Automated dispenser and method for dispensing

摘要

An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges 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 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.

主权项

1. A cartridge adapted for use in an automated dispenser, for containing at least one item selected from the group of items comprising spices, herbs, teas, condiments, powdered beverages and ground coffees, said cartridge comprising:
(i) an upper storage chamber and a lower dispensing chamber; and (ii) a slidable member having at least one hollow cavity or slot calibrated to hold a known amount of said at least one item, situated at the base of said lower dispensing chamber, the slidable member having a spring biased to maintain the slidable member in a closed position, capable of being slidably actuated by a dispensing means which when so actuated allows dispensation of said known amount of said at least one item contained in said cartridge from said at least one hollow cavity or slot from said cartridge, wherein said slidable member comprises an inclined plane accessible by the dispensing means; and wherein the cartridge comprises a port on the bottom of said lower dispensing chamber, through which the inclined plane of the slidable member is accessible to the dispensing means.