Abstract: An deck capable of being assembled quickly and conveniently includes a desk frame formed by two rectangular frames; a rear upper bar being connected between two respective corners of two rectangular frames and a lower bar being connected between a middle section of front bars of two rectangular frames; each of two opposite inner lateral sides of the desk frame being formed with an insertion sheet, and two inner lateral sides of the two inclined sections of the two rectangular frames being formed with respective embedding sheets; a front stop plate being assembled to a front end of the desk plate; each of the two lateral sides of the desk plate being formed with a respective inward slot and each inward slot being further formed with an inner groove; in assembly, the two insertion sheets of desk frame will insert into the two inward slots of the desk plate for engagement.

Abstract: A table has a bottom plate having a bottom plate channel and an outer wall. A bottom plate lip is perpendicular to the outer wall. A top plate has a top plate lip overlying and parallel to the bottom plate lip. A lower end of a frame is in the bottom plate channel and an upper end of the frame is in contact with the top plate. An edge piece clamps the top plate lip and the bottom plate lip together. The edge piece extends entirely around a perimeter of the top plate.

Abstract: A mobile workstation with adjustable height of the present disclosure may comprise a top assembly, an adjustment assembly, and a bottom assembly. Adjustment assembly may comprise telescopically engaged segments. One or more pulleys or pulley assemblies may be disposed within one or more of the segments to allow for withdrawing and retracting segments from one another at the same rate. Actuation of the raising or lowering of the overall height of the mobile workstation may be realized through either a manual actuation or an electronic element such as a linear actuator.

Abstract: A shelving unit is disclosed and includes a plurality of posts, a plurality of shelf-supporting beams attached to the plurality of posts to form a shelf support frame, and a shelf. The shelf has a plurality of sides seated on the shelf support frame. The plurality of the sides of the shelf includes a depending flange. At least one of the depending flanges extends downwardly along a respective shelf-supporting beam between about 30% and about 100% of the width of the shelf-supporting beam. Another shelf unit is further disclosed where the shelves include a color that corresponds to a color-coded system for organizing the storage of items on the shelving unit. A method of organizing a shelving unit utilizing the color-coded shelf system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-opening device includes a motion guide mechanism and a force-creating mechanism. The motion guide mechanism includes a movable slide cover, a base seat and a latch member. The slide cover includes a latch groove unit. The latch groove unit includes a positioning portion. The latch member has a latch pin portion. The force-creating mechanism is able to store elastic energy for providing a restoring force that is oriented in an energy-release direction. The slide cover is associated with the force-creating mechanism. A portion of movement of the slide cover drawn by the force-creating mechanism is able to be damped.

Abstract: A piece of furniture or domestic appliance includes a body, a drawer element slidably arranged in the body and having two side walls. Respective pull-out guides are arranged between the side panels and side walls of the body. Each of the pull-out guides has at least one body rail fastenable to a side wall of the body and one running rail fastenable to the side panel. The piece of furniture or domestic appliance also includes at least one functional unit, which is coupled to one of the pull-out guides. A functional unit is detachably arranged in at least one of the side walls at distance from the pull-out guide, which functional unit, in a predefined position of the drawer element relative to the body, is operatively connected to a counter-element stationarily mounted on the body or on the body rail.

Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a rigid back frame, a flexible back shell coupled to the back frame and including a pair of vertical side portions and at least two strap portions extending laterally between the side portions and including a forwardly-facing surface configured to support a back of a seated user, the at least two strap portions including a lowermost strap portion, the lowermost strap portion configured to deflect a first distance when a rearwardly-directed force is exerted on the lowermost strap portion by a seated user, and a lumbar assembly supported from the back frame and configured to support the lumbar region of a back of a seated user, the lumbar assembly configured to deflect a second distance when the rearwardly-directed force is exerted on the lumbar assembly by a seated user, wherein the first distance and the second distance are substantially similar.

