to dispense or drop the cups 50 into the cup receiving section 506 directly below using the techniques described herein.

[0142]

[0213] In this embodiment, the beverage is fully filled into the inner turntable 507 and moved to the outer turntable 505 for removal by the user. Referring to Figure 53, the beverage production system 1300 includes a circular separation wall 1304 located between the inner turntable 507 and the outer turntable 505. The separation wall 1304 provides a barrier to help position the cups 50 within the inner row cup receiving section 508 when the cups 50 are dropped into the inner row cup receiving section 508 and rotated to a station for receiving ice and beverage.

[0143]

[0214] Referring further to Figure 54, in some embodiments, a sink 1307 similar to the sink 600 described above may be employed in this embodiment and may be modified to include a separation wall 1304 which is a component of the sink 1307 or is integrated with the sink 1307. The separation wall 1304 includes a gap 1306, and as a result, the separation wall 1304 does not extend completely around the circumference of the inner turntable 507. The gap 1306 in the separation wall 1304 is located at a transport position 1308, where the cups 50 are transported from the cup receiving section 508 of the inner row to the dial 1302 of the outer turntable 505. As described above, the cup receiving section 508 may include a receiving opening 1310 to allow a transition arm 1312 of a transition assembly (not shown) to slide a cup 50 located in an adjacent cup receiving section 508 onto the outer turntable 505. The transition assembly may be similar to the slide assembly 530 considered above and may be driven by magnetism, or, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art, may include other motors or drive units for driving the transition arm 1312 to achieve such movement of the cup 50. The transition arm 1312 may be functionally similar to the arm 532 considered above the transition assembly 530. In this embodiment, the transition arm 1312 is substantially a cylindrical shaft, but in other embodiments it may be constructed in a different manner.

[0144]

[0215] Referring further to Figure 55, the transition arm 1312 is shown in its extended position. A transition platform 1314 is further shown, located between the cup holder bottom 1316 and the dial 1302. It will be noted that the width of the separation wall 1304 can create a gap between the cup holder bottom 1316 and the dial 1302 in some embodiments. The transition platform 1314 straddles the space between the cup holder bottom 1316 and the dial 1302, allowing for a smooth and uniform transition or movement of the cup 50 from the cup holder 580 to the dial 1302. Furthermore, as can be seen in embodiments shown in Figures 54 and 55, the inner turntable 507 includes an upper frame 1318, which is a substantially circular plate configured to have a U-shaped opening 1320 configured to receive a cup holder 506a. In this embodiment, the upper lip 1322 of the cup holder 506a extends over the U-shaped opening 1320 and rests on the upper frame 1316 by gravity.

[0145]

[0216] Figure 55 shows the sink 1307 exposed by removing the upper frame 1316 and the multiple cup holders 508. Although the upper frame 1318 and the cup holders 508 are described as separate components, these and other components of the beverage manufacturing system described herein may be formed as one or more integrated components for ease of construction, operation, or other considerations.

[0146]

[0217] Further details are provided of a drive system component 1324 that may include a motor, rollers, and other components for rotating the inner turntable 507 and / or the outer turntable 505, as has already been described or is required in other cases.

[0147]

[0218] Figure 56 shows another view of the cup holder 506a according to this embodiment. In this figure, the upper lip 1322 and the cup receiving opening 1310 may be seen. Referring further to Figure 57, the bottom side 1326 of the cup holder 506a is shown. As will be discussed in more detail later, in this embodiment, the entire cup holder 506a may be raised so that it moves out of the inner turntable 507 as part of the complete beverage filling process. In this embodiment, the cup holder 506a is raised for the purpose of covering the cup 50, but in other embodiments, the cup holder 506a may also be raised to distribute ice and / or to add beverage to the cup 50. According to this embodiment, the bottom side 1326 of the cup holder 506a is equipped with a groove 1328 for secure and stable lifting. While this embodiment shows a groove 1328, in other embodiments, a variety of configurations will be expected on the bottom side 1326 of the cup receiving 508 for secure engagement of the cup receiving 508 during vertical movement, which will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art.

