Abstract: A frame of a shelving apparatus includes a plurality of vertical posts, a plurality of cross members, and a plurality of shelf supporting beams. Each vertical post has an inner attachment surface, a side surface, and a plurality of attachment slots formed at the inner attachment surface. Each shelf supporting beam includes a beam member and two post lockers provided at two ends of the beam member respectively. Each post locker includes an extension wall biasing against the side surface, a locker wall biasing against the inner attachment surface, and a locking element provided at the locker wall to selectively engage with one of the attachment slots so as to detachably couple the shelf supporting beam between the vertical posts at a position that the beam member is extended between the side surfaces of the vertical posts.

Abstract: A modular wine rack storage apparatus mounted to a wall and designed to secure a plurality of interchangeable bottle support arms is provided. The wine rack storage apparatus includes a mounting C-bracket detachably coupled to studs of the wall possessing elongated adjustment holes top and bottom. The C-brackets support a horizontal main wall connector which in turn supports a series of wine bottle support arms, connected metal bottle support arms configured to accept the shape of wine bottles.

Abstract: A dual-sided storage bin includes a housing containing first and second storage recesses with access openings on opposite sides of the storage bin. The back wall of each storage recess forms a utility surface for the opposite side of the storage bin. As a result, individuals on each side of the storage bin are provided with both a storage recess and a utility surface.

Abstract: The convertible furniture unit comprises a hinge member pivotally linking first and second furniture portions to allow the first and second furniture portions to relatively pivot relative to each other to adopt a number of different angular relative positions, and a locking mechanism to releasably lock the first and second furniture portion in a given angular relative position. The first and second furniture portions each comprise a number of slats that are intermeshed with and are slidable between the slats of the other one of the first and second furniture portions. Each slat comprises a hinge portion pivotally attached to the hinge member, an arm extending away from the hinge portion and a free extremity opposite the hinge portion.

Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with one or more adjacent tables to reduce a height of the table in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top constructed from molded plastic and the table top may include a receiving portion sized and configured to receive an engaging portion of a frame of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. The table may also include a metal frame connected to the table top and the frame may include an engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. If desired, an outer surface of the engaging portion may be visible and exposed in the recess in the lip.

Abstract: A cabinet quick release structure includes an upper sliding rail assembly, a bracket having front and rear positioning blocks, a tray, left and right latch devices and a lower sliding rail assembly arranged so that when dismounting a wooden cabinet from a cabinet housing, a user pulls a latch block of the front positioning block, and then pushes an inner sliding rail of the upper sliding rail assembly backward to move front and rear positioning rods of an inner sliding rail respectively out the front and rear positioning blocks, and then disengages the left and right latch devices from a bottom locating frame of the lower sliding rail assembly. When mounting the wooden cabinet, the front positioning rod of the inner sliding rail is locked by the latch block while the rear positioning rod is located in the rear positioning block and the latch devices engage the bottom locating frame.

Abstract: A dual side post, which is arranged for a multiple shelving apparatus constructed by two or more shelving apparatus each including a plurality of shelf supporting beams and a plurality of cross members, includes a plurality of vertical posts. Each vertical post has an inner attachment surface, a plurality of attachment slots spacedly formed at the inner attachment surface, and a retention slot formed on the inner attachment surface for coupling with the cross member. The attachment slots are lined up in two columns that the retention slot is located between the two columns of the attachment slots. One of the vertical posts serves as a common post that the two columns of the attachment slots thereof are arranged for respectively coupling two of the shelf supporting beams at opposite directions so as to interconnect two or more shelving apparatus to form the multiple shelving apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a rotating or non-rotating reclining and/or declining chair having various reclining and/or declining mechanisms or systems allowing a greater range of recline and an easy way to recline and decline. Optionally, the chair can also have a reclining and declining backrest and leg rest and/or footrest and also optional storage compartments. The reclining and/or declining systems of the invention cause the plate or frame of the chair seat to recline or decline.

