Abstract: A device for dispensing predetermined quantities of, for example, spaghetti, includes a hopper containing a supply of the pasta. An outlet in the hopper deposits the spaghetti at the upper end of a vibrating slide. The vibration causes the spaghetti to move toward a chute at the slide's lower end. An arm hinged to the upper end of the plate carries an axially moveable blade and an end plate. Rocking the arm positions the blade intermittently to interrupt the movement of the spaghetti to the chute and alternately positions the end plate to allow the batch of spaghetti accumulated in the chute to drop into a batch container positioned below it. The position of the blade on the arm determines the quantity of pasta in each batch. An articulated carrier moves the loaded batch container to a dispensing location and discharges its contents.

Abstract: A monolithic upper section contains a boiler surrounding an initial cooking chamber. A lower section contains a final cooking chamber aligned vertically with the upper chamber. Superheated water is piped from the boiler into the upper chamber. Valve controlled piping transfers steam from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and discharges steam and cooking water from the lower chamber, to maintain predetermined temperature and pressure levels within the two chambers. Ball valves in the lower ends of the two chambers allow the partially cooked product and cooking water to drop from the upper chamber into the lower chamber, and the drained fully cooked product to drop from the lower chamber onto a serving plate.