Patent Publication Number: US-2017347828-A1

Title: Automated vending machine for producing beverages using comestibles

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US15/48204, entitled “AUTOMATED VENDING MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BEVERAGES USING COMESTIBLES,” filed Sep. 2, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/530,743 with the same title and a filing date of Nov. 1, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference. cl BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to vending machines. More specifically, it relates to a vending machine for producing beverages by blending comestibles with a liquid. 
     2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
     Vending machines have been around for thousands of years. It is believed that the first vending machine was created in 215 B.C. With the advent of modern technology, companies have been increasingly turning to automation to provide snacks and beverages to consumers. Lower labor costs, lower overhead, and improved user experience, have ignited the spark in vending technology. In fact, since the late 19th Century, vending machines have expanded across the world into a multi-billion dollar industry. 
     A myriad of various vending machines is known in the art. Most vending machines store prepackaged items—such as candy bars, soda cans, bottled water etc.—and dispose those items responsive to a user depositing funds into the vending machine and selecting an item the user wishes to purchase. Some beverage vending machines—such as the ones commonly placed in fast food restaurants—store packages of syrups, and upon a user request, combine a predetermined amount of user-selected syrup with carbonated water and dispose the resulting mixture. 
     Comestibles and beverages sold through vending machines are generally perceived as unhealthy, and this perception is substantiated by a plethora of factors. First, comestibles in vending machines are generally not refrigerated and, therefore, must contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life. Beverages sold through vending machines are premade and prepackaged, and generally contain artificial ingredients. The vending machine industry generates billions of dollars within the United States, yet offers few healthy choices. 
     As the public awareness on ill effects of poor diet increases, many consumers become reluctant to purchase food products that contain excessive sweeteners and artificial ingredients. Consequentially, the public attitude toward vending machines selling sodas and other soft drinks has been rapidly deteriorating. Conventional vending machines are becoming rejected by the general public over concerns about health ramifications of drinking soda, especially the effect that these high-sugar, highly acidic, and artificial beverages have on children. In the United States, under pressure from parents and anti-obesity advocates, many school districts moved to ban sodas, junk foods, and candy from vending machines and cafeterias. 
     Several healthier alternatives to conventional soda and snack vending machines are known in the art. One such machine is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,935. This vending machine extracts juice from a fruit and then discharges a predetermined amount of juice into a cup, while the remainder is deposited into a waste outlet. This machine does not provide the consumer with the ability to consume the content of the whole fruit, but rather, just the juice. Further, this machine does not allow for easy cleaning after each time the juice is dispensed, or an easy way for the waste to be deposited into the sewer system. 
     Accordingly, there exists an unresolved need for a vending machine capable of quickly and efficiently producing fresh beverages to order from natural fruits and vegetables. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A long-felt but heretofore unfulfilled need for a vending machine capable of storing fruits and vegetables and producing a beverage therefrom is now met by a new, useful, and nonobvious invention. 
     The invention is a beverage vending machine that stores comestibles in dedicated containers. A refrigeration system controls the temperature within the containers to ensure an optimal storage temperature for the comestibles stored therein. Each container has an opening and an ejection mechanism that urges the comestibles stored within containers into the opening when a customer orders a beverage that requires that comestible. The ejection mechanism may be operated by an electric motor. 
     One or more control modules are used to actuate and deactivate various electric components of the beverage vending machine. The control module is in electrical communication with the electric motor operating the ejection mechanism and actuates the ejection mechanism to expel a predetermined amount of the comestible from the container. The control module is also in electrical communication with a blender apparatus. The blender apparatus has a blending chamber into which the comestible is deposited after it is expelled from the container. A predetermined amount of a liquid may also be deposited into the pitcher for blending with the comestible. The control module actuates the blender apparatus for a predetermined period of time causing the blender apparatus to blend the comestible and the liquid into a beverage. 
     An electric valve is in fluid communication with the interior of the blending chamber. The control module is in electrical communication with the electric valve and actuates it when the beverage is ready to be dispensed. The electric valve opens causing the beverage to flow into a cup. The customer then removes the cup from the beverage vending machine and enjoys the fresh beverage. 