[0148]

[0219] Figure 58 shows one embodiment of a lift mechanism 1330 configured to vertically lift the cup holder 508 during complete beverage filling. In this embodiment, the lift mechanism 1330 is located beneath the inner turntable 507 and sink 1307, adjacent to the cup holder 508 which will be raised for lidting and printing. The lift mechanism 1330 generally includes a drive system 1332 and a plurality of lift shafts 1334. The lift shafts 1334 are attached to the drive system 1332, and as a result, when the drive system 1332 is actuated, the drive system 1332 raises the lift shafts 1334 vertically. The drive system 1332 can operate in a variety of ways, but in this embodiment, the drive system 1332 may include a stepping motor 1336 and a lead screw 1338 attached to the stepping motor 1336.

[0149]

[0220] Referring further to Figure 59, a positioning plate 1340 may be installed in the sink 1307, adjacent to and below the position of the cup holder 508 that will be lifted. The positioning plate 1340 is equipped with a plate opening 1342 sized to receive the lift shaft 1334 through it. The lift shaft end 1344 is configured and positioned to engage with a groove 1328 on the bottom side 1326 of the cup holder 506a when the lift shaft 1334 is actuated by the drive system 1332. The lift mechanism 1330 is shown to have three lift shafts 1334, but other numbers of lift shafts 1334 may also be used.

[0150]

[0221] Figures 60 and 61 show a lid-printing system 1350 located above an inner turntable 507 and above a cup holder 508 which will be lifted by a lift mechanism 1330. In this embodiment, the lift mechanism 1330 lifts a cup holder 506a to lid and print on a cup 50 located within the cup holder 508. As discussed above, in other embodiments, other lift mechanisms 1330 may be provided to lift other cup holders 508 at other fully filled beverage positions. The lid-printing system 1350 may include embodiments of the lid-printing assembly 502 discussed above for lid-printing and printing. For example, the lid-printing system 1350 may include a sealing film 544, an inline printer 540, and a perforating device 542, as well as other components, as discussed above. In this way, when the cup holder 508 is lifted, the cup 50 located inside is positioned within the opening 1352 of the lid-printing system 1350 for lid-laying and printing of the cup 50.

[0151]

[0222] Figure 62 shows the positions of the ice dispensing station 180, the beverage dispensing station 190, and the lid-printing system 1350 according to one embodiment. As can be seen, as the inner turntable 507 rotates clockwise, the cups 50 are distributed into the cup holder 508, the cups 50 are then placed under the ice dispensing station 180 to distribute ice into the cups 50, then placed under the beverage dispensing station 190 to distribute beverage into the cups 50, and then placed under the lid-printing system 1350 to cover the cups 50 and provide an identification mark on the lid.

[0152]

[0223] In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing station 190 includes two nozzles 1353A and 1353B for dispensing beverages, but other numbers of nozzles are also intended. In this embodiment, the first nozzle 1353A may be used to fill a cup 50 with a substantial amount of beverage at a first position 1354, while the second nozzle 1353B may be used to fill the cup to the brim or complete the beverage filling at a second position 1356. It may be beneficial to provide two beverage filling positions to completely fill the cup 50 with the desired beverage. However, in other embodiments, the first nozzle 1353A and the second nozzle 1353B may be used to dispense a variety of beverages, provide redundancy, or increase the production of beverages that can be fully filled or increase the number of beverages.

[0153]

[0224] Once the beverage is fully filled on the inner turntable 507, the filled cup 50 can be moved to the outer turntable 505 via the transition arm 132. The outer turntable 505 can then be slid (index) clockwise or rotated to one or more cup positions to provide space for the next completed beverage. By providing the outer turntable 505 with a dial 1302 instead of a separate cup holder, this design can offer the advantage of providing additional space for beverages that are closer to being completed, and furthermore, can make the completed beverages more easily accessible.

