Abstract:
A food dispensing machine and method of use that includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions. A 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, within containers attached to a film so as to form a chain, are dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates each container from the film for placement onto a tray. The tray conveys the second food portions to a second heating device, and the heated first and second food portions are combined and dispensed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a food dispensing machine and method of use, and in particular to a machine for cooking, assembling, and dispensing uniformly shaped foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, or other meats in buns. 
     2. Background of the Technology 
     Machines for dispensing food items, such as for dispensing hot dogs, are known in the art. One such machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,299 to Leonid Leykin (“the &#39;299 Patent”). In the machine of the &#39;299 patent, 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. 
     However, there remain a number of problems with existing combined food dispensing device technology. For example, the use of infrared heating for the sausage/hot dog via the fork holding device of the &#39;299 Patent, as well as use of a microwave oven for heating the combined sausage/hot dog and the bun, results in both a slow process and uneven heating of the food. The use of standard packages of hot dogs, from which sausages/hot dogs are individually withdrawn following opening, can result in staleness of sausages/hot dogs that are not immediately removed, as well as producing a potentially dangerous food situation (e.g., bacterial growth in sausages/hot dogs remaining in unsealed packages). Further, the pushing devices of the prior art used to individually remove sausages/hot dogs from containers introduce spillage and bacterial growth from, for example, leakage of juices from the containers, and the complexity of the pushing devices can produce jams or other problems in the devices. 
     There remains an unmet need to provide food cooking devices that overcome the problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes a food dispensing machine and method of use that includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions, such as interior and exterior food portions (e.g., hot dog wieners and buns), which are combined after heating for dispensing to a customer. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, a first food portion, such as a hot dog, sausage, hamburger, or other generally uniform food portion, is dispensed from a chain of portions formed using a sealing film. The portions are dispensed using a first dispensing device, which slices open the film and expels the first food portion. The first food portion is loaded onto a projecting component, which, via a first conveying device, transports the first food portion to a first heating device, such as a combined infrared and microwave oven. In an embodiment of the present invention, the projecting component rotates the first portion during heating. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, second food portions, such as buns, are contained in containers forming a chain of portions via attachment to a second film. Each container containing a second food portion is dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates the container and food portion from the film and places the container onto a specialized tray, such as a tray including one or more projections for engaging openings in each container. The tray is conveyed, via a second conveying mechanism, to a second heating device, such as a microwave oven, for heating of the second food portion. The heated first and second food portions are then combined and conveyed to a dispensing location. 
     Other features of embodiments of the present invention include the following: containers for containing the chains of first and second food portions, the containers being optionally located within refrigerated sections of the machine; various vending features, as are known in the art, such as product selection buttons, payment acceptance features, and change dispensing features; condiment and other feeding mechanisms within the machine and ports for dispensing such items from the machine; appropriate electrical and/or electronic control elements for controlling operation of the machine; a test operation panel for testing operation; and various features to facilitate access, cleaning, and maintenance. 
     Additional advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in the attachments to this summary, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of an example food dispensing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a view of the example food dispensing machine of FIG. 1 with the front door of the machine opened; 
     FIGS. 3,  4 ,  5  and  7  present cutaway views of the example food dispensing machine of FIG. 1.; 
     FIG. 6 shows a closeup of the combined first and second food serving, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a view of another example vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 shows an example control panel for use in accordance with the example vending machine embodiment of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the vending machine of FIG. 8, further including a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a closeup view of various components of the second food portion storage and dispensing dispenser holder shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 show views of an example chain of first food portion items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example dispensing device for first food portions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 presents a view of a first embodiment of the first food portion deployment device receiving a first food portion from a chain of first food portions, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 presents a view of a second embodiment of the first food portion deployment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a closeup of a generally spool shaped wheel portion of the embodiment of the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 contains a perspective view of a plurality of first food portion deployment devices, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 16; 
     FIGS. 19 and 20 show the first food portion deployment device of FIG. 15 and a closeup of the cutter component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 21 presents a close up view of the holder, showing the ramp portion with a generally concave surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the holder of FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 23 contains a view of the closeup A of the holder and cutter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 24-27 show various views and closeups of features of the cutter component and cutter, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 28 contains an overhead view of the first food portion dispensing device of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 29 shows an expelling side view of the first food portion dispensing device of FIG. 15; 
     FIGS. 30-32 illustrate operation of the first food portion dispensing device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 33 presents an overview of the various components of an exemplary first heating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 34-37 present various views and closeups of features of an exemplary first heating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 38 is a view of an embodiment of a first heating component having a pivotably movable door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 39 presents a closeup view of the door portions of the first heating component for the embodiment of FIG. 38; 
