Patent Abstract:
A system is described which allows the delivery of butcher shop meat services to a remote location, such as marinas, campsites, parks etc., without significant input required from on site management personnel. Management operations are performed from a remote location. This includes food item selection, preliminary preparation, monitoring of inventories (and re-supply when necessary) and payments. By using this system, managers of remote locations can significantly enhance the ability to meet customers&#39; needs without having to hire or train butcher shop personnel to manage each site.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 12/582,059 filed on Oct. 20, 2009 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. design application 29/317,618 filed on May 2, 2008 which has issued as U.S. Pat. No. D602,531 on Oct. 20, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/132,238 filed on May 19, 2005, now abandoned, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/572,100 filed on May 19, 2004. Pat. No. D602,531 and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/582,059, 11/132,238, and 60/572,100 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Outdoor camping, picnicking etc. are common leisure pastimes. Frequently associated with such occasions is outdoor cooking on a charcoal or gas grill a smoker or other outdoor cooking apparatus. Traditional grilled foods include hamburgers, steaks, sausages etc. For cooking on a patio or in a backyard, the food is readily available. However, outdoor cooking is also performed at remote locations having no access to household refrigerators and conveniences. At these locations, supplying food can be an important and limiting consideration. 
         [0003]    At outdoor cooking locations, usually the only locally available food, if any, is typically soft drinks, candy bars and other snack foods. Accordingly, travelers away from home must bring their own food for cooking. This practice has several disadvantages. The amount of food is substantially limited by the size of the food container, usually a cooler or ice chest. Container capacity is further limited by the presence of various means of keeping the content frozen; ice, dry ice, cool packs etc. Moreover, the frozen food begins to thaw almost immediately and is preserved for only about a single day. When the content of a cooler approaches room temperature, the consumer will face an uncertain deadline after which food is no longer safe to consume. Being highly adverse to the risk of food poisoning, a consumer will often discard food of questionable freshness even though the consumer cannot be sure that the food had actually gone bad. 
         [0004]    Vending machines are well known in the art. There are many designs that can be adapted to deliver butcher shop meat products to the consumer at a remote location. Such suitable machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,684 to Suk-Ho Shin, Suwon-si issued on Aug. 24, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,716 to Holdway et al. issued on Jun. 6, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,219 to Chang issued Feb. 27, 2007, U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,710 to Black et al. issued on Jul. 22, 2008 and 7,086,560 to Shioya, Morihisa issued on Aug. 8, 2006 each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similarly, there also many known solutions to communicate with remote devices such as a vending machine, such methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,889,852 to Craig Whitehead issued on Feb. 15, 2011, U.S. Patent Application Publication 20040046637 to Eveline Wesby Van Swaay published on Mar. 11, 2004 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,029 to Bates et al. issued on Jan. 11, 2011 each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is a general object of the invention to relieve the traveler of concerns about packing and preserving food for use in outdoor cooking. 
         [0006]    Another general object of the invention is to provide a food service at a remote site that requires little or no effort on behalf of a remote site manager. 
         [0007]    A further object of the invention is to effectively provide butcher shop service at remote locations. 
         [0008]    Another object of the invention is to provide the remote service continuously; round-the-clock, seven-days-a-week. 
         [0009]    A further object is to provide automated or self service butcher shop service where food products are dispensed and paid for without direct input from a butcher shop proprietor. 
         [0010]    A still further object of the invention is to provide for efficient management of a remote butcher shop where inventories are automatically recorded and the operational conditions of machinery are automatically measured and recorded. 
         [0011]    Still another object of the invention is to provide for remote management requiring little or no specific effort from the local site manager. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention to efficiently control a plurality of remote butcher shop service locations. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    An embodiment of the present invention that is intended to accomplish at least some of the foregoing objects comprises a system for dispensing fresh and frozen food to consumers at remote locations. Remote locations include marinas, campgrounds, urban parks and other locations. The system also includes small environmentally friendly self-service automated retail shops that will provide round-the-clock service, seven days-a-week. The shop can be configured to accept both cash and cashless payment, provide computerized transaction records and 24/7 telemetry to monitor performance, facilitate and accelerate stock replenishment and maintenance by allowing remote access to the telemetry. In a preferred embodiment, delivery and maintenance personnel can access the information, with a handheld device, either directly from the machine or indirectly from off site locations such as an internet web page. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an automatic butcher shop showing a typical selection of butcher shop food available for campground consumers; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a clear door vending machine embodying the teachings of the subject invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3 through 10  relate to the product separation and selection tray system which is adjustable and removable from the clear door vending machine; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a product separation and selection tray system having an adjustable top support assembly for controlling the separation of opposing side walls from a central wall; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a front perspective view illustrating the details of the top support assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  is a rear perspective view showing the details of the top support assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5D  is an enlarged detailed view of the top support assembly mounted on a central wall of a cell assembly and illustrating opposing slidable top straps for engagement with opposed sidewalls; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5E  illustrates the top support assembly with one half of the assembly removed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5F  is a side view of the top support assembly illustrating the internal workings of the top support assembly as seen through one of its side walls; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is an exploded front perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the product separation and selection tray system; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of an X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system aligned with one column of the product separation and selection tray system prior to engagement of a projecting tab portion of a lever for release of product to a cup of the product acquisition and transport system; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11A  illustrates the details of a pusher assembly used to advance a product to be dispensed along a tray with a negator spring drum shown in a position of rest; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11B  is a rear view of the pusher assembly with the negator spring drum rotatably mounted in a foot which is used as a stop for a lesser compressive spring pushing on product to be dispensed; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11C  illustrates extension of the foot and therefore biasing of the negator spring drum by extension of a portion of the wound tape forming the drum so as to provide a bias force for return of the foot to the at rest position shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a plan view illustrating the engagement of the cup of the product acquisition and transport system by engagement with the projecting tab of the lever of the separation and selection tray system so as to pivot a rotator out of engagement with the product and pivot a gate into engagement with a successive product; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  illustrates the release of the projecting tab of the lever so as to pivot the gate into alignment with a central wall for advancement of the successive product and engagement with the rotator; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a left front perspective view of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the vending machine of the present invention with the front door pivoted away from the cabinet to access the interior of the cabinet; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  schematically illustrates the X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the cup of the product acquisition and transport system holding a product on one side of the front door of the vending machine with the details of the interior of the control panel and delivery port having been omitted for clarity; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the cup holding the product as shown in  FIG. 18  to illustrate the horizontal rail on which the cup slides; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view from the opposite side of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  schematically illustrates the mechanism for tilting of the cup by engagement of a projection on a side of the cup with a projection extending from a fixed wall of the product delivery system; 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  illustrates the opening of a slidable outlet port door or window and subsequent tilting of the cup to slide the product into the outlet port basket which is tiltable towards the consumer for access to and withdrawal of the product; 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  illustrates the elevator cup first opening the port latch and contacting the delivery door; 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  illustrates the complete opening of the delivery door and the pivoting of the elevator cup to deliver product to the port box while the port latch has dropped down to engage a weld pin to prevent the delivery box from being opened during delivery of the product; 
           [0048]      FIG. 25  shows additional details of the delivery mechanism; 
           [0049]      FIG. 26  is a rear view of the delivery box; 
           [0050]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 28  shows a detailed view of an approaching elevator cup including product for delivery and initial engagement of the port latch of the delivery door; 
           [0052]      FIG. 29  illustrates the initial opening of the port latch and the contact of the delivery door; 
           [0053]      FIG. 30  illustrates a rear view of  FIG. 24  where the elevator cup has completely opened the delivery door, delivered the product to the port box and allowed the port latch to drop down and engage a weld pin to prevent the delivery box from being opened. 
