113results about "Restaurants" patented technology

A methodology for customers seeking to purchase a meal from a food service vendor such as a restaurant, a cafeteria, or a vending machine, by ordering a food preparation based upon menu-selections. In addition to receiving ordered food, customers receive suggestions for optionally modifying their food orders based upon nutritional benefits and other criteria. Either during real-time customer-ordering or during post-ordering, a food-service vendor presents a customer suggestions specific to a pending tentative or completed order, wherein the customer may enjoy purported nutritional benefits by electing to follow these suggestions and thereby modify the tentative order into a corresponding completed order. Alternatively, the customer may elect to ignore these suggestions, but may nonetheless decide to effect such food-ordering modifications during subsequent visits. The food selection criteria implemented by a food service vendor is independent of individual customer identity and preferences, and are flexible and readily adaptable to accommodate changes such as a food service vendor's marketing strategy, customer-food preferences, discoveries pertaining to nutrition and consequent good health; and may be adapted to a plethora of food service environments. The preferred embodiment contemplates a restaurant environment in which customers typically approach a food-ordering counter and interface with both a menu display and with order-taking personnel. Other embodiments implicate kiosks, vending machines, remote access devices, and locally and remotely-accessed networked computers, wherein customers interact with automated computer-driven devices instead of or in addition to wait-staff or other food service personnel.

A system for providing cash to users in a merchandise delivery environment such as a fast food drive-through environment. The system includes a customer request station (212, 262, 288, 300, 322, 378) at which the customer is enabled to input a request for merchandise as well as an input corresponding to a request to receive cash. The customer is further enabled to input to the customer request station information corresponding to a source of monetary value which the customer may charge against for ordered merchandise or for the amount of cash requested. The customer may receive the cash directly at a customer request station. Alternatively, a computer may operate to correlate an identifying input associated with the customer or the transaction, and the request to receive the amount of cash. The customer may then move to a cash delivery station (216, 338). In response to the customer providing the identifying input at the cash delivery station, the customer receives a portion or all of the requested cash. The customer may then move to a merchandise delivery station (222, 292, 304, 316, 324, 342) at which the customer may receive the ordered merchandise. The customer may also receive the balance of any amount due such as coin, at the merchandise delivery station or other change delivery location.

Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.

A mobile platform galley cart storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area. A plurality of mobile carts are stored in the galley area, including at least a first side-by-side subgroup of carts and a second-side-by-side subgroup-of carts positioned above the first subgroup. An optional third subgroup is positioned above the second subgroup. An automatic transfer system lifts and horizontally transfers carts to predetermined storage locations on racks supporting each elevated subgroup of carts. The carts are stored in either randomly accessible locations or in first-in / last-out locations.

A restaurant management system and method interface is provided. In accordance with the invention, data from various restaurant operations is collected and stored for processing. The data is processed into useful metrics, such as those indicative of various categories of restaurant staffing, efficiency, performance and quality. The useful metrics can be displayed as a human-readable chart, graph or report. The data can be processed in real time, permitting managers to promptly make adjustments and to alert restaurant workers or crew members of deficiencies so that prompt and effective remedial action can be taken to improve restaurant performance. Reports may be generated that provide the performance of restaurants individually and as a combined group.

Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.

A mobile retail store structure transportable to a plurality of different locations includes a trailer construction configured both exteriorly and interiorly for housing a plurality of storage bins wherein products and / or parts can be stored. Each trailer is a self-sufficient module which includes doors at one end of the trailer unit for entry and exit thereto, portable stairs for providing access to the entry doors, opposed side doors and associated walkways for allowing coupling to additional similarly constructed trailers, extendable canopies for providing a secure passageway between the respective coupled trailers, and a generator / HVAC system for providing heating, cooling and electrical power to each trailer unit. In one embodiment, a terminal is provided to allow a user to either browse electronically various items for selection and / or sale, or access a self-service check-out station to complete a transaction. A plurality of terminals can be coupled to communicate with a master server terminal over a wired / wireless network.

This invention uses a family of exit-finding aids to enable occupants of rooms or workspaces in buildings, cabins in ships, seats in aircraft cabins, auditoriums, theaters, etc. to know the distance and direction to the nearest exit in each direction by touch as well as by sight; to know so before leaving those spaces; to similarly know the escape paths to each of those exits; to similarly know the distance and direction to alternate exits along the escape path; to similarly confirm arrival at an exit; and to similarly know the distance and direction to alternates to exits that are unusable.

A system and method for making a food item are for provided. The apparatus includes a food item assembly and packaging station having a first work area assembling and packaging a food item and meal order assembly station having a second work area for assembling a meal order that includes a food item packaged on the first work surface. A conveyor is positioned beneath the first work area and extends from a position proximate to the first area to a position proximate to the second work area. A conveyor access opening is proximate to the first work area to provide worker access to the conveyor to permit manual placement of a food item assembled and packaged at the first work area onto the conveyor for conveying the packaged food item beneath the first work area to the location proximate the meal order assembly station.

