Abstract: A pot lid assembly configured to cover a pot body. The pot lid assembly comprises a pot lid and a mixing machine. The mixing machine includes an electric motor and a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus includes a stirring rod and a plurality of stirring vanes positioned on the stirring rod. The electric motor includes a rotary shaft operatively connected with the stirring rod so that the electric motor can cause the stirring rod to rotate. The pot lid is configured to cover the pot body to form a closed cooking space. When the pot lid is removed from the pot body, the mixing apparatus remains located in the cooking space of the pot body. When the pot lid assembly of the present application is in use, the mixing apparatus remains in the cooking space of the pot body after the removal of the pot lid.

Abstract: An on-demand automated aseptic fryer may be used to prepare multiple types of fried foods without requiring vats of hot oil. The fried foods that may be prepared include, for example, donuts or potatoes, or any other fried foods that can be prepared from a dry mixture that produces a dough when mixed with water. Alternatively, the dry mixture may include a dried, powdered or reconstituted fruits or vegetables that are subsequently mixed with water. The entire process is automated once the process is initiated by a user and thus does not require an attendant during the frying process, which in some implementations can be completed in less than about 1.5 minutes once initiated.

Abstract: In a batch weighing/supply device, a primary height adjustable scraper that reduces the quantity of conveyed raw material when lowered is provided on an upstream side of a discharge port in an annular passage, a secondary height adjustable scraper that further reduces the quantity of conveyed raw material, after the quantity has been reduced by lowering the primary height adjustable scraper, is provided on a downstream side of the primary height adjustable scraper, control means is provided to reduce the rotation speed of rotary blades to a first speed being lower than a normal speed, when the primary height adjustable scraper is lowered and reduce the rotation speed of the rotary blades to a second speed being lower than the first speed, when the secondary height adjustable scraper is lowered, and a sliding gate for opening and closing a raw material drop-down path is provided under the discharge port.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for providing service by controlling robots within a service area and a robot implementing the method, and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system of providing service by controlling robots within the service area include a control server configured to receive customer information on customer seated at a table within the service area and ordered menu item information from a guide robot or a table robot disposed in the service area and transmit, to a cooking robot, the received information and cooking instruction information generated based on a situation of a plurality of orders placed within the service area and a plurality of robots.

Abstract: A system and method for an automated cooking device that includes a multi-ingredient dispenser with a base, liquid dispenser and a dispensing selector, wherein the base comprises a set of base receptacles; a set of ingredient dispenser units that removably couple with the base receptacles and controllably open when in an engaged mode with the dispensing selector of the multi-ingredient dispenser; a cooking apparatus with a heating unit and mixing unit; and a control unit that is configured to process a multi-stage cooking process and that at least partially controls the dispensing selector, heating unit, mixing unit, and liquid dispenser.

Abstract: A food processor for processing food stuffs having a base assembly, a jar assembly, and a blade assembly that can be rotated from a use position to a stored position is disclosed. The food processor includes a lid that is connected to the jar assembly by a hinge and closed by use of a latch. The jar assembly is connected to the base assembly by the use of push pins on the base assembly which engage corresponding holes on the jar assembly.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus for preparing a fluid food product includes a food processing chamber including a blade arrangement driven by a motor; a particle sensor arranged to measure an actual particle size within said fluid food product in said food processing chamber and a controller arranged to control the motor. The controller is communicatively coupled to the particle sensor and may disengage the motor in response to a signal from the particle sensor indicative of the actual particle size reaching a threshold value of no less than 400 ?m within said fluid food product.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an appliance cover, appliance body and inner lid, the appliance cover arranged above the appliance body in a closable and openable manner, the appliance body having a heating structure. The appliance cover includes a cover body that includes a venting passage providing communication between the cooking appliance and the outside, the inner lid detachably mounted to the cover body; a baking assembly arranged below the cover body, the inner lid located below the baking assembly when mounted to the cover body; a venting cap detachably mounted at any one end of the two ends of the venting passage, wherein the venting cap is assembled at a bottom end of the venting passage when the inner lid is dismounted, and the venting cap is assembled at a top end of the venting passage after the inner lid is mounted.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a hub assembly rotatable about a vertical axis. A robotic arm has a first end connected to the hub assembly and an opposite second end connected to an end effector, which is configured for holding an item. The system is configured to support an agent on or above the hub assembly for working on the item held by the end effector. The operation of the robotic arm and end effector to move the item does not obstruct operation of the agent.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing a flowable product are provided. The system includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The mixing chamber of the system contains a mixing element capable of motion. The system also includes a paste located in an enclosure configured to flow into the mixing chamber via a first channel connected to the first inlet, and a flowable medium configured to flow into the mixing chamber via a second channel connected to the second inlet. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the paste and the flowable medium using the mixing element, thus, producing the flowable product that may be output via the outlet.