           [0054]      FIG. 31  is a rear view of the port latch having moved from the position shown in  FIG. 26  so as to engage the weld pin; 
           [0055]      FIG. 32  is a rear view where the elevator cup has released the delivery door allowing the port latch to disengage the weld pin, allowing the weight of the product being vended to rotate the port box forward to present the product to the customer; 
           [0056]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the delivery box pivoted forward to allow release of the product to the consumer; 
           [0057]      FIG. 34  is an illustration of one example of a communications module in a remote embedded application; 
           [0058]      FIG. 35  is a more detailed illustration of a communications link distributed over the Internet; 
           [0059]      FIG. 36  illustrates schematically the use of (TCP Transmission Control Protocol) ports and sockets for the controlled transmission of data; 
           [0060]      FIG. 37  is a simple flow chart to illustrate a method of establishing a file transfer session between a remote embedded application and an ISP Server, with dynamic Public Key assignment; 
           [0061]      FIG. 38  is a simple flow diagram to illustrate the steps in an initial registration procedure; and 
           [0062]      FIG. 39  is a simple flow diagram to illustrate the initial steps in establishing a connection between an ISP Server and a remote application by use of Calling Line Identification (CLI). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0063]    Managers of remote facilities seek to satisfy their customers with a clean, well run facility. By using the disclosed invention, these managers can provide an added value for their customers—for example, immediate on-site access to butcher shop services. More specifically, managers can provide a substantial selection of fresh and frozen food butcher shop items for outdoor cooking. 
         [0064]    Ordinarily, it would be impractical for a marina or campground manager to supply butcher shop items. Substantial time commitments and experience are required to safely and profitably operate a butcher shop. One must deal knowledgeably with meat wholesalers and meat inspectors. Furthermore, one must know how to properly butcher sides of beef, know a myriad of public health and safety regulations and storage requirements to maintain meat in a safe and attractive display. 
         [0065]    Finally, and perhaps most importantly, one must have a feel for what types of food items are popular with consumers. Stocking the correct items is critical for success of the operation which is dependent upon generating a reasonably large sales volume. 
         [0066]    Surprisingly, the inventor has designed a practical system by which a remote site manager without any special knowledge in this field, can offer butcher shop services. As a result, a local manager can offer butcher shop retail services merely by supplying a 12 Amp, 110-volt electrical outlet. 
         [0067]    Furthermore, the local manager will profit as a result of this service, either by receiving rental payments for the space allocated for the service or by receiving commissions based on the sales transactions. The manager will also profit in indirect ways. For example, a campground manager will provide an enhanced camping experience which will attract more campers, encourage campers to say on the campgrounds longer and return more often. 
         [0068]    Remote locations will be provided with an automated dispensing apparatus stocked with carefully selected butcher shop food items. Such dispensing apparatus are portable. As used herein “portable” means able to be moved by a single human being through the use of a simple mechanical advantage, such as a hand truck or a dolly. Based on experience, each of the following selections are functional in the disclosed system. In order to be functional, each of the following foods must have physical properties such that they can be preserved for a sufficient time at the remote location and, after outdoor cooking, will suffer no significant losses in flavor. 
         [0069]    The U.S. and Canadian Governments provide guidance and requirements for the food industry, of particular relevance are the guidance and requirements provided for the butcher and seafood industries. This information can be found in 21 C.F.R §§100-105, 110, 111, 113, 123, 130, 131, 133, 160, and 161 all cited sections of 21 C.F.R are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In Canada analogous rules and guideline are provided in the Livestock and Poultry Carcass Grading Regulations, and the Meat Inspection Act of 1990, as well as the Fish Inspection Act, the three of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0070]    The specific method of cooking is also taken into account. The following foods are selected for compatibility with the specific types of outdoor cooking apparatus traditionally utilized: grills, gas grills, charcoal grills, hickory cooking, mesquite cooking, use of smokers, etc. In addition to the physical properties, these foods must have another property in order for the system to function optimally. Each of these food items are believed to be popular with the consumer found at the remote locations so that a sufficiently high sales volume can be established. 
         [0071]    Some examples of the foods to be stocked are: ribs; marinated ribs; meat kebabs (chicken, beef, lamb, pork, etc); blackened chicken; chicken breasts; boneless strip steaks; filet mignon steaks, teriyaki steaks, hamburger, hamburger patties; pork chops, stuffed pork chops, beef London broil, Delmonico steaks, sirloin steak, Italian sausage, chicken cutlets, fish, and pork loin. On the other hand, some food items, while popular, are not practical for all but a few specific embodiments of this system; live Main lobsters, for example. 
         [0072]    Some further specific examples of food items to be provided are: “country style” ribs marinated in barbecue sauce; precooked barbecue ribs; lemon/pepper chicken cutlets, cranberry stuffed chicken breast, gourmet steak burgers 90% lean, poached salmon in sweet red pepper sauce, and pork loin with apple sauce or apple cider sauce. It is also specifically contemplated to offer “all natural” or “organic” versions of the above food items. 
         [0073]    Rather then building a permanent structure to house a retail shop, a portable structure will be utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The various butcher shop items will be stored in an enclosed climate controlled structure. Specifically, the structure will be capable of refrigerating the items or freezing the items. Standard temperatures for refrigeration and freezing of butcher shop items can be used. The temperatures and atmospheric conditions inside the structure will be such that the food is preserved for the longest possible time without significantly effecting food quality. 
         [0074]    In one preferred embodiment, humidity levels will be maintained such that the food will not undergo freezer burn. Alternatively, “frost free” freezing conditions can be used so long as steps are taken so that food items are rendered resistant to freezer burn. For example, the food items can be stored in individual compartments within the overall structure so that they will be substantially resistant to freezer burn. In another preferred embodiment, the food can be wrapper or otherwise packaged so as to be resistant to freezer burn. Any method of hermetically sealing the food can be used, for example vacuum sealing individual food items. Alternatively, the food stocks can be rotated or otherwise monitored so that the food does not remain under “frost free” conditions long enough for significant freezer burn to develop. 
         [0075]    Preferably, stocking of the retail outlets will be accomplished by outside contractors. These contractors will monitor inventories by methods set forth below. When the stocks are depleted, the contractors will travel to the remote locations and restock the local retail shops. In one embodiment, the stocks are delivered to each individual retail shop from a central food warehouse. In another embodiment, a plurality of regional warehouses is used. Each regional warehouse is placed in a location convenient to service the retail shops in that region. Convenient regional warehouse locations can be, but need not be, a location central to that region&#39;s retail shops. Alternatively, the regional warehouse can be located close to a transportation hub; an airport, a common carrier pickup center, etc. 
         [0076]    Regional warehouses are also contemplated when special needs arise, for example a group of retail shops that are close together but far from the central warehouse can be efficiently served from a regional warehouse. Also, retail shops with a high sales volume can be serviced from appropriately designed regional warehouses with extra storage space and delivery trucks to meet the high demand. 
         [0077]    Another special design is to offer kosher food items. Sources of the ingredients are chosen and the status of all of the production, maintenance, delivery and storage equipment is monitored and controlled so as to ensure kosher certification from the appropriate authority. 
         [0078]    Another preferred embodiment includes devices that can monitor the inventory automatically and report this data automatically. The inventory data can be obtained by a visit to the local retail site. Any manual or automatic method of reading data can be used in the invention. The inventory data can be read directly from a display on the structure and recorded on a clipboard. Alternatively, data can be read automatically by a hand held device, or laptop computer, then up loaded to a suitable database. An example of a suitable database would be a file server that can be accessed via an internet connection. 
