Patent Publication Number: US-2016242434-A1

Title: Fro-Style Flavor System

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1) Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to a compact, automated food preparation and customization device. 
     2) Description of Related Art 
     Automated machines for dispensing ice cream and other frozen treats are known in the art. For example, Chirnomas (U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,698) discloses an ice cream vending machine wherein the machine dispenses pre-filled containers of ice cream. Davis et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0251270) describes an ice cream dispensing machine for dispensing soft-serve ice cream. Kateman et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,728) describes a machine for vending single servings of different flavors wherein selected flavorants are mixed into a base liquid prior to freezing. 
     These and other automated vending devices do not provide the customer an enhanced purchase occasion in that the process of preparing and conveying the selected product is generally invisible to the customer. Alcaraz et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,210) describes a robotic vending machine. However, in the Alcaraz patent, the dispensing process is limited to transferring pre-packaged items to the customer or to placing single items (such as a beverage) into a container. Prior concepts by the current inventors, Jones et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,038), Jones et al. (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0108569), and Jones et al. (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0120235), disclose confectionary vending machines with portions of the inner workings visible to the user with some incorporating robotic actors. However, these disclosures do not provide sufficient customization choices to consumers. Therefore, a better way of dispensing edible items is needed. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fully automated, compact food preparation and customization device that gives the consumer not only more choices in how to combine and customize food stuffs but also provides a visual enhancement as the consumer may watch the item being prepared as the customer directed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The construction designed to carry out the disclosure will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The disclosure will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the disclosure is shown and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing one possible customer interaction with a dispensing device of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one possible embodiment of product customization options offered to a consumer. 
         FIG. 3  shows a downward perspective view of a dispensing device of one embodiment of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a tilted front view of a dispensing device per one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an upward perspective, tilted view of one embodiment of a dispensing device of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flavor container as described in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a robotic arm for one embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a user interface for the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a door facing for one embodiment of a dispensing device of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of one embodiment of a dispensing device of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front, cut away view of one embodiment of a dispensing device of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a close up view of one embodiment of a blend head assembly of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an ingredient assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a pump assembly of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partially disassembled blend head assembly of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an assembled blend head assembly of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this disclosure can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this disclosure. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this disclosure. These and other objects and features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of the disclosure or other alternate embodiments of the disclosure. In particular, while the disclosure is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the disclosure and is not constructed as limiting of the disclosure. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the drawings, the disclosure will now be described in more detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described. 
     Previous disclosures provide the choice of one two choices of frozen yogurt and, possibly, providing a “twist” combination of the two flavors. The current disclosure allows for many flavors, even greater than fifteen, that may be layered or blended. In the case of blending, this entails creating new flavors of frozen yogurt by blending multiple flavors which was previously completely unavailable. 
     In one embodiment of the current disclosure, a compact customizable food dispenser is provided. In a further embodiment, the dispenser may utilize from 8 to 20 square feet of space, in a more preferred embodiment from 10 to 16 square feet of space, and in a more preferred embodiment the dispenser may occupy only 12 square feet of floor space. In a further embodiment, the dispenser may be fully automated. In a still further embodiment, the dispenser may deliver up to 60 servings per hour of customized food items. In a still further embodiment, customers may layer or blend various flavors and choose from various toppings. In a still further embodiment, each flavor may have its own pump. In a still further embodiment, operation of these pumps, for example by turning some off and others on, may create a layered food item. In a further embodiment, various pumps may be ran simultaneously to produce blended food items containing at least two flavors. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of the current disclosure with respect to a yogurt dispensing device. A computer  1  may be incorporated into the dispenser in addition to one or more user interfaces  3 . The user interfaces may be touchscreens or other means known to those of skill in the art for allowing a consumer to communicate with the dispenser such as a button-pad, a voice activated system, or a system configured to work with a smart phone or other device. User interface  3  may allow the consumer to select the type of food to be conveyed by the dispenser. In a preferred embodiment, the food may be a yogurt, with or without toppings. The dispenser may also include means for accepting payment  5  from a consumer such as a credit card swipe, a coin or bill slot, or other means of payment transfer as known to those of skill in the art. The dispenser may also include a main board  7  which may control the dispensing means for providing the food. The dispensing means may include items such as robotic characters, a robotic armature, or other ways of entertaining a consumer as they watch their food being prepared. Main board  7  controls the dispensing means and may send signals to other boards located in the dispenser. 
