Method and apparatus for automatic handling and preparation of sandwiches.

摘要

An automatic hamburger outlet system in which a sales person enters an order on one of several registers and, within a bit more than one minute, a custom cooked-to-order hamburger is delivered automatically. Under the control of a computer, each hamburger is prepared in accordance with the instructions entered on the register. For example, the hamburgers, which may be of various sizes, may be cooked rare, medium or well-done, and topped automatically with the particular condiments selected by the customer. The carton in which the hamburger is delivered is printed with the particular customer specifications for that hamburger. The system makes advantageous use of labor by permitting necessary tasks to be performed in advance during slack periods. For example, the morning period prior to the noon rush may be used to fill the storage containers of the automatic food preparation system. The system can then operate for one and one-half hours during the noon rush without further attention other than by an attendant to insure proper operation of the system.