Abstract: A multipurpose beverage preparation machine includes a beverage preparation chamber for receiving a liquid, a processor for processing the beverage in the beverage preparation chamber, a motor configured for driving the processor in the beverage preparation chamber, a heater configured for heating the liquid in the beverage preparation chamber, a control unit operable to execute a beverage preparation process comprising control of the motor and the heater, the control unit being coupled to a network interface of the machine to receive beverage process parameters from an external electronic device, wherein the processor comprises at least one foaming insert and/or at least one support insert for supporting solid ingredients, which are selectively and removably positioned within the beverage preparation chamber and wherein the control unit is configured for actuating the motor and the heater based on at least a part of the received process parameters.

Abstract: A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A first receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A second receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the first receptacle, transferring them to the second receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to an easy assemble centrifugal juicer. The centrifugal juicer includes a top section having a juice spout and pulp spout, wherein the top section defines a cavity with a first mating surface and a second mating surface; a strainer section having a strainer, a drive member, and a projection, the projection structured to engage with the first mating surface to couple the strainer section to the top section; and a motor housing structured to house a motor, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to a motor adapter structured to engage with the drive member.

Abstract: An apparatus for cheese production, in particular a cassette press and an articulated tube arrangement for feeding cheese raw mixture from a cheese maker into molds of the cassette press, wherein the most uniform, constant filling can be achieved. The device has a trough open in plan view, a pressing head having a plurality of press plungers aligned on the cheese molds for pressing the cheese raw mixture and a distributor head for filling in the cheese raw mixture. The distributor head is movable along the longitudinal sides of the trough. The distributor head is rotatably coupled to an articulated tube arrangement for feeding the cheese raw mixture of a cheese maker.

Abstract: A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance (2) and comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) that has a bottom portion (5) equipped with a dispensing hole (9), a lower filtering element (14) mounted in the containment chamber (6) and positioned between the powdered food substance (2) and the bottom portion (5), and a sheet of flexible material (19), impermeable to oxygen, mounted in the containment body (3) between the powdered food substance (2) and the dispensing hole (9), and comprising a first layer (20) made of plastic material and a second layer (21) made of aluminium, which are coupled to each other, wherein the first layer (20) comprises one or more through cuts (25), each surrounded by a dispensing zone (26), the first layer (20) being locally detached from the second layer (21) at each dispensing zone (26).

Abstract: Systems and methods of bun holding and toasting use a bun dispenser and a toaster. The bun dispenser includes a bun holding cabinet in which a plurality of buns are held on shelves and each of the shelves include conveyors. A shuttle of the bun dispenser translates within at least one axis to align the shuttle with a shelf to receive a bun. A dispensing shelf of the bun dispenser receives the bun from the shuttle. A toaster receives the bun from the dispensing shelf and operates to toast the bun and dispense the toasted bun at a predetermined location.

Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Abstract: A closed concentrated dry chemical dispersion system including a closed ingredient container having a volume of dry ingredient therein. The system provides a fluid container and a mixing chamber in which the dry ingredient and fluid can be mixed to form a formulation for delivery to a device such as agrochemical dispensing equipment. The system minimizes worker exposure to the chemicals and enables lower packaging and transportation costs.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly.

