Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AUTOMATED DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to an automated dispenser for dispensing spices,
teas, condiments, herbs, powdered beverages, or ground coffees or mixtures
thereof, and more particularly to a dispenser that automatically dispenses
variable
quantities thereof from a plurality of pre-filled cartridges adapted for
specific use in
such dispenser, in accordance with a pre-selected and pre-programmed list of
choices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The storage and use of spices, extracts, herbs such as herbal teas and tea
leaves, condiments such as sugar, sweeteners, and creams (natural and
artificial),
powdered beverages, and ground and/or flavoured coffee beans, is problematic
in
that same are usually stored in their individual containers, with consumers
manually measuring spoonfuls thereof to obtain the desired quantity thereof in
preparing foods or beverages. Consumers however want the ability to instantly
create a vast number of culinary spice mixtures that can be used for cooking
(i.e.
for various meat seasonings or pastes or sauces), and/or for desired mixtures
of
powdered flavourings, teas, ground coffee beans, sweeteners, and the like, for
beverages.
This demand is currently being met through the use of pre-packaged and/or
pre-blended spice mixtures or through pre-packaged coffee and/or tea blends or
other flavoured powdered beverage blends. However, there is no appliance that
allows the consumer to both store and automatically select and dispense a
prescribed or programmed quantity and selection of different spices,
condiments,
herbs, ground coffees and flavourings and condiments, and in particular no
such
device exists which provides for a series of replaceable cartridges of unique
contents, each mountable on a carrier which is alignable or may be aligned
with a
dispensing means such as a spindle to open one or more selected cartridges to
allow quantities of the contents thereof to be dispensed.
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For example, US Patent No. 618,219 entitled a "Revolving Canister"
teaches a plurality of spice compartments (not removable cartridges) which may
be manually rotatable to allow a user to manually select, and measure, a
quantity
of spice to be selected from a desired compartment. This patent, however,
fails to
teach a rotatable selector arm which rotates on command to a particular spice
compartment (cartridge) in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of spice
from one or more selected spice compartments.
Other patents such as US Patent No. 607,716 and US Patent 502,453,
relate to a spice storage and dispensing cabinet, but those devices are
manually
operated by the user and do not disclose an automated actuator arm which
automatically selects a desired dispenser, in accordance with a selected spice
or
blend of spices. Nor are either of those devices equipped with the means to
dispense a predetermined quantity or mixture of spice.
US Patent No. 7,311,223 - US Publication 2005/0247730 - teaches a
dispensing device for dispensing powdered pigments of paints, dyes, caulking,
or
powdered cosmetics. It discloses a rotatable turntable having a plurality of
containers. A screw type "pump" is shown for dispensing a quantity of powder
from an individual container. A weighing means may be used to weigh the amount
of material dispensed via a "coarse" screw, with finer adjustments to the
material
being dispersed being made with a "fine" screw adjustment. Depending on the
amount of material to be dispersed, the screws are rotated a calculated number
of
times to yield the required amount of product. The device, however, rotates
the
cartridges on a turntable as opposed to keeping the cartridges fixed and
rotating a
rotary or trigger arm to obtain the desired product. Moreover, the device as
taught
in US '223 fails to disclose a means to automatically dispense a desired
(variable)
amount of product from various containers in sequence. The containers are also
to be manually refilled and the patent does not disclose the use of pre-filled
cartridges for the device.
Finally, US Patent 4,776,489 discloses a herb and spice dispenser that
manually dispenses a premeasured amount of stored herbs and spices. The
device is equipped with a housing that has separate spice and herb storage
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compartments, and a measured dispenser associated with each compartment.
Each compartment also includes a vibrating device for breaking up the spices
and
stored therein. The consumer pushes a button, which opens the individual spice
compartment and allows the spices or herbs therein to fall downwardly to the
lower compartment. The button is held until the preselected quantity of herbs
or
spices is obtained from an individual compartment, which is visibly
determined.
The process is simply repeated if more than one spice is desired. A removable
shaker is manually shifted laterally underneath the storage compartments in
order
to collect the spices dispensed. The device does not, however, provide a means
to automatically dispense a desired quantity from a selected spice cartridge
or
cartridges, nor does it disclose an automated selector arm which may be
activated
to dispense spices from various cartridges or containers in sequent. The
device
also specifies that each compartment is to be refilled with spice or herbs,
and
does not disclose the use of a plurality of replaceable spice and herb
cartridges.
The prior art is therefore deficient in that it fails to disclose a device
that is
truly automated and allows a consumer to obtain a desired mixture spices,
herbs,
powdered beverages, coffees, teas, or condiments in the correct and desired
quantities and proportions, without the need to manually dispense the various
spices or condiments.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known
information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the
present
invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that
any
of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present
invention.
It is therefore useful to provide for a device that allows the consumer to
automatically select one or more pre-programmed mixtures, or, to automatically
dispense an individual spice(s), herb(s), tea(s), coffee bean mixture(s) in
the
quantity or and "blend" selected by the user or programmed by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas,
ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges
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mounted on a carrier respectively containing said items, having a dispensing
means with relative movement capable between said dispensing means and said
cartridges. A look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete
dispensing
programs is provided for operation of the dispensing means to dispense a
particular variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges. When a
spice,
herb, condiment, powdered beverage or ground coffee blend and associated
dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the
dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense
a
particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with
other
selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, the mix of spices,
herbs,
condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge
adapted for use in said automated dispenser is also disclosed. In an
embodiment
disclosed the automated dispenser dispenses spice and mixtures of spices.
In order to avoid having to manually dispense various spices and herbs as
outlined in the prior art from a series of containers, the invention teaches a
dispenser that is automated and automatically and conveniently consistently
dispenses a precise desired quantity and mixture of one or more different
spices,
herbs, teas, powdered beverages and/or ground coffees. Such automated
dispenser further gives the user the ability to select and rapidly receive
various
popular blends of beverage mixes, ground coffees or teas or the like, with or
without desired condiments or seasonings such as creams, sugars, salt or other
spices, without having to individually laboriously measure out such
quantities, with
reference to a written recipe or the like.
