Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.

Abstract: A slicing guide includes a shell including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, a first door received in the shell between the first side wall and a second side wall, and a base or spring connected with the shell. The base, the spring or the shell biases or urges the first door toward the second side wall.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a central longitudinal axis and includes a shroud adapted to receive a container. The shroud includes a gripping portion adapted to be gripped by a hand of a user. The dispensing system also includes an actuation member adapted to rotate about a rotation point on a rotation axis toward an interior of the shroud in response to a force applied to the actuation member by the user. The actuation member is configured such that a rotation distance is at least about 6 centimeters. The rotation distance is measured in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis between a location where the user can apply the force to the actuation member and the rotation point of the actuation member.

Abstract: A French press coffee maker includes a carafe, a plunger, and a ladle. The carafe includes a base wall and an upwardly extending generally cylindrical side wall. The plunger includes a rod and a piston connected to the rod. The piston is movable with respect to the carafe in an axial direction. The ladle includes a base having a peripheral rim and an upwardly extending arm connected with the base.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device includes a water tank, a base, a filter, a plug assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The base supports the water tank above a support surface. The plug assembly connects with the water tank and is operable between an open operating position in which water can flow from the water tank through the plug assembly and a closed operating position in which water is precluded from flowing through the plug assembly. The actuator mechanism is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The actuator mechanism is cooperates with the plug assembly such that when in the first operating position the plug assembly is in the closed operating position and when in the second operating position the plug assembly is in the open operating position. The actuator mechanism includes an operator actuated surface that is accessible from an exterior of the base.

Abstract: A slicing guide includes a shell including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, a first door received in the shell between the first side wall and a second side wall, and a base or spring connected with the shell. The base, the spring or the shell biases or urges the first door toward the second side wall.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a manifold adapted to be fluidly coupled to a valve stem of a container. The manifold includes first and second members extending outwardly from the manifold. The dispensing system also includes a shroud having first and second shroud portions on opposing sides of the shroud. The dispensing system further includes at least one enclosed track. The enclosed track receives and permits sliding of at least one of the first and second members.

Abstract: An overcap for a container includes a body having a sidewall. An opening is provided in the sidewall. An actuation mechanism includes an actuator with an elongate button and a manifold. The elongate button extends through the opening in the sidewall. The actuation mechanism is actuable to open a valve of a container by movement of the elongate button in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the overcap.

Abstract: A fluid flow valve, the fluid flow valve having a body comprising a body inlet, a body outlet, and a housing; a movable member positioned within the housing and having a lower face, the movable member being movable between a position spaced from a position in said body when said valve is in an open position and movable to a sealing position when said valve is in a closed position; an elongated channel between the body inlet and the body outlet, wherein the channel has at least an essentially uniform internal diameter, with the exception of a raised seat therein, from the body inlet to the body outlet, and a raised seat positioned within the channel, wherein the lower face of the movable member is in the sealing position when positioned against the raised seat and a lip formed in the body.