AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINE AND CONTAINER FOR ARTICLES OF FROZEN CONFECTIONERY

摘要

Automatic vending machine for articles of frozen confectionery, comprising an outer body, an outer door and a controlled-environment chamber. Provision is made for the articles of frozen confectionery to be kept in containers of cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical or polyhedral shape. The machine has a controlled-environment chamber at -18 DEG C comprising insulating panels and an inner door, maintained by a refrigeration system and a defrosting system. Also within the chamber there are vertical compartments for the storage of stacked containers, a dispensing device and a discharge hopper leading to an outlet tray. In the outer door there are product selection and cash box mechanisms which monitor money inserted, change and articles of frozen confectionery stocks. In addition to this the machine can be connected by telephone to a central service to request restocking or communicate any damage. The mechanisms mentioned can be used to provide advertising and immediate prizes and an audio system.