Automatic product dispenser

Abstract

A touchless automatic dispenser capable of providing one or more fresh and crispy food products to a customer regardless of the type of food product or container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus for dispensing products, and in one case, apparatus for dispensing snack food products. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a contactless food product dispenser designed to maintain the freshness and crispness of food products during dispensing. Background Technology

[0002] There are currently no widely available personalizers for dispensing single or multiple portions of snacks or other food products in bulk. Generally, customers purchase pre-packaged, personalized portions of food products, such as snacks. For example, a customer might typically buy a bag of chips from a vending machine or store. There are several reasons for this. First, snacks (e.g., chips) are prone to becoming soggy and spoiling after exposure to the atmosphere for a period of time (e.g., 24 hours or less). Second, isolating snacks and preventing them from coming into contact with customers and pests when dispensing in bulk is challenging. Finally, given all the problems described above, it is difficult to design a system that does not rely on containers for catching or receiving the dispensed snacks.

[0003] An automatic dispenser for single or multiple servings of food products is needed. Additionally, an automatic dispenser capable of keeping food products fresh and crisp for at least 24 hours is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

[0005] First, it is conceivable that the disclosed apparatus can be used to dispense any of a variety of products. However, for ease of description, readability, and understanding, the disclosed apparatus will be described generally in connection with food products, and more specifically with snack food products. Therefore, unless the following description is clearly applicable to food or snack food products, it is conceivable that the following description is equally applicable to other products (i.e., non-food products). On the other hand, the following description provides a description that will be understood by those skilled in the art for use only with food and / or snack food products. In these cases, the apparatus is intended for use only with food and / or snack food products.

[0006] In view of this, the disclosed device provides a dispenser for one or more food products (e.g., snacks). Specifically, the dispenser is contactless and includes a food area defined by one or more compartments configured to store the food products separately from each other, from non-food areas, and from the external environment (in a non-contact manner). Advantageously, the dispenser provides automated, contactless delivery of one or more fresh and / or crispy food products. Another advantage is that the dispenser is capable of providing more than one snack regardless of the type of container and food product.

[0007] To operate as a contactless device, the dispenser may include multiple sensors communicating with a controller that instructs the dispenser's mechanical components. The dispenser may include a first sensor that detects the presence of a container. The controller then instructs the dispenser to begin dispensing food product. Additionally, the dispenser may include a second sensor that detects when the food product has adequately filled the container, and when this is detected, the controller instructs the dispenser to stop dispensing food product. In this way, the dispenser can operate without customer input or with limited customer input. The dispenser may include a quantity sensor configured to detect the level of food product in one or more compartments. When the quantity sensor detects a food product level below a pre-selected level, it signals to prepare or add more food product to one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a customer sensor that detects the presence of a customer; once the customer's presence is sensed, the controller instructs the dispenser to begin preparing more food product.

[0008] Imagine a scenario where a customer approaches a dispenser and places a container near it, for example, near a tray associated with the dispenser. The dispenser detects the container's presence, and its mechanical components begin dispensing one or more food products into the container without further customer input. The amount of food product to be dispensed is based on the available volume within the container. When the dispenser detects that the food product in the container has reached a predetermined level, it stops dispensing. The customer then removes the container fully filled with the crispy, edible food product.

[0009] To maintain the freshness or crispness of food products, the dispenser may include temperature sensors in one or more compartments to independently regulate the temperature in one or more compartments. In this way, the food products in each of the one or more compartments can maintain fresh and / or crisp conditions for at least 12 hours or at least 24 hours. The dispenser may also include one or more mechanical devices to control the moisture content in one or more compartments.

[0010] In alternative implementations, the dispenser includes a user interface for customer interaction and control. For example, the user interface may provide a method for allowing a customer to input the proportions of two or more food products they wish to dispense into the container.

[0011] The invention extends to methods, systems, component kits, and devices that are substantially as described herein and / or explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] This invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and / or explained herein. Furthermore, apparatus aspects can be applied to method aspects, and vice versa. Moreover, any, some, and / or all features of one aspect can be applied in any suitable combination to any, some, and / or all features of any other aspect.

[0013] It should also be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The following description is accompanied by accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example to illustrate the disclosed apparatus. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, where appropriate, repeated reference numerals in the figures indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of one implementation of the distributor.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the distributor.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the dispenser.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the dispenser, with the casing removed to reveal some internal components.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The front view of the dispenser, with the front housing removed to reveal some internal components.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the dispenser, with the casing removed to reveal some internal components.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the dispenser, with part of the housing removed to reveal some internal components.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 1A partial view of the top of the dispenser, showing the raw material compartment and a portion of the second compartment.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The front view of the dispenser, with the front housing removed to show the interior portions of the first and second food compartments, as well as the container sensor, product sensor, customer sensor, and volume sensor.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second food compartment, which connects to the exit. Detailed Implementation

[0025] An automatic dispenser 10 is described below, capable of dispensing one or more food products into a container 30, thereby filling the container 30 to a predetermined level. This predetermined level may also be referred to as a sufficient level. Food products may include any food suitable for human consumption. Suitable food products include, but are not limited to, snack products such as biscuits, cookies, crisps, dried fruit, dried vegetables, fried foods, or baked goods. In some embodiments, snacks are crisps, pretzels, or cheese puffs. The term "snack" includes any type of product based on wheat flour, soybean flour, tuber, or corn flour that can be dispensed from a bulk supply, and refers to both the singular and plural forms of the word.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dispenser 10 includes a door assembly 6, a side panel 8, a back panel 12, a bottom panel 14, and a top panel 16, one or more of which can be opened to allow access to the interior of the dispenser. The top panel 16 may have a top cover 18 that can be opened to allow access to the interior of the dispenser 10 from the top. The dispenser 10 may be made of any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum), polymers (e.g., plastics or polycarbonate), or combinations of these materials.

