The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus and system that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final folded packages. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus packs the crumbled leaves into the cones, applies air bursts to pack the material within the cone, closes the wide top portion of the cone, and then runs a quality control check to ensure that the final filled cone meets preset specifications.

A water-dispensing device includes a water tank, a dispensing line, a pump configured to draw water from the tank into the dispensing line, an outlet line, a dispensing valve, a spigot downstream of the outlet line and in selective fluid communication therewith via the dispensing valve, and a valveless directional fitting that couples the dispensing line to the outlet line for enabling fluid communication therebetween. The fitting has a hollow main body extending between an inlet port and a dispensing port. The dispensing line is connected to the inlet port and the outlet line is connected to the dispensing port. The fitting has a recirculation port that intersects an interior of the main body. The recirculation port has a smaller diameter than the dispensing port. A recirculation line is connected to the recirculation port and the water tank to place the water tank in fluid communication with the recirculation port.

A water-dispensing device includes a water tank, a dispensing line, a pump configured to draw water from the tank into the dispensing line, an outlet line, a dispensing valve, a spigot downstream of the outlet line and in selective fluid communication therewith via the dispensing valve, and a valveless directional fitting that couples the dispensing line to the outlet line for enabling fluid communication therebetween. The fitting has a hollow main body extending between an inlet port and a dispensing port. The dispensing line is connected to the inlet port and the outlet line is connected to the dispensing port. The fitting has a recirculation port that intersects an interior of the main body. The recirculation port has a smaller diameter than the dispensing port. A recirculation line is connected to the recirculation port and the water tank to place the water tank in fluid communication with the recirculation port.

An embodiment system and method for dispensing multiple dairy products includes a dispenser which houses two or more dairy product bases with different formulations, which may be combined with or without water to create a multitude of homogenous dairy beverages. The two or more dairy product bases may be mixed together first and then separately mixed with water, mixed together simultaneously with water, or mixed together without adding water. They may be mixed together with or without additional flavoring, ingredients, mineral or nutritional additives. The dispenser comprises a pump with a quick-release mechanism to allow for quick and clean maintenance of the system.

A beverage dispense fount apparatus (1) suitable for dispensing beverages such as beers or ciders with the addition of additives such as sweeteners and flavourings. The apparatus (1) comprises a beverage inlet (2) connectable to a beverage supply; a beverage outlet (3) configured to dispense beverage into a beverage container; a supply line formed between the beverage inlet (2) and the beverage outlet (3); one or more additive containers (13), each removably mounted within the apparatus and each in fluid connection with a separate additive dispensing line (14); a dispensing pump (15) for each additive container (13) to dispense additive through the additive dispensing lines (14); and a controller for controlling dispensing of additives from the fount apparatus (1). The apparatus (1) may comprise a video screen (9) for interactive video display to customers and a touch screen (10) for controlling operation of the apparatus (1). A video screen (9) may display videos determined on the basis of the beverage dispensed. The apparatus (1) may comprise data storage and communication means that allow information on customers and beverages dispensed to be collected, remotely stored, and analysed.

The disclosure generally relates to an automated modular dispensing platform for creating customized beverages (e.g., using various sauces, syrups, sweeteners, colors and/or flavors added to a base beverage). The automated dispensing platform may simultaneously aggregate beverage modifiers or ingredients (e.g., sweetener, flavor, and/or color) and facilitate automated, efficient cleaning cycles for modular beverage dispensers.

The disclosure generally relates to an automated modular dispensing platform for creating customized beverages (e.g., using various sauces, syrups, sweeteners, colors and/or flavors added to a base beverage). The automated dispensing platform may simultaneously aggregate beverage modifiers or ingredients (e.g., sweetener, flavor, and/or color) and facilitate automated, efficient cleaning cycles for modular beverage dispensers.

A system and method to prepare and dispense a N.sub.2 or N.sub.2/CO.sub.2 gas infused chilled beverage is provided. The beverage may be any non-carbonated liquid and in one embodiment the beverage is coffee. The dispensed N.sub.2 or N.sub.2/CO.sub.2 gas infused chilled coffee has a unique appearance and enhanced flavor and aroma. The system may be provided as a self-contained unit.

A system and method to prepare and dispense a N.sub.2 or N.sub.2/CO.sub.2 gas infused chilled beverage is provided. The beverage may be any non-carbonated liquid and in one embodiment the beverage is coffee. The dispensed N.sub.2 or N.sub.2/CO.sub.2 gas infused chilled coffee has a unique appearance and enhanced flavor and aroma. The system may be provided as a self-contained unit.

A touch-free flowable food product dispenser is disclosed. The food product dispenser includes a main body, a pump assembly mounted in the main body and a cover member mounted to the main body. The cover member is part of an automated pump actuation unit that can be removably mounted to the main body such that the automated pump actuation unit engages a pump assembly supported by the main body. The automated pump actuation unit includes a sensor positioned to detect the presence of an actuation member, such as a hand, in proximity to the sensor. When the actuation member is detected, the automated pump actuation unit actuate the pump assembly to dispense the food product. The cover member and automated pump actuation assembly are formed as a single unit that can be installed on the main body to convert manual pump dispensers to touch-free dispensers.