     FIG. 40 is a cutaway view along the line D—D of FIG. 37 for the first heating component of FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 41 presents a first cutaway side view of the first heating device of FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 42 contains a second cutaway side view of the first heating component of FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of the first heating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 44-46 present views of the first food portion receiving component and first food portion placed thereupon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 47-51 present various views of the second food portion container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 52 presents another example second food portion container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 53 and 54 show views of the container securably placed on the tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 55 and 56 present illustrative embodiments showing use of the tray projections, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an example dispensing device for second food portions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 58 contains a closeup of a portion of an example second food portion chain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 59 presents a side view of the example portion of the chain of second food portions of FIG. 58; 
     FIG. 60 shows an example second food portion deployment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 61 is a perspective view of an example second food portion deployment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 62 contains an end view of the second food portion deployment device and pulled chain of second food portion containers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 63 is a side view of a first example embodiment of a second food portion deployment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 64 and 65 contain closeup views of the interaction of the film, the plate, and the bar, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 66 shows a side view of a second example embodiment of a second food portion deployment device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 67 and 68 show the passage of the second food portion container between the automatic control mechanism and the plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 69 presents an example condiments delivery device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 70 shows an example gravity feed delivery device for condiments, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 71 is a closeup of components of the gravity feed delivery device for condiments of FIG.  70 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     References will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     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 dispensed, a condiments port  5  accommodates condiments, and a supplemental port  6  accommodates supplemental dispensed items, such as napkins. 
     The example machine  1  of FIG. 1 further includes a bill/coin accepting mechanism  7  and a change dispenser  8 . In addition, the machine  1  includes a plurality of food item selection buttons  9 . Near each button is included, for example, an inscription or a picture identifying a different type of food item selectable via each of the buttons  9 . The selectable food items include, for example, hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, and other generally uniformly shaped 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 require differing cooking requirements. 
     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  is openable via, for example, hinges attaching the door  20  to the machine body  21 . In embodiments of the present invention, the interior of the body  21  includes several components that work in conjunction to produce the finished food product. As shown in FIG. 2, these components include one or more first food portion storage and dispensing devices  22 , one or more second food portion storage and dispensing devices  23 , a conveyance device or 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. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first food portion storage and dispensing devices  22  are enclosed or include a refrigerated section for maintaining the first food portion in a refrigerated condition until dispensing. 
     FIGS. 3,  4 ,  5  and  7  present cutaway views of the example food dispensing machine of FIG.  1 . 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 . As will be described further below, each serving of a first food portion  31 , such as hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, or other generally uniformly shaped food portions, 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 , each first portion deployment device  30  expels a single first food portion  31  for incorporation into a food product. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing devices  22  for the first food portions are housed within a refrigerated portion of the device  1  until expelled. 
     Similarly, each of the second food portion storage and dispensing devices  23  is associated with a second food portion deployment device  33 . As will be described further below, and as described further in applicants copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,747 of Leonid Leykin, et al., filed Sep. 17, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference, each serving  34  of the second food portions is individually contained within a second food container  35  attached to a continuous film  36 , which forms a chain of second food portions within containers. During the preparation of food products, each second portion deployment device expels a single second food portion  34  for incorporation into a food product. In an embodiment of the present invention, each second food portion  34  is also contained within a refrigerated section of the device  1  until dispensing. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the second food portion deployment device or devices  33  are attached to a frame that is swingably, 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 . 
     As further shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first conveying portion  24 , as described further below and as described further in applicants&#39; copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,745 of Leonid Leykin, et al., filed Sep. 17, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference, 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, as further described below and as also further described in applicants&#39; copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,745 of Leonid Leykin, et al., filed Sep. 17, 2001. 
     FIG. 4 contains a cutaway view of the example food dispensing machine  1  of FIG. 1, in which 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. As shown in FIG. 4, 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. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second conveying portion  25  includes a tray component  40  and first and second tray transporting components  41 ,  42 . As shown in FIG. 3, in operation, each second food container  35 , containing a serving of a second food portion  34 , is separated from the film  36  and placed on the tray component  40 . 