Abstract: A chair including structural members having hinge joints at ends thereof pivotally coupling each of the members to one or more adjoining members. The chair is configured to be arranged in a collapsed configuration wherein all of the members are in the same plane and define a substantially planar shape, and configured to be arranged in an expanded configuration to define a seat, armrests, support legs, and leg braces of the chair. A stool assembly includes at least first and second stools configured to be stackable such that the seats of the stools abut face to face and in combination define a composite base. A system for constructing furniture includes multiple joints each having slots configured to receive and retain structural members and configured to be assembled with the structural members to form a piece of furniture with the multiple joints defining corners of the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A back cushioning member having a tensile structure to reduce discomfort of a seated person. A lower lumbar support 10 installed in a lower portion of a back frame 111 and an upper lumbar support 20 installed in an upper portion of the lower lumbar support 10 are provided. Having vertically two lumbar supports 10, 20 enables a first support plate 12 of the lower lumbar support 10 to be provided so as to correspond mainly to a pelvis part where the sense of contact is hardly perceived, whereby the back cushioning member 112 having a tensile structure can be provided with a predetermined restoring force at a predetermined applicable elastic strength. Since the pelvis part located at a lower portion of a human body can be supported reliably, prevention of collapse of posture can be facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus has an ergonomic-device support assembly including a stationary frame assembly configured to be received and selectively positioned underneath a desk relative to a user. The ergonomic-device support assembly is configured to receive and support an ergonomic device. This is done in such a way that the ergonomic device is selectively movable relative to the user of the desk between an extended-deployment position and a retracted-storage position.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a peripheral frame and a plurality of supporting bars coupled to the peripheral frame by first and second touch fasteners. Each of the first and second touch fasteners includes a first component and a second component configured to detachably engage with each other. The first components of the first and second touch fasteners are disposed at the peripheral frame. The first and second ends of the supporting bars are coupled to the second components of the first and second touch fasteners. By engaging the first and second components of the first and second touch fasteners, the plurality of supporting bars are securely coupled to the peripheral frame.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation and process includes a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section 20 is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies are provided that include a mattress, a mattress overlay, and a mattress cover that is comprised of a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel that collectively define a cavity and enclose the mattress. The mattress overlay is positioned atop the mattress and the first mattress cover. The second cover, which defines a perimeter, is positioned over and is dimensionally-sized to cover the mattress overlay and at least the top panel of the first cover. The second cover can then be connected to the first cover by a fastener that extends along the perimeter of the second cover.

Abstract: Provided are an inflatable product and an inflatable product fusing process. The inflatable product comprises an upper sheet, a lower sheet, pull straps provided therebetween, and upper and lower fixing sheets having one faces away from each other respectively joined with inner surfaces of the upper and lower sheets and one faces facing towards each other not joined. The pull strap has oppositely-provided upper and lower pull strap sheets of porous material. The upper sheet, upper pull strap sheet, upper fixing sheet, lower fixing sheet, lower pull strap sheet and lower sheet are successively provided. When processing using a hot-fusing machine or high-frequency machine, the upper and lower pull strap sheets are simultaneously jointed with the upper and lower fixing sheets, therefore the inflatable product can be one-step formed and no separating sheet needs to be provided in the pull strap, thus simplifying manufacturing process and improving production efficiency.

Abstract: The toddler stadium chair is adapted for use with bleacher or stadium seats. The toddler stadium chair is secured to a bleacher or stadium seat using a first plurality of straps. The toddler stadium chair is provisioned with a second plurality of straps that are used to secure the toddler into the toddler stadium chair after it has been secured to the bleacher or stadium seat. The toddler stadium chair comprises a seat, a first plurality of straps, and a second plurality of straps.

Abstract: The legless, planar, rectangular platform may consist of a top that will be the primary play surface. In addition to the rectangular platform, additional members may be included. A front member may be attached to the primary platform and may run along the width of the invention. A second member, considered one side of the invention, may be attached in like manner to the primary platform as the front member, as well as being attached at a 90 degree angle to the front member with slots for drawers. The four members when attached together may form a rectangular shaped structure to which the primary flat member is attached. Removable bins may also be included. Each bin may attach along the periphery of the primary flat platform for ease of access and secure storage. Each bin may be comprised of five (5) members; a bottom and four (sides).

