An automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus

Abstract

An automated food preparation and dispensing device comprising a base 2 extending upwards from a surface, a plurality of dispensing assemblies 4, each configured for mutual connection with an ingredie

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus. BACKGROUND It is becoming increasingly common for many aspects of food and meal preparation to be automated. Customers and diners increasingly want to be able to obtain meals quickly and easily ‘on the go’, but are also increasingly concerned with other aspects such as freshness and personalisation of their meal, and are therefore less inclined to order pre-packaged standard meals. US10,154,762 describes and shows an automated kitchen system having multiple cooking and / or mixing pots and having containers and dispensers for multiple ingredients. A customer or other person or system selects or creates a meal or other food product and the ingredients for the meal or other product are transferred from dispensers to the cooking and / or mixing pots which simultaneously cook and / or mix the ingredients. After cooking, the meal or other product is served and the cooking pot is cleaned and sanitized and oriented to receive the ingredients for the next meal or other product. US11,023,949 describes and shows a method of fulfilling custom food orders that includes obtaining feedback from a user through an ordering application. The feedback relates to a first food item of a first food order following fulfilment of the first food order. The first food item includes a first ingredient. The method includes determining a preferred variation associated with the first ingredient based on the feedback and a first recipe used to make the first food item. The method includes updating a taste profile associated with the user based on the preferred variation. The method includes receiving, from the user, a second food order including a second food item. The method includes retrieving a second recipe associated with the second food item. The method includes selectively modifying the second recipe based on the taste profile. The method includes controlling a food assembly apparatus to prepare the second food item according to the second recipe. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated food preparation and dispensing device which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice. Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an automated food preparation and dispensing device, comprising: a base configured to rest in use on a surface and extend upwards from the surface; a plurality of dispensing assemblies, each configured for mutual connection with an ingredient tube of the type that contains a food item, the dispensing assemblies configured so that food items from the tubes are in use dispensed through the connected dispensing assembly; the base and dispensing assemblies configured for mutual connection; the base further configured to have a central collection and distribution portion that receives and distributes food items dispensed from the dispensing assemblies at a single location. In an embodiment, the base further comprises a funnel, the funnel configured as the central collection and distribution portion. In an embodiment, the funnel has a side wall angle of substantially between 45 and 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the base is configured so that the central collection and distribution portion of the base is located above the surface at a sufficient distance to allow a food receptacle to be freely located and removed from under the exit of the central collection and distribution portion. In an embodiment, the base comprises a framework formed from a lower ring configured to rest on a surface, and an upper ring held in a vertically-spaced-apart arrangement from the lower ring by a series of pillars spaced around the circumference of the rings, the central collection and distribution portion located within the perimeter of the rings. In an embodiment, the rings are circular in plan view and have substantially the same diameter. In an embodiment, the base is formed from a plurality of modular elements. In an embodiment, each modular element comprises a pillar and a section of the rings. In an embodiment, each modular element further comprises part of the central collection and distribution portion. In an embodiment, each of the dispensing assemblies comprises a connector, a motor, and a receiver / connector body, the connector configured to releasably connect to the base above the central collection and distribution portion, the receiver / connector body comprising a short section of pipe configured to receive the lower end of an ingredient tube. In an embodiment, the motor detachably fits within the receiver / connector body in use, the motor comprising a shaft that extends within and at least partly across the receiver / connector body substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the tube receiver / connector. In an embodiment, the dispensing assembly comprises a load cell extending substantially in parallel with and alongside the motor, the load cell connected so that any change in the overall weight of a connected tube will be detected by the load cell. In an embodiment, the receiver / connector body comprises an ingredient dispensing paddle wheel, the motor and paddle wheel configured for mutual connection so that the wheel rotates in use to dispense ingredients from a connected ingredient tube. In an embodiment, the receiver / connector body comprises a reciprocating slicing blade, the base of the tube receiver / connector body formed so that there is a slot in the base configured to receive the blade, the blade slot formed so that a cutting blade can slide repeatedly in and out of the slot, and so that material can pass through the open centre of the base. In an embodiment, the body of the blade behind the edge is hollow, with gear teeth formed on the inside rim of the hollow part, a toothed cog located in the slot so that the teeth of the cog engage with the gear teeth of the blade, the cog connected to the motor to drive the toothed cog, the toothed cog and blade teeth formed so that the blade is driven in and out of the blade slot in a reciprocating manner. In