Method for dispensing a recipe includes measuring characterization data for components of a recipe. A signal representing an instruction to dispense the recipe is received at a processor operably coupled to a dispenser. In response to receiving the signal representing the instruction to dispense, an instruction set is generated based on the recipe and the characterization data. The instruction set is executed, to cause a series of delivery events of the components. Prior to each individual delivery event comprising the instruction set, a deviation, from their predetermined setpoints, is detected in a temperature and/or a pressure of the microfluidic dispenser. In response to detecting the deviation in temperature and/or pressure, the processor automatically causes an adjustment to one or more instructions from the instruction set based on the detected variation such that the amount of each component delivered more closely conforms to the amount specified in the recipe.

Method for dispensing a recipe includes measuring characterization data for components of a recipe. A signal representing an instruction to dispense the recipe is received at a processor operably coupled to a dispenser. In response to receiving the signal representing the instruction to dispense, an instruction set is generated based on the recipe and the characterization data. The instruction set is executed, to cause a series of delivery events of the components. Prior to each individual delivery event comprising the instruction set, a deviation, from their predetermined setpoints, is detected in a temperature and/or a pressure of the microfluidic dispenser. In response to detecting the deviation in temperature and/or pressure, the processor automatically causes an adjustment to one or more instructions from the instruction set based on the detected variation such that the amount of each component delivered more closely conforms to the amount specified in the recipe.

The present invention relates to a novel, lighted seasoning dispensing device. The device is used in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Specifically, the lighted seasoning dispensing device may be used for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. The device comprises a handheld shaker with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power.

The present invention relates to a novel, lighted seasoning dispensing device. The device is used in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Specifically, the lighted seasoning dispensing device may be used for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. The device comprises a handheld shaker with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power.

Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to open and discharge the contents of a packet or sachet. In some embodiments, a portable dispensing device includes a housing, an opening mechanism, and a discharging mechanism. In some configurations, the device includes a rotatable axle, a rotatable cap disposed at an end of the housing, and a roller element (coupled to the axle) that is configured to rotate with manual rotation of the rotatable cap, and a slot in the housing that permits at least a portion of the packet to advance through, wherein the slot and housing assists with pressing opposing packet walls together to discharge the contents of the packet. In some configurations, the opening mechanism also includes another housing slot where a corner of the packet may be fed and a knife element disposed to facilitate removal of the corner to thereby open the packet.

Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to open and discharge the contents of a packet or sachet. In some embodiments, a portable dispensing device includes a housing, an opening mechanism, and a discharging mechanism. In some configurations, the device includes a rotatable axle, a rotatable cap disposed at an end of the housing, and a roller element (coupled to the axle) that is configured to rotate with manual rotation of the rotatable cap, and a slot in the housing that permits at least a portion of the packet to advance through, wherein the slot and housing assists with pressing opposing packet walls together to discharge the contents of the packet. In some configurations, the opening mechanism also includes another housing slot where a corner of the packet may be fed and a knife element disposed to facilitate removal of the corner to thereby open the packet.

A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.

A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.

A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.

A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.