     In an embodiment, the beverage vending machine may further include a ramp for guiding the comestible after it is ejected from the container into the blending chamber. The liquid used for making the beverage may be dispensed from a liquid supply conduit onto the ramp, thereby reducing a coefficient of friction of the ramp to facilitate movement of the comestible along the ramp. 
     In an embodiment, the beverage vending machine has an electric heater configured to adjust temperature of the liquid prior to entry thereof into the blending chamber. This feature is beneficial for warming the liquid when it is used for cleaning the ramp and the blender apparatus after preparation of the beverage. 
     In an embodiment, the liquid used to make blended beverages may be water. The water may be supplied into the vending machine by a municipal clean water system. The beverage vending machine may further include a reservoir containing the liquid, which can be pumped from the reservoir by a pump and delivered into the blending chamber through the liquid supply conduit. The beverage vending machine may further include a second electric valve in electrical communication with the control module allowing the control module to regulate the flow of liquid through the liquid supply conduit. 
     In an embodiment, the beverage vending machine may include a conduit having an outlet within the container, thereby allowing a cleaning liquid to rinse the container. 
     The ejection mechanism may be an auger. The amount of comestible ejected from the container can be controlled by the angle of ration of the auger or the duration of operation of the electric motor driving the auger. 
     In an embodiment, the beverage vending machine may include a weight measuring device for determining the weight of the comestible remaining within the container. Data obtained by the weight measuring device may be used by the control module to determine whether the first electric motor has been operating for a sufficient amount of time to cause the ejection mechanism to expel the predetermined amount of the comestible from the container. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting a first embodiment of the beverage vending machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view depicting a second embodiment of the beverage vending machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective side view depicting the beverage vending machine and illustrating its operation cycle 
         FIG. 4A  is perspective view of a comestible container having an auger. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the comestible container having an auger. 
         FIG. 4C  is a front view of the comestible container having an auger and fill with pieces of the comestible. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of instructions for producing and dispensing a beverage. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of instructions for a self-cleaning cycle of the vending machine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a vending machine  10  according to the present invention. A freezer  14  is disposed within an upper portion of housing  12 . Freezer  14  contains a plurality of containers  16  configured to house comestibles  32 —for example, fruits and vegetables. Containers  16  may be removable or, in alternative, freezer  14  may be compartmentalized, thereby creating containers  16  that are integrated into freezer  14 . Although this disclosure uses the term freezer, it will be understood that other refrigeration devices—even the ones incapable of producing freezing temperatures—also fall within the scope of the invention and may be used in certain embodiments. The temperature within freezer  14  may be adjusted to achieve optimal functionality of vending machine  10  and may depend on type of comestibles  32  stored within containers  16 . It is foreseen that for some uses, temperature within freezer  14  may be set above 32° F. 
     Freezer  14  has a lid  18 . In  FIG. 1 , lid  18  is hingedly attached to freezer  14  via hinges  21 . 
     In alternative embodiments, lid  18  may be in a sliding relationship with freezer  14 . A sealing element  20  runs along the inner perimeter of lid  18 . Sealing element  20  forms a fluid-impermeable seal with freezer  14  when lid  18  is closed, thereby isolating the interior of freezer  14 —and containers  16  housed therein—from ambient air. This configuration enables proper temperature control within freezer  14 , ensuring that comestibles  32  stored inside containers  16  do not spoil. Lid  18  can be opened to provide access to containers  16  for cleaning, maintenance, refilling, etc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , each container  16  has an opening  22 . Each container  16  has an ejection mechanism for expelling a predetermined amount of comestible  32  from container  16 . In an embodiment, an auger  24  is rotationally disposed within each container  16 . Auger  24  has a center axis  26  about which auger  24  rotates. A helical blade  28  is circumferentially disposed along the center axis  26 . An electric motor  30  is in mechanical communication with auger  24  and is configured to drive auger  24  causing it to rotate about its center axis  26 . As auger  24  rotates, helical blade  28  moves pieces of comestible  32  stored within container  16  toward opening  22 . Helical blade  28  must be sufficiently sharp and strong to separate individual pieces of comestible  32 , which may be frozen together. Electric motor  30  must be capable of producing sufficient amount of torque to continuously drive auger  24  through frozen pieces of comestible  32 . 
