Allison T Ono

US Patent:

56854358, Nov 11, 1997

Filed:

May 8, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/436634

Inventors:

John J. Picioccio - Bloomingdale NJ
Steven D. Kienitz - Sparta NJ
Warren R. Kitchen - E. Stroudsburg PA
Joseph E. Rossi - Washington NJ
William C. Haase - Long Valley NJ
Allison T. Ono - Oxford NJ
Wayne R. Hinkle - Pen Argyl PA

Assignee:

Mars Incorporated - McLean VA

International Classification:

B07B 1305

US Classification:

209677

Abstract:

An automatic bulk vending machine is described including specific details as to various aspects of accurate volumetric dispensing, the separation of small broken pieces or fines from the dispensed product, and the easy and sanitary loading of such a machine. Further details as to how to provide a highly flexible selection process are provided. An automatic bulk vending machine according to the present invention may include a touch-screen for providing a visually entertaining and instructive display to guide a customer through the product selection process. Products to be selected may be stored in bins and volumetrically dispensed by a dispenser to a blending and holding pan. From this pan, they are then directed through a dispenser tube including a fines separator and collector to a dispensing cup. Bulk refill containers are also disclosed. Unlike an ordinary vending machine, the customer can choose the blend of product to be purchased.

US Patent:

5997236, Dec 7, 1999

Filed:

Jul 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/889677

Inventors:

John J. Picioccio - Bloomingdale NJ
Steven D. Kienitz - Sparta NJ
Warren R. Kitchen - E. Stroudsburg PA
Joseph E. Rossi - Washington NJ
William C. Haase - Long Valley NJ
Allison T. Ono - Oxford NJ
Wayne R. Hinkle - Pen Argyl PA

Assignee:

Mars, Incorporated - McLean VA

International Classification:

B65B 6900

US Classification:

414403

Abstract:

An automatic bulk vending machine is described including specific details as to various aspects of accurate volumetric dispensing, the separation of small broken pieces or fines from the dispensed product, and the easy and sanitary loading of such a machine. Further details as to how to provide a highly flexible selection process are provided. An automatic bulk vending machine according to the present invention may include a touch-screen for providing a visually entertaining and instructive display to guide a customer through the product selection process. Products to be selected may be stored in bins and volumetrically dispensed by a dispenser to a blending and holding pan. From this pan, they are then directed through a dispenser tube including a fines separator and collector to a dispensing cup. Bulk refill containers are also disclosed. Unlike an ordinary vending machine, the customer can choose the blend of product to be purchased.