Advantageously, the automated dispenser of the present invention allows
the user to select, from numerous pre-programmed series of popular blends and
mixes, a particular blend, and to rapidly have delivered to a receptacle in
such
automated dispenser, such blend, mixed or unmixed with water.
The automated dispenser may be adapted for simply dispensing spices or
blends of teas, herbs, or coffees, for subsequent use, or alternatively or
advantageously may be further combined with heated water or brewing means to
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dispense heated or brewed coffees or teas using blended teas or coffee mixes
as
selected by the user of the automated device.
Accordingly, in a first broad aspect of the automated dispenser of the
present invention, such dispenser comprises:
(a) a plurality of cartridges, adapted to be individually filled,
respectively,
with one of the items selected from the group of items comprising
said spices, herbs, teas, condiments, powdered or flavoured
beverages, and ground coffee beans;
(b) a cartridge carrier adapted to hold said plurality of
cartridges;
(c) a dispensing means, comprised of a least one spindle or rotary arm,
which when activated, engages with a slider member to trigger
dispensation by gravity of a calibrated amount of one of said items,
from a selected cartridge;
(d) said dispensing means adapted for relative movement with respect
to said cartridge carrier; and
(e) a memory look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete
dispensing programs for operation of the dispensing means and said
spindle or rotary arm to dispense quantities of said items from
various of said cartridges, wherein when a dispensing program is
selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispensing
means relative to the cartridge carrier and, in particular, a selected
cartridge to:
(i) dispense a particular quantity of said items;
(ii) and, in the case of a selected mix of said items, to
subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide,
from said cartridges, a desired mix of said items.
In a first refinement, the cartridge carrier is stationary and the dispensing
means moves, preferably in a circular arc, relative to the said cartridge
carrier, to
the location of a specific cartridge.
In an alternate refinement, the dispensing means is stationary and cartridge
carrier moves, preferably in a circular rotational manner, relative to said
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dispensing means, to allow the dispensing means to be aligned with a specific
cartridge, to allow a desired quantity of said spice, herb tea, condiment,
and/or
ground coffee contained in said selected cartridge to be dispensed therefrom.
In a preferred embodiment of the automated dispenser of the present
invention, such comprises:
(a) a plurality of cartridges, adapted to be individually filled,
respectively,
with one of the items selected from the group of items comprising
spices, herbs, teas, condiments, and ground coffee beans;
(b) a cartridge carrier adapted to hold said plurality of cartridges in a
radially spaced and contiguously arranged circumferential manner
around said vertical axis of said cartridge carrier;
(c) a dispensing means, comprised of a least one spindle or rotary arm
extending radially outwardly from said vertical axis, which when
activated, engages with a slider member to trigger dispersal by
gravity of a calibrated amount of spice, herb, condiment, or
powdered beverage, from a selected cartridge;
(d) said dispensing means adapted for circular movement relative to
said cartridge carrier about said vertical axis;
In a further embodiment of the invention, such invention comprises a
method for dispensing spice, herbs, condiments, and/or ground coffee via an
automated dispenser having any of the configurations as recited above, said
method comprising the steps of:
(i) a user selecting a dispensing program;
(ii) said dispensing program thereafter aligning one or more of said
cartridges with said dispensing means to dispense quantities of said spice,
condiment, herbs, teas, ground coffee or granulated beverage, from one or
more of said cartridges.
In a preferred embodiment, the spice and condiment dispenser comprises:
- an outer housing or canister made of plastic injection molding with a
receptacle area to receive the spices, and fitted with a viewing screen and
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a number of controls to, and preprogrammed to, automatically dispense a
desired selection of spices and herbs;
- a cartridge carrier made of plastic injected molding designed to hold a
plurality of cartridges filled with spices and condiments;
- a dispensing means located about vertical axis of the cartridge carrier,
comprised of at least one spindle member coupled in the centre to a motor
which rotates the spindle or rotary arm to the desired cartridge on the
stationary cartridge carrier. In another embodiment of the invention, the
dispensing means remains stationary and the cartridge carrier is attached
to a gear mounted motor which rotates the cartridge carrier to align a
specific cartridge with the dispensing means;
- a slider and dispensing hook or trigger attached to a stepper motor on the
spindle member (collectively referred to as the "dispensing means"), which
stepper motor controls movement of the dispensing means to engage a
cartridge;
- a stationary funnel positioned below the dispensing carrier made of highly
polished injection molding, with all surfaces sloping down towards the
direction of the funnel opening, which is preferably but not necessarily
offset from a centre axis of the funnel;
- at least one vibration motor attached to the funnel, which when activated
vibrates the funnel during the dispensing sequence;
- a plurality of cartridges that each attach to the cartridge carrier and are
capable of being removed and replaced when a cartridge is empty;
- cartridges that are constructed with an upper storage chamber and a
lower dispensing chamber; and
- a lower dispensing chamber that contains a dispensing drawer with one or
more elongated slots or cavities, calibrated to each hold about 1/8 tsp. or
1/4 tsp. of spice or condiment.
The invention is provided, in a refinement thereof, with a plurality of
replaceable cartridges, with each cartridge preferably being sealed and
containing
a specific spice, condiment, herb, tea, ground coffee, or powdered or
granulated
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beverage, as selected by the user. The individual cartridges are inserted into
a
circular cartridge carrier that is slotted to accommodate the cartridges. To
ensure
that each mix or recipe contains the correct proportion of spices, each
cartridge
may be bar-coded or possess other means for unique recognition and
identification by the microprocessor for the invention. A microprocessor may
be
provided, which may further rely on various sensors to sense the location of a
particular cartridge and its circumferential position on the cartridge
carrier, and/or
to provide feedback when the preselected measured amount of spice and
condiment is dispensed from a cartridge.