     Once comestible  32  reaches opening  22 , comestible  32  exits container  16  through opening  22 . The amount of expelled comestible  32  can be controlled in a number of ways. For example, electric motor  30  may operate at a predetermined rotational velocity for a predetermined duration, thereby expelling a predetermined amount of comestible  32  from container  16 . In alternative, electric motor  30  may drive auger  24  for a predetermined number of revolutions, which would also result in expulsion of a predetermined amount of comestible  32 . 
     Although the foregoing description discloses an embodiment in which the ejection mechanism comprises auger  24 , in alternative embodiments, auger  24  may be replaced by any of the number of ejection mechanisms known in the art for longitudinally moving contents within a container. For example, a piston may be used to push pieces of comestible  32  toward opening  22 . Piston may be brought in operation via various means known in the art, including a gear configuration driven by an electric motor, hydraulic and pneumonic systems, etc. In yet another embodiment, containers  16  may be tilted to a predetermined angle for a predetermined period of time allowing gravity to expel pieces of comestible  32  from container  16  through opening  22 . A variety of other means for accomplishing this functionality are known in the art and are within the scope of this invention. 
     In an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , weight measuring devices  35  are disposed underneath each container  16  to continuously monitor the weight of comestibles  32  contained therein. This allows the control module  48  to calculate the weight of expelled comestible  32  by subtracting current weight of container  16  from its weight prior to expulsion of comestible  32 . Once the predetermined weight of comestible  32  is expelled, the ejection mechanism is turned off. Weight measuring device  35  may be a load cell, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge load cells. 
     Continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , freezer  14  may have a slopped lower surface  15  to guide expelled pieces of comestible  32  toward a gate  34 . The key functionality of gate  34  is to sealingly enclose the inner space of freezer  14 . When closed, gate  34  creates a fluid-impermeable seal isolating interior of freezer  14  from the ambient environment, thereby allowing freezer  14  to maintain an internal temperature that is different from the ambient temperature. Gate  34  may be operated by a dedicated electric motor responsible for opening and closing gate  34  to allow expelled pieces of comestible  32  to exit freezer  14  and subsequently sealing freezer  14 . 
     A second weight measuring device  37  may be positioned underneath gate  34  and may be used to determine the weight of expelled comestibles  32 . After the weight of expelled comestibles  32  satisfies the predetermined weight, gate  34  opens allowing expelled comestibles  32  to exit freezer  14 . In the embodiment, where individual weight measuring devices  35  are used for each container  16 , second weight measuring device  37  may be superfluous. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a separate gate  34  may be used for each individual container  16  or a subgroup of containers  16 . In the embodiment where each container  16  has its own gate  34 , it is not necessary for freezer  14  to have a slopped lower surface  15 . Furthermore, each gate  34  may have an associated second weight measuring device  37  to ensure that a correct amount of comestible  32  based on weight has been expelled from container  16  prior to gate  34  opening. 
     Vending machine  10  may further include one or more non-refrigerated containers for storing comestibles  32  that do not require refrigeration—such as nutritional supplement powders, sweeteners, nuts, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, etc. Each non-refrigerated container also has an associated ejection mechanism for expelling a predetermined amount of comestibles  32 . 
     In an embodiment, a ramp  36  may be used to guide expelled comestibles  32  into a blender apparatus  38 . After expelled comestibles  32  fall onto ramp  36 , gravity forces comestibles  32  to slide down along the slope of ramp  36  into blending chamber  40 . Preferably, ramp  36  has a low coefficient of friction, thereby facilitating sliding of comestibles  32  along a surface thereof. 
