Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a user input system and method for receiving and processing touch input. The system may cooperate with an interchangeable graphic module that may be received in an overlapping relationship to a touch sensor panel of the system. The interchangeable graphic module may have a graphical layout having one or more graphical elements visually marked on the interchangeable graphic module. A user may view the graphical elements and provide touch input to the touch sensor panel. The user input system may be configured by obtaining a graphic code associated with the interchangeable graphic module identifying the particular graphical layout. The system may configure soft-keys for the touch sensor panel corresponding to the graphical elements. Therefore embodiments of the user input system may provide a configurable touch input system presenting graphical elements without requiring an electronic display.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.

Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.

Abstract: A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a millilitre and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realisably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.

Abstract: A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid.

Abstract: A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid.

Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.