[0027] Door assembly 6 may include one or more windows to display one or more food products. During dispensing, door assembly 6 remains closed. Door assembly 6 may be hinged to side panel 8 to allow it to swing open horizontally, or to top panel 16 or bottom panel 14 to allow it to swing open vertically. Door assembly 6 can be opened to add one or more food products to dispenser 10.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the door assembly 6 may have a user interface 34, which consumers or customers (also referred to as users) can use to control certain functions and operations of the dispenser. The user interface 34 may have tactile or non-tactile buttons, or may be provided as a touchscreen. For example, the interface may provide control over the type and proportion of one or more food products dispensed. For instance, when the dispenser is configured to deliver two products, the ratio of the first food product to the second food product may be approximately 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:2, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 2:3, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, or any value in between. It is also conceivable that when the dispenser 10 is configured to contain two or more products, the interface may control the dispensing of only one product, a mixture of two products (as explained above), or a mixture of two or more products in any suitable proportion.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 The tray 20 may be provided in association with a dispenser and configured to receive a container 30, which will be provided by a customer and used to receive one or more food products dispensed from the dispenser 10. The tray 20 may include recesses and / or ridges to receive and stabilize the container 30. In some embodiments, the tray 20 may have an open top plate and a hollow receiver below the top plate for catching dispensed food products that fall outside or from the container 30. The tray 20 may be removable or foldable to a position substantially perpendicular to the base plate 14 and a second position parallel to the base plate 14. The tray 20 may be made of any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum) or polymers (e.g., plastic) or combinations of these materials.

[0030] Distributor 10 may have a guardrail 32, which is at least partially located between door assembly 6 and tray 20. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the guard 32 can be located below the door assembly 6 and can be configured to prevent food products from moving below the dispenser 10. In one aspect, the width of the guard 32 can reach the width of the dispenser 10. The guard 32 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal or polymer or a combination of these materials.

[0031] sensor

[0032] Dispenser 10 may include multiple sensors communicatively coupled to controller 100. These sensors are configured to detect events such as the presence of container 30, a predetermined level of dispensed food product, the amount of available food product in each compartment relative to a pre-selected threshold level, or the presence of a potential customer. When an event is detected, each corresponding sensor may communicate that information to controller 100. Controller 100 instructs the dispenser to dispense food product when container 30 is present and instructs the dispenser to stop when container 30 is filled to the predetermined level.

[0033] Dispenser 10 may include at least one container sensor 22, such as a proximity sensor, to detect the presence of container 30. Figure 6 As shown, container sensor 22 can be coupled to guardrail 32. Alternatively or additionally, door assembly 6 and / or tray 20 may include container sensor 22 (not shown). Container sensor 22 is configured to detect container 30 when container 30 is placed within a detection zone for at least a minimum amount of time. The detection zone is a pre-selected distance from dispenser 10. In some cases, the detection zone may be approximately 155 mm from container sensor 22. In some aspects, the minimum amount of time may be at least 0.5 seconds.

[0034] The dispenser 10 may also include at least one product sensor 24 to detect a predetermined level of dispensed food product. (See reference...) Figure 3 The door assembly 6 may include a product sensor 24 capable of detecting the amount of product dispensed into the container 30. The product sensor 24 may be any suitable type of sensor capable of sensing or detecting the amount of food product present in the container 30. In one case, the product sensor 24 is a proximity sensor. Figure 3 As shown, the product sensor 24 may be located at the bottom of the door assembly 6. Alternatively, the product sensor 24 may be located anywhere suitable so that the amount of food product in the container 30 can be "seen" or detected. For example, the product sensor 24 may be located directly above the container 30. The product sensor 24 may detect a predetermined level while dispensing one or more food products, or it may detect the available volume of the container and calculate the dispensing amount before dispensing one or more food products. The product sensor 24 may be configured to detect a predetermined level between about 75% and about 100% of the volume of the container 30. In some embodiments, the predetermined level is at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or at least about 100% of the filling volume. The predetermined level may be about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or about 100% of the filling volume.

[0035] Distributor 10 may include additional sensors, such as metering sensor 28 and / or customer sensor 26, each of which is communicatively coupled to controller 100, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown. When the dispenser is configured to produce fresh food products from raw materials, the quantity sensor 28 is configured to detect the amount of available food product that has been produced and is available for dispensing. Once the amount of available food product drops below a pre-selected threshold level, the quantity sensor 28 sends a signal to the controller 100 to instruct the production of fresh food product. The quantity sensor 28 can be any suitable type of sensor capable of detecting the amount of available food product. In one case, the quantity sensor 28 is a proximity sensor.

[0036] When customer sensor 26 is set up, it can be configured to attract potential customers to explore dispenser 10. In one aspect, customer sensor 26 is configured to send a signal to controller 100 when it senses a potential customer. Controller 100 can then direct the signal to one or more lights, speakers, etc., to generate visual and auditory sensor outputs to attract the customer. The controller can then instruct the dispenser to begin preparing fresh food products. In this way, the sound and smell of the freshly prepared food products can attract potential customers to interact with dispenser 10 and obtain food products from it.

[0037] When an event is detected, container sensor 22, product sensor 24, quantity sensor 28, or customer sensor 26 communicates with controller 100, which then directs the operation of dispenser 10, as will be discussed in more detail. Controller 100 may be a microcontroller, digital signal processor, or other processor or processing / control circuitry, and in some cases may be implemented as, include, or otherwise coupled to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), reconfigurable hardware or hardware circuitry, or other specialized hardware to facilitate the execution of said functions. Figure 2 As shown, the controller 100 can be located on the back panel 12, but other locations are also possible, as long as it is located in the non-food area 2.

