AN AUTOMATIC INSTANT NOODLE COOKING AND VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The Present invention relates generally to vending machine, and particularly but not exclusively, to an automated instant cooking and vending machine for cooking and vending food items. Food items such as noodles, vegetables, fruits, sprouts and any frozen foods etc. BACKGROUND

[002] Vending machines are commonly utilized in dispensing a wide range of products, including canned and bottled beverages, edible food items, and other consumer products.

[003] A common type of vending machine is beverage vending machine. When consumers feel thirsty, they can buy beverages from the beverage vending machines immediately and conveniently. However, when the consumers are hungry and want to get foods immediately and conveniently, they can only buy frozen foods and heat the frozen foods with a microwave oven.

[004] There are known in the prior art certain vending machines which heat a food product upon demand by a consumer and dispense that product to the consumer once the heating has been completed. Typically, a consumer will make payment and select a product. The machine will then cook the product and serve it to the consumer.

[005] The dispensers in previous machines have relied on an auger-type mechanism or sliding the product wherein the auger turns to dispense an adequate amount of the product or the product slides under gravity, for heating. The product comes in various forms and shapes, and frequently the auger mechanism or during the slide, breaks and separates many of the product pieces during the dispensing process. A consumer generally desires to have a fully formed and unbroken product.

[006] United States Patent 5144879 discloses Automatic food dispenser that use the gravity to extract the frozen meal portion from the storage stack and further deploy an oven with complicated cooking tray movement control mechanism to heat the frozen meal portion and deliver it after end of the heating process.

[007] United States Patent 5163356 discloses an automatic food vending machine comprising of a first storage means for preserving food materials for a long period in frozen state, a second storage means for preserving food materials in a condition that they can be instantly cooked by said cooking means; a first transport means for transporting food materials from said first storage means to said second storage means; and a second transport means for transporting food materials from said second storage means to said cooking means.

[008] As is well known it is necessary in vending food by an automatic vending machine to preserve frozen foods and to heat them for sale.

[009] However, since frozen foods take some time before they are completely cooked, it is difficult to prepare the necessary amount of food from frozen food in a short period of time, which hinders meeting the needs of both customers and vendors. This causes a big problem particularly in meal hours.

[0010] The removal and supply of food portions by means of the electromechanical flap-and-slide system has not found acceptance. It has been found that gravity alone is not sufficient to ensure problem-free transport of the food portions within the automatic dispenser. In particular, the discharge of the heated food solely over sloped sliding surfaces has been found to be fraught with problems since, on the one hand, the hot food portions tend to stick to the food heating surface and, on the other hand, there exists the danger that the sensitive sliding material might be damaged due to an excessive sliding speed which is difficult to control. [0011] The prior art apparatus has the further drawback that only a quite specific product, for only one particular taste can be dispensed. However, the user of a modem automatic dispenser expects to make a selection from various tastes.

[0012] For at least one of the reasons above, there is a need in the art for an instant cooking and vending machine which overcomes the drawbacks associated with the prior art and is relatively inexpensive to fabricate and assemble, yet which achieves a high degree of reliability and is easily maintained in the field.

[0013] Further, the present invention is automatic and fast operating time, that means within 60 to 100 seconds, consumer can have ready-to-eat food at the dispensing end.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0015] For example, various embodiments herein may include an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine operated by power supply or battery. In one of the implementations, the present invention discloses a method for automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine. The method includes stacking the machine with clay pots prefilled with uncooked noodles. The method includes receiving inputs regarding the order from the end user/consumers. Further, the method includes rotating the pot holding cylinders placed at the center of machine on a rotating plate through the center shaft to one by one bring the each cylinder under cup lifting assembly. Further, the method includes lifting one pot at a time from stacked cylinder to the top and contacting with rubber seal, the said lifting of top most pot is by pushing the bottom pot one step up by the cup lifting assembly. Further, the method includes holding the lifted pot and taking it at the flavour addition and cooking station, by the Cup mover assembly wherein plurality of nozzle opens above the pot mouth. Furthermore, the method includes detection of arrival of the pot in the position below the plurality of dosing nozzles and addition of the spices (powdered) from the spice storage to the pot by using dosing valves through a respective nozzle, as per input from the end user/ consumer. Subsequently, the method includes addition of the required quantity of water from the water storage tank to the pot by using dosing valve through a nozzle. Subsequently, the method includes cooking of the noodles by providing hot pressurized steam into the pot. Upon cooking of the noodles into the pot, the method further includes Dispensing of cooked noodle along with napkin and spoon at the dispensing window.

