[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to an efficient and automatic sandwich vending machine that assists in the automated making of customized sandwich in response to a user order.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. [0003] A vending machine is an automated machine that provides items such as snacks, beverages, cigarettes, and lottery tickets to consumers after money, a credit card, or specially designed card is inserted into the machine. The first modem vending machines were developed in England in the early 1880s and dispensed postcards. Vending machines exist in many countries, and in more recent times, specialized vending machines that provide less common products compared to traditional vending machine items have been created and provided to consumers.

[0004] Vending machines have been in use for over 100 years. A vending machine provides a convenient mechanism for a consumer to purchase at any time, without the vendor having to staff a retail location round-the-clock. For the most part, such vending machines deliver a pre-made, pre-packaged product to the consumer with limited opportunity for customization of the purchase.

[0005] Submarine sandwich shops serve a growing segment of the fast- food industry. Over 20,000 locations are known to be open at the time of this writing, with over 1,000 new shops opening every year. Such shops, by their nature, sell a limited menu into an increasingly competitive market. A typical establishment might sell sandwiches and salads made to the customer's order, along with an assortment of accouterments such as chips, soft drinks, and packaged cookies. The demand for the shop's product is intermittent, with a large peak at lunch, and other smaller peaks that may be a function of the location, e.g., stores located near movie theaters would experience a rush of business when patrons leave the theater. This uneven demand places a burden on sandwich shop owners, who must size and schedule their labor force to handle the peaks without overspending on labor during their slow times. However, the food industry has seen sandwich-making plants and assembly lines which occupy a huge amount of space and complex in nature.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a new, secure, improved, and technically advanced automatic sandwich vending machine that assembles sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other food items in response to a customer order would provide a more efficient solution to this problem. Further, there is a need for an automatic sandwich vending machine that is custom in designed and developed to deliver a sandwich a minute which can be configured by the user as per their taste.

OBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact, efficient, and automated sandwich vending machine.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated sandwich vending machine that assembles one or more food items between slices of bread to prepare a customized sandwich or wraps as per the user’s requirement. [0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated sandwich vending machine that automatically cuts one or more food items including vegetables and meat in desired and sizes, for the sandwich.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated sandwich vending machine that assembles one or more food items between slices of bread to prepare a customized sandwich, and also grills or toasts the sandwich, with or without butter, as per the user’s requirement.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to reduce spillage or wastage of foods while preparing sandwiches in an automated sandwich vending machine. [0013] It is an object of the present invention to efficiently and automatically clean the automated sandwich vending machine.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated sandwich vending machine that efficiently stores multiple types of breads, and automatically picks, aligns and positions the bread at various locations to prepare the sandwich.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to efficiently configure a beverage dispensing assembly in a sandwich vending machine, which automatically fills and dispenses different types of beverages.

SUMMARY

[0016] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form to be further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to an automatic sandwich vending machine that assists in the automated making of a sandwich in response to customer order.

[0018] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sandwich vending machine that automatically assembles one or more food items, to prepare a sandwich, in response to a trigger from a user. The sandwich vending machine comprising at least two conveyors, wherein a first conveyor from the at least two conveyors accommodate a plurality of breads and a second conveyor from the at least two conveyors receive, depending on a type of bread received in the trigger from said customer, at least one bread from said plurality of breads. The sandwich vending machine may comprise one or more sensors communicably coupled with said at least two conveyors to: determine presence of the at least one bread and an alignment of the at least one bread on the second conveyor; determine a quantity of each of the one or more food items being dispensed over the at least one aligned bread; and determine a placement of the one or more food items over the at least one aligned bread, wherein the at least one bread is re -positioned if a pre determined condition associated with the alignment of the at least one aligned bread is detected. Further, a dispensing port may be operatively coupled to the second conveyor and configured to dispense, upon determining a completion of the placement of the one or more food items over the at least one aligned bread, the at least one aligned bread in the sandwich form.

[0019] In an aspect, the sandwich making machine may comprise a bread holding assembly configured to accommodate the plurality of breads, and transfer the at least one bread on any or a combination of the first conveyor and the second conveyor in response to the trigger. The bread holding assembly may comprise a bread storage unit including: a fixed plate having one or more cut-out sections, and a movable plate configured below the fixed plate, wherein the plurality of breads is configured therebetween in one or more stacks and aligned with the one or more cut-out sections; a set of lifting screws configured between the fixed plate, and the movable plate; and a driving unit comprising a motor and gear- arrangement being operatively configured with the movable plate to move the movable plate between an extended position and a retracted position from the fixed plate, wherein the movement of the movable plate from the extended position to the retracted position may push at least one of the stacks of bread to come above fixed plate through the corresponding cut-out sections.

[0020] In an aspect, the bread holding assembly may comprise a bread sliding mechanism extending between the bread storage unit and the at least two conveyors, and configured to pick, move and position the at least one bread from the bread storage unit to the at least two conveyors.

[0021] In an aspect, the pre-determined condition may be spillage of one or more food items when the placement of the one or more food items exceeds one or more pre-determined boundaries of the at least one bread.

[0022] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise one or more sauce dispensing units configured over the second conveyor, and configured to store and dispense a first predefined amount of the one or more sauces among the one or more food items over the at least one bread moving over the second conveyor.

[0023] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise one or more cutters to cut the one or more food items in pre-determined shape to accommodate over the at least one aligned bread, wherein the one or more food items comprises any or combination of one or more vegetables, cheese, butter, meat, chicken, and fish.

[0024] In an aspect, the at least two conveyors may comprise a third conveyor positioned between the one or more cutters and the second conveyor, the third conveyor configured to move the one or more food items being cut, over the at least one aligned bread being aligned on the second conveyor. The third conveyor may comprise: a support member extending along a length of the third conveyor; a first set of rollers movably configured to the support member, and oriented in a first direction, wherein each of the first set of rollers may be movably configured with each other, through a first motor; and a second set of rollers movably configured to the support member, and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein each of the second set of rollers may be movably configured with each other, through a second motor; wherein rotation of the first set of rollers and second set of rollers in response to the trigger, facilitates movement of the one or more food items being cut by the one or more cutters over the at least one aligned bread.

[0025] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a cheese and jam spreader configured over the second conveyor to apply and spread a second predefined amount of the one or more food items comprising any or a combination of cheese, and jam, over the at least one bread.

[0026] In an aspect, the sandwich form may be obtained by placing a second bread from said plurality of breads over the at least one aligned bread having the one or more food items placed over the at least one aligned bread. [0027] In an aspect, the second conveyor may comprise a support member having a belt extending along its length, wherein the belt may be movably configured by a motor, to move the belt and corresponding bread from a first end of the second conveyor to a second end of the second conveyor.

[0028] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a butter sprayer configured to spray butter being heated at a predefined temperature on at least one side of the sandwich. The butter sprayer may comprise: a first container adapted to accommodate the butter; and a second container enclosing the first container such that a space is formed therebetween, the space is configured to be supplied with water heated at the predefined temperature, which melts and heat the butter inside the first container at the predefined temperature such that the first container supplies the heated butter over the sandwich through an outlet.

[0029] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a grilling and toasting unit configured to receive, and grill or toast the sandwich comprising any or a combination of the at least one aligned bread, the second bread, with or without the one or food items therebetween.

[0030] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a packaging unit to pack the sandwich in one or more boxes, and dispense the packed sandwich from the dispensing port.

[0031] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a beverage unit configured to provide one or more beverages in response to the trigger, and wherein the one or more beverages includes any or a combination of soft drink, milk, and coffee.

[0032] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine comprises a water reservoir configured to provide water for cleaning purpose. The water reservoir provides water based at least one pre-defined condition is achieved by the sandwich vending machine, and the at least one pre-defined condition is: when heat of the sandwich vending machine exceed a pre-determined heat of the sandwich vending machine, or when the sandwich vending machine does not include the one or more food items, or at a predefined time interval.

[0033] In an aspect, the sandwich vending machine may comprise a refrigeration unit configured with one or more food compartments associated with the one or more food items to keep the one or more food items fresh and refrigerated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an automatic sandwich vending machine that automatically assembles one or more food items, to prepare a sandwich, in response to a trigger from a customer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary functional module of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGs. 3 A to 3D illustrate different perspective views of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGs. 4A to 4D illustrate exemplary views of the bread holding assembly of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of the bread sliding assembly of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure

[0040] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary views of the vegetable or meat conveyor of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary view of the second conveyor of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [0042] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary view of the grilling or toasting unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate exemplary views of the pressurized butter spraying unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate exemplary views of the cup holder unit of a beverage dispensing unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [0045] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary view of the packaging unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 12A and 12B illustrate exemplary views of the cheese or jam dispensing unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary view of the vegetable or meat cutting unit of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGs. 14A to 14L illustrate exemplary views of a user interface of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, to elaborate upon the use of the proposed machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [0050] The present disclosure relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to an automatic sandwich vending machine that assists automated making a customized sandwich in response to a user order.

[0051] The present disclosure is not designed prior-art like assembly line.

At any given point of time, we queue up the orders and deliver sandwich one after the other to our users. The quantity handled at any point is "ONE". And the sandwich is served in a minute after the payment process is done.

[0052] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an automatic sandwich vending machine specialized for the delivery of food products. The proposed automatic sandwich vending machine can be assembled with a bread holding unit, a sauce dispenser, a vegetable or meat cutter, a cheese dispenser, a butter dispenser/sprayer, and Grilling hotplates.

[0053] In an aspect, the automatic sandwich vending machine can be controlled by a touch screen. Once the payment is made electronic signal can be triggered to start preparing the sandwich.

