Automated meal preparation apparatus for continuous preparation of meals, comprising a closed-loop conveyor rail configured to support a plurality of cooking pots, driving means configured to simultaneously convey the cooking pots in a conveying direction along the closed-loop conveyor rail to a plurality of separate stations sequentially located along the closed-loop conveyor rail and being stationary with respect thereto, the plurality of stations comprising an ingredient dispensing station comprising an ingredient dispenser configured to dispense ingredients in a cooking pot, a preparation station, located downstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a heating element, a serving station, located downstream from the preparation station, and comprising a dispensing mechanism, and a cleaning station, located downstream from the serving station and upstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean a cooking pot.

A method for filling a pod is provided. A pod is provided and has a housing defining a plurality of serving chambers arranged in an annular array and surrounding a drive hub. Data is received that is indicative of a customized nutritional supplement for the pod to a controller of an automated filling station. The customized nutritional supplement is filled into at least one of the plurality of serving chambers of the pod via the automated filling station by controlling a plurality of hoppers of the filling station to dispense the customized supplement into the plurality of serving chambers of the pod. Each hopper contains a corresponding ingredient available for the customized supplement.

A method for filling a pod is provided. A pod is provided and has a housing defining a plurality of serving chambers arranged in an annular array and surrounding a drive hub. Data is received that is indicative of a customized nutritional supplement for the pod to a controller of an automated filling station. The customized nutritional supplement is filled into at least one of the plurality of serving chambers of the pod via the automated filling station by controlling a plurality of hoppers of the filling station to dispense the customized supplement into the plurality of serving chambers of the pod. Each hopper contains a corresponding ingredient available for the customized supplement.

A fluid distribution system includes an input tube, a plurality of vessels, and a distribution hub. The input tube is configured to extend from a supply vessel. Each vessel of the plurality of vessels includes an inflow conduit. The distribution hub includes a single inlet and a plurality of outlets. The single inlet is defined in a bottom of the distribution hub and is in fluid communication with the input tube such that the distribution hub is configured to receive fluid from the input tube through the single inlet. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with the single inlet and in fluid communication with a respective inflow conduit such that the distribution hub is configured to provide an equal portion of the fluid received through the single inlet to each of the inflow conduits.

A reusable container system and method for reducing the use of plastic is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a reusable container includes: a reusable bottle; a lid attachable to the reusable bottle that enables access removing and inserting single-use replaceable sealed bag or pouch; an inner single-use replaceable sealed bag or pouch that holds a liquid, viscous, or gel material inside the reusable bottle; a sprayer or pump attachable to the reusable bottle; and a dip tube with a leading edge that pierces the inner bag upon assembly of the above listed components. The liquid material is accessed for dispensing through the dip tube without contaminating the reusable bottle.

A flow device having a body mounted in a sealing manner on a vessel, a spout arranged on an end opposite the vessel, a flow duct having a flow outlet situated on the spout and a flow inlet situated in the fitting portion, an air supply duct having an air inlet is situated on the body and an air outlet. The flow device also has a cap which is translationally moveable with respect to the body, the cap having a first valve and a second valve which cooperate respectively with a first valve seat formed by the flow outlet and a second valve seat which is separate from the first valve seat and is formed by the air inlet. A restoring element exerts a restoring force on the cap so as to keep the valves closed in the absence of an opposing force.

A flow device having a body mounted in a sealing manner on a vessel, a spout arranged on an end opposite the vessel, a flow duct having a flow outlet situated on the spout and a flow inlet situated in the fitting portion, an air supply duct having an air inlet is situated on the body and an air outlet. The flow device also has a cap which is translationally moveable with respect to the body, the cap having a first valve and a second valve which cooperate respectively with a first valve seat formed by the flow outlet and a second valve seat which is separate from the first valve seat and is formed by the air inlet. A restoring element exerts a restoring force on the cap so as to keep the valves closed in the absence of an opposing force.

A dispensing device that dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid into a receptacle has a valve that controls the flow of the fluid through the device. The valve is pre-heated to a calculated operating temperature before dispensing operations begin. Once the temperature of the valve reaches the calculated operating temperature, the device begins dispensing the fluid. The valve is maintained at that calculated temperature during dispensing operations.

A dispensing device that dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid into a receptacle has a valve that controls the flow of the fluid through the device. The valve is pre-heated to a calculated operating temperature before dispensing operations begin. Once the temperature of the valve reaches the calculated operating temperature, the device begins dispensing the fluid. The valve is maintained at that calculated temperature during dispensing operations.

A liquid pour tray provides a plurality of liquid retaining receptacles each having a proximal portion and a distal portion defining an open end, the distal portion having a width narrowing in a direction opposite the proximal portion toward the open end. A plurality of partitions are interposed between the plurality of liquid retaining receptacles and an overflow reservoir is in fluid communication with the plurality of liquid retaining receptacles.