an embodiment, the receiver / connector body comprises a plunger tube and plunger arranged substantially in parallel with a connected ingredient tube in use, the plunger tube configured so that in use contents from the ingredient tube are transported to the bottom of the plunger tube, the receiver / connector body further comprising a screw and mesh screen, the plunger in use pushing ingredients onto the screw, which operates to push the ingredients into the screen so that liquid from the ingredients passes through the screen and pulp is sieved out by the screen. In an embodiment, the receiver / connector body is configured to contain an auger screw, the shaft of the motor passing through the centre of the auger screw, the receiver / connector body configured so that in use the tube is located immediately above the auger screw so that food items in the tube fall under gravity onto the auger screw for dispensing. In an embodiment, the automated food preparation and dispensing device further comprises a slicing body, the slicing body comprising an elongate tube with an open upper end arranged generally axially vertically in use, a plurality of wheels located in the slicing body towards the lower end of the slicing body, a blade housing located at the lower end and holding a blade that rotates around the blade housing, the wheels rotating in use to pull items downwards through the tube and onto the rotating blade. In an embodiment, comprises a framework configured to allow the device to rest on a surface or similar, and to hold the dispensing assemblies above and away from the surface. In an embodiment, the base of the automated food preparation and dispensing device further comprises a conveyor belt that runs from one side of the framework to the other, and which extends slightly beyond the side of the framework. In an embodiment, the base further comprises a swivel unit configured so as to allow at least part of the apparatus to freely rotate. In an embodiment, each of the dispensing assemblies comprises a drive unit and a dispensing unit, each drive unit comprising: a motor portion comprising a motor and a dog clutch, and; a connection portion comprising a pair of arms adapted to releasably connect with a dispensing unit and engage this with the drive unit; the dispensing unit comprising a housing that forms / surrounds a substantially vertically oriented passage that passes through substantially the centre of the dispensing unit from the top to the bottom, the top of the housing of the dispensing unit around / adjacent to the opening of the passage configured to releasably connect with an ingredient tube, the lower opening of the passage open, a mechanism located within the passage between the upper and lower openings, the mechanism configured to act on a foodstuff moving from the ingredient tube 300 into and through the dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a paddle wheel, the paddle wheel connecting to and driven by the dog clutch. In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises an upper dispenser comprising a body divided into a plurality of open sectors, and a lower dispenser, complementary to and located below the upper dispenser, the lower dispenser having a single open sector substantially sized and shaped to the upper dispenser open sectors, the dispensers relatively rotatable to align the lower dispenser single open sector to align with each of the upper dispenser open sectors. In an embodiment, the upper dispenser comprises a spoked wheel. In an embodiment, the upper surface of the rim comprises gear teeth, the teeth and dog clutch configured to engage so the upper dispenser can be rotationally driven. In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises an auger screw dispenser comprising a spiral or helical screw arranged with the axis running across the dispensing unit, the screw engaging with the dog clutch to be rotationally driven, the housing of the dispensing unit so that an upper part of the outer housing of the dispensing unit extends inwards and downward to partly block the passage through the centre of the dispensing unit, the lower part of the passage also blocked except for that portion substantially directly under the upper part. In an embodiment, the automated food preparation and dispensing device further comprises a plurality of funnels, each of the funnels connected to the framework and associated with a dispensing assembly so that food items dispensed through a dispensing assembly pass into and through the associated funnel, the funnels arranged so that the central collection and distribution portion is formed at and by the lower ends of the funnels. In an embodiment, the automated food preparation and dispensing device further comprises a plurality of ingredient tubes, each tube comprising an elongate body configured to in use hold a volume of ingredient, and a closure and connection assembly configured to connect with one of the dispensing assemblies, the connector comprising a lower lid and lower connector, the lower connector and lid mutually configured so that the lid in use slots into the lower connector, the lower connector configured to engage with the lower end of the tube, the lower lid configured to slide across the lower end of the tube to open and close the tube. In an embodiment, the lower lid comprises a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user. In an embodiment, each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via a quarter-turn screw thread. In an embodiment, each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via snap-fit. In an embodiment, the top end of the ingredient tube is configured for connection to the lower end of another ingredient tube. In an embodiment, the main components are formed from either ABS or PLA, the surface of the components smoothed post-forming by exposure to an environment containing acetone vapour or Ethyl Acetate. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus having a base that forms a framework, dispensing assemblies connected to the base extending inwards into the base framework, and ingredient tubes that in use contain ingredients connected to and extending upwards from the dispensing assemblies from the lower ends of the assemblies so as to dispense ingredients, the base formed from six modular elements clipped together. Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of one of the modular elements that form the base of the apparatus of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of an ingredient tube and a dispensing assembly of the apparatus of figure 1, the dispensing assembly comprising a connector at its outer end, a motor having a shaft, and a tube receiver / connector body. Figure 4 shows a perspective cutaway side view of the lower end of the ingredient tube and dispensing assembly of figure 3, showing detail of a first form of dispensing mechanism within the tube receiver / connector body. Figure 5 shows a close-up cutaway side view of the connection between the motor and shaft of the dispensing assembly at the motor end of the shaft, the body of the shaft extending from the motor into the tube receiver / connector body to connect with the dispensing mechanism. Figure 6 shows a cutaway perspective cross-sectional end view of the main body of the shaft and the dispensing mechanism, from the inner end looking outwards. Figure 7 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of an ingredient tube connected to the tube receiver / connector body of the dispensing assembly, showing detail of a closure and connection assembly at the bottom end of the tube that can be opened once the tube is in position, so as to allow the ingredients to pass from the tube to the dispensing mechanism. Figures 8a and 8b show perspective views from above and to one side of the tube receiver / connector body, and the base or lower end of the tube, showing detail of the closure and connection assembly. Figure 9a shows a partially cutaway perspective side view of the ingredient tube and dispensing assembly. Figure 9b shows a partially cut away variation of the ingredient tube and dispensing assembly of figure 9a. Figure 10 shows a perspective side view of the dispensing assembly from the opposite side to figure 9, showing detail of a load cell that forms part of the dispensing assembly and which is used to measure the mass of the tube and ingredients. Figure 11 shows a perspective side view of alternative form of dispensing assembly, comprising a reciprocating blade that slices material falling from the ingredient tube. Figure 12 shows a perspective view from underneath of the dispensing assembly of figure 11. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a further alternative form of dispensing assembly, comprising a juicer. Figure 14 shows an exploded view of the further alternative form of dispensing assembly of figure 13. Figure 15 shows a detail perspective view of a plunger that forms part of the dispensing assemblies of figures 13 and 14. Figure 16 shows a number of embodiments of non-axisymmetric base arrangements. Figure 17 shows a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising a screw auger. Figures 18a and 18b show perspective views of an embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising a tray dispenser. Figure 19 shows a perspective view of two apparatuses according to a first embodiment of the invention positioned side-by-side over a linear conveyor belt that runs underneath the apparatuses. Figure 20 shows a side view of two tubes of the apparatus stacked one on top of the other, the lower end of the top tube directly above the top of the lower tube, with the lower tube in position and in use on the apparatus, the connection between the top tube and the bottom tube allowing the ingredients in the top tube to fall into the lower tube to replenish the stock in the lower tube. Figures 21a - 21c show perspective, top, and bottom views of an attachment to julienne or slice items that can be used as part of the apparatus of the present invention. Figures 22a and 22b show perspective views of known types of cutting discs that can be used with the attachment shown in figure 21. Figure 23 shows a perspective view from the side and slightly above of a second embodiment of an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus, the apparatus having a framework base, four motor units that each form part of a dispensing assembly connected to the base, and four dispensing funnels associated one with each of the dispensing assemblies extending inwards and downwards into the base framework. Figure 24 shows the apparatus of figure 23 with three of the four funnels removed so as to show detail of the base and the connection with the funnel. Figure 25 shows a perspective side view of one of the funnels of figures 23 and 24. Figure 26 shows a side view of the apparatus of figures 23 and 24, showing detail of a conveyor belt located within the framework below the funnels, and a rotation mechanism which supports the framework and allows the apparatus to rotate. Figure 27 shows a perspective view from one side and above of a motor unit that comprises part of a dispensing assembly, the motor of the type shown in figures 23 and 24, the motor unit having connection arms to allow releasable connection to different types of dispenser, and a dog clutch to allow drive connection to the dispenser. Figure 28 shows the motor unit of figure 27 with a ‘blank’ dispenser base shown connected so as to show detail of the operation of the connection arms. Figure 29a shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of dispenser base that forms part of a dispensing assembly according to the second embodiment of an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus. Figure 29b shows a perspective front view of the dispenser base of figure 29a connected to a motor assembly. Figure 29c shows a rear view of the dispenser base and motor assembly of figure 29b. Figure 29d shows a rear view of the dispenser base of figure 29a. Figure 30 shows a perspective side-front cutaway view of the dispenser base and motor assembly of figure 29 Figure 31 shows a side cutaway view of the dispenser base and motor assembly of figure 29 and 30 Figure 32 shows a top-down view of a first alternative form of dispenser base, comprising a tray dispensing mechanism. Figure 33 shows a partially cutaway side perspective view of the dispenser base of figure 32. Figure 34 shows a partially cutaway top perspective view of the dispenser base of figures 32 and 33. Figure 35 shows a cutaway side perspective view of the dispenser base of figures 