[0016] In another embodiment, an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine is configured to provide instantly cooked noodles. According to embodiment of the automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine comprising of an outer control panel, an end user interactive means having a touch sensitive enabled display screen with built in mechanism for providing a plurality of choices in selecting the pot/spices and for calculating the price accepting the parameters and providing the receipt of the order and payment. An outer dispensing window constitute an outlet window to dispense final cooked noodles in a clay pot along with spoons and napkins. An uncooked noodle storage chamber forms a storage for storing clay pots filled with uncooked noodles. A plurality of clay pots filled with uncooked noodles are stacked for storing at the storage chamber. A center shaft rotating assembly rotates the uncooked noodle storage chamber for indexing the stacked clay pots at desired position. A cup lifter assembly, as a lifting means pushes the stacked clay pots from the uncooked noodle storage chamber indexed at a desired position, one step at a time to lift the uppermost of said stacked clay pots above a desired level. A flavour addition and cooking station as a means for instant cooking adds species as desired by a consumer and instantly cook the noodles. A cup mover assembly holds the clay pot filled with uncooked noodles, lifted by the cup lifter assembly and transport it to the flavour addition and cooking station for instant cooking and post instant cooking transport the clay pot with cooked noodles to the outer dispensing window for dispensing to the consumer.

[0017] In accordance to present invention, an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine (100), the machine comprising of an outer dispensing window (101) for dispensing final cooked noodles in a clay pot (1) along with spoons and napkins; an uncooked noodle storage chamber (102) comprising plurality of cylinder (104) for storing clay pots (1) filled with uncooked noodles; a center shaft rotating assembly (103) for rotating the uncooked noodle storage chamber for indexing the stacked clay pots cylinder (104) at desired position; a cup lifter assembly (105) for pushing bottom clay pot and raising the uppermost of said stacked clay pots above a desired level from the uncooked noodle storage chamber indexed at a desired position that is just travel through one cylinder (104) at a time; a flavour addition and cooking station (107) for instantly adding species as desired by a consumer, adding water and steam for instantly cooking the noodles; a cup mover assembly (106) for holding the clay pot filled with uncooked noodles, lifted by the cup lifter assembly, and transporting it to the flavour addition and cooking station (107) for instant cooking and post instant cooking transporting the clay pot with cooked noodles to the outer dispensing window (101) for dispensing to the consumer; and an outer control panel for end user interaction and receipt of the order.

[0018] More specifically, the outer dispensing window (101) comprises a dispensing conveyor (84) and a cup roof (63) constituting an outlet window for dispensing final cooked noodles in a clay pot along with spoon and napkin.

[0019] Further, the uncooked noodle storage chamber ( 102) comprises a plurality of clay Pots (1) stacked in pot holding cylinders (104) wherein each cylinder is semi-circular housing having plurality of pots prefilled with un-cooked noodles stacked on one above the other and an open gap between the two pots is sealed using edible glue to avoid microbial contamination on the eatable noodles; a cup set assembly comprising a rotating base plate (74) and a roof support plate (64) configured with a rotating center shaft (70) to receive the rotating center shaft (70) at the center; a plurality of vertical rods (53) configured at the plurality of round shafts/ Pipe Insert Clip (54) in vertical orientation between the rotating base plate (74) and the roof support plate (64) and surrounding the center shaft (70), the each of said rod configured with an insert key (75) and a plurality of clips (76) for fixing a pot holding cylinder (104).

[0020] The Centre shaft rotating assembly ( 103) is operatively connected to center shaft (70) with indexing plate (8) and one way clutch (7) through a shaft guide plate (18) to generate controlled rotatory motion of the center shaft (70) by activating a motor (12) for indexing the pot holding cylinder exact under the cup lifter assembly (105).

