TITLE

IMPROVED FOOD DISPENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/960,206, filed September 20, 2007, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a food dispensing machine and method of use, and in particular to a machine for cooking, assembling, and dispensing meat products, such as hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, or other meats in buns or rolls. [0003] Various machines for dispensing food products such as hot dogs are known in the art.

[0004] An early version of a hot dog dispensing machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,390,277 to Carl R. Simpkins. In this reference, a sausage and a roll are packed together. Heating of the sausage is performed by passing electric currents through it with electrodes which pierce through a pack of the sausage and roll. U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,384 discloses a machine in which the sausage and the roll are packed in a box, and the ends of the sausage project outwardly of the box. The heating of the sausage is performed by electric current passing through the sausage. Then, the ends of the sausage which touch the electrodes are cut off.

[0005] In the hot dog dispensing machine disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,117,511 to Carl N. Everett, the sausage and the roll are packed together so that the sausage is arranged in a box above the roll so as to be supported on special separator strips. The

heating of the sausage is performed by passing of electric current through the sausage with the electrodes which pierce through the pack, and the roll is heated by a special heater introduced into a slot of the roll.

[0006] In the dispensing machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,299 to Leonid Leykin, a hot dog or sausage is removed from a standard package, placed on a fork holder, and then heated by an infrared oven. Individual buns are conveyed from boxes, and the heated sausage or hot dog is placed in the bun. The bun together with the sausage or hot dog is then warmed in a microwave oven, and the finished food item is dispensed.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,863,179 to Leonid Leykin relates specifically to a container for containing, treating and dispensing a bun in a hot dog dispensing machine. The container has an inner cavity for accommodating a bun, an open side an a bottom located opposite to the open side, and at least one projection provided on the bottom. The projection is formed so that it supports a bun accommodated in the cavity, and can be engaged by a transporting means for transporting the container with the bun. [0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,802,433 to Leonid Leykin, the disclosed food dispensing machine includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions. The first food portion, such as a hot dog, is dispensed from a chain of portions in an sealing film via a first dispensing device, which slices the film and expels the food portion. The first food portion is loaded onto a projecting component, which transports the first food portion to a first heating device and rotates the food portion during heating. Second food portions, such as buns, are provided within containers attached to a film, so as to form a chain. The buns are dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates each container from the film for placement

onto a platform. The platform conveys the second food portions to a second heating device, and the heated first and second food portions are combined and dispensed. [0009] The disclosures of the above referenced patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0010] Embodiments of the food dispensing machines disclosed herein provide various improvements over the known types of such machines.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0011] The present technology relates to a food dispensing machine and method of use. More particularly, the present technology relates to a machine for cooking, assembling, and dispensing meat products in buns or rolls.

[0012] In one aspect, a food dispensing device is provided for combining and dispensing food product having a first food portion combined with a second food portion. The food dispensing device includes a first food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of first food portions encased by a first film, and a first food portion deployment device that deploys a first food portion dispensed from the first food portion dispensing device. The food dispensing device can also include a first heating component, and a conveyance mechanism that receives the first food portion from the first food portion deployment device when the conveyance mechanism is in a first position and provides the first food portion to the interior heating space of the first heating component when the conveyance mechanism is in a second position. The first heating component can provide microwave heating and infrared heating to heat the first food portion. In at least one example, the first heating component has an interior surface that defines an interior heating space, and an end wall having an opening through which the first food portion is passed to be heated. In such an