32 to 34. Figure 36 shows a top-down view of a second alternative form of dispenser base, comprising a screw dispenser. Figure 37 shows a cutaway top-down view of the second alternative form of dispenser base. Figure 38 shows a perspective side cutaway of the second alternative form of dispenser base. Figure 39 shows a perspective side cutaway of the second alternative form of dispenser base. Figure 40a shows a perspective side view of a tube assembly, the tube holding ingredients and connecting to the dispenser base in use so as to dispense ingredients via the base. Figure 40b shows a cutaway side view of the tube of figure 40a. Figure 41 shows a variation of the embodiment of an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus of figure 23, the framework base configured to hold ten dispensing units. Figure 42 shows a perspective view from above of the central connection hub of the second embodiment of an automated food preparation and dispensing apparatus, showing detail of the hardwired power and communication connections from the hub to the dispensing units, the apparatus in this embodiment configured so that the base holds six dispensing units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION General For all of the embodiments described below, similar numbering is used to denote common or similar elements for each of the embodiments - e.g. base 2, 200; ingredient tubes 3, 300; dispensing assemblies 4, 400 etc. For the purposes of this specification, references to orientations such as ‘upper, ‘lower’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘vertical’, ‘horizontal’ and similar or related references should be taken as meaning with respect to an orientation with the apparatus on a flat horizontal surface (e.g. a tabletop, countertop, or similar), even if in a particular use the orientation would differ from this. Detailed embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. First Embodiment As shown in figure 1, an apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises three main parts: a base 2; ingredient tubes 3, and dispensing assemblies 4. Base The base 2 in this embodiment comprises a framework formed from a lower ring 5, an upper ring 7, and a central funnel 6. The rings 5 and 7 and the central funnel 6 are in this embodiment circular in plan view and have substantially the same diameter. The rings 5, 7 and the central funnel 6 are held in a vertically-spaced-apart arrangement by a series of substantially vertically-aligned pillars 8 that are spaced around the circumference of the rings 5, 7, and the funnel 6, the pillars 8 holding the rings and funnel so that they are aligned with the funnel 6 above the lower ring 5 and the upper ring 7 above the funnel 6, with the rings and funnel having a common central axis. In use, the lower ring 5 is configured to sit on a surface (e.g. a substantially horizontal tabletop or worktop or similar). The pillars 8 extend substantially vertically from the lower ring 5 to hold the funnel 6 and upper ring 7 in position, axially-aligned with one another and the lower ring 5. The central funnel 6 comprises a flat outer section 6a that extends circumferentially around an inner main body section 6b. The flat outer section 6b is connected to the pillars 8, and has substantially the same or a slightly greater width (between the outer edge and the inner edge) as the lower and upper rings 5, 7. The main body section 6b of the central funnel 6 extends inwards and downwards from the inner edge of the flat outer ring section 6a, at an angle of around between 45 and 60 degrees (measured downwards from the horizontal plane) in the preferred embodiment. The slope can be arranged at any suitable angle as long as foodstuffs slide freely down the sloped surface and do not ‘hang’ on the surface. A central aperture 9 is formed at the lower end of the main body section 6b. The central aperture 9 is in this embodiment circular, and has a common centrepoint with the circular lower and upper rings 5, 7. The central aperture 9 is sized so that it is smaller than a receptacle or bowl that will be positioned under the exit of the funnel. The lower end of the main body section 6b is located a short distance or height above the lower ring 5 so that a bowl or similar can be freely slid under the lower end of the funnel. As can be seen in figure 1, the overall structure of the base 2 in this embodiment (that is, the rings 5, 7, the central funnel 6, and the pillars 8) is formed from six modular elements. One of the modular elements is shown by itself in figure 2. Each individual element contains one pillar 8, and a section of the rings 5, 7, and funnel 6. The ring and funnel sections for each element extend from each side of the pillar 8 at the lower and upper ends of the pillar, and at a midpoint. The ring and funnel sections are connected to the pillars by friction screws or similar that pass through apertures in the ring sections to ‘hold’ against the surface of the pillar. The pillar and ring / funnel sections thus essentially form a unitary item with the ring and funnel sections rigidly connected to the pillar 8 and extending from the sides of the pillar 8. The outer ends of each the ring segments 5, 7 have female slots on one side, and corresponding male extensions on the other, so that the individual sections can be slotted together to form the base 2. The edges of the funnel sections abut each other to form a continuous surface at the flat outer ring section 6a and the main body sections 6b. In use, once the pillars 8 and rings / funnel have been connected, six dispensing assemblies 4 are connected one each to each of the pillars 8, between the central and upper rings 6, 7 so as to extend inwards from the circumferential perimeter of the base 2. The structure and function of the dispensing assemblies 4 is described below. Dispensing Assembly - General As outlined above, in this embodiment six dispensing assemblies 4 are connected one each to each of the pillars 8 between the central and upper rings 6, 7 so as to extend inwards from the circumferential perimeter of the base 2. In use, an ingredient tube 3 is connected to each dispensing assembly 4 so as to extend upwards from the dispensing assembly 4, with the tubes 3 arranged in parallel with one another, with their lower ends inside the upper ring 7 and the body of the tube 3 extending upwards substantially vertically. The tubes 3 are described in detail below. The dispensing assemblies 4 of the preferred embodiment are shown in figures 3 to 10. Each dispensing assembly 4 comprises the following main elements: a connector 15; a motor 12, and; a tube receiver / connector body 16. The connector 15 forms the outer end of the dispensing assembly 4 in use - that is, the end at or closest to the perimeter of the base 2. The connector 15 is configured to releasably connect to a pillar 8, so that the dispensing assembly 4 can be releasably connected to the base 2 between the central funnel 6 and the upper ring 7. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the connector 15 connects with the pillar 8 by having a hollow centre part that has the same profile and size as the cross-section of the pillar 8, and which slides over the pillar and is held in place on the pillar by a friction screw or similar that clamps the connector 15 to the pillar 8. The connector 15 is configured so that a motor 12 can extend along one side of the connector 15 with the body of the motor 12 extending inwards substantially horizontally, extending towards the open upper mouth of the central funnel 6. A detachable shaft 17 is connected to the motor 12 at the inner end of the motor 12, the shaft 17 driven by the motor in use. Although the shaft 17 can be detached from the motor 12, in normal use the shaft 17 remains connected to the motor 12. Figure 5 shows the connection arrangement between the motor and shaft, the motor output stub at the inner end connecting with the outer end of the shaft 17, with the shaft 17 clamped onto the output stub via a set screw or similar. The tube receiver / connector body 16 comprises a short section of pipe, generally circular in cross-section, that forms a main body of the tube receiver / connector 16. The main body has a smaller sub-branch 18 extending from one side of the main body, perpendicular to the main axis of the pipe. In use, the motor 12 is pushed into the body 16 so that the inner end of the motor 12 extends into the sub-branch 18 and the outer end extends out of the outer end of the subbranch 18. The motor 12 friction-fits within the sub-branch 18 so as to extend partly out of the sub-branch 18, with the shaft 17 extending within and across the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16, perpendicular to the main axis of the tube receiver / connector. In use, the tube receiver / connector body 16 is aligned so that the short circular pipe section is aligned substantially vertically. The top end of the tube receiver / connector body 16 connects with the lower end of a tube 3 in use, via a connector 11 (described below). Figure 3 shows the arrangement and alignment of the tube 3 over the top of the tube receiver / connector body 16, with a lower lid 11a that forms part of the connector 11 shown closing the lower end of the tube 3, but with the remainder of the connector between the two items not shown. The closure and connection assembly 11 is configured to both close the lower end of a tube 3 for transport and storage, and to connect with one of the dispensing assemblies 4 so that ingredients can be dispensed, as detailed below. The connector 11 comprises lower lid 11a and lower connector 11b, with these items shown in cross section in figure 4, and detail of these items and their operation shown in figures 7 and 8. The lower connector 11b and lid 11a are mutually configured so that the lid 11a in use slots into the lower connector 11 b. The lower connector 11 b is configured to engage with the lower end of the tube 3, and is held in place by a friction fit or similar. If required, the lower connector 11b can be glued to the end of the tube 3. As shown in figure 3, with the lower connector 11b engaged with the lower end of the tube 3, the lower lid 11a is located at and across the bottom of the tube 3 to close the lower end of the tube 3. In use the lower lid 11a slides across the bottom end of the tube 3 to open and close the tube. The lower lid 11a has a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user to pull or push the lower lid 11a into place or to remove it. The open top end of the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16 is mutually configured with the lower connector 11b so that these can engage with one another via a quarter-turn screw thread or snap-fit or similar. As shown in figures 8a and 8b, once the lower connector 11b has been engaged with the tube receiver / connector body 16 that forms part of the dispensing assembly 4, the lower lid 11a is located just above the open top of the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16. A user can remove the lid 11a by pulling the lid out of the slot in the lower connector 11 b, so that ingredients can fall out of the tube 3 into the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16. As shown in figures 7, 9, and 10, the dispensing assembly 4 can also include a load cell 13. As shown in figure 10, this extends in parallel with and alongside the motor 12. The load cell 13 is connected to the tube receiver / connector body 16 via a slot in the side of the tube receiver / connector body 16, and to the connector 15 via a similar slot in the connector 15. Any change in the overall weight of the tube 3 will be detected by the load cell 13, and this data can be used to calculate the amount of an ingredient dispensed in any one dispensing action. As well as this, the data can be collected overtime to calculate the popularity of ingredients, which can assist with stock ordering and similar, as well as for indicating the changeover of individual tubes in normal operational use. It can be seen (e.g. from figure 10) that the load cell is the main structural element connecting between the connector 15 and the receiver / connector body 16 - that is, the outer end of the load cell 13 slots into a slot on the connector 15, and the inner end slots into a slot on the receiver / connector body 16. The weight of the tube 3 is carried by the load cell. Ingredient Tubes The ingredient tubes 3 in the embodiment shown are long transparent rigid cylindrical tubes with open upper and lower ends. These are formed from a food-safe plastic or similar. The upper end is closed by