Abstract: A grinder for grinding a material. The grinder may include a number of first rollers for grinding the material to a grind of substantially a first predetermined particle size and a number of adjustable second rollers for grinding a portion of the grind of the first predetermined particle size to a grind of substantially a second predetermined particle size.

Abstract: A mechanical picking system for a x-y picker dispensing apparatus that includes at least one substantially horizontal shelf operable for supporting a product, and a picker assembly which further includes an unpowered end effector. The unpowered end effector includes a plurality of receiving fingers and a holding area. The unpowered end effector is rotatable with respect to the shelf to enable the fingers to transfer the product from the shelf to the holding area.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine which may include an end plate positioned on the shelf, a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package, and a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining product information in a vending machine that includes a dispenser with a number of products having a product identifier thereon. The dispenser includes a plurality of product locations, a positioning assembly positioned about the plurality of product locations, and a reader device for reading the product identifier on one of the number of products in the plurality of product locations. The positioning assembly maneuvers the reader device about the plurality of product locations.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: A container for use with a number of products. The container may include a product storage area, a product delivery system with a product platform, and a product display area with at least one product gate.

Abstract: A method of heating an amount of material positioned within a receptacle. The method may include heating a first volume of water to a predetermined temperature, pressurizing a first volume of steam to a predetermined pressure, releasing the first volume of steam towards the first volume of water so as to force the first volume of water into the receptacle, and heating the material within the receptacle.

Abstract: A low-cholesterol brewed beverage dispenser includes a high-pressure brewing area, a low-pressure area, and a filter. The high-pressure brewing area is configured for brewing water and a brewable material at a relatively high pressure. The low-pressure area is positioned to receive the brewed beverage from the high-pressure brewing area. The pressure in the low-pressure area is relatively lower than the pressure in the high-pressure brewing area. The filter is positioned in the low-pressure area. The filter is configured to remove at least some high-cholesterol oils from the brewed beverage.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: A doser for dispensing a predetermined dose of material. The doser may include an agitation device, with the material stored in the agitation device, and a dosing block cooperating with the agitation system.

Abstract: A coffee pod with varying intensity. The coffee pod includes a substantially rigid sidewall, a substantially rigid base, and coffee grinds positioned therein. More than about seventy percent (70%) of the coffee grinds may include a particle size distribution of between about 200 to about 300 microns. The coffee grinds may have a weight of the about five (5) to about eight (8) grams.

Abstract: A grinder for grinding a material. The grinder may include a number of first rollers for grinding the material to a grind of substantially a first predetermined particle size and a number of adjustable second rollers for grinding a portion of the grind of the first predetermined particle size to a grind of substantially a second predetermined particle size.

Abstract: The present application describes a material dosing system. The material dosing system may include a material source and a dosing block. The dosing block may include a first aperture positioned on a first side and a second aperture positioned on a second side. The dosing block further may include a sliding plate positioned between the first side and the second side and having a dosing aperture movable between the first aperture and the second aperture. A coupling may connect the material source and the first aperture of the dosing block.

Abstract: A portafilter system for use with a rigid pod. The portafilter may include a handle and a cup connected to the handle. The cup may include an aperture for positioning the rigid pod therein.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a tacky material and water. The pod may include a sidewall and a base positioned about the sidewall. The base may include a number of apertures and a number of spikes. The spikes may include a top point of about three (3) to about fifteen (15) degrees.

Abstract: A container for holding ground coffee or tealeaves. The container may include a body and a lip extending from the body. The lip may include a top substantially flat surface and a width of no more than about 2.6 millimeters (about 0.1 inch).

Abstract: A container for holding ground coffee or tealeaves. The container may include a body and a lip extending from the body. The lip may include a top substantially flat surface and a width of no more than about 2.6 millimeters (about 0.1 inch).

Abstract: A pod for holding an amount of mixable material. The pod may include a circular sidewall and a base. The base may include a number of apertures. A substantially stiff filter paper may be positioned about the base.

Abstract: A removable turret for a pod-based beverage dispenser system. The turret may include a turret frame, a turret plate, and a turret shaft connecting the turret plate to the turret frame for rotation therewith. The turret shaft may include a pair of first connectors attached to the turret frame and a pair of second connectors attached to the turret wheel. The first and the second connectors may releaseably mate with each other.