     As further shown in FIG. 4, the tray component  40  with the second food container  35  and second food portion serving  34  is transported by the transporting components  41 ,  42  to the second heating component  27 , such as a microwave oven, for heating. Following heating of both the first food serving  31  and the second food serving  34 , the second food container  35  and second food serving  34  are combined and then transported via the transporting components  41 ,  42  to a food combining location. As is discussed in greater detail below, for combining, the first food serving  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 serving  31  and the second food serving  34 , as shown in FIG.  5 . FIG. 6 shows a closeup of the combined first food serving  31  and second food serving  34 , such as a hot dog placed in a bun, in second food container  35  on tray  40 . 
     The second food container  35 , containing the combined first food serving  31  and second food serving  34 , is then transported via tray  40  and transporting components  41 ,  42  to food delivery compartment  45 , as shown in FIG. 7, for dispensing of food via food dispensing port  4 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Another embodiment of the vending machine  1  of the present invention is shown in FIG.  8 . As shown in FIG. 8, the machine  1  of this embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, includes the following features: a display  80  for displaying information relating to dispensing of products,; a refrigerated section door  81 , shown in FIG. 8 in an open position, for selectively enclosing first food servings stored in a refrigerated section  82 ; fans  83  utilized in the refrigerated section  82 ; a compressor  84  for use in conjunction with the refrigerated section  82 ; a distribution panel  85  usable to monitor various vending machine functions; a latch  86  for closeably latching the vending machine door  20 , as shown in FIG. 2; a control panel  87  with keypad  88 ; and a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder  89 . 
     An embodiment of the machine  1  includes 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. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel  87  allows an operator to operate selectively the various components contained in the machine  1 , such as for testing purposes. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel  87  is swingably, such as via hinges or other pivoting mechanisms, or otherwise movably attached within the machine  1 , so as to allow the operator to move the control panel  87  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. 
     FIG. 9 presents a cutaway view of the control panel of the machine shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the control panel  87  includes the keypad  88 , frame  90 , and one or more interface processor boards  91 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the vending machine  1  of FIG. 8, further including a view of a second food portion storage and dispensing device holder  89 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a closeup view of various components of the second food portion storage and dispensing device holder  89  shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the holder  89  is attached or placed (e.g., fixed or selectively fixable) in close proximity to second food portion deployment devices  33  and food delivery compartment  45 , which in this embodiment includes tray transporter device  110 , such as an electric motor for transporting a tray  40  via transporting components  41 ,  42  to food delivery compartment  45 , as shown in FIG.  7 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the holder  89  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  89 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. Also shown in FIG. 11 are a frame latching mechanism  111  for selectively latchably fixing the holder  89  within the machine  1 , vertical frame portions  112  of holder  89 , and second food portion storage and dispensing device shelves  114  for supporting second food portion storage and dispensing devices  23  placed in holder  89 . 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 show views of an example chain of first food portion items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the chain of first food portion items  100  includes a series of individually sealed first food portions  31 , such as hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, or other generally uniformly shaped food portions, sealed and connected by a film  101 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the chain is 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 by gluing or heat welding, so as to seal each first food portion  31  within the film  101 . 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example dispensing device for first food portions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The dispensing device  22  contains 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 . 
     The first food portion storage and dispensing device and the second food portion storage and dispensing device, each being self-contained and preloaded, allow easy replenishment within the food dispensing machine by replacement of each first food portion storage and dispensing device with a full food portion storage and dispensing device, as well as feeding of the chains of food portions into the dispensing mechanisms, as described further herein. 
     FIGS. 15-32 present various views and closeups of components relating to the first food portion deployment device, in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the first food portion deployment device  30  of the present invention receives first food portions  31  from a chain of first food portions  100 , which includes a connecting and enclosing film  101 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the chain of first food portions  100  is received from a dispenser, as, for example, is shown in FIG.  14 . 
     The first food portion deployment device  30 , in accordance with the present invention, includes a pulling component  111 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the pulling component  111  includes first and second wheels  112 ,  113  which engage the film  101  of the chain of first food portions  100 . In this embodiment, the second wheel  113  is driven through a transmission from a motor  114 . The first and second wheels  112 ,  113  are engageably connected, such as via teeth. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 16-18, a pair of wheels  161 ,  162  frictionally or otherwise engaged with one another are used in lieu of the first and second toothed wheels  112 ,  113  shown in FIG.  15 . In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16, a pulling component  160 , including, for example, a first wheel  161 , is frictionally or otherwise engaged with a second wheel  162 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the second wheel  162  is generally spool-shaped and, via rotational motion about, for example, axle  174 , storably takes up film  101 , which wraps about interior spool portion  175 , which includes, for example, film end engagement and release mechanism  176 . In this embodiment, the second wheel  162  has, for example, first and second rim portions  170 ,  171 , with first rim portion  170  including frictional engagement extension  172  for frictionally engaging with first wheel  161 , as shown in FIG.  18 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the wheels of the first food portion deployment device  30  includes a non-rigid outer surface, such as a surface that comprises rubber or other soft material, for engaging the film  101 . In this embodiment, the first wheel has a much larger diameter than the second wheel, and the film  101  wraps around the first, larger diameter wheel as the film  101  is pulled. Because of the larger diameter of the wheel taking up the film  101 , as the film wraps around the larger diameter wheel, the effective diameter of the larger diameter wheel with the wrapped film  101  varies little relative to the larger diameter wheel without the wrapped film  101 . As a result, a large amount of film  101  can be wrapped around the larger diameter wheel before removal of the film  101  from the wheel is required. 
