Patent ID: 7303093
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A vending machine for selling heated food in a pan, the machine comprising a housing with four sides, a base and a top, at least one side being capable of opening, the housing opening side having several slots, one slot for dispensing a heated food in a pan and other slots for accepting money or its equivalent; the housing opening side further comprising a video screen and optionally depressible buttons; a refrigerator within the housing, the refrigerator having sides, a roof and a floor, the refrigerator roof having an opening door; the side having a fastenable door; a horizontally rotating apparatus within the refrigerator, said apparatus having a plurality of stations, each station capable of carrying a stack of food pans, with one food pan on top; an elevator positioned below the roof door, the elevator being capable of elevating a station such that the top food pan is raised above the refrigerator roof; a means for removing a cover from the food pan; a plurality of arms radiating from a central hub on top of the refrigerator roof, the arms being rotated horizontally, the arms forming a plurality of spaces for carrying the food pans, whereby the arms push the pans around the refrigerator roof; an oven comprising a first heating element positioned above the food pan, a second heating element positioned below the pan, and sides formed by the two arms on either side of the food pan and an outer wall connecting the top and bottom of the oven; and a computer to carry out a food selection and to control the refrigerator and oven temperatures.