[0154]

[0225] The beverage manufacturing system 1300 can operationally receive input from a point-of-sale information management system or from other systems such as the computer system 400 discussed above. Furthermore, sensors located at various positions around the beverage manufacturing system 1300 may be used to control the forward movement of the inner turntable 507 and the outer turntable 505 to ensure, for example, that the finished beverage on the dial 1302 is accessible to the user and that it does not interfere with newly filled beverages moving from the inner turntable 507.

[0155]

[0226] While the beverage manufacturing system 1300 has been described as having a cup holder 508 only on the inner turntable 507 and no cup holder on the outer turntable 505, it is intended that the outer turntable 505 may have one or more cup holders 506a, and that the inner turntable 507 may have fewer cup holders 508 or no cup holders 508 at all in other embodiments. Furthermore, while beverage manufacturing has been described as being achieved on the inner turntable 507 in this embodiment, it is intended that, instead or in addition to this, the beverage may also be fully filled on the outer turntable 505. Furthermore, while the beverage to be filled is described as being transferred from the inner turntable 507 to the outer turntable 505, the beverage to be filled may remain within the inner turntable 507, or may be filled on the outer turntable 505 and then transferred to the inner turntable 507.

[0156]

[0227] Figure 63 shows a wiper 1360 that engages with the dial 1302 to remove any material 1362 that may accumulate on the upper surface 1364 of the dial 1302. During full beverage filling, it will be recognized that material such as beverage spills, ice, and moisture may accumulate on the upper surface 1364 of the dial 1302. When the cup 50 is moved over the dial 1302, the upper surface 1364 may become slippery, and the cup 50 may not remain stationary on the dial 1302, and may slide or move undesirably on the dial 1302 when the outer turntable 505 is rotated or slid. In this embodiment, the wiper 1306 may include a body 1366 having an engaging member 1368 attached to the lower end 1370 of the engaging member 1368. The engaging member 1368 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface 1364 of the dial 1302. As the dial 1302 rotates, the engaging member 1368 engages with any moisture that may collect on the upper surface 1364 of the dial 1302, wiping or removing the moisture. In this embodiment, the wiper 1360 is located adjacent to the left side 1372 of the beverage production system 1300 and arcs across the width of the dial 1302. Moisture collected by the engaging member 1368 can be wiped or swept from the dial 1302 so that it is collected in a channel 1374 between the dial 1302 and the separation wall 1304. The channel 1374 can be formed as part of the sink 1307, or otherwise, as considered above, it can be formed to enable waste removal of material 1362 into a drain. In some embodiments, multiple wipers 1360 may be used and may be located at other positions around the dial 1302, as long as the wipers 1360 do not interfere with the finished beverage rotating on the dial 1302. For example, during beverage production, it may be desirable to prevent the filled beverage from rotating or sliding beyond the left side 1372 of the beverage production system 1300, because the beverage may become out of reach of the user. Therefore, the wiper 1360 can preferably be positioned adjacent to the dial 1302 in a position that avoids engaging with the filled beverage.Although the wiper 1360 is described as having an arched design, other embodiments are conceivable in which the wiper 1360 may be substantially straight, wedge-shaped, or have other configurations. In other embodiments, the wiper 1360 may be located near the dial 1302 and may be operated periodically via a motor or the like to sweep over the entire upper surface 1364 of the dial 1302 and then be stored away from the upper surface 1364 so that the finished beverage on the dial 1302 can pass without engaging with the wiper 1360. Further configurations will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art.

[0157]

[0228] Figure 64 shows yet another embodiment of the beverage production system 1300. The beverage production system 1300 shown in Figure 51 is equipped with an ice maker or ice machine 1390 positioned on top of the beverage production system 1300, but in some embodiments the ice machine may be omitted and ice may be filled manually. In any case, the embodiment shown in Figure 64 shows an ice bin 1400 that can be filled with ice automatically or manually. The ice bin 1400 is positioned on top of the beverage production system 1300 and may include an auger or other system (not shown) to facilitate the movement and processing of ice through the beverage production system 1300, as considered above. Referring further to Figure 65, the ice bin 1400 is shown detached from the beverage production system 1300. The ice bin 1400 includes a bin tub 1402 for receiving and distributing ice. The ice bin 1400 may be sized in various ways to be received within the upper portion 1404 of the beverage production system 1300. In this embodiment, the ice bucket 1400 includes a filling chute 1406 extending from the front 1408 of the ice bucket 1400, adjacent to the container section 1402. The filling chute 1406 may be inclined toward the container section 1402 from the front 1410 to the rear 1412 to facilitate the flow of ice placed in the filling chute 1406 into the container section 1402. The filling chute 1402 may be generally curved along the front 1414 to conveniently receive ice that is manually poured into the filling chute 1406. However, the ice bucket 1400 and the filling chute 1406 may be constructed in other ways in other embodiments. The ice bucket 1400 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including metals such as stainless steel, polymer materials, or thermoformed plastics.