     For instance, a cup dispenser board  9  may receive a signal from main board  7  and cup dispenser board  9  may control the dispenser  11  as well as communicate with a cup low sensor  13 . A flavor blend board  15  may signal flavor pumps  17  and blending motor  19  to initiate while opening yogurt spigots  21 . A topping dispenser board  23 , such as for dispensing candy toppings like sprinkles, jelly beans, gummy bears, etc., as known to those of skill in the art, may control multiple topping dispensers  25 ,  FIG. 1  discusses six (6) dispensers but this disclosure is not so limited and more or less dispensers are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Topping dispenser board  23  may communicate with dispenser motors  27  as well as activate count sensors  29  to determine the amount of toppings being dispersed. A product delivery board  31  may control a cup-in-door sensor  33 . The product delivery board  31  may also communicate with safety device  35  that may warn the customer if their hand is blocking delivery or they are otherwise impeding operation of the device or may be harmed by continued activity. Indeed, safety device  35  may communicate with delivery board  31  such that product delivery is halted or reversed until the safety alert condition is remedied. A spoon dispenser board  37  may also be employed in the device to dispense a spoon  39  once door  41  is open. The dispenser may also signal a frozen yogurt machine board  43 . 
     One improvement provided by the current disclosure is the ability for consumers to customize the product they receive. Returning to the example of the dispenser providing frozen yogurt, customers may select how their products will be mixed.  FIG. 2  illustrates the selections offered to a customer. At a first step  41 , the customer may choose the size of their confection. For instance, the confection may be small or large. Indeed, various confection sizes may be offered and labeled in ways to entice various customers to consistently select certain sizes, such as a “fitness conscious” person selecting a “very small” option whereas children may opt for “ginormous large.” While only little and regular size options are shown in  FIG. 2 , multiple size configurations such as 3, 4, 5, 6, or more, are within the scope of this disclosure, including half sizes of any selected size. At step  43 , the customer may select whether their yogurt is blended, layered, or a combination of layered and blended yogurts. This choice of options is currently unavailable in automated confection dispensing systems. By selecting blended, the customer may receive a confection where two or more flavors are simultaneously released into a blending chamber (not shown) by activating two or more flavor pumps (not shown) and then transferred to the customer&#39;s cup (not shown). Conversely, by selecting layers, the customer receives a confection where pumps are alternatively activated such that flavors are introduced into the cup one at a time to form a layered confection, for purposes of clarification only, such as having the appearance of Neapolitan ice cream where the layers of ice cream are visually discernable from one another. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 2 , at step  45 , once the customer selects blended or layered, he may then choose the flavor(s) of yogurt. One or more flavors are possible. Further, with the blending option, combinations of flavors are available to the customer that do not exist separately such as for purposes of example only, vanilla/strawberry. At step  47 , the customer may choose the toppings introduce to their yogurt. One or more topping selections are available. At step  49 , the customer may pay for the yogurt and toppings they have selected. By having the payment stage occur last in the customization scheme, the customers may pay variable amounts, such as more than some customers but less than other customers for their confection based on the flavors and toppings selected. For example, someone electing only one flavor and one topping may pay less than someone electing multiple flavors and multiple toppings but the customer with one flavor and one topping may pay more than a customer selecting only one flavor and no toppings. Thus, not only does the current disclosure allow for customization of the food product being delivered, it allows for variable pricing, which may entice cost conscious customers to try the dispenser when they might not have otherwise. 
       FIG. 3  shows a further embodiment of the disclosure, a confectionary dispensing device  61 . Device  61  includes a housing  63 , an interior  65  containing a dispensing station  67  for dispensing a measured amount of one or more flavors of a frozen confectionary, such as ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, gelato, custard and flavored or non-flavored ice, or any other food stuff or beverage that may be suitable for delivery from the dispensing device  61 . A topping dispensing station  69  for dispensing a measured amount of topping, such as chocolate syrup, candies, nuts, etc., from a toppings container  71  via a topping delivery conductor  73 , and a robotic transfer mechanism, such as a robotic arm  75 , for moving a product receptacle  77 , such as a cup, bowl or other form of container, for the frozen confectionary product to the various dispensing stations of device  61  according to specifications/selections enter by a customer or other user via a user interface  79 . 