[0038] Turn Figure 5 and Figure 6The controller 100 can be configured to instruct the mechanical components of the dispenser 10 based on one or more segments of information from sensors. For example, when the container sensor 22 detects the presence of container 30, the controller 100 can instruct or not instruct the production of more fresh food product based on the amount of available food product detected by the quantity sensor 28. In another aspect, when the customer sensor 26 detects the presence of a potential customer, the controller 100 can instruct or not instruct the production of fresh food product based on the amount of food product available detected by the quantity sensor 28. In yet another aspect, if the quantity sensor 28 detects that the amount of food product is below a pre-selected threshold level, the controller 100 can delay the operation of the outlet 70 until there is sufficient fresh food product available for dispensing. If the quantity sensor 28 detects a low level of food product before the product sensor 24 detects a predetermined level of food product already dispensed in container 30, the controller 100 can instruct the outlet 70 to remain operational while the dispenser 10 produces more fresh food product for dispensing.

[0039] cubicle

[0040] Dispenser 10 includes a non-food zone 2 and a food zone 4, such as Figure 7 As shown. The non-food area 2 contains various motors and electronic devices that operate one or more compartments and exits 70. For example, controller 100 instructs the operation of mechanical components (e.g., motors and electronic devices) of one or more compartments in response to events detected by various sensors 22, 24, 26 and 28.

[0041] Within the food zone 4, the dispenser 10 may include one or more compartments configured to hold one or more food products. Furthermore, the one or more compartments may be capable of maintaining the crispness and / or freshness of one or more food products. In this way, the dispenser 10 is able to automatically dispense a mixture of fresh and / or crispy food products into a single container 30. The one or more compartments are in communication with an outlet 70, which is configured to dispense the food products contained within the one or more compartments into the provided and sensed container 30.

[0042] Dispenser 10 may include at least one, at least two, at least three, or at least four compartments configured to hold one or more food products. Each compartment may hold a single food product or a mixture of two or more food products. In some aspects, the compartments may be configured to produce fresh food products from raw materials, such as popcorn, fried vegetables or tubers, baked food products, such as sweet bread, biscuits, customizable dips, syrups, or spreads. When one or more compartments are configured to produce fresh food products from raw materials, the raw materials may be contained within the same compartment or stored in separate raw material compartments 80, allowing for hygienic transfer of the raw materials to one or more compartments.

[0043] To maintain the freshness and / or crispness of food products, dispenser 10 may include mechanisms for controlling the atmosphere within one or more compartments. For example, one or more heating elements 52 and temperature sensors may be used to maintain a constant temperature effective for removing moisture from the compartments, thereby helping to prevent the food products from becoming soggy or spoiled. Furthermore, each or some compartments may include sensors to monitor the moisture content of the atmosphere. The one or more heating elements 52 may be any suitable type of heating element that can provide illumination and function as a heat source to maintain the desired temperature in each of the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Three heating elements 52a, 52b, and 52c are shown. In one case, each of one or more heating elements 52a, 52b, and 52c may be a halogen lamp. Typically, heating elements 52 are configured to maintain a temperature between approximately 25°C and approximately 65°C, which helps to maintain the freshness and / or crispness of food products. One or more heating elements 52 (e.g., 52a, 52b, or 52c) can maintain the temperature in the first food compartment 40 or the second food compartment 50 at approximately 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, or 65°C. The required temperature depends on the type of food product and the atmospheric moisture content.

[0044] In addition to or in lieu of one or more heating elements 52, the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 may also include other types of heating elements. For example, air circulation devices, such as fans, may be provided to help provide circulation of warm air and a more uniform temperature distribution. Furthermore, the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 may each include a temperature sensor that communicates with the controller 100. In some cases, the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 may each include an atmospheric humidity sensor that communicates with the controller 100.

[0045] The different implementations of one or more compartments will now be described in more detail.

[0046] Back Figure 5 The dispenser 10 includes a first food compartment 40 and a second food compartment 50. The first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 are configured to store food products until the food products are dispensed into the customer-supplied container 30. As described above, the food products stored in the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 can include any food suitable for human consumption. However, for ease of description and not to limit the types of food products that can be stored and dispensed by the dispenser, general and specific embodiments will be described below, such as the first food compartment 40 storing snack food products, and the second food compartment 50 cooking and storing freshly made popcorn.

[0047] One or more compartments (including raw material compartments) may be arranged relative to each other to provide a pleasant display or improve the distribution of food products. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 can be arranged side by side, but it is conceivable that the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 can be oriented in any suitable position relative to each other. The dispenser 10 may include a raw material compartment 80 communicating with one or more compartments. In some aspects, the raw material compartment 80 communicates with the second food compartment 50, and in some cases with a popcorn cooking device (e.g., pot 58). Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the raw material compartment 80 is positioned vertically above the second food compartment 50, but it is conceivable that the raw material compartment 80 can be located in any suitable location. One or more compartments may be connected at a single distribution point.

[0048] One or more compartments may each include a food product conveyor 44, a bottom 46, and a conveying channel 48. The food product conveyor 44 is located above the bottom 46 and is configured to move food products located on the bottom 46 toward an outlet 70. Each bottom 46 may terminate at a conveying channel 48. The conveying channel 48 receives the moving food products and guides them to the outlet 70. As illustrated and described, letters such as “a,” “b,” or “c” may be used to denote specific elements connected to a particular compartment.

[0049] In one embodiment, the food product conveyor 44 may be provided as a helical element, such as a coiled spring, but other methods of moving the food product, such as a pusher, are also contemplated. It is understood that when the food product conveyor 44a or 44b is provided as a coiled spring rotating in one direction, the food product moves from the first food compartment 40 or the second food compartment 50 to the outlet 70. Furthermore, the food product conveyor 44 may be of one type in the first food compartment 40 and of a different type in the second food compartment 50. Alternatively, the food product conveyor 44 may be the same type of conveyor for both compartments. The food product conveyor 44 may be made of any material suitable for contact with the food product and may include metals, polymers, or combinations thereof. Figure 5 As shown, the first food compartment 40 is associated with the food product conveyor 44a, the bottom 46a and the conveying channel 48a, while the second food compartment 50 is associated with the food product conveyor 44b, the bottom 46b and the conveying channel 48b.