[0021] In accordance to one more embodiment, the cup lifter assembly (105) placed parallel to the pot holding cylinder (104), the cup lifter assembly (105) having a vertical rotating screw (23), a nut (27) configured on said screw, a cup lifter (30) having protruded plate (26) that placed below the last pot of stacked cylinder (104) and upon rotating a motor (29) the cup lifter (30) moving upwardly along a plurality of travel Shafts (24a, 24b), to push the stacked pot up one at a time and lifting upper most of said stacked pot above the roof support plate (64). Further, the cup mover assembly (106) placed horizontally above the pot holding cylinder (104), the cup mover assembly (106) comprises a rotating screw (45), a pair of cup mover shafts (44a, 44b), a motor (55), a cup clamp(49) configured with a nut (46) having U-shape holder (51), the cup clamp(49) configured on rotating screw (45) using base part nut (46) to travels along the cup mover shafts (44a, 44b) upon activation of the motor (55) wherein the U-shape cup clamp (49) positioned at one end of the cup mover shafts (44a, 44b), upon rotation of said motor (55) hold the lifted pot above the roof support plate (64) and carry it to the Flavour addition and cooking station (107) for instant cooking and carry the pot with cooked noodles to dispensing conveyor (84) after complication of cooking to deliver ready-to-eat cooked noodles at the outlet (101). The flavour addition and cooking station (107) comprises a plurality spice storage tanks (57a, 57b, 57c) with dosing nozzles (68a, 68b and 68c) on one side and on opposite side a main water storage tank (59) coupled to water storage tank (58a) having water dosing nozzle (68d) and steam generation tank (58b) having steam dosing nozzle (68e). Additionally, the flavour addition and cooking station (107) is configured to detect the arrival of pot through sensor, add required spices as desired by a consumer and water to the pot by activating the plurality of dosing nozzles (68), generating hot water steam into the steam generation unit (58b) at desired pressure, providing in the pot the hot steam to instantly mix the spices, water and noodle as well as provide heat for instant cooking.

[0022] In an embodiment, the steam dosing nozzle (68e) comprises a solenoid valve (69), a steam exhaust (66), a steam inlet (71), a stem outlet (77) where a steam outlet (77) of the steam nozzle (69) is pushed down to the extended position into the cup to release the steam and pull back to normal position just above the cup (1) mouth after releasing pressure from steam exhaust (66) through solenoid valve (69).

[0023] Present invention also provides a method for automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine, the method comprising steps of: stacking the machine with clay pots prefilled with uncooked noodles; receiving inputs regarding the order from the end user/consumers; rotating the pot holding cylinders placed at the center of machine on a rotating plate through the center shaft to one by one bring the each cylinder under cup lifting assembly; lifting one pot at a time from stacked cylinder to the top by pushing the bottom pot one step up by the cup lifting assembly; holding the lifted pot and taking it at the flavour addition and cooking station by the Cup mover assembly wherein plurality of nozzle opens above the pot mouth; detecting arrival of the pot in the position below the plurality of dosing nozzles and adding the spices (powdered) from the spice storage to the pot by using dosing valves through a respective nozzle, as per input from the end user/consumer; adding the required quantity of water from the water storage tank to the pot by using dosing valve through a nozzle; cooking the noodles by providing hot pressurized steam into the pot; and dispensing of cooked noodle along with napkin and spoon at the dispensing window upon cooking of the noodles into the pot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS [0024] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and modules. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0025] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a cross section view of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. [0029] Figure 4 illustrates a cup set assembly of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine a) clay pot/cup, b) with a cup holding cylinder and c) without a cup holding cylinder, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. [0030] Figure 5 illustrates a central shaft assembly of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine a) cross section view and b)top view , according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a cup lifter assembly of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine a)perspective view and b) side view, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates a cup mover assembly of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine a) perspective view and b) top view, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates a nozzle assembly of an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine a) Top view and cross section view, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.

[0034] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0035] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.

[0036] The various embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine and method thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.

[0038] References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0039] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components. Parts of the description will be presented in terms of operations performed by the mechanical assembly, using terms such as locking, fixing, holding, and the like, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As is well understood by those skilled in the art, the components associated with the assembly can take any design form with acceptable change in dimensions that fall within the scope of the present invention for incorporating similar features as associated and illustrated by referencing to the present invention. [0040] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0041] In one of the implementations, the present invention discloses an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine comprising an outer control panel, an outer dispensing window, an uncooked noodles storage chamber, a center shaft rotating assembly, a cup lifter assembly, a cup mover assembly, and a flavour addition and cooking station.

