An automated food preparation system includes a conveyance system configured to move a foodstuff into a sauce position. The automated food preparation system includes multiple sauce reservoirs each having a pump and each configured to contain a respective one of multiple sauces. The automated food preparation system includes multiple tubes, each in fluid communication with the pump of a respective one of the sauce reservoirs. The automated food preparation system includes a scanning head including multiple openings each coupled with a respective one of the tubes. The automated food preparation system includes a motor drivingly coupled to the scanning head and operable to move the scanning head relative to the foodstuff in the sauce position to position a selected one or more of the openings over a selected one or more regions of the foodstuff.

An automated food preparation system includes a conveyance system configured to move a foodstuff into a sauce position. The automated food preparation system includes multiple sauce reservoirs each having a pump and each configured to contain a respective one of multiple sauces. The automated food preparation system includes multiple tubes, each in fluid communication with the pump of a respective one of the sauce reservoirs. The automated food preparation system includes a scanning head including multiple openings each coupled with a respective one of the tubes. The automated food preparation system includes a motor drivingly coupled to the scanning head and operable to move the scanning head relative to the foodstuff in the sauce position to position a selected one or more of the openings over a selected one or more regions of the foodstuff.

A stand clamp including tightening apparatus to attach the clamp around a stand, pole, or similar structure. For example, the tightening apparatus may include first and second semicircular tapered threaded extensions extending from clamp portions, and a clamp knob threaded onto both tapered threaded extensions causing the first tapered threaded extension to move toward the second tapered threaded extension as the clamp knob is tightened. Alternatively, the tightening apparatus may include separate semicircular extensions with sloped walls received within corresponding sloped surfaces on the interior of a knob, causing the semicircular extensions to move toward each other as the knob is threaded into engagement with the semicircular extensions.

A stand clamp including tightening apparatus to attach the clamp around a stand, pole, or similar structure. For example, the tightening apparatus may include first and second semicircular tapered threaded extensions extending from clamp portions, and a clamp knob threaded onto both tapered threaded extensions causing the first tapered threaded extension to move toward the second tapered threaded extension as the clamp knob is tightened. Alternatively, the tightening apparatus may include separate semicircular extensions with sloped walls received within corresponding sloped surfaces on the interior of a knob, causing the semicircular extensions to move toward each other as the knob is threaded into engagement with the semicircular extensions.

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a touchless automatic food locker apparatus, system, and method providing automated self-serve food lockers. Embodiments include arrays of modular food lockers having a public access door and a kitchen access door opposed to each other, assembled as a wall between the public space and the kitchen. Each food locker kitchen access door is adapted to receive a food item disposed into the locker. Heating and cooling elements maintain the appropriate food item temperature in the locker. Sensors, lighting, and UV lighting coupled to the locker detects a state of the item in the locker. The locker further includes credentialed access by the customer to the food locker from the public access door by an assembly coupled to the food locker utilizing mobile communication and intelligent analysis to reduce waiting time, keep food products fresh, and assure quality product delivery.

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a touchless automatic food locker apparatus, system, and method providing automated self-serve food lockers. Embodiments include arrays of modular food lockers having a public access door and a kitchen access door opposed to each other, assembled as a wall between the public space and the kitchen. Each food locker kitchen access door is adapted to receive a food item disposed into the locker. Heating and cooling elements maintain the appropriate food item temperature in the locker. Sensors, lighting, and UV lighting coupled to the locker detects a state of the item in the locker. The locker further includes credentialed access by the customer to the food locker from the public access door by an assembly coupled to the food locker utilizing mobile communication and intelligent analysis to reduce waiting time, keep food products fresh, and assure quality product delivery.

A reconfigurable multiple-piece end panel and mounting system for a food shield and a food shield system and methods. In some embodiments, the food shield system includes a support stand, a customer-facing panel supported by the support stand, and an end panel having a rear portion and a physically separate front portion that is independently removable from the end panel without the use of tools. The end panel mounting system provides for the front portion of the end panel to be selectively mounted to the support stand in a forward configuration where the front portion fully covers the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel, or mounted in a reversed configuration where the front portion does not fully cover the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel.

A reconfigurable multiple-piece end panel and mounting system for a food shield and a food shield system and methods. In some embodiments, the food shield system includes a support stand, a customer-facing panel supported by the support stand, and an end panel having a rear portion and a physically separate front portion that is independently removable from the end panel without the use of tools. The end panel mounting system provides for the front portion of the end panel to be selectively mounted to the support stand in a forward configuration where the front portion fully covers the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel, or mounted in a reversed configuration where the front portion does not fully cover the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel.

A counter system (10) for transferring at least partially unpackaged foodstuffs, wherein the counter system (10) has a first region (11) assigned to the counter staff and a second region (12) segregated therefrom and assigned to the customer. The counter system (10) has a dishwasher (1) for cleaning items of washware (2). The dishwasher (1) has at least one treatment zone (3) and at least one conveyor apparatus (6) for conveying the items of washware (2) to be cleaned from an introduction region (4) of the dishwasher (1) through the treatment zone (3) of the dishwasher (1) to a removal region (5) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the introduction region (4) of the dishwasher (1) is accessible from the second region (12) of the counter system (10) and the removal region (5) of the dishwasher (1) is accessible from the first region (11) of the counter system (10).

A sub-seating delivery system for event seating venues. The sub-seating system may include a transfer system between a sub-seating conveyor belt and a lower base conveyor belt associated with a plurality of vendors who place orders thereon. The transfer system may incorporate a lift assembly that elevates orders from the base conveyor belt to a relevant sub-seating conveyor belt passing directly under a row of event seating. A delivery robot may be adapted to move an order from the sub-seating conveyor belt to a sub-seating container under a destination seat along the row of event seating. From the sub-seating container, a seated individual may access their ordered items without leaving their seat from which they electronically placed the order.