[0054] In an aspect, the bread unit can dispense the choice of bread as white or brown, multigrain etc. The sauce unit can dispense the four different varieties of sauces depending on the choices made by the customer. The number of sauce units may vary. It may be more than as specified above. The vegetable or meat dispenser is an individual unit to dispense the vegetables or cooked meat based on customer selection. Based on the selection of vegetables or meat, the conveyor can be controlled to stop at the respective station. If a standard choice then the preconfigured vegetables are cut else additional are also served. The butter and cheese dispenser can dispense the butter and cheese over the bread. [0055] In an aspect, the automatic sandwich vending machine can automatically assist in configuring the selection of the bread, sauces required, vegetables to be selected, cheese and jams, and also the payment method. Once the payment is made electronic signals are triggered to start preparing the sandwich. In an aspect, the automatic sandwich vending machine is assembled with a bread holding unit, a vegetable cutter, sauce, cheese, and butter dispenser, grilling hotplates along with methods for making the sandwich in response to customer order.

[0056] In an aspect, the automatic sandwich vending machine can include a cleaning system or auto cleaning mechanism. The auto cleaning can include a water reservoir that supplies water at a particular period for cleaning the entire system which holds food holding systems. This is for saving time and maintaining hygiene in the proposed system.

[0057] In an aspect, the machine or system can be designed to automatically inform the owner or user on how much quantity of food to be delivered is left. Based on which owners can take appropriate decisions and inform individual vendors to make or not to make the fillings. In an example, the machine or system can be connected with the computing device registered mobile number of the user. The system can inform the owner by sending an email or message.

[0058] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 3D, in an aspect the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine 100 (also referred to as machine 100, herein) can be assembled with a bread holder 102 (also referred to as bread holding unit 102, herein), a sauce dispenser 104 (also referred to as sauce dispensing unit 104, herein), a vegetable or meat cutter 106 (also referred to as vegetable or meat cutting unit 106, herein), a cheese and jam spreader 108 (also referred to as cheese and jam dispensing unit 108, herein), a butter dispensing unit 110 (also referred to as pressurized hot butter sprayer 110 or butter spraying unit 110, herein), add-ons like paneer, com etc, a dispensing port, a grill or toast unit 112 (also referred to as grilling or toasting unit 112, herein), a packaging unit 116, and a beverage dispensing unit 114.

[0059] In an embodiment, the sandwich vending machine 100 can cater one or more varieties of bread and can be increased based on the future scope. Overall, the design of the machine to cater to slices of bread is vertically aligned and not horizontal. In an exemplary embodiment, the machine 100 can cater white bread or wheat bread or sweet bread or flatbread or Barbari bread. Machine 100 can cater or dispense the bread quantity or type based on the user’s input or selection.

[0060] In an embodiment, the bread holder unit 102 can include four bread holding units, two in the front and rear each. The front units are for white and brown slices of bread which can be stacked up for holding 250 slices of bread each. The same applies to the holders at the rear. Again, the capacity of holding slices of bread can also varied. In an embodiment, the bread holder unit 102 can be made of food-grade aluminum plates of specific dimensions and held at a stationary state. The machine can include a bread sliding assembly 303 to move the slices of bread from the bread holder unit 102 to a second conveyor 304. A motor can drive these aluminum plates vertically and the pneumatic suction cups placed above these plates can pick and place the bread on the conveyor for further proceedings. In an embodiment, sauce dispensing unit 104 can be controlled by two units such as sauce holder and sauce dispenser. The sauce holder can be a cylindrical unit holding 5 liters of sauce. The sauce dispenser 104 can be a program-controlled peristaltic pump for dispensing the required amount of sauce. As soon as the sauce selection is done, the sauce dispensing unit 104 contains one or more varieties of sauces. Each sauce can be configured based on the Admin panel 314 which is custom made for the selection of ingredients by the administrator. User selection can happen from the pre-configured sauce list based on the user's taste. Once the sauce is selected and the payment is done via online gateways the bread is placed on a conveyor using the robotic manipulator. Once the bread is positioned all the sauces or the choice of selection can be dispensed by the sauce dispenser. The sauce can be selected from any or combination of tomato sauce, hollandaise sauce, avocado sauce, mignonette sauce, mushroom ketchup, brown sauces, butter sauces, pepper sauces, mustard sauces, onion sauce, American island sauce, mayonnaise sauce, but not limited to the likes.

[0061] In an embodiment, the vegetable or meat cutting unit 106 can cater to the need of one or more vegetables which can be configured by the administrator. The menu options can change accordingly using panel 314. The vegetable or meat cutting unit 106 design can be unique and cutters are custom made to serve the units in the best possible way. Once the sauce is dispensed onto the bread, the bread moves on a conveyor and stops at a vegetable station which can be a foot apart from the sauce dispensing unit 104. Once the bread reaches this spot 106 selected vegetables or meats are freshly cut as per the preconfigured notation and kept directly on the bread. This is unique to this machine 100 as based on the type of vegetable or meat, how much quantity needs to be delivered is set programmatically. Intelligence is achieved by the iterations and testing. Circular cutters can be attached at the bottom of the unit to cut the vegetables or meats. These cutters can be circular designed. In an exemplary embodiment, the vegetables can be selected from any or combination of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, green peppers and onions, and the likes. Machine 100 can include a third conveyor 309 configured with multiple rollers to move the vegetables or meat after cutting, over the second conveyor 303. Further, machine 100 can include a refrigeration unit 307 to keep the vegetables and meat fresh.