a removable lid 10 that is generally retained in position in normal use, but which can be removed to fill the tube, for washing the tube, or similar. The lower end is closed by the closure and connection assembly 11 as described above. In the preferred embodiment, the tubes have a diameter of between approximately 75mm and 100mm. It has been found that food is less likely to get caught up inside the tubes if using this range of diameters, while this diameter still allows easy storage, transport, and swap over of tubes. As outlined above, the closure and connection assembly 11 and the main body of the dispensing assembly 4 are mutually configured to allow the tubes to be removed and replaced quickly and easily. It should also be noted that the tubes can be ‘stacked’ in order to top up a tube that is already in place and in use. The top of the tube that is already in place is opened, and the lower end of a full tube is placed over the open top. The same closure and connection assembly 11 as described above allows the lower end of the new, full tube to be connected to the open top of the tube already in place, and once the tube is in position and the closure is removed (e.g. insert 11a as shown in figure 3), ingredients from the new tube fall into the tube already in place, if the replacement tube is slightly smaller in capacity than the existing in-place tube, this allows the system to be 'topped up’ whilst in continuous use. This arrangement can be seen in figure 20, where it can be seen that a tube that is slightly shorter than the tower ’already to place’ tube has been located on top of the ‘in place’ tube to top it up. Optionally the connector between the top tube and the lower tube can include a RFID reader so that a RFID tab on the top tube (storing information about the contents of the tube) can be read by the reader and a visual signal given (e.g. using a green / red LED) as to whether the upper tube contains the correct ingredient to be added to the lower tube. The connector between the top tube and the lower tube can also include a mechanical or electromagnetic tock that is activated so that the upper tube can only be attached to the lower tube if the RFID reader indicates that the upper tube contains the correct ingredient (the green / red LED shines green if the correct ingredient tube is in position, rather than red if the incorrect ingredient tube is used). Dispensing Assemblies - Dispensing and / or Food Preparation Many different types of dispenser sub-assembly can be included in variations of the dispensing assembly. These can be configured to dispense food items, and / or to prepare food items as they are dispensed (e.g. to cut or slice these). These variations are described below. Similar numbering is used to denote similar features in each of the variations of the dispensing assembly described below and shown in the figures -e.g. dispensing assemblies 4, 104, 204, tube receiver / connector bodies 16, 116, 216, etc. Dispensing Assembly-with Ingredient Dispensing Wheel An embodiment where the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16 of the dispensing assembly 4 contains a food dispenser sub-assembly comprising an ingredient dispensing paddle wheel is shown in figures 4, 5, 6 and 9. As described above, in one embodiment the motor 12 has a detachable shaft 17 that extends into the body 16. In the ‘ingredient dispensing wheel’ embodiment, a paddle wheel 14 is connected to the shaft 17. As best shown in figure 6, the shaft 17 has ridges that form a spline connection between the paddle wheel 14 and the shaft 17, the central aperture of the paddle wheel formed as a complimentary aperture that connects with the splined shaft 17. The connection could also be made via any other suitable mechanism, such as a keyed arrangement or basic friction fit or similar, or any other suitable arrangement that ensures that there is a torsional constraint between the shaft 17 and the paddle wheel 14. The paddle wheel 14 is formed so that the paddles 14a of the paddle wheel 14 are roughly semi-circular and extend radially outwards from the central axis. In this embodiment, there are eight paddles 14a, spaced equidistant around the wheel 14. The paddle wheel 14 sits within the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16. When the lid 11a is removed, ingredients within the tube 3 fall out of the lower end of the tube 3 and onto and between the paddles 14a. The space between the blades 14a forms a portion or measure for an individual ingredient. When the motor 12 is activated, the paddle wheel 14 rotates, and the ingredients will be moved by the paddles 14a around the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16 so as to be dispensed from the open lower end of the main body. Each part rotation of the paddle wheel 14 so that the blades 14a move or rotate so that a trailing blade is now in the position of the previously immediately leading blade (that is, 45 degrees for the eight-bladed paddle wheel described and shown), dispenses one measure or portion of the ingredient. When the ingredients are heavy, this can make it more difficult for the wheels on the side moving upwards to move while carrying the weight of the ingredients. A half-cover can be added over the ‘upwards’ side, as shown in figure 9b. This allows the ingredients to fall freely onto that side of the paddle travelling downwards, and acts to block ingredients falling onto that side of the paddle moving upwards. The dispensed measure / portion will fall under gravity out of the open lower end of the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16. This is positioned over the open upper mouth of the funnel 7, and so the dispensed measure / portion will fall down onto the sloped part of the funnel 7, and will fall through the funnel and out of the lower end of the funnel. A user will have positioned a bowl or similar container under the lower end of the funnel 7, so that the ingredients land in the container. As outlined above, the apparatus 1 in this embodiment has six ingredient tubes 3 arranged in parallel with one another, each one connecting to a dispenser sub-assembly such as the paddle wheel assembly described above. It can be seen that a bespoke or personalised meal such as a salad can be quickly and easily produced. The six tubes will each