         [0079]    Still another suitable mode of data collection is to equip the local retail shop with a device capable of transmitting the data to a remote location without the need for a visit to the remote location. For example, inventory data can be sent by an internet connection to a site on the internet. In effect, the remote shop will automatically report its current inventory to the internet site. Thus, the supplier can stock his truck appropriately by monitoring the internet site without first having to visit the remote shop. 
         [0080]    Food items will be displayed and dispensed to consumers in a similar manner to standard vending machines. Typically, the food is displayed with the use of transparent doors so that the consumer can see the food prior to making a purchasing decision. The price for each food item is displayed next to the food item. After the consumer tenders the appropriate payment, the food item is made accessible to the consumer using any of the myriad devices developed for use with vending machines. One specific embodiment of a preferred device is described below. Suitable devices are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,684 to Suk-Ho Shin, Suwon-si issued on Aug. 24, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,716 to Holdway et al. issued on Jun. 6, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,219 to Chang issued Feb. 27, 2007, U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,710 to Black et al. issued on Jul. 22, 2008 and 7,086,560 to Shioya, Morihisa issued on Aug. 8, 2006. 
         [0081]    In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For instance for simplicity the vending item described is a breakable bottle, however, it is understood that fragile butcher cuts, fish filets, or even live lobster in a glass container with sea water could be substituted for the bottle in the below description. 
         [0082]    With reference to the drawings, in general, and to  FIG. 2  in particular, an automated food service system for remote recreational facilities embodying the teachings of the subject invention is generally designated as  30 . With reference to its orientation in  FIG. 2 , the clear door vending machine includes a cabinet  32  with a front door  34  having a clear panel portion  36 . 
         [0083]    On the front face of the door  34  is located a control panel  38  having a digital keypad  40 . Information entered into the digital keypad is displayed in display panel  42 . In addition, the control panel  38  includes coin slot  44  and dollar bill receiver  46 , as well as a change return slot  48 . 
         [0084]    Representative samples of product separation and selection tray systems  50  for dispensing product through a delivery port  52  are seen through the panel  36 . A random scattering of the product separation and selection tray systems  50  is shown in  FIG. 2 , it being understood that each of the shelves  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  52   d  and shelf  52   e  (not shown) can accommodate up to four systems  50  on each shelf in the present width configuration of the systems  50 . The sidewalls of each system  50  are movable laterally to accommodate smaller or larger sized product to be dispensed by the vending machine  30  of the present invention. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 3 through 10  are various views of the product separation and selection tray system according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the system  50  includes a base  54  and two opposed L-shaped side walls  56  and  58 . The side walls  56  and  58  are slidably mounted on the base  54  so as to be able to be varied in lateral separation distance from each other and from central fixed dividing wall  60  to accommodate various sized products to be dispensed. 
         [0086]    To control the separation distance between sidewalls  56  and  58 , an adjustable top support assembly  320  is mounted on top of central fixed dividing wall  60 . The top support assembly  320  not only controls the separation distance between the sidewalls  56  and  58  but reinforces the upper extremities of the sidewalls so that the sidewalls do not bow outwardly due to the force of products being pushed along the base  54  of a system  50 . 
         [0087]    The adjustable top support assembly includes two top straps  322  which extend from the centrally located support assembly  320 . One end  324  of each top strap  322  is L-shaped for anchoring to the sidewalls  56  and  58 . The opposite end  326  of the straps  322  is slidably mounted through slots in both of the two sidewalls  328  and  330  of the support assembly. 
         [0088]    Extending from each of the sidewalls  328 ,  330  is an indicia plate  332 ,  334 , respectively. The indicia on plates  332 ,  334  may include a scale with hash marks which matches the markings on plates  336 ,  338  located on the base  54  of the system  50 . The relative positioning of the sidewalls  56 ,  58  with respect to the indicia at the base  54  and on the plates  332 ,  334  should match to ensure that the separation of the sidewalls  56 ,  58  is the same at the top and at the bottom of the sidewalls. 
         [0089]    As shown in  FIG. 5D , each of the top straps  322 , includes a pointer arrow  340  which provides an indication of the relative positioning of the movable straps  322  to the fixed plates  332 ,  334  for viewing the relative positioning of the upper portions of the sidewalls  56 ,  58 . This positioning is compared to the markings of an arrow  342  on a projection  344  of the sidewalls  56 ,  58 . 
         [0090]    To control the position of the straps  322  as they pass through slots in the sidewalls  328 ,  330  of the support assembly, a spring bias system and finger controlled strap lockers are located between the sidewalls  328 ,  330 . The strap lockers  346  extend out in front of the support assembly  320  so as to be grabable and squeezed together by the fingers of an operator so as to release the bias on the ends  326  of the top straps  322  as they pass through slots in the upper ends of the sidewalls  328 ,  330 . 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIGS. 5E and 5F , the top strap  322  passes through the side plate  330 , the side plate  328  having been removed in this Figure to view the interior between the two side plates  328 ,  330 . 
         [0092]    The strap locker  346  is pivotally mounted on a strap locker pivot  348 . A spring  350  extends between an anchor  352  mounted on an extension of the strap locker  346  and the opposite end of the spring  350  is mounted on an anchor  354  secured to the side plate  330 . It is therefore seen that the plate terminating in the strap locker  346  is pivoted so as to engage the strap locker  322  as the strap locker  322  passes through slots in the sidewalls  328 ,  330 . 
         [0093]    By pushing the two strap lockers together  346  by manual manipulation, the bias force may be removed to allow free sliding of the top straps  322  through the slots in the sidewalls  328 ,  330 . Upon release of the strap lockers spring  350  and an additional spring  356  extending between anchors  358  and  360 , the strap lockers are controllable to either lock or release the sliding of the top straps  322  through the slots of the sidewalls  328 ,  330 . 
         [0094]    Regulation of the movements of the upper ends of the sidewalls  56 ,  58  is thereby accomplished so that the separation distance between the sidewalls  56 ,  58  is the same at their top as compared to their bottom. This strengthens the overall assembly and controls any tendency for the upper ends of the sidewalls to move apart. 
         [0095]    An indicia display holder  62  (made of component parts  62   a  and  62   b , as shown in  FIG. 6 ) is located on a leading edge of base  54 . Display holder is used to identify a product&#39;s name, a price of the product and/or to identify indicia to be entered into keypad  40  to select a particular product. 
         [0096]    Projecting in front of the label holder  62  is an actuating lever  64 . Actuating lever  64  controls operation of a rotator  66  and a gate  68  for dispensing of product from a space  70  defined between side wall  56  and central wall  60  or a space  72  defined between central wall  60  and end wall  58 . 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 10  product is moved toward the leading edge of the system  50  by the use of feet  74  having a projection  76  which is slidable in a track  78  of the central wall  60  for placement of the feet relative to the forward end of the base  54 . Alternatively, the track may be positioned in the base. 
         [0098]    Projecting forwardly from the feet  74  is either a single helix spring  80  or double helix spring  82  terminating in a slider  84 . The force of the springs  80  or  82  is sufficient to advance product in the direction of rotator  66  for dispensing of product into a delivery cup as will be explained in more detail later. 
         [0099]    As will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the product separation and selection tray system of the present invention includes rotator  66  having flat side surfaces  66   a  and  66   b  intersecting at one end and terminating at an opposite end in curved surfaces  66   c . At the intersection of flat surfaces  66   a ,  66   b , is located an extended pin  86  having head  88  engaged in recess  90  at a leading edge  92  of central wall  60 . The opposite end  90  of pin  86  is engaged in a bushing  92  mounted on the upper surface of base  54 . 
