Systems and methods that implement a GUI functional block that allows a user to specify a compounding formula for a composition, an ingredient validation functional block configured for receiving a code on a container holding a first ingredient, consulting a database to derive a formulation ingredient to be used in preparing the composition, determining if the first ingredient matches the formulation ingredient, a planetary mixer control functional block configured for consulting the database arrangement at least partly on a basis of the specified compounding formula to determine mixing parameters for a planetary mixer that are associated with the specified compounding formula, causing a motor assembly of the planetary mixer to apply superimposed rotation and revolution movements to a container in accordance with the mixing parameters determined from the consulting, preventing operation of the motor assembly if the determining step fails to match the first ingredient to the formulation ingredient.

A blending system and method are described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system includes a control system having at least a processor, and a computer-readable memory, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a formula defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system further includes: a plurality of receptacles to organize and store blending dye containers, the blending dye containers containing blending materials; a pumping system that pumps blending materials into a mixing bowl, wherein the pumping system is controlled by the control system; and a user input device that receives input regarding the preparation of the blended mixture. The control system monitors a weight on the scale as blending materials are added to a mixing bowl on the scale, wherein a desired batch size of the blended mixture is prepared and added to the mixing bowl on the scale.

A system for mixing a liquid with a powder into a solution batch includes a hopper (20) into which said powder is deposited, the hopper (20) having a powder outlet (22) therein. A mix tank (60) is also provided having a liquid supply inlet (62), a recirculation inlet (64), and a solution outlet (66). A mix pump (40) that is in fluid communication with the solution outlet (66), the powder outlet (22), and the recirculation inlet (64) operates to mix and transfer the solution.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

A blending method is described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending method for preparing a blended mixture, the method includes: providing a control system having at least a processor, a computer-readable memory, and a display, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a recipe defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture using one or more blending materials and amounts for producing a batch size of the blended mixture on a scale; monitoring a weight on the scale as blending materials are added to a receptacle on the scale; and indicating on the display the amounts of the blending materials that have been added to the scale to prepare an amount of a custom blended mixture based upon the selected blending materials.

A computer-implemented method for execution by a processor of a computing device. The method comprises implementing a computerized graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a user of the computing device with an opportunity to identify a pharmaceutical compounding formula; consulting a database at least partly on a basis of the identified pharmaceutical compounding formula in order to determine mixing parameters for a planetary mixer, associated with the identified pharmaceutical compounding formula; and causing a mixer to subject a container to superimposed rotation and revolution movements in accordance with the mixing parameters determined from consulting the database.

A surgical system including a surgical tool and a navigation system for tracking the position of the surgical tool. The surgical tool comprising a housing including a variable speed motor and control module disposed within the housing. The navigation system comprising a navigation console in communication with the control module of the surgical tool, the navigation console may be configured to communicate instructions to the control module of the surgical tool based on the position of the surgical tool relative to a defined zone. The navigation console may be configured to deactivate the surgical tool based on the position of the surgical tool relative to the defined zone. The navigation console may also be configured to provide a user-selectable override option to allow continued operation of the surgical tool within the defined zone.

A blending method is described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending method for preparing a blended mixture, the method includes: providing a control system having at least a processor, a computer-readable memory, and a display, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a formula defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture using one or more blending materials and amounts for producing a batch size of the blended mixture on a scale; monitoring a weight on the scale as blending materials are added to a receptacle on the scale, both individually and in total; indicating on the display the amounts of the blending materials that have been added to the scale, both individually and in total, to prepare an amount of a custom blended mixture based upon the selected blending materials; determining an end weight of the custom blended mixture after a user has used the custom blended mixture; and recalculating a needed amount of the custom blended mixture by subtracting the end weight of the custom blended mixture from the prepared amount of the custom blended mixture.

The methods and systems of the invention include the use of automated solution dispensers in laboratory environment. The automated solution dispensers can be controlled locally or remotely within a network. The usage of the instruments can be followed and procurement of supplies can be automated.

A sealed capsule for blending and dispensing an initially solid food product holds a blending component with embedded food product. Actuating the blending component through an electronic control system causes the food product to be blended within the capsule. One or more feedback control mechanisms are used to guarantee a desired consistency of the blended food product. Provided are structural features of the capsule, and methods of using its contents to blend and dispense soft-serve products.