example, the conveyance mechanism includes a face plate that covers the opening in the end wall of the first heating component when the conveyance mechanism is in the second position. The food dispensing device can additionally include a second food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of second food portions within a container, the container being enclosed by a second film, and a second deployment mechanism that deploys a second food portion dispensed from the second food portion dispensing device. In such examples, the food dispensing device can also include a second heating component that heats the second food portion, and a food product transport mechanism that transports a combined food product including the first food portion and the second food portion to a food delivery compartment. [0013] In another aspect, a food dispensing device is provided for combining and dispensing food product having a first food portion combined with a second food portion. The food dispensing device includes a first food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of first food portions encased by a first film, and a first food portion deployment device that deploys a first food portion dispensed from the first food portion dispensing device. The first food portion deployment device can have a first film take up reel that includes a first half having first end, a second mating end, and a plurality of tapered ribs that extend from the first end; and a second half that matingly joins with the first half, the second half having first end, a second mating end, and a plurality of tapered ribs that extend from the first end. The first half of the film uptake reel can include a first cylindrical center portion, and the second half of the film uptake reel can include a second cylindrical center portion that matingly joins with the first cylindrical center portion. Additionally, the first cylindrical center portion can include a first slot, and the second cylindrical center portion can include a

second slot that aligns with the first slot when the second cylindrical portion matingly joins with the first cylindrical center portion to form an elongated slot. The food dispensing device can also include a first heating component that provides microwave heating and infrared heating to heat the first food portion. The food dispensing device can further include a second food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of second food portions within a container, the container being enclosed by a second film, a second deployment mechanism that deploys a second food portion dispensed from the second food portion dispensing device, and a second heating component that heats the second food portion. Finally, the food dispensing device can include a food product transport mechanism that transports a combined food product including the first food portion and the second food portion to a food delivery compartment. [0014] In a third aspect, a food dispensing device is provided for combining and dispensing food product having a first food portion combined with a second food portion. The food dispensing device includes a first food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of first food portions encased by a first film, and a first food portion deployment device that deploys a first food portion dispensed from the first food portion dispensing device. The food dispensing device can also include a first heating component that provides microwave heating and infrared heating to heat the first food portion. The food dispensing device can further include a second food portion dispensing device that dispenses a chain of second food portions within a container, the container being enclosed by a second film, a second deployment mechanism that deploys a second food portion dispensed from the second food portion dispensing device, and a second heating component that heats the second food portion. The second food portion deployment device can have a film roller that

includes a tapered first half and a tapered second half that matingly joins with the tapered first half. The tapered first half can have a first end, a second end, and an axle. The tapered second half can have a first end and a second end. Finally, the food dispensing device can include a food product transport mechanism that transports a combined food product including the first food portion and the second food portion to a food delivery compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example food dispensing machine. [0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the food dispensing machine of FIG. 1 with the front door of the machine opened.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a first internal view of the food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a second internal view of the food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a third internal view of the food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth internal view of the food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder within a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an isolated view of various components of the second food portion storage and dispensing device holder of Fig. 7.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a refrigeration unit that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a chain of first food portions.

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevational view of one embodiment of a chain of first food portions.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a dispensing device for first food portions that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a first food portion deployment device

30 that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a shelf portion that can be utilized with a first food portion deployment device of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of the first food portion deployment device of

FIG. 13.

[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a holder of the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 13.

[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of a holder of the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 13.

[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a detail view of a portion of a holder of the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 13.

[0034] FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a film take up reel of the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 13.

[0035] FIG. 20 illustrates one half of the film take up reel of FIG. 19.

[0036] FIG. 21 illustrates a first heating component that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 22 illustrates a first heating component and a conveyance mechanism that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates a first view of a container that can be used to store and transport a second food portion in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 24 illustrates a second view of a container that can be used to store and transport a second food portion in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 25 illustrates a third view of a container that can be used to store and transport a second food portion in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1 .

[0041] FIG. 26 illustrates a second food portion storage and dispensing device 23 that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 27 illustrates a first view of a chain of second food portions in containers that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 28 illustrates a second view of a chain of second food portions in containers that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 29 illustrates a second food portion deployment device that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in a closed position.

[0045] FIG. 30 illustrates a bun film roller that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in a closed position.

[0046] FIG. 31 illustrates a bun film roller that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in a partially open position

[0047] FIG. 32 illustrates a second food portion deployment device that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1, in an open position.