[0042] According to one of the implementations of an embodiment of the present invention, the outer control panel is an end user interactive means having a touch sensitive enabled display screen with built in mechanism for providing a plurality of choices in selecting the pot/spices and for calculating the price accepting the parameters and providing the receipt of the order and payment. The outer dispensing window constitute an outlet window to dispense final cooked noodles in a clay pot along with spoons and napkins. The uncooked noodle storage chamber forms a storage for storing clay pots filled with uncooked noodles. The clay pots filled with uncooked noodles are stacked for storing at the storage chamber. The center shaft rotating assembly rotates the uncooked noodle storage chamber for indexing the stacked clay pots at desired position. The cup lifter assembly, as a lifting means pushes the stacked clay pots from the uncooked noodle storage chamber indexed at a desired position, one step at a time to lift the uppermost of said stacked clay pots above a desired level. The flavour addition and cooking station as a means for instant cooking adds species as desired by a consumer and instantly cook the noodles. The cup mover assembly holds the clay pot filled with uncooked noodles, lifted by the cup lifter assembly and transport it to the flavour addition and cooking station for instant cooking and post instant cooking transport the clay pot with cooked noodles to the outer dispensing window for dispensing to the consumer.

[0043] The present invention provides an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine for dispensing of an instantly cooked noodle. The said automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine enables an end user/consumer to select the spice flavour, add it to pot containing an uncooked noodle and to cook the noodle with selected spices and dispense the hot and cooked noodle along with napkin and spoon at the outlet in ready-to-eat form to end user.

[0044] The uncooked noodles prefilled in the pot can be selected from dried instant cooking noodles stable at room temperature in any suitable shapes like flat, cut or stretched, extruded into short or long strings. The pot/cup is specifically an earthen pot/clay pot as to cooking is with high pressure water steam.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine (100) according to one of the implementations of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG No. 1, the automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine (100) comprises a outer dispensing window (101) for dispensing final cooked noodles in a clay pot along with spoons and napkins, an uncooked noodle storage chambers (102) having plurality of cylinders for storing clay pots filled with uncooked noodles, a center shaft rotating assembly (103) connected to central shaft (70) for rotating the uncooked noodle storage chamber for indexing the stacked clay pots cylinder at desired position, a cup lifter assembly (105) for lifting the uppermost of said stacked clay pots above a desired level from the uncooked noodle storage chamber indexed at a desired position, a flavour addition and cooking station (107) for instantly adding species as desired by a consumer and instantly cooking the noodles, a cup mover assembly (106) for holding the clay pot filled with uncooked noodles, lifted by the cup lifter assembly and transporting it to the flavour addition and cooking station for instant cooking and post instant cooking transporting the clay pot with cooked noodles to the outer dispensing window for dispensing to the consumer and an outer control panel (not shown in figures) for end user interaction having a touch sensitive enabled display screen with built in mechanism for providing a plurality of choices in selecting the pot/spices and for calculating the price accepting the parameters and providing the receipt of the order and payment. The said machine arrangement is enclosed in the closed housing (a protective box), further, the automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine further comprise of a plurality of stand clips (76) clipped to the main base plate (74) of the machine as its mounting alignment.

[0046] As refer to FIG NO. 1, 2 and 3 the outer dispensing window (101) comprises a dispensing conveyor (84) and a cup roof (63) thus constituting an outlet window for dispensing final cooked noodles in a clay pot along with spoon and napkin. The flavour addition and cooking station (107) comprises of plurality of a spices mixture/composition holding compartments (57) and water holding compartment (59). The uncooked noodle storage chamber (102) configured with a cup support plat (60) with suspension clips (62) to provide control on upward movement of individual cup filled with uncooked noodle. The said cup support plat is having rubber gasket to seal the cup mouth when machine is on stand by mode and therefore avoiding a food contamination therein.