[0050] Each food product conveyor 44 is connected to its own motor 102. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, food product conveyor 44a is connected to motor 102a, and food product conveyor 44b is connected to motor 102b. Each motor 102a and 102b can operate independently of the other motors. For example, when a customer inputs the desired ratio of one food product to another, motor 102a of the first food compartment 40 will drive food product conveyor 44a at a set speed to convey the first food product, and the second motor 102b of the second food compartment 50 will drive food product conveyor 44b at a different set speed to generate the desired ratio of food products to be dispensed. In an exemplary embodiment, if the user inputs the desired ratio as 2:1, motor 102a will drive food product conveyor 44a at a faster speed than motor 102b drives food product conveyor 44b to dispense the desired 2:1 ratio in the customer's container 30. In one case, the first motor 102a drives snack conveyor 44a twice as fast as the second motor 102b to dispense twice as many food products. The controller 100 can be pre-programmed to take into account the size and weight of each food product when calculating the speed of each motor 102a and 102b.

[0051] Furthermore, one or more compartments may include at least one chute 42. The at least one chute 42 may be configured to guide food products toward the food product conveyor 44 to maintain a relatively continuous flow of dispensed food products. In the example embodiment, Figure 5 , 6 Figures 9 and 10 show a dispenser 10 including slides 42a, 42b, and 42c. Slide 42a is configured to guide food products toward food product conveyor 44a, while slides 42b and 42c are configured to guide food products toward another food product conveyor 44b. In order to keep the food products in the first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 moving toward food product conveyors 44a and 44b, slides 42a, 42b, and 42c can each be independent of the other slides and at an angle of about 30° to about 70° relative to the base plate 14.

[0052] One or more compartments 40, 50 may be configured to receive food products from a bulk source. To refill one or more food compartments 40, 50, the top cover 18 or top plate 16 may be opened to allow the input of more food products. Alternatively, one or more compartments 40, 50 may be movable so that the respective compartment can be moved away from the dispenser 10. For example, when attempting to refill the first food compartment 40, the side plate 8 or door assembly 6 may be opened, and the first food compartment 40 may be configured to move from inside the dispenser 10 to outside the dispenser 10 to allow the input of more food products. Once food products have been added, the first food compartment 40 can be moved back into the dispenser 10. The first food compartment 40 may be coupled to the dispenser 10 on at least one track to help guide its movement out of and back into the dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the food product conveyor 44a remains in place when the first food compartment 40 is moved out of the dispenser 10. Alternatively, the food product conveyor 44a and the motor 102a can be moved out of the dispenser 10 together.

[0053] The bottom 46 can be configured to have a shape consistent with that of the food product conveyor 44. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the curves of bottom 46a and bottom 46b correspond to or mimic the shapes of food product conveyors 44a and 44b, respectively. Figure 10 As shown, the bottom 46b may be perforated to allow food product residues such as popcorn or snack crumbs, grains, or fragments with an average diameter less than or equal to 12 mm to pass through, preventing them from being dispensed. Each of one or more compartments may be configured to slide out of the dispenser 10 for cleaning and removal of residues. In some embodiments, a receiver (not shown) below the bottom 46b may be removable to handle captured food product residues.

[0054] Each bottom 46 may include a conveying channel 48 configured to guide food products to an outlet 70, and in some cases, the conveying channel 48 may be tilted to facilitate the conveyance of food products to the outlet 70. In one aspect, food products advance along the conveying channel 48 by the force of subsequently conveyed food products leaving the food product conveyor 44. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the food products are also conveyed in part by gravity and the angles of the conveyor channels 48a and 48b. The conveyor channels 48a and 48b may have angles of approximately 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, or 70° relative to the base plate 14, respectively. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the conveyor channels 48a and 48b are configured to have minimal friction. The conveyor channels 48a and 48b may be tilted so that all food products are cleared through the outlet 70 when the food product conveyors 44a and / or 44b stop moving. In this way, the risk of food products mixing before they are dispensed into the container 30 is reduced. The angles of the conveyor channels 48a and 48b are configured with regard to the movement of the food product conveyors 44a and 44b to reduce breakage of the food products and to dispense the food products at a rate at which the product sensor 24 can determine the filling level in the container 30.

[0055] During operation, when container sensor 22 detects the presence of container 30, motors 102a and 102b drive food product conveyors 44a and 44b to move food products in one direction along bottoms 46a and 46b, respectively. The food products are conveyed to conveyor channels 48a and 48b, where they are dispensed through outlet 70. Once product sensor 24 detects a predetermined level of dispensed food products in container 30, controller 100 instructs motors 102a and 102b to stop, which also causes food product conveyors 44a and 44b to stop moving food from one or more compartments to outlet 70. Any food products remaining on conveyor channels 48a or 48b can slide out through outlet 70.

[0056] exit

[0057] The first food compartment 40 and the second food compartment 50 can be connected to the exit 70. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As best viewed in the image. Outlet 70 is coupled to outlet motor 110, which opens and closes outlet 70 when sensors 22 and 24 sense container 30 and detect a predetermined filling level. Outlet 70 is configured to funnel-likely deliver food product from dispenser 10 to container 30. In one embodiment, outlet 70 receives food product from conveyor channels 48a and / or 48b. It is understood that outlet 70 can be configured to receive food product from each compartment and its associated conveyor channel.