     Housing  63  includes one or more transparent viewing windows  81  to enable the user to view the confectionary product as it is being made. Toppings container  71  as well as topping delivery conductor  73  are also preferably transparent or translucent, which advantageously enables the customer to view the topping contained therein. In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3 , dispensing device  61  includes a plurality of topping dispensing stations  67  and topping containers  71  may be transparent, and topping deliver conductors  73  may also be transparent, to enable the user to select and view the delivery of one or more toppings from a plurality of available toppings. Dispensing device  61  may also include a ventilation system  62 . Ventilation system  62  may serve to not only cool dispensing device  61  but may also be used to entice customers to find the device by following the smell of the items it dispenses. Dispensing device  61  also includes payment means  64 , which may include a credit card reader or means for accepting hard currency such as coins or bills, or may include a processor  66  to allow dispensing device  61  to communicate with handheld devices such as smartphones (not shown) or other electronic devices capable of conveying payment to dispensing device  61 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 4 , dispensing device  61  may incorporate additional features, including but not limited to lights  83  that are controllable by an electronic processor  85  to flash, strobe, race, etc., bells, whistles, loudspeakers  68 , internet access, seats, and computer games, all of which would be controllable by processor  85 . Further, lights  83  may be used to hygienically sterilize interior  65  of dispensing device  61  through the use of UV or other light frequencies, as known to those of skill in the art. Dispensing device  61  may also include a video display  89 . Display  89  may convey messages to consumers such as product sales or specials, new flavors or toppings, or use advertising to entice consumers to engage device  61 . Display  89  may work in tandem with user interface  79  to allow consumers to communicate with dispensing device  61 , or to play games, access the internet, or any other desired way of maintaining consumer interaction with the machine either during or separate from dispensing food from device  61 . Display  89  may also be used as viewing screens for the consumer to choose and watch videos or images, select flavors, view possible combinations of flavors or flavors that may result from mixing existing flavors, see and/or obtain pricing information, etc. 
     Dispensing device  61  is preferably stationary during use. Mobility of device  61  may be enhanced by attaching casters, rollers or wheels  91  to the bottom of dispensing device  61 . If desired, dispensing device  61  may be self-propelled or part of a self-propelled system (i.e., such as mounted on a vehicle) to further enhance mobility. 
     Interior  65  of dispensing device  61  is visually accessible to the consumer. Such visual access may be through transparent and/or translucent glass or viewing windows  81  or panel portions, through metal or wire grids or bars, or by any combination, including by video camera, sufficiently transparent or translucent panels, and/or by any other means that provides the customer with visual access to at least desired portions of the product assembly process. The consumer being able to view the confections being created provides visual and auditory enhancements that may entice further purchases from device  61  simply to “watch the show” of the goods being made. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a tilted front view of dispensing device  61 , as well as utensil dispenser  68 . Utensil dispenser  68  may be activated by computer  90  to release a utensil for consuming the food product once product is delivered to delivery port  86 . This arrangement may lead to a more hygienic food dispensing system as multiple consumers do not come into contact with multiple utensils. Instead, a single utensil is made available to the consumer once the product is delivered to delivery port  86 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , user interface  79  is preferably positioned such that it can be comfortably and effectively operated by consumers. Access to user interface  79  may be enhanced by the presence and/or operation of stationary or retractable stairs, elevators, platforms, or any combination of these features. Such features may also be utilized by a user to increase visibility of the interior portion  65  of dispensing device  61  in order to enhance the vending occasion and/or experience. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , topping delivery conductor  73  is preferably in the form of a transparent tube. However, it will be understood that any configuration of conductor  73  suitable for delivering a measured amount of topping from container  71  to a product receptacle may be used instead. Preferably, conductor  73  is constructed in such a manner that at least a portion of the transference of one or more toppings can be viewed by the customer during the delivery process by being translucent and/or transparent and/or otherwise visible. A single conductor  73  may be utilized to transfer a single topping or multiple toppings. Alternatively, a plurality of conductors can be used to transfer multiple toppings from multiple containers  71  into the product receptacle. Conductor  73  may have a funnel-shaped inlet  101  to help ensure effective delivery/transfer of the topping into the conductor  73  and an outlet  103  through which the topping is delivered into the product receptacle  77  (not shown). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , retarders  105  are preferably incorporated into conductor  73  to help retard/slow the flow of topping into the product receptacle  77  to prevent splashing or spilling of the topping. Retarder  105  may be in the form of bends, curves, baffles or other such structure which lengthen the amount of time it takes for the topping to travel through conductor  73 . Retarders  105  may or may not be visually accessible in all embodiments, but are in a preferred embodiment. Retarders  105  of the type shown in  FIG. 5  are also believed to enhance the user&#39;s viewing experience. 
     In addition to providing visual stimulus, the transference of any topping from container  71  may be accompanied by sounds, including sounds naturally made by the topping passing through conductor  73 , or by artificially created sounds such as musical tunes, bells, whistles, alarms, etc. played through a speaker  87  ( FIG. 4 ) that is operated by computer  90  ( FIG. 4 ). Artificially created sounds may also arise from the interaction of one or more toppings with a secondary device such as a whirring, spinning wheel, flippers, ramps, carousel type dispensers, etc., as known to those of skill in the art. 