The cartridges are preferably each equipped with an upper storage
chamber and a lower sliding dispensing chamber. The lower dispensing chamber
contains a slidable drawer of known fixed volume, that has one or more slots
or
cavities in its bottom. When engaged, the drawer slides out and allows a known
or
calibrated amount of the spice or herb to fall down through the slot or cavity
onto
the funnel, which has an opening directly above the receptacle used to collect
the
spice and/or condiments. Attached to the funnel may be at least one vibration
means, powered preferentially by an electric motor, which when activated
vibrates
the funnel to facilitate the movement of the spice, powdered beverages, teas,
herbs, condiments, or ground coffees down the funnel towards the receptacle.
Through an electronic user interface, such as a microprocessor having
programmed or programmable series of instructions, user has the ability to
create
an unlimited number of spice blends or to select one of the many popular or
proprietary pre-programmed spice mixes. The programming utilizes an EPROM
chip, or other equivalent memory means to direct the spindle to the location
of
various cartridges to be sourced for a variety of spice mixes. The automated
dispenser is equipped with a viewing screen and a number of controls on the
front
of the invention that allow the user to scroll through the recipes, select and
set
favorite blends, adjust quantities to be dispensed, and activate the invention
to
dispense a particular mix. The cartridges may further be provided with viewing
means on the individual cartridges to allow a user to become aware of amounts
of
spice, etc, dispensed from the various cartridges and which cartridges are in
need
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of replenishment or replacement by replacement of a pre-packaged quantity of
spice, etc.
Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the controls are configured to
activate a microprocessor to allow the user to:
1. dispense an individual spice, condiment, herb, or powdered
beverage;
2. dispense a spice blend;
3. save favourite pre-programmed mixes;
4. dispense a favourite mix; and/or
5. check a spice cartridge to determine the amount of spice remaining.
In a broad aspect the invention comprises the following mechanical
sequence of events that occur once the user has selected or programmed the
desired recipe of spices and/or condiments and has initiated the dispensing
sequence, namely:
- a dispensing carrier rotates within a 360 degree horizontal plane to align a
dispensing means with a specific spice or condiment cartridge;
- a stepper motor actuates a rotary arm or slider to cause same to move
radially outward or inward to engage a dispensing drawer of a cartridge,
which, in one embodiment, possesses a dispensing hook, trigger, or
mechanical release lever;
- once the slider/arm reaches an apex of travel, a solenoid activates to
move the dispensing hook, trigger, or mechanical release lever to engage a
lower dispensing chamber located at the base of the cartridge, to move the
dispensing chamber and withdraw it from the cartridge to thereby dispense
a desired quantity of spice/condiment; and
- a spring attached to the lower dispensing chamber, biased to maintain the
said dispensing chamber in a closed position, thereafter returns the
dispensing chamber to a closed position.
In one embodiment, the lower dispensing chamber is rectangular shaped,
with at least one rectangular opening, slot or cavity located towards the
trigger
side of the lower dispensing chamber.
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A slot or cavity in the said dispensing chamber is calibrated to contain a
fixed quantity, such as 1/8 teaspoon of spice or herbs. Thus with each full
movement of the said dispensing chamber a multiple of 1/8 teaspoon of spice or
herbs is dispensed, depending on the number of slots or cavities, or the
number of
times the dispensing chamber is moved from the closed to open position.
As the stepper motor moves further, the slider moves in a radial direction
towards the centre, which in turn pulls the spring loaded dispensing chamber
out
of the cartridge or pushes the spring loaded dispensing chamber out of the
cartridge. As the said dispensing chamber moves in a radial direction towards
the
centre, the spices or condiments in the slots or cavities of the dispensing
chamber
fall down by gravity into the funnel.
The above process is repeated with another cartridge, until the preselected
amount of a spice or mix of spices is obtained, with each pull of the
dispensing
chamber allowing a multiple of 1/8 tsp. of spice or condiment to fall down
onto the
funnel, depending on the number of slots and whether there is a partial or
full pull
of the said dispensing chamber. As the trigger activates to pull the said
dispensing
chamber, an optional vibration motor may be actuated, which vibrates the
funnel
to facilitate moving the spice and condiment down the funnel incline towards
the
receptacle.
Once the desired quantity of spice from a cartridge has been obtained, a
solenoid causes a trip lever to activate, thereby releasing the trigger and
causing
the said dispensing chamber to return to the closed or biased position; and
the
dispensing means then automatically rotates as programmed to the next spice or
condiment cartridge and the process is repeated until the entire spice or
condiment mix is dispensed.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the cartridge carrier is
coupled in its centre to a motor, which rotates the cartridge carrier relative
to the
dispensing means (which inter alia comprises a spindle) which remains
stationary.
Once a particular selected cartridge is rotated a programmed number of degrees
to align with the stationary dispensing means, an arm or spindle forming part
of
the dispensing means is activated, as previously described, to initiate the
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engagement of the dispensing chamber of a cartridge and to dispense a pre-
selected quantity of spice. Once the dispensing sequence is completed, the
cartridge carrier then rotates a programmed number of degrees to align the
dispensing means with another cartridge, and the dispensing sequence is
repeated until all of the desired spices have been dispensed.
In this further alternative embodiment of the invention, the dispensing
means functions in the same manner as previously described once a selected
cartridge is aligned with a slider and dispensing hook or trigger, as does the
operation of the funnel during the dispensing sequence.
In another broad aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises a
method for dispensing spice, herbs, condiments, teas, ground coffee beans
and/or
powdered beverages via an automated dispenser, wherein said automated
dispenser comprises:
(a) a plurality of cartridges, adapted to be individually filled,
respectively,
with a variety of spices, herbs, condiments, teas, ground coffee
beans and/or powdered beverages;
(b) a cartridge carrier, having a vertical axis, designed to hold said
plurality of said cartridges in a radially spaced and contiguously
arranged circumferential manner around said carrier and a vertical
axis thereof;
(c) a dispensing means, comprised of a least one spindle or rotary arm
extending radially outwardly or inwardly from said vertical axis,
which when activated, engages with a slider member to trigger
dispersal by gravity of a calibrated amount of spices, herbs,
condiments, teas, ground coffee beans or powdered beverage, from
a selected cartridge;
(d) said dispensing means adapted for circular movement relative to
said cartridge carrier about said vertical axis; and
(e) a memory look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete
dispensing programs for directing relative motion of the dispensing
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means relative to said cartridge carrier to dispense a particular
variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges,
wherein when a dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing
program aligns the dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and,
in particular, a selected cartridge to:
(i) dispense a particular quantity of spice or condiment;
(ii) and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other
selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, a desired
mix of spice, herbs, condiments, teas, ground coffee beans
and/or granulated beverage;
said method comprising the steps of:
(i) a user selecting a dispensing program;
(ii) said dispensing program thereafter aligning one or more of said
cartridges with said dispensing means to dispense quantities of said spice,
condiment, herbs, teas, ground coffee beans or granulated beverage, from
one or more of said cartridges.