     As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first food portion deployment device  30  further includes a cutter component  120 . As further shown in FIG. 19, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first food portion deployment device  30  also includes directing features, such as a wheel or wheels  121  for guiding the first food portions  31  into the cutter component  120 . 
     The cutter component  120  includes a holder  122 , which, as is shown in FIG. 20, is provided with a ramp portion  130 . In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the close up view of the holder  122  presented in FIG. 21, the ramp portion  130  has a generally concave surface. A cutter  140 , such as a blade, is located on the ramp portion  130  and, in an embodiment of the present invention, projects slightly from the surface of the ramp portion  130 . As is further shown in the cross-sectional view of the holder  122  shown in FIG.  22  and the closeup A shown in FIG. 23, in operation, a first component food portion  31  is frictionally drawn past ramp  130 , resulting in cutter  140  cutting through film portion  180  of film  101 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the cutter  140  is easily replaceable, such as when dull. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cutter  140  is attached to an easily removable plate or insert to facilitate replacement. 
     FIGS. 24-27 show various views and closeups of features of the cutter component and cutter, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 28 contains an overhead view of the first food portion dispensing device of FIG.  15 . FIG. 29 shows an expelling side view of the first food portion dispensing device of FIG.  15 . 
     FIGS. 30-32 illustrate operation of the first food portion dispensing device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30, a first food portion  31  is drawn via pulling of the film  101  by the first and second wheels  112 ,  113 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the film is also drawn past a projection  230 , such as an attached plate with a straight edge, such that the film  101  generally reverses direction. For example, the film  101  is pulled generally toward the right, as shown in FIG. 30, below the projection  230 , and is pulled generally to the left, as shown in FIG. 30, above the projection  230 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the holder  120 , containing the cutter component  122 , is adjustably positionable relative to an abutting feature  231 , such as a support for or attachment to the projection  230 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the holder  120  is pivotably attached to the first food portion deployment device  30  via an arm  232  attached at a pivot point  234 , the holder  120  and arm  232  being biased toward the abutting feature  231 , such as via a spring or springs  235 . 
     Operation of the first food portion deployment device  30  is further shown in FIG.  31 . As shown in FIG. 31, as the film  101  is pulled by the pulling component  111 , a first food portion  31  slidably engages the ramp  130  of the holder  122  and the cutter  140 , as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The bottom portion of the film  101  about the first food portion, as shown in FIG. 30, about the first food portion  31  is sliced by the cutter  140 . As the film  101  continues to be pulled by pulling component  111  and the film  101  is generally reversed in direction about the projection  230 , the film  100  is separated from the first food portion  31 , and the first food portion  31  slidably passes between the cutter component  121  and the abutting feature  231 . The operation of the film  101  being pulled in conjunction with cutting by the cutter  140  in the holder  122  causes the first food portion  31  to be expelled from the film  101 . 
     As shown in FIG. 32, the film  101  is continually pulled until the first food portion  31  is fully separated from the film  101  and has passed the cutter component  121  and the abutting feature  231 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the separated first food portion  31  is then received by the first food portion receiving component  37 . 
     FIGS. 33-46 present views of the first heating component and the conveying component, as well as features and subparts thereof and interactions therebetween, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     As shown in FIG. 33, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first heating component  26 , which is used, for example, to heat the first food portion  31  via infrared and microwave heating, includes an exterior housing  270 , a fixed door portion  271 , a movable door portion  272 , openings  273  for receiving the first food portion receiving component  37 , and door mover device  275 . In one embodiment of the present invention, openings  273  are formed by arced recesses in the fixed door portion  271  and the movable door portion  272 . 