Abstract: A hot-air cooker includes a housing including an internal ventilation conduit provided with an inlet and an outlet; an outer container, installed inside the housing; an upper cover, installed above the outer container; the outer container and the upper cover constituting a cavity, the air inlet and outlet of the ventilation conduit communicating with the cavity; an inner container, located inside the cavity; a fan, installed inside the ventilation conduit; a resistor, installed inside the ventilation conduit and adjacent to the fan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-based fryer apparatus (10) for preparing food. The apparatus (10) comprises a base part (12) comprising an upper support (14) and a gearing system (16) to generate a rotation force around a vertical rotation axis (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a container (20) arranged on the upper support (14) and a food basket (22) with an air-permeable bottom part (24). The food basket is placed inside the container (20) such that a lateral gap (26) is arranged between walls of the container and walls of the food basket (22), and such that a bottom gap (32) is arranged between the bottom part of the container and said air-permeable bottom part (24). The apparatus (10) further comprises an upper lid device (34) arranged on top of the container (20). The upper lid device comprises a system (36) with primary heating means (38) and air ventilation means (40) for generating a flow of hot air in the lateral gap (26), in the bottom gap (32), and in the food basket (22).

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a ventilation system arranged to create an airflow in a cooking space of the appliance; a cooking basket, arranged to receive food products to be cooked in the cooking space and allowing the airflow to pass through a bed of food products to be cooked; a heating system arranged to heat the airflow, wherein the ventilation system includes a cross-flow fan, and wherein, in the airflow, the heating system is arranged downstream of the ventilation system, the cooking basket is arranged downstream of the heating system.

Abstract: A removable oven for use on a cooking grill including a cooking chamber formed in a high temperature housing with an open bottom. The open bottom of the high temperature housing fits over a cooking plate positioned over a shutterable perforated diffuser place on the grill. A segmented chimney connected to the cooking chamber further controls the heat in the cooking chamber.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated cooking system comprising: a cooking apparatus comprising a cooking container and a stirring motion mechanism configured to produce a motion in the cooking container; ingredient containers; an dispensing apparatus to dispense the food ingredients from an ingredient container into the cooking container; a transfer apparatus to move an ingredient container; food canisters; a cooking container unloading mechanism to dispense cooked food from the cooking container to a food container; a receiving apparatus to hold a plurality of food containers; a transfer apparatus to move a food container; a cyclic transport apparatus configured to move food containers; a lid apparatus; and, a cleaning apparatus to wash or otherwise clean the cooking container after a cooked food is produced. A computer system with algorithms is configured to control these mechanisms and apparatuses.

Abstract: A mixer is disclosed including a sealed mixing chamber having an interior, and a rotating mixing bowl within the interior of the sealed mixing chamber. A stand operatively supports the sealed mixing chamber. The stand includes: a foundation, a mixing chamber base movably coupled to the foundation and positioning the sealed mixing chamber at an angle relative to horizontal, and a linear actuator system configured to move the mixing chamber base relative to the foundation in at least one linear direction. A rotating mixing head is operatively positioned and sealingly disposed within the sealed mixing chamber, the rotating mixing head rotating within the rotating mixing bowl. The mixer and a related method provide for ceramic suspension mixing with reduced cooling and possibly without cooling the suspension.

Abstract: An electric motor-operated food processor has a base unit having an electric motor and a preparation vessel that can be arranged on the base unit. A heater and agitator are allocated to the preparation vessel. The food processor can have a distillation apparatus that can be connected with the preparation vessel. The distillation apparatus has a steam receptacle, a condenser and a liquid dispenser. The preparation vessel and steam receptacle are connected in terms of flow when the preparation vessel and distillation apparatus are in a connected state.

Abstract: A mixer is disclosed including a sealed mixing chamber having an interior, and a rotating mixing bowl within the interior of the sealed mixing chamber. A stand operatively supports the sealed mixing chamber. The stand includes: a foundation, a mixing chamber base movably coupled to the foundation and positioning the sealed mixing chamber at an angle relative to horizontal, and a linear actuator system configured to move the mixing chamber base relative to the foundation in at least one linear direction. A rotating mixing head is operatively positioned and sealingly disposed within the sealed mixing chamber, the rotating mixing head rotating within the rotating mixing bowl. The mixer and a related method provide for ceramic suspension mixing with reduced cooling and possibly without cooling the suspension.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.