In a still further broad aspect of the present invention, such invention
comprises a novel cartridge adapted for use in any of the automated dispensers
as described above.
In one embodiment thereof, a novel cartridge is provided, which is adapted
for use in an automated dispenser, for containing items selected from the
group of
items comprising spices, herbs, teas, condiments, powdered beverages and
ground coffees, such cartridge comprising:
(i) two compartments, namely an upper storage chamber and a lower
dispensing chamber;
(ii) a slidable member, of known volume, situated at a base of said
dispensing chamber, which when slidably actuated allows dispensation of a
known volume of said item contained in said cartridge;
In a further embodiment, the novel cartridge of the present invention further
comprises:
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(iii) transparent viewing means for viewing quantities of said item remaining
in said cartridge.
In a still-further embodiment, the novel cartridge of the present invention
further comprises:
(iv) individual recognition means, to allow said automatic dispenser to
individually uniquely identify said cartridge and its contents.
In a refinement of this further embodiment, the individual recognition means
comprises a bar code applied to an external surface of the cartridge, with an
associated scanner being present on the automated dispenser, to thereby allow
the automated dispenser to register the location of a particular cartridge and
its
contents, when the cartridge is placed on the cartridge carrier. In a further
refinement, the individual cartridge recognition means may comprise an RFID
(radio frequency identification) tag or chip, in either an active format (with
battery)
or passive format (without battery), as commonly now employed in the art in
identifying products by the radio signal emitted by the chip which is attached
or
embedded in the product. In an alternative refinement, the individual
recognition
means may comprise a unique structural configuration, unique for and
indicative
of the particular contents of the cartridge. Such unique structural
configuration
may comprise, but is not limited to, a protruding tab which is uniquely
positioned
on the surface thereof for all of the cartridges intended to dispense similar
items,
which uniquely positioned tab interfaces with sensor means on the cartridge
carrier of the automated dispenser, to thereby allow the automated dispenser
to
determine the contents, and position of, a cartridge when located on the
cartridge
carrier of the automated dispenser.
In a still further embodiment of the novel cartridge of the present invention,
the slidable member within the novel cartridge is resiliently biased by a
spring, to
bias the slidable member in either an open or a closed position, for
subsequent
engagement by the slider member on the automated dispenser which forms part
of the dispensing means. In such embodiment the rotary arm or spindle of the
automated dispenser will actuate the slidable member itself, or alternatively
a
trigger member, to cause the slidable member to move to the open position and
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thereby allowing dispensation of a quantity of spice, etc., from the
cartridge,
thereby elongating the spring, whereupon after dispensing, the spring
withdraws
the slidable member within the cartridge. Alternatively, the slidable member
may
have a toothed track, adapted to engage a similarly toothed gear coupled to a
motor coupled to the automated dispenser, which, when the motor is actuated,
causes the slidable member to be extended, and the motor, when actuated in the
opposite direction, causes retraction of the slidable member back into the
cartridge.
In a refinement of the invention, the automated dispenser may have a wired
communications port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or wireless
communications means such as Wi-Fie or Bluetooth or combinations thereof, in
electronic communication with the look-up table. Such components thereby allow
various recipes or blends of spices to be downloaded from the world-wide web
onto the dispenser, in particular the look-up table thereof, to allow re-
programming
of the look-up table to provide alternate and greater variety of spice blends
and
mixtures to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more exemplary
embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to those
depicted embodiments, each of which are intended to be non-limiting, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of the assembled automatic dispenser
showing the outer housing, receptacle and controls for the dispensing of
spices
and condiments. The individually labelled cartridges are also shown located on
the top of the canister, with the cartridges arranged contiguously in a
circumferential manner around the dispenser;
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the control screen with
controls for the dispensing of spices and condiments. Note that the reference
to
"morrocan" as displayed on the control screen, is one example of the name of a
spice selected by the user after scrolling through the various mixes and
spices
stored in the invention;
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FIG. 3 is a top perspective showing an embodiment of the cartridge carrier
and position of the spice cartridges within the outer housing of the
dispenser;
FIG. 4 is a top perspective showing the cartridge carrier and position of the
underlying dispensing means and offset funnel with opening to the receptacle
area;
FIG. 5 is a side section view of one embodiment of the dispensing means
showing the dispensing means and activation of the stepper motor to extend the
slider radially out to engage the cartridge, with the dispensing chamber being
in
the open position;
FIG. 6 is another top perspective of the dispensing means showing a
subsequent step in the dispensing sequence, with the dispensing chamber of a
cartridge being engaged and in the open position, allowing a measured quantity
of
spice to be dispensed;
FIG. 7 (a)-(c) are views of the offset funnel details showing three (3)
different views of same: Fig. 7(a) shows a top perspective (upper left hand
diagram); Fig. 7(b) shows a bottom perspective (middle diagram); and Fig. 7(c)
shows a side perspective (lower right hand diagram), all showing the different
profiles of the funnel with surfaces sloping down to the funnel opening;
FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a top perspective of a three dimensional
view of a portion of the cartridge carrier showing the position of a cartridge
on the
cartridge carrier, and the lower dispensing chamber in the closed position;
FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the assembled invention showing the
relative position of the cartridge carrier, the underlying dispensing means,
and
offset funnel with opening to the receptacle area for the collection of spices
and
condiments;
FIG. 10 is a schematic step diagram for dispensing an individual spice or
condiment;
FIG. 11 is a schematic step diagram for dispensing a pre-programmed
spice blend;
FIG. 12 is a schematic step diagram for manually selecting a blend of
spices;
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FIG. 13(a) is a side view of the novel cartridge of the present invention,
shown in side view, in partially-filled condition, with the slidable member
shown in
the retracted (closed) position;
FIG. 13(b) is a view of the cartridge of FIG. 13(a), with the slidable member
shown in the extended (dispensing) position;
FIG. 13(c) is a perspective view of the novel cartridge shown in FIG. 13(b);
FIG. 14 is a view of the novel cartridge of Fig. 13(b), looking in the
direction
of arrow "A"; and
FIG. 15 is a view of the novel cartridge of Fig. 13(b), looking in the
direction
of arrow "B";
FIG. 16 is a detail view of the slider of Fig. 6;
FIG. 17 is a perspective detail view of the cartridge of Fig. 5;
FIG. 18 is a side section detail view of the cartridge of Fig. 5;
FIG. 19 is a side section detail view of the cartridge of Fig. 5;
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the cartridge of Fig. 5;
FIG. 21 is a side section view of an alternative cartridge of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the cartridge of Fig. 21;
FIG. 23 is a side view of the cartridge of Fig. 21;
FIG. 24 is a side view of the cartridge of Fig. 21;
FIG. 25 is a section view of a dispenser of the present disclosure
associated with the cartridge of Fig. 21;
FIG. 26 is a perspective detail of a disassembled view of the dispenser of
Fig. 25; and
FIG. 27 is a side section detail view of the dispenser of Fig. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the
following examples are set forth. It will be understood that these examples
are
intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
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Fig. 1 shows the outer housing of the automatic spice and condiment
dispenser 1 and, in particular, the receptacle area 2 for the collection of
the spices
and condiments dispensed from the automated dispenser I. The controls 3 for
the
automatic dispensing of the spices, herbs, teas, ground coffee, condiments, or
mixtures thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "spice or
spices") are
also shown and located directly above the receptacle area 2. The position of
the
individual spice cartridges 7 are also shown as they are contiguously arranged
in
a circumferential manner around the top of the dispenser 1, and mounted on
cartridge carrier 6 (see Fig. 3, 4).
Fig. 2 shows a close up view of one embodiment of the control screen 5
with controls 3 for the dispensing of spices. The controls 3 are linked
directly to
the microprocessor (not shown) which is programmed to actuate the various
dispensing means, as described below, to dispense a known recipe or mix of
spice, or a specific spice, which is permitted to be selected from a variety
of
spices and spice mixes, all having associated programmed instructions to allow
the dispensing means to be operated to dispense the particular spices. The
same
microprocessor may further be programmed such that the invention is capable of
dispensing a prescribed quantity of a specific spice, or a mix of spices.
The same control screen 5 is designed to allow the user using the controls
3, to scroll through the recipes and the individual spices contained in the
dispenser and select whatever quantity of spice, or mix of spices, is desired.
The
same microprocessor and controls 3 rely on various sensors to provide feedback
for the position of the dispensing means (not shown), and to identify
cartridges 7
and their contents as further discussed below.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective or view of the circular cartridge carrier 6 and
relative position of the individual spice cartridges 7. In one embodiment of
the
invention, the cartridge carrier 6 is affixed to the outer housing 8 and, as
such,
remains in a stationary position. It is slotted via carrier ribs 14 not only
to
accommodate the individual spice cartridges 7, but in doing so, to allow the
dispersal of spices from the spice cartridges 7 to fall by gravity down onto
the
funnel 11 and into the receptacle area (not shown), which will be more fully
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explained below. The individual cartridges 7 are arranged in a circumferential
manner around the cartridge carrier 6 and are designed to be replaced when
empty of spice.
Fig. 4 shows a top perspective of the cartridge carrier 6 in relation to the
location of the underlining dispensing means 10 and offset funnel 11 with
opening
12. This perspective view shows more closely the configuration of the slots 9
on
the cartridge carrier 6, which shoulders 13 assist in positioning, locating,
and
maintaining the individual spice cartridges. The slots 9 in the cartridge
carrier 6
are designed such that the cartridges 7 each rest on the ribs 14 on either
side of
the slots 9, as depicted. In one embodiment of this invention, the dispensing
means 10, when activated, moves in a circular motion below the stationary
cartridge carrier 6 to engage a particular spice cartridge 7, as described
below.
The dispensing means 10 may include, but is not limited to, a rack and
pinion arrangement (e.g. Figs. 5, 13, 17 to 20), a motor/spindle/arm
arrangement
(e.g. Figs. 6, 8, 16), a strapping arrangement (Figs. 21 to 27), or other
arrangements or dispensing means.
Fig. 5 is a side section view of the dispensing means 10 that rotates a
number of degrees to align with a particular cartridge 7, in accordance with
the
programmed instructions for the selection of a particular mix or selection of
a
spice. In the preferred embodiment, a stepper motor 15 rotates the spindle 16
or
rotary arm on the dispensing means 10 to move radially out to engage a bottom
slidable chamber 18 on spice cartridge 7 on the dispensing means 1. Each
cartridge 7 is comprised of an upper storage chamber 17 and a lower dispensing
chamber 18. The chamber 18 may include one or more compartment 23 as
described below. The chamber 18 of the cartridge 7 of Figs. 13 and 21 include
one compartment 23 for example and the chamber 18 of the cartridge 7 of Figs.
17 to 19 include two compartments 23 for example.
Referring to Figs. 17 and 20 the gear motor 65 engages teeth 55 on the
drawer through a port 210 on the bottom of the cartridge 7.