[0062] In an embodiment, cheese or jam dispensing unit 108 can be designed as a single rectangular block made of Stainless Steel to store cheese or jam. A motor can drive a piston to push the cheese or jam outside through a slot specifically designed keeping in mind the material properties of cheese. The slot can have an opening and closing unit to avoid any leakage.

[0063] In an embodiment, the butter spraying unit 110 can include a hot sprayer. In an exemplary embodiment, the butter can be applied from a hot sprayer if the bread is supposed to be grilled on a hot grill plate. Once the hot plate is heated if no butter is applied there are chances that bread can be stuck to the plates. To avoid such circumstances butter can be sprayed before placing the bread onto hot plates. In another embodiment, the toasting unit 12 or toasting hotplates or hotplates can be used to grill the sandwich. In an exemplary embodiment, hotplates can be designed using aluminum and integrated heating Nichrome coils. The hotplates (can be designed to fit the shape and size of the bread. There are four hot plates; two (bottom plates) are stationary and the other two moves up and down on a motor-controlled lead screw. [0064] In an embodiment, the components of the machine 100 can be housed over a mainframe 302 that can be configured over a bottom frame 301 having wheels. Further, removable panels 310-312 can be configured on the mainframe 302 to enclose the components of the sandwich vending machine 100. Further, one of the panels 311 can include a dispensing port that can be operatively coupled to second conveyor 304 of the machine 100, which can be configured to dispense, upon determining completion of the placement of the one or more food items over at least one aligned bread, the at least one aligned bread in the sandwich form.

[0065] In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing unit 114 of the machine can include a cup holder unit 308 to accommodate and supply cups for filling with one or more beverages selected from milk, coffee, soft-drink, juice, and the likes. The beverage dispensing unit 114 can include a container 305 to store the beverages, and a chiller306 to keep the beverages cool.

[0066] FIG. 14A to 14L illustrate exemplary views of a user interface 314 of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine 100, to elaborate upon the use of the proposed automatic vending machine. As illustrated, in an implementation, the user can select his choice using the touch-enabled system or panel 314, which can act as a user-interface. After the general user selection, the bread unit dispenses the choice of bread -white or brown. The sauce unit can dispense the choice of sauce. There are 4 varieties provided and each one of them is controlled by peristaltic pumps. The vegetable or meat cutters can be individual units and hold their individual station. Based on the selection of vegetables or meat, the conveyor can be controlled to stop at the respective station. If a standard choice then the preconfigured vegetables or meat are cut else additional are also served. Butter can be sprayed only if the grill option is selected. Salt and spices are generic and can be served on all selections. After which, the bread slice is placed and sent to the toaster for 20 sec if a grill is selected or directly sent to the sandwich cutter and then packed.

[0067] The proposed automatic sandwich vending machine 100 can be controlled by a touch screen system 314 which helps in configuring the selection of the bread, sauces required, vegetables to be selected, cheese, and also the payment method. Once the payment is made electronic signals are triggered to start preparing the sandwich. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen or display can be provided with two options such as standard or customized or same as the above option. In standard options, the standard sandwich can be dispensed. The standard sandwich can be made based on a pre-configured or pre-determined or pre-defined method or vegetable or sauce configured by the vendor or user. In an exemplary embodiment, the standard sandwich can include sandwiches like bread butter, cheese bread, bread jam, chocolate sandwich, bread mayonnaise etc. In the customized option, the user can customize the sandwich as per his/her requirement. He/ she can select bread types, sauce types, vegetable types, add-ons. With the same as the above option, he/she can repeat the same order without following the same procedures.

[0068] In an embodiment, the touchscreen-based system 314 can have one or more options such as Standard sandwich, Customized sandwich (grilled and non-grilled), Combo (grilled or non-grilled sandwich with a selection of drink), Drink can also be a cold drink or a cold coffee/chocolate. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can select or choose tomato, green chili, cheese, butter as per his/her requirement by using the touchscreen.