contain a separate ingredient such as for example sweetcorn, shredded / diced carrots, shredded / diced beetroot, baby tomatoes, diced cucumber, olives, and similar. A user will choose their particular mix of ingredients - that is, how many measures of each ingredient are desired, and these will be dispensed as required in order to form the meal. The manner in which the dispensing can be controlled, and further detail of meal personalisation, will be described in more detail below. As can be seen from the above, the apparatus 1 is highly modular, and individual parts can be removed and replaced easily as required, with the use of minimal or no tools. In the preferred embodiment, as outlined above, the motor 12 slots into the receiver / connector body 16, and the motor 12 can be removed and inserted freely as required, with the tube 3 in position, or with the tube 3 removed so that a user can remove the motor 12 and connected shaft 17 from the receiver / connector body 16, leaving the paddle wheel 14 located in the receiver / connector body 16. A user can then remove this for washing or similar. In embodiments, the receiver / connector body 16 can include a clip or holster 19 that a user can clip the motor into when removed to safely retain or store the motor. Dispensing Assembly - with Reciprocating Slicing Blade An embodiment of dispensing assembly 14 with a reciprocating slicing blade is shown in figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the lower end of the tube 3 slots into the top of a tube receiver / connector body 116, which forms an open-sided container for the lower end of the tube 3. The base of the container has a lip 20 around the perimeter of the base, the rim of the lower end of the tube 3 resting on the lip 20. The base of the tube receiver / connector body 116 is formed so that there is a slot in the base, below the lip 20, the lip 20 forming the upper part of the slot. The slot is formed as a blade slot 21 with an upper part (the lip 20), and a lower part 22. The blade slot is formed so that a cutting blade can slide repeatedly in and out of the slot, but so that material can pass through the open centre of the base, falling from the tube 3 above the slot. The base comprises a blade holder 23 that extends to the side of that part of the base that is directly below the tube 3 in use. As shown in figure 12, the blade holder 23 contains a blade 24 having a sharp edge that faces towards the slot 21 when the blade is withdrawn from the slot. The body of the blade 24 behind the edge is hollow, with gear teeth 25 formed on the inside rim of the hollow part. A toothed cog 26 is located in the blade holder 23 so that the teeth of the cog 26 engage with the gear teeth 25 of the blade 24. The cog 26 is connected to a shaft 27 that extends through the upper surface of the blade holder 23, and which connects to a motor or motor adapter 28 that in use drives the shaft 27 so that the blade is driven into and out of the blade slot 21 in a reciprocating manner. In this way, material that is in the tube 3 falls under gravity through the blade slot 21 in use, and is sliced as it falls. Dispensing Assembly - Juicer An embodiment of dispensing assembly 114 comprising a juicer is shown in figures 13, 14, and 15. In this embodiment, the tube 3 is connected to a dispensing assembly 114 that comprises a plunger apparatus 30 arranged in parallel with the tube 3. The plunger apparatus 30 comprises a plunger tube 30a and a plunger 30b. The dispensing assembly 114 is configured so that a smaller connector tube 31 connected to the bottom of the tube 3 transports the contents to the bottom of the plunger tube 30a. As the plunger 30b moves up and down in the plunger tube 30a, items inside the tube 3 will fall from the tube 3 through the connector tube 31. As the plunger 30b moves downwards, this pushes these items into the main body 32 of the juicer. The main body 32 contains a screw 33 that operates to push the items into a screen 34. The screw 33 is powered by a motor 36 connected to the rear of the dispensing assembly 114. Liquid passes through the screen 34, and pulp and other solid / semi-solid material is sieved out by the screen 34. The screen 34 sits within a dispensing head 35. In use a container can be placed under the dispensing head 35 to collect juice passing through and out of the dispensing head 35. In this manner, items such as fruit or vegetables can be juiced. Dispensing Assembly - Auger Screw An embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising an auger screw is shown in figure 17. In this embodiment, the receiver / connector body 216 is configured to contain an auger screw 214. The motor of this embodiment is arranged in a substantially similar manner to that of the first embodiment. The shaft 217 of the motor passes through the centre of the auger screw 214, which is arranged substantially horizontally. The bottom of the tube 3 is located in use immediately above the auger screw so that food items in the tube 3 fall under gravity onto the auger screw. As the screw rotates, the foodstuffs are forced through the screw for dispensing. Dispensing Assembly - Tray / Sector Dispenser An embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising a tray or sector dispenser is shown in figure 18. In this embodiment, the tube receiver / connector body 316 has a lower end that is circular in plan view, and which is divided into six equally-sized sector compartments by internal walls 352. The lower end extends for a short depth or height between an upper lid 350a and a lower base 350b, connected by a wall 351, which is integral with the walls 352. The upper lid 350a and lower base 351b close five of the compartments, the openings offset from one another, so that food items in the tube 3 located directly above the upper lid 350a can only fall into one of the sector compartments, and only fall out of one of the compartments. The external perimeter or circumference of the wall 351 of the lower end comprises gear teeth 353 running around the outer perimeter or circumference of the lower end. These are connected to the motor 312 so that in use when the motor is activated, the wall 351 is rotated around an axis substantially in line with the axis of the tube 3 above the tube receiver / connector body 316. The upper lid 350a and