Abstract: A heating cooker of the invention includes a blade rotating in first and second rotation directions around a rotation axle in the cooking container to stir a heating-target object put in the cooking container, the blade including a first functional portion pressing the heating-target object toward a side wall of the cooking container when rotating in the first rotation direction, and a second functional portion pressing the heating-target object not toward the side wall of the cooking container when rotating in the second rotation direction.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a first housing provided with an inverter for induction heating; and a second housing including a working coil to which a current supplied from the inverter is transferred, heated as a container for receiving cooking food is arranged thereon, wherein the first housing and the second housing constitute spaces detached from each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and dispensing single serving gelatin-based food products in an efficient and cost-effective way. A gelatin-based product making device includes a container receiving portion configured to removably receive one or more disposable dry ingredients containers that store dry ingredients used to make the gelatin-based products. The device is operative to automatically mix the dry ingredients with a liquid, heat the mixture, and rapidly cool the mixture to form a batch of gelatin-based product. The device includes a dispenser operative to dispense single servings of the gelatin-based product into cups that may be provided to consumers.

Abstract: A blending device (2) for blending a sample held in a sealable open mouthed sample bag comprises a bag receiving portion (6). The blending device (2) also includes a kneading arrangement (20) for acting on a wall of a sample bag (8) disposed in the bag receiving portion (6) so as to blend a sample contained in the bag (8). A bag manipulation arrangement (13) or a bag support (28) may also be provided.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a pressure vessel defining a compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and movable relative to the compartment between a first position, for food processing, and a second position, to facilitate cleaning, a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen, the auger being operable to advance food product within the compartment from the inlet end of the pressure vessel toward the outlet end, and a transfer mechanism including a conduit in communication with the compartment, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge and operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move food product through the conduit.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having an inner wall defining a compartment and including a solid, imperforate wall portion, fluid being contained in the compartment, and a rotatable auger mounted in the compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and the solid, imperforate wall portion of the inner wall. Flow of fluid through the clearance space may be inhibited. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. Flow of fluid between the first auger section and the second auger section may be provided through the perforated wall portion.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.

Abstract: A slow cooker includes a base having a heating element coupled thereto, a cooking vessel removably positioned in a compartment defined in the base, and a removable lid coupled to the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel has a cooking chamber defined therein. The removable lid includes a first panel that pivots between an open position in which access to the cooking chamber is permitted and a closed position in which access to the cooking chamber is prevented. The removable lid includes a second panel that also pivots between an open position in which access to the cooking chamber is permitted and a closed position in which access to the cooking chamber is prevented.

Abstract: A juicer having a body, a container, and an upper cover; a propelling screw, a cutting tool, a mesh filter and a rotary brush are arranged in the container. Between the container and the body, output connectors are arranged including a high speed output connector and a low speed output connector, on the high speed output connector a high speed output shaft is arranged; on the low speed output connector a low speed output shaft is arranged. The cutting tool is connected with the high-speed output connector through the high speed output shaft, and the propelling screw is connected with the low speed output connector through the low speed output shaft. The cutting tool is connected with the high-speed output connector through the high speed output shaft, and the propelling screw is connected with the low speed output connector through the low speed output shaft.

Abstract: A juice extracting apparatus of the present invention includes an extracting case having a juice outlet and a sludge outlet communicating an internal space thereof with an outside, an extracting screw unit positioned in the internal space of the extracting case, the extracting screw unit having a screw shaft connected to a drive shaft of a driving unit, a screw blade formed on an outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft and a sun gear mounted at the lower end of the screw shaft, a rotary extracting net unit in which the extracting screw unit is positioned, the rotary extracting net unit having a mesh net and a ring gear provided at its lower portion, and a discharge guide unit positioned at the lower portion of the rotary extracting net unit for guiding the sludge resulting from the extracting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for conching edible mass, in particular cocoa containing mass, such as chocolate, cocoa liquor or compound, comprising a shear device, in particular a so-called taste-changer (14), in turn comprising a housing (16), a shaft (17) rotatably mounted in the housing (16), means (19, 20) for subjecting the edible mass to high shear stresses, means (21, 22) for spreading the edible mass after it has been subjected to high shear, and an inlet (24, 25) for supplying a gas to the spread edible mass. The system further comprises a thin film evaporator (15) to treat the edible mass exiting the shear device (14).

