Food preparation equipment and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for assembling food products. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for associating food and liquids with a base. Food can include foods such as meat, vegetables, cheese, etc. Liquids can include low-viscosity foods (e.g., sauces, dressings, oils), high-viscosity foods (e.g., peanut butter, frosting), and anything in between. A base can be anything that can be associated with food or liquids (e.g., bread, cake, cookies, pizza dough, a bowl for placing food).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference content

[0002] not applicable

[0003] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0004] not applicable

[0005] Incorporation by reference of material submitted on CD-ROM

[0006] not applicable Background Art

[0007] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for assembling food products. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for associating food and liquids with a base. Food can include foods such as meat, vegetables, cheese, etc. Liquids can include low-viscosity foods (e.g., sauces, dressings, oils), high-viscosity foods (e.g., peanut butter, frosting), and anything in between. A base can be anything that can be associated with food or liquids (e.g., bread, cake, cookies, pizza dough, a bowl for placing food).

[0008] In commercial kitchens, the process of associating food with a base is labor-intensive and expensive. For example, consider assembling a pizza. The pizza dough must be prepared and formed into the correct size base, and the specified amount of sauce and bulk ingredients (such as mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, green peppers, etc.) must be spread on the base.

[0009] Applying specified amounts of sauce and bulk ingredients is important for several reasons. First, specifying the amount of sauce and bulk ingredients ensures a consistent experience for diners. For example, if a three-to-one ratio of cheese to sauce on a cheese pizza provides the best dining experience, then that ratio should be used every time a pizza is ordered. Second, the amount of sauce and bulk ingredients delivered to the base determines the profit margin on the pizza. If too much sauce and bulk ingredients are delivered to the base, profit margins will be reduced or lost. If too little sauce and bulk ingredients are delivered to the base, customers may be lost. In both cases, the margin for error is very low.

[0010] There is a need for a fully automatic, easy-to-operate device that consistently keeps food and liquids associated with a base. This device can be used as an operator-assisted vending machine; a diner-operated standalone vending machine for use in campuses, cafeterias, concession stands, etc.; a kitchen-operated machine such as one operated by a chef; and so on. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A general object of the present invention is to provide an automated, self-contained apparatus that associates food with a base.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing assembly for associating an amount of at least one food and / or liquid selected from a plurality of foods and / or liquids with at least one base.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispensing apparatus that effectively dispenses liquid onto a substrate.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a food dispensing apparatus that effectively dispenses food onto a substrate.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus in which a diner can pre-select food and / or liquid and have a quantity of food and / or liquid cooked in accordance with the selected food and / or base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1A is a block diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base;

[0018] Figure 1B is a block diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base;

[0019] Figure 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a liquid dispensing station;

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a liquid dispensing station;

[0021] Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a liquid dispensing station;

[0022] Figure 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a liquid dispensing station;

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food distribution station;

[0024] Figure 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a food distribution station;

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cheese grater and dispensing station;

[0026] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a meat slicer and dispensing station;

[0027] Figure 10is a front view of an embodiment of a granular food dispensing station;

[0028] Figure 11 is a front view of an embodiment of a granular food dispensing station;

[0029] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a granular food container;

[0030] Figure 13 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a granular food container;

[0031] Figure 14 is a side view of an embodiment of a processor;

[0032] Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a control system for an apparatus of a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base;

[0033] Figure 16 A vehicle is shown in which the apparatus of the self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base is located. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, the use of similar or identical symbols in different figures generally indicates similar or identical items, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0035] The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will recognize that for the sake of conceptual clarity, the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the accompanying discussions thereof described herein are used as examples, and various configuration modifications are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples and accompanying discussions set forth are intended to be representative of their more general categories. In general, the use of any specific example is intended to be representative of its category, and the exclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be considered limiting.

[0037] For clarity of presentation, this application uses formal outline headings. However, it should be understood that the outline headings are for presentation purposes and that different types of subject matter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g., an apparatus / structure that may be described under a process / operation heading and / or a process / operation may be discussed under a structure / process heading; and / or the description of a single subject may span two or more subject headings). Therefore, the use of formal outline headings is not intended to be limiting in any way. In view of the manner outlined, illustrative embodiments include an apparatus ("apparatus") (100) and method for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a substrate.

[0038] In one example, the base may be bread and the liquid may include condiments, and the food may be deli meat. In another example, the base may be cookies and the liquid may be frosting. In another example, the base may be a bowl, the food may be vegetables for a salad, and the liquid may be salad dressing. The exemplary embodiments discussed below describe the assembly of a pizza.