[0069] In another embodiment, the sandwich vending machine 100 can be in communication with one or more mobile devices associated with the user to generate the trigger from a remote location over a network, to select and customize the sandwich as required, and also make payment for the selected sandwich using the mobile devices itself. The mobile devices can be selected from a mobile phone, tablet, computer, and the likes.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, in an aspect, an exemplary functional module of the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine, is disclosed. The proposed automatic sandwich vending machine 100 can include a computing unit 202 including at least one processor 204, an input/output (I/O) interface 208, and a memory (206). At least one processor 204 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, at least one processor 204 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 206. The I/O interface 208 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface may allow the proposed machine to interact with a user directly or through an earphone. Further, the I/O interface 208 may enable the proposed automatic sandwich vending machine 100 to communicate with other computing devices and mobile devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 208 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server. [0071] The memory 206 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory may include modules, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. [0072] In one implementation, the automatic sandwich vending machine

100 can include one or more sensors 210, a display unit 212, a communication unit 214, a bread holding unit 102, sauce dispensing unit 104, vegetable or meat cutting unit 106, cheese or jam dispensing unit 108, butter dispensing unit 110, grilling or toasting unit 112, beverage unit 114, packaging unit 116, custom refrigeration unit 216, the sandwich cutting unit 218, compressor unit 220, and other unit(s) 222.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more sensors 210 can be communicably coupled with said at least two conveyors 304, and 309, to determine the presence of at least one bread and an alignment of at least one bread on the second conveyor 304; determine a quantity of each of the one or more food items being dispensed over the at least one aligned bread; determine a placement of the one or more food items over the at least one aligned bread, wherein the at least one bread is re-positioned if a predetermined condition associated with the alignment of the at least one aligned bread is detected. The pre-determined condition can be spillage of one or more food items when the placement of the one or more food items exceeds one or more pre-determined boundaries of at least one bread.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 214 can be selected from WiFi Module, GSM Module, or wired or wireless media, to communicatively couple the mobile devices of the users with the computing unit 202 of the proposed sandwich vending machine 100.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4A to 4D, and 5, in an embodiment, the bread holding unit 102 can hold one or more bread slice 400. The bread holding unit 102 can include one or more bread holders or containers that hold or store the slices of bread 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the kind of bread selected by the customer can be placed on the conveyor by a bread sliding mechanism 303 of the bread holding unit 102 to make sandwiches (subs and wraps). As illustrated, the bread holding unit 102 can be configured to accommodate the plurality of slices of bread 400, and transfer at least one bread on any or a combination of the first conveyor and the second conveyor 304 in response to the trigger. The bread holding unit 102 can include a bread storage unit including a fixed plate 402 having one or more cut-out sections403, and a movable plate 401 configured below the fixed plate 402. The plurality of slices of bread 400 can be configured therebetween (plates 401 and 402) in one or more stacks and aligned with the one or more cut-out sections 403. Further, the bread storage unit 102 can include a set of lifting screws 404 configured between the fixed plate 402, and the movable plate 401. In addition, a driving unit (B) comprising a motor 405 and gear- arrangement 406 being operatively configured with the movable plate 401 to move the movable plate 401 between an extended position and a retracted position from the fixed plate 402, such that the movement of the movable plate 401 from the extended position to the retracted position pushes at least one of the stacks of bread 400 to come above fixed plate 402 through the corresponding cut-out sections 403.

[0076] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the bread sliding mechanism

303 having a first end 303-1 and a second end 303-2, extending between the bread storage unit 102 and the at least two conveyors 304, and configured to pick, move and position the at least one bread from the bread storage unit 102 to the at least two conveyors 304. Further, a suction cup 501 can be movably configured between the bread storage unit 102 and the at least two conveyors 304 using a driving unit comprising a motor 504, and guiding means 503 extending between the bread storage unit 102 and the at least two conveyors 304. The suction cup 501 can be configured with an actuator 502 to pick the bread 400 from the bread storage unit 102 and move it to at least two conveyors 304, and align the picked bread over the second conveyor 304 in a predefined orientation.

[0077] In an embodiment, the sauce dispensing unit 104 can dispense one or more seasonings and/or one or more sauces. In another embodiment, the sauce dispensing unit 104 can include a plurality of sauce containers, a dropping head, and a plurality of tubes. Each of the sauce containers can be configured to contain a respective one of a plurality of sauces. The dropping head can include a plurality of openings each coupled with a respective one of the sauce containers via a respective one of the tubes. One or more sauces can be selected from any or combination of chipotle mayo, Dijon mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic spread, pesto, ranch, yellow mustard, or salsa verde.

[0078] In an embodiment, the sauce dispensing unit 104 can include any other mechanism and can function in any other way to selectively dispense one or more sauces across all or a portion of the foodstuff or sandwich according to a custom food order. The sauce dispensing unit 104 can uniformly or non-uniformly distribute the sauces as per the user’s requirement. In another embodiment, the sauce dispensing unit 104 can have one or more sensors that can identify the level of sauce. Data or level of sauce can be transmitted continuously from depth sensors and transmitted to the computing unit 202 which controls the UI display for the user. In another embodiment, as per the selection of the sauce by the user, the required motors can be operated in parallel for the sauces to fall simultaneously.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, in an embodiment, the vegetable or meat cutting unit 106 can cut one or more foods including vegetables or meat. In an exemplary embodiment, if the user needs onion and cucumber then the vegetable cutting unit can cut the onion and the cucumber as per the user’s requirement. The user can select one or more vegetable cutting style. For example, the user requires finely chopped cabbage then he can select the option on the user interface. The vegetable or meat cutting style can be selected from any or combination of chopped or finely chopped or fine dice or shredding or match sticks cuts or slicing or mincing or roll-cutting or parallel cutting. Circular cutters 1301 can be attached at the bottom of the vegetable or meat cutting unit 106 to cut the vegetables or meats. These cutters can be circular designed and can be operatively coupled using motors 1302. In an exemplary embodiment, the vegetables can be selected from any or combination of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, green peppers and onions, and the likes, and the meat can be selected from chicken, fish, and mutton, and the likes.