         [0100]    The pin  86  fixed in the rotator  66  allows pivotal movement of the rotator during movement of the tab portion  94  of the lever  64 . A pin  96  extends through arcuate slot  102  in the base  54  and through a slot  98  in the lever  64  to engage at its bottom end in bushing  100 . Pin  96  then passes into arcuate slot  104  of retaining plate  106 . Retaining plate  106  is secured to the underside of the base  54  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The upper end of pin  96  is secured within rotator  66  at a point midway between sides  66   a  and  66   b  along a radial line projecting from pin  86  in the direction of curved side  66   c . The lever  64  is pivoted around boss  110  by the anchoring of circular opening  108  of the lever  64  in the boss  110  projecting upwardly from the retaining plate  106 . 
         [0101]    For example, the rotators  66  shown on shelves  52   a ,  52   c ,  52   d  and  52   e  in  FIG. 2 , illustrate the normal, at rest positioning of the rotators  66 . However, when the tab  94  is contacted and moved to the right as shown in the system  50  on shelf  52   b , the rotator  66  is pivoted such that side  66   a  is in line, parallel with central wall  60 . Then rotator  66  allows product  112  to be advanced past rotator  66  under the bias force of spring  80 . 
         [0102]    Simultaneous with the shifting of the rotator  66  is the movement of the gate  68  in an opposite direction. Gate  68  is mounted at one end on an elongated pin  114  having pin head  116  mounted in a recess  118  in central wall  60 . The bottom end  120  of the pin  114  is mounted in a circular recess  122  defined in a partition  124  separating the rotator  66  from the gate  68 . 
         [0103]    A pin  126  extends through a circular opening  128  in the lever  64  and then passes through arcuate slot  129  in base  54  and arcuate slot  130  in the retaining plate  106 . The opposite end of pin  126  is secured in a recess in a trailing edge  132  of gate  68 . A rear terminal flange  134  of the lever  64  is slidable in arcuate slot  136  in retaining plate  106 . 
         [0104]    In operation, when the tab  94  of lever  64  is moved in one direction, the lever  64  pivots about pivot boss  110  and the retaining flange  134  at the opposite end of the lever  64  moves in the opposite direction to the tab  94 . This action causes side  66   a  of rotator  66  to move to a position parallel to central wall  60 . Gate  68  will simultaneously move its rear edge  132  in a direction perpendicular to central wall  60  in channel  70  so as to prevent advancement of a second, successive product in channel  70  against the bias force of spring  80 . 
         [0105]    When force on tab  94  of lever  64  is released, two springs  109   a ,  109   b  return the lever  64  to its central, at rest position. This bias force would then force gate  68  to its at rest position, parallel to and within the confines of central wall  60 . The rotator  66  would also pivot to its at rest position as shown in the system  50  on shelf  52   a , for example. The return of the gate  68  to its alignment with central wall  60  would allow advancement of the second, successive product under the force of spring  80  until engaging with the rotator  66 , ready for the next dispensing operation. 
         [0106]    By the adjustment of the sidewalls  56 ,  58 , different sized products may be preloaded at a remote location onto a product separation and selection tray system of the present invention. When refilling the vending machine, an existing empty tray system  50  may be removed and replaced by a preloaded tray system  50 . Determination of product to be dispensed may thereby be made at a remote location with removal of an existing tray system and insertion of a new tray system at the vending machine. 
         [0107]    Alternatively, new product may be pushed in from the front. Also, it is possible to remove the tray “on site” and add new product from the rear of the tray. 
         [0108]    It is understood as being within the scope of the present invention that an engaging mechanism  140  as shown on the underside of the base  54  in  FIG. 7 , can be used to engage with complementary shaped openings in a rear portion of shelves  52   a  through  52   e . Therefore, as long as the total width of each shelf is known, the modular feature of the tray system  50  may be used to design mounting of an appropriate number of tray systems  50  on each shelf. 
         [0109]    In  FIGS. 12 through 16 , the progression of release of product  112  into an elevator cup  150  of a product acquisition and transport system is illustrated. Initially, the X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system is driven, based upon keypad actuation of a desired choice of product to raise the elevator cup in the Y-direction with selection channel  95  surrounding tab  94  of lever  64 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , when the tab  94  of lever  64  is engaged by a sidewall  152  of channel  95 , upon sideways movement of the cup  150 , the rotator  66  moves out of the way of the product  112  and the gate  68  engages the next successive bottle or other vending item  154 . 
         [0110]    The forward movement of the bottle or other vending item  154  is actuated by the slider  84 , as biased by spring  80 , until the bottle  154  engages the gate  68  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0111]    Alternatively, foot  74  is biased by a flat wound negator spring as shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  11 A,  11 B and  11 C. This is the primary force on the bottles or other vending items. Negator spring  300  is shown in the Figures in a wound state, rotatably mounted in foot  74  by axial pin  302 . Foot  74  is slidably mounted in a guide track  304  which may be secured to a side of a wall extending in a central portion of each product tray. Tabs  306  may be used to anchor the tray  304  in the side of central wall of the tray. 
         [0112]    The foot  74  includes a recessed portion  308  for anchoring one end of spring  80  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The base of the foot  74  includes an opening  310  through which a portion of the wound tape forming negator spring  300  may extend as shown in  FIG. 12C . Extended portion  312  of spring  300  is anchored by pin  314  in the guide track  304 . 
         [0113]    When the foot  74  is moved to the right with reference to  FIGS. 12A and 12C  and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the portion  312  extends from the foot  74 . The natural tendency of the negator spring  300  to rewind to the rest position shown in  FIG. 12A  biases the foot to move to the left with reference to  FIGS. 12A and 12C  and thereby force spring  80  to move slider  84  into contact with a product to be dispensed. Alternatively, spring  80  may be omitted and the foot  74  directly engaged with the product to be dispensed. 
         [0114]    Spring  80  and slider  84  are used to move the last bottle or other final item past the gate and rotator. The release of the tab  94  by reverse lateral movement of the cup  150  to the position shown in  FIG. 14  releases the gate from engaging the bottle  154  and allows forward movement of the bottle  154  until engaging the rotator  66 . 
         [0115]    During forward movement of the bottle or other vending item  112 , a sensor confirms placement of product in the elevator cup  150 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , vertically extending flange  151  extends across the path of product in the cup  150 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the flange  151  is pivoted about pin  153  when product is pushed into the cup  150 . Pivotable flange  155  stabilizes the bottle or other vending item in the cup. A switch  153  is not actuated by flange  151  thereby indicating presence of a bottle. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show details of the flange  157  for use in guiding movement of the cup  150  with respect to horizontal movement by connection to a tension element such as a horizontal toothed belt. Also guide wheels  159   a ,  159   b ,  159   c  assist in traversing along a horizontal guide rail as the guide rail is raised vertically for positioning of the cup in front of a tray system  50 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 17  schematically illustrates the product acquisition and transport system  160  for movement of the cup  150  to any position in front of a product to be dispensed as well as for movement of the cup to deliver the product to a discharge port. Cup  150  is secured to tension element  162  which may be a belt, chain or cable for movement of the cup by rotation of a fixed motor  164 . The motor is connected by a drive shaft  166  to a drive roller  168 . Actuation of the motor causes the tension element  162  to run across driven rollers  170 ,  172 ,  174  and  176 . The rollers  170 ,  172 ,  174  are mounted on a horizontal rail  178 . When the rail  178  is fixed in position, movement of the tension element  162  causes the cup  150  to traverse the rail so as to be located in front of a particular separation and selection tray system  50 . 