[0047] In one of the implementations according to an embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in FIG 4a, 4b and 4c, the uncooked noodle storage chamber (102) comprises a cup set assembly (104) wherein the semicircular cylinder (31) having slit along the length of cylinder and is stacked with plurality of clay pots (1). The uppermost cup is closed with lid (37) and holding support. The noodle storage chamber (102) along with cup set assembly (104) is illustrated in FIG. 3. The noodle storage chamber (102) comprises of a rotating base plate (74), a roof support plate (64), a rotating center shaft (70), a plurality of vertical rods (53), a plurality of round shafts (54) placed at the rotating base plate (74) and the roof support plate (64) for fixing rods (53), a plurality of insert key (75) and plurality of clips (76) for inserting a cup set assembly/cylinder (104) upright position on said rod (53). The rotating base plate (74) and roof support plate (64) of the cup set assembly are configured with the rotating center shaft (70) such that the rotating base plate (74) and roof support plate (64) receives the rotating center shaft (70) at the center. The plurality of vertical rods (53) are configured at the plurality of round shafts/ Pipe Insert Clip (54) in vertical orientation between rotating base plate (74) and roof support plate (64) and surrounding the center shaft (70), the each of said rod is configured with an insert key (75) and plurality of clips (76) at the middle height for fixing the pot holding cylinder (104). The clay cup (1) is having one groove (2) protruding from the peripheral boy of cup.

[0048] The FIG 4a, 4b and 4c illustrates clay Pots (1) stacked in pot holding cylinders (104) attached to each rod using key (75) and clips (76), wherein each cylinder is semi-circular housing having plurality of pots preferably 2- 15 pots or more than that filled with un-cooked noodles and said pots are stacked on one above the other. Further, the open gap between the two pots is sealed using edible glue to avoid microbial contamination on the eatable noodles. Each cylinder as illustrated in FIG. 4b, the components are made up from the material such as a rigid PVC cylinder (31), rigid PVC Pipe Clip (76), and Cover Knob/lid (37).

[0049] The Centre shaft rotating assembly (103) as illustrated in FIG. 5a according to one of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a central rotating shaft (70) mounted on base plate (10) which then fix on main base plate (74) of present invention machine (100), opposite end bearing housings (5a, 5b), respective bearing base plate (6a, 6b), one way clutch (7), indexing plate (8) configured with moving shaft guide plate (18), screw (17), motor (12), support clip (13), bolt (14), sliding knob (15), indexing base shaft (16). Wherein as illustrated in top view in FIG 5b, the indexing plate (8) comprising of break liner bush (5), break clip (left hand side) (6), break clip (right hand side) (3), break liner (4). The method of operation of said assembly (103) comprises steps, wherein the assembly generates controlled rotatory motion at the activation of the motor (12). The main indexing plate (8) of this assembly is connected operatively to center shaft (70) through Shaft Guide plate (18) and controlled rotatory motion of the center shaft (70) is generated by activating motor (12) for indexing the pot holding cylinder exact under cup lifter (105). [0050] The Cup lifter assembly (105) as illustrated in FIG. 6a and 6b according to one of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality of base supports (21a, 21b) to fix the assembly vertically, a plurality of bearings (22a,22b), vertical rotating screw (23), a plurality of bearing plate supports (28a, 28b), a pair of travel shafts (24a, 24b), a plurality of nuts for shaft fixing (25) to the plates (28), cup lifter (30) having movable nut (27) fixed on screw grooves and protruded plate (26) to hold the cup (1) at the base, and a motor (29). The vertical rotating screw (23) configured with cup lifter (30) having helical groves to engage with said screw grooves, wherein upon rotation of motor (29) in first direction, the cup lifter moves upwardly along the travel Shafts (24a, 24b) and upon rotation of motor (29) in second direction, the cup traveler moves downwardly along the travel Shafts (24a, 24b). This cup lifter assembly is placed parallel to the pot holding cylinder (104) At zero-time, cup traveler having protruded plate is below the last pot of stacked cylinder (104) and upon rotation of motor (29) in first direction, it pushes the stacked pot up one at a time and lift upper most of said stacked pot above the roof support plate (64).

[0051] The Cup mover assembly (106) as illustrated in FIG. 7a and 7b according to one of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality of bearing ( 42a, 42b), a plurality of plates (43a, 43b) to fix the assembly in horizontal position, a pair of shaft (44a, 44b), a rotating screw (45), a cup mover (49) having clamp strips (50a, 50b), and U-shape holder (51), and a plurality of nuts (52 a to 52d) for fixing shafts and a dc motor (55) wherein the motor (55) configured to rotate the rotating screw (45), the cup clamp(49) having U-shape holder (51) is configured on rotating screw (45) using base part nut (46) such that upon activation of motor (55), the cup clamp(49) travels along the shaft pair (44a, 44b). This system is placed horizontally above the pot holding cylinder (104), it takes the cup (1) from the storage chamber to cooking section and lastly at the dispenser window (101). At zero time, the U-shape cup clamp (49) is positioned at one end, and upon rotation of said motor (55), the U-shape cup clamp (49) hold the lifted pot above the roof support plate (64) and carry it to the Flavour addition and cooking station (107). Further, upon completion of cooking at the Flavour addition and cooking station (107), the U-shape cup clamp carry the pot with cooked noodles to dispensing conveyor (84) to deliver ready-to-eat cooked noodles at the outlet (101).