     To further facilitate movement of comestibles  32  along ramp  36 , a liquid  43  is deposited onto ramp  36  to decrease its coefficient of friction. To achieve this functionality a conduit  42  may be used. Conduit  42  is positioned over an upper portion of ramp  36  and contains a plurality of apertures  44  through which liquid  43  is deposited onto ramp  36 . Liquid  43  decreases coefficient of friction of ramp  36 , thereby increasing the rate at which comestibles  32  slide down ramp  36 . An electric valve  45  may be positioned in conduit  42  upstream of apertures  44 . Electric valve  45  controls volume of liquid  43  dispensed onto ramp  36 . Electric valve  45  also controls the velocity and pressure of the flow within conduit  42 . Electric valve  45  is in electrical communication with a control module  48 , which controls the flow profile and amount of dispensed liquid  43  by controlling electric valve  45 . 
     An electric heater  64  may be used to increase the temperature of liquid  43  prior to its exit from conduit  42 . It may desirable to use warm or hot liquid  43  to produce certain beverages as it may facilitate melting of comestibles  32  making them more susceptible to blending into a homogenous beverage. Electric heater  64  is in electrical communication with control module  48 , thereby allowing control module  48  to adjust temperature of liquid  43  to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may depend on the type and amount of comestibles  32  being used for a particular beverage. Control module  48  may be programmed to intelligently determine an optimal temperature for liquid  43  based on amount and type of comestible  32  being dispensed. For example, control module  48  may be programmed to actuate electric heater  64  for a predetermined duration to increase the temperature of liquid  43  based on hardness and quantity of comestible  32 , the temperature of comestible  32 , or other parameters. 
     Both liquid  43  and comestible  32  move along ramp  36  and enter blending chamber  40 . One or more blades are rotationally disposed within blending chamber and configured to blend comestibles  32  with liquid  43 . Blender apparatus  38  is actuated by control module  48  for a predetermined duration sufficient to adequately blend comestibles  32  with liquid  43  producing a substantially homogeneous beverage. Blender apparatus  38  may be enclosed by a sound isolating or sound absorbing material to reduce the amount of noise from the blender apparatus  38  transmitted into the environment. A sound barrier, a sound damper, an active noise-cancelling device, or a combination may be used to soundproof vending machine  10 . 
     In an embodiment, liquid  43  is water, and conduit  42  is connected to a municipal clean water supply as shown in  FIG. 2 , to a separate tank  46  as shown in  FIG. 1 , or both. Using municipal water reduces the cost of operation and maintenance of vending machine  10 . However, if vending machine  10  is deployed at a location where a connection to a municipal water system is not readily available or too costly, vending machine  10  may use liquid  43  from a tank  46 . In this embodiment, a pump  47  may be used to pump liquid  43  from tank  46  into conduit  42 . 
     As a part of regular maintenance, tank  46  must be refilled with liquid  43  when it becomes depleted below a predetermined level. Moreover, liquid  43  within tank  46  may be a fruit juice, carbonated water, or any other liquid that can be blended with comestible  32  to produce a beverage. Multiple tanks  46  may be installed to allow for a variety of liquids  43  to be used in vending machine  10 . A flow control valve may be used to selectively permit a predetermined type of liquid  43  to flow from its tank  46  to conduit  42 . In some embodiments, it may desirable for some tanks  46  to contain alcoholic beverages to allow vending machine  10  to produce frozen alcoholic cocktails. 
     After blender apparatus  38  has operated for a predetermined period of time, control module  48  turns off blender apparatus  38 . Blending chamber  40  is in a fluid communication with a beverage dispensing conduit  50 . An electric dispensing valve  52  is in a fluid communication with beverage dispensing conduit  50 . Electric dispensing valve  52  is also in electrical communication with control module  48 , which opens electric dispensing valve  52  after blender apparatus  38  is turned off, thereby dispensing the blended beverage. 