     Topping container  71  is preferably visually accessible (i.e., transparent) as illustrated. This is helpful in that it provides an attractive visual stimulus to customers as well as provides a quick way for a service technician to check the amount of topping remaining within container  71 . In order to dispense toppings from container  71  to conductor  73 , a preferred embodiment of device  61  employs a servo motor  107  or other force generating unit for dispensing a measured amount of toppings from the container  71  to conductor  73  upon receipt of instructions from an electronic processor such as a computer  90  ( FIG. 4 ) in electronic communication with user interface  79  and servo motor, or other motor as known to those of skill in the art,  107 . An auger (not shown) or other suitable structure may be driven by servo motor  107  to precisely dispense the measured amount of topping from container  71 . Scooping mechanisms, valve based systems, or other dispensing arrangements, as known to those of skill in the art, may be employed in other embodiments to deliver toppings to the food item(s). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , robotic arm  75  may be constructed of any materials suitable for transferring the product receptacle to the various dispensing stations  69  and product delivery port  86  ( FIG. 3 ). Movement of robotic arm  75  is preferably controlled by computer  90  that is programmed to move robotic arm  75  according to selections/instructions entered by the consumer through user interface  79 . Alternatively, robotic arm  75  may be at least partially controlled or controllable by the consumer through user interface  79 . More than one robotic aim  75  may be utilized as needed or desired. 
     Robotic arm  75  preferably has at least three axes of movement, which is largely enabled by the use of pivoting links  111 ,  113 . More specifically, robotic arm  75  is capable of movement in a horizontal left-to-right dimension (x-axis), a horizontal front-to-back dimension (y-axis), and a vertical up-and-down dimension (z-axis), this includes diagonal movement as well. Gripper  115 , which is used to grasp and hold product receptacle  117 , is carried by robotic arm  75  as it moves in three dimensions. Other robotic transfer mechanisms may be utilized in conjunction with and/or in place of the robotic arm  75 . Moreover, rotational movement, such as robotic arm  75  being able to “spin” receptacle  117  or being able to rotate receptacle  117  around the receptacle&#39;s y-axis are also considered part of the scope of this disclosure. 
     During one embodiment of a product assembly and delivery process, link  113  may be maintained in a constant horizontal attitude as robotic arm  75  moves in at least three dimensions so that the product receptacle  117 , in this case an inedible cup, but edible containers are also considered within the scope of this disclosure, can be transported without spilling any of its contents. Receptacle  117  can be moved elevationally as well as horizontally over a significant left to right range, as well as forward and backward. 
     In one embodiment, an empty product receptacle or cup  117  has been removed from product receptacle dispenser  66  ( FIG. 3 ), which preferably includes at least two types of products receptacles (such as an inedible container and an edible container) that are selectable by the user through the user interface  79 . Receptacle  117  may be moved by robotic arm  75  between the various dispensing stations  67  including product receptacle dispensing station  66 . Frozen confectionary product dispensing station  121  includes an outlet  123  for a frozen confectionary product dispenser shown generally at  125 . Dispenser  125  is preferably configured to dispense one or more types and one or more flavors of frozen confectionary product. Preferably, the dispenser  125  can dispense at least three if not four or more flavors. The frozen confectionary products are preferably stored in a frozen or chilled condition in a cooler shown generally at  127 . The particular types and/or flavors to be dispensed are preferably controlled by computer  90  through selections entered at user interface  79 . Once receptacle  117  is at least partially filled with frozen confectionary, the product receptacle  117  is moved to topping dispensing station  67  and positioned below the outlet  103  of conductor  73 . A signal is output by computer  90  to instruct servo motor  107  to dispense a measured amount of topping into the product receptacle  117  on top of at least a first layer of frozen confectionary. Alternatively, a topping may be dispensed into receptacle  117  before any frozen confectionary is dispensed. In addition, multiple toppings and/or confectionary products may be layered into receptacle  117  (i.e., a layer of frozen yogurt followed by a layer of chocolate syrup followed by a layer of ice cream, etc.) as dictated by customer selections entered through the user interface  79 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, a mixing assembly, not shown, may be employed (such as with air or mechanical mixing/stirring devices) to assist in mixing the frozen confectionary and topping(s) in receptacle  117 . Following assembly of the frozen confectionary product, receptacle  117  is moved to product delivery port  86  where it is received by the customer. 
     One embodiment of a user interface  131 , shown in  FIG. 7 , includes a touch screen panel  133 . Alternative forms of a user interface, such as keyboard, keypads, knobs, wheels, push buttons, switches, joysticks, etc., or combinations thereof, may be employed as well. The user interface  131  is preferably interactive with the consumer, providing visual and/or auditory feedback regarding the consumer&#39;s selections. In addition, user interface  131  may provide additional stimulation to the customer in the form of questions that may be answered and opportunities to change selections. It is anticipated that the user interface  131  may also provide consumers an opportunity to test their knowledge and/or skill in return for a greater product portion and/or additional toppings. 