[0158]

[0229] As shown in Figure 66, the chute cover 1416 may be pivotably mounted on the ice container 1400 adjacent to the filling chute 1406. In this figure, the chute cover 1416 is shown in the upper or open position 1418, which provides access for loading ice into the ice container 1400 via the filling chute 1406. Figure 64 presents and shows the chute cover 1416 in the lower or closed position 1420, which prevents dust or debris from entering the ice container 1400 and further prevents any adverse events from accidental contact with moving parts in operation. The chute cover 1416 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including metals such as stainless steel or polymer materials.

[0159]

[0230] Referring to Figure 67, a front view of the beverage manufacturing system 1300 is provided showing an embodiment of a cup dispenser 1430. In this embodiment, the beverage manufacturing system 1300 may include a door 1432 mounted on the front 1434 of the beverage manufacturing system 1300. The door 1432 may be equipped with a door hinge 1436 to allow the door 1432 to be opened. Referring further to Figure 68, the door 1432 is shown in an open position, enabling access to the upper interior 1438 of the beverage manufacturing system 1300, where the control unit and other systems, which will be considered later, may be held. As can be seen, when the door 1432 is opened, both the door 1432 and the cup dispenser 1430 attached to the door pivot or rotate on the door hinge 1436, exposing the upper interior 1438 of the beverage manufacturing system 1300 and allowing access to the upper interior 1438 of the beverage manufacturing system 1300.

[0160]

[0231] Referring further to Figure 69, the cup dispenser 1430 is shown in the open position, with the door 1432 of the beverage production system 1300 closed. As can be seen, the cup dispenser 1430 is substantially semicircular and includes an upper support structure 1440 and a lower support structure 1442, as well as a dispenser cover 1444 extending between them. The dispenser rear wall 1446 extends from the sides 1448a and 1448b of the dispenser cover 1444 to the upper structure 1440 and the lower structure 1442 along the rear side 1450 of the cup dispenser 1430. The dispenser cover 1444 and the dispenser rear wall 1446 define a cup storage area 1452 for holding the cups 50 to be dispensed. As can be seen in Figure 66, the upper support structure 1440 may be configured as an arched or restrained member molded to receive the semicircular shape of the front 1414 of the filling chute 1406. The cup dispenser 1430 may include a dispenser hinge 1453 to allow the cup dispenser 1430 to be opened independently to replenish the cups 50 while the door 1432 of the beverage production system 1300 remains closed, as shown in Figure 69. This configuration allows the cup dispenser 1430 to be opened when replenishing the cups 50 without opening the door 1432 and without allowing moisture or other substances to approach the upper interior 1438 of the beverage production system 1300. This configuration further allows ice to be replenished via the chute cover 1416 and filling chute 1406 without opening the cup dispenser 1430 or the door 1432, thereby preventing ice from flowing into or elsewhere in the cup storage area 1452. This configuration further allows for refilling the cups 50 without stopping the beverage production system 1300, while the door 14332 remains closed to protect against adverse events in the upper region 1438.