[0080] Referring to FIGs. 6 A and 6B, the at least two conveyors can include a third conveyor 309 positioned between the one or more cutters 1301 and the second conveyor 304. The third conveyor 309 can be configured to move the one or more food items being cut, over the at least one aligned bread being aligned on the second conveyor 304. As illustrated, the third conveyor 309 can include a support member 609 extending along a length of the third conveyor 309, and a first set of rollers 601 movably configured to the support member 609, and oriented in a first direction, and each of the first set of rollers 601 are movably configured with each other, through a first motor 602 and a first gear 603. Further, the third conveyor 309 can include a second set of rollers 604 movably configured to the support member 609, and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the second set of rollers 604 can be movably configured with each other, through a second motor 605 and second gear 606. The rotation of the first set of rollers 601 and second set of rollers 602 in response to the trigger, can facilitate the movement of the one or more food items being cut by the one or more cutters 1301 over at least one aligned bread (over the second conveyor 30). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first set of rollers 601 can be movably configured with each other through first gear 603 and chain arrangement 607, and each of the second set of rollers 604 can be movably configured with each other through second gear 606 and chain arrangement 608, such that all the rollers can move together using only two motors 602 and 605. [0081] Referring to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the second conveyor 304 can include a support member 702 having a belt 701 extending along its length. The belt 701 can be movably configured by a motor (not shown), to move the belt 701 and corresponding bread from the first end of the second conveyor to a second end of the second conveyor.

[0082] Referring to FIGs. 12A and 12B, in an embodiment, the cheese or jam dispensing unit 108 can dispense cheese and/or jam as per the user’s requirement. The cheese and jam spreader 108 can be configured over the second conveyor 304 to apply a second predefined amount of cheese, and jam, over at least one bread. The cheese or jam dispensing unit 108 can be designed as a single rectangular block 1203 made of Stainless Steel to store cheese or jam. A motor 1201 can drive a piston using gear 1202 to push the cheese or jam outside through a slot 1204. specifically designed keeping in mind the material properties of cheese. Slot 1204 can have an opening and closing unit to avoid any leakage. [0083] Referring to FIGs. 9 A and 9B, in an embodiment, the butter spraying unit 110 can dispense the butter. In an exemplary embodiment, the butter dispenser unit 110 can include a hot sprayer. The butter can be applied from a hot sprayer if the sandwich is supposed to be grilled on a hot grill plate. In another embodiment, butter spreading can include two steps:

Step 1- Irrespective of the type of sandwich (grilled or non-grilled) butter can be applied to the inner side of the bread. This is common for all the sandwiches. Step - 2: Once the bread slice crosses the 2nd bread stage based on the grill option, butter is sprayed by the nozzles for evenly applying butter at the top and bottom sides of the sandwictr

[0084] As illustrated, in an exemplary embodiment, the butter spraying unit 110 can include first container 901 adapted to accommodate the butter through a top lid 904. A second container 902 can enclose the first container 901 such that space 903 is formed therebetween. Space 903 can be configured to be supplied with water heated at the predefined temperature, which melts and heats the butter inside the first container 901 at the predefined temperature. Further, the first container 901 can include an outlet 905 to spray the heated butter over the sandwich.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the grilling or toasting unit

112 can include one or more grilling hotplate or plate 801 and 802. Hotplates can be designed using aluminum and integrated heating Nichrome coils. These are designed to fit the shape and size of the bread. There are four hot plates; two (bottom plates) are stationary and the other two moves up and down on a motor- controlled lead screw. This unit cast by a professional company is specifically designed for this purpose and the design is completely unique to the automatic sandwich vending machine.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the hotplates can include a fixed heating plate 801, and a movable heating plate 802 configured above the fixed plate 801. The fixed heating plate 801 can be configured to receive the sandwich to be grilled or toasted over it, from the second conveyor 304. Further, a set of lifting screws 804 can be configured between the fixed heating plate 801, and the movable heating plate 802. Further, the grill or toast unit 112 can include a driving unit comprising a motor 803 and gear-arrangement being operatively configured with the movable heating plate 802 to move the movable heating plate 802 between an extended position and a retracted position from the fixed heating plate, such that the movement of the movable heating plate 802 from the extended position to the retracted position positions the sandwich between the two heating plates 801 and 802, thereby enabling grilling or toasting of the corresponding sandwich, from one or both sides, as required.