A restaurant table turn control and display system for providing real-time communication to staff personnel throughout key areas of a restaurant, comprising two or more monitoring consoles, each having a restaurant layout display having indicia representative of tables available for seating in the restaurant and for communicating to the staff other requirements or needs; a touch screen for activating desired status changes on the system; LED bulbs arranged in an underlying relationship to the indicia on the restaurant layout or software driven images depicted on the display screen, which can be a combination monitor and touch screen; and a controller circuit with programmable circuitry for operating and controlling the system, including providing status changes and communicating such status changes simultaneously to other monitoring consoles electrically operatively connected to said monitoring console.

A sports arena theme restaurant which provides a central floor area surrounded by a plurality of tiers on at least one of which a concourse circumnavigates the central floor area to communicate with a kitchen and a plurality of stairways to provide a restaurant service pattern to seating areas established the plurality of tiers which allows restaurant patrons to view entertainment means from discrete levels above the central floor area.

A subgrade vault with a latching cover. The vault includes a peripheral wall with an open access port at the top. A peripheral ledge surrounds the access port. A cover to close the access port fits inside it, with a latch assembly inside it and a retractable latch pin disposed to fit in an aperture in the peripheral ledge. The latch pin is retractable by the stabbing motion of a tapered tool against a cam surface on the latch pin. The cover is locked in place merely by pressing down on it.

A device for assembling orders of food from prepared food items having multiple sides on different sides of the device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system including the device and a method of assembling orders of food. Each side has a plurality of side receptacles accessible to a worker at the side. Adjacent to the sides is a holding area for holding prepared food items. Preferably the heated holding area has a central portion that is heated.

The present invention discloses a wireless electronic menu device, which comprises a menu body and a menu base, wherein a plurality of menus is placed on the menu body; a photo-sensor is used to automatically detect the menu the customer is reading; an induction stylus is pointed to the menu and emits a signal to indicate the coordinates of the position it is pointed to; the menu body collects the related data and transfers the data to the menu base with a wired communication device or a wireless communication device; the menu base retrieves the data corresponding to the coordinates, such as voice, audio, text, image and video data, from its storage device or an external storage device; the menu base presents the multimedia data to aid the customers to acquire meal information and order meals. The present invention also discloses an ordering system containing the abovementioned wireless electronic menu device. The present invention can provide more detailed and consistent meal information for customers to help customers order meals by themselves. Thereby, the present invention can reduce the manpower cost of the food-service industry.

A food and drink conveying system is provided in which the sorts of foods and drinks displayed on display members placed on a circulating conveying path and the number of foods and drinks placed on the circulating conveying path following after their respective display members are detected. An optimum number of foods and drinks to be placed following after their respective display members placed on the circulating conveying path is set, and then it is judged whether or not the number of foods and drinks placed on the circulating conveying path are the optimum number based on the detected sorts and number of foods and drinks. The sorts of and the number of insufficient foods and drinks are displayed when it is judged that the number of foods and drinks placed on the circulating conveying path is smaller than the optimum, so that a food preparer can be informed of the sorts and number of insufficient foods and drinks.

A method and system for serving food. A plurality of sets of compatible food items are selected and a unique identifier is assigned to each set. The food items are placed in individual display containers. Each display container is marked with the one or more unique identifier(s) of sets which include the food item in the display container. A meal is prepared by selecting one of the unique identifiers and collecting a portion of each food item which is marked with the selected unique identifier. The collected portions are placed into a collection container, then cooked together and placed into a serving container and served as a meal.

An automatic meal serving system includes a conveyer module, a transporting module, a first food serving and heating module, and an ingredient serving module. The transporting module is located on the conveyer module for sequentially positioning a plurality of vessels on the conveyer module. The first food serving and heating module provides a variety of foods, heats one of the foods that is chosen, and feeds one of the vessels on the conveyer module with the heated food. The ingredient serving module is located beside the first food serving and heating module. The transporting module, the first food serving and heating module, and the ingredient serving module are sequentially located along the conveyer module.

Food serving pans made from a heat conductive materials include a gasket protecting a flange to protect fingers from heat or cold, improve gripping ability, seal against countertops of food serving tables, and protect paint or nonstick coating from chipping off the flange. The food serving pan is made from aluminum or other highly heat conductive material. The gasket comprises silicone, other elastomer, or other heat resistant and insulating material. The gasket includes a circumferential sealing ridge and finger gripping recess. A food serving system includes one or more food pans and food serving table. The food serving pans help maintain food at a desired temperature by efficiently transferring heat or cold from the serving table while sealing the interface between the flange and the countertop of the serving table. The interface between the gasket and flange prevents buildup of food or debris, maintaining cleanliness during repeated use and cleaning cycles.