[0161]

[0232] In this embodiment, the dispenser cover 1444 may be made of transparent plastic, allowing for visual confirmation of the number of cups 50 loaded into the cup dispenser 1430, thereby enabling the cups 50 to be reloaded as needed. In some embodiments, the upper support structure 1440 may further cover the cup storage area 1452 to prevent debris or material from entering and contaminating the cups 50 stored inside. In some embodiments, the upper support structure 1440 may simply serve to support the upper portion of the dispenser cover 1444 or define the upper portion of the dispenser cover 1444. In this case, the cup dispenser 1430 may simply be opened via the dispenser hinge 1453 to allow for the reloading of the cups 50 while enabling the continuous operation of the beverage production system 1300. Furthermore, the cups 50 stored in the cup storage area 1452 may be distributed using elements of the dispenser 134 or by other techniques, for example, as described above in Figures 5-7. In this embodiment, three stacks of cups 50 are shown, where each stack contains cups 50 of the same or different sizes. However, in other embodiments, fewer or more stacks may be provided.

[0162]

[0233] In the embodiment shown in Figure 69, the chute cover 1416 may be connected adjacent to the upper support structure 1440 of the cup dispenser 1430. This way, when the cup dispenser 1430 is in the closed position, the chute cover 1416 covers the filling chute 1406. The beverage manufacturing system 1300 may further include a safety switch 1454 located adjacent to the upper support structure 1440 of the cup dispenser 1430. The safety switch 1454 is connected to sense the position of both the door 1432 and the chute cover 1416. The safety switch 1454 may further be connected to communicate with various control systems of the beverage manufacturing system 1300, as considered above, for the purpose of energizing and de-energizing all or some components of the beverage manufacturing system 1300 when opening and closing the door 1432 and / or the filling chute 1406. Such operation of the safety switch 1454 can prevent adverse events or accidental interference with various systems in and out of the upper interior 1438 when the door 1432 is open, and further, prevent operation of, for example, an auger or other system related to distributing ice when the filling chute 1406 is open. In this embodiment, the safety switch 1454 is a single switch positioned and thus coupled for such operation, whereas in other embodiments, multiple switches located elsewhere may be provided. In other embodiments, the safety switch 1454 may be further coupled to sense when the cup dispenser 1430 is opened and, if desired, to control the operation of the beverage production system 1300.

[0163]

[0234] As shown in Figure 68, when the door section 1432 is open, various components within the upper interior 1438, including another embodiment of the lid-printing assembly 502, can be accessed. Referring further to Figures 70-72, in this embodiment, the lid-printing assembly 502 is installed within the upper interior 1438 of the beverage manufacturing system 1300 via a sliding rail 1460. The sliding rail 1460 can allow the lid-printing assembly 502 to be extended from a storage or preparation position 1462, as shown in Figure 70, to an extended position or maintenance position 1464, as shown in Figure 71. The sliding rail 1460 may be any type of sliding or sliding system that can be mounted within the upper interior 1438 and within the lid-printing assembly 502, thereby allowing movement or extension between these positions or locations, and may include ball bearings or other types of sliding rail or extension designs. The sliding rail 1460 allows preparation for access to the cup lidding assembly 502 when it is pulled out to a maintenance position 1464 to prepare for access for reloading or replacing cup lidding film such as sealing film 544, printing ink for the printer, or for maintenance, repair, and cleaning of components of the cup lidding assembly 502. The rail slide 1460 can extend at any distance between the preparation position 1462 and the maintenance position 1464, where it is desired to provide sufficient clearance from other components in the upper interior 1438 to allow preparation for access by a user for these purposes. The sliding rail 1460, the lid-printing assembly 502, and the door portion 1432 may be further configured to engage the door portion 1432 with the lid-printing assembly 502 when the door portion 1432 is closed, or to press the lid-printing assembly 502 to a suitable position such as the preparation position 1462 or to a so-called "poka-yoke" configuration. It will be recognized that a properly positioned lid-printing assembly 502 ensures proper alignment to obtain the result of achieving a stable or good film seal on the cup 50.Other techniques may also be used to ensure that the lid-printing assembly 502 is properly positioned, such as locking pins and sensors to determine or confirm that the lid-printing assembly 502 is in the correct position before the beverage manufacturing system 1300 begins operation.