     Also as shown in FIG. 33, the conveying component  39  is movable in axial direction Q so as to allow movement of the first food portion receiving component  37  into and out of the first heating component  26 . This movement may be accomplished via a number of mechanisms known in the art, which are included in or make up the lateral movement portion  50 . For example, as shown in FIG. 33, one embodiment of the conveying component  39  includes or is attached to a fixed portion  350  parallel to axial direction Q. A driven portion  351  is movable along the fixed portion  350 . For example, in one embodiment, fixed portion  350  comprises a cylindrically shaped rod having an external thread. Driven portion  351  comprises a movable and drivable portion having an internal thread matable with the external thread of the fixed portion  350 . In operation, to cause movement of the attached first food portion receiving component  37  into and out of the first heating component  270 , a driving device  352 , such as a motor, drives the driven portion  351 , such as via a belt or other mechanism known in the art for coupling a motor to a rotatable member, so as to rotate the driven portion  351 , producing axial motion along the fixed portion  350  via the mated threads. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the first food portion receiving component  37  includes a pair of cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  operatively connected to driving and moving features of the conveying component  39 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  include exterior friction portions, such as grooves, and are rotatable by features of the conveying component  39  so as to turn the first food portion  31  placed thereupon, such that the turned first food portion  31 , while placed inside the first heating component  270 , is uniformly heated. In addition, the conveying component  39  also includes moving features capable of separating the pair of cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356 , as discussed further below, so as to allow the first food portion  31  placed thereupon to be deposited (e.g., dropped) to a location below the first food portion receiving component  37 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the conveying component includes a second driving device  357 , such as a motor, connected to an output shaft  358 , in turn coupled, such as via a belt or belts  359 , to extending shafts  340 ,  341  of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356 , respectively, so as to allow rotation and relative motion (e.g., separation) of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356 . 
     FIGS. 34-37 present various views and closeups of features of an exemplary first heating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 34, the example first heating device  26  includes a substantially cylindrical chamber  280  for containing a received first food portion  31 . 
     As further shown in FIG. 34, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first heating device  26  includes a microwave emitter  281  for emitting microwave radiation into the cylindrical chamber  280 . The first heating device  26  also includes an infrared heater  285 , such as a heat lamp, for transmitting infrared heat to the interior of the cylindrical chamber  280 . As shown in FIG. 35, in one embodiment of the present invention, the door mover device  275  includes, for example, a door toothed rack portion  286 , a fixed rack portion  287 , and a toothed gear  288 , one or more sets of teeth of the gear  288  being engageable with the teeth of the door toothed rack portion  286  and with the teeth of the fixed rack portion  287 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the movable door portion  272  is opened or closed by motion transmitted to the toothed wheel portion  288 , such as via a door motor  289 . 
     FIG. 35 presents a cutaway end view of the first heating component of FIG. 34 for the embodiment in which the movable door portion is moved by a toothed rack and gear portions. The movable door portion  272  is not shown in FIG. 35, so as to provide a cutaway view of the various components of the door mover device  275  of this embodiment. As also shown in the embodiment presented in FIG. 35, the openings  273  include arced recesses  290 ,  291  in the fixed door portion  271 . 
     FIG. 36 contains an overhead view of the first heating component of FIG. 35, and FIG. 37 shows a side view of the first heating component of FIG.  34 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, a movable door portion  380  is pivotably attached to the first heating device  26 , via pivoting mechanisms  381 , such as hinges. In one embodiment, additional features or devices as are known in the art, including but not limited to motors, arms, and pivoting devices are used to open and close the movable door portion  380 . As further shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, movable door portion, when in a closed position, mates with fixed door portion  385 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, when cylindrical extension  355 ,  356 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 33, are insertably engaged with the first heating device with movable door portion  30  in the closed position, the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  freely rotate within circular openings formed either by arced recess portion pairs  390 ,  391  and  392 ,  393  or pairs  394 ,  395  and  396 ,  397 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 38 and 39, the circular openings formed by each of the sets of pairs are similar to the openings  273 ,  273  formed from the closed position of doors  272 ,  273 , as shown in FIG.  34 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, door portion  381  is pivotably movable, for example, via extension link  382  coupled, for example, to a rotatable arm  383 . Rotation of the rotatable arm  383 , using features known in the art, such as coupling to an electric motor  384 , causes linear motion of extension link  382 , thereby causing pivoting motion of the door portion  381  about pivot devices  381 . 
     Other features of the embodiment of the first heating device  26  shown in FIG. 38 include a fan  398  used in conjunction with the microwave emitter  281  and a waste collector  399 , such as a removable tray or pan for collecting grease, juice, oil, and other first food portion emitted material. 