         [0118]    Movement of the cup vertically is accomplished by a tension element  180  driven by a fixed motor  182  having drive shaft  184  and drive roller  186 . The tension element  180  is fixed to the rail  178  so upon actuation of the motor  182 , the tension element  180  rotates around driven roller  188  for vertical movement of the rail and thereby also the cup  150 . 
         [0119]    In  FIGS. 20 through 22 , various views are shown of the positioning of the cup adjacent to a delivery door (not shown). The product is shown in dotted lines, since for illustrative purposes, the elevated position of flange  151  indicates that product should not be present in the cup  150 . 
         [0120]    For delivery of product from the cup, the discharge mechanism  150  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  is used. The product is delivered through a discharge window  192  by engagement of an upper wall portion  194  of the cup  150  with a projecting tab  196  fixed on a sidewall  198  of the discharge port. Continued downward movement of the cup causes three interconnected sidewalls  200 ,  202 ,  204  of the cup to pivot around pivot point  206 . The sidewalls  200 ,  202  and  204  engaging a product, tilt the product until the bottom of the product clears the bottom wall  208  of the cup to allow the product to slide at an angle of approximately 45 degrees into open delivery window  192 . Smooth movement of the sidewalls  200 ,  202  and  204  is ensured by a cam slot  210  of wall  202  passing along a fixed screw or a bolt, pin or rivet  212 . 
         [0121]    As shown in further detail in  FIG. 24 , release of product through the window  192  is allowed by the vertical movement of the cup  150  to engage a sliding delivery door  214  which normally covers the window  192  of a delivery box. The door  214  is moved by engagement of an edge of bottom  208  of the cup with a tab  216  of the door. The product is thereby released into a delivery box  218  which is allowed to tilt forward by gravity or by engagement with a finger of the consumer in a finger hole or finger recess  220 . The delivery box  218  is tilted so that the product  112  may be grabbed by its cap  222  and removed from the machine. 
         [0122]    A mechanism prevents the delivery box  218  from tilting out of the machine until after the door  214  is moved to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 23  and the product is dropped into the basket. Not until upward movement of the cup and release of the sliding door, so that the door may cover the delivery window  192 , will the basket be allowed to be pivoted towards the consumer for access to the product. The prevention of pivoting of the delivery box  218  until the sliding delivery door  214  is closed, prevents the customer&#39;s hand from being injured during delivery of the product into the basket. 
         [0123]      FIGS. 24 through 34  illustrate the delivery of product from the elevator cup  150  through the delivery window  192  after opening of the delivery door  214  and passage of the product into the delivery box  218 . 
         [0124]    As shown in  FIG. 24 , the product  250  approaches the delivery door  214  by rollers  159   a ,  159   b  and  159   c  resting upon edge  252  of horizontal rail  254 . Horizontal rail  254  is moved vertically as was explained with reference to  FIG. 18 . Driven rollers  256   a ,  256   b  are engaged by a tension element such as a driven chain (not shown), for example, so as to move the elevator cup  150  along the horizontal rail  254 . 
         [0125]    When the delivery cup  150  is in the position shown in  FIG. 23 , a port latch  258  located adjacent to an uppermost edge  260  of the delivery door  214  is engaged by a horizontally extending flange  262  located underneath the elevator cup  150 . As the elevator cup  150  is lowered with the horizontal rail  254 , the upper wall portion  194  engages the projecting tab  196  as was explained with reference to  FIG. 22  and as shown in  FIG. 25 . Simultaneously, the delivery door  214  is lowered vertically to open window  192  so that the bottle or other vending item  250  may be tilted, and by gravity, fed through the delivery window  192 . The downward movement of the port latch  258  causes engagement with a weld pin to lock the delivery box in position and prevent the delivery box from being opened. This is a safety feature so that the customer&#39;s hand is not inside the delivery box as the product is being dispensed. 
         [0126]    In  FIG. 26 , the bias force on the delivery door  214  is caused by anchoring a spring at one end on projection  264  whereas the other end of the spring (not shown) is secured to a projection  266  located at the bottom of the delivery door  214 . The door  214  slides in guide track  268  to ensure smooth movement. 
         [0127]    As shown in  FIG. 27  from the opposite side of the delivery door  214 , turned 90 degrees from that shown in  FIG. 26 , an optic sensor emitter board  270  projects light beam  272  through holes  274 ,  276  so that the line of sight with optic sensor detector board  278  is clear. When a clear line of sight is present, a signal is produced indicating that the delivery box is in position to receive a product. Counterweights  280 ,  282  maintain the position of the delivery box in a closed position until a product is ready to be delivered and the delivery box is pivoted about pivot point  284 . 
         [0128]    As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 28 , the area encircled in  FIG. 27  illustrates the port latch  258  in a rest position prior to the dispensing of product through the delivery door  214 . In this position, the delivery box  218  is movable. Movement is allowed because the port latch  258  has not yet engaged weld pin  286  in groove  288  of the port latch. 
         [0129]    In operation, when the elevator cup  160  approaches the delivery door  214  as shown in  FIG. 29 , a sensor switch  290  indicates engagement with the exterior wall  292  of the vending machine. The downward movement of the elevator cup first opens the port latch and then contacts the delivery door as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0130]    As shown in  FIG. 31 , the elevator cup  150  has completely opened the delivery door. The product  250  is delivered to the delivery box  214 . The delivery box is maintained in position by engagement of the port latch with the weld pin  286  as shown in  FIG. 32 . This prevents the delivery box from being opened. 
         [0131]    As shown in  FIG. 32 , the bottle or other vending item  250  is located within the delivery box  214  so that, as shown in  FIG. 33 , after upward movement of the door  214 , the weld pin  286  is released from the port latch  258  and is allowed to travel along arcuate guide groove  290  for controlling the pivotal movement of the delivery box. The weight of the product being vended rotates the delivery box forward to present the product to the customer. 
         [0132]    The foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 
         [0133]    In addition to displaying the food items, messages can also be displayed to encourage sales. In one embodiment, an electronic blackboard is provided which is capable of displaying one or more messages depending on the time of day, the season of the year or other conditions. For example, sales or “specials of the day” can be displayed. 
         [0134]    Any reliable payment system can be used in connection with the above disclosed system. Either cash or cashless payments are specifically contemplated. The remote location can be equipped with a device that enables automatic cash purchases, such as a currency reader. Specific cashless payment devices contemplated include payments via: credit card, debit card, ATM card, various prepaid debit cards, etc. In the later cases, the remote location can include a card reader. The cash-less payment modes are particularly convenient in view of the price of the various goods being offered which will be in the price range typically paid by consumers with credit cards and other cash-less payment cards. 
         [0135]    Upon occasion, an operator may issue discount coupons, for example during a promotional event. The payment system can be configured to recognize discount coupons. The payment system can be configured to accept the coupon in the same manner that cash is accepted. The system will then read the coupons and deduct the appropriate amount from the food price. 
         [0136]    A coupon can have a permanent denomination chosen when the coupon is printed. Alternatively, a value can be assigned to a coupon at a later time. For example, a coupon can be imprinted with a unique machine readable code. The payment system operator then programs a cash credit to be associated with that unique code. When the coupon is presented to the payment system, the credit is deducted from the purchase price. 