[0048] FIG. 33 illustrates a first view of a second food portion container on a platform that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 34 illustrates a second view of a second food portion container on a platform that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 35 illustrates a first view of a food delivery compartment 45 that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 36 illustrates a second view of a food delivery compartment 45 that can be utilized in a food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of an example food dispensing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 1 includes a housing 2. A food dispensing port 4 accommodates the finished food product that is dispensed, a condiments port 5 accommodates condiments, and a supplemental port 6 accommodates supplemental dispensed items, such as napkins. [0053] The example machine 1 of FIG. 1 further includes a bill/coin accepting mechanism 7 and a change dispenser 3. In addition, the machine 1 can include a plurality of food item selection buttons 8. An inscription or a picture identifying the type of food item selectable via each of the buttons 8 can be located near or on each button. The selectable food items can include, for example, hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, and other food items, including food items that include both a first portion (e.g., interior food portion, such as hot dog wiener) and a second portion (e.g., bun) that can require differing cooking requirements.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a view of the example food dispensing machine of FIG. 1 with the front door of the machine opened. As shown in FIG. 2, the door 20 of the machine 1 can be pivotally openable and can be attached to the machine body 21 by any suitable connector, such as, for example, hinges. In an alternative embodiment, the door 20 could be pivotally attached to the machine 1 by other types of suitable connectors, or the door 20 could be slidably attached to the machine 1. The interior of the body 21 preferably includes several components that work in conjunction to produce the finished food product. As shown in FIG. 2, these components can include one or more first food portion storage and dispensing devices 22, one or more conveyance devices 24, 25 for conveying the food portions, for combining the food portions, for delivering the food portions to and removing the food portions from first and second heating components 26, 27, and for dispensing the finished food portions. The food dispensing machine 1 can also include one or more second food portion storage and dispensing devices 23, as illustrated in FIG. 3

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first food portion storage and dispensing devices 22 is associated with a first food portion deployment device 30. Each serving of a first food portion 31, such as a hot dog, sausage, hamburger, or other food portion, is individually sealed within a connected film, which forms a chain of first food portions. During the preparation and dispensing of food products by the machine 1, at least one first portion deployment device 30 expels a single first food portion 31 for incorporation into a food product. Preferably, the dispensing devices 22 for the first food portions are housed within a refrigerated portion of the device 1 until expelled.

[0056] Similarly, each of the second food portion storage and dispensing devices 23 is associated with a second food portion deployment device 33. Each serving of a second food portion 34 is individually contained within a second food container 35 attached to a continuous second film 36, which forms a chain of second food portions within containers. During the preparation of food products, at least one second portion deployment device 33 expels a single second food portion 34 for incorporation into a food product. Preferably, each second food portion 34 is contained within machine 1 at ambient temperature. In at least one embodiment, the second food portion deployment device or devices 33 are attached to a frame that is swingable, such as by hinges or other pivoting mechanisms, or otherwise movable so as to allow access to components within the machine 1 that are located behind the second food portion deployment device or devices 33.

[0057] As further shown in FIG. 3, the first conveying portion 24, includes a first food portion receiving component 37 for receiving an expelled first food portion 31, a track component 38, and a first food portion conveying component 39. The conveying component 39 transports the first food portion receiving component 37 with the expelled first food portion 31 received thereon via the track component 38 to a first heating component 26, such as a combined infrared and microwave oven. [0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the conveying component 39 has transported the first food portion receiving component 37 via the track component 38 to the first heating component 26, such as a combination microwave and infrared oven. A lateral movement portion 50, attached to the first food portion receiving component 37 and/or the conveying component 39, has laterally moved the first food portion receiving component 37, relative to the direction of motion of the conveying

