Patent ID: 8505318
Filing Date: 2013-08-13
Classification: F24F,F25B,F25D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining multiple temperature zones within a product space of an automated perishable food vending machine comprising: a. determining whether one or more different temperature zones is desired in the machine; b. if one zone is desired, directing air at or near an evaporator of a refrigeration unit into a duct having an inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned generally towards the top of the product space, and air is circulated through the evaporator, into the inlet of the duct, out the outlet of the duct, and generally through the entire product space to maintain a thermostatically controlled temperature generally throughout the single zone; c. if two zones are desired, placing a thermal barrier between the first and second zone; d. directing air from at or near the evaporator in the duct and then into the first zone and circulating the air back through the evaporator; e. allowing some air from the duct in the first zone to move to the second zone and circulating that air in the second zone at a thermostatically controlled temperature different than the first zone; f. so that a lower frozen food temperature zone and a refrigerated food temperature zone above it can be maintained with one refrigerator unit and one air duct.