WO2020217257A1

WO2020217257A1 - A device for dispensing tender coconut water and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020217257A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vijayaragavan VISUVAMITHIRAN; Krishnna Priyadarshini E
Original assignee: Visuvamithiran Vijayaragavan; Krishnna Priyadarshini E
Priority date: 2019-04-24
Filing date: 2020-04-22
Publication date: 2020-10-29

Abstract

A device for dispensing tender coconut water comprising: at least one rotatable carousel for storing coconuts, a means for securing coconut placed in the carousel, arrangement for selection of particular coconut stored in the carousel, arrangement for extracting tender coconut water and control system for activating dispensing of tender coconut water; arrangement for selection of particular coconut includes motor assembly to rotate the carousel at predetermined angle to position coconut for extraction of fresh water inside, slider assembly capable to move in a preferred direction, arrangement for extracting tender coconut water includes perforated needle, actuator for controlling linear motion of the needle, needle being mounted on the actuator, an outlet tube one end of tube connected to needle and other end connected to dispensing unit, and said actuator disposed on slider to achieve preferred position of needle before actuating for extracting tender coconut water from the coconut positioned.

Description

A DEVICE FOR DISPENSING TENDER COCONUT WATER AN D METHOD

THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention related to a device for dispensing tender coconut water and particularly but not exclusively related to a device for storing tender coconuts and selectively extracting tender coconut water from a stored coconut and dispensing. Aspects of the invention relate to a device and method for storing tender coconuts, selecting a particular coconut for extracting water, extracting tender coconut water and dispensing tender coconut water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tender coconut water, the liquid endosperm of the tender coconut is a refreshing beverage, rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. The electrolytes are vital part of the body, and loss of electrolytes due to sweating makes you feel tired. Tender coconut water help the body to restore the essential electrolytes and make you feel more refreshed especially on hot summer days. Each tender coconut will have around 200 to 500ml of water. There are many beverages which makes you feel refresh, but in today's world, people are more enthusiastic in moving towards pro-organic eating habits. Youngsters are attracted towards healthy beverages like Fruit juices, Green tea, Sugarcane juice, Tender coconut water etc. This can be best cited with the increase of natural healthy beverages market by 22% and in parallel the market for aerated bottled drinks decreased by 20% in 2016. There is tremendous opportunity in healthy beverage segments especially in tender coconut water. The fact that tender coconut water is already consumed in large quantities in its raw form, wide acceptance by customer is its greatest advantage. Though tender coconut has lots of health benefits however its market has not been exploited to its full potential . The reason behind this is the difference in taste between the packaged tender coconut water and farm fresh tender coconut. As most of the packaged coconut water has high sugar content, due to added artificial sugar to it. Also, once the coconut is cracked open, it begins to oxidize and is prone to bacteria, so it has to be pasteurized . Pasteurization removes these potential bacteria, but unfortunately also kills off all the nutrients and electrolytes that are obtained from fresh coconut. These are the greatest challenge in commercialization of tender coconut water.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) Tender coconut is available all along the main streets, through the street vendors, who prepares the coconut by chopping the top portion and piercing a hole so that the water can be dispensed to a glass or directly drink using a straw. The chopped portions of the coconut and emptied shells of the coconut usually thrown on the sides of the road by these vendors thereby causing a threat of garbage. The empty shell is ideal place for breeding ground for disease causing mosquitos and disposing empty shells without proper care can be lethal .

The process of preparing a tender coconut for extracting water is also labour intensive, and nowadays manually/mechanically trimmed tender coconuts are vending through machines kept at suitable places. Such trimming preparations add additional cost to the final product and therefore such forms of supplying the tender coconut is costly compared to the cost of farm fresh coconuts. The vending of tender coconut also create solid waste disposal issues as discussed earlier.

The patent document WO2018094489 discloses an automatic machine for selling chilled unprocessed green coconut, said machine having a drawer for storing the coconuts, which are delivered by a slide that connects the drawer and the spirals thereof, to the output window for the coconut, in the lower portion of the machine, with a damping pad, including a perforation assembly comprising a sharp needle positioned in the front door of the equipment that is used to perforate the green coconut, by means of buttons located on the front portion, that actuate the needle, by means of a weight sensor; said assembly having a jet to clean and sanitize the needle after use.