[0052] The flavour addition and cooking station ( 107) as illustrated in FIG. 8a and 8b according to one of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a pot detection sensor, a plurality spice storage tanks (57a, 57b, 57c) with dosing nozzles (68a, 68b and 68c) on one side and on opposite side a water storage tank (59) coupled to water dispensing tank (58a) and steam generation unit (58b) through valves (68f and 68g) respectively. Further, water dispensing tank (58a) and steam generation unit (58b) is connected with water dosing nozzle (68d) and steam dosing nozzle (68e) respectively. Once the pot reaches this station and sensor detect the arrival of pot, the dosing unit adds required spices as desired by a consumer and water to the pot by activating the plurality of dosing nozzles. Further, the hot (90 to 90deg C, or more) water steam is generated into the steam generation unit and attend the desired pressure. Upon reaching the desired pressure, the steam outlet of the steam nozzle is inserted into the pot till it almost touches the bottom of the pot. The steam nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The steam nozzle (68e) comprises a solenoid valve (69), a steam exhaust (66), a steam inlet (71), a stem outlet (77). During valve open position, the steam outlet (77) of the steam nozzle (69) is pushed down to the extended position. The hot steam is provided in the pot that instantly mix the spices, water and noodle as well as provide heat for instant cooking. The steam outlet of the steam nozzle is pull back to normal position just above the cup (1) mouth after releasing pressure from steam exhaust (66) through solenoid valve (69) as indication of complete cooking and pot is carried by the cup clamp (49) of the cup mover assembly (106) to dispensing conveyor (84) to deliver ready-to-eat cooked noodles at the outlet (101).

[0053] In one of the implementations, the present invention discloses a method for automatic instant noodle cooking and vending machine. The method includes stacking the machine with clay pots prefilled with uncooked noodles. The method includes receiving inputs regarding the order from the end user/consumers. Further, the method includes rotating the pot holding cylinders placed at the center of machine on a rotating plate through the center shaft to one by one bring the each cylinder under cup lifting assembly. Further, the method includes lifting one pot at a time from stacked cylinder to the top by pushing the bottom pot one step up by the cup lifting assembly. Further, the method includes holding the lifted pot and taking it at the flavour addition and cooking station, by the Cup mover assembly wherein plurality of nozzle opens above the pot mouth. Furthermore, the method includes detection of arrival of the pot in the position below the plurality of dosing nozzles and addition of the spices (powdered) from the spice storage to the pot by using dosing valves through a respective nozzle, as per input from the end user/ consumer. Subsequently, the method includes addition of the required quantity of water from the water storage tank to the pot by using dosing valve through a nozzle. Subsequently, the method includes cooking of the noodles by providing hot pressurized steam into the pot. Upon cooking of the noodles into the pot, the method further includes Dispensing of cooked noodle along with napkin and spoon at the dispensing window.

[0054] In another implementation according to an embodiment of the present invention the step of stacking the machine with clay pots prefilled with uncooked noodles includes stacking the plurality of pots prefilled with uncooked noodles on a plastic cylinder and pacing a plurality of cylinders vertically at the center of machine on a rotating plate wherein in a cylinder a plurality of pots preferably 15 pots filled with un-cooked noodles are stacked on one above other and open gap between the two pots are sealed using edible glue to avoid microbial contamination on the eatable noodles.

[0055] In another implementation according to an embodiment of the present invention the step of cooking of the noodles by providing hot pressurized steam into the pot includes inserting the steam nozzle into the pot till it reaches near the bottom of the pot and providing hot pressurized steam into the pot wherein the heat provided by the hot steam is sufficient enough to instantly cook the noodle within 5-15 sec of time. [0056] The present invention has the advantage of an automated and quick cooking and vending mechanism, with easy mounting assembly compared to the existing assembly.

[0057] Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and features of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

[0058] Various changes, modifications and alterations will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art following a reading of the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes, modifications and alterations as come within the scope of the appended claims be considered as being a part of the present invention.