     For some beverages, the blending process may yield a fair amount of foam. A filter may be positioned within beverage dispensing conduit  50  to prevent the foam from being dispensed. The filter allows the heavier liquid to pass while retaining the lighter foam within beverage dispensing conduit  50  or blending chamber  40 . 
     In some embodiments, a juicer apparatus may be used in addition to, or instead of, blender apparatus  38 . Juicer apparatus extracts the juice from comestibles  32  and may or may not use additional liquid  43  from tank  46  or municipal water supply. The extracted juice may be dispensed to the user or further blended with comestibles  32  to produce a beverage. 
     Vending machine  10  further includes a cup storage unit  54  and a cup dispensing apparatus  56 . In an embodiment, cup dispensing apparatus  56  places a single cup  57  underneath the outlet of beverage dispensing conduit  50  to receive the prepared beverage from blending chamber  40 . A variety of cup dispensing apparatuses  56  are known in the art and can be employed in vending machine  10 . In alternative, users may be presented with an option to use their own cups to reduce waste. A splashguard  58  is used to prevent spills. After the beverage is dispensed into cup  57 , control module  48  opens splashguard  58  allowing the user to retrieve cup  57  filled with the fresh beverage. 
     After the beverage has been prepared, vending machine  10  runs an automated self-cleaning cycle to flush out any remaining traces of expelled comestibles  32 , liquid  43 , and the remains of the beverage. A predetermined volume of cleaning liquid, is sprayed onto ramp  36  from apertures  44  of conduit  42 . The cleaning liquid rinses ramp  36  and enters blending chamber  40 . Blender apparatus  38  is actuated for a predetermined period of time to allow blender blades to be cleaned by the cleaning liquid. After blender apparatus  38  is turned off, control module  48  opens electric dispensing valve  52  allowing the cleaning liquid to flush dispensing conduit  50 . The cleaning liquid may be discarded into a municipal waste water system as shown in  FIG. 2  or into a designated waste reservoir  60  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Vending machine  10  may further include a filtering system  62  to process the used cleaning liquid. 
     The cleaning liquid may be stored in a designated tank  46 . The cleaning liquid may also be water. The water for this purpose may be obtained from the municipal clean water supply or tank  46 . Electric heater  64  may be used to warm up water prior to spraying it onto ramp  36 . Warm water is an excellent cleaner that can melt frozen remains of comestible  32 . Furthermore, water is safe for health and is an ecologically friendly solution. However, if needed, another type of a cleaning liquid can also be used. 
     Maintenance 
     Containers  16  may include weight measuring devices  35  or other type of sensors to determine amount of frozen item  32  remaining within each container  16 . If control module  48  determines that the amount of frozen item  32  within any container  16  falls below a predefined minimum level, the control module  48  may send an alert to request a refill. The alert may be in a form of a visual indicator, a sound, an email, SMS, or any other means of communication known in the art. Another alert may be sent requesting maintenance if vending machine  10  runs out of cups or any liquids stored in tanks  46 , or when waste reservoir  60  is nearly full. 
     In an embodiment where containers  16  are removable, they may be removed from freezer  14  for cleaning, maintenance, and refills. Removable containers  16  may be prefilled with comestibles at a remote location and then placed in freezer  14  to replace empty containers  16 . In alternative, containers  16  may be refilled with comestibles  32  on site at the location of vending machine  10 . 
     Periodically, it is beneficial for vending machine  10  to discard comestibles  32  and clean container  16  and other components. An invention involves an automated system for achieving this functionality, thereby reducing maintenance cost. When periodic container cleaning cycle is activated, control module  48  actuates electric motor  30 . Electric motors  30  drive augers  24  for a period of time sufficient to expel all comestibles  32  from containers  16 . If the amount of remaining comestibles  32  is too great to be processed by blender module  38  at once, the maintenance cycle may be performed in multiple stages, wherein a predetermined maximum amount of comestible  32  is dispensed from containers  16  at each stage. 
