Embodiments of the present invention include a bucket that makes it easier for a user to identify the level of a substance in a bucket. In order to achieve this, the bucket includes an interior portion that defines a cavity for receiving a substance. The interior portion includes interior measurement markings on an interior sidewall of the interior portion, which allows the user to directly visually inspect the level of the substance in the bucket.

An initial positioning system and method for liquid measuring and taking. The system comprises a measuring passage, a variable pressure chamber, and a piston, an initial end of the measuring passage being in communication with the upper part of the variable pressure chamber; the piston reciprocates in the variable pressure chamber to cause a change between positive pressure and negative pressure in the variable pressure chamber; the initial positioning system further comprises a pressure relief port located on the wall of the variable pressure chamber and capable of communicating with the outside of the variable pressure chamber; when the piston is located at the pressure relief port, and the inside and outside of the variable pressure chamber are in communication, the maximum volume of the liquid that can be accommodated in the variable pressure chamber is not smaller than one third of the total volume of the variable pressure chamber.

An initial positioning system and method for liquid measuring and taking. The system comprises a measuring passage, a variable pressure chamber, and a piston, an initial end of the measuring passage being in communication with the upper part of the variable pressure chamber; the piston reciprocates in the variable pressure chamber to cause a change between positive pressure and negative pressure in the variable pressure chamber; the initial positioning system further comprises a pressure relief port located on the wall of the variable pressure chamber and capable of communicating with the outside of the variable pressure chamber; when the piston is located at the pressure relief port, and the inside and outside of the variable pressure chamber are in communication, the maximum volume of the liquid that can be accommodated in the variable pressure chamber is not smaller than one third of the total volume of the variable pressure chamber.

An operable measuring attachment for a mixing appliance includes a mixing bowl defining a mixing interior, a housing having a protrusion attachable to the appliance and a plurality of containers each having an interior volume. Each container is alternatively operable between a measuring position engaged to a top of the housing, and a disengaged position distal from the housing. The operable measuring attachment also includes a magnetic coupler having a first magnetic member disposed proximate the base of each of the plurality of containers and a second magnetic member disposed proximate the top of the housing. The selective magnetic engagement of the first magnetic member of any one of the plurality of containers and the second magnetic members further defines the measuring position. A scale is disposed within the housing that is in communication with the interior volume of the container in the measuring position.

An operable measuring attachment for a mixing appliance includes a mixing bowl defining a mixing interior, a housing having a protrusion attachable to the appliance and a plurality of containers each having an interior volume. Each container is alternatively operable between a measuring position engaged to a top of the housing, and a disengaged position distal from the housing. The operable measuring attachment also includes a magnetic coupler having a first magnetic member disposed proximate the base of each of the plurality of containers and a second magnetic member disposed proximate the top of the housing. The selective magnetic engagement of the first magnetic member of any one of the plurality of containers and the second magnetic members further defines the measuring position. A scale is disposed within the housing that is in communication with the interior volume of the container in the measuring position.

Disclosed is a method for adjusting a position of an aspirator in a sample processing apparatus, the sample processing apparatus comprising the aspirator configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent from a container and a capacitance sensor connected to the aspirator to detect change in capacitance, the method comprising: moving the aspirator above a position adjustment part which is electrically conductive and which is disposed at a predetermined position; obtaining capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor while moving the aspirator; and setting reference position information indicating a reference position of the aspirator based on change in the obtained capacitance.

A system for a combination utensil and strainer tool. The tool has a utensil portion. Attached to and downstream from the utensil portion is the straining portion. Attached to and downstream of the straining portion is the handle portion. A user can use the utensil portion to stir, cook, and other functions. The user can thereafter use the same tool as a strainer.

A calibration cup for use in calibrating a quantity of a dessert dispensed from a product dispensing machine includes a body portion having an interior cavity, the interior cavity including a first chamber adjacent to at least a second chamber being disposed along a longitudinal width of the body portion, the first and the at least one second chamber being configured for receiving a quantity of the dessert from the product dispensing machine; and at least one opening on the body portion, the at least one opening being configured for receiving a nozzle coupled to the product dispensing machine; where the body portion is configured for self-aligning the first chamber and the at least a second chamber to the product dispensing machine.

A calibration cup for use in calibrating a quantity of a dessert dispensed from a product dispensing machine includes a body portion having an interior cavity, the interior cavity including a first chamber adjacent to at least a second chamber being disposed along a longitudinal width of the body portion, the first and the at least one second chamber being configured for receiving a quantity of the dessert from the product dispensing machine; and at least one opening on the body portion, the at least one opening being configured for receiving a nozzle coupled to the product dispensing machine; where the body portion is configured for self-aligning the first chamber and the at least a second chamber to the product dispensing machine.

A gathering and dispensing scoop with agitating gate valve provides a scoop body defining an upper opening, a bottom opening, and a channel extending therebetween. A handle extends radially from an outer peripheral surface of the scoop body. A gate valve transects the channel and has a user operable finger tab adjacent to the handle for a user to move the gate valve from a first position transecting the channel and obstructing the bottom opening to a second position wherein the gate valve no longer obstructs the channel and opens the bottom opening.