[0058] Each transport channel 48 may terminate at an outlet 70. In one embodiment, the outlet 70 takes the form of a hatch 70 having two sidewalls 72 and a bottom 74. Figure 6 and 10As shown, when the outlet 70 is in the closed position, the bottom 74 seals each food compartment from the external environment, and the sidewall 72 acts as a barrier to prevent food products from leaving the conveyor channels 48a or 48b. The sidewall 72 provides an advantage in preventing food products from one or more compartments from mixing before dispensing. When the outlet 70 is in the open position, the sidewall 72 and bottom 74 act as chutes to guide food products into the container 30. Alternatively, the outlet 70 can be a gate coupled to a valve that opens when the container 30 is present. Figure 10 As shown, the sidewall 72 of outlet 70 acts as a barrier to prevent food products from leaving conveyor channel 48b until outlet 70 is opened. Once opened, each conveyor channel (e.g., 48a and 48b) provides food products through the outlet, where the food products are mixed in the air and in container 30.

[0059] During operation, when a customer places container 30 within the detection area of ​​dispenser 10, for example, on tray 20, container sensor 22 detects container 30, and controller 100 initiates operation of outlet 70. In one case, outlet motor 110 moves outlet 70 to the open position. Once in the open position, one or more food products can be dispensed from one or more compartments. In one embodiment, the first and second food products can be dispensed into container 30 simultaneously (i.e., synchronously) or one after another (i.e., sequentially). In the final step of operation, once product sensor 24 detects a predetermined level, controller 100 instructs outlet motor 110 to close outlet 70.

[0060] Specific compartment implementation method: a compartment capable of preparing food products.

[0061] One or more compartments may be configured to prepare and dispense freshly made food products, such as fresh crispy popcorn. (See reference) Figure 5 The second food compartment will be described in conjunction with the popcorn-making apparatus. In this regard, the second food compartment includes a pot 58 and chutes 42b and 42c, which are configured to convey popcorn from the pot 58 to a food product conveyor 44b and a bottom 46b. In some embodiments, chute 42b is configured to separate the second food compartment 50 from the first food compartment 40.

[0062] The second food compartment 50 may include an exhaust system to remove any fumes or smoke generated by the vessel 58. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second food compartment 50 may include a vent 54 connected to a blower duct 56 and an exhaust port 60. The vent 54 may be located near the vessel 58. The exhaust port 60 may be connected to the back panel 12, but it is also possible to connect the exhaust port 60 to the side panel 8.

[0063] Depending on the type of food product intended for dispensing, the second food compartment 50 may communicate with the raw material compartment 80. The raw material compartment 80 may be positioned and configured to convey one or more raw materials to the second food compartment 50, where the materials may be mixed, cooked, baked, or fried, and ultimately dispensed into the container 30. When the second food compartment 50 is configured to dispense popcorn, the raw material compartment 80 provides corn kernels that pop in the pot 58; the pot 58 rotates to dispense the popcorn onto chutes 42b and 42c, causing the popcorn to move to the food product conveyor 44b and the bottom 46b to be conveyed to the conveyor channel 48b and through the outlet 70, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0064] Back Figure 5 and 6 The second food compartment 50 may include a quantity sensor 28, which communicates with the controller 100 and is configured to detect the level of food product in the second food compartment 50. In some embodiments, the quantity sensor 28 detects the level of available popcorn when the second food compartment 50 is configured to dispense fresh popcorn. The quantity sensor 28 is ideally located to detect or “see” the amount of popcorn, for example, above the food product conveyor 44b. The quantity sensor 28 can be any type of sensor that can provide an indication of the level or amount of food product present in the second food compartment 50. In some cases, the quantity sensor 28 is a proximity sensor. When the quantity sensor 28 detects that the popcorn level in the second food compartment 50 is below a preselected threshold level, the quantity sensor 28 communicates with the controller 100 to produce more popcorn. In some embodiments, the preselected threshold level is at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, or at least about 75% popcorn filling. In some embodiments, the preselected threshold level is about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, or about 30% popcorn filling. For example, when the quantity sensor 28 detects that the popcorn level is below the preselected threshold level, the controller 100 instructs the mechanical components (e.g., motors 106, 108 and valve 92) connected to the material compartment 80 to deliver material to the pot 58 and instructs the pot 58 and its mechanical components (i.e., the pot mechanism 104) to begin popcorn production until the level in the second compartment is approximately equal to or higher than the preselected threshold level.

[0065] In another embodiment, dispenser 10 may include a customer sensor 26 that detects the presence of potential customers. The customer sensor 26 is positioned to detect potential customers within approximately 1 to 2 meters of dispenser 10. In one aspect, unless the popcorn level measured by the quantity sensor 28 is at least about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 25% higher than a pre-selected threshold level, controller 100 instructs mechanical components connected to the ingredient compartment 80 to supply at least one ingredient to the second compartment 50 for cooking, baking, frying, or mixing. When the second compartment 50 includes a popcorn-making pot 58, controller 100 instructs ingredient compartment 80 to supply kernels and oil to the pot 58. Mechanical components connected to the pot 58 then begin producing fresh popcorn. In this way, the sound and smell of fresh popcorn can attract potential customers to the machine. In one aspect, if the popcorn level is at least about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 25% higher than a pre-selected threshold level, controller 100 will not instruct the production of fresh popcorn.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shaft 62 operatively connects pot 58 to pot mechanism 104, which is configured to rotate pot 58. Pot mechanism 104 includes a motor and shaft located in non-food zone 2 and is configured to rotate shaft 62 to pour popcorn from pot 58 into food product conveyor 44b. Shaft 62 is connected to pot 58 via pot ring 66. Pot 58 may include a raw material funnel 64, a pot top, pot flaps connected to the pot top, and a heating element, which may be any suitable type of heating element capable of generating sufficient heat to pop the popcorn. In some embodiments, the heating element may be a 500-watt radiant element.

[0067] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 8 The second food compartment 50 may also include an oil chute 98 and a corn kernel chute 96 communicating with the raw material compartment 80. The oil chute 98 and the corn kernel chute 96 may be configured to convey oil and corn kernels from the raw material compartment 80 to the raw material funnel 64.

