Abstract: A seasoning apparatus and method for evenly and consistently seasoning french fries or other food. The seasoning apparatus may include a hollow hopper for holding and selectively dispensing seasoning therefrom and a plurality of actuatable dispensing elements each translatably attached to the hopper and each having a holding compartment formed therein. The actuatable dispensing elements may receive seasoning in the holding compartment from the hopper. When translated to a dispensing position, the dispensing elements may dispense seasoning from the holding compartment. The seasoning apparatus may also include a seasoning spreader for spreading seasoning dispensed from the actuatable dispensing elements and a food-holding container fixed a distance below the hopper and seasoning spreader. The food-holding container may have a weighing device coupled with a controller for determining an amount of seasoning to dispense from the hopper and actuating the actuatable dispensing elements accordingly.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges mounted on a carrier respectively containing said items, having a dispensing means with relative movement capable between said dispensing means and said cartridges. A look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete dispensing programs is provided for operation of the dispensing means to dispense a particular variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges. When a spice blend and associated dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense a particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, the mix of spices, herbs, condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge adapted for use in said automated dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage chamber, a dispensing chamber, an intermediate chamber, a first channel, and a second channel. The intermediate chamber adjusts relative to the storage chamber to select a predetermined amount of fluid to flow into the intermediate chamber from the storage chamber. The first channel is located between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a first open conformation to allow fluid flow between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber, and a first closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the storage chamber and intermediate chamber. The second channel is located between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a second open conformation to allow fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber, and a second closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and dispensing chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a beverage dispenser comprising a larger container for accommodating the beverage to be dispensed, a smaller container for accommodating the beverage dispensed and a connecting channel connecting the larger container and the smaller container. The beverage dispenser further comprises a rationing vessel, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; the upper opening of the rationing vessel opens to atmosphere; the lower opening of the rationing vessel is disposed in or communicates with an inner cavity of the smaller container; and the larger container has a vent opening to atmosphere. The beverage in the larger container flows into the smaller container through the connecting channel. The beverage in the smaller container is dispensed based on theories of static physics rather than relying on electronic control.

Abstract: A modular hopper assembly for use with a seed meter of a row unit for an agricultural planter is provided. The modular hopper assembly includes a base hopper unit that can be attached to the row unit. The base hopper unit can be attached to a seed delivery apparatus, such as an air seed delivery of a central hopper. The base hopper unit is also configured to be attachable to various sizes of row hoppers that can quickly and easily attach to the base unit to provide for varying amounts of storage at each of the row units. As the base unit is operatively attachable to a seed meter, the base unit can be used with generally any seed delivery device, including row hoppers, fluid seed deliveries connected to central hoppers, or the like.

Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing a measured predetermined amount of powder substance having a bottom housing chamber, a middle chamber, a removable, rotatable measuring device, a tapered top chamber, and a cap. The top end of the bottom housing chamber is engageable with the bottom end of the middle chamber, the top end of the middle chamber is engageable with the bottom end of the tapered top chamber, and the top end of the tapered top chamber is engageable with the cap or a liquid receptacle. The measuring device is slidably engageable with the internal chamber of the middle chamber and has an open cavity for measuring and dispensing a powder substance. The open cavity receives a measured predetermined amount of powder substance from the bottom housing chamber and upon rotation of the measuring device; the powder substance is dispensed from the open cavity through the tapered top chamber to a liquid receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid wherein the container comprises: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a nonconcentric liquid withdrawal chamber having a open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a liquid stabilization chamber surrounding the liquid withdrawal chamber, and a base cap having a nonconcentric cavity in axial alignment with the liquid stabilization chamber and in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.

Abstract: A chemicals mixing container includes: a cylinder (8) having a tubular shaped outer tube (10), and an end wall (11) which seals one end of the outer tube; an elastic partition wall (12) placed inside the outer tube to define a mixing chamber (5) within the cylinder; and an ejection auxiliary member (13) placed inside the outer tube and outside the mixing chamber, and which has an end face swollen toward the mixing chamber and moreover which is enabled to press the elastic partition wall against the end wall. The chemicals mixing container is enabled to reliably mix a liquid material and a powder material together and discharge a mixture (18) of the liquid material and the powder material without waste.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage chamber, a dispensing chamber, an intermediate chamber, a first channel, and a second channel. The intermediate chamber adjusts relative to the storage chamber to select a predetermined amount of fluid to flow into the intermediate chamber from the storage chamber. The first channel is located between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a first open conformation to allow fluid flow between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber, and a first closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the storage chamber and intermediate chamber. The second channel is located between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a second open conformation to allow fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber, and a second closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing use of a pharmaceutical product (112) are provided. The systems and methods utilize an external cover (150) and a container (110), along with a first material (160) and a pharmaceutical product (112) that are each contained within an internal space (116) that exists when the external cover (150) is in a closed position relative to the container (110). Release of the first material (160) may bond the external cover (150) to the container (110), may result in the first material (160) coming into contact with the pharmaceutical product (112), or both.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an ice-bagging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and hopper for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a drawer system, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The drawer system includes top door and drawer. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a blower engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the drawer and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.

Abstract: A dosing device is described, in which a predetermined amount of a material such as a concentrated fluid can be dispensed from the device by finger pressure. In one embodiment, the device includes a shuttle that can move between first and second positions. In the second position, fluid can escape from a dosing chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from a reservoir. In various embodiments, a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, a plunger head within a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. In some embodiments, both a reservoir and a plunger head within the reservoir are shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.

Abstract: A food product cartridge comprising a delivery and dosage member, said cartridge having a base part wherein an endless screw and a delivery opening are housed, characterized in that the endless screw is provided to operate a shutter for opening and closing the delivery opening.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A slide pack container housing a plurality of piled slide packs has a cut-off portion. The cut-off portion has a width slightly larger than the width of a slide contained in each slide pack. As a sucker of a package take-out apparatus draws one of the slide packs from the slide pack container through the cut-off portion, a sealed portion of the slide pack interfering with the edge of the cut-off portion is folded inward so that the slide pack is successfully taken out. The sucker transfers the slide pack to a separated unwrapping apparatus. The sucker releases the slide pack when the front edge of the slide pack is caught between paired rollers of the unwrapping apparatus. After a cutter makes a slit on the slide pack, the paired rollers transfer only a wrapping sheet to separate the wrapping sheet from the slide wrapped therewith.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the dispensing of a product (liquid or solid) comprising a shaft having a substantially hollow passage therein, a first cone-shaped cap disposed on a first end of the shaft, a second cap disposed on a second end of the shaft, said second cap having an opening therein which is substantially aligned with the hollow passage, and, a spider guide disposed between the second cap and the shaft, wherein the shaft has at least one hole therein disposed at a position closer to the first end of the shaft than the second end of the shaft. The device is preferably inserted into a container which holds product to be dispensed. The device provide a venting and dispensing controlling system whereby defined quantities of product can be dispensed from the container quickly and efficiently. The first cone-shaped cap allows the device to be inserted into containers with smaller necks, while still maintaining a large dose amount.