component 39 along the track component 38 (i.e., conveying component 39 has moved in a generally perpendicular direction relative to direction of motion of the conveying component 39 along track component 38), so as to place the first food portion receiving component 37 with the first food portion 31 within the heating component 26 for heating.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second conveying portion 25 includes a platform component 40 and first and second platform transporting components 41 and 42. As shown in FIG. 3, in operation, each second food portion container 35, containing a serving of a second food portion 34, is separated from the second film 36 and placed on the platform component 40. [0060] As further shown in FIG. 4, the platform component 40 with the second food portion container 35 and second food portion serving 34 is transported by the transporting components 41 and 42 to the second heating component 27, such as a microwave oven, to be heated. Following heating of both the first food portion 31 and the second food portion 34, the second food portion container 35 and second food portion 34 transported via the transporting components 41 and 42 to a food combining location. The first food portion 31 is transported to the food combining location via the projecting component 37, the track component 38 and the conveying component 39 for combining of the first food portion 31 and the second food portion 34. [0061] The second food portion container 35, containing the combined first food portion 31 and second food portion 34, can then be transported via platform and transporting components 41 and 42 to food delivery compartment 45, as shown in FIG. 5, for dispensing of food via food dispensing port 4, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates several additional features that can be included in a vending machine 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the machine 1 can include: a display 60 for displaying information relating to dispensing of products; a refrigerated section door 61, shown in FIG. 6 in an open position, for selectively enclosing first food servings stored in a refrigerated section 62; fans 63 utilized in the refrigerated section 62; a compressor 64 for use in conjunction with the refrigerated section 62; a distribution panel 65 usable to monitor various vending machine functions; a latch 66 for closeably latching the vending machine door 20, as shown in FIG. 2; a control panel 67 with keypad 68; and a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder 69.

[0063] At least one embodiment of the food dispensing machine 1 can include electrical and electronic control equipment for controlling operation, including logic or other features known in the art for causing all operation of the machine 1 in response to input of money and selection of a food item for dispensing. For example, control panel 67 can allow an operator to operate selectively the various components contained in the machine 1, such as for testing purposes. The control panel 67 is preferably swingably or otherwise movably attached within the machine 1 , such as via hinges or other pivoting mechanisms, so as to allow the operator to move the control panel 67 to a convenient location during testing of components so as to allow viewing of operation of the components and so as to allow access to components within the machine 1 that are located behind the test operation control panel. [0064] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder 70 within a food dispensing machine 1. FIG. 8 provides an isolated view of various components of the second food portion storage and

dispensing device holder 70. As shown in FIG. 8, the holder 70 is attached or placed in close proximity to second food portion deployment devices 33 and food delivery compartment 45, which as illustrated includes platform transporter device 80, such as an electric motor for transporting a platform via transporting components 41 and 42 to food delivery compartment 45, as shown in FIG. 5. hi an embodiment of the present invention, the holder 70 is slidably or swingably movable, for example, to facilitate replacement of second food portion storage and dispensing devices and access of components of the vending machine 1 located behind the holder 70. Also shown in FIG. 8 are a frame latching mechanism 81 for selectively latchably fixing the holder 70 within the machine 1, vertical frame portions 82 of holder 70, and second food portion storage and dispensing device shelves 83 for supporting second food portion storage and dispensing devices 23 placed in holder 70.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 9, some embodiments of a food dispensing machine 1 can include a refrigeration unit 90 with an upper door 91 and a lower door 92 that is used to store first food portions, such as meat products. However, unlike a conventional refrigerator in which the interior is divided into an upper freezer compartment sealed by the upper door and a lower refrigeration compartment sealed by the lower door, the refrigeration unit can include a single interior refrigerated compartment with an upper door and a lower door. The refrigeration unit 90 has an upper door 91 that has a top and a bottom. The upper door 91 can be attached by a left hinge 93 and a right hinge 94 located along its lower edge, such that is pivots on a horizontal axis along the bottom of the door and opens from the top of the door. The lower door 92 has a top with an upper edge, a left side, and a right side. The lower door 92 can be connected by an upper hinge 95 and a lower hinge (not shown) located