[0068] The raw material compartment 80 may contain raw materials and is in fluid communication with the second food compartment 50. (See reference) Figure 8Within the raw material compartment 80, corn kernels are contained in a first material bin 82 connected to a first motor 106. Alternatively, corn kernels may be contained in a second material bin 84 connected to a second motor 108. Each of the material bins 82 and 84 includes an opening for receiving corn kernels and an opening for conveying corn kernels from the first material bin 82 and / or the second material bin 84 to a conveying funnel 94. The first motor 106 and the second motor 108 can be operated by opening a gate to allow corn kernels to fall from the material bins 82 and 84 into the conveying funnel 94. Alternatively, the first motor 106 and the second motor 108 each drive a plate to push corn kernels from the material bins 82 and 84 toward the conveying funnel 94. A first elbow 86 and a second elbow 88 may be connected to the first material bin 82 and the second material bin 84, respectively. The first elbow 86 and the second elbow 88 are configured to convey corn kernels from the material bins 82 and 84 to the conveying funnel 94 and reduce the chance of loose corn kernels falling into the raw material compartment 80. The conveying funnel 94 can be connected to the raw material funnel 64 of the reactor 58, such as... Figure 5 and 8 As shown. In some embodiments, the corn kernel chute 96 is connected to the conveying funnel 94 to convey raw materials to the raw material funnel 64.

[0069] Reference Figure 8 The raw material compartment 80 may also include an oil tank 90 configured to hold cooking oil. The oil tank 90 can be connected to a valve 92 via a flexible conduit 98 configured to control the flow of oil from the oil tank 90 to the raw material funnel 64. The valve 92 may be a solenoid valve, but any type of valve is acceptable. Based on information from sensors (including 28, 22, or 26), the controller 100 can instruct the valve 92 and motors 106, 108 to operate and deliver the corn kernels and oil to the vessel 58.

[0070] method

[0071] A method for dispensing one or more food products from a dispenser 10 and producing one or more fresh food products is envisioned. In one aspect, the method includes detecting a container, opening an outlet, conveying one or more food products to the outlet, detecting a predetermined level of dispensed food products, and then closing the outlet. The detection step may be performed by one or more sensors communicating with a controller. The controller instructs a set of motors to open the outlet and convey one or more food products. The container may have any size and volume. One or more food products may be dispensed simultaneously or sequentially. In one embodiment, a dispenser for dispensing one or more food products is provided. The dispenser includes: a food compartment configured to hold one or more food products, a food product conveyor operatively coupled to a motor, an outlet, and a controller communicatively coupled to one or more sensors configured to: detect a container, open the outlet, and engage a motor operatively coupled to the food product conveyor to dispense one or more food products into the container. The predetermined filling level may be at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99%. Once a predetermined level is detected, the controller is configured to disconnect the motor operatively connected to the food product conveyor to stop dispensing one or more food products. Additionally, the controller instructs the outlet to be closed.

[0072] In another aspect, a method for producing fresh food products in dispenser 10 is disclosed. This method may include detecting the amount of food product available in a food compartment and instructing the production of fresh food product when that amount is below a pre-selected threshold level. In another aspect, the method may include detecting containers or potential customers, conveying raw materials to food compartments configured for cooking, mixing, baking, or frying raw materials, and conveying fresh food product to a food product conveyor. In some aspects, the method also includes conveying the food product to an outlet and detecting a predetermined level of food product dispensed into containers. When the method includes detecting potential customers, detection occurs when a potential customer is detected within approximately 2 meters of the dispenser.

[0073] Detection can be performed by one or more sensors. When one or more sensors detect a potential customer, a controller communicating with the sensors instructs the delivery of raw materials to the food compartment. In some aspects, quantity sensors detect the amount of food product available in the food compartment. When the available amount is below a pre-selected threshold level, the controller instructs the delivery of raw materials and the production of fresh food product. When the amount is above the set threshold level, the controller does not instruct the delivery of raw materials or the production of fresh food product. In other aspects, when a potential customer is detected and the amount of food product detected is at a certain level (which may differ from the pre-selected threshold level), the controller may instruct the production of fresh food product. These steps of the method can be performed by the dispenser described above.

[0074] A method for producing more food products may include supplying raw materials to a food compartment configured to produce fresh food products based on the type of raw materials provided. The raw materials may be contained within the food compartment or in a separate raw material compartment in fluid communication with the food compartment. When the raw materials are located in a separate raw material compartment, the method may include the step of conveying at least one raw material to the food compartment configured to produce fresh food products.

[0075] A method is provided, including detecting a container, opening an outlet, conveying one or more food products into the container, detecting a predetermined filling level of the food products in the container, and closing the outlet. In another aspect, a container may be present, but the amount of available food product is below a pre-selected threshold level. In one aspect, a controller communicatively coupled to a sensor detects the amount of available food product and instructs the production of more food product when the detected amount is below a pre-selected threshold level. Once the sensor detects an amount that has reached or exceeded the threshold level, the outlet is opened and a motor is engaged to dispense freshly prepared food product into the container. Once a predetermined level of dispensed food product is detected, the outlet is closed and the motor is disconnected. The outlet may be closed before the motor is disconnected. Alternatively, the outlet may be closed after the motor is disconnected.

[0076] A method for attracting potential customers to a dispenser is provided, comprising: detecting potential customers within approximately 1 to 2 meters of the dispenser; detecting the amount of available food product; and, if the amount reaches or falls below a preselected threshold level, producing more fresh food product to attract customers with the sound and smell of freshly made food. If a customer places a container within the detection area of ​​the dispenser, the method further comprises opening an outlet and dispensing food product, and stopping dispensing upon detection of a predetermined level.