Fig. 6 is a top perspective of one embodiment of the dispensing means 10
showing the movement of the lower dispensing drawer/chamber 18 of a cartridge
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7 radially towards the centre of the dispenser 1. Lower dispensing chamber 18
is
biased, via spring 20 sandwiched between backstop member 30 and inclined
plate 22 in the interior of the cartridge 7, to maintain the lower dispensing
drawer/chamber 18 in the closed (retracted) position. As the spindle 16 on the
dispensing means 10 moves radially out and reaches its apex of travel, the
trigger
solenoid (not shown) moves the trigger 19 attached to the spindle 16 to allow
the
engagement with the lower dispensing chamber/drawer 18. As the stepper motor
rotates further, the spindle 16 moves back towards the centre of the dispenser
1 which pulls the spring-loaded lower dispensing chamber 18 out of the
cartridge
10 7, allowing the spice in the lower dispensing chamber 18 to fall down by
gravity
onto the underlying funnel 11, and the spindle thereafter releases lower
dispensing drawer/chamber 18, allowing it to be withdrawn back into the
respective cartridge 7, and refilled by the spice in cartridge 7 then
refilling hollow
compartment 23 thereof. The process is repeated by the automated dispenser 1
15 such motors 24 and/or 65 being governed by a series of programmed
instructions
provided in a look-up table (not shown) on a computer chip, until the desired
quantity of spice from a particular cartridge 7 for a particular selected
spice blend,
is obtained/dispensed. A motor (not shown) rotates rotary carrier 220 to align
the
trigger 19 with the particular cartridge 7. With the rotary carrier 220
prevented
from rotating, for example by the motor (not shown), a motor 24 (see Fig. 9)
may
be used to rotate the member 230, which acts on the links 240. Since slider
250 is
constrained to translate along the axis support 260, the motor 24 rotation is
transformed into linear movement of the slider 250 along the support 260. When
the slider 250 reaches the extent of translation, a hook 270 (see also Figs.
8, 16)
engages the dispensing drawer 18. Referring to Fig. 8, as the motor 24 (see
Fig. 9) continues to rotate, the dispensing drawer 18 is pulled open and the
material in compartment 23 is dispensed by gravity. Referring to Fig. 16, when
the
slider 250 reaches the full inward retraction, lever 280 contacts a support
(not
shown) and slides along a cam surface (not shown) to act on lever 280 to
release
the hook 270 via rocker 290. The hook 270 is biased downward toward slider 250
via spring 300. The lever 280 is biased toward slider 250 via spring 310.
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Fig. 7 shows three (3) different views of the offset funnel 11 details: a top
perspective (upper left hand diagram); a bottom perspective (middle diagram);
and, a side perspective (lower right hand diagram). The funnel 11, which is
located below the cartridges, is constructed with an opening 12 to the
receptacle
area that is offset from the centre position. The surfaces of the funnel have
varying slopes that are all inclined or sloped in a downward direction towards
the
opening 12 to the receptacle 2. Mounted to the underneath of the funnel 11 are
one or more direct current vibration motors 21 which, when activated, vibrate
the
funnel 11 during the dispensing sequence. This agitation facilitates the
movement
of the spices down the funnel 11 through the funnel opening 12 into the
receptacle
area 2. The funnel is finished with a highly polished or honed material to
reduce
the friction and allow the spices dispensed to move more freely down the
funnel
11 towards the receptacle 2.
Fig. 8 is a side section view of a cartridge 7 affixed to the cartridge
carrier 6
showing the dispensing means 10 engaging the lower dispensing chamber 18 of a
cartridge 7. The cartridges 7 are constructed with sloping inside walls 22
such that
the spice contained within a cartridge 7 is automatically channeled or
funneled by
gravity downwards towards the opening in the lower dispensing chamber 18. The
lower dispensing chamber 18 is constructed with one or more cavities or hollow
portions 23 that are each calibrated to hold a predetermined quantity of spice
(for
example 1/8 teaspoon or % teaspoon). The same lower dispensing chamber 18 is
equipped with a spring 20 that is biased to hold the said dispensing chamber
in
the closed position until such time as the dispensing sequence is initiated.
Once
the dispensing sequence is initiated, the lower dispensing drawer 18 is pulled
radially towards the centre thus allowing a calibrated quantity of spice to
fall down
by gravity onto the underlying funnel 11. In one embodiment of the invention,
the
dispensing means 10 moves the next cartridge 7 or cartridges and repeats the
process (as programmed) until the entire mix is dispensed.
Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the automated
spice and condiment dispenser 1 showing the operative features of the
assembled
invention. The location of a typical cartridge 7 is shown as being held to the
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cartridge carrier 6, with the bottom surface of the cartridge resting on the
carrier
ribs 14. The cartridges are held in place on the carrier 6 by a number of
engagement points 35, 36, as further discussed herein, which allow the
cartridges
to be removed and replaced with a full cartridge once emptied of its contents.
A
gear motor 24 positioned on a motor mount 25 is used to rotate the dispensing
means 10 which comprises, in part, a rotary arm or spindle 16, in a circular
manner to the location of a desired cartridge 7, and to then repeat the
process
with other cartridges 7 until the entire spice mix is dispensed. Located below
the
cartridge 7 is a funnel 11, which is designed with an opening 12 offset to the
centre thereof, positioned over the receptacle area 2 where the spices are
collected. The surfaces of the funnel 11 all slope downwardly towards the
receptacle area 2. The funnel is preferentially directly affixed to a
vibration motor
21, as further shown in Fig. 5, to vibrate the funnel 11 during the dispensing
sequence to facilitate the movement of spices down into the receptacle 2 where
the spices are collected.
Figs. 10-12 are schematic diagrams showing a method for operating, and
the manner of operation of, one embodiment of the automated dispenser 1 of the
present invention, wherein the cartridges 7 remain stationary and a dispensing
means in the form of a rotatable spindle 16 is rotated by a motor 24 to
individually
dispense selected spice from one or more individual cartridges 7.
In this regard, Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the sequential steps
carried out by a user and by the automated dispenser, when a single spice is
selected to be dispensed from the automated dispenser 1 of the present
invention,
commencing with the user, at step 100, selecting a single spice to be
dispensed,
and thereafter at step 145 selecting the quantity to be dispensed. Then the
user
selects 'Dispense'. The look-up table is accessed to receive instructions for
spindle rotation to a cartridge containing spice to be dispensed. The spindle
is
rotated to the cartridge, and sliding member (or strapping or gear) dispensing
means actuated to dispense the directed quantity. The funnel is optionally
vibrated
to ensure spices are dispensed. Then the user removes the spices now in the
receptacle from the automated dispenser.
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Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the steps carried out by a user and
by the automated dispenser 1, in one embodiment thereof, when a pre-
programmed blend of spices is selected to be dispensed from the automated
dispenser 1 of the present invention, commencing with the user, at step 140,
selecting the mode (spice blend), and thereafter, at step 143, selecting the
specific 'blend', and thereafter at step 145, entering the quantity of such
spice
blend to be dispensed. The user selects 'Dispense'. The look-up table is
accessed
to receive instructions for spindle rotation for selected blend of spices. The
spindle
is rotated to first cartridge containing first spice of selected blend, and
sliding
member (or strapping or gear) dispensing means are actuated to dispense the
directed quantity of first spice. The spindle is then rotated to another
cartridge,
containing another spice for the selected blend, and sliding member (or
strapping
or gear) dispensing means are actuated to dispense directed quantity of such
further spice from such further cartridge. This is repeated if all of the
spices for the
mix have not been dispensed. Once all of the spices for the mix have been
dispensed, the funnel is optionally vibrated to ensure spices are dispensed.
The
user then removes the spices in the receptacle from the automated dispenser.
Fig. 12 schematic diagram showing the steps carried out by a user and by
the automated dispenser 1, in one embodiment thereof, when a blend of spices
is
manually selected to be dispensed from the automated dispenser 1 of the
present
invention, commencing with the user, at step 140, selecting the mode ("spice
blend"), and thereafter, at step 143, sequentially selecting respectively, the
particular spice, and quantity of such spice to be selected. The spindle is
rotated
to first cartridge containing first spice of selected blend, and sliding
member (or
strapping or gear) dispensing means are actuated to dispense directed quantity
of
first spice. The spindle is then rotated to another cartridge, containing
another
spice for the selected blend, and sliding member (or strapping or gear)
dispensing
means are actuated to dispense directed quantity of such further spice from
such
further cartridge. This is repeated if all of the spices for the mix have not
been
dispensed. Once all of the spices for the mix have been dispensed, the funnel
is
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optionally vibrated to ensure spices are dispensed. The user then removes the
spices in the receptacle from the automated dispenser.
Figs. 13(a)¨(c) show the novel cartridge 7 of the present invention, having
an upper storage chamber 17 in partially-filled condition containing a
particular
spice, condiment, herb, tea, powdered beverage or ground coffee, with a bottom
compartment 18 comprising a slidable member/drawer 18 which forms part of the
dispensing means, shown in the retracted (closed) position [Fig. 13(a)], and
in the
extended (dispensing) position [Figs. 13(b), (c)].
Bottom compartment/drawer 18 which forms a slidable member, having a
hollow portion/compartment 23 therein of known volume, allows consistent
dispensation of a known volume of item contained therein. Multiples of such
known volume of such compartment 23 can be dispensed by repetitive opening
and closing of bottom compartment 18 (i.e. using spindle 16 to actuate bottom
compartment 18 in a back and forth manner to dispense multiples of compartment
volume 23, or alternatively, where such bottom compartment/sliding member 18
possesses teeth 55, actuating motor and gear teeth 65 to cause the compartment
to be extended from, and retracted into, the respective cartridge 7).
Specifically, as shown in Figs. 13(a)-13(c), as well as Fig. 5, in contra-
distinction to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and described above which
employs a spring 20 and a trigger 19 (see Fig. 6) to release the bottom
compartment/sliding member 18 to cause it to be withdrawn or extended from the
associated cartridge 7, the embodiment depicted in Figs. 13(a)-13(c), as well
as
Fig. 5 utilizes a series of teeth 55 on bottom compartment/sliding member 18
and
a motor and toothed gear 65, in order to withdraw member 18 from cartridge 7,
and to retract such member 18 into cartridge 7. In this regard, as best shown
in
Fig. 5, a motor and toothed gear 65 is used to provide the motive power, when
actuated, to withdraw the bottom compartment 18 from a selected cartridge 7,
and
to return such bottom compartment 18 its usual position within the cartridge
7.
In a further refinement of the novel cartridge 7, as best seen from Fig. 15,
transparent viewing means in the form of a window 202 is provided for viewing
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quantities of said item remaining in cartridge 7, to allow the user to
determine
when cartridge 7 needs replacement.
In a still-further embodiment, the novel cartridge 7 of the present invention
possesses individual recognition means, to allow automatic dispenser 1 to
individually uniquely identify cartridges 7 and their individual unique
contents. In a
preferred embodiment the individual recognition means comprises a bar code 203
applied to an external inclined surface 200 of cartridge 7 (see Fig. 14), with
an
associated bar code recognition device/scanner 204 (see Fig. 5) located on
automated dispenser 1 at a location where it may scan one or more bar codes
203 applied to inclined surface 200 of individual cartridges 7. One such
location
for the bar code scanner 204 is proximate, and intermediate, a pair of carrier
ribs
14, as shown in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5. In an embodiment disclosed,
a bar code 203 may be applied to the bottom of the cartridge 7, e.g. 360 on
Fig.
22 the bar code scanner 204 arranged to read the bar code 203 on the bottom of
the cartridge 7.