         [0137]    Cash can be collected from the structure using any standard procedure. Cash can be collected by the same contractor hired to perform other services, such as restocking. Alternatively, a special contractor can be hired to perform cash pickups, for example an armored car carrier. The later embodiment, while more costly, is preferable in instances where a large amount of money is to be collected or when making collections in high crime areas. 
         [0138]    The results of these various payment transactions can be monitored and reported in a manner similar to that of the inventory reporting. Telemetry can be obtained either manually or automatically, and can be gathered by visiting to the remote site or by transmittal from the remote site to a database. 
         [0139]    In addition to stocking and payment systems, the invention also includes a maintenance system. The various devices at the remote location can be monitored by personal inspection. However, a preferred embodiment comprises a system of automatic monitoring. The status and performance can be manually or automatically monitored and recorded, as described above for other systems. 
         [0140]    Telemetry sent from the remote location can be monitored on a round-the-clock basis. As a consequence, a breakdown will be immediately detected and addressed with an appropriate response, even if the breakdown occurs after normal working hours. The breakdowns can be the result of numerous causes; including device malfunction, power failure, vandalism and other causes. 
         [0141]      FIG. 34  illustrates a remote embedded application, in the form of a vending machine  1 , or plurality of vending machine, which are arranged to communicate with a central site, in the form of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) Server  2 , over the Internet. Below we consider a single vending machine; however, it is understood the methods can be easily applied to a plurality of machines. Using the description below the same protocol can be used to allow two machines to communicate to one another. 
         [0142]    The vending machine  1  incorporates an intelligent controller  10  which controls the normal functions of the vending machine  1  and also maintains a local database  11  which maintains a record of various parameters at the vending machine  1 —e.g. current operating status, performance, stock levels, currency levels, etc. (Some applications may have more than one controller such as  10  to perform and/or control different functions but, for simplicity, reference is made here just to one controller  10 , it being well understood by those skilled in the art that this may represent a plurality of controllers.) 
         [0143]    The vending machine  1  also incorporates a communications module  12  which includes a module controller  121 , a modem  122  and i/o ports  123 . Although in  FIG. 34  the module controller  121 , modem  122  and i/o ports  123  are shown separately from the vending machine controller  10 , any or all could alternatively be integrated with it. 
         [0144]    The ISP server  2  is in effect a computer network server which is arranged to communicate simultaneously with a plurality of remote computers  201 ,  202  . . .  20   n . Remote computers  201 ,  202  . . .  20   n  could be any of the following: a hand held device, a laptop computer, a database, an internet site, etc. In a preferred embodiment the remote computer  20   n  is represented by a human, an off-site manager, interfacing with the system by listening to a voice through a telephone or VoIP, replies from the human if necessary can be from a key pad, key board, or translated by voice recognition software. The ISP server  2  further comprises a database  21 , a controller  22 , i/o ports  223 , a modem  23  and a clock  24 . For simplicity, the modem  23  is shown as within the ISP Server  2  although, in an Internet configuration, the modem  23  may typically be located at a different site than the database  21 , as illustrated in  FIG. 35 , which is described in more detail below. 
         [0145]    A communications link  3  is provided between the vending machine  1  and the ISP server  2 . The communications link  3  may take any suitable form but, in this example, utilises the Internet, which is accessed by both the vending machine  1  and the ISP server  2  via their respective modems  122  and  23 . However, it is to be understood that the communications link  3  could take any convenient form, which does not necessarily require the use of a modem such as  122  or  23  at either end of the link Both hard wired and wireless links maybe employed, as may both dial-up and permanent connections (e.g. Ethernet, ADSL, Intranet, WAN, etc.). 
         [0146]    The vending machine  1 , together with the ISP server  2  and the communications link  3 , make up a communications system which operates as follows. 
         [0147]    When it is desired for the vending machine  1  to communicate with the central database  21 , either upon a reportable condition arising at the vending machine  1  or at predetermined periodic intervals, the module controller  121  initiates an Internet dial-up session via the modem  122 , and establishes a link with the ISP server  2  (of known IP address). This may be, for example, by way of a Telnet session, with the module controller  121  providing an ID (username/password) to log onto the database  21 . 
         [0148]    Once the Telnet session has been established, the ISP server  2  synchronizes a local clock  14  of the vending machine  1  with the dock  24  of the ISP server  2 . Updating the local vending machine dock  14  in this way enables any necessary time adjustment at the vending machine  1 , to provide more accurate synchronization as to time and date, as between the vending machine  1  and the ISP server database  21 . Alternatively, the clock  14  of the vending machine  1  may need to be synchronized with the clock  24  of the ISP server  2 , only when the module  12  is first installed and powered up (see below). 
         [0149]    The communications link  3  having thus been set up, the ISP server  2  establishes an (File Transfer Protocol) session back to the vending machine module  12 , which is set up to operate as an FTP Server. To this end, the ISP server  2  looks up from the database  21  an appropriate ID (username/password) for the particular vending machine module  12 , to establish the FTP session. 
         [0150]    At that point, the ISP server  2  takes control of any necessary exchange of files with the vending machine module  12 . It is important to appreciate that, in order to establish such an FTP session, it has not been necessary for the ISP server  2  to initiate a call to the remote embedded application of the vending machine  1 . On the contrary, it is the vending machine  1  that has initiated the call. But once the initial (e.g.) Telnet session has been set up, the ISP server  2  then takes over and sets up the FTP session. 
         [0151]    Also, since control of the exchange of files in the FTP session between the database  21  and the vending machine module  12  rests entirely with the ISP server  2 , substantially all intelligence and control may remain at the ISP server  2 , with the vending machine module  12  having only minimal requirements. This arrangement provides substantial flexibility, since “decision making” software need not be embedded in the remote module  12 . This allows for much simpler software upgrades to the system. In most case, software upgrades can be accomplished entirely by a single operation at the ISP server  2 , rather than at many remote modules such as  12 . The absence or minimization of decision-making software at the remote unit  12  minimizes code downloads when new decisions need to be made. The remote unit  12  can request the database server  2  for certain actions—for example, download a specific file. However, the database server  2  can override any requests due to other events—for example, if a PC user (see below) has requested a specific function which takes priority. 
         [0152]    With the FTP session established and any necessary time adjustment made as between the ISP server clock  24  and the vending machine dock  14 , files can be exchanged between the ISP server database  21  and the vending machine database  11  as necessary. For example, latest vending machine prices may be downloaded from the ISP server database  21  to the vending machine database  11 , when the time and date stamping of files indicates that the files at the vending machine  1  require updating. The ISP server database  21 , under the control of controller  22 , will automatically upload the latest collected data files from the vending machine  1  for example, vending machine stock levels, currency levels, etc. File transfers may take place in response to requests from the module  12  (or a remote computer  201 ,  202  . . .  20   n )—for example, in response to a flag set at the module  12  (or remote computer) to indicate a file transfer request. 
         [0153]    Once the files between ISP server database  21  and vending machine database  11  have been synchronized, the ISP server  2  can then teardown the FTP session. 
         [0154]    Thus, in this way, significant advantages of ease and cost of communication can be obtained, firstly by making use of the Internet (where local call charges usually apply) to provide communication between the remote embedded application and the ISP server  2 , and secondly by employing a relatively simple communications controller  12  in the remote embedded application, to leave intelligence and control of file transfer sessions principally with the ISP server  2 . As noted above, there is no requirement for the ISP server  2  to initiate a call to the remote embedded application. The remote embedded application initiates the call, but the file transfer is then set up by the ISP server  2 . The transmission of real-time information from the ISP server  2  to the remote embedded application over the initial Telnet session can be particularly advantageous to ensure correct time sequencing of the files at the respective ends of the communications link. 