The arrangement according to the above prior art deliver processed or trimmed tender coconut with hole so that the customer can drink the water using a straw, however the patent document doesn't address the major issues with emptied coconut shells. Moreover the processing the tender coconut like trimming operations add cost to the final product for vending to the customer.

The patent document WO2018033937A1 discloses an automated Tender Coconut or Tender Coconut water vending machine is specially designed for dispensing tender coconut water or tender coconut with one or any combination of the following options: 1. Buyer can purchase tender coconut with a hole/slit made, to reach coconut water in the kernel just before dispensing, as means for buyer to drink natural coconut water, using a straw 2. Buyer can purchase tender coconut with a groove as means for buyer to shove/extend groove from outer surface to inner

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) kernel and scoop out the inside endosperm of coconut. Same can be used as takeaway option by buyer 3. Buyer can purchase tender coconut water which is dispensed in a disposable glass, after a hole/slit is made in tender coconut to pour fresh coconut water to a disposable glass.

The arrangements according to the above prior art deliver a processed or trimmed tender coconut with hole so that the customer can drink the water using a straw, or the machine pore the water to a cup and deliver to the customer. The arrangement is complicated and lacks clarity with a robotic arm pouring coconut water to a cup and the document doesn't address the issues in pouring into a cup.

The arrangements in the above patent documents are capable hold trimmed or processed tender coconuts, however these units are not capable to handle the coconuts in its natural form without trimming or processing. Further there are different types of tender coconuts available in the market that varies in quantity of fresh water available inside. Therefore above arrangements don't differentiate or there is no option for the customer to choose a particular type of coconut based on the quantity required.

It is against this background that the present invention has been conceived. Embodiments of the invention are intended to address the above issues and may provide a device for dispensing tender coconut water. Other aim and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, claims and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide a device for dispensing of fresh tender coconut water as claimed in the appended claims.

According to another aspects of the invention there is provided a device for dispensing tender coconut water comprising: at least one rotatable carousel for storing coconuts, a means for securing coconut placed in the carousel, an arrangement for selection of a particular coconut stored in the carousel, an arrangement for extracting tender coconut water and a control system for activating dispensing of tender coconut water; the arrangement for selection a particular coconut includes a motor assembly to rotate the carousel at a predetermined angle to position a coconut for extraction of fresh water inside, a slider assembly capable to moves in a preferred direction, the arrangement for extracting tender coconut water includes a perforated needle , an actuator for controlling linear motion of the needle, the needle being mounted on the actuator, an outlet tube one

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) end of the tube connected to the needle and other end connected to a dispensing unit, and said actuator disposed on the slider to achieve preferred position of the needle before actuating for extracting tender coconut water from the coconut positioned.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the carousel is having plurality of compartment for storing tender coconuts, the carousel is further having a slot in each compartment for receiving the coconuts.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the means for securing the coconut includes at least a pair of carousel, a lower carousel with multiple compartment and a slidable upper carousel detachably secured to the lower carousel.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention a detachable latch assembly hold the upper and lower carousel in a secured position.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention a detachable latch assembly hold the coconut and the lower carousel in a secured position.

In an embodiment of the invention a packaging material is provided between the upper and lower carousels.

In an embodiment of the invention the carousel is mounted on a shaft connected to the motor.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the slider is mounted on pair of guide rails, the slider is having a female attachment and a male screw member connected to a motor disposed in the female attachment such that the rotation of the motor convert to linear motion of the female attachment by the male/female thread engagement thereby achieving movement of the slider in a preferred direction.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention an inlet tube selectively connected to the needle for feeding air to avoid chocking due to vacuum inside the coconut and/or feeding sterilizing fluid for cleaning the needle after the use.

In an embodiment of the invention a pump operable to suck the air or fluid based on the requirement of removing vacuum inside the coconut or sterilize the needle respectively is disposed in the inlet tube.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the outlet tube connected to a pump to suck the fluid inside the coconut and deliver to a dispensing tank.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) According to a particular embodiment of the invention a flow sensor disposed in the outlet tube and the pump is selectively operated based on the input from the flow sensor.

In an embodiment of the invention the device provided with a coconut type selection unit and a payment control unit for the customer.

In an embodiment of the invention the selection of particular coconut is based on a selection of type of coconut by the customer.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the device provided with a control switch to rotate the carousels in a predetermined angle to load/unload the coconuts through the opening lid of the device.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the device provided with a control switch to update the inventory status of the loaded coconut into the machine.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention a main controller unit controls the elements and functions of the device.

According to an embodiment of the invention a method of dispensing tender coconut water by a device comprising the steps of: receiving inputs from the coconut type selection input device and the payment controller, controlling the motor for rotating the carousel to a preferred position to select a particular coconut, controlling the motor for positioning the slider to reach the selected coconut, triggering the actuator to push the needle into the selected coconut, controlling the pump to extract the water and storing in the dispensing tank and dispensing the fresh coconut water to a cup

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the product availability is checked before a payment request by the controller based on an inventory status.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the position of an unused coconut is predetermined based on an inventory status before controlling the motor for rotating the carousel and positioning the slider.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention a pump for extraction of fresh coconut water is fluidly connected to the needle and operated to suck the water inside the coconut and delivering to the dispensing tank.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) According to a particular embodiment of the invention an inlet tube for feeding air for removing vacuum inside the coconut or feeding liquid for cleaning the needle, fluidly connected to the needle in a selective manner by operating respective solenoids.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention the carousel/s selectively rotated at predetermined angle to load or unload the coconut through the opening lid.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention a set of indicator LEDs, each selectively activated based on the inventory status of the coconuts stored within the device.

Within the scope of this application it is envisage that various concepts, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular the individual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and /or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device for dispensing tender coconut water.

Figure 2 shows a schematic of an embodiment of invention for accommodating tender coconut, mechanisms for selection of a tender coconut and extraction of tender coconut water.

Figure 3 shows a schematic of a further embodiment of the invention for accommodating tender coconut, mechanism for selection of a tender coconut and extraction of tender coconut water

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an arrangement for securing the upper and lower carousals

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a further arrangement for securing the upper and lower carousals

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a mechanism for rotating the carousals for selection of a coconut.

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a vertical adjustment of a piercing mechanism.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a piercing needle arrangement.

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of outer casing of the device.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of fresh coconut water extraction mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 depicts a schematic view of a procedure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 shows a schematic view of the process of different modes of the operation for extracting fresh coconut water according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows a schematic view of the process for the selection of coconut for extraction of fresh coconut water according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 shows a schematic view of the process for extraction of fresh coconut water according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 shows a schematic view of the process for self-cleaning of the extraction needle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 shows a schematic view of the process for re-stocking the coconuts into the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of device for dispensing tender coconut water. The device 1 has a main compartment 2 for storing the coconuts, mechanisms for selecting a particular coconut, extracting the water inside the coconut and dispensing. A user selection unit 6 is located on the body of the device for selecting a particular type of tender coconut for dispensing water. A payment controller 7 for accepting cash/other payment modes is disposed on the body 2 of the device 1. The device may be supported on a roller arrangement so that it can be easily shifted from one place to other. The device includes a dispensing unit 3, a cup holder 5 and a cup 4 positioned below the dispensing unit 3.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of arrangements for storing coconuts inside the device 1, mechanisms for selection of coconut and coconut water extracting. The storage compartment includes plurality of carousels vertically stacked 101, with compartments for storing the coconuts 100, each compartment is having slots for accommodating coconuts inside, the carousels are attached to a vertical support member 102 supported on

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) bearing at the top and bottom and rotatably connected to the main body of the device. The vertical support shaft 102 is connected to a motor assembly for rotating the carousels at any preferred angle such that any particular coconut can be selected. Each carousel may be used for storing a particular type of tender coconuts and such information may be fed to a main controller 300 of the device.