Abstract: A baby crib comprises an upper frame, a lower frame and support members attached to the upper frame and the lower frame. The upper frame comprises a first part firmly attached to the support members and a second part. The second part is pivotally coupled with the support members to move reversibly from a first position to a second position to move said second part relative to said first part.

Abstract: Described herein is a baby carrier and insert therein. In particular, a multi functional baby carrier that transitions seamlessly from one mode to another to allow the carrying of a child from newborn baby through to a toddler wherein the main body forms an adjustable seat width position to address ergonomic concerns when in a particular carrying mode. The main body portion also comprises a hands through pouch configured to allow a wearer to pass their hands through for additional support when carrying the child. The insert includes an adjustable length back support and is configured to engage with the main body of a multi functional baby carrier without requirement of separate fasteners to retain the insert within the main body of the multi functional baby carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook and method for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from a merchandise display hook and/or for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the display hook are provided. The display hook may include at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon. The display hook may also include a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod and/or an opposite loading direction for loading the one or more items of merchandise onto the rod.

Abstract: A holder for display content is described. The display holder includes a main section, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The main section provides a base, a back panel, and a front panel. The back panel protrudes from a back edge of the base. The front panel protrudes from a front edge of the. The first side panel is attached to a first edge of the main section and the second side panel is attached to a second edge of the main section. The main section, the first side panel, and the second side panel define a recess for receiving the display content. A plurality of dividers are provided that securely fit the width of the main section receiving the display content.

Abstract: A merchandise display shelving unit comprised of a perforated center support pole, a base, a plurality of shelf supports, and a plurality of shelf inserts. The shelf inserts nest inside the shelf supports. The shelf supports have a mating collar that attaches to the perforations of the center support pole through the use of fasteners. The shelf support and inserts can be a variety of shapes, such as round, square, triangular, and rectangular. The shelf supports and shelf inserts can be of incrementally decreasing size, so as to create a terraced effect.

Abstract: A product display includes a display header and a cabinet. The display header is coupled to the cabinet for showing product indicia related to products stored in the cabinet to a customer at a retail location.

Abstract: A dispenser for pillow napkins is provided that includes a carton having a bottom panel, opposite left and right panels extending vertically from the bottom panel, opposite front and back panels positioned between the left and right panels and extending vertically from the bottom panel, and a top panel extending parallel to the bottom panel. Left and right supports are positioned within a cavity of the carton. A plurality of pillow napkins are wound about a spool. The spool is positioned in the cavity such that the spool rotatably engages the left and right supports and the pillow napkins are spaced apart from the top and bottom panels. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: Mobile folding restaurant booth style benches are provided, which may be arranged in opposed pairs to form restaurant style booths. An individual bench incorporates a mechanism for shifting the weight of the bench between a mobile base, which may be supported by swivel casters, and a stationary base, which may be supported by non-slip feet, actuated by pivoting a bench seat down from a folded storage position to an unfolded seating position. The weight shifting mechanism may include an engagement member, which is initially spaced apart from an actuator at a folded angle of the seat, and which contacts and begins transmitting force and movement to the actuator at a partially unfolded angle of the seat.

Abstract: An indoor mirror defogging device removes and prevents fog on an indoor mirror. The device includes a wall defining an interior space of a housing. The housing is elongated and structured to have an open face. A fan is coupled to the housing directing airflow out of the housing through the open face. Each of a pair of mounts is coupled to and extends from the wall for coupling the housing to a support surface such that the airflow is directed across a mirror positioned adjacent the housing on the support surface.