Abstract: A modular furniture assembly includes: a base member having a frame assembly, a transverse member having a frame assembly, a foot configured to contact a support surface, and a mounting platform having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The mounting platform is configured to be mounted on the base member frame assembly and the transverse member frame assembly, thereby connecting the frame assemblies. The foot is selectively mounted on the mounting platform, such that the foot is configured to contact the support surface when the modular furniture assembly is in an upright configuration. The mounting platform connects the base and transverse member frame assemblies together and also acts as a platform for receiving a variety of different types of feet.

Abstract: The invention provides a customizable seating support for a seat base that is particularly useful for supporting a physically disabled person in a chair, such as a wheelchair. The seating support includes a posterior portion and a pair of thigh supports that are connected to the posterior portion, via a multi-directional connection, so that the position of at least one thigh support is independently adjustable to tilt upwardly or downwardly or to pivot outwardly relative to the posterior portion to an abducted position. In some embodiments, at least one of the thigh supports may be configured to pivot inwardly relative to the posterior portion to an adducted position.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle seat headrest includes one opening to accommodate a protuberance at the front of the headrest, such as a protuberant cushion or pillow, and another opening at the rear to permit access to a passenger behind the vehicle seat to access or view items attached to, or stored within, the rear of the headrest.

Abstract: An air mattress adjustment method includes adjusting the air mattress to a received user pressure setting, learning a level of pressure in the air mattress at a first plurality of times with respect to the user pressure setting, monitoring the level of pressure in the air mattress at a second plurality of times, determining that the pressure of the air mattress at one of the second plurality of times is out of range, and based on the determining, adjusting the pressure of the air mattress.

Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A bedding device including: at least one adjusting unit able to adjust a height of the device; at least one human measurement module able to measure a three-dimensional surface morphology of a human and/or a quilt covering the human, obtain a three-dimensional point cloud of the human and/or a point cloud of the quilt, establish a three-dimensional model of the human and/or a three-dimensional model of the quilt, recognize each part of the human from the three-dimensional point cloud and/or the three-dimensional model; at least one sleep position determining module able to determine a sleep position of the human based on the spatial position and/or posture of each part of the human; and at least one form adjustment module able to control the at least one adjusting unit to adjust a surface form of the bedding device.

Abstract: A convertible backpack or carrying bag for establishing an infant changing station, including a body having a first rigid lower depth defining half and a second pivotally connected rigid upper half. A strap extends from the upper half which is adapted to secure to an elevated location in order to support the body in an open position in which the infant is supported upon the lower depth defining half. A clamp or other attachment portion can be secured to the strap and includes a “U” shaped hook portion adapted for engaging a top extending door edge. Other looped straps can also be used in combination or apart from the clamp securing strap for providing additional support when worn by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baby carrier consisting of shoulder straps, a main panel, and side panels with adjustable height. The lower aspect of the main panel consists of a seat component with a belt around the waist to secure the baby in place. The purpose of the adjustable positioning system is to change the angle of the seat component in order to accommodate for the increase downward movement of the solid seat component caused by heavy weight.

Abstract: A comfort apparatus for use by a parent and an infant. The comfort apparatus has a parent support and comfort arrangement and an infant portion. The parent support and comfort means is operable to support at least part of the back of an individual when the individual is lying laterally. The infant portion can support an infant. The parent support and comfort arrangement and the infant portion are joined or are adapted to be joinable to one another.

Abstract: A utensil dispenser comprises a housing, a utensil support assembly and a utensil dispensing actuator. The utensil support assembly comprises a skewer for retaining a stack of utensils to be dispensed. The actuator provides for sequential dispensing of the utensils. The utensils are held in alignment on the skewer until they are sequentially dispensed. Dispensing occurs as the utensils are individually removed by the actuator from the skewer where the utensil falls by gravity to an opening at the bottom of the housing for presentation to a user. A retainer member keeps the utensils stored on the skewer until the utensil support assembly is mounted in the housing and the utensils are ready for dispensing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of tracking stocked inventory, such as products or other items stocked on a store shelf or other storage space. The disclosure is also directed to devices and systems that may be utilized to carry out such methods.

