A dispenser, a dispensing system and a dispensing method are disclosed. A plurality of dispensers may be implemented. The dispenser includes a flexible container having a top and a bottom and capable of holding a product therein, the flexible container including top and bottom openings. A rigid support structure that supports the flexible container is provided. A moveable dispensing arm that operatively facilitates product dispensing is also provided. The moveable dispensing arm is operable between a dispensing condition and a retaining condition, and it includes a pinching edge which is configured to pinch the flexible container shut in either the dispensing condition or the retaining condition of the dispensing arm.

A touch free, spice dispenser is provided including a container for holding spices, a holder for supporting the container on an external support, a grinding mechanism and a sensor for activating the grinding mechanism in response to the presence of an object. The container has an open end and a closed end. The holder includes an end cap for support of the container, a hook for engagement with a support member and a strap extending between the hook and the end cap. The grinding mechanism is positioned in the end cap of the holder and is in electrical communication with a contact pad located on the hook. The grinding mechanism includes a grinder plate and a motor to rotate the grinder plate in response to a signal received from the sensor. Holes in the grinder plate and apertures in the end cap allow for passage of the spices out of the dispenser. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the dispenser above a food item.

A touch free, spice dispenser is provided including a container for holding spices, a holder for supporting the container on an external support, a grinding mechanism and a sensor for activating the grinding mechanism in response to the presence of an object. The container has an open end and a closed end. The holder includes an end cap for support of the container, a hook for engagement with a support member and a strap extending between the hook and the end cap. The grinding mechanism is positioned in the end cap of the holder and is in electrical communication with a contact pad located on the hook. The grinding mechanism includes a grinder plate and a motor to rotate the grinder plate in response to a signal received from the sensor. Holes in the grinder plate and apertures in the end cap allow for passage of the spices out of the dispenser. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the dispenser above a food item.

A system includes a carousel apparatus including: first openings concentrically arranged around axis to hold first containers adapted to hold first food ingredients, second openings concentrically arranged inside the first openings to hold second containers adapted to hold second food ingredients, a holder in which the first openings and the second openings are formed, and which is adapted to support the first containers and the second containers, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around the axis; support structure configured to hold a receptacle; and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and including: a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the first openings and the second openings.

A system includes a carousel apparatus including: first openings concentrically arranged around axis to hold first containers adapted to hold first food ingredients, second openings concentrically arranged inside the first openings to hold second containers adapted to hold second food ingredients, a holder in which the first openings and the second openings are formed, and which is adapted to support the first containers and the second containers, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around the axis; support structure configured to hold a receptacle; and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and including: a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the first openings and the second openings.

Delivery apparatus and assemblies are shown and described. In one embodiment, a delivery apparatus includes a container adapted to support the concealed article, a central tube, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may release the container from the central tube and protrude through the exposed end. The result is an improved hidden display and assembly for enhancing efficient, effective delivery of a hidden item inside a food item(s) or the like.

A dispenser (5) comprising a body (10) and a removable magazine (11) in which a product pouch (175) is held. The body (10) and magazine (11) form an asymmetric interior volume similar to the shape of the pouch (175). The dispenser (5) includes a grip (28) and actuator (30) at an actuator end and a ratcheting drive system disposed on opposite sides of the interior volume. The drive system applies a symmetric pushing force on a squeeze pusher (32) that is slidably disposed in the interior volume. The squeeze pusher (32) applies pressure to the pouch (175) to dispense the product. The magazine (11) and pouch (175) may be ejected once the squeeze pusher (32) is ratcheted to the dispensing end. Once ejected, the squeeze pusher (32) is disengaged from the drive system. A magazine (11) with a new pouch (175) may be inserted into the body (10), which automatically positions the squeeze pusher (32) at the actuating end and reengages the drive system for further dispensing.

A dispenser (5) comprising a body (10) and a removable magazine (11) in which a product pouch (175) is held. The body (10) and magazine (11) form an asymmetric interior volume similar to the shape of the pouch (175). The dispenser (5) includes a grip (28) and actuator (30) at an actuator end and a ratcheting drive system disposed on opposite sides of the interior volume. The drive system applies a symmetric pushing force on a squeeze pusher (32) that is slidably disposed in the interior volume. The squeeze pusher (32) applies pressure to the pouch (175) to dispense the product. The magazine (11) and pouch (175) may be ejected once the squeeze pusher (32) is ratcheted to the dispensing end. Once ejected, the squeeze pusher (32) is disengaged from the drive system. A magazine (11) with a new pouch (175) may be inserted into the body (10), which automatically positions the squeeze pusher (32) at the actuating end and reengages the drive system for further dispensing.

A cooking pot support assembly includes a support rack that has a grapple portion and a support portion. The grapple portion is positionable to engage a front edge of a sink having the support portion angling downwardly into the sink. The support portion has a cooking pot positioned thereon to support the cooking pot at an angle. In this way the support portion assists with pouring liquid from the cooking pot into the sink. A support is rotatably coupled to the support rack. The support is positionable in a deployed position to extend into the sink. The support includes a stop portion extending upwardly from the support rack to inhibit the cooking pot from sliding along the support rack into the sink.

A cooking pot support assembly includes a support rack that has a grapple portion and a support portion. The grapple portion is positionable to engage a front edge of a sink having the support portion angling downwardly into the sink. The support portion has a cooking pot positioned thereon to support the cooking pot at an angle. In this way the support portion assists with pouring liquid from the cooking pot into the sink. A support is rotatably coupled to the support rack. The support is positionable in a deployed position to extend into the sink. The support includes a stop portion extending upwardly from the support rack to inhibit the cooking pot from sliding along the support rack into the sink.