     FIG. 40 is a cutaway view along the line D—D of FIG. 37 for the first heating component of FIG.  32  and similarly for the embodiment of FIGS. 38 and 39. As shown in FIG. 40, in an embodiment of the present invention, the infrared heater  285  includes lamp portion  320  and lamp housing portion  321 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the lamp housing portion  321  includes reflective surface on the inner part of the housing  321 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 40, the cylindrical chamber  280  includes an opening  322  for receiving infrared radiation from the infrared heater  285 . 
     As further shown in the embodiment of the first heating device  26  of FIG. 40, the microwave emitter  281  includes, for example, a magneton antenna  325 . The cylindrical chamber  280  includes a microwave radiation opening  326  for receiving microwave radiation emitted via the magneton antenna  325 . 
     FIG. 40 also shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the cylindrical chamber  280 , showing cross-sectional views of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  and first food portion  31  placed thereon. The cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  rotate simultaneously and at approximately the same rotational velocity in the same rotational direction so as to turn the first food portion  31  for uniform exposure of the first food portion  31  to radiation for heating while within the cylindrical chamber  280 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the first heating component  26  further includes a waste collection container located within the exterior housing  270  below, for example, the cylindrical chamber  280 , so as to allow collection of waste products produced by operation of the first heating component  26 , such as grease, juice, and oils emitted by the first food portions  31  during heating. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical chamber  280  includes a drain opening for draining the waste products into the waste collection container. In an embodiments of the present invention, the waste collection container is also locatable in various other locations within the first heating component  26 , such as within the cylindrical chamber  280 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the waste collection container is easily removable from the first heating component so as to allow removal of collected waste and cleaning of the container. 
     FIG. 41 presents a first cutaway side view of the first heating device  26  of FIG.  34 . FIG. 42 contains a second cutaway side view of the first heating component of FIG.  34 . As shown in FIG. 42, rotational motion R of the first food portion  31  occurs via rotation of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356 . The cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  are movable in direction K, as shown in FIG. 42, into and out of the heating device  26 . 
     FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of the first heating device  26 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The heating device  26  of this embodiment includes microwave emitter  281 , similar to that described in conjunction with, for example, the heating device  26  for the embodiment of FIG.  34 . However, instead of infrared heater  285  of the heating device  26  for the embodiment of FIG. 34, the heating device  26  in the embodiment of FIG. 43 includes rods  355 ,  356  comprising or coated with a specialized material that emits heat in the presence of microwave radiation, the resulting heat from the rods  355 ,  356  then transferring to the first food portion  31  via the exterior surface of the first food portion  31 . For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the rods  355 ,  356  comprise or are coated with a ferrite material, along with an optional outer coating of a buffer material, such as Teflon® made by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., which prevents sticking of the first food portion  31  to the rods  355 ,  356  as the specialized composition material becomes heated. 
     FIGS. 44-46 present views of the first food portion receiving component and first food portion placed thereupon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 44, rotational motion S 1 , S 2  of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356 , respectively, causes rotation R of the first food portion  31  placed thereupon, so as to allow uniform heating via, for example, the microwave emitter  281  and the infrared heating device  320 . In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the cylindrical extensions  355 ,  356  includes increased frictional sections  361 ,  362 , respectively, such as grooved sections, for increased frictional engagement of first food portion  31  placed thereupon. 
     FIGS. 47-52 present various views of the second food portion container, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, as described further below and as further described in applicant&#39;s copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,744 filed Sep. 17, 2001 of Leonid Leykin, et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. As shown in FIGS. 47-51, in one embodiment, the container  35  includes peripheral walls  370 , which, together with a bottom  371 , forms an inner cavity  374  for accommodating a second food portion  34 , as shown in FIG.  48 . As shown in FIG. 50, the container  35  has an open side  375 , which is opposite to the bottom  371 . As shown in FIGS. 47-51, the container  35  is somewhat elongated in a first direction T, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, and has rounded wall portions at the longitudinal ends of the inner cavity  374  in the first direction. 
     One or more projecting structures  376  are further provided in the container  35 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the projecting structures  376  are formed on the bottom  371  of the container and extend into the inner cavity  374  of the container  35 . As most clearly shown in FIG. 49, in an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more projections  376  are located substantially along a line parallel to the direction of the long axis T of the container  35 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more projections  376  support a second food portion  34 , such as a bun, and the side walls  370  of the container  35  are situated relative to the bottom and the one or more projections  376  such that the second food portion  34 , such as a bun, is also supported by the side walls  370 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the side walls  370  are partially curved in a manner corresponding to the second food portion  35 , such as a bun. 