[0164]

[0235] As discussed above and with reference to Figure 73, the inner turntable 507 may include an upper frame 1318 which is a substantially circular plate configured with a U-shaped opening 1320 for receiving a cup holder 506a (not shown). In one embodiment, the inner upper frame 1318 may include a frame coupler 1470 disposed in the center of the lower 1471 of the upper frame 1318. The frame coupler 1470 includes a plurality of coupler teeth 1472 disposed around the frame coupler 1470.

[0165]

[0236] Referring further to Figure 74, as considered above, various drive systems may be provided for operating the beverage manufacturing system 1300, including driving the inner turntable drive mechanism or drive mechanism 1474. The drive mechanism 1474 includes a drive coupler 1476 positioned in the center of the upper surface 1477 of the drive mechanism 1474. The drive coupler 1476 includes a plurality of drive teeth 1478 positioned around the drive coupler 1476. A frame coupler 1470 and coupler teeth 1472 are configured to mate with the drive coupler 1476 and drive teeth 1478. Thus, as can be seen, when the lower side 1471 of the upper frame 1318 is moved to a position adjacent to the upper surface 1477 of the drive mechanism 1474, the frame coupler 1470 engages with the drive coupler 1476. Therefore, when the drive mechanism 1474 is actuated and rotates, the mating engagement of the drive coupler 1476 with respect to the frame coupler 1470 works to rotate the upper frame 1318 in the same manner during the operation of the beverage production system 1300. Since the upper frame 1318 rests on the drive mechanism 1474 due to gravity, the upper frame 1318 can be easily removed for cleaning by simply lifting it to remove it from its position above the drive mechanism 1474, and can be easily replaced when operation is resumed. This configuration eliminates any complex mechanical mounting and thus simplifies the operation and maintenance of the beverage production system 1300. Furthermore, this configuration also provides safety during operation because the design provides sufficient force to move the cup 50 in various positions with high reliability, but not enough to create adverse events or pinch points in the event of interference. In the event of such adverse events or pinch points, the configuration has sufficient tolerances to allow it to lift and escape to prevent any injury or damage.

[0166]

[0237] While the systems described herein, including the beverage manufacturing systems 100, 500, 800, 900, 1000, and 1300, as well as each of their various subsystems, assemblies, and components, have been described individually, this disclosure intends for implementations that combine any configuration of the various systems and subsystems described above. As just one example of the intended substitutions and combinations, the capping system described in relation to Figure 37 may be used in place of the capping systems described in relation to Figures 15-20. Furthermore, it is intended that beverage identification systems, such as the systems described in Figures 41 and 50, may be employed in any of the other beverage manufacturing systems described herein. Similarly, not all of the beverage manufacturing systems described employ a user interface 116 for selecting a desired beverage on the user interface 116 and a connection via a point-of-sale information management system or a sink located under a conveyor, and this disclosure intends for such combinations with any of the beverage manufacturing systems disclosed. As a further example, although only two turntables, an outer turntable 505 and an inner turntable 507, are shown within the beverage manufacturing system 500, one or more additional concentric rows of turntables may be added to increase the total number of beverages that can be prepared and stored for dispensing. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the beverage manufacturing system 500 or other beverage manufacturing systems may be used with additional conveyors, where beverages are moved, for further convenience and efficiency, from the manufacturing conveyor or turntables to conveyors that transport beverages to customers or staff elsewhere in the facility. These are just a few examples of the combinations contemplated by this disclosure. For the sake of brevity, not each of the contemplated combinations is considered, but these will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. By viewing this disclosure, these and other combinations will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. Furthermore, various components and support structures may be constructed of metal or metal alloys, plastic or polymer materials, or any suitable material.

[0167]

[0238] Embodiments disclosed herein include beverage manufacturing systems and related methods that can further improve the efficiency of the beverage manufacturing process by automating many, most, or substantially all of the steps for manufacturing a beverage. Therefore, by using the embodiments disclosed herein, the number of manual steps that may be required to manufacture a beverage can be reduced, improving the efficiency of the beverage manufacturing process and enhancing the overall food service.

[0168]

[0239] While exemplary embodiments have been described, modifications of these exemplary embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings of this specification. The embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein but is limited only to the following claims, which include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the steps in the method claims may be performed in any order.

