The HD1400 was developed by engineer Leon Leykin, who is also LHD's president and CEO. The machine stores the hot dogs in a refrigerated compartment separate from the buns. When a vend is requested, the hot dog is cooked with microwave energy to heat it inside while IR energy heat and crisps it on the outside.

The bun dispenser unit is built into the lower part of the machine cabinet. When vended, the unit lifts the bun onto a horizontal conveyer. The hot dog and bun come together after cooking. Consumers view the cooking process from the moment the hot dog exits the refrigerated compartment, throughout the cooking, and until the product is dispensed.

After a product is vended and the machine is inactive for 5 min, it automatically activates an IR self-cleaning process.

The machine can be equipped with a wireless communication system to report sales, inventory, and technical problems to the operator. The control system includes an Expiration Date Control function.

The self-diagnostic capability, the use of industry-standard components, and a modular design are all intended to allow vending operators to more easily service the unit and make repairs in the field. The machine is designed to accept most hot dog products and has a capacity of up to 600 hot dogs and 300 buns. Four product selections allow the unit to dispense sausages, cheeseburgers, kielbasa, and other food items.

LHD Vending, Inc., Owings Mills, MD, U.S.; http://www.lhdvending.com