[0039] In the following specifications, reference will be made to food conveyor systems. One embodiment of a food conveyor system consists of at least two pulleys with an endless loop of a carrier medium—one or more conveyor belts—rotated by the pulleys. Power is supplied to one or both pulleys, thereby moving the one or more conveyor belts and the material on them in a defined direction. The powered pulley is called the drive pulley, while the unpowered pulley is called the idler pulley. Typically, the powered pulley is driven by a motor. The motor can be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other motors.

[0040] See also Figure 1A In one embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes a food conveyor system (20) having at least one conveyor belt (21) and at least one dispensing station selected from the group consisting of a liquid dispensing station (200) and a non-liquid (or food) dispensing station (300). Although two dispensing stations (200, 300) are shown, it is apparent that the apparatus (100) may have any number of dispensing stations in any combination. In an embodiment, the base material (10) is sequentially loaded onto the main conveyor belt (21). The base material (10) is transported through at least one dispensing station (200, 300) where food and / or liquid is associated with the base material (10).

[0041] In one embodiment, the main conveyor belt system (20) comprises a single conveyor that passes beneath each dispensing station (200, 300).In another embodiment, the main conveyor belt system (20) may comprise several interconnected conveyor sections.

[0042] See also Figures 2 to 5In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing system (200) includes at least one set of liquid dispensing tracks (210) and at least one conduit (220) that provides liquid to at least one liquid dispensing nozzle (230). In one embodiment, the conduit (220) is in fluid communication with a container (not shown) containing a liquid to be associated with the base material. In one embodiment, a pumping mechanism (222) moves the fluid from the container through the conduit (220) into the liquid dispensing nozzle (230). In one embodiment, the pumping mechanism (222) is a peristaltic pump.

[0043] The liquid dispensing nozzle (230) is operably connected to the liquid dispensing track (210) to allow the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) to move along the liquid dispensing track (210). The liquid dispensing nozzle (230) is operably connected to a motorized pulley system (240) that enables the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) to move along the liquid dispensing track (210). One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the liquid dispensing nozzle can be operably connected to pulleys, chains, pneumatics, hydraulics, or any other electromechanical motion control system mounted on a structure that can also serve as a track or guide for the direction of travel.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) is supported by a frame (235). The frame (235) is operably coupled to the liquid dispensing track (210). According to one embodiment, the frame (235) is operably coupled to a motorized pulley system (240) that enables the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) to move along the dispensing track (210).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing track (210) is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the main conveyor (20). According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) is timed to move so that when the conveyor moves the base material (10) below the liquid dispensing station (200), the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) moves from a first position (211) on the liquid dispensing track (210) to a second position (212) on the liquid dispensing track (210) to associate the liquid with the base material (10). According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) can travel from more than one first position (211) to more than one second position (212) on the liquid dispensing track (210) as the base material (10) is conveyed below the liquid dispensing station.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) moves from a first position to a second position on the liquid dispensing track (210) to place the liquid according to the size or position of the substrate (10) or the type of liquid to be dispensed on the substrate (10). According to one embodiment, the movement of the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) is controlled by a computer numerical control or other software that provides similar functions.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing nozzle (230) dispenses the liquid while moving in one direction along the liquid dispensing track (210). That is, the liquid is dispensed while moving from a first position to a second position; or the liquid is dispensed while moving from a second position to a first position.

[0048] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 A food dispensing station (300) can be used to associate non-liquid food with a base (10). According to one embodiment, the food dispensing station (300) includes a food conveyor system (310) having at least one food conveyor belt (311) and a carriage (320). The carriage (320) includes a motor and pulley system (321) to allow it to move from a first position (313) to a second position (312).

[0049] The food conveyor belt (311) includes a proximal end (325) and a distal end (326). The food conveyor belt (311) is operably attached to the carriage (320) such that when the carriage (320) moves from the first position (313) to the second position (312), the food conveyor belt (311) moves from the first position (313) to the second position (312) while continuing to operate. According to one embodiment, when the carriage (320) moves from the second position (312) to the first position (313), the food conveyor belt (311) is locked so that it no longer rotates about its pulley. In another embodiment, the speed of the food conveyor belt (311) is adjusted when the conveyor belt (311) moves from the first position (313) to the second position (312). In another embodiment, the speed of the food conveyor belt (311) is adjusted when the conveyor belt (311) moves from the second position (312) to the first position (313). In another embodiment, the speed of the food conveyor belt (311) is continuously adjusted.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the food conveyor belt (311) is positioned approximately perpendicular to the main conveyor (21). According to one embodiment, the food conveyor belt (311) is timed to deliver food to the substrate (10) as it passes beneath the food conveyor system (300). According to one embodiment, the food conveyor associates food with the substrate (10) based on the size or location of the substrate (10) or the type of food to be dispensed onto the substrate (10). According to one embodiment, the movement of the food dispensing station (300) is controlled by a computer numerical control or other software that provides similar functionality.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when the carriage (320) moves from the first position (313) to the second position (312), the food is associated with the food conveyor belt (311). The carriage (320) then moves from the second position (312) to the first position (313), and the food conveyor belt (311) is prevented from rotating; thus, the food is associated with the base material (10). According to one embodiment, the carriage (320) can have multiple first positions (313) and multiple second positions (312).