Abstract: A self-locking device for hanging objects on a mounting surface is disclosed. The self-locking device includes a mounting bracket and a locking arm member engaged with a track portion of the mounting bracket. The track portion comprising a pair of guide portions, a pair of lip portions extending from a lower end of the guide portions, a pair of rotation portions extending from an upper end of the guide portions, and a slot extending between the pairs of guide portions, lip portions and rotation portions. The arm member being mated with the track portion such that the arm member is translatable along the track portion. The arm member comprising a tip portion, a base portion positioned at least partially within the slot, and at least two pairs of projections extending from the base portion that engage with one of the pairs of guide portions, lip portions and rotation portions.

Abstract: An adjustable bed cover having a bed panel and an adjustable panel. The bed panel is generally rectangular and having an interior enclosure that can receive a duvet or similar item. A plurality of slide fastening mechanisms can allow access in the interior enclosure while also creating a plurality of vent panels proximate a bottom edge of the bed panel. The adjustable panel is generally rectangular configuration and mates with the bed panel proximate the bed panels top edge forming a plurality of arm openings between the two panels. The adjustable bed cover providing ability to adjust the bed panel to regulate temperature, provide desired body coverage and provide desired freedom of movement.

Abstract: A drinking vessel with a hidden utensil compartment includes a cup with a recessed side extending from the bottom to a transition below the top. An elongated hollow structure defines a compartment and extends from the bottom against the recessed side. A base secured to the bottom of the cup includes an opening leading to the compartment. A sleeve-like cover contains the cup and the elongated hollow structure. A drawer holding utensils fits through the opening in the base into the compartment. A drawer stop attached to the recessed side includes a spring to facilitate removal of the drawer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drinking vessel comprising a glassware having a liquid holding part and a stem extending downwards and away from the liquid holding part, an outer surface of the stem having threads; an elongated article having an inner aperture, the inner aperture having threads that corresponds to the threads of the stem, wherein the elongated article is configured to be fit around the stem of the glassware, such that the threads of the inner aperture engage with the threads of the stem for securing the elongated article over the stem.

Abstract: A musical insulated beverage cozy or container is formed from a unitary member designed to embody an electrical sound synthesizer component. This sound synthesizer component is connected via insulated wire, on the interior of the embodiment, to an on-demand on/off button which the user can press to play or stop pre-loaded or user-recorded music or messages.

Abstract: A drinking dramatization glass 1 includes: a glass body 10; a storage part 20 placed inside the glass body for storing a communication device 100 having an image display part 101; and a transparent part 12 through which to view, from the exterior, images displayed on the image display part; wherein a dielectric substance 32 capable of letting radio waves pass through is filled inside the storage part, and a first radio-wave transmission surface formed on a side face of the glass body and a second radio-wave transmission surface formed on a side face of the storage part are placed at a close-enough distance from each other for letting radio waves pass therethrough when a drink is present between them, wherein the storage part manifests, when its periphery is surrounded by the drink, a waveguiding function of letting radio waves pass through the interior thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing storage of objects such as packages or the like. In particular, in a storage device includes at least one locker having a device for locking/unlocking the locker and a plurality of sensors designed to deliver data specific to the objects deposited in the locker. The method includes: receiving a request to store an object in a locker of the storage device; identifying an object type which matches the object to be stored; according to the object type identified, selecting, from the plurality of locker sensors, a set of sensors to be activated at least while the locker is in use; upon detecting that the locker is in use, activating the selected sensors in order to monitor the storage.

Abstract: A parcel receptacle includes a bottom member, an exterior wall that extends upward from the bottom member and that defines an interior space, and a top member that is coupled with the exterior wall and configured to cover an opening of the receptacle to enclose the parcel within the interior space. The parcel receptacle also includes a lock mechanism that is operably coupled with the top member and the exterior wall. The lock mechanism is lockable to prevent user access to the interior space and is unlockable to enable the top member to be opened to allow user access to the interior space. A vertical lip of the top member overlaps at least a portion of the exterior wall so that a seam between the top member and the exterior wall is covered by the vertical lip.

Abstract: A connector system facilitates the connection of a first tree trunk to a second tree trunk of an artificial tree system. The connector system can prohibit rotation of the first tree trunk relative to the second tree trunk.

