SEMI-AUTOMATED BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINES AND METHODS

摘要

Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.

主权项

1. A food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product into a cup, the food product dispensing machine comprising:
a cup holder that comprises a target element; a sensor that is configured to sense the target element; wherein the cup holder is configured to hold the cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element; and a controller that is configured to determine a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder.