Automated dispensing system with magnetic drive device

1. A magnetic drive system for maneuvering a container across a deck, comprising:

a puck to support the container on the deck;

a driven magnet positioned about the puck;

an actuator positioned and maneuverable under the deck; and

a drive magnet positioned about the actuator for attracting the driven magnet and for movement therewith.

2. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the deck comprises a central core and wherein a plurality of pucks are positioned about a drive mechanism on the central core.

3. The magnetic drive system of claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive belt.

4. The magnetic drive system of claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive hub.

5. The magnetic drive system of claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism may be lifted off of the central core.

6. The magnetic drive system of claim 2 , wherein the central core comprises a smooth continuous surface.

7. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a drive plate with the drive magnet thereon.

8. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of actuators forming a plurality of pathways.

9. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the deck comprises a puck buffer area and wherein the actuator comprises a buffer drive.

10. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the deck comprises a plurality of stations and wherein the actuator comprises a dispensing drive.

11. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the deck comprises an order staging queue and wherein the actuator comprises a staging drive.

12. The magnetic drive system of claim 11 , wherein the deck comprises a plurality of staging queues and wherein each of the plurality of staging queues represents one or more containers from a customer order.

13. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , further comprising a gripper mechanism positioned on the deck.

14. A magnetic drive system for maneuvering a container across a deck, comprising:

a puck to support the container on the deck;

a driven magnetpositioned about the puck;

an actuator positioned under the deck;

a drive magnet positioned about the actuator for attracting the driven magnet and for movement therewith; and

a gripper mechanism positioned on the deck;

wherein the gripper mechanism comprises a driven jaw magnet positioned on the deck and a drive jaw magnet positioned underneath the deck.

15. The magnetic drive system of claim 14 , wherein the gripper mechanism comprises a drive screw in communication with the drive jaw magnet.

16. A beverage dispensing system for filling a container, comprising:

a deck;

a plurality of stations positioned on the deck; and

a magnetic drive system for maneuvering the container on the deck;

the magnetic drive system comprising a driven magnet positioned about the container and a drive magnetic positioned and maneuverable under the deck.

17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 16 , wherein the magnetic drive system comprises a puck to support the container on the deck and wherein the driven magnet is positioned about the puck.

18. The beverage dispensing system of claim 16 , wherein the magnetic drive system comprises an actuator underneath the deck and wherein the drive magnet is positioned about the actuator.

19. A magnetic drive system for centering a container on a deck, comprising:

a pair of gripper jaws positioned on the deck;

a pair of driven magnets positioned about the pair of gripper jaws;

a pair of drive magnets positioned under the deck; and

a pair of drive screws to maneuver the pair of drive magnets.

20. The magnetic drive system of claim 19 , wherein deck comprises a smooth continuous surface and wherein the pair of gripper jaws and the pair of driven magnets may be lifted off of the deck.