Abstract: A mounting bracket lock may be configured to secure the mounting bracket of a window treatment housing to a rail of the housing. The mounting bracket lock may be slidably attachable to the rail and, when in a locked position, may prevent the mounting bracket from detaching from the rail. The mounting bracket lock may include a body that is mountable to the rail. The body may include a first portion that slidably attaches to the rail, and a second portion that receives a portion of the rail and a portion of the mounting bracket, thereby securing the mounting bracket in a locked position relative to the rail. The body of the mounting bracket lock may define one or more projections that extend therefrom, and that engage in a friction fit between corresponding surfaces of the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket lock is in the locked position.

Abstract: The present coupler-mounted connector enables industry standard hooks on horizontal rods to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. The coupler-mounted connector includes an adaptor to support couplers for the drape rods to be mounted on a vertically disposed, affixed coupler, such as a coupler on a pipe, a flat-mounted coupler, or any other coupler. The body of the coupler-mounted connector is positioned around the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector includes a spanning element with a lower wedge to mate with the openings in the upper body of the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector is secured in the coupler with the accessories protruding to one or more sides of the coupler-mounted connector. The accessories are connected to the coupler-mounted connector by one or more connection bridges.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a base portion with a motor housing upwardly extending from a first end of the base portion. A motor is disposed within the motor housing. A processing assembly extends upwardly from a second end of the base portion and is spaced-apart from the motor housing to define a processing area therebetween. An auger assembly includes an auger shaft that is operably coupled to the motor for driving rotational movement of the auger shaft. A clutch assembly is disposed within the motor housing and is operable between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. A disconnect feature is disposed on the motor housing and configured to selectively actuate movement of the clutch assembly between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. In use, a food substrate is mounted to the processing accessory and the auger shaft to process the food substrate.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a gear housing, a frame arm extending from the gear housing on a first lateral side thereof to a support end, a drive screw extending between and operably coupled on respective ends thereof with a first face of the gear housing and the support end of the frame arm, and a retention hub operably coupled with the gear housing and extending generally parallel with and adjacent a portion of drive screw. The drive screw and the retention hub are linearly arranged with respect to the frame arm in sequential positions away from the first lateral side of the gear housing. The device further includes a carrier slidably coupled with the frame arm and operably engageable with the drive screw such that the rotational movement thereof drives corresponding linear movement of the carrier along the frame arm. The carrier defines at least one cutting implement thereon.

Abstract: Control equipment and method for pressure cooking appliance, and pressure cooking appliance. The equipment comprises: a temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature value within a pot of a pressure cooking appliance; a floater detecting device for detecting whether a floater of the pressure cooking appliance is in a floating state; and a control device used for: calculating a target temperature value according to a first temperature value detected by the temperature detecting device when the floater is in the floating state and a preset target pressure value, and controlling a heater of the pressure cooking appliance according to the target temperature value. The present disclosure can perform control by means of corresponding different target temperature values at different altitudes to achieve a target pressure, so that the quality of food cooked by the pressure cooking appliance would not be affected by the altitude.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure comprise methods and apparatuses for cartridge recognition within beverage systems. Such recognition may be done with various topologies and/or materials used in manufacture of the beverage cartridge, as well as monitoring the cartridge for changes in successive uses of the cartridge, to avoid counterfeiting and/or spoofing of the beverage system.

Abstract: An adapter (1) for preparing a beverage by a capsule (2) and a beverage preparation device (3). The adapter (1) has a disk-shaped main body (17) with a capsule side (4) and a device side (7). On the capsule side (4), a mechanism (5) for introducing a liquid into the capsule (2) and mechanism (6) for discharging a liquid from the capsule (2) are arranged. On the device side (7), an inlet (8) and an outlet (9) are arranged. The inlet (8) is fluidically connected to the mechanism (5) for introducing the liquid, and the outlet (9) is fluidically connected to the mechanism (6) for discharging the liquid. The device side (7) is at least partially covered with a covering (67) to form an intermediate volume (19), between the main body (17) and the covering (67), which fluidically connects the inlet (8) to the mechanism (5) for introducing the liquid.

Abstract: A cup having an endless sidewall with a lower stacking shoulder formed of a sidewall and bottom heel including a convexly outwardly curved rib disposed at a transition between the sidewall and a cup bottom having a bottom wall having a recessed dome-shaped center section providing draw ratio bottom wall thickness reduction to an annular flat bottom wall section defining a puncture region of the cup. The cup sidewall has a ribbed section disposed adjacent the heel and extends upwardly at least one-quarter the height of the cup helping to strengthen the relatively thin sidewall to prevent it from undesirably deforming during puncturing of the cup bottom during beverage making. The cup may include an upper shoulder formed of an outwardly expanded section of the sidewall adjacent the top of the cup and defining an filter attachment seat on one side and a cup carrier on the opposite side.

Abstract: A system and method. The system may include a beverage machine including a pump, heater, a sensor, and a processor. The pump may be configured to pump fluid including gas or liquid. The heater may be configured to heat the fluid. The sensor may be implemented downstream of the pump and the heater. The sensor may be configured to sense a pressure, a flow rate, a steam quality, or a temperature of the heated fluid and to output sensor data including information of the pressure, the flow rate, the steam quality, or the temperature of the heated fluid. The processor may be communicatively coupled to the heater, the pump, and the sensor. The processor may be configured to: receive the sensor data; control operation of the pump or the heater; and based on the sensor data, adjust an operational parameter of the pump or the heater.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (110) from an ingredient (102) has an extraction unit (2) with: an ingredient extraction seat (20); an inlet arrangement (21) for guiding water into the seat (20); and a dispensing arrangement (22) for guiding beverage (110) out of the seat (20). The dispensing arrangement (22) has a face (220) delimiting a downstream part of the seat (20). The face (220) is made of an upper portion (220a) and a lower portion (220b) that are delimited by a substantially horizontal physical or notional delimitation line (220c) that is located between a top end and a bottom end of the face (220). The upper portion (220a) is nude of an upper outflow passage (222a) and an upper impervious part delimiting the upper outflow passage. The upper portion (220a) has an upper surface area ratio transverse to a direction (200) of downstream flow in the seat (20) of: a surface area of the upper outflow passage (222a) over a surface area of the upper impervious part.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage from an ingredient includes an extraction unit (2) that has: an ingredient extraction seat (20); an inlet arrangement (21) for guiding water into the seat (20); and a dispensing arrangement (22) for guiding beverage out of the seat (20). The dispensing arrangement (22) has a face (220) delimiting a downstream part of the seat (20) and having a flow-through portion (221) configured such that beverage flowing out the seat (20) flows through the flow-through portion (221) towards a beverage dispensing area (1?). The face (220) has a flow-inhibiting portion (222, 222a, 222b, 222c) that is at least substantially flush with the flow-through portion (221) so as to delimit the seat (20). The flow-inhibiting portion (222, 222a, 222b, 222c) is configured such that beverage flowing out the seat (20) is inhibited, e.g. prevented, from passing through the flow-inhibiting portion (222, 222a, 222b, 222c).

Abstract: What is proposed is a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage, into which a cartridge system having a cartridge and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge can be inserted, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber which can be brought into fluid communication with he reservoir, and a fluid supply line opening into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises a compressed-air connection for blowing compressed air into the reservoir with the aid of a compressed-air line, wherein the beverage preparation machine also has a holding unit, into which the cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge can be inserted, a fluid source for feeding the fluid into the fluid supply line, and a compressed-air source for blowing compressed air into the compressed-air connection, characterized in that the holding unit has a light element which is designed in such a way that the light element a