Claims

1. A turntable assembly, central axis, Internal turntable, and, Outer turntables arranged circumferentially around the inner turntable A turntable assembly comprising, A cup dispensing station configured to distribute cups onto either the inner turntable or the outer turntable, A beverage dispensing station configured to dispense a beverage into one of the cups that have been distributed, A cabinet is disposed at least partially above the turntable assembly to define the internal space, A lid-printing assembly provided within the internal space of the cabinet, wherein the lid-printing assembly is operable to provide a lid on the cup and to provide a print on the lid, An extension system connected to the internal space of the cabinet and the lid-printing assembly, wherein the extension system is configured to hold the lid-printing assembly in a preparation position located within the internal space of the cabinet, and to extend the lid-printing assembly to a maintenance position, wherein the lid-printing assembly extends from the internal space at the maintenance position relative to the preparation position, and A beverage manufacturing system equipped with the following features.

2. A door portion attached to the cabinet and partially enclosing the internal space, wherein the door portion is attached to the cabinet via door hinges, and as a result, the door portion is movable to access the internal space, The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 2, wherein the cup dispenser of the cup dispensing station is connected to the door via a cup dispenser hinge, and the cup dispenser can be opened independently of the door.

4. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 3, wherein the cup dispenser includes an upper opening for accessing a cup-holding area within the cup dispenser, and further comprises a removable cup dispenser cover provided above the upper opening of the cup dispenser.

5. An ice holder having a container portion for holding ice and a filling chute formed along the side of the ice holder, the filling chute including a bottom portion that slopes toward the container portion, A chute cover, configured to cover the filling chute when the chute cover is in the closed position, and further configured to expose the filling chute to receive ice when the chute cover is in the open position, The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 2, further comprising:

6. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 5, further comprising one or more safety switches connected to the door and the chute cover, and further connected to a control device for controlling the operation of the beverage manufacturing system based on the sensing positions of the door and the chute cover.

7. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more safety switches are a single switch connected to the door and the chute cover.

8. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 6, wherein a cup dispenser of the cup dispensing station is connected to the door via a cup dispenser hinge, the cup dispenser can be opened independently of the door, and one or more safety switches are further connected to the cup dispenser to sense the position of the cup dispenser relative to the door.

9. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein the extending system is further defined as a plurality of extendable rails.

10. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 2, further comprising a drive system configured to facilitate the rotation of the inner turntable, wherein the inner turntable includes a frame coupler connected to the inner turntable, and the drive system includes at least a drive coupler configured to engage with the frame coupler.

11. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 10, wherein the operation of the drive system drives the inner turntable via the mating engagement of the drive coupler with respect to the frame coupler.

12. The beverage manufacturing system according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the inner turntable, including the frame coupler, rests on the drive system by gravity via the mating engagement of the drive coupler to the frame coupler.

13. A step of providing a beverage manufacturing system, wherein the beverage manufacturing system is A cabinet defining an internal space for housing a lid-on and printable assembly, wherein the lid-on and printable assembly is configured to cover a cup and print on the cup lid, A turntable assembly disposed below the cabinet, central axis, Inner turntable, and Outer turntables arranged circumferentially around the inner turntable A turntable assembly equipped with The steps include providing a beverage manufacturing system, The steps include distributing cups from the cup distribution station onto either the inner turntable or the outer turntable, The steps include distributing the beverage from the beverage distribution station into the cup, The steps include: sensing the opening of the cabinet door using one or more switches; The steps include: detecting the opening of the door and temporarily suspending the beverage production system from dispensing cups and beverages; A method for distributing a beverage, comprising the step of extending the lid-and-print assembly from a preparation position located within the internal space of the cabinet to a maintenance position extending from the internal space relative to the preparation position.

14. The steps include: moving the cover and printing assembly from the maintenance position to the preparation position; The steps include: sensing the closing of the door portion of the cabinet using one or more switches; The steps include: activating the beverage dispensing system in response to sensing the closing of the door, to resume dispensing cups and beverages; The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

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