     In an embodiment, a cleaning conduit  66  is positioned within freezer  14 . A cleaning liquid, which could be water, is dispensed through apertures  68  into containers  16 . The cleaning liquid flushes interior of containers  16  and cleanses augers  24 . The cleaning liquid then exits containers  16  through openings  22  and rinses sloped surface  15  and gate  34 . Freezer  14  is turned off during the container-cleaning cycle to prevent the cleaning liquid from freezing within containers  16 . It should be noted, that this automated cleaning mechanism is not necessary for the embodiment that employs removable containers  16 , although it may nevertheless be advantageous. 
     Ramp  36 , blending chamber  40 , blender apparatus  38 , beverage dispensing conduit  50 , and electric dispensing valve  52  are cleaned after every beverage preparation cycle as described above. However, it may desirable to periodically run a more intense cleaning cycle or use a different cleaning liquid. 
     Intelligent Control Module 
     Control module  48  is responsible for sequentially actuating and deactivating the electrical components of vending machine  10 , thereby allowing vending machine  10  to perform its functions as shown in  FIG. 5 . Control module  48  may be any of a wide variety of computing devices known in the art. Control module  48  includes a processor configured to execute a set of instructions causing it to actuate or deactivate electrical components of vending machine  10 . A computer readable media may be used for storing the set of instructions that are executed by the processor. 
     As  FIG. 5  illustrates, after the user input is received in step  100 , control module  48  determines whether the user input was a predefined recipe or a custom-ordered beverage in step  102 . If the user selected a predefined beverage, a list of comestibles  32  and required weight of each are retrieved from a database in step  104 . Otherwise, the user inputs a selection of comestibles  32  in step  106 . 
     In step  108 , containers  16  housing comestibles  32  required for the selected beverage are identified. In step  110 , control module  48  actuates ejecting mechanisms associated with the identified containers  16 . In the embodiment using augers  24 , control module  48  actuates electric motors  30  to cause augers  24  to rotate about their center axes, thereby expelling frozen comestibles  32  from containers  16 . As explained above, the auger-based expulsion mechanism may be replaced by a number of ejection mechanisms known in the art for accomplishing an objective of moving an item within a container. 
     In an embodiment, in step  112 , weight measuring device  35  may be used to provide feedback to control module  48  regarding the weight of expelled comestible  32 . In step  113 , control module analyses the data received from the weight measuring device  35  to determine whether the predetermined amount of comestible  32  has been expelled. Ejection mechanism continues to operate until the predetermined amount of comestible  32  is reached. This loop ensures that the correct amount of frozen comestible  32  is used in the beverage. In step  114 , after control module  48  receives a satisfactory feedback from weight measuring device  35 , control module  48  sends an electrical signal to gate  34  causing it to open, thereby releasing expelled comestible  32  from freezer  14 . 
     After comestible  32  exits freezer  14 , it falls onto ramp  36 . In step  116 , after closing gate  34 , control module  48  opens electric valve  45  and/or turns on pump  47  to cause a predetermined volume of liquid  43  to flow through conduit  42  onto ramp  36 . The volume of liquid  43  dispensed onto ramp  36  is controlled by how long electric valve  45  remains open, the extent to which electric valve  45  is opened, and/or amount of pressure within conduit  42  created by pump  47 . The dispensed liquid serves several purposes: it decreases coefficient of friction of ramp  36  and provides kinetic energy that facilitates movement of comestible  32  along ramp  36 . Both liquid  43  and comestible  32  slide along ramp  36  into blending chamber  40  of blender apparatus  38 . 
     Control module  48  actuates blender apparatus  38  for a predetermined duration in step  118 . Blender apparatus  38  blends comestible  32  with liquid  43  into a substantially homogenous beverage. After a predetermined duration, control module  48  turns off blender apparatus  38 . In step  120 , control module  48  opens electric dispensing valve  52  to dispense the beverage into a cup. In the embodiment, where the cups are pre-stored within vending machine  10 , control module  48  actuates cup dispensing apparatus  56  to place a cup underneath electric dispensing valve  52  prior to dispensing the beverage. 
     After the beverage is dispensed, control module  48  activates self-cleaning cycle in step  122 . 