Abstract: A frame which has a wire extending across a rear of the frame is hung on a wall by an integral flexible spring member shaped to define a center mounting plate fastened to lie flat on the wall and a spring strap standing at right angles to the plate with a pair of arms each extending outwardly from the mounting plate along the wall to a respective side of the mounting plate. The arms receive and locate the wire extending along the arms and depending from ends of the arms to the sides of the frame. The arms can flex and the arms allow longitudinal movement of the wire along the arms to allow movement of the frame side to side relative to the mounting plate. A stiffening rod can be inserted onto the strap.

Abstract: Various example embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for a wall hanging system. Example embodiments include: a wall mount formed with a longitudinally elongated body having upper and lower ends and a wall-facing surface, the upper end being formed with a longitudinal rail for engaging a channel in a frame member, the wall mount including an attachment mechanism to attach the wall mount to a wall surface, the wall mount further including an embedded leveling indicator to enable level attachment of the wall mount to the wall surface; and a frame including at least one frame member, each frame member being formed with a first longitudinal channel for engaging the rail of the upper end of the wall mount, each frame member being formed with a second longitudinal channel for engaging an edge of a wall hanging item inserted into the frame.

Abstract: A collapsible pillow mat designed to be used with removable pillows. The collapsible pillow mat is made up of a row of pillow cases where each pillow case has a front side, a rear side and an opening at an upper end. Each pillow case is attached to an adjacent pillow case along a longitudinal edge, creating a single row of attached pillow cases. One or more pairs of elongated straps are attached to the longitudinal edge of neighboring pillow cases, where a first strap is configured to attach to a second strap with a matching fastener, allowing a user to roll up the collapsible mat and secure it in a closed and compact configuration for reconfiguration of the mat and for easy transportation.

Abstract: The improved partitioned modular bedding device converts a standard mattress into a partitioned sleeping arrangement wherein multiple individuals may sleep without interfering with one another. A washable fabric base member covers the mattress top and is retained thereon by tensioned side panels. Outer flanges, a foot flange, and a head flange on the top surface of the base member define each occupant chamber. Releasable fasteners attach overlapping flange ends. A sheath member attaches to the inner surface of the outer flanges and foot flange to secure the occupant within the chamber. One or more overlayer members and an underlayer member may be utilized within the chamber for occupant comfort, each retained within the chamber by releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A sleeping pillow assembly includes a pillow that has a plurality of cushions. A selected one of the cushions may support a head of a user while the user sleeps. The pillow has a pair of flattened portions and each of the flattened portions is distributed between the cushions. A selected one of the flattened portions may have an arm of the user positioned beneath the selected flattened portion. Thus, the user's arm is laterally spaced from the user's head when the user sleeps thereby inhibiting the user from lying directly on the user's arm.

Abstract: An adjustable pillow device and a pillow adjusting method are disclosed, the adjustable pillow device comprising: a headrest body (1), the height of a region thereof being self-adjustable according to the posture of a sleeper; an inflation/deflation mechanism (2) connected to the headrest body (1) for adjusting the height of a region of the headrest body (1); a sensor (3) for collecting information about the sleeper and providing feedback; a central information processor (4) connected to the sensor (3) and the control end of the inflation/deflation mechanism (2) respectively for receiving information from the sensor (3) and sending an adjustment direction to the control end of the inflation/deflation mechanism (2) according to the sleeping posture information and the body data figure of the sleeper.

Abstract: A bowl assembly is described having a bowl and lid and a masher. The lid has an embedded suction cup that is adapted to secure the bottom of the bowl when the lid is placed inverted on a flat surface. The bowl has interior ridges which serve to help mash up food when the masher is pressed down. The masher is ring-shaped and has a wider handle and food contacting surface.

Abstract: A spread container for spreadable foodstuffs allowing for spreading without utensils separate from the spread container is disclosed. The spread container comprises a spread nozzle associated with a dispensing unit for housing foodstuffs wherein a spreader surface associated with the nozzle allows the spread container to be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to dispense spreadable foodstuffs via the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable liquid container including an open mouth drinking member, bottom member, side wall member, means for indicating temperature and a lid member. The disposable liquid container provides the advantage of indicating the temperature of beverage inside the container.

Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiments is a drink container lid, including: at least one of a permanent and a removable interface designed to attach the drink container lid to a drink container; a bulkhead attached to the at least one of a permanent and removable interface, and designed to keep liquid in the drink container; an opening in the top of the bulkhead adapted to allow fluid to flow into a user's mouth; at least one of a protrusion, a bump, a groove, an indentation, and a rough textured area on a generally vertical surface of the drink container lid, adjacent to the opening and aligned with the positioning of the opening, where the at least one of a protrusion, a bump, a groove, an indentation, and a rough textured area is capable of creating a tactile sensation on a user's lip.

Abstract: A cake stacking system for supporting a multi-tiered cake includes a center rod that extends from a bottom of a base tier of the multi-tiered cake to an interior portion of an uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake, and a plurality of peripheral rods arranged around the center rod, the plurality of peripheral rods disposed in each tier of the multi-tiered cake except for the uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake. The center rod includes at least one first rod having a first height and one second rod having a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. Each peripheral rod includes a tubular member and a flange coupled to one end of the tubular member. The flange maintains a vertical position of the tubular member and supports a bottom surface of an above tier of the multi-tiered cake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single use tubular straw for conditioning of a liquid passing through including; a cylindrical body for passing of the liquid; a bottom opening for inflow of the liquid in the cylindrical body; a top opening for outflow of the liquid from the cylindrical body; at least one conditioning agent for the conditioning of the liquid passing through the cylindrical body; and a seal for closing the top opening and the bottom opening of the cylindrical body. The conditioning agent is disposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body and get dissolved in the liquid on passing of the liquid through the cylindrical body providing the conditioned liquid at the top opening of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A holder (10) for a beverage container (100) comprising a receptacle (24) for receiving a beverage container bottom portion (102) of the beverage container (100) and a container retaining element (26) operatively coupled to the receptacle (24) for engaging the container (100) to maintain the container bottom portion (102) in the receptacle (24) when the beverage container (100) is held by the holder (10). The holder (10) is provided with a selectively closed drain (88) to allow outflow of condensation or spillage from the receptacle (24) when the drain (88) is opened.

Abstract: An activity and volume sensing beverage container cap system for a beverage container including a cap that couples with the beverage container, a processor, a timer and at least one activity level sensor, such as an inclinometer, coupled with the processor. The activity level sensor detects container orientation. When the container is tilted, the timer measures an amount of time in an orientation. Based on the current and previous orientation and the amount of time the container is in different orientations, the processor determines an amount of time of activity of the user, and a level of activity of the user, such as number of steps or moves per time. The inclinometer is also used to determine the amount of volume dispensed from the container when tilted over a threshold indicative of drinking. Thus one inclinometer may be utilized as both to determine activity level and volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: A clothing separator is disclosed that can be readily hung upon a horizontally oriented clothing bar mounted within a clothes closet for separating articles of clothing hanging upon the clothing bar within the closet, or to be hung upon the clothing bar within the closet, or to be removed from the clothing bar of the closet, by facilitating the removal or insertion of the article of clothing from the clothing closet. A separator can be interposed between a pair of adjacent articles of clothing, or conversely, a single article of clothing can be interposed between a pair of adjacent separators. Furthermore, a multiplicity of separators can effectively define a separator system within the closet wherein a separator is interposed between each pair of adjacent articles of clothing, or conversely, each article of clothing is accommodated within a separate compartment or space defined between adjacent pairs of separators.

Abstract: A clothing separator is disclosed that can be readily hung upon a horizontally oriented clothing bar mounted within a clothes closet for separating articles of clothing hanging upon the clothing bar within the closet, or to be hung upon the clothing bar within the closet, or to be removed from the clothing bar of the closet, by facilitating the removal or insertion of the article of clothing from the clothing closet. The separator can be interposed between a pair of adjacent articles of clothing, or conversely, a single article of clothing can be interposed between a pair of adjacent separators. Furthermore, a multiplicity of separators can effectively define a separator system within the closet wherein a separator is interposed between each pair of adjacent articles of clothing, or conversely, each article of clothing is accommodated within a separate compartment or space defined between adjacent pairs of separators.