[0052] In one embodiment, the food conveyor belt (311) is a single conveyor. In another embodiment, the food conveyor belt (311) may comprise several interconnected conveyor sections.

[0053] See also Figures 6 to 8 According to one embodiment, the food dispensing station (300) can be operably attached to a chopper (330). The food dispensing station (300) has a proximal end (331) and a distal end (332). According to one embodiment, the chopper (330) is operably attached to the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) by a known fastening system. According to one embodiment, the chopper (330) is operably attached to the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) at an angle (338) between 10° and 90° relative to the food conveyor (311), the angle being substantially horizontal. Although a disc-type chopper is shown in the drawings for exemplary purposes, the chopper can be any other device that receives food and associates the food in smaller portions with the food conveyor (311) by slicing, dicing, or otherwise cutting the food.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the shredder (330) can be cooled by an external or internal heat exchange system. According to one embodiment, the conduit (332) can be positioned near or operably attached to the shredder (330) or the food dispensing station (300) to allow the food (21) to be conveyed to the shredder. According to one embodiment, the food (21) conveyed to the shredder (330) is cheese. Figure 1B , which for exemplary purposes is hereinafter referred to as the cheese dispensing station ( 600 ).

[0055] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to one embodiment, the food dispensing station (300) can be operably attached to a slicer (340). The food dispensing station (300) can have a proximal end (331) and a distal end (332). According to one embodiment, the slicer (340) is operably attached to the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) by a known fastening system. According to one embodiment, the slicer (340) is operably attached to the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) at an angle (338) between 10° and 90° relative to the food conveyor (311), the angle being substantially horizontal. According to one embodiment, the slicer can slice food into various thicknesses. Although a slicer is shown in the accompanying drawings for exemplary purposes, the slicer (340) can be any device that receives food and associates the food in smaller portions with the food conveyor (311) by slicing, dicing, or otherwise cutting the food.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the slicer (340) can be cooled by an external or internal heat exchange system. According to one embodiment, a conduit (341) can be positioned adjacent to or operably attached to the slicer (340) to allow the food (21) to be delivered to the slicer (340). According to one embodiment, the food (21) delivered to the slicer (340) is pepperoni or other meat. Figure 1B , which for exemplary purposes is hereinafter referred to as a meat distribution station (700).

[0057] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to one embodiment, the food dispensing station (300) can be operably attached to at least one food container (350). The food dispensing station (300) can have a proximal end (331) and a distal end (332). According to one embodiment, the food container (350) is operably attached to the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) by a known fastening system. According to one embodiment, the food container (350) is positioned near the proximal end (331) of the food dispensing station (300) such that food from the food container (350) is associated with the food conveyor belt (311).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the food container (350) includes a food conduit (351), a cylinder (352), and a motor (353). The food conduit (351) has a top (354) and a bottom (355). The bottom (355) of the food conduit (351) defines a bell end 355a and a bell end 355b.

[0059] The cylinder (352) has a proximal end (357) and a distal end (356). The proximal end (357) of the cylinder (352) is operably coupled to the bell end 355a of the food conduit (351). The motor (353) is operably coupled to the bell end 335b of the food conduit (351) to rotate the cylinder (352).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the proximal end (357) of the barrel (352) defines a cutout formed at a set of agitator rods or fins (358, 359).In some embodiments, the barrel (352) may be replaced by an egg beater or whisk.

[0061] The food (23) is fed from the food conduit (351) through the cylinder (352) onto the food conveyor (311). The fins (358, 359) prevent the food (23) from clumping by separating the food as it is associated with the food conveyor (311).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the food (23) conveyed from the container (350) to the food conveyor (311) may be onions, peppers, olives, etc. According to one embodiment, a plurality of containers (350) may be operatively associated with the food conveyor (311). Figure 1B , which for exemplary purposes is hereinafter referred to as the particle delivery system (800).