     The self-cleaning cycle is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 6 . After the self-cleaning cycle is activated in step  122 , in step  124 , control module  48  opens electric valve  45  and/or turns on pump  47 , thereby causing a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid to flow through conduit  42  onto ramp  36 . After the cleaning liquid enters blending chamber  40 , control module  48  actuates blender apparatus  38  in step  126 , thereby rinsing blending chamber  40 . In step  128 , control module  48  opens electric dispensing valve  52  to discard the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid after the completion of the self-cleaning cycle may be deposited into municipal waste water system or stored in waste reservoir  60 . At this point, in step  130 , vending machine  10  is ready for the next beverage order. 
     User Interaction 
     As explained above, to initiate preparation of a beverage, control module  48  must first receive user input in step  100 . A variety of input devices are known in the art and may be employed in vending machine  10  for this purpose. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , a touchscreen  70  is used to present the user with a number of beverage options. The user can interact with touchscreen  70  to obtain more detailed information about beverages and their ingredients, make a selection, and submit a payment. In an alternative embodiment, a conventional item selection system requiring the user to push a button or enter an alphanumerical combination on a keypad corresponding to the user&#39;s selection may be used. 
     In the embodiment using integrated touchscreen  70 , the graphic user interface (GUI) can be customized to adapt to the environment in which vending machine  10  is deployed. For example, a vending machine  10  that is placed at an airport may involve images of airplanes or popular tourist destinations, while vending machine  10  placed at a zoo may show images or animations of animals and plants. 
     Touchscreen  70  provides several beverage options for the user and requests the user to make a selection. The beverage options may be customized based on types of frozen comestibles  32  stored within vending machine  10 . In the embodiment involving touchscreen  70 , vending machine  10  is equipped with a computer processor operating under a set of instructions. The processor may be programmed to automatically adjust the beverage suggestions based on quantity of remaining frozen comestibles  32 . For example, if one of containers  16  is low on frozen banana, then vending machine  10  may present options that do not require banana, or rearrange the beverage options so that the beverages requiring banana are presented at the end of the list. The processor may also be programmed to periodically alternate beverage options and rearrange the options list to provide customers with a dynamic menu listing an ever-changing variety of beverages. Also, a human or artificial intelligence responsible for operating vending machine  10  can monitor beverages and ingredients for popularity, and adjust the types of frozen comestibles  32  within containers  16  and beverage recipes to better satisfy the customers. 
     In an embodiment, a user may be presented with an option to create a profile. Vending machine  10  is equipped with a mechanism for recognizing the user profile and presenting beverage options based on user preferences and purchase history. The processor operating under preprogrammed instructions analyzes user selections, thereby allowing it to identify ingredients the user prefers or avoids. As the amount of information pertaining to user&#39;s purchases increases, the vending machine can better analyze user&#39;s behavior and preferences. Furthermore, the vending machine may also associate user&#39;s beverage purchases with a time of the day—for example, the same user may prefer a light beverage in the morning, but a more calorie rich beverage for lunch—and adapt the displayed beverage menu based on this information. 
     The users must authenticate themselves to have access to their personal profiles. 
     Authentication may be accomplished by any means known in the art including manual entry of login and password information, scanning a card equipped with a magnetic strip or a bar code, communicating with a user&#39;s personal electronic device via near field communications technology, radio frequency identification, Bluetooth® pairing, etc. 
     In an embodiment, vending machine  10  may be connected to a wired or wireless internet network allowing it to communicate with the users&#39; personal electronic devices and network servers, on which various data—i.e. user profiles, ingredient lists for recipes, etc.—may be stored. Other types of communication including Bluetooth®, a direct wired connection (such as via universal serial bus), and near field communications may be used. The communication between vending machine  10  and user&#39;s personal computing device may involve receiving remote beverage orders and pushing notifications to the user including promotional materials, new beverage recipes, order history, etc. The push communications may be accomplished via any means known in the art including email, SMS, MMS, HTTP, etc. In an embodiment, the user profile may be linked to a method of payment such as a credit card, a bank account, a payment service (i.e. PayPal®, Google Wallet®, Apple Pay®, etc.) to automate the payment, thereby simplifying and expediting beverage ordering procedure. 