Abstract: A motorized drapery system having an elongated rotating drive element that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cross shaped or any other non-circular shape that is twisted. In one arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction along its entire length. In another arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction in a first section and twisted in an opposite direction in a second section thereby providing a center opening/center closing drapery. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element including at least one driver ring that includes a feature that connects to the drive element and is configured to facilitate movement along the drive element, and a plurality of idler rings that are configured to slide along the drive element. A curtain is connected to the rings and opens and closes as the rings move along the drive element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable box for cooking and transporting a prepared food product, and notably a pizza, which includes a plane horizontal bottom having at least one opening passing through it, a vertical side panel that extends upward around all of the periphery of the bottom, and a horizontal, rigid cooking support plate that rests on the bottom. The cooking support plate has at least one hole passing through it with a vertical orientation. At least one solid portion of the cooking support plate is arranged facing the opening in the bottom.

Abstract: According to one example, a system includes a heat source operable to provide an amount of energy to be used to cook a food item in accordance with a cooking recipe. The system further includes a processor operable to receive, via a first communication link with a wireless device, an indication of a first temperature associated with the cooking recipe. The processor is further operable to, based on the indication of the first temperature, adjust the amount of energy provided by the heat source. The processor is further operable to send, to a user interface system, an indication of the adjusted amount of energy provided by the heat source. The system further includes a user interface system that includes an array of light source systems operable to provide a visual representation of the adjusted amount of energy, and a touch sensor.

Abstract: A system includes a first food compartment and a second food compartment configured to be disposed in a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of a fluid immersion device. The first food compartment defines an inner volume and is configured to fluidically isolate a first food item in the inner volume and to transfer thermal energy between a fluid in the first portion of the fluid immersion device and the first food item. The second food compartment is configured to receive a second food item and is at least temporarily coupled to a carrier configured to be disposed in the second food compartment. At least a portion of the second food compartment is fluid permeable and is configured to receive a flow of fluid from the second portion of the fluid immersion device to transfer thermal energy from the fluid to the second food item.

Abstract: According to one example, a system includes a heat source operable to provide an amount of energy to be used to cook a food item. The system further includes a processor operable to establish a first communication link with a wireless device having a cooking recipe for the food item. The processor is further operable to receive, via the first communication link, an indication of a first temperature associated with the cooking recipe. The processor is further operable to establish a second communication link with a cooking device system operable to be used in cooking the food item, and to receive, via the second communication link, an indication of a current temperature associated with the food item. The processor is further operable to, based on the indication of the first temperature and the indication of the current temperature, adjust the amount of energy provided by the heat source.

Abstract: An infusion group for machines for the dispensing of beverages in the form of infusion is disclosed. The infusion group has a capsule-holder configured to receive a capsule for the preparation of an infusion beverage, a dispensing head adapted to cooperate with the capsule-holder to form a chamber for the infusion of the capsule. The dispensing head has a dispensing channel, a perforation disc and an associated supporting member mounted on the dispensing head. The dispensing head also has a discharge channel upstream of the dispensing channel. The configuration of the dispensing head is such that the discharge channel is closed when the perforation disc and the supporting member are in the dispensing position and open when they are in the rest position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and device are provided for dispensing a granular food product into a receptacle for consumption. The apparatus includes: a hopper containing said granular food product, said hopper having an outlet proximate a bottom end thereof; a dispensing rotor mounted in said hopper, said rotor rotatable to push said granular food product through said outlet; a control subsystem operable to receive a signal indicative of a desired quantity of said granular food product and to dispense the desired quantity of said food product through said outlet by rotating said rotor by a specific amount; and a chute positioned below said outlet to direct dispensed food product into said receptacle.