along the left side of the lower door 92, such that it pivots along a vertical axis on the left side of the door and opens from the right side of the door. The upper door 91 can include a seal 96 along its bottom edge that forms a seal, preferably a water tight seal, with an upper edge of the lower door 92. In practice, first food portions encased in a first film are loaded into the refrigeration unit 90 through the bottom door 92. The film is then loaded onto film take up reels attached to the back of the upper door, such as, for example, film take up reel 190 described below, by pivoting the upper door 91 down and outward to gain access to the reels. When being dispensed, the first food portions encased in the film pass through passages 97 in the upper door 91. [0066] FIGS. 10 and 11 show views of an example chain 100 of first food portions. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the chain 100 of first food portions includes a series of individually sealed first food portions 31, such as, for example, hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, or other meat products, sealed and connected by a first film 101. The chain 100 can be made by sandwichably enclosing each first food portion 31 between two halves of the film 101, the two halves then being bonded together, such as, for example, by gluing or heat welding, so as to seal each first food portion 31 within the film 101.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example dispensing device for first food portions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The first food portion dispensing and storing device 22 can contain the chain of first food portions 100, which are dispensed from the device 22, such as via a top end 102 of the device 22. Each first food portion storage and dispensing device 22 can be self-contained and preloaded, which allows easy replenishment within the food dispensing machine

1 by replacement of each empty or partially full first food portion storage and

dispensing device 22 with a full food portion storage and dispensing device 22, as well as feeding of the chains 100 of first food portions 31 into the dispensing device 22.

[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a first food portion deployment device 30. First food portion deployment device 30 receives first food portions 31 from a chain of first food portions 100, which include a connecting and enclosing film 101, as illustrated in Figures 10 through 12. The first food portion deployment device 30 includes at least one guide wheel 130 that guides a first food portion 31, including film 101, to a first food portion separation component 131. Guide wheel 130 is preferably narrow at its center and tapers outwardly towards its ends, such that it has a first circumference at its center that is smaller than a second circumference at either end of the guide wheel, hi applications where the food portions 31 are hot dogs or sausages, the guide wheel 130 thus preferably has a generally "V" shaped profile, or could also have a generally "U" shaped profile. The shape of the guide wheel assists in maintaining the food portion 31 in proper orientation.

[0069] The first food portion separation component 131 includes a holder 132 that has a ramp portion 133, and a shelf portion 134. The shelf portion 134 is illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the shelf portion can include a guide 140, a film recess 141, and a rail 142. The guide 140 can have a generally "V" shaped profile, or a generally "U" shaped profile. The guide 140 is located at a first end of the shelf portion 134. The guide 140 preferably has a profile similar to, substantially similar to, or identical to the profile of the guide wheel 130. The guide 140 facilitates proper orientation of first food portion 31 as it enters the ramp portion 133 of the first food portion separation component 131. The film recess 141 can be a notch or indentation

at a second end of the shelf portion 134, opposite the guide 140. As the film 101 is removed from the first food portion 31, the film recess 141 facilitates proper orientation of the film 101 as it is gathered by a film take up reel, as described below. The rail 142 is connected to and extends from the second end of the shelf portion 134. The rail 142 is preferably adjustable with respect to the shelf portion 134, and can be moved towards or away from the shelf portion 134. hi practice, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the rail 142 extends from the first food portion deployment device 30, and acts as a guide rail for first food portion 31, thus preventing the first food portion 31 from becoming misaligned as it travels through the first food portion deployment device 30.

[0070] Referring back to FIG. 13, the ramp portion 133 receives the first food portion 31. As illustrated in FIGs. 16 through 18, ramp portion 133 of holder 132 preferably has a generally concave surface. A cutter 160, such as a blade, is located on the ramp portion 133, and preferably projects slightly from the surface of the ramp portion 133. As is further shown in FIG. 17, and in the detail view of A illustrated in FIG. 18, a first food portion 31 is frictionally drawn along ramp 133, resulting hi cutter 160 cutting through the bottom portion 161 of the film of film 101. [0071] In operation, as the film 101 is wound onto a film take up reel 190, a first food portion 31 slidably engages the ramp 133. The bottom portion 161 of the film 101 is sliced by the cutter 160. As the film 101 continues to be wound onto a film take up reel 190, the film 101 is separated from the first food portion 31. The first food portion 31 is thus expelled from the film 101. [0072] As the first food portion 31 is removed from the film 101, the now empty film

101 can be collected using a film take up reel 190. One embodiment of a film take up

reel 190 is shown in FIGs. 19 and 20. The take up reel 190 is prefarebly formed from two identical, or substantially identical halves. A first half 191 of a film take up reel

