Patent ID: 6523715
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
An apparatus for selectively removing packaged foodstuffs from a refrigerated storage compartment forming part of an automatic hot food vending machine, the said apparatus comprising:a carousel having a plurality of compartments for storing food containers containing food; a selector plate rotatably mounted with respect to the said carousel and defining a base of the carousel; a door means in the said selector plate for opening and closing an opening in the said plate to allow the passage of a food container from a respective compartment therethrough; a controls means responsive to a customer operated food selector to rotate the said selector plate with respect to the said carousel to a position such that the said door in the said selector plate is aligned in register with a respective compartment of the said carousel; and, an actuator means for opening the said door when the said selector plate is in register with the said respective compartment, whereby a respective food container passes through the said opening in the selector plate for conveyance from the refrigerated compartment.