     As is further shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, in an embodiment of the present invention, vertical upper portions  377  of the side walls  370  are connected with vertical lower portions  378  of the side walls  370  by intermediate inclined wall portions  379 . In an embodiment of the present invention, parts of the second food portion  34 , such as bun halves, are partially supported by the intermediate inclined wall portions  379  of the side walls  370  of the container  35 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the projections  376  are hollow and each define one or more lower openings  400 , as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. 
     FIG. 52 presents another example second food portion container  35 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The container  35  of the embodiment of FIG. 2 includes rib features  410  to provide side strength for the container  35 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, in an embodiment of the present invention, the container  35  is securably placeable on the tray  40  via one or more tray projections  421 , which are fittable into the one or more lower openings  400  of the container  35 . 
     Use of the securable fitting of the tray  40  and the container  35  is illustrated in FIGS. 55 and 56. FIG. 55 shows a view of the food delivery compartment  45  with the container  35 , containing a combined second food portion  34  and first food portion  31  for removal, for example, by a customer. As shown in FIG. 56, lifting of the container  35  with the contained second food portion  34  and first food portion  31  clearly shows the tray  40  and one or more tray projections  421  extending into a slot  450  in the bottom  451  of the food delivery compartment  45 . In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, the one or more tray projections  421  extend through the slot  450  so as to be receivable in the lower openings  400  of the container  35 , as shown in FIG.  54 . 
     FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an example dispensing device for second food portions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The dispensing device  23  contains the chain of second food portions  460 , which are dispensed from the device  23 , such as via a top end  461  of the device  23 . 
     FIG. 58 contains a closeup of a portion of an example second food portion chain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 58, each second food portion container  35  contains a second food portion  34 , such as a bun for accepting hot dogs or sausages. Each container  35  is attached to the film  36  of the chain  460  via a lip  470  of the container  35 . For example, in embodiments of the present invention, each container  35  is attached to the film  36  by, for example, gluing or heat welding the container  35  to the film  36  at the lip  470 . FIG. 59 presents a side view of the example portion of the chain of second food portions of FIG.  58 . 
     FIGS. 60-68 show example second food portion deployment devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 60, the second food portion deployment device  33  includes a first pulling feature  490 , such as a cylindrically shaped roller, a plate  491  having an edge  492 , a bar portion  495 , a pulling feature driver  496 , such as a motor, including a coupler for transmitting rotation motion of the motor to the pulling feature  490 , a housing  497 , and a guard  498 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pulling feature  490  also includes a second pulling feature  520 , as more clearly shown in FIG. 63, such as a second cylindrically shaped roller frictionally contacting the first pulling feature  490 . In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first pulling feature  490  and the second pulling feature  520  have a flexible surface, such as a rubberized surface for pulling the film  36 , to which second food portion containers  35  are attached, as further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 63-68. 
     As shown in the perspective view of the second food portion deployment device  33  presented in FIG. 61, and as is further discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 63-68, the chain of second food portion containers  460  is pulled into the second food portion deployment device  33  via the first pulling device  490  and the driver  496 . FIG. 62 contains an end view of the second food portion deployment device  33  and pulled chain of second food portion containers  460 . 
     FIG. 63 is a side view of a first example embodiment of a second food portion deployment device  33 , in which the second food portion containers  35  are oriented along their longer axes in the direction of pull of the film  36 . As shown in FIG. 63, the chain of second food portion containers  460  is drawn past the guard  498 . The film  36  is pulled by the first and second pulling devices  490 ,  520  via motion transmitted by the driver  496 , such as by the film  36  being drawn between the first and second pulling devices  490 ,  520 , each frictionally contacting the film  36 . The film  36  is drawn about the edge  492  of the plate  491 , such that the film  36  generally reverses direction, being drawn generally from left to right below the plate  491 , as shown in FIG. 63, and generally from right to left above the plate  491 , as shown in FIG.  63 . 
     As is further shown in FIG. 63, the bar  495  is positioned in close proximity to the edge  492  of the plate  491 , such that a slot is formed therebetween, and the film  36  is drawn through the slot formed by the bar  495  and the edge  492  of the plate  491 . As also shown in FIG. 63, the second food portion deployment device  33 , in an embodiment of the present invention, also includes an automatic control mechanism  521 , such as a switch triggered by, for example, passage of each second food portion container  35  between the automatic control mechanism  521  and the plate  492 . In an embodiment of the present invention, motion of the automatic control mechanism  521  caused by the passage of each container  35  causes the driver  496  to cycle on and off, so as to cause only a single container  35  to pass the mechanism  521 , such that a single serving is cycled. 