190 is shown in FIG. 20. The first half 191 can be combined with a second half 192 to form the take up reel 190 as shown in Fig. 19. The first and second halves 191 and 192 each include a plurality of tapered ribs 193, 194 and 195 that extend from the first end 198. The tapered ribs can be attached to a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, center portion 196. The cylindrical center portions 196 of the first and second halves

191 and 192 preferably join in a mating fashion to form the reel 190. The first and second halves 191 and 192 can be attached to each other by any suitable type of connecter, such as by friction, clips, or adhesive. First and second halves 191 and 192 each also include an end wall 197 in the form of a sprocket attached or casted as a part of 191 and 192 to the first end 198 of a respective cylindrical center portion 196 that is opposite a second mating end 199 of the cylindrical center portion 196.

[0073] Each of the tapered ribs 193, 194 and 195 is preferably tapered inwardly toward a central axis of the cylindrical center portions 196 from a high point nearest to an end wall 197 on the half to which the rib is attached, and the lowest portion of the rib is farthest from the end wall 197 to which the rib is attached. This arrangement facilitates separating the reel 190 when it has become filled with film 101. Each cylindrical center portion 196 preferably also includes at least one slot 200. The slot 200 of the first half 191 preferably aligns with the slot 200 of the second half

192 to form an elongated slot 201 when the halves 191 and 192 are joined to form the reel 190. In operation, when a take up reel 190 is first connected to film 101, an end of the film 101 can be inserted into the slot 201 to secure the film 101 so that it wraps around the reel 190.

[0074] During operation, when a first food portion 31 is expelled from the film 101, it is provided to a first heating component 26, such as that illustrated in FIG 21. The first food portion 31 is heated in first heating component 26. In some embodiments, first food portion 31 has been partially or fully cooked prior to being packaged in film 101 and stored in the machine 1. In other embodiments, the first food portion 31 is stored in machine 1 in an uncooked state. In either instance, the first heating component 26 provides a desired amount of heat to bring the first food portion 31 to a desired temperature. First heating component 26 preferably provides microwave heating and infrared heating.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the first heating component 26 has an interior surface 210 that defines an interior heating space of the first heating component 26. The interior surface 210 can be circular, or can have any other suitable shape. The interior surface 210 has an upper half and a lower half. The first heating component 26 includes two sealed infrared coils 211 disposed on the interior surface 210 of the first heating component 26. The coils 211 are preferably positioned on the lower half of the interior surface 210, near the bottom of the first heating component 26. [0076] As shown in FIG. 21, the first heating component 26 has a vertical cooling divider 212 across the top of the first heating component 26. The first heating component 26 can also include a first and second horizontal cooling divider 213 and 214 located along opposite sides of the first heating component 26. The first heating component 26 preferably has a housing (not shown). The exterior edge 212a of the vertical cooling divider 212, as well as the respective exterior edges 213a and 214a of the horizontal cooling dividers 213 and 214, are preferably flush with the housing.

The dividers 212, 213 and 214 cooperate together to form a high pressure zone above

the dividers 213 and 214 and a low pressure zone below the dividers 213 and 214. The high pressure zone is fed by a fan 215 that blows air through the divider 212 and across a magnetron 216 and microwave launcher 217, after which the air passes through holes in the interior surface 210 of first heating component 26 to the low pressure area beneath the horizontal dividers 213 and 214. This arrangement can provide sufficient air cooling flow for the magnetron 216, the launcher 217, and the interior of the first heating component 26 through the use of a relatively small, low power fan 215.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 22, the first heating component 26 preferably has an end wall 220 through which an opening 221 is formed. Opening 221 can be any suitable shape, and is illustrated in FIG. 22 as an octagon. A first food portion 31 can be passed through the opening 221 into the interior of the first heating component 26, and can be withdrawn therefrom using a conveyance mechanism 222. Conveyance mechanism can receive the first food portion from the first food portion deployment device and provides the first food portion to the first heating component 26. Conveyance mechanism 222 can include a plurality of rollers 223 on which first food portion 31, such as a hot dog or sausage, can be rotated during heating in the first heating component 26. Each of the rollers 223 preferably includes an increased frictional section having ribs, grooves, or other friction increasing features, for increased frictional engagement of a first food portion 31 placed thereupon. The conveyance mechanism 222 also has a face plate 224, and at least two guards 225. In practice, a first food portion 31 is placed on the rollers 223 when the conveyance mechanism 222 is in a first position. First food portion 31 is prevented from falling off the rollers 223 by the guards 225. The conveyance mechanism 222 moves from