A support frame 103 connected at the top and bottom to the main body of the device. The support frame 103 accommodates a coconut securing and a piercing and water extracting mechanisms. A slider 104 supported on a pair of guide rails 105 in movable manner further having a female threaded attachment (not shown). A male threaded screw rod connected to a motor 108 and supported on bearings 109 is disposed in female threaded attachment. The rotation of the motor and screw converts to linear motion of the female threaded attachment thereby moving the slider in vertical direction. A torsion spring 107 with a cam 110 connected to a stepper motor 110 mounted on the slider. A needle 111 with perforations connected to a linear actuator 112 mounted on the slider 104. The actuator with needle may be fixed at a preferred angle to extract the tender coconut water from bottom of the stored coconuts in the carousels such that the coconut can be emptied. A water extracting outlet tube is connected to the needle 111 at one end and other end connected to a dispensing outlet through a pump and a flow sensor. On selection of type of coconut for dispensing the motor for rotating carousels trigger to rotate the carousel at predetermined angle such that a particular coconut is accessible for extraction of water. Further the slider unit is adjusted to reach the coconut, and the torsion spring is actuated by the cam to hold the coconut in position. Finally the linear actuator actuated the needle to perforate the coconut and the water is extracted through the perforations in the needle. A pump extract the water which is controlled by the flow sensor and dispense through a unit located outside the device.

In a particular embodiment, coconuts may be stacked in horizontal compartments and the slider unit moves in horizontal direction with the help of any suitable arrangement known in the prior arts to reach a particular coconut to extract the water inside.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a particular arrangement for storing coconuts inside the device 1, mechanisms for selection of coconut and coconut water extraction. The storage compartment includes a frame with top member 201, a bottom member 202 and plurality of vertical members

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) 203 connecting the top and bottom frames, the members may be any suitable section like solid, hollow tubular or angled sections. In a preferred embodiment the members are made out of steel or aluminium or any other known material in the prior art. The primary object of the frame is to house the different arrangements for the device and act as a basic frame for supporting all arrangements inside the device.

The coconut storing arrangement includes, an upper plate 209b rotatably hinged to the upper frame member 201, a lower plate 209a connected to a motor 211 mounted on the lower frame member 202 and plurality of vertical members 210 connecting the lower plate 209b and the upper plate 209a. At least a pair of carousel 207a, 207b wherein a lower carousel 207b is fixed to the vertical members 210 and an upper carousal 207a slidably mounted on the vertical members 210. The lower carousel is having plurality of slots 208 for accommodating tender coconuts. The upper carousel is vertically slidable such that the coconuts can be placed or retrieved after use. The pair of upper and lower carousels are tightly secured such that the coconuts are in place during piercing and extraction of water from the coconut. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the carousel is in a shape of a circular. The carousel and securing mechanism can be made from any suitable material known in the prior arts or known to a person skilled in the art.

In the present invention the upper carousel is slidable manually for placing the coconuts inside. However it is apparent to persons skilled in the art that such a movement can be achieved mechanically with suitable arrangement known in the art. Each pair of carousel may be used for storing a particular type of tender coconuts and such information may be fed to a main controller 300 of the device as an inventory status.

A pair of extending support members 204,205 connected to the upper and lower frame members 201,202 respectively to support the coconut piercing mechanism. The mechanism includes a slider 213 supported on a pair of guide rails 214a, 215b connected to the extended support members 204, 205. The mechanism further includes a male threaded rod 215, one end connected to the upper extending support 204 and other end connected to a motor 212. The slider 213 has a female threaded attachment in which the male threaded rod 215 is disposed.

Figure 7 shows the schematic of a motor connected slider assembly. The slider is supported on the pair of guide channels 214, the threaded screw element 215 rotatably connected to the motor 212, the screw element is disposed in a female threaded attachment (not shown) to the slider 213.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) The motor 212 rotate the screw element 215 thereby moving the female attachment on the screw 215. The arrangement converts rotation motion of motor to a linear motion of slider. The slider 213 is mounted on the guides 214 such that the slide position can be precisely controlled and achieved. The position of the slide 213 is controlled based on the type of coconut selected and location of the carousel wherein the same type of coconut is stored.

As shown in figure 3 and 7, a piercing mechanism 206 is attached to the slide 213 at a preferred angle such that the coconut can be accessed from the bottom of the carousels 207b through the slots 208. The arrangement makes the precise positioning of the piercing needle at any level such that any selected coconut can be easily accessed for extracting the water.

Figure 4 shows a latching arrangements for upper and lower carousels 207a, 207b. Piercing a coconut needs higher force and therefore the coconut must be secured tightly between the carousels. A latching member 216 connected to the lower carousels 207a, is pushed on the upper carousel 207b after the coconuts are placed in between. In a preferred embodiment the upper carousel is further provided with foam or any suitable packing material 230 known in the art for proper grip and keeping the coconut in fixed position.

Figure 5 shows a latching arrangements for coconut with the lower carousel according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The arrangement includes a hook 216 connected the lower carousel 207b and a latch member 217 attached to the upper carousel 207c. The upper carousel 207c is smaller in size compared to the lower carousel and provided therein to carry the latch member 217. The latch member detachably connects with the hook 216 such that the individual coconut can be held in between the latch member and the lower carousel 207b. The hook 216 is pushed to the latch member 217 after placing the coconut in the designated slot.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of carousel rotating arrangement for selection of particular coconut. The arrangement 211 includes a motor 221 fixed on the lower frame member of the device and a support assembly 219 connected to the motor through a coupler 220. The assembly 219 support the lower plate 209a rotate along with the rotation of the motor such that the carousels are rotated at any preferred angle.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of piercing needle 223 in which the needle includes a hollow conduct portion 227 for carrying the extracted liquid,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) plurality of perforations 224 for extracting the liquid inside the coconut, an outlet tube 226 fluidly connected to the hollow conduct and an air inlet tube 225 fluidly in connection with perforations of the needle. Further the outlet tube connected to a pump (not shown) to suck the liquid to a dispensing tank. Referring to the figure 7, the needle 223 connected to a linear actuator 206 mounted on the slide 213. The linear actuator 206 pushes the needle 223 into the coconut shell and liquid is extracted through the perforations 224 in the needle using the pump. The hollow conduct 227 carry the fluid to the outlet tube 226 and then to the dispensing tank using the pump. The pump is controlled using a flow sensor to dispense the entire liquid inside to coconut into the dispensing tank. The flow sensor check the liquid flow and accordingly switch off the pump after emptying the coconut.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the device is provided with a lid opener 8 for loading and unloading coconuts. An operator control module is set proximal to the opening lid within the device for feeding the inventory inputs. In an embodiment of the invention the device may include a set of LEDs vertically arranged, in which LEDs represent for the coconut stored in the carousels in the same vertical line. The LED may be turned ON and OFF for the full and emptied coconut respectively. A next button is provided therein to select particular position of the carousel. Since the carousels are set to move together on a vertical axis the next button trigger the motor to rotate the carousels to next coconut stored position. Based on the inventory the LEDs turned ON or OFF for the next position selected. Further a complete button provided to reset all the coconut position to unused in the inventory.

Figure 10 shows an arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in which the outlet of the needle is connected to a dispensing tank 3, through a pump 234 operable to suck the fresh coconut water collected by the needle 223 and deliver to the dispensing tank 3. The suction line further provided with a flow sensor 235 to sense the flow of liquid inside the line and such information transferred to a main controller for controlling the device. In an embodiment of the invention the input line is connected to an air inlet 230 to feed the air when the fresh coconut water is sucked from the coconut to avoid chocking of the suction line. The air inlet line 230 is connected to the inlet tube 225 through a solenoid 232 to selectively connect the inlet tube 225 with the air inlet line 230. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided with a water tank with heating element 229 and a hot water delivery line connected to the inlet tube 225 to sterilize the needle and suction line. The hot water line is

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) connected to the inlet tube 225 through a solenoid 231 and selectively operated to connect to the hot water line to the inlet line. The solenoid 231 is operated whenever the fresh coconut water suction is completed and the device is in cleaning or sterilization mode of operation. In a particular embodiment of the invention sterilizing liquid can be used in place of hot water. In an embodiment of the invention, A pump 233 is provided in the inlet line 225 to feed the air or water at predetermined pressure to insure that the final result is achieved. In an embodiment of the invention the entire coconut water is stored in the dispensing tank 3 before dispensing to a cup 4. The dispensing can be controlled by a solenoid 238 activated by the user. The left out coconut water in the dispensing tank 3 and the water used for cleaning the needle may be drained out to a waste drain 239 by operating the solenoid 238. In a further embodiment of the invention a cup sensor 240 may be provided to ensure the cup placed in position before the dispensing the fresh coconut water.

Figure 11 depicts a system for controlling the device. The system includes a main controller 300, an input device 301 for selection of type of coconut for dispensing, a input device 302 for payment, a motor controller 303 for rotation of carousels, a motor controller 304 for positioning the slider, an actuator controller 305 for actuating needle and a pump controller 306 for extracting water inside the coconut based on the input from a flow sensor 307.

Figure 12 depicts the process flow for different modes of operation. A coconut selection mode 400 in which the customer select a particular type of coconut for dispensing. On completion of selection of coconut then payment 401 by the customer, the device select a coconut for extraction of water. After selecting the coconut for extraction of water, the coconut water extraction mode 402 operate to extract the fresh coconut water and dispense to the customer and finally the device operate in a self-cleaning mode 403 to sterilize and drain out the fluid left out.

Figure 13 depicts the process of selection mode operation of the device. In an embodiment of the invention the process starts with selection of particular type of coconut 500 by the customer and then the system check for availability 502 of the type selected 501 based on an input from the inventory. On successful of product selection the device prompt for payment options 503 and selection of payment type 504, and after completing the payment 505, the device controller select a particular coconut 506 in a predefined sequence for punching and extraction of fresh

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) water inside. The system further moves the slider and rotates the carousel motor 507 at a predetermined angle to reach the coconut.

Figure 14 depicts the process of extraction mode operation of the device. For extracting the fresh tender coconut water, the system trigger 601 the actuator of punching the coconut, and simultaneously activate the pump for sucking water, pump and solenoid for the inlet air. The input from flow sensor used for continuing the water extraction 602 until the coconut gets emptied and the water is stored in the dispensing tank. After completing the water extraction 603 the actuator, the pump for sucking water, the pump and the solenoid for inlet air are deactivated 604. The empty status of the selected coconut is updated in the inventory status. Further if the cup is detected 606 by the sensor 607, then the solenoid for dispensing coconut water is activated 609 for dispensing 610 the water. Otherwise the solenoid is deactivated 608.

Figure 15 depicts an embodiment of the process for self-cleaning mode of the device. The heater element is activated 700 to heat the water, then the pump for inlet tube is activated 701 along with the solenoid to deliver the hot water into the needle. The needle is rinsed with the hot water 702 then collected by the pump and delivered to the dispensing tank. The pump and the solenoid is activated 703 to suck the hot water after rinsing the needle and deliver to the dispensing tank. The flow sensor input 706 is used for deactivating the pump and solenoid on completion 705 of extraction of waste water. The solenoid for dispensing is activated to drain the waste water for predetermined time.

Figure 16 depicts an embodiment of the process for stocking/re-stocking the coconuts in the device. Based on the inventory of the coconuts 801, the LEDs correspond to used coconuts turned off 800 to identify the coconuts already used. The used coconuts may be replaced with the fresh ones 802 before proceeding to the next position of the carousels. A next button 803 rotate the carousels 805 and the step above can be repeated. On completing the re-stocking activity the complete button 804 shall be triggered to resetting the inventory status 806 thereby turn ON 807 all the LEDs.

