In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a cloud computer system for controlling a plurality of remote devices comprising a cloud server including a cloud based operating system comprising a data model stored in a computer memory. The data model includes commands that may be performed by a plurality of remote devices in a remote system and, for each remote device, one or more operations for triggering processes executed by the remote device. The cloud based operating system generates a set of instructions from the plurality of commands and corresponding operations to control a portion of the remote devices to perform a task.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a cloud computer system for controlling a plurality of remote devices comprising a cloud server including a cloud based operating system comprising a data model stored in a computer memory. The data model includes commands that may be performed by a plurality of remote devices in a remote system and, for each remote device, one or more operations for triggering processes executed by the remote device. The cloud based operating system generates a set of instructions from the plurality of commands and corresponding operations to control a portion of the remote devices to perform a task.

The disclosure relates to integrated systems for dispensing, weighing, identifying, processing, and/or printing tag identifiers for items (e.g., bulk food items). In one embodiment, a storage system includes one or more storage bins configured to store one or more bulk foods. The storage system further includes a kiosk. The storage system further includes a sensor attached to or positioned adjacent to each storage bin of the one or more storage bins. Each sensor is configured to monitor a movement of a respective storage bin. Additionally, each sensor is configured to transmit a notification or signal to the kiosk identifying the movement of the respective storage bin. Further, the kiosk is configured to receive the notification or signal from the sensor and automatically print a label identifying a bulk food stored in the respective storage bin.

A gravity-feed dispensing system includes a hopper configured to hold a bulk material for dispense. The hopper includes a mouth. A dispenser includes a valve operable between open and closed conditions to selectively permit bulk material to pass from the hopper through an outlet of the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to selectively connect the valve to the mouth of the hopper.

A gravity-feed dispensing system includes a hopper configured to hold a bulk material for dispense. The hopper includes a mouth. A dispenser includes a valve operable between open and closed conditions to selectively permit bulk material to pass from the hopper through an outlet of the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to selectively connect the valve to the mouth of the hopper.

A device, system, and method are provided for grinding, dispensing, and packaging a granular material into a receptacle to be obtained by a user. The device can include: a user interface; a canister comprising a dispensing mechanism and a grinder; a packaging system configured to physically manipulate and position a receptacle within the device, thereby eliminating the need for manual handling by the user; a receptacle-storage configured to house a plurality of receptacles and from which the packaging system can obtain a receptacle; a capping station configured to apply a covering onto a filled receptacle to prevent spillage and waste; an inventory database to store inventory information; a communication system to facilitate internet connectivity; and a recommendation system to recommend various recipes to the user. The description also discloses a system of interconnected kiosks for automatically grinding, dispensing, and packaging granular materials.

A device, system, and method are provided for grinding, dispensing, and packaging a granular material into a receptacle to be obtained by a user. The device can include: a user interface; a canister comprising a dispensing mechanism and a grinder; a packaging system configured to physically manipulate and position a receptacle within the device, thereby eliminating the need for manual handling by the user; a receptacle-storage configured to house a plurality of receptacles and from which the packaging system can obtain a receptacle; a capping station configured to apply a covering onto a filled receptacle to prevent spillage and waste; an inventory database to store inventory information; a communication system to facilitate internet connectivity; and a recommendation system to recommend various recipes to the user. The description also discloses a system of interconnected kiosks for automatically grinding, dispensing, and packaging granular materials.

A dispensing hopper (1) for dispensing particulate material comprises a base (3) having a pair of inclined base portions (11) inclining downwardly inwardly towards a dispensing channel (14) of semi-circular transverse cross-section. A dispensing auger (18) located in the dispensing channel (14) urges powder material along the dispensing channel (14) through a dispensing outlet port (15). Agitating discs (30), which are rotatably mounted on the inclined base portions (11), are each provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart gear teeth (36) extending radially from the outer periphery (35) thereof. The gear teeth (36) of the agitating discs (30) engage a flight (21) of the dispensing auger (18) so that as the dispensing auger (18) rotates the agitating discs (30) are rotated. The gear teeth (36) of the agitating discs (30) act on the powder material in the hopper (1) in order to prevent bridging of the powder material over the auger (18). An electrically powered geared motor (23) drives the dispensing auger (18).

An automated dispensing system that releases a selected quantity of an edible or non-edible bulk product is provided. Using a digital interface or a dispense button, consumers select a specified amount of bulk product to be dispensed (by weight, mass, or cost). The product is then dispensed into a receptacle container and the system calculates the quantity and corresponding cost that was dispensed into the receptacle container. Using an identification key system, consumers can activate the automatic dispensing system. The identification key may be used to track and store the user's dispensed bulk products. This information may be uploaded to a database that is later called upon at the time of checkout to tabulate the users total cost of dispensed bulk products. The system can also update an inventory database of the bulk products.

An automated dispensing system that releases a selected quantity of an edible or non-edible bulk product is provided. Using a digital interface or a dispense button, consumers select a specified amount of bulk product to be dispensed (by weight, mass, or cost). The product is then dispensed into a receptacle container and the system calculates the quantity and corresponding cost that was dispensed into the receptacle container. Using an identification key system, consumers can activate the automatic dispensing system. The identification key may be used to track and store the user's dispensed bulk products. This information may be uploaded to a database that is later called upon at the time of checkout to tabulate the users total cost of dispensed bulk products. The system can also update an inventory database of the bulk products.