[0077] A method for dispensing food products includes: detecting a container within a detection zone; opening an outlet; driving a food product conveyor to move one or more food products toward the outlet; detecting a predetermined level of dispensed food products in the container; stopping the food product conveyor; and closing the outlet. The method may further include analyzing signals from four sensors. These four sensors include a container sensor detecting the presence of a container, a product sensor detecting the level of dispensed food products, a quantity sensor detecting the amount of available food products, and a customer sensor detecting the presence of a potential customer. To perform the analysis steps, a controller may communicate with these four sensors and have a hierarchical instruction set based on information provided to the controller by the four sensors.

[0078] The information and instructions may be as follows. First, when the container sensor detects a container and the quantity sensor detects a sufficient level of available food product, the controller instructs the outlet to open and deliver one or more food products. The method may include detecting the container, detecting a sufficient level of available food product, opening the outlet, and delivering one or more food products into the container.

[0079] However, when the container sensor detects a container and the quantity sensor detects an insufficient level of available food product, the controller can instruct the delivery of raw materials to produce a fresh food product. This method may include detecting the container, detecting an insufficient amount of available food product, and delivering raw materials to a compartment configured to produce a fresh food product.

[0080] Alternatively, the controller may instruct the outlet to open, deliver available food products, and convey raw materials to generate fresh food products. The method may include detecting a container, detecting an insufficient amount of available food products, opening the outlet, delivering the available food products to the container, conveying at least one raw material to a compartment configured to generate fresh food products, and delivering the fresh food products to the container. The outlet may remain open during this process, or may be temporarily closed if the amount of available food products is below approximately 75% or less of a preselected threshold level. In one aspect, when the container sensor detects the container, but the product sensor does not detect a predetermined level of dispensed food products, and the quantity sensor detects an amount below a preselected threshold level, the controller may instruct the delivery of raw materials to produce more fresh food products. The outlet may remain open while generating more food products. Once the quantity sensor detects an available food product level below the preselected threshold level, one or more food products are delivered to the container. The method may include detecting a container, conveying food products, not detecting a predetermined level of dispensed food products, detecting an amount of available food products below a preselected threshold level, stopping the conveying of food products, conveying at least one raw material to a compartment configured to produce fresh food products, detecting an amount of available food products that reaches or exceeds a preselected threshold level, conveying fresh food products to a container, and stopping the conveying once a predetermined filling level of dispensed food products is detected.

[0081] Second, when the container sensor detects a container and the product sensor detects a predetermined level of dispensed product, the controller can instruct to stop conveying and close the outlet. The method includes detecting the container, opening the outlet, conveying food product to the container, detecting a predetermined level of dispensed food product, stopping the conveying of food product, and closing the outlet.

[0082] Third, when no container is detected, the quantity sensor may detect an amount of available food product below a pre-selected threshold level. The controller can then instruct the production of fresh food product until the quantity sensor detects an amount reaching or exceeding the pre-selected threshold level. This method may include detecting the amount of available food product below the pre-selected threshold, conveying raw materials to a compartment configured to produce fresh food product, producing fresh food product, and stopping production of fresh food product when the amount of available food product reaching or exceeding the pre-selected threshold level is detected. The amount below the pre-selected threshold level may be at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or about 30% below the pre-selected threshold level. The pre-selected threshold level may be about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or about 99% of the available volume of the compartment.

[0083] Fourth, when the customer sensor detects a potential customer, the container sensor does not detect a container, and the quantity sensor detects an amount of available food product within an acceptable range of a pre-selected threshold level, the controller may instruct the delivery of raw materials to produce fresh food product to attract potential customers to the dispenser. When the quantity sensor detects an amount of food product outside the acceptable range of the pre-selected threshold level, the controller will not instruct the delivery of raw materials to produce fresh food product. This method may include detecting a potential customer, detecting an amount of available food product within the acceptable range of a pre-selected threshold level, delivering raw materials to a compartment configured to produce fresh food product, and producing fresh food product to attract customers. Alternatively, the method may include detecting a potential customer, detecting an amount of available food product outside the acceptable range of a pre-selected threshold level, and stopping any further action until a container is detected.

[0084] When a potential customer becomes an actual customer, the method further includes detecting the container, detecting the amount of food product available, opening the outlet, conveying the food product, detecting a predetermined filling level of the food product already dispensed in the container, stopping the conveying of the food product, and closing the outlet.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, dispenser 10 may include an external lever operatively connected to outlet 70, wherein outlet 70 is open when the lever is in a first position and closed when the lever is in a second position. When the lever is moved to the first position to open outlet 70, controller 100 receives a signal to begin dispensing food product from the compartment. Then, when the lever is moved to the second position, controller 100 receives a signal to terminate dispensing.

[0086] It should be understood that the invention has been described above by way of example only, and modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0087] Each feature disclosed in the specification and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided individually or in any suitable combination.

[0088] The reference numerals appearing in the claims are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0089] While the concepts of this disclosure are readily available in various modifications and alternatives, the accompanying drawings illustrate specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure by way of example only. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to limit the concepts to the particularly disclosed forms; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0090] In general, a product dispenser is described. The product dispenser has: at least a first compartment and a second compartment; an outlet configured to dispense food product from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both when a container is detected to be within a preselected distance from the dispenser; and a product sensor configured to detect a predetermined level of food product present in the container and terminate dispensing when the predetermined level is detected.

[0091] Various aspects of the invention are further set forth in the following set of numbered clauses, wherein:

[0092] 1. A product dispenser, comprising:

[0093] At least the first and second compartments;

[0094] An outlet, configured to dispense food product from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both when a container is detected to be within a pre-selected distance from the dispenser; and

[0095] A product sensor is configured to detect a predetermined level of food product present in the container and to stop dispensing when the predetermined level is detected.

[0096] 2. The dispenser according to Clause 1 further includes a movable outlet such that the movable outlet is open in one position to allow food products to be transferred from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment to the container.