         [0155]    As mentioned above, in an Internet implementation, the modem access may typically be more distributed than shown in  FIG. 34 . This is shown in more detail in  FIG. 35 . Here, the remote module  12  connects with an ISP modem server  23   a , which provides a local point of presence, and communicates over the Internet  30  with database server  2   a , which contains database  21 , controller  22  and clock  24 . (The clock could be local to the database  21  as shown or derived from another clock source on the Internet network—e.g. an atomic clock source.) Likewise, remote computer  201  ( 202  . . .  20   n ) connects with another ISP modem server  23   b , which provides another local point of presence, and communicates over the Internet  30  with database server  2   a.    
         [0156]    In one example of an alternative configuration, the modems and Remote Access Servers of  FIG. 35  can be dispensed with and the various components permanently connected, e.g. by way of an Ethernet or Intranet configuration. Either or both of the remote module  12  and remote computer could have respective databases which are either local or remotely connected over the network. 
         [0157]    The structure of the ISP server  2  is such as to facilitate the lookup of Public Encryption Keys, which will be different for the Telnet and FTP sessions. The Telnet Public Key will be a key which is common to the ISP server  2 , which typically will service a large number of embedded applications, such as the vending machine  1 . However, the FTP Public Key can be unique to the vending machine module  12 . The latter feature enables a particularly advantageous encryption method, which combines simplicity with high security. This operates as follows. 
         [0158]    Once files between the ISP server database  21  and the vending machine database  11  have been synchronized, and before the current FTP session ends, the ISP server  2  can send to the vending machine module  12  a new Public Encryption Key for the next FTP session on the next call from the vending machine module  12 . In other words, each time a new FTP session is initiated by the ISP server  2 , it uses a Public Encryption Key for the vending machine module  12  (operating then as an FTP Server) which has been transferred as a file to the vending machine module  12  during the previous FTP session. It will be appreciated that this affords a high degree of security. By the same token, it also allows a more simple encryption algorithm to be used for a given degree of security, since data synchronisation FTP sessions between the ISP server  2  and the vending machine module  12  will typically be small and therefore more difficult to crack, when the FTP Public Key is changed dynamically from one session to the next. 
         [0159]      FIG. 37  is a simple flow chart to illustrate the above-described method of establishing a file transfer session between remote embedded application  1  and ISP Server  2 , with dynamic Public Key assignment. 
         [0160]    In step  41 , an event occurs to trigger a connection request between vending machine  1  and ISP Server  2 . For example, this may be due to a particular event arising at the vending machine  1 , or to a particular time event arising, which requires a routine connection to the ISP Server  2 . 
         [0161]    In step  42 , the communications module  12  dials up the respective Internet Service Provider and, in step  43 , logs on to the ISP Server  2  with appropriate ID, by way of a Telnet session. 
         [0162]    In step  44 , the ISP Server  2  looks up the ID received in the initial Telnet session, in order to identify the particular communications module  12 . In step  44 , the ISP Server  2  logs on to the communications module  12  to establish an FTP session, using the FTP Public Key as sent to the module  12  during the last file transfer session. 
         [0163]    In step  46 , file transfer proceeds between the ISP database  21  and the remote application database  11 , under control of the ISP Server  2  and, during that file transfer process or at the end of it, the ISP Server  2  sends, in step  47 , a new Public Encryption Key to the module  12  for the next FTP session. 
         [0164]    With all of the file transfers completed, the ISP Server  2  terminates the FTP session in step  48 . 
         [0165]    Another preferred and advantageous feature of the illustrated communications system concerns the procedure for first installing the vending machine module  12 . 
         [0166]    When installed, the vending machine module  12  is programmed with a unique serial number. It is also programmed to dial up and connect to a specific registration database when first installed and powered up in the vending machine  1 . In other words, as a new item of equipment, the vending machine module  12  requires only minimal programming. Many similar modules  12  can be programmed in almost exactly the same way with almost exactly the same information, each differing only in its own unique serial number. 
         [0167]    When the vending machine module  12  dials up the registration database for the first time, the registration database identifies the specific module  12  by means of its unique serial number, and then programs the module  12  with all of its relevant customized configuration—such as, for example, Telnet and FTP passwords, FTP Public Encryption Keys, telephone numbers for local ISP access local telephone rates), customer name, customized web pages, new user configuration, subsequent database IP addresses, etc. Having been programmed with all of this data, the vending machine  12  is then ready to dial up the ISP server  2  over the communications link  3 , as described above, for regular Telnet/FTP sessions. Thus, the installation process for the vending machine module  12  is substantially automated. As indicated above, the initial registration procedure can include an initial dock synchronization step between a central clock such as  24  and the clock  14  of the module  12 . 
         [0168]    The registration procedure for the remote module  12  is carried out in just the same way as the above-described ISP server access—that is an initial Telnet session followed by an FTP session. This is a real benefit of centralized decision-making as described above. The remote module  12  purely has files transferred through it. It does not need to know whether these are configuration files, as in the case of initial registration, or whether they are data files for normal operation. The registration database could be totally separate from the usual “application” database  21 , or it could actually be the same database. 
         [0169]      FIG. 38  is a simple flow diagram to illustrate the steps in the above-described registration procedure. 
         [0170]    In step  51 , the communications module  12  is installed in the remote embedded application  1  and, in step  52 , it is powered up for the first time. In step  53 , the communications module  12  dials up the registration database and in step  54  logs on to it with its predetermined ID which, as described above, may be its unique serial number, in order to establish a Telnet session. 
         [0171]    In step  55 , the registration database looks up the ID supplied from the module  12  in order to identify the particular module and then, in step  56 , it synchronizes its own local clock (or the clock that it uses) with that of the module  12 . 
         [0172]    In step  57 , the registration database logs on to the communications module  12  to establish an FTP session and, in step  58 , it transfers the necessary set up and configuration files to the module  12 . When all of this is completed, the registration database terminates the FTP session in step  59 . 
         [0173]    As noted above, in addition to providing Internet service to a plurality of communication modules such as  12  for various remote embedded applications, the ISP server  2  also provides Internet service for a large number of remote computers  201 ,  202  . . .  20   n  which, so far as the ISP server  2  is concerned, will typically be connected as PC Browsers. Thus, a user on remote computer  201 , subject to submission of appropriate ID (username/password), can gain access to the database  21  and therefore obtain information as to the current state of the vending machine  1  at the last time a dial up session was established between the vending machine  1  and the ISP server  2 . This might be regarded as a “snapshot” in time of the status of the vending machine  1 . In this way, subject to suitable security restrictions, an owner of a number of vending machines (or other embedded applications) can view their status conveniently via the database  21 , over a relatively cheap and simple Internet connection via the ISP server  2 . 
         [0174]    In an optional variant, the user of remote computer  201  can look directly at the vending machine  1 . This operates as follows. 
         [0175]    Once connected to the ISP server  2 , the user of computer  201  can cause the ISP server to dial up the vending machine module  12 , which is provided with Calling Line Identification (CLI) Service, to indicate to the called module  12  the identity of the calling party. The ISP server  2  will cause the vending machine modem  122  to be called for one or more ring periods (or for a predetermined time, particularly if the CLI comes before the first ring, such that no-ring calls can be supported). The communications module  12  detects from the CLI that the ISP server  2  has called, and is programmed not to answer the call. However, the communications module  12  is programmed to dial back after a short duration to establish a Telnet session (generally as described above) with the ISP server  2 , which then in turn establishes an FTP session with the communications module  12 , also generally as described above. 