Very advantageously, where the individual cartridges 7 possess
identification/recognition means, the cartridges 7 need not always be
consistently
positioned in the same circumferential position on cartridge carrier 6 in
order for
automated dispenser 1 to correctly dispense, using pre-programmed
instructions,
the requisite spices from selected blends of spices. In this regard,
frequently due
to having to replace empty cartridges 7 with new cartridges containing pre-
packed
spices, a user often will inadvertently mix up the angular positioning of the
cartridges 7 on the circumference of cartridge carrier 6. Without the
dispenser 1
possessing individual recognition means to allow automatic dispenser 1 to
individually uniquely identify cartridges 7 and their individual unique
contents,
subsequent use of the automated dispenser 1 would cause the dispenser 1 to
incorrectly dispense spices and spice blends which would not correspond to
those
selected by the user. With the individual recognition means, such as a bar
code
203 (Fig. 14) or RFID Tag 360 (Fig. 22) on each cartridge 7, and bar code
scanner 204 (as best shown in Fig. 5) or a RFID Reader 370 (Fig. 26), the
automated dispenser 1 is then able to recognize the circumferential position
of
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each cartridge 7 and thereby recognize/know of its specific contents, and
thereby
dispense the correct blend of spices no matter n which circumferential
position the
various cartridges 7 and their associated spices are positioned on the
cartridge
carrier 6.
In an alternative refinement, the individual recognition means may
comprise a unique structural configuration for each cartridge 7, with a mating
configuration on cartridge carrier 6. In such manner, each cartridge may only
be
installed on cartridge carrier 6 in a particular circumferential position and
always in
a consistent angular orientation to each of the remaining cartridges 7.
Specifically,
such unique structural configuration may comprise, but is not limited to,
upper
protruding tabs 35 uniquely positioned on the surface of the cartridge carrier
6,
which matingly engage a corresponding uniquely-positioned passage or aperture
37 (see Fig. 8) in each cartridge 7, to ensure consistent angular location of
each
cartridge 7 on cartridge carrier 6 so as to consistently remain in consistent
location
thereon relative to each other. A lower protruding tab 36 may further be
provided
on the base of each cartridge 7, or alternatively on the base of cartridge
carrier 6,
to further aid in uniquely positioning each cartridge on cartridge carrier 6,
or simply
to assist in similarly securing all cartridge 7 on cartridge carrier 6 during
rotation
thereof, as seen in individual recognition means.
Referring to Figs. 21-27, the lower dispensing chamber 18 of cartridge 7
may alternatively be actuated via inclined plane 320 accessed through port 330
engaged by strapping 340. The cartridges 7 are stationary and arranged as
above
(for example as in Fig. 4) and the dispensing means 10 is rotated to the
selected
cartridge 7. Linear motor or solenoid 350 drives strapping 340 vertically to
engage
the inclined plane 320 to urge the lower dispensing chamber 18 to open the
compartment 23 to allow the material from the selected cartridge 7 to fall
into the
funnel 11 and into the receptacle 2. The strapping 340 retracts down and the
lower dispensing chamber 18 closes. The linear motor or solenoid 350 may drive
the strapping 340 between a retracted position (Fig. 25) and an extended
position
(Fig. 27) or partially there between.
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In an embodiment disclosed the individual recognition means may include
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system including an RFID Reader 370
associated with the automatic dispenser 1 and RFID Tags 360 associated with
the
cartridges 7. In an embodiment disclosed, the RFID Reader 370 may be
associated with the dispensing means 10 and rotate with the rotary carrier 220
to
read an RFID Tag 360 associated with each individual cartridge 7. Due to close
proximity of the RFID Reader 370 and the RFID Tag 360 a high degree of
selectivity may be achieved so that the RFID Reader 370 reads the correct RFID
Tag 360, not the RFID Tag 360 associated with one or more adjacent cartridges
7. In an embodiment disclosed the RFID Tag 360 and associated data may be
operatively connected with the microprocessor or the memory look-up table or
both. In an embodiment disclosed the RFID Reader 370 may be swept across one
or more of the cartridges 7 (e.g. by rotating the rotary carrier 220 through
at least
one full 360 degree rotation) to acquire an inventory (e.g. identity and
location) of
the installed cartridges 7, which may be saved to a memory or used with the
microprocessor or the memory look-up table or combinations thereof. For
example, if a user installs a cartridge 7 in a first slot of the carrier 6
(Fig. 4) at
angular position X and the cartridge 7 has with it associated RFID Tag 360
indicating the cartridge 7 contains paprika, an inventory or poll by sweeping
the
RFID Reader 370 across the cartridges 7 (i.e. the RFID Reader 370 detects RFID
Tag 360 "Paprika" when the dispensing means 10 is at angular position X) would
provide the microprocessor with information that when a need to dispense
paprika
individually or in a mix arises, that the dispensing means 10 should be
aligned
with the first slot, i.e. rotate to angular position X (because that is where
the
paprika cartridge is located). That information may be stored in a memory or
used
with the memory look-up table. Thus, the user can install or change out or
relocate
one or more cartridges 7 without concern over the position of the cartridge 7
within
the carrier 6. In an embodiment disclosed, the dispenser 1 may take an
inventory
of the installed cartridges 7 in this manner when first powered on. In an
embodiment disclosed, the dispenser 1 may present to the user options of
individual materials or mixes or both dependent on the inventory of installed
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cartridges 7 (e.g. present only the available options and mixes based on
available
ingredients).
The above disclosure represents embodiments of the invention recited in
the claims. In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent that these and
other
specific details are not required to be specified herein in order for a person
of skill
in the art to practice the invention.
In an embodiment disclosed, the automated dispenser 1 may be used to
provide a spice blend, such as the following examples which may be included in
pre-programmed firmware or in the memory look-up table. Spices from individual
cartridges 7 containing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder,
paprika,
pepper, salt, red pepper, cayenne, oregano and parsley may be dispensed one at
a time by the automated dispenser 1 to provide a gourmet taco seasoning.
Spices
from individual cartridges 7 containing paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion
powder,
black pepper, ground mustard and cayenne may be dispensed one at a time by
the automated dispenser 1 to provide a burger seasoning. Spices from
individual
cartridges 7 containing salt, paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, cayenne,
and
parsley may be dispensed one at a time by the automated dispenser 1 to provide
a barbeque salmon rub. Spices from individual cartridges 7 containing garlic
powder, salt, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, thyme, basil and parsley
may
be dispensed one at a time by the automated dispenser 1 to provide a zesty
Italian dressing spice, which the user may add oil and vinegar to provide a
zesty
Italian dressing.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by particular embodiments
set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent with the
specification as a whole.
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