     User interface  131  may also preferably configured to provide a means for the customer to tender payment for the vended product, such as with a credit/debit card reader  135 . Alternatively, a customer payment device is separate from the user interface  131 . Other payment systems include, but are not limited to, bill acceptors, coin acceptors, token acceptors, credit card scanners, ID and password input devices, retinal scanners, fingerprint scanners, devices that communicate with the customer&#39;s cellular phone, and any other suitable form of payment technology. User interface  131  is in electronic communication with computer  90 , which provides signals to operate robotic arm  75 , servo motor  107 , lights  83 , speaker  68 , and possibly other activatable components of the dispensing device  61 . 
     As can be seen from the user interface  131  of  FIG. 7 , a touch screen panel  133  is provided in which a first frozen confectionary selection can be made from among a first group of frozen confectionary selections  135 ,  137 ,  139 , each of which may represent a different type and/or flavor (or combinations of types and/or flavors) of frozen confectionary such as ice cream. The user can also select one or more toppings from a first group of topping choices  141 ,  143 ,  145 ,  147 ,  149 ,  151 ,  153 , each of which may represent a single topping type and/or flavor (such as chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, various nuts, various candies, granola, etc.) or a combination of such toppings. A second group of topping selections  155 ,  157 ,  159  may also be provided to enable the user to specify multiple layers of frozen confectionaries and toppings as desired. Optionally, mixing of the dispensed ingredients may be accomplished with mixing assembly, which may be in electronic communication with computer  90 . In further embodiments, user interface  131  may allow the user to select the size of receptacle  117  and/or determine whether the food they receive, in the case of a frozen yogurt, is layered or blended as it enters receptacle  117 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a tilted view of facing  161  of dispensing device  61  is provided. In a preferred embodiment, facing  161  includes product delivery port  86 , which includes an internal door  163  operable by computer  90  that separates the interior  65  of the vending machine  10  from the exterior. Internal door  62  functions to ensure a sanitary barrier between the interior  65  and exterior of dispensing device  61  and prevents customers from accessing and potentially contaminating interior  65  of dispensing device  61 . An external door  165 , may be provided to enable the customer to access the assembled product. Doors  163  and  165  define an intermediate surface  167  to which the assembled product is delivered by robotic arm  75 . Doors  163  and  165  may be interlocked in a way that prevents both doors from being open at any point in time, which prevents unauthorized physical access to interior  65  of dispensing device  61 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure is capable of providing at least nine different ice cream or frozen yogurt, or any other foodstuff known to those of skill in the art, flavors and at least six different toppings. The order of the addition of the different flavors and the different toppings may be controllable by the customer. Examples of ice cream flavors that may be supplied include but are not limited to cotton candy, cappuccino, strawberry, chocolate, butter pecan, vanilla, banana ripple, cool mint, and cake batter. However, it is understood that more or less flavors as well as different flavors, as known to those of skill in the art, are within the scope of this disclosure. Each ice cream flavor may be supplied as a pre-formulated product or as a base wherein the flavorants are added at the time of selection by the customer. It will be understood that the method in which the ice cream is produced, formulated, and dispensed may be implemented in various ways. For example, ice cream may either be mixed and frozen fresh by dispensing device  61  or made offsite and delivered to dispensing device  61 . Any suitable automated method for dispensing the ice cream or other frozen confectionary may be employed. 
     Examples of toppings that may be dispensed include but are not limited to hard candies such as M&amp;M&#39;s®; soft candies such as Gummi Bears®, fruits such as raisins, dried pineapple or cherries; nuts, sauces, syrups, cookie crumbs, cookie dough, granola, or other liquid and/or solid based topping. In addition to their use as toppings, the toppings may be admixed as an admixture into any selected ice cream flavor to create an ice cream admixture. For example, blending of cookie crumbs or chocolate syrup into vanilla ice cream by the vending machine could provide an ice cream admixture. 
     In one hypothetical scenario, for each serving of ice cream there may be up to three different choices of ice cream selected and three different toppings, with each topping chosen from six available toppings. In this scenario, there would be over 5,000 distinct possible combinations selectable by the user. 