[0087] Referring to FIG 11, in an embodiment, the packaging unit 116 can package or deliver the prepared sandwich. In an exemplary embodiment, the prepared sandwich can be delivered in a packaging unit by a packing mechanism. The packaging unit 116 then packages the sandwich as per user’s requirement. In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging unit can include a box holding member 1101 adapted to accommodate a stack of one or more boxes 1100 over it, in an unfolded state. Further, a set of suction cups 1104 can be configured to pick at least one of the boxes 1100 from the stack, position the sandwich over the picked box 110, and fold the picked box 1100 in a predefined arrangement to pack the sandwich within the box 110. The box holding member 1101 can be movably configured using a set of lifting screws 117, and a driving unit comprising a motor and gear- arrangement 1102, to move the box holding member at a predefined height in a vertical direction. Further, another motor 1105 can drive the suction cup 1104 once one of the boxes is picked, to move the picked box to the other end, so that the next box is ready to be picked by the suction cup for the second packaging of the next sandwich.

[0088] Referring to FIGs. 10A and 10B, and 3 A, in an embodiment, the beverage dispensing unit 114 can provide one or more beverages in response to the trigger by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more beverages can include any or a combination of soft drink, milk, and coffee, but not limited to the likes. The beverage dispensing unit 114 can include one or more storage tanks 305 to store the one or more beverages, and supply a predefined quantity of the one or more beverages in one or more cups, and dispense the filled cups out of the sandwich vending machine 100. Further, a cup holder assembly 308 can be configured to accommodate the one or more cups 1001, and position at least one cup under the one or more storage tanks to be filled with the one or more beverages. In an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly 308 can accommodate one or more stacks 1101 of the one or more cups being configured between a top plate 1102 and a bottom plate 1103. The bottom plate 1103can include a cut-out section 1103 configured to allow movement of one cup over a cup sliding mechanism (C) that is positioned below the cut-out section 1103. The cup sliding mechanism (C) can include a cup holder 1105 to receive one cup being moved through the cut-out section 1105 of the bottom plate 1103. The cup holder 1105 can be configured with a motor 1007 and sliding members 1006 to move the received cup below the one or more storage tanks 305. The cup sliding mechanism (C) can further move the cups filled with the beverage to the dispensing port. Once a first stack among the one or more stacks 1001 of the one or more cups is pushed out of the bottom plate 1103, the one or more stacks of cups can be rotated so that a next stack is positioned over the cut-out section of the bottom plate 1003.

[0089] In an embodiment, a custom refrigeration unit 216 can refrigerate the vegetables or meat, and beverages, so that fresh food items are available for customers for a longer period. The entire refrigeration unit 216 can help in maintaining the desired temperatures as per the FSSAI. This refrigeration unit 216 can help reduce dependence on additives to vegetables or mixtures, that are generally used to keep food items fresh.

[0090] In an embodiment, the compressor unit can be used to pass the compressed air for automated cleaning purposes. In another embodiment, the sandwich vending machine 100 can include another self-cleaning system including a water reservoir configured to provide water for cleaning purposes. The water reservoir can provide water-based at least one pre-defined condition is achieved by the sandwich vending machine 100. The pre-defined condition can be when the heat of the sandwich vending machine exceeds a predetermined heat of the sandwich vending machine, or when the sandwich vending machine 100 does not include the one or more food items, or at a predefined time interval.

[0091] In an embodiment, the sandwich vending machine can include a sandwich cutting unit 218 to cut the sandwich in predefined shapes and sizes. [0092] In an implementation, as illustrated in FIGs. 14A to 14L, the process or method for making the sandwich can include the following steps: user selection on the user interface of automatic sandwich vending machine, bread fetching from the bread holder unit 102 based on user’s requirement, butter spreading by the butter dispenser unit 110, sauce dispensing by the sauce dispenser 104, vegetable or meat cutting and spreading over the bread by the vegetable or meat cutting unit 106, cheese or jam dispensing by the cheese or jam dispenser unit 108, grill or toast mechanism by the grilling or toasting unit 112, packaging and dispensing the prepared sandwich by the packaging unit 116.

[0093] In the implementation, the bread fetching can include two stages: fetch the slices of bread and keep it on a sub-conveyor which can accommodate 4 slices of each type. This is an intermittent process and should be done only if the no of bread slices on the sub conveyor is equal to zero; Put the right slice on the main conveyor when the order is placed. Here the choice of bread comes into place. Which one to fall on the main conveyor. When the payment is made, the slice from the sub-conveyor falls onto the main conveyor for further processing. [0094] In an embodiment, the automatic sandwich vending machine can include the main conveyor (304) and sub-conveyor. The process for the bread slice to fall from the sub-conveyor to the main conveyor (304) can take 2 seconds. After one slice is moved onto the main conveyor, the sub conveyor should position the next slice at the right position for another order. In an embodiment, the sub conveyor can have two sensors for properly position the slice. The main conveyor can have one or more sensors. One sensor can be used for identifying if the slice is present on the unit or not.

