Lid dispenser for an automated drinkmaker system

Abstract

An automatic lid dispensing and applicator arrangement for an automated drinkmaker machine. The lidding arrangement automatically separates lids from a stack of lids and applies the separated lids onto cups. A large supply of lids is maintained in a rotatable lid supply carousel. A lid shuttle is positioned adjacent the bottom of a lid dispenser, and is supported for linear translating and reciprocating movement between retracted and extended positions. The lid shuttle supports a lid engaging member designed to engage a first bottommost lid of the stack of lids and to retain the first bottommost lid in a first intermediate position in the lid shuttle while the lid shuttle is moved in translation to its extended position. The lid shuttle is then moved in translation to its retracted position, during which the first lid is moved within the lid shuttle to a second loaded position therein beneath a lid applicator supported by the lid shuttle. The lid shuttle is then moved to its extended position, during which the first lid remains in the second loaded position while the lid engaging member simultaneously engages a second bottommost lid of the lid stack and retains the second lid in the first intermediate position in the lid shuttle. The lid shuttle is then moved in translation to its retracted position, during which the lid applicator presses and applies the first lid onto a cup positioned therebeneath, and the second lid is moved within the lid shuttle to the second loaded position.