As already mentioned the foregoing description is illustrative of embodiments of the invention and it is not intended to limit its scope, because it will be apparent to persons skilled in that art to device other alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of invention made herein.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

Claims

I/We claim

1) A device for dispensing tender coconut water comprising :

at least one rotatable carousel for storing coconuts, a means for securing coconut placed in the carousel, an arrangement for selection of a particular coconut stored in the carousel, an arrangement for extracting tender coconut water and a control system for activating dispensing of tender coconut water;

wherein the arrangement for selection a particular coconut includes a motor assembly connected to rotate the carousel at predetermined angle to position a coconut stored therein, a slider assembly capable to moves in a preferred direction,

wherein the arrangement for extracting tender coconut water includes a perforated needle , an actuator for controlling linear motion of the needle, the needle being mounted on the actuator, an outlet tube one end of the tube connected to the needle and other end connected to a dispensing unit,

and said actuator disposed on the slider to achieve preferred position of the needle before actuating for extracting tender coconut water.

2) The device as claimed in 1 wherein the carousel is having plurality of compartment for storing tender coconuts, the carousel is further having a slot in each compartment for receiving the coconuts.

3) The device as claimed in claiml and claim2 wherein the means for securing the coconut includes at least a pair of carousel, a lower carousel with multiple compartment and a slidable upper carousel detachably secured to the lower carousel.

4) The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein a detachable latch assembly hold the upper and lower carousel in a secured position.

5) The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein a detachable latch assembly hold the coconut and the lower carousel in a secured position.

6) The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein a packaging material is provided between the upper and lower carousels.

7) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the lower carousel is mounted on a shaft connected to the motor and the upper carousel is slidably mounted on the shaft. 8) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the slider is mounted on pair of guide rails, the slider is having a female attachment and a male screw member connected to a motor disposed in the female attachment such that the rotation of the motor convert to linear motion of the female attachment by the male/female thread engagement thereby achieving movement of the slider in a preferred direction.

9) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein an inlet tube selectively connected to the needle for feeding air to avoid chocking due to vacuum inside the coconut and/or feeding sterilizing fluid for cleaning the needle after the use.

10) The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein a pump operable to suck the air or fluid based on the requirement of removing vacuum inside the coconut or sterilize the needle respectively is disposed in the inlet tube.

11) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the outlet tube connected to a pump to suck the fluid inside the coconut and deliver to a dispensing tank.

12) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein a flow sensor disposed in the outlet tube and the pump is selectively operated based on the input from the flow sensor.

13) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the device provided with a coconut type selection unit and a payment control unit for the customer.

14) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the selection of particular coconut is based on a selection of type of coconut by the customer.

15) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the device provided with a control switch to rotate the carousels in a predetermined angle to load/unload the coconuts through the opening lid of the device.

16) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the device provided with a control switch to update the inventory status of the loaded coconut into the machine.

17) The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein a main controller unit controls the elements and functions of the device. 18) A method of dispensing tender coconut water by a device as claimed in any of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:

i) receiving inputs from the coconut type selection input device and the payment controller,

ii) controlling the motor for rotating the carousel to a preferred position to select a particular coconut,

iii) controlling the motor for positioning the slider to reach the selected coconut using the needle,

iv) triggering the actuator to push the needle into the selected coconut, v) controlling the pump to extract the water and storing in the dispensing tank

vi) dispensing the fresh coconut water to a cup

19) The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the product availability is checked before a payment request by the controller based on an inventory status.

20) The method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the position of an unused coconut is determined based on an inventory status before controlling the motor for rotating the carousel and positioning the slider.

21) The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 18 to 20 wherein a pump for extraction of fresh coconut water is fluidly connected to the needle and operated to suck the water inside the coconut and delivering to the dispensing tank.

22) The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 18 to 21 wherein an inlet tube for feeding air for removing vacuum inside the coconut or feeding liquid for cleaning the needle, fluidly connected to the needle in a selective manner by operating respective solenoids.

23) The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the carousel/s selectively rotated at predetermined angle to load or unload the coconut through the opening lid.

24) The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 18 to 23 wherein a set of indicator LEDs, each selectively activated based on the inventory status of the coconuts stored within the device.