[0095] In an exemplary step of the implementation, as soon as the slice falls on the main conveyor, the slice can be positioned at 90 degrees edge to edge and waits for the sauce mechanism.

[0096] The automatic sandwich vending machine 100 can have an additional feature such as the beverage dispensing unit 114. The beverage dispensing unit 114 can dispense the beverage based on the user’s requirement. When the order is getting served to the customer the selection made by him for cold drinks can be served. A mechanism that helps to pop out the glasses or cups and filling them with cold drinks or cold coffee is included in the machine. A blender and dispensing mechanism are automated for serving this purpose. [0097] In the implementation, the automatic sandwich vending machine

100 can take less time and effort for making and dispensing the sandwich. For example,

Time taken for manipulators to position bread slice - 2 seconds

As soon as the slice is positioned, the sauce should be dispensed onto the slice as per the selection.

Time for the sauce to dispense - 3 seconds

There are four kinds of sauces and as per selection, the required motors should be operated in parallel for the sauces to fall simultaneously. This parallelism helps in saving time.

Travel and dispensing time at this point (2nd Station) - 5 seconds A bread slice travels through all the stations via the main conveyor (304). So, the time for the slice to reach the vegetable station is around 9 seconds.

These 9 seconds can be utilized to cut the vegetables and keep it ready for dispensing.

Time available for cutting the vegetables after the order is placed - 9 seconds As soon as the slice reaches the station, dispensing should happen within 2 seconds

Travel and dispensing time at this point (3rd Station) - 11 seconds

If selected by the user, these units should be kept ready before the slice arrives at the stations.

Time available for preparing the Cheese and Add on stack - 15 seconds.

After the slice arrives at the station, time available for dispensing - 5 seconds Grill or No Grill function

This is the area where if the grill option is selected or not. A second slice can be placed on the initial stack and then the entire unit will be pushed onto a plate.

Time for placing the slice - 2 seconds

Time for pushing the entire stack - 2 seconds

Travel time for reaching this station - 3 seconds

Travel and dispensing time at this point (5th station) - 27 seconds

Case 1: If the grill is selected

Time for pushing on to the grill station - 3 seconds Time for grilling - 20 seconds Time for packing - 3 seconds

Travel and dispensing time at this point (6th station) - 53 seconds Total time for dispensing without packaging: 55 seconds Case 2:

If the grill is not selected Time for cutting - 3 seconds

Travel and dispensing time at this point (6th station) - 30 seconds

After this it goes for packaging and the total time left for packing is 7 seconds

Total time for dispensing without packaging:37 seconds

Each unit that is cheese, and add on can fall into a single unit, from where the dispensing onto the slice happens. So within 15 seconds, as per the selection cheese and add on should be placed onto this single unit. From a single unit, the ingredients can be placed onto the sandwich within 5 seconds.

Travel and dispensing time at this point (4th station) - 20 seconds.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing port can be operatively coupled to the second conveyor and the second conveyor 304 is configured to dispense, upon determining completion of the placement of the one or more food items over the at least one aligned bread, the at least one aligned bread in the sandwich form.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the movements of the different mechanisms of the machine can be controlled by the processors 204 of the computing unit 202. The stock of ingredients, foods, and beverages can be managed, and the selection and payment by the consumer can be taken into account by specific computer programmers stored and employed by the microprocessor, in a conventional manner.

[00100] Although the proposed sandwich vending machine 100 has been elaborated as above to include all the main modules, actual implementations may include only a part of the proposed modules or a combination of those or a division of those into sub-modules in various combinations across multiple devices that can be operatively coupled with each other, including in the cloud. Further the modules can be configured in any sequence to achieve objectives elaborated. Also, it can be appreciated that proposed machine 100 can be configured in a computing device or across a plurality of computing devices operatively connected with each other, wherein the computing devices can be any of a computer, a laptop, a smart phone, an Internet enabled mobile device and the like. All such modifications and embodiments are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00101] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00102] The present invention provides a compact, efficient, and automated sandwich vending machine.

[00103] The present invention provides an automated sandwich vending machine that assembles one or more food items between slices of bread to prepare a customized sandwich as per the user’s requirement.

[00104] The present invention provides an automated sandwich vending machine that automatically cuts one or more food items including vegetables and meat in desired and sizes, for the sandwich.

[00105] The present invention provides an automated sandwich vending machine that assembles one or more food items between slices of bread to prepare a customized sandwich, and also grills or toasts the sandwich, with or without butter, as per the user’s requirement.

[00106] The present invention reduces spillage or wastages of foods while preparing sandwich in an automated sandwich vending machine. [00107] The present invention efficiently and automatically cleans the automated sandwich vending machine.

[00108] The present invention provides an automated sandwich vending machine that efficiently stores multiple types of breads, and automatically picks, aligns, and positions the bread at various locations to prepare the sandwich. [00109] The present invention efficiently configures a beverage dispensing assembly in a sandwich vending machine, which automatically fills and dispenses different types of beverages.