A system, workflow and facilities for hybrid tissue banks are provided with a central access way having spaces on both sides for public and private diagnostic areas, public and private clean room areas for processing, culturing and other manufacturing steps, public and private storage areas, wherein air flow is into said clean rooms and out of said diagnostic areas and said storage areas, and wherein all public facilities are on one side of the central access-way and private facilities are on the other side, and wherein there are sample pass-throughs between each area, and at least the sample pass-through into and out of the clean room processing areas comprise small enclosed chambers having two access panels (one leading to each space), wherein only one panel can open at a time. Preferably, these areas are preceded by receiving spaces and terminated by shipping spaces, which also have pass-through chambers.

A method and system for serving food. A plurality of sets of compatible food items are selected and a unique identifier is assigned to each set. The food items are placed in individual display containers. Each display container is marked with the one or more unique identifier(s) of sets which include the food item in the display container. A meal is prepared by selecting one of the unique identifiers and collecting a portion of each food item which is marked with the selected unique identifier. The collected portions are placed into a collection container, then cooked together and placed into a serving container and served as a meal.

In circulating type food and drink transport apparatus (EQU), a plurality of plates (5A) is located on a circular link chain (4) including a chain driving section (DV) and a chain driven section (FR) with a predetermined clearance. The circular link chain is guided and carried by a traveling lane (1). The lower portion of the traveling lane is closed using a substantially U-shaped receiver (9). The chain driving section and the chain driven section are movable in accordance with a manual operation. The link chain is loosened, and thereby, the traveling lane (1) is securely cleaned.

The invention relates to a counter (10) for presenting and / or selling goods. The aim of the invention is to provide a means of displacing a module consisting of a system of joint mechanisms (22) which are associated with a glass pane (21) by means of fixing elements (23) between a closed position (20) in which the inside of the counter (13) is covered and an open position (20') in which it is exposed. Said joint mechanisms (22) are mounted on the supports (15) of the counter (10) in such a way that they can pivot about a horizontal pin (18). In order to ensure that the modular unit is secure in the open position (20') the joint mechanism (22) is provided with an extended arm (24) which has the swivel bearing (18) on its lower arm section. During the transition from the closed position (20) to the open position (20'), the center of gravity (27) of the module in relation to the swivel pin (18) moves to the opposite side (27'). In the closed position (20), the pane (21) is subjected to a torque which acts in the closing direction. In the open position (20'), a torque acts on the pane (21) in the opening direction. The pane (2) can no longer fall back out of the open position (20') into the closed position (20) uncontrollably.

Food serving pans made from a high heat conductive material include a gasket covering at least a portion of the flange in order to protect a person's fingers from heat or cold, improve gripping ability, provide a seal against a counter top of a food serving table, and protect paint or non stick coating from chipping off the flange. The food serving pan is made from aluminum or other highly heat conductive material. The gasket comprises silicone, other elastomer, or other heat resistant and insulating material. The gasket includes a circumferential sealing ridge and a finger gripping recess. A food serving system includes one or more food pans and a food serving table. The food serving pans help maintain food contained therein at a desired temperature by efficiently transferring heat or cold from the serving table while sealing the interface between the flange and the counter top of the serving table. The interface between the gasket and flange prevents build up of food or debris, thus maintaining cleanliness during repeated use and cleaning cycles.

A mobile retail store structure transportable to a plurality of different locations includes a trailer construction configured both exteriorly and interiorly for housing a plurality of storage bins wherein products and / or parts can be stored. Each trailer is a self-sufficient module which includes doors at one end of the trailer unit for entry and exit thereto, portable stairs for providing access to the entry doors, opposed side doors and associated walkways for allowing coupling to additional similarly constructed trailers, extendable canopies for providing a secure passageway between the respective coupled trailers, and a generator / HVAC system for providing heating, cooling and electrical power to each trailer unit. In one embodiment, a terminal is provided to allow a user to either browse electronically various items for selection and / or sale, or access a self-service check-out station to complete a transaction. A plurality of terminals can be coupled to communicate with a master server terminal over a wired / wireless network.

A serving utensil, used for serving food on a salad bar, is attached to a retractable tether device. The retractable tether device is coupled to the under surface of a sneeze shield extending over the food on a salad bar, effectively elevating the retractable tether device and the serving utensil above and / or over food on the salad bar.

The present invention provides a food transport system comprising a conveyor including a controller that controls the movement of plates of food around the conveyor and determines the circulation time of each plate of food, a food heater and food cooler. The controller automatically diverts individual plates of food to the food heater if they require reheating and automatically diverts individual plates of food to the food cooler if they require cooling.