         [0176]    Then, furnished with the appropriate IP addresses, the ISP server  2  connects the remote computer  201  directly with the vending machine  1 , via the communications module  12 . This enables the user of remote computer  201  to view the data in the remote embedded application in real-time, and optionally, exchange data files with it and/or the ISP server  2 . 
         [0177]    In this way, the user of remote computer  201  ( 202  . . .  20   n ) can dial up and view any desired remote embedded application at will, using a communications link established over the Internet. Again, by use of the CLI, one is able to overcome the presently accepted restriction that ISP&#39;s will not initiate a call, and thereby ensure that any call charges remain with the owner of the vending machine module  12 , rather than being attributed to the ISP server  2 . 
         [0178]    In the above procedure, the dynamically assigned IP address of the remote module  12  is captured at the database  21  and forwarded to the remote computer  201 . This allows the remote computer  201  to browse the module  12  directly, since the module has its own embedded web server. Therefore, this provides a mechanism for the remote computer  201  to interrogate the remote module  12  in real time. So far as the remote module  12  is concerned, it has had a request to synchronize with the database  21 , using Telnet/FTP sessions. The database controller  22  can make the appropriate decisions as to whether to transfer files and/or “connect” the remote computer  201  to the remote module  12 . For example, the remote computer  201  may update some configuration at the database  21 , request that this be transferred immediately to the remote module  12 , and request that it view the module  12  in real time to see the effect of the configuration changes. This is another significant benefit of centralized decision-making as described above. 
         [0179]    The use of CLI can be extended such that the ISP server  2  may dial any desired remote embedded application at any desired time, in order to initiate a return call from the communications module  12 , to establish a Telnet session followed by a FTP session, generally as described above. Thus, the use of CLI is not just reserved for connecting remote computers  201 , etc to remote module  12 . The remote computer  201  can make changes at the database  21 , for one or more remote modules  12 . The ISP server  2  could then subsequently use CLI to request that the remote modules  12  synchronize immediately, rather than waiting for predetermined dial up times. 
         [0180]      FIG. 39  is a simple flow diagram to illustrate the initial steps in establishing a connection between ISP Server  2  and remote application  1  by use of CLI, as described above. 
         [0181]    In step  61 , a PC (e.g. remote computer  201 ) logs on to the ISP Server  2 , to establish a typical web browsing session. In step  62 , the PC requests the ISP Server  2  to connect to the remote embedded application  1  and, in step  63 , the ISP Server  2  dials up the module  12  using CLI. In step  64 , the module  12  detects the CLI but does not answer the incoming call. After a predetermined time, the module dials back to the ISP Server  2  in step  65 . Thereafter, a file transfer session may be implemented, using techniques as described above, and involving the remote application  1 , ISP Server  2  and, optionally, remote computer such as  201 . Alternatively or additionally, the remote computer such as  201  may be connected directly to the remote embedded application  1 . 
         [0182]    During a synchronization process, a direct communication channel could be opened with the remote embedded application  1 , thereby allowing real time data to be captured from equipment of the remote embedded application  1 , rather than the data as last stored in the local database  11 . One way of providing such a channel is described below. 
         [0183]      FIG. 36  illustrates an advantageous option for providing data transfer between the ISP database  21  and the vending machine database  11 , via their respective controllers  22  and  121 . For simplicity, the modems  23  and  122  are not shown in  FIG. 3  and, as is evident from the above description, modems are not invariably required anyway, depending upon the kind of network employed. 
         [0184]      FIG. 36  illustrates schematically the use of TCP ports and sockets (e.g. Telnet)  125 ,  126  at the module controller  121  and  225 ,  226  at the database controller  22 , to establish separate CONTROL and CLEAR channels. These are similar to the D-channel and B-channel in an ISDN environment. The CONTROL channel provides end-to-end control information between the remote module controller  121  and the database controller  22 , whilst the CLEAR channel is available to exchange pure end-to-end data. 
         [0185]    For example, the remote module controller  121  may connect to the database controller  22 , using the CONTROL channel established between TCP ports and sockets  125  and  225 . A data transfer command or request is transmitted between the database controller  22  and the remote module controller  121  (in either direction) to indicate that it is wished to transfer data from the remote database  11  into a file on the ISP database  21 . If it is not already established, the CLEAR channel is set up between TCP ports and sockets  126  and  226 , and data is them streamed over the CLEAR channel to the database controller  22 , which captures the data in a file in the database  21 . During the data transfer process, the CONTROL channel between TCP ports and sockets  125  and  225  provides end-to-end control—for example, STOP, START, PAUSE, etc; or can provide remote control commands to attached equipment—e.g. PAN/TILT commands whist capturing real compressed video images. 
         [0186]    The above basic mechanism allows the ISP server  2  to act as a kind of “telephone exchange” between remote computers  201 ,  202 , etc and remote embedded applications such as  1  which have no direct human control. It may be particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with the CLI ring back procedure that is described above. It may enable higher levels of service to be provided, which may be similar to telephony environments—for example, automatic divert of a TCP/IP session from the database  21  to remote computer  201 ,  202 , etc—under the control of decision making at the database server  2 . 
         [0187]    Although the Internet has been given as one very convenient example, it is to be understood that the ISP server  2  may be replaced by any computer network server which effectively is arranged to communicate simultaneously with a plurality of remote computers, whether on a local, large area, national, international, or global network Embodiments of the invention may be used with advantage in environments which include Internet, Extanet, Intranet, and private or public packet switched or circuit switched networks. 
         [0188]    It is to be further appreciated that, in the above described examples, the protocols of Telnet and FTP are just examples or many different kinds of protocols that may be utilized. For example, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) may be utilized as a protocol that is part of the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Instead of Telnet, any file transfer protocol, mechanism or procedure may be used. Instead of FP, one may use any standard or proprietary protocol transferred over a TCP or UDP port or socket. 
         [0189]    In a preferred embodiment, a contractor is hired to service the machine. This contractor can be the same one used to provide other services, such as restocking. Alternatively, a special contractor can be used to service the machines. In still another embodiment, routine service can be provided by one contractor but more serious breakdowns are handled by specialized contractors. 
         [0190]    With respect to the locations of the remote food service, any location away from the consumer&#39;s home refrigerator is specifically contemplated. Examples include: campgrounds (private, state and federal), marinas, parks, urban parks, state parks, national parks, picnic areas, sporting grounds, parking lots of sports stadiums, sites for tailgate parties, etc. 
       SUMMARY OF MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0191]    The remote location of the disclosed food service relieves the traveler of concerns about packing and preserving food for use in outdoor cooking. 
         [0192]    The fully automatic features, including automated sale of the butcher shop food items as well and the off site servicing of the disclosed food service relieve the remote site manager of any significant duties toward managing the food service. 
         [0193]    The categories of food items offered for sale at the remote location will include a significant portion of those food items offered at butcher shops thus providing butcher shop services at a remote location. 
         [0194]    The subject retail shops allow the service to be offered on a round-the-clock basis. 
         [0195]    The automation features also allow a butcher shop to offer its services at remote locations without having to hire on site staff to collect payment and dispense the food item to the customer. 
         [0196]    The automation and data systems allow efficient management of the remote butcher shop through off site monitoring of the status of the remote butcher shop. 
         [0197]    Furthermore, the data systems with their automatic recording systems will free the remote site manager from the need to report on the status of the remote butcher shop. 
         [0198]    Systems that communicate data from the remote site to offsite locations allow for the efficient management of a plurality of remote butcher shops. The plurality of shops are configured to report to managers at a relatively few offsite locations or even to a single manager at a single offsite location.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6