Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser includes dispensing a dose of product from a dispenser reset to an uncorrected state and measuring a single dose of product from a draw representative of an average dose (typically dispensed when the product tank is at mid-fill level). Pre-determined equations relating a calibration offset, a timing constant, desired portion sizes, and a degradation factor to the average expected dispense throughout a tank of product and the expected variation in these doses are employed to derive the degradation factor characteristic of the specific dispenser, calculate calibration and timing factors, and adjust the equipment dispense control function accordingly.

Abstract: A universal connector (100) is disclosed for use in the food industry to connect a food product dispenser to a food product source. The connector (160) has an evacuation tube (120) having a dispensing port (140), intake manifold (128), a grommet interface section (154), and an inner cylindrical chamber (136) disposed within the evacuation tube (120). The connector (100) has a grommet (110) in surrounding relation with the grommet interface (154) of the evacuation tube (120). The connector (100) capable of creating a connection between the food product source to facilitate evacuation of the contents of the food product source.