US5020688A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hot popcorn microwave vending machine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-05-31
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Granted: 1991-06-04
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Expires: 2009-05-31
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a vending machine designed to dispense one of a plurality of different flavors and/or types of popcorn. The device includes storage for the various types of popcorn, a chute system to convey popcorn to a microwave oven, and further conveying structure to convey the popped popcorn in its bag to a delivery chute. In the preferred embodiment, a pneumatic system is utilized to control the conveying of popcorn bags through the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick J. Power
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:51
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; H05B6/80; H05B6/808; A; A23; A23L; A23L7/00; A23L7/10; A23L7/161; A23L7/174; A23L7/183; A23L7/187; G; G07; G07F; G07F11/00; G07F11/02; G07F11/04; G07F11/16; G07F11/22; G07F17/00; G07F17/0064; G07F17/0078; G07F17/0085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A hot popcorn vending machine comprising: a. a plurality of storage bins for holding stacks of bags of popcorn; b. a common chute to which each of said bins is connected; c. pneumatically operated plunger means for selectively pushing a single one of said bags into said chute; d. a microwave cooking chamber connected to said chute; e. sensing means for sensing entry of one of said bags into said chamber, said sensing means comprising a door connecting said chute and said chamber, and switch means associated with said door; said door operable by the impact of one of said bags; f. timer means responsive to said switch for timing a cooking period; g. dispensing means in said chamber comprising a pneumatically operated sliding door responsive to said timer means for releasing said bag from said machine at the conclusion of said cooking period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A hot popcorn vending machine comprising: a. a plurality of storage bins for holding stacks of bags of popcorn; b. a common chute to which each of said bins is connected; c. pneumatically operated plunger means for selectively pushing a single one of said bags into said chute; d. a microwave cooking chamber connected to said chute; e. sensing means for sensing entry of one of said bags into said chamber, said sensing means comprising a door connecting said chute and said chamber, and switch means associated with said door; said door operable by the impact of one of said bags; f. timer means responsive to said switch for timing a cooking period; g. dispensing means in said chamber comprising a pneumatically operated sliding door responsive to said timer means for releasing said bag from said machine at the conclusion of said cooking period.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-06-03 | 1994-12-03 | 1995-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-06-03 | 1998-12-03 | 1999-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-06-03 | 2002-12-03 | 2003-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |