Abstract: A blender includes an integrated scale used to weigh ingredients added to a vessel of the blender. The blender also includes a user interface (UI) and a recipe application that includes recipe data. The integrated scale is mounted atop the blender such that as the vessel receives ingredients, the vessel engages the integrated scale but does not operatively engage a motor of the blender when weighing ingredients. The weights may be provided to a user via the UI as the ingredients are received in the vessel. The recipe application may be executed by a microcontroller of the blender to provide recipe steps via the UI to the user and thereby guide the user through a recipe based at least in part upon the recipe data and the weight of ingredients. When blending and mixing the ingredients, the vessel operatively engages the motor but does not engage the integrated scale.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of evacuating air from a muffler while it is being filled with a fibrous material are disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for preparing intravenous medicaments including an enclosing structure having a plurality of lateral walls arranged to define a closed internal working environment. An access station affords selective access to the closed internal working environment. One lateral wall is an equipped wall on which there are defined a plurality of stations for objects used in the preparation of intravenous medicaments. The stations on the equipped wall include temporary receiving or parking stations for the objects and operating stations for carrying out operations on the objects. A handling robot is programmed to transfer the objects from any station to any other station. The machine includes a metering module with one or more container support groups, a syringe support/metering member group, and a weighing group for weighing objects used in the preparation of intravenous medicaments.

Abstract: A device for automated characterization of radioactive analytes that provides an integrated system with liquid handling and plate reading components. The device can be further configured to include a chromatographic subsystem. Also provided is a method of using such a device, providing addition of a radioactive sample and a sequence of operations involving the abovementioned components of the system. The system is configured with radiation shielding in such a way that manipulations of radioactive samples do not interfere with concurrent radioactive measurements.

Abstract: A medication container encoding, verification and identification method is provided that includes receiving data characterizing a medication, generating an identifier encapsulating the data and applying an identifier to a medication container such that it is automatically readable by a medication device. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: A weigh scale unit may be used in conjunction with a beverage preparation machine to prepare beverages efficiently. The weigh scale unit may provide the status of ingredient addition to a beverage receptacle. The weigh scale unit may send instructions and/or data to the beverage preparation machine. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation machine sends instructions and/or data to the weigh scale unit.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system can include a powder dispenser; a gate adjacent to the powder dispenser; a recoater blade system; and a control operable to move the gate with respect to the powder dispenser to selectively dispense powder from the powder dispenser.

Abstract: Dosing heads for apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port. In use, the dosing heads are aligned with a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head and at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal. When the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.

Abstract: A method of filling a cartridge having one or more pouches. The method may include the steps of placing the pouch on a support, placing a first cartridge half over the pouch and the support, placing the pouch and the first cartridge half on a second cartridge half to form the cartridge, maneuvering the cartridge to a filling unit, and filling the pouch within the cartridge.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising multiple subsystems typically including container receiving, container cleaning, container storage, container filling, container vending, a computer system, and a user interface A vending machine for dispensing, receiving, cleaning and/or filling containers comprising container receiving means for receiving a first container; container cleaning means for cleaning the first container; container dispensing means for dispensing the first container; and container filling means for filling the first container or a second container.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for filling multi-chamber containers with different loose bulk materials. The apparatus and method may be particularly well-suited to packaging at least one bulk material, which is susceptible to water, chemicals, or other contaminants, with at least one other bulk material. The apparatus is a machine that includes separate hoppers for handling the separate bulk materials, and directs the separate bulk materials into different chambers of a multi-chamber container, which is then transported away from the machine for storage or use. The machine may include one or more movable hoppers supported on tracks, for moving the bulk materials to the hoppers that direct the bulk materials into different chambers of the multi-chamber container. A controller and data logger may be provided to control the apparatus and record the quantity and/or weight of the contents of each multi-chamber container.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a two-component filling material includes separate liquid channels for the two components. Each channel has a controllable valve. A flow meter is configured for directly measuring an amount of the first component fed to the container and indirectly measuring an amount of the second component fed to said container. It does the indirect measurement by measuring a flow rate of the first component resulting from a flow rate of the second component. Each component has an associated variable-volume chamber configured so that a volume change in one leads to an inverse volume change in the other. This affects flow rate of the first component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paint mixing machine comprising a body (1), a plurality of containers (3) fixed with respect to the body and containing a pigment paste to be dosed into a paint pot (2), for each container, dosing equipment fixed with respect to the body for dosing paste contained in each container into the paint pot via nozzles (4) of the dosing equipment, and means for using the dosing equipment, wherein a robot (6) is arranged beneath the dosing nozzles (4) for moving the paint pot (2) along the robot's freely selected paths in a space coordinates system at least in relation to a currently selected dosing nozzle (4).

Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system for gravimetrically combining individual bulk material components in one or a plurality of transport container(s). The system comprises a plurality of storage containers for storing the bulk material components equipped with one dosing unit each in order to transfer a respective bulk material component into the transport container. Each of the storage containers is associated with a weighing means disposed below each storage container. The transport containers can be moved between the dosing units of the supply containers along a guidance and cooperate with the weighing means.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a customizable personal skincare liquid product in a portable dispenser are disclosed herein. The system includes a processor, a memory, a supply of portable dispensers, a supply of a base liquid material, and a supply of additional substances. A user provides selections and instructions to the system. The system mixes the base liquid material with one or more of the additional substances in the portable dispenser to create a customizable personal skincare liquid product according to the user specifications.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a stationary platform configured to support a blender cup. The blender cup is displaceable via a mechanically actuated movement arm between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup. The platform is reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup, the platform reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for a grouting system. The filling apparatus comprises a first fill tube and a second fill tube. The first fill tube is discrete from the second fill tube. The first fill tube is disposed for transporting resin mastic and the second fill tube is disposed for transporting initiator. A portion of the first fill tube has an inlet opening through which an injection quill extends interiorly and downwardly through the first fill tube. The injection quill is disposed for transporting inhibitor. This disclosure also relates to a method for adjusting gel time of a grouting system used for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, a grouting system for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, and a method for anchoring a reinforcing member in a mine.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: Hot or Cold soup made fresh from scratch, can or concentrate is prepared in a suitable container and after its preparation is kept cool, blended and re-circulated for long term shelf life until a serving is requested. This serving volume of soup is automatically pumped and heated to serving temperature (hot soup) and served in a suitable container like a cup or a bowl. The entire system where the soup resides is always kept refrigerated. The only portion of the soup that is heated after its preparation is the one dispensed. If it is a soup that is served cold the heating prior to dispensing is by-passed.

Abstract: A machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat. The machine includes a guiding assembly provided above the ground. A bearing frame capable of displacement on the guiding frame is disposed along a first horizontal longitudinal axis. A transport carriage capable of displacement on the bearing frame is disposed along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. A lifting portion, that is supported by the carriage, includes a raising support member capable of displacement along a vertical axis. A weighing portion is supported by the raising support member. The weighing portion includes a platform on which to weigh the load. A gripping portion for gripping vats one by one is mechanically connected to the platform. At least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material, in front of which, the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: A machine for filling cups with foodstuff has metering stations having metering modules provided with filling nozzles, respectively, for introducing product flows into horizontally supplied cups. A programmable control unit cooperates with the metering modules in such a way that in a filling process, by means of controlled tilting and/or lifting actions of the filling nozzles, variable filling structures are generated from the product flows in the cups.

Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat (100), including: a guiding assembly provided above the ground; a bearing frame (2) capable of displacement on the guiding frame along a first horizontal longitudinal axis; a transport carriage (3) capable of displacement on the bearing frame (2) along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first one; a raising means (4) supported by the carriage (3), said raising means including a raising support member (40) capable of displacement along a vertical axis; weighing means (5) supported by the raising member (40) of the means (4), said weighing means including a member (50) on which the load to be weighed is applied; gripping means (6) for gripping the vats (100) one by one et mechanically connected to the member (50) of means (5); and at least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material and in front of which the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.

Abstract: A system for filling a container with hazardous waste includes a primary confinement chamber that houses a lid handling mechanism and a filling head. The lid handling mechanism may be used to remove and/or recouple the lid to the container as part of the process of filling the container in such a way to ensure the exterior of the container is not contaminated by the hazardous waste. The filling head may be configured to add the hazardous waste to the container, mix the contents of the container, and/or vent air from the container. The system may include additional mechanisms in the primary confinement chamber to add dry cementitious material to the container, add premixed wet cementitious materials to the container, add cementitious material to seal off the top of the lid, and/or measure the level and test whether the contents of the container meet quality assurance requirements. The hazardous waste may include radioactive hazardous waste.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes several feeding mechanisms, a conveying mechanism, and receiving barrels as many as the feeding mechanisms; each feeding mechanism includes a storage barrel, a conduit connected to an outlet of the storage barrel, an elastic element in the conduit, and a transmission for rotating the elastic element so as to convey material forwards along the conduit; the conveying mechanism includes a guiding and bearing board for supporting the receiving barrels, a platform, a conveying machine for pushing the receiving barrels forwards, a propping power source for propping the platform upwards, and scales; the board has slots, and the scales are positioned on the platform for weighing materials added into the receiving barrels; each scale has propping rods thereon such that the scales will weigh materials added into the receiving barrels when moved up for the propping rods to pass through the slots and prop the receiving barrels.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid dispenser includes a housing having at least a first opening and a second opening, and a valve member fitted in the housing, the valve member being rotatable about an axis and comprising a first channel, extending along said axis and communicating with the first opening in the housing, and at least two outlet channels radially extending from the first channel to the circumference of the valve member, wherein each of the radially extending outlet channels can be brought in register with the second opening by rotating the valve member.

Abstract: A system for handling chemicals includes a base; a supply container handling area disposed on the base and configured to hold at least one supply container; a drainage vessel disposed on the base and located with respect to the supply container handing area so as to catch liquids spilled or leaking in the supply container handling area; and an overflow vessel receiving area disposed upon the base and configured to hold at least one overflow vessel. The drainage vessel has an outlet and is configured to allow a liquid spilled or leaking into the drainage vessel to flow out of the drainage vessel through the outlet and into an overflow vessel in fluid communication with the outlet of the drainage vessel. The system may also include a supply container, a trigger-pumped spray bottle, an information display board, and a compliance-status indicator. The system may include multiple supply vessels, drainage vessels, and overflow vessels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the efficient and controllable delivery of cryogen liquid droplets into thin walled containers. Discharge of the droplets is facilitated using a horizontal displacement assembly to transport metered droplets from a liquid dosing unit to the point of injection above the container. The horizontal displacement assembly may be provided with internal heaters to prevent freeze up, and a sensor to confirm droplet discharge. It may also be provided with a separate source of heated nitrogen gas, which can be used to back purge the dispensing unit should it become clogged, to melt any frozen liquid occlusions which may have formed in the cryogen supply line.

Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge having at least two compartments for storing fluid includes at least one reservoir of fluid; at least two metering pumps connected to the at least one reservoir of fluid; and at least two filling tubes connected to the at least two metering pumps, respectively; wherein each filling tube simultaneously fills one of the at least two compartments in the cartridge with the fluid. The apparatus preferably includes a puck which defines a substantially cylindrical cavity and a pin eccentrically disposed in the substantially cylindrical cavity whereby the cartridge may be inserted in the cavity in the puck and aligned by insertion of the pin of the puck in an eccentric through hole of the cartridge. A rotary screw engages the puck and positions the cartridge for sealing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a specific minimum amount of a liquid or pourable substance into a container to fill the container, in the course of which the amount of the dispensed substance is measured and a valve is close to terminate the filling process as soon as the amount of the dispensed substance has reached a defined final value in which the substance is dispensed into a first container in several dispensing steps. During an initial dispensing step, the filling process is interrupted by the closing of the valve so as to permit determination of the tailing of the substance that occurs during the closing of the valve, while for a subsequent dispensing step the valve is opened to resume the filling process, with the final value for terminating the subsequent dispensing step being established by factoring-in a tailing value of the substance that was determined in a preceding dispensing step during the closing of the valve.

Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: An installation for filling receptacles comprises a rotary platform supporting a first filling station comprising a first feed vessel having first filling nozzles connected thereto, and at least one second filling station comprising a second feed vessel having second filling nozzles connected thereto, the second filling nozzles being adjacent to the first filling nozzles and the installation further comprising displacement members for imparting relative displacement between the receptacles and the filling nozzles.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a flavored beverage wherein the flavor is added in a separate step to a combination of the base ingredients of the beverage is provided. The flavor can be added to a container either before, during or after a thermally processed master batch base is hot filled into the container.

Abstract: A dispenser has first and second reservoirs configured to contain first and second components of a single dose of a multi-component dental adhesive. The reservoirs are sealed by closures which are slidably received in the reservoirs. When the closures are moved from first positions to second positions, the contents of the reservoirs may be accessed with an adhesive applicator. An applicator configured to be used with the dispenser has a collar spaced from a tip of the applicator, whereby the applicator may be used to move the closures while ensuring that the tip does not contact the closures.

Abstract: The method of packaging a receptacle (2) with a product comprising different miscible ingredients comprises the steps of filling the receptacles (2) in part with a first portion of the ingredients in a first filling unit (4) comprising a series of filling stations (5), of transferring the receptacles to at least one second filling unit likewise comprising a series of filling stations (9), and of successively finishing off the filling of the receptacles with the remainder of the ingredients.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a multi-compartment container having two open ends and a partition wall that forms a fluid-tight seal defining two compartments each holding a separate component to be mixed with one another by the end-user prior to use. The process and apparatus for filling the two-compartment container comprises filling one compartment with material through an opening at one end of the container; sealing the opening; rotating the container; filling the other compartment with material through an opening at the other end of the container; and sealing the other opening preferably with a removable seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pressurized packages capable of obtaining gas displacement pressurized canned goods with high accuracy of internal pressure by atomizing liquid nitrogen, and supplying it together with low temperature vaporized gases to a head space of a can. A spray device assembly (10) for atomizing and spraying the liquid nitrogen is provided in an opening of the bottom of a liquefied gas storage tank (1) formed as a vacuum heat insulating structure. The spray device assembly (10) is constituted such that a valve (2) for controlling the flow rate of liquid nitrogen, a spray nozzle (3), a liquid nitrogen flowpassage (4) extending from the valve (2) to the spray nozzle (3), a nozzle cooling tank (5) for cooling the flowpassage, and a purge device for cutting an outer peripheral portion of a nozzle and an outlet portion off from the air, so as to prevent them from being frosted, are integrally mounted on a spray body 6.

Abstract: An automated baby formula bottle filler for providing formula for a baby's bottle from powdered formula. The automated baby formula bottle filler includes a housing having an interior space. The interior space is for holding water. A motor compartment coupled to the housing. The motor compartment is positioned in the interior space. A first funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing baby formula powder. A second funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing water. A control panel is coupled to the housing. The control panel includes a powdered formula dispenser control, a water dispenser control.

Abstract: A liquid filling apparatus comprises an apparatus body having a liquid channel connected at one end thereof to a liquid tank and at the other end thereof to a filling nozzle, a metering cylinder provided in the liquid channel between opposite ends thereof in communication with the ends for causing the liquid to be filled to flow into and out of the liquid channel by strokes of a piston housed in the cylinder, a check valve disposed upstream from the metering cylinder of the liquid channel, and valve opening-closing means for mechanically operating the check valve so as to open the valve during the inflow stroke of the piston and to close the valve during the outflow stroke of the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling spray bottle dispensers with premixed, ready-to-use liquid chemical includes a spray bottle dispenser with two separate necks. A sprayhead is connected to the first neck and a cap closes the second neck. The premixed, ready-to-use liquid chemical enters the spray bottle dispenser through the second neck. A check valve may be placed in the second neck or in the cap. When placed in the cap, the spray bottle dispenser may be refilled without removing the cap.