[0097] 3. The dispenser according to Clause 2, wherein the movable outlet is closed in the second position to prevent food products from being transferred from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment.

[0098] 4. The dispenser according to Clause 2 or 3 further includes a container sensor configured to sense the presence of the container and, when the presence of the container is sensed, to send a signal to move the outlet to an open position.

[0099] 5. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first compartment, the second compartment, or both include a food product conveyor that moves food from the compartment to the outlet when a container is detected to be within a preselected distance from the dispenser.

[0100] 6. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first compartment, the second compartment, or both include a bottom substantially aligned with the food product conveyor.

[0101] 7. The dispenser according to Clause 6, wherein the bottom terminates in a conveying channel communicating with the outlet.

[0102] 8. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a heating element configured to maintain the temperature within the first compartment, the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment between about 25°C and about 65°C.

[0103] 9. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a customer sensor configured to detect the presence of a potential customer.

[0104] 10. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a raw material compartment having at least one outlet communicating with the second compartment.

[0105] 11. The dispenser according to Clause 10, wherein the detection of the container sends a signal to the raw material compartment to release at least one raw material into the second compartment.

[0106] 12. The dispenser according to Clause 11, wherein the second compartment is configured to mix, cook, bake or fry the at least one ingredient.

[0107] 13. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a quantity sensor configured to detect the quantity of food product present in the second compartment.

[0108] 14. The dispenser according to Clause 13, wherein when the metering sensor detects that the level of food product present in the second compartment is below a preselected threshold level, the metering sensor sends a signal to initiate the mixing, cooking, baking, or frying of the at least one ingredient, the preselected threshold level being at least about 30% of the maximum value.

[0109] 15. The dispenser according to Clause 9, wherein when the customer sensor detects the presence of a potential customer, if the level of the food product is no more than 10% above a maximum pre-selected threshold level, a signal is generated to release at least one ingredient into the second compartment and to initiate the mixing, cooking, baking, or frying of the at least one ingredient to produce more food product to attract the potential customer.

[0110] 16. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pre-selection level of the dispensed food product is at least about 75% of the volume of the container.

[0111] 17. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first compartment, the second compartment, or both are configured to move out of and into the dispenser.

[0112] 18. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the food product is selected from biscuits, cheese puffs, cookies, chips, or popcorn.

[0113] 19. A dispenser according to clauses 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the raw material is selected from corn kernels, vegetables, tubers, beans, wheat-based flour, corn-based flour, sugar, water, salt or oil.

Claims

1. A product dispenser comprising: at least a first compartment and a second compartment; a first delivery channel in communication with the first compartment and a movable outlet; a second delivery channel in communication with the second compartment and the movable outlet; wherein each compartment and each delivery channel is configured to direct a food product to reduce breakage; the movable outlet is configured to dispense the food product from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both, when the movable outlet is in an open position to allow the food product to pass from the first compartment, the second compartment, or both, to a container, and when the container is detected to be within a preselected distance from the dispenser; wherein the movable outlet includes two side walls and a bottom, the two side walls form a barrier between the first delivery channel and the second delivery channel when the movable outlet is in a closed position, such that food product from the first compartment and the second compartment do not mix until the movable outlet is in the open position, and the bottom seals each compartment when the movable outlet is in the closed position; and a product sensor configured to detect a predetermined level of food product present in the container and stop dispensing when the predetermined level is detected, wherein the product dispenser detects a volume of the container and calculates an amount of food product to be dispensed prior to dispensing the food product.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a container sensor configured to sense a presence of the container and send a signal to move the outlet to the open position when the presence of the container is sensed. the first compartment, the second compartment, or both, each include a food product conveyor that moves food from the compartment to the outlet when a container is detected to be within a preselected distance from the dispenser.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the first compartment, the second compartment, or both, each include a bottom that is substantially aligned with the food product conveyor.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, each bottom terminates in the delivery channel that is in communication with the outlet.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein, 6. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a heating element configured to maintain a temperature within the first compartment, the second compartment, or both the first and second compartments, between 25°C and 65°C.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an ingredient compartment having at least one outlet in communication with the second compartment. detection of the container sends a signal to the ingredient compartment to release at least one ingredient into the second compartment.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein, the second compartment is configured to mix, cook, bake, or fry the at least one ingredient.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein, 10. The dispenser of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a quantity sensor configured to detect an amount of food product present in the second compartment. ​ 11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein, When the quantity sensor detects that the level of food product present in the second compartment is below a preselected threshold level, the quantity sensor sends a signal to initiate mixing, cooking, baking, or frying of the at least one ingredient, the preselected threshold level being at least 30% of a maximum.

12. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a customer sensor configured to detect the presence of a potential customer.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein, When the customer sensor detects the presence of a potential customer, a signal is generated to release at least one ingredient into the second compartment and initiate mixing, cooking, baking, or frying of the at least one ingredient to make more food product to attract the potential customer if the level of food product is no more than 10% above a maximum preselected threshold level.

14. The dispenser of claims 8, 9, 13, wherein, The ingredient is selected from the group consisting of corn kernels, vegetables, tubers, legumes, wheat-based flour, corn-based flour, sugar, water, salt, or oil.

15. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 9, 12, 13, wherein, The preselected level of food product dispensed is at least 75% of the volume of the container.

16. The dispenser of claims 1-9, 12, 13, wherein, The first compartment, the second compartment, or both are configured to be removed from the dispenser and inserted into the dispenser.

17. The dispenser of claims 1-9, 12, 13, wherein, The food product is selected from the group consisting of cookies, cheese puffs, cookie pieces, chips, or popcorn. The preselected level of food product dispensed is at least 75% of the volume of the container. The first compartment, the second compartment, or both are configured to be removed from the dispenser and inserted into the dispenser. The food product is selected from the group consisting of cookies, cheese puffs, cookie pieces, chips, or popcorn.

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