the first position to a second position, which places the first food portion 31 into the interior of the first heating component 26. When the conveyance mechanism 222 is in the second position, the face plate 224 is directly adjacent to the end wall 220 of the first heating component 26. The face plate 224 has a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the opening 221, and thus covers the opening 121 when the conveyance mechanism is in the second position, such that microwave leakage from the first heating component 26 is substantially prevented. Preferably, the conveyance mechanism 222 exerts a pressure on the end wall 220 of the first heating mechanism 26 when the conveyance mechanism 26 is in the second position, to ensure that the face plate 224 is pressed against the end wall 220 and the opening 221. In this manner, the face plate 224 can act as a door or cover for the first heating component 26.

[0078] To operate the heating aspects of the first heating component 26, or at least the microwave heating aspect, the first heating component preferably includes two switches, such as microswitches (not shown), that must be activated in order for the heating aspect to turn on. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the first heating component has a lever 226 that protrudes from the end wall 220. The lever 226 is located outside of the interior heating space of the first heating component 26. When it is depressed, the lever 226 activates both of the switches. The face plate 224 of the conveyance mechanism 222 preferably has a surface area that is large enough to allow a portion of the face plate 224, such as an upper corner of the face plate 224, to depress the lever 226 when the conveyance mechanism 222 is in the second position. [0079] As discussed above, in at least some embodiments, food dispensing machine 1 dispenses food items that include a first food portion 31, such as a hot dog or other

meat product, and a second food portion 34, such as a bun or roll. A plurality of second food portions 34 can be stored within machine 1 in containers that are attached to a film. Figures 23 through 25 illustrate one example of a suitable container 35. Other examples of suitable containers are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,863,179 and 6,802,433 to Leonid Leykin. As illustrated in FIGs. 23 through 25, container 35 includes peripheral walls 230, which, together with a bottom 231, form an inner cavity 232 for accommodating a second food portion 34. The container 35 has an open side 233, which is opposite to the bottom 231. As shown in FIGs. 23 through 25, the container 35 is longer in a first direction T and has rounded wall portions at the longitudinal ends of the inner cavity 232 in the first direction. [0080] One or more projecting structures 234, preferably two projecting structures 234, are further provided in the container 35. The projecting structures 234 can be formed on the bottom 231 of the container 35 and extend into the inner cavity 232 of the container 35. The one or more projections 234 can be located substantially along a line parallel to the direction of the long axis T of the container 35. The one or more projections 234 support a second food portion 34, such as a bun or roll, and the side walls 230 of the container 35 are situated relative to the bottom and the one or more projections 234 such that the second food portion 34 is also supported by the side walls 230. The side walls 230 are preferably partially curved in a manner corresponding to the second food portion 35.

[0081] FIG. 26 shows one example of a dispensing device 23 for second food portions 34. The dispensing device 23 contains a chain 260 of second food portions 34, which are dispensed from the device 23, such as via a top end 261 of the device

23. The containers 35 are covered by second film 36, which also connects the containers 35.

[0082] FIGs. 27 and 28 illustrate a chain 260 of second food portions 34. Each second food portion container 35 contains a second food portion 34. Each container 35 is attached to a second film 36 of the chain 260 at a lip 270 of the container 35. Each container 35 can be attached to the second film 36 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to an adhesive or heat welding.

[0083] FIG. 29 illustrates one example of a second food portion deployment device 33. As shown in FIG. 29, the second food portion deployment device 33 includes a housing 290, a container guide 291, a bar portion 292, a plate 293, and a film roller 294. In practice, a chain 260 of second food portion containers 35 can be pulled into the second food portion deployment device 33, the chain 260 of second food portion containers 35 is drawn past the guard 291, and the film 36 is drawn about an edge of the plate 293 such that the film 36 generally reverses direction, and is thus removed from the chain 260 of second food portion containers 35. The second film 36 is pulled by and wrapped around the film roller 294.