Abstract: A machine for the homogenization and thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products, for example ice creams, whipped cream, creams, chocolate, yogurt and the like, comprises a containment tank for the mixture and a centrifugal pump put in fluid communication with the bottom of the containment tank for drawing mixture from the tank and putting it back into the tank, heating and cooling means acting at the pump for heating and cooling the mixture in transit in the pump. The heating and cooling means comprise a thermal machine with reversible thermodynamic cycle and using carbon dioxide as refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a new, different cooking process of products to be nixtamalized, for instance, corn, as well as a specially designed reactor to be used in the deep thermal treatment. Essentially, the process comprises the loading of a mixture of product to be nixtamalized and water into the container; shaking of the mixture by air injection from an air compressor; separation of floating residues and discharge of wastewater; introduction of hot and clean water into the container and the addition of lime, thus creating a product-water-lime mixture; stirring of the product-water-lime mixture by injecting air from the air compressor; igniting the burner until a target temperature is obtained in the reactor container; and turn off the burner and conditioning of moisture inside the reactor container for a determined period of time where prior to the end of the determined period of time it is proceeded to shake the cooked product-water-lime mixture by air injection from the air compressor.

Abstract: A soup maker includes a container mounted to an annular seat receiving a heat conducting pan that receives food to be cut by a cutter coupled with a transmission shaft driven by a motor. A heating pan abuts a bottom of the thermally conducting pan and is connected to a heating tube electrically connected to a power supply terminal. A temperature sensor abuts the heating pan. A base includes a coupling portion having a terminal hole and a sensor hole. A positioning plate presses against a positioning switch on the coupling portion when the annular seat couples with the coupling portion, with the power supply terminal and a coupling section of the temperature sensor respectively extending into the terminal hole and the sensor hole for electrical connection with the control circuit board, allowing the control circuit board to control the motor and the heating tube.

Abstract: A heating cooker includes a container for containing an object to be heated, a stirrer for stirring the object inside the container, and a stirring controller for controlling a stirring operation of the stirrer. In cooking the object under stirring by the stirrer, the stirring controller determines a state of the object from at least one of a cooking menu to be executed and a heating time, and controls at least one of a stirring speed, a stirring-operation timing and a stirring direction of the stirrer in accordance with the state of the object. Thus, the heating cooker can perform proper stirring suited to a mixed state and/or viscosity of ingredients during the cooking process.

Abstract: An improved system and method for the production of a bread product is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of (a) mixing a first set of ingredients into a first dough component; (b) forming the first dough component into a dough base in a fixture in a molding operation; (c) forming a distinct cavity in the base with a cavity-forming operation; (d) finishing the bread product. The system may comprise (a) a mixing station for mixing a first set of ingredients into a first dough component; (b) a forming station for forming the first dough component into a dough base having a form and a distinct cavity formed by a cavity-forming operation; and (c) a dough finishing station for finishing the bread product into a finished bread product. The bread product when finished by baking comprises a crumb provided by the dough base and the distinct cavity formed by the cavity-forming operation.

Abstract: A slow cooker including a housing with a heating element positioned therein, a cooking vessel configured to be positioned within the housing for heating via the heating element and a lid configured to be positioned on the cooking vessel to substantially close a generally pen end thereof. The lid has a releasable handle assembly wherein a motor handle or a non-motor handle may be attached thereto. The motor handle may be configured to selectively activate the motor in a pre-determined interval sequence wherein at the beginning of each interval the motor is activated for a given time and then the motor is deactivated until the beginning of the next interval Lid clips may be pivotally connected to the lid to releasably engage a rim of the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A sous-vide cooker for sous-vide cooking applications is disclosed. The sous-vide cooker is particularly suited for use in home kitchens and on small countertops. The sous-vide cooker includes a removable inner tank cooking chamber. The sous-vide cooker has a magnetic stirrer that agitates the water for better temperature homogeneity. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide cooker can also accept multiple tank cooking chambers that each heat at different temperatures. In at least one embodiment, a temperature controller is present on the outer surface of the outer enclosure. The temperature controller may be used to control the temperature, the period of time cooking is to occur, and the degree of agitation exerted by the agitation device. In at least one embodiment, the temperature controller can be further configurable to store a number of pre-defined user settings or user-input specifications.