Two tables in the form of concentric circular rings provide seating positions for people on the interior of the inner ring table and the exterior of the outer ring table. People on the interior face outwards, and people on the exterior face inwards. At least one table rotates relative to the other, such that each person positioned on the interior of the inner ring table will interface with each person positioned on the exterior of the outer ring table during one full revolution of the at least one rotating table.

A food stand system with a plan view in the shape of an incomplete circle, with a flat top surface as a countertop, and a convex customer-facing surface. The stand contains a food preparation appliance having both cooking and refrigeration components. Sensors measure the appliance interior state, and provide data to an automated controller that controls appliance operation to prepare food for consumption.

A food stand system with a plan view in the shape of an incomplete circle, with a flat top surface as a countertop, and a convex customer-facing surface. The stand contains a food preparation appliance having both cooking and refrigeration components. Sensors measure the appliance interior state, and provide data to an automated controller that controls appliance operation to prepare food for consumption.

Embodiments of the invention include a barrier assembly including a frame to hold a barrier member. A bracket defines a track and the bracket can be attached to a support surface such that a first branch of the bracket resides on a first side of the support surface and a second branch of the bracket resides on a second side of the support surface. An articulating connector couples the frame to track, the articulating connector enables the frame to move in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the track. The frame and connector can move along the track from a first position in which the frame resides above the support surface to a second position in which the frame resides below the support surface.

Embodiments of the invention include a barrier assembly including a frame to hold a barrier member. A bracket defines a track and the bracket can be attached to a support surface such that a first branch of the bracket resides on a first side of the support surface and a second branch of the bracket resides on a second side of the support surface. An articulating connector couples the frame to track, the articulating connector enables the frame to move in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the track. The frame and connector can move along the track from a first position in which the frame resides above the support surface to a second position in which the frame resides below the support surface.

A container transport and delivery system having at least some of an input tower having an input platform capable of vertical movement within at least a portion of the input tower and an input window providing access to the input platform; an output tower having an output platform capable of vertical movement within at least a portion of the output tower and an output window providing access to the output platform; and a transfer section disposed between the input tower and the output tower, wherein a transfer belt, disposed within the transfer section, is capable of receiving an item from the input platform and transferring the received item to the output platform, and wherein a surface of the transfer belt maintains a substantially horizontal position within the output tower.

A container transport and delivery system having at least some of an input tower having an input platform capable of vertical movement within at least a portion of the input tower and an input window providing access to the input platform; an output tower having an output platform capable of vertical movement within at least a portion of the output tower and an output window providing access to the output platform; and a transfer section disposed between the input tower and the output tower, wherein a transfer belt, disposed within the transfer section, is capable of receiving an item from the input platform and transferring the received item to the output platform, and wherein a surface of the transfer belt maintains a substantially horizontal position within the output tower.

A method and system of managing the acquisition of food in a commercial environment. An example method includes receiving, from a first scale, a container weight of a container when food is removed from the container. The method also includes determining a removed weight of the food from the container based on the container weight relative to an initial container weight, receiving, from a second scale, a plate weight of a plate when the food is added to the plate. The method also includes determining an added weight of the food to the plate based on the plate weight relative to an initial plate weight, determining whether the removed weight and the added weight match, and responsive to determining that the removed weight and the added weight match, providing information related to the food to be presented on a user interface at the food station.

A food shield pivot connection providing for adjustment of the angular orientation of a support arm, and any attached panel, relative to a food shield stand. A representative pivot connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, and a plate positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the panel support arm. In this embodiment, a knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the knob in a first direction drives the plate into engagement with the support arm, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the plate away from the support arm.

A food shield pivot connection providing for adjustment of the angular orientation of a support arm, and any attached panel, relative to a food shield stand. A representative pivot connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, and a plate positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the panel support arm. In this embodiment, a knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the knob in a first direction drives the plate into engagement with the support arm, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the plate away from the support arm.