Disk Drive Waffle Dispenser

[Zoo]

We all know the # key has been misused a lot lately. Whether it be on Twitter or any other website, I say the hash tag needs an actual use. That's why I propose the Disk Drive Waffle Dispenser!

It's easy to install in an extra DVD drive bay on your desktop computer.
Here's what it does: it holds 3-4 frozen waffles, and ejects one when you press Ctrl-#.

Here's the design:
To load it, you put in a waffle, then the bottom of the interior lifts up one level and 2 metal prongs stick out to hold it in. Then the floor comes back down, and allows you to insert another waffle. Then you put in another waffle, the metal prongs go back in, the elevator brings the second waffle up, the prongs stick out and so on. Then, when you hit control hash tag (command hash tag on Mac) a tray pushes out, and a little arm inside the device pushes the bottom waffle out, then drops the second waffle into the area, ready to be released at any time.

I should patent these things. Think about how much more you could get done without having to get up for snack breaks. And lots of people have an extra DVD drive bay with nothing to put in it. Waffle dispensers are the future, and the future is now.

Now to build a prototype before CES.

[Gan]

Don't forget Control-$ to dispense syrup. No one like a dry waffle.

[Zoo]

No no no... It dispenses syrup when you hit shift four times.
Windows has enabled sticky keys....

LAWL

[Gan]

^

[Zoo]

I did some measurements

In a 5.25 inch drive bay, you could easily fit a waffle dispenser, because the waffles I measured were around 4.5 inches in diameter. That leaves about .75 inches wide, but a pretty deep area for a syrup dispenser. The waffles were aroun 1/3 of an inch thick, so you could probably have a stack of 3 or 4 waffles inside of it. Not bad... not bad at all.

[Gan]

Now what we need is someone majoring in robotics.

[Connors]

I think the prototype could be even simpler because you only need one moving part, which is the part that pushes out a waffle, and then recedes allowing the next waffle to fall into place. You might even be able to use nothing more than a modified disk drive. The only real issue I see is the potential for crumbs, in which case if your waffles leave crumbs you may want a different type of dispenser that doesn't slide them across a surface. Any thoughts, gentlemen?

[GMG Kurt]

We must start production immediately.
If instead of tongs it's a tray that carries them to the dispenser crumbs wouldn't get in any computing hardware brain science mumbo jumbo.

[Silverwind]

Your talk of waffle dispensing hardware has offended Soviet Russia.

[Zoo]

Sad to hear it, but might I ask why?

Also, I was envisioning using frozen waffles, but this leads me into the hardest part of the design: heating the waffle.

Being that it's in a disk drive bay, it'd be too far from the components to get it heated like that. Plus we're assuming most computers have working fans (unlike mine, which heats up enough to cook an egg after about 10 minutes of use).

So, what say you about keeping the frozen waffles warm?

[Gan]

Hmmm. If they're frozen waffles, wouldn't it require a freezing unit?

If you ask me, people won't want to restock. I suggest the waffle unit to be an extension to the case. Perhaps sit on top and have the space to hold 20 frozen waffles in it's small freezer compartment, it drops a waffle into the toasting compartment, toasts it and then when toasted, it pops out in a CD drive like fashion.

[Silverwind]

Sad to hear it, but might I ask why?

Yes, but your questioning has not gone unnoticed by the Democratic Republic of Nepal. You're making enemies left right and centre; we're all in danger merely knowing you!

[Zoo]

Ah, right then...

Ummm... potatoes are good, eh? I just figured I'd put it out there that I like potatoes. I mean, that's a relatable thing about me? I suppose everyone likes potatoes. Maybe I can gain the South Sandwich Islands as allies...

[Gan]

I like the thinly sliced soft cheesy potatoes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3CgeJED9SU

[Zoo]

That's enough internet for today......