     FIGS. 64 and 65 contain closeup views of the interaction of the film  36 , the plate  491 , and the bar  495 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG.  64  and the closeup view B of the area about the slot formed between the plate  49  land the bar  495  presented in FIG. 65, the film  36  reversibly passes the edge  492  of the bar  495  as it is pulled by the first and second pulling mechanisms  490 ,  520  and the driver  496 , as described in conjunction with, for example, FIG.  63 . 
     FIG. 66 shows a side view of a second example embodiment of a second food portion deployment device  33 , in which the second food portion containers  35  are oriented along their shorter axes, perpendicular to the direction of the film  36 . Similarly to as shown in FIG. 63, in FIG. 66, the chain of second food portion containers  460  is drawn by the first and second pulling devices  490 ,  520  via motion transmitted by the driver  496 , such as by the film  36  being drawn between the first and second pulling devices  490 ,  520 , each frictionally contacting the film  36 . The film  36  is drawn about the edge  492  of the plate  491 , such that the film  36  generally reverses direction as the film  36  passes the edge  492 . The pulling of the chain  460  draws the containers  35  generally along the guide  550 . 
     As shown in FIG. 66, the bar  495  is positioned in close proximity to the edge  492  of the plate  491 , such that a slot is formed therebetween, and the film  36  is drawn through the slot formed by the bar  495  and the edge  492  of the plate  491 . As also shown in FIG. 66, the second food portion deployment device  33 , in an embodiment of the present invention, also includes an automatic control mechanism  521 , such as a switch triggered by, for example, passage of each second food portion container  35  between the automatic control mechanism  521  and the plate  492 , such that a single serving is cycled. 
     FIG. 67 further shows the passage of the second food portion container  35  between the automatic control mechanism  521  and the plate  492 , the passing container  35  frictionally contacting the automatic control mechanism  521  during passage. As is also shown in FIG. 67, as the container  35  passes the slot formed by the edge  492  of the plate  491  and the bar  495 , the film  36  being drawn through the slot and generally reversing direction causes the film  36  to be separated from the container  35 . 
     In FIG. 68, a second food portion container  35  has fully passed the automatic control mechanism  521 , has fully been separated from the film  36 , and has been transported onto an adjacently placed tray  40 . 
     FIG. 69 presents an example condiments delivery device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example condiments delivery device  580  shown in FIG. 69, condiments, such as in packs, are arranged between curls of a condiment moving mechanism  581 , such as a spring or coils rotationally driven by rotators  585 , such as motors. When the rotators are activated, the condiment moving mechanism rotates and displaces the packs of the condiments to chutes through which the condiments slide into condiment dispensing compartments  586  located, for example, adjacent the condiment port  5 , as shown in FIG.  1 . In an embodiment of the present invention, supplemental items, such as napkins are similarly placed in a supplemental delivery mechanism  587 , which drives the supplemental items vertically, as shown in FIG. 69, such that the items enter a supplemental dispensing chamber  588 , located, for example, adjacent the supplemental port  6 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 70 shows an example gravity feed delivery device for condiments, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 71 is a closeup of components of the gravity feed delivery device for condiments of FIG.  70 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 70, condiments are dispensed to condiment dispensing compartments by gravity feed from containers of condiments situated above the condiment dispensing compartments. 
     As shown in FIG. 70, the gravity feed condiment delivery device  600  is attached to the door  20 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 70, also shown attached to the door  20  are a light  601 , a validator  602  (e.g., bill and coin acceptance and validation device), the food dispensing port  4 , a coin processing mechanism  603  (e.g., for receiving coins and dispensing change), a change dispensing port  604 , a cash box  605 , and a napkins dispensing mechanism  610 . 
     As shown in FIG. 71, the gravity feed condiment delivery device  600  includes one or more condiment compartments  620 , a door portion  621 , such as a transparent door closing a port for receiving condiments, a pivoting mechanism  622 , such as a hinge for allowing the door portion  621  to pivotably be moved to allow access to the port for receiving condiments, and an access control device  623 , such as or including a solenoid, for selectively controlling access to condiments, such as by selectively allowing pivoting of the door portion  621  (e.g., solenoid activation causes movement of locking pin to an unlocked position upon receipt of money by machine  1 ; pin normally in locked position prevents access to condiment port by mechanically blocking door portion  621  in unpivoted position). 
     Example embodiments of the present invention have now been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.