     In addition to the ability to provide a highly customized product, another element of a preferred embodiment is the provision of an auditory and/or visually stimulating experience for the customer, such as with dynamic or interactive control as described herein. Accordingly, an element of the present disclosure is that at least a significant portion of the preparation of the customized product is visible to the customer. Visual access to the preparation of the customized product can be achieved by the use of transparent conveyances, transparent storage containers, and visual contact with interior portions of dispensing device  61  through such means as, for example, transparent panels, wire grids, television monitors, or the like. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the visible interior portions of dispensing device  61  provide visual stimulation through motion of at least the robotic arm  75 , movement of the toppings, and movement of the product receptacle  117 . In a preferred embodiment, dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure may provide additional stimulation by allowing enhanced interaction with the customer through user interface  79  or  131 , wherein in addition to receiving commands from the customer, user interface  79  or  131  may allow at least partial interactive control of the product assembly/dispensing process. In yet another preferred embodiment, user interface  79  or  131  may provide the customer with additional stimulation and interaction by providing opportunities for the customer to exhibit mental or physical dexterity prior to or concurrent with the assembly of the product, with rewards for success in exhibiting such mental or physical dexterity. 
     While the foregoing description has been directed toward the dispensing of frozen confectionary based products, it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses the delivery of other customizable products to a customer in a visually and/or aurally stimulating manner, perhaps in a dynamically interactive manner. For example, a vending machine may be configured to assemble and dispense hot beverages (such as coffee, tea and cocoa). In the example of a coffee vending machine, a specific coffee type (i.e., dark roast, espresso, decaffeinated, etc.) is combined with additives such as whipped cream topping, chocolate flakes, sugar, creamers, spices, flavors of various kinds, etc. to provide a customized product. Customer performance related benefits may be available as well, such as the provision of more of a topping for a certain performance level or other dynamically interactive feature. As a further example of customizable products suitable the disclosure, pre-manufactured crayons could be assembled in accordance with the desires of a customer. For this product, the customer is able to select a specific set of colors that will comprise the assembled crayon package (i.e., 2 red and 3 blue in a package of 5 crayons, or which 8 of 15 colors are provided, etc.). In addition, the device may provide non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks where consumers may mix the drink ingredients and/or alcohol types to create unique creations, including “slushy” type drinks. 
     In a further embodiment, shown at  FIG. 9 , a dispensing device  61  may contain a multi-flavor injection system  171 . This system may be used to allow consumers to layer products in receptacle  117 , such as, for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, a layer of chocolate with a layer of vanilla above the chocolate with an uppermost layer of banana ripple. This may be accomplished by synchronized pumps providing flavors singly or in combinations of two or more flavors with the pumps controlled by computer  90  as the consumer directs from interface  131 . Toppings may be interspersed with or between these layers in various embodiments. Alternatively, multi-flavor injection system  171  may allow consumers to mix flavors to create new flavors, such as, for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, banana ripple strawberry. Indeed, in a further embodiment, combined flavors may be blended and then layered to form separate layers of various blended flavors such as, for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, a layer comprising cool mint/cake batter underneath a layer of chocolate/strawberry/cappuccino underneath a layer of butter pecan/vanilla. In one embodiment, a single type of yogurt, such as vanilla, for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, may be used with various flavorings injected in series or parallel to the yogurt to create new flavors. While certain numbers of flavors are discussed, the numbers are not considered limiting as more or less numbers of flavors may be combined in various combinations through this disclosure. 