[0063] See also Figure 1A and Figure 14 In one embodiment, the self-contained apparatus for associating food and / or liquid with a base (100) further comprises a base processor (50). In one embodiment, the base (10) is removed from a storage location (40) and placed onto a main conveyor (20) by the base processor (50).

[0064] In one embodiment, the substrate handler (50) includes a panel (51) operably connected to a motorized pulley system (58) that allows the panel (51) to move along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. In one embodiment, the panel (51) is operably attached to a frame (52) that provides a track (53) on which the panel (51) can move; wherein the frame (52) supports the panel (51). The panel (51) moves along the frame (52) along the x-axis, y-axis, or z-axis using the motorized pulley system (58).

[0065] Thus, the panel (51) supported by the frame (52) moves along the z-axis to a position along the storage location (40) that accommodates the bottom material (10); the panel (51) then moves along the x-axis to the outside of the frame (52) to receive the bottom material (10); the panel (51) and the bottom material (10) move back into the frame (52) along the x-axis; next, the panel moves along the z-axis within the frame (52) to the conveying height; and finally, the panel (51) moves along the x-axis (60) within the frame to deliver the bottom material (10) to the main conveyor (20). In another embodiment, the panel (51) can be moved along the y-axis to receive the bottom material (10) at an additional column or group of storage locations adjacent to the original storage location (40).

[0066] In another embodiment, the processor (50) further includes a conveyor belt (60). Thus, as described above, the base material (10) is received from its storage location and then the panel (51) can be moved along the z-axis to associate the base material (10) with the conveyor belt (60). According to one embodiment, the conveyor belt (60) moves the base material to the main conveyor belt (20).

[0067] In an exemplary sequence of events, the base (10) is conveyed to at least one of: a liquid dispensing station, wherein at least one liquid layer is associated with the base (10); a food dispensing station (300), wherein food is associated with the base (10); or a combination thereof.

[0068] See also Figure 1B In an exemplary sequence of events, a base (10), i.e., pizza dough, is conveyed to a liquid dispensing station (200) where at least one layer of pizza sauce is applied to the pizza dough (10). The pizza dough (10) may be raw, baked, or semi-baked. The pizza dough may be formed into any shape or unformed. The pizza dough (10) then passes through a cheese dispensing station (600) which places cheese on the base (10). In a preferred embodiment, the cheese is grated, sliced, cut, or otherwise chopped at the cheese dispensing station (600) before being associated with the pizza dough (10). However, if the cheese is pre-shredded, sliced, or otherwise cut, then the cheese may be conveyed to the pizza dough (10) at a granular food dispensing station (800) below.

[0069] The pizza dough (10) then enters a meat dispensing station (700) where the meat is associated with the pizza dough (10). In a preferred embodiment, the meat dispensing station (700) slices, cuts, or otherwise cuts the meat before placing it on the pizza dough (10a). The pizza dough (10) then passes through a granular food dispensing station (800). Food such as olives, green peppers, onions, artichoke hearts, cheese, etc. is associated with the pizza dough (10). In one embodiment, the pizza dough (10) with the associated food and sauce is then transferred to an oven or other heat source for cooking.

[0070] See also Figure 15 In an exemplary embodiment, the functionality of the apparatus of the self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base (100) communicates with software (900) that controls liquid and / or food metering, recipe management, and the like.

[0071] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base (100) includes at least one liquid dispensing station (200) and a food dispensing station (300). According to one embodiment, the apparatus (100) communicates with software (900), wherein the software (900) is a computer numerical control system. In some embodiments, each station (200, 300) is independently controlled by a separate computer numerical control system. In some embodiments, the computer numerical control system can send system objectives, operating instructions, core instructions, or specific instructions to each station (200, 300).

[0072] In one embodiment, a device for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base (10) communicates with software that receives an instruction (910) from a user to associate food and / or liquid with the base (100). According to one embodiment, when the instruction is communicated to the device (100), it associates the requested food and / or liquid with the base (10). In one embodiment, the user (920) receives the base with the associated food and / or liquid.

[0073] See also Figure 16 According to one embodiment, an apparatus for a self-contained system for associating food and / or liquid with a base (10) is operably associated with a vehicle (70). According to one embodiment, upon completion of associating the food and / or liquid with the base (10) by the apparatus (100), the associated food and / or liquid is delivered to a user. According to one embodiment, the apparatus (100), the base (10), and the associated food and / or liquid are cooked in the vehicle prior to delivery.