Abstract: There is described a beverage preparation machine, comprising a user interface for allowing a user interacting with the machine, the user interface comprising an input device (1, 1?, 1?) for selecting a value of a beverage parameter within a value range, wherein the input device (1, 1?, 1?) is a physical element, such as a knob or a slider, movable within a preferably finite movement range, and wherein the position of the input device (1, 1?, 1?) within the movement range corresponds to a selected value of the value range; a beverage preparation arrangement configured for preparing a beverage from one or more ingredients taking into account the selected value; a controller for controlling the user interface and the preparation arrangement; wherein the user interface further comprises a driver (2) connected to the input device (1, 1?, 1?) for providing haptic feedback to a user moving the input device (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: A heat generating assembly (13), aiming to solve the problem of low heating efficiency in the related art such as a coffee machine. The heat generating assembly (13) includes a water inlet (133), a water outlet (134), and a heat generating body (135) provided between the water inlet (133) and the water outlet (134). The heat generating body (135) includes a heating film (132), a bottom cover (131) for the heating film, the heating film (132) is capable of generating heat upon energization to heat liquid flowing through the heat generating body (135). The heat generating assembly (13) uses film-type heating technology, the heating efficiency is high and accurate control of temperature can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination pressure cooker and air fryer including a lid that may be selectively attached to a vessel. The lid may be adjustable between two general cooking positions. In the first cooking position, the lid may operate with the vessel as a pressure cooker. In the second cooking position, the may operate with the vessel as an air fryer. In performing either of the pressure cooking or air fryer cooking functions, the lid does not need to be replaced.

Abstract: A thermal barrier apparatus for use with the barbeque grill. The apparatus includes a thermal barrier structure constructed from heat resistant material and a securing structure secured to the thermal barrier structure and the barbeque grill. The thermal barrier structure is located at a distance sufficiently away from the barbeque grill such that the thermal barrier structure provides a thermal barrier for heat emitted from the barbeque grill while not impairing the operation of the barbeque grill.

Abstract: A security system for a gas fueled device includes a gas valve and a controller operably coupled to the gas valve. A first end portion of the gas valve is operably coupled to a gas source and a second, opposite end portion of the gas valve is operably coupled to a gas fueled device. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which when executed, cause the processor to request entry of a user code, confirm that the entered user code is authorized for use by comparing the entered user code to a plurality od authorized user codes stored on the memory, and generate a signal to cause the gas valve to open and permit the flow of gas from the gas source to the gas fueled device.

Abstract: A cooking grate has a first, central grate portion having opposed front and back support edges for engaging with a support ledge in a grill firebox, and second and third side flanking grate portions each with front and rear support edges for engaging with the support ledge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination pressure cooker and air fryer lid that may be attached to a vessel. The lid may be adjustable between two general cooking positions. In the first cooking position, the lid may operate with the vessel as a pressure cooker. In the second cooking position, the may operate with the vessel as an air fryer. In performing either of the pressure cooking or air fryer cooking functions, the lid need not be replaced.

Abstract: A grinder includes a connecting part configured to be attached to a rotating shaft to which a handle of a hand mill configured to grind food by hand is mounted; and a motor configured to rotate the connecting part and abut on the connecting part.

Abstract: A stand mixer includes: a base, the base including a bowl lift framework having first lift features; a support arm attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom; a head attached to an upper end of the support arm and extending generally horizontally therefrom above the base; and a bowl assembly comprising a bowl and a skirt mounted to the bowl, the skirt including second lift features. The first lift features interact with the second lift features such that, when the bowl assembly is rotated relative to the bowl lift framework, the bowl assembly changes elevation relative to the base between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An electric hand mixer comprises a housing having at least a bottom surface and a rear heel surface, a motor within the housing, one or more holes defined in the bottom surface for receiving a respective rotatable beater, and a power cord extending outward from the housing. A recess is defined in the housing. A first opening to the recess is defined in the bottom surface. A second opening to the recess is defined in the rear heel surface. The first and second openings are continuous with each other. The power cord extends outward from within the recess.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated food making apparatus having a motor, actuator arm, and an apparatus. The apparatus may be a paddle with flexible fins. The method rotates the paddle with a pin-shaft mechanism to dispense an ingredient placed in a canister, controls the motor automatically based on weight sensor readings, and locates a position of the actuator arm with position sensors. The same motor dispenses ingredients from a plurality of canisters. The method may have a plurality of paddle rotation and weight measurement steps until a target weight is reached. The plurality of paddle rotation steps may be unidirectional or bidirectional paddle rotation. The paddle may be rotated according to one or more paddle rotation algorithms, an error recovery algorithm, or different algorithms based on the amounts of ingredients remaining in the canister. The paddle may be rocked until the target weight is achieved.