     As  FIG. 9  illustrates, multi-flavor injection system  171 , in one embodiment, may comprise flavor containers  173  as part of ingredient assembly  172 , e.g., bags of flavors, but the disclosure is not so limited and other food stuffs in various containers that may be contained in and processed by multi-flavor injection system  171  are with the scope of this disclosure, residing inside dispensing device  61  in receptacles  175 . Flavor containers  173  may have apertures  177 , see  FIG. 10 , whereby flavor containers  173  may be connected to hoses  179 , or via other means known to those of skill in the art, to transport the contents of flavor containers  173  from receptacles  175  to pumps  181 , pump  181  in one instance may be a peristaltic pump, or other pump as known to those of skill in the art at pump assembly  180 , see  FIG. 11 . Pump  181  may be operated by a circuit, not shown, and may run at different speeds such as pulses from 20% to 100% of the pumps full speed, which may be as high as 55 RPM. While  FIG. 11  shows a one pump per flavor ratio, fewer or more pumps are within the scope of this invention. Indeed, a single pump with multiple chambers may be used to deliver flavors from flavor containers  173  to the consumer. Once at pumps  181 , hoses  179  are introduced into dispensing unit  183 . The flavors may be injected simultaneously or separately into a blend head  185 , see  FIG. 12 , a partially disassembled view of blend head assembly  186 , depending on activation of pumps  181  either separately or jointly, based on the favor selection(s) by the consumer. A blend head motor  187 , supported by motor base  191 , may be incorporated to assist with moving flavors through flavor injection head  189  into blend head  185  and then out to dispensing station  121 , see  FIG. 3A . In one instance, one flavor is allotted per hose  179  and runs to blend head  185 . Blend head  185  allows the flavors to inter the blend head  185  separately, in groups, or all simultaneously, depending on the flavor(s) selected by the consumer, delivery of which is controlled via pump(s)  181 . In a further embodiment, only one type of yogurt may be introduced into blend head  185  with hose(s)  179  introducing various flavors to flavor the yogurt. Thus, only one base type of yogurt would be needed in multi-flavor injection system  171 . However, this single flavor could be modified into thousands of different combinations via hoses  179  injecting flavors singly, in groups, or simultaneously. It is also within the scope of this disclosure that a consumer could control portions of the flavors injected. For purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, a ⅓ portion chocolate, 1 portion strawberry, ½ portion vanilla combination of flavors could be introduced to the base yogurt, instead of a 1 portion chocolate, 1 portion strawberry, 1 portion vanilla combination, to create distinct “flavor levels” based on not only different flavors being introduced but different amounts of the flavors being introduced to the base yogurt. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a close-up, cut-away front view of one embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, yogurt, not shown, may be stored in mix container  176  inside a refrigerator  178 . In the example of yogurt, refrigerator  178  may maintain a temperature of between 36 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The yogurt, or other foodstuff, may be pumped from mix container  176  via periscopic pump  180  to freezing cylinder  182 . Freezing cylinder  182  may freeze the yogurt, or other foodstuff, and may maintain a temperature of between 14 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the freezing point of the mixture supplied from mix container  176 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows a close up view of blend head assembly  186  where, once the yogurt or other food stuff is frozen in freezing cylinder  182 , and after the consumer chooses a flavor, spigot  200  may open and allow the yogurt, or other foodstuff, to run into blend head  185  where the yogurt may be flavored by one, groups of, or all flavors introduced via hoses  179  and mixed. Once mixed, the yogurt will exit blend head  185  into receptacle  77  (see  FIG. 9A ). 
       FIG. 13  shows a wire diagram view of an assembled blend head assembly  186 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be illustrated in the following examples, which are not to be construed as encompassing all possible embodiments. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Ice Cream/Toppings Treat 
     A dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure possesses at least nine separate ice cream flavors and at least six different toppings. Each topping is contained in a separate transparent toppings container  71  that is placed directly over a transparent, multi-bend plastic tube or conductor  73 . Adjacent the bottom of each toppings container  71 , may be an auger, paddle wheel, or other measuring/dispensing mechanism. Dispensing device  61  is activated by a consumer engaging user interface  131 . User interface  131  then asks the customer to select the style of the receptacle  117 , such as edible or nonedible or specifically shaped, generically shaped, etc. Next, interface  131  inquires as to the amount or size of ice cream serving the consumer wants placed in the receptacle  117 . User interface  131  then inquires as to whether the ice cream should be blended or layered as it enters receptacle  117 , as discussed supra. User interface  131  then inquires as to the toppings the consumer wants added to the ice cream as well as the order of placement of the toppings. User interface  131  then asks the consumer to provide payment for the selected ice cream product. 