     In an embodiment, touchscreen  70  may be in a wireless communication with the processor of vending machine  10 . This would allow for placement of touchscreen  70  in a location away from vending machine  10  itself. This feature may be useful in a bar setting. 
     Hardware and Software Infrastructure Examples 
     Software aspects of the present invention may be embodied on various computing platforms that perform actions responsive to software-based instructions. The following provides an antecedent basis for the information technology that may be utilized to enable the invention. 
     The control module may comprise a computer readable medium and a processor. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire-line, optical fiber cable, radio frequency, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, C#, C++, Python, Perl, Ruby or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. 
     GLOSSARY OF THE CLAIM TERMS 
     Auger—a component of the ejection mechanism that has a center axis and a helical blade disposed along the center axis. Rotation of the auger causes the pieces of comestible positioned between its blades to move forward along a direction of the center axis. 
     Beverage—a non-solid solid substance intended for drinking. A beverage may be a homogenous or non-homogenous. Beverage may be a fruit juice, a nutritional supplement shake, a smoothie, an alcoholic cocktail, or a combination thereof. 
     Blender apparatus—an electric machine having a rotational blade for pulverizing, chopping, or pureeing a comestible. Blender apparatus may be used to produce a beverage by mixing together predetermined amounts of one or more comestibles and/or liquids. The rotational blade is driven by an electric motor. 
     Blending chamber—a container in which one or more comestibles and/or liquids are mixed into a beverage. A rotational blender blade is disposed within the blending chamber. 
     Cleaning liquid—a substance in a liquid state intended for rinsing components of vending machine that come in contact with comestibles and liquids. Cleaning liquid may be water or another liquid capable of sufficiently rinsing necessary components. 
     Comestible—a non-liquid substance intended for human consumption. Some examples of comestibles include fruits, vegetables, nuts, ice, nutritional supplements, etc. Some comestibles may be frozen or refrigerated. 
     Container—an object having a hollow interior used for housing a comestible. 
     Control module—an electronic device that includes a processor for executing a set of instructions, which may be stored in a computer readable medium. The control module has a plurality of electric connections to electric components of the vending machine, thereby allowing the control module to actuate and deactivate these components when required by the instructions. 
     Ejection mechanism—a mechanism that causes pieces of a comestible housed within a container to move within the container toward an opening thereof. 
     Electric heater—a device that converts electrical energy into heat. An electric heater may include a heat exchanger to facilitate more rapid warming of the liquid passing therethrough. 
     Electric motor—a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. 
     Electric valve—an electric device for controlling flow of a fluid through a conduit. 
     Electric valve opens and closes in response to electric signals received from a control module. 
     Expel—the action of causing the pieces of a comestible to leave the container in which they are housed. Ejection mechanism is responsible for carrying out this action when instructed by the control module. 
     Expelled comestible—the comestible that is no longer within a container. 
     Liquid—a substance in a liquid state intended for human consumption. Examples of liquids include water, juice, alcohol, syrup, etc. 
     Liquid supply conduit—a pipe through which a liquid flows from a tank or municipal clean water system into the vending machine. 
     Pump—an electrical device that changes a pressure within a conduit thereby causing a liquid to flow therethrough. 
     Ramp—a sloped surface along which pieces of a comestible slide into the blending chamber after they are expelled from the container 
     Refrigeration system—a system that controls the temperature within a container thereby allowing a comestible to be stored at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. Refrigeration system may achieve freezing temperatures or may be operated at a temperature above the freezing point (32° F.). 
     Tank—a vessel used for storing a liquid. Tanks may be used to store water, juices, alcohol, syrup, and other liquids. 
     Weight measuring device—a device that produces an electric current in response to being subjected to a force, wherein the electric current is proportional to the force. The weight measuring device may be a load cell, include hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge load cells. 
     The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.