[0084] Referring now to FIGs. 30 and 31, the film roller 294 includes a first half 300 and a second half 301 that join in a mating fashion to form the film roller 294. The first and second halves 300 and 301 can be similar or substantially identical in their general structure. Preferably, first half 300 differs from second half 301 in that first half 300 includes an axle 302. The first and second halves 300 and 301 each include a slot 303 into which an end of a bun film is inserted to secure it on the roller 294 when the roller 294 begins to pull and wind the hot dog bun film. The first and second halves 300 and 301 of the roller are each tapered along their length such that a cross

sectional area of a middle portion 304 of the roller 294 is less than a cross sectional area of either extremity of the roller 294. For example, first half 300 is preferably wider at its first end 305 than at its second end 306. Similarly, second half 301 is preferably wider at its first end 307 than at its second end 308. The first and second halves 300 and 301 thus taper in opposite directions when they are joined to form film roller 294. In this manner, the two halves 300 and 301 can be separated even when a bun film is wrapped around the film roller 294. In practice, second half 301 can slidably engage first half 300, such as by slidably engaging axle 302. First half 300 and second half 301 preferably attach to one another by a connector, such as, for example, clip 309 and clip receiving member 310.

[0085] As shown in FIGs. 29 and 32, the film roller 294 can be incorporated into the second food portion deployment device 33. As illustrated, the film roller 294 can be inserted through a door 320 that is pivotally attached to a wall of the food portion deployment device 33. A first end of the axle 302 can be disposed in an opening 320a of the door 320, and a second end of the axle 302 can be inserted though an opening or receiver 321 in the opposite wall of the food portion deployment device 33. The second end of the axle 302 preferably connects to a driver, so that the film roller 294 can be rotatbly driven by a motor. The door 320 can be held in place by a bracket 322, which is preferably pivotally attached to the food portion deployment device 33. When the bracket 322 is pivoted away from the door 320 and the door 320 can be opened as shown in Fig. 32. When the roller 294 is full of film, the roller 294 can be removed from deployment device 33 and can be separated into its two constituent halves 300 and 301 to facilitate the removal of any film wrapped thereon.

[0086] Still referring to FIGs. 29 and 32, the bottom of a bun container passing through the second food portion deployment device 33 is guided by a container guide 291. After the bun container becomes separated from the bun film, it passes through an opening 323, the lower portion of which is defined by a top surface of the guide 291. From the opening 323, the bun container is placed on a transport mechanism (not shown). To ensure that the container 35 is properly placed on the transport mechanism, the second food portion deployment device 33 includes two positioning tabs 324 and 325 that stabilize the platform for loading on the transport mechanism. [0087] In at least some embodiments, once a second food portion container 35 has been separated from the film 36 by passing through the second food portion deployment device 33, it can be placed onto a food product transport mechanism, such as platform as that shown in FIGs. 33 and 34. The container 35 can be securably placeable on the platform via one or more platform projections 330, which are flttable into the one or more corresponding lower openings of the container 35. The platform can be conveyed to a second heating device, such as a microwave oven, for heating the second food portion 34 to a desired temperature. The heated first and second food portions can then be combined and conveyed to a dispensing location. The first food portion 31 can then be combined with, or delivered into, the second food portion 34, and the platform holding the combined food item can be delivered to a food delivery compartment 45, as illustrated in FIGs. 35 and 36. As shown in FIGs. 35 and 36, the bulk of platform can be slidably delivered underneath the floor 350 of the food delivery compartment 45. The floor 350 of the food delivery compartment 45 can have a slot 351 through which the one or more platform projections 330 can extend to deliver the container 35, together with the combined food item, to the

interior of the food delivery compartment 45. A customer can then remove the finished food product from the delivery compartment 45 through food dispenser port 4 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0088] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.