     Robotic arm  75  then acquires product receptacle  117  from a product receptacle dispenser  66  and places product receptacle  117  under ice cream dispenser  125 . Next robotic arm  75  moves the product receptacle  117  to a position below outlet  103  of conductor  73  that connects to a selected toppings container  71 . Servo motor  107  activates to deliver a measured amount of the first selected topping to the top of conductor  73 , whereupon the selected topping is transported by gravity atop the ice cream in the product receptacle  117 . After delivery of the first topping is complete, the robotic arm  75  may move product receptacle  117  back to ice cream dispenser  125  (depending on the order of ice cream and toppings selected by the consumer) and may be followed by positioning receptacle  117  below outlet  103  of the second selected toppings container  71 , etc., until the product as specified by the customer is fully assembled. The robotic arm  75  then places the filled product receptacle  117  on surface  167  at product delivery port  86  where the product is then transported through internal door  163  and external door  165  to be retrieved by the customer. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Ice Cream/Toppings Treat 
     A dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure possesses one ice cream flavor and five different toppings. Each topping is contained in a separate transparent toppings container that is placed directly over a transparent, coiled glass tube or conductor  73 . The bottom of each toppings container may possesses an auger or paddle wheel. Dispensing device  61  is activated by a customer inserting a token. The user interface  131  then asks the customer to select the topping that will be on top, in the middle and on the lowest level. In this example, the ice cream treat that is made will possess a total of six (6) layers; with ice cream in layers 1, 3, and 5 (from the bottom to top) and toppings in layers 2, 4, and 6. Robotic arm  75  then acquires a product receptacle  117  from a product receptacle dispensing station  66  and places the product receptacle  117  under dispensing station  131 . Next, robotic arm  75  then moves the product receptacle to a position below the outlet  103  of transparent conductor  73  that connects to the selected toppings container. A measured amount of the first selected topping is provided to the top of the transparent conductor  73 , whereupon the selected topping is transported by gravity to the top of the ice cream in the product receptacle  117 . After delivery of the first topping is complete, the robotic arm  75  moves the product receptacle  117  back to dispensing station  131 , followed by positioning below the outlet  103  of the second selected toppings transparent conductor  73 , etc., until the product is fully assembled. The robotic arm  75  then places the filled product receptacle  117  at surface  167  at product delivery port  86  where the product will be transported through internal door  163  and external door  165  where it can be retrieved by the customer. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Crushed Ice Treat 
     A dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure may possess ice that is crushed and/or generated and multiple, for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting six (6), different liquid toppings (e.g., lemon-lime, orange, banana, watermelon, cherry, and grape, etc.). Each topping is contained in a separate transparent toppings container  71  that is placed directly over a transparent, coiled glass tube conductor  73 . The bottom of each toppings container  71  may possess a valve, not shown, for controlling the amount of topping that will be dispensed. Dispensing device  61  may be activated by a customer inserting a token. The user interface touch screen panel  131  then asks the customer to select a number of toppings. Robotic arm  75  then acquires a product receptacle  117  from a product receptacle dispensing station  66  and places the product receptacle  117  below the ice dispenser  121 . Next, robotic arm  75  moves the product receptacle  117  to a position below outlet  103  of the transparent conductor  73  that connects to the selected toppings container  71 . The valve is then activated to deliver a measured amount of the first selected topping to the top of the transparent conductor  73 , whereupon the selected topping is transported by gravity to the top of the crushed ice in the product receptacle  117 . After delivery of the first topping is complete, robotic arm  75  moves the product receptacle  117  to the next selected topping dispensing station  121  and then again until the product is fully assembled. Robotic arm  75  then moves the filled product receptacle  1117  to port  86  where it is transported through the doors  163  and  165  where it can be retrieved by the customer. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     Espresso/Cappuccino/Coffee 
     A dispensing device  61  of the present disclosure possesses espresso/cappuccino/coffee made real time by an existing espresso/cappuccino/coffee machine, steamed or frozen/slurry milk and multiple liquid flavoring options/toppings and other various and sundry toppings. Each flavoring and the milk are contained in separate transparent containers  71  that are placed directly over a transparent, coiled glass tube conductor  73 . The bottom of each container  71  may include a valve for controlling the amount of flavoring/milk that will be dispensed. A customer inserting a token activates dispensing device  61 . The user interface  131  then allows the customer to select the type of coffee, the flavor, the milk (slurry or steamed) as well as other topping options that may be available such as whipped cream, chocolate powder, sprinkles, cinnamon, and the like. Robotic arm  75  then acquires a product receptacle  117  from a product receptacle dispenser  66  and places the product receptacle  66  below the espresso/cappuccino/coffee dispenser  121 , which receives the freshly made espresso/cappuccino/coffee. Robotic arm  75  then moves the product receptacle  117  to a position below outlet  103  of transparent conductor  73  that connects to the selected flavor container  71 . The valve is then activated to deliver a measured amount of the selected flavor to the top of the transparent conductor  73 , whereupon the selected flavoring is transported by gravity to mix with the espresso/cappuccino/coffee in the product receptacle  117 . After delivery of the flavoring, robotic arm  75  moves the product receptacle  117  to the steamed or slurry milk and then other selected toppings until the product is fully assembled. Robotic arm  75  then places the filled product receptacle  117  at port  86  where it is transported through the doors  163  and  165  where the customer can retrieve it. 
     Although frozen confectionary type products have been discussed primarily above, it will be understood by immediately preceding description that coffee based beverages could also be provided, whether hot or cold, along with various other products, such as providing the ability to decorate a cake with a selected design and watching the decoration take place on top of a selected flavor of cake, or providing the ability to assemble an assortment of candies (such as multiple flavors of jelly beans). Additionally, while the robotic arm  75  principally moves the product receptacle  117 , it could also be utilized to move at least an outlet of a dispenser such as of ice cream, toppings, etc. relative to a product receptacle  117  while allowing viewing of at least a portion of the process by the customer. 
     Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. 
     Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 
     While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.