[0074] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the software may be embodied as a system, method, or computer product. Thus, aspects of the software may take the form of a complete hardware implementation, a complete software implementation (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects. Other aspects of the software may take the form of a computer program embodied in one or more readable media having computer readable program code / instructions thereon. The program code embodied on the computer readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The computer code may be executed entirely on the user's computer; partially on the user's computer; as a standalone software package; as a cloud service; partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer; or entirely on a remote computer, a remote or cloud-based server.

Claims

1. An apparatus for associating food and / or liquid with a base, comprising: (a) a main conveyor belt system, the main conveyor belt system having at least one main conveyor belt; wherein the main conveyor belt conveys the base material; (b) a liquid dispensing station, wherein the liquid dispensing station comprises at least one set of liquid dispensing tracks, at least one conduit for supplying liquid to at least one liquid dispensing nozzle; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle is connected to the liquid dispensing tracks to allow the liquid dispensing nozzle to move along the liquid dispensing tracks; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle moves from at least one first position to at least one second position; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle delivers liquid to the base material while the liquid dispensing nozzle moves from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; the liquid dispensing tracks are configured to be substantially perpendicular to the main conveyor belt; and (c) a food dispensing station, wherein the food dispensing station comprises: a food conveyor system, the food conveyor system having at least one food conveyor, wherein the food conveyor transports food to the base as the base passes beneath the food conveyor system, the food being associated with the food conveyor, wherein the food conveyor rotates about at least one food conveyor pulley; and a carriage, wherein movement of the carriage is controlled by a carriage pulley, wherein the carriage pulley allows the carriage to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position; wherein the food conveyor is mechanically attached to the carriage such that when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, the food conveyor moves from the first position to the second position while continuing to rotate about the food conveyor pulley; wherein when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, the food conveyor is locked such that the food conveyor no longer rotates about the food conveyor pulley, and the carriage pulley continues to rotate such that food on the food conveyor is transported to the base; and the food conveyor is positioned substantially perpendicular to the main conveyor belt.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The liquid dispensing nozzle is timed to move from at least the first position to at least the second position as the main conveyor moves the substrate beneath the liquid dispensing station.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein Adjust the speed of the main conveyor belt, the food conveyor belt, or both.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The apparatus is operably positioned on a vehicle.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The device communicates with software that controls food or liquid metering and / or recipe management.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The base material is selected from the group consisting of: bowl, cooked pizza dough, raw pizza dough, semi-cooked pizza dough, bread, cookies, cake, and substrate.

7. A method of associating food with a substrate using the apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The base material is conveyed on the main conveyor belt to at least one selected from the group consisting of: (i) the liquid dispensing station; (ii) Such food distribution station.

8. A method of assembling a pizza using an apparatus for associating food with a base, the apparatus comprising: a main conveyor belt system having at least one main conveyor belt; wherein the main conveyor belt conveys the base material; at least one food dispensing station attached to the chopper; at least one food dispensing station attached to the slicer; at least one food dispensing station attached to or otherwise in food communication with at least one food container; a liquid dispensing station comprising at least one set of liquid dispensing tracks and at least one conduit for supplying liquid to at least one liquid dispensing nozzle; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle is connected to the liquid dispensing track to allow the liquid dispensing nozzle to move along the liquid dispensing track; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle moves from at least one first position to at least one second position; wherein the liquid dispensing nozzle delivers liquid to the base material while the liquid dispensing nozzle moves from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; The liquid distribution track is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the main conveyor belt; 19. The food dispensing station according to claim 18, wherein the food conveyor system comprises at least one food conveyor belt, wherein the food conveyor belt transports food to the base material as the base material passes beneath the food conveyor system, the food being associated with the food conveyor belt, wherein the food conveyor belt rotates around at least one food conveyor belt pulley; and a carriage, wherein movement of the carriage is controlled by a carriage pulley, wherein the carriage pulley allows the carriage to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position; wherein the food conveyor belt is mechanically attached to the carriage so that when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, the food conveyor belt moves from the first position to the second position while continuing to rotate around the food conveyor belt pulley; wherein when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, the food conveyor belt is locked so that the food conveyor belt no longer rotates around the food conveyor belt pulley, and the carriage pulley continues to rotate so that food on the food conveyor belt is transported to the base material; The base material is delivered to at least one of the following: (i) said liquid dispensing station, wherein at least one layer of pizza sauce is applied to said base; (ii) said food dispensing station attached to a shredder, wherein cheese is delivered to said base; (iii) said food dispensing station attached to a slicer, wherein pepperoni or other meat product is delivered to said base; (iv) said food dispensing station attached to at least one food container, wherein said food container contains vegetables, dairy products, and / or meat or meat products.

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