lower base 350b remain stationary and do not rotate. It can be seen that as the wall 351 and the connected integral walls 352 rotate, the internal compartments or sectors will pass under the opening in the upper lid 350a and, if the compartment is empty, food items from the tube 3 will fall into the compartment. The compartments will then be swept around as the wall 351 and 352 rotate, until a full compartment is over the opening in the lower base 351b, when it will fall out. Dispensing Assembly - Julienne or Spiraliser As shown in figure 21, in a variation of the dispensing assembly, the apparatus can be fitted with an attachment to julienne or slice items. In this embodiment, a slicing body 60 is connected to the apparatus. The slicing body comprises an elongate tube 64, circular in end view, with an open upper end. The tube 64 is arranged generally axially vertically in use. Three wheels 61 are located in three wheel housings 62 at the lower end of the slicing body. The wheels are arranged at equally spaced intervals around the perimeter of the tube. A blade housing 63 is located at the lower end of the tube, the blade housing wider (greater diameter) than the tube 64 and holding a blade 65 that rotates around the blade housing, around the central and common axis of the tube 64 and blade housing 63. In use a user feeds items such as cucumbers into the open top end of the tube 64. The wheels 61 rotate so as to ‘pull’ the items downwards through the tube and onto the rotating blade 65 that slices and dices the item. A single blade 65 is shown in figure 21 for illustration purposes. However, cutting discs such as the known type shown in figures 22a and 22b can be used instead. It can be seen that in all of the embodiments or variations described above, the funnel acts as a central collector and distributer. When ‘central’ is used in this context, it should be noted that this does not mean that the item needs to be physically centrally located - the meaning is that everything is brought together at, or passes through, a single location. Alternative Embodiments - Non-Axial As described above, in the arrangement of the first embodiment, the base, ingredient tubes, and dispensing assemblies are arranged in a circular manner (in plan view). In the alternative embodiments shown in figure 16, these elements are arranged so the apparatus is non-axisymmetric. The ingredient tubes and dispensing assemblies used with the non-axisymmetric embodiments are substantially similar to those described above. In the embodiments shown in figures 16b and 16c, the bases 300, 3000 are arranged in a semi-linear manner. In the embodiment shown in figure 16a, the tubes are connected to an upper base part 30a that is arranged semi-linearly, the base 30 having integral feeder tubes 40 extending from the base part 30a to a lower base part 30b that is arranged in a circular manner. These alternative embodiments have potential advantages in fitting the apparatus in areas where space is limited or where the space does not lend itself to a circular arrangement as outlined above for the first embodiment. Furthermore, a linear arrangement is potentially useful for a conveyor-belt arrangement as described below. Conveyor Belt In a conveyor belt arrangement, such as for example that shown in figure 19, two or more of the apparatuses 1 according to the first embodiment can be placed side-by-side, with a conveyor belt running linearly underneath the apparatuses 1. A bowl or similar container can be placed on the conveyor belt, and part-filled at one station and then moved via the conveyor belt to another station (either directly adjacent, or, if more than two apparatuses are used, separated from the original apparatus by one or more other apparatuses). In this way, the bowl or container can be filled with a number or combination of different ingredients that may not be available from a single apparatus such as apparatus 1. Material For the components described above, the main preferred materials used to farm the components in the preferred embodiments are either ABS er PLA or a mixture of both, it is most preferred that the components are formed by 3-D printing. Once formed, the components are smoothed post-forming by exposing the part to an environment containing acetone vapour (for the ABS components) or Ethyl Acetate (for the PLA components). The vapour smoothing has the effect of smoothing the exposed surfaces, resulting in a food-safe finish that has fewer surface pores (reduced porosity) than an ordinary 3D printed finish. The reduced porosity heips to reduce the potential for bacterial growth). Using ABS as the main material results in a system that is dishwasher safe. Although other materials such as for example stainless steel and / or glass could be used as the main material, the smoothed ABS is preferred. The tubes are in the preferred embodiment formed from acrylic. Second Embodiment An apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention comprises three main parts: a base 200; ingredient tubes 300, and dispensing assemblies 400. Base The base 200 is shown in figures 23 and 24. In this embodiment the base 200 comprises a flat lower plate 201 formed so as to rest securely on a table top, countertop, or similar mechanical ground, and a framework formed from a number of elongate members 202, the base framework extending upwards and configured to hold a number of dispensing assemblies 400 a short distance above the lower plate. The framework of the base is open-sided so as to allow items to pass into and out of the interior of the framework. The base 200 further comprises a conveyor belt 222 that runs from one side of the framework to the other, and which extends slightly beyond the side of the framework. In the preferred embodiment, the belt 22 comprises integral weighting scales that are configured to measure how much has been dispensed onto a container on the conveyor belt (by measuring the change in weight from before and then after a dispensing operation takes place). The base 200 further comprises a swivel unit 203, located between the conveyor belt 222 and the framework, and the lower plate 201. The swivel unit 203 is configured so as to allow the upper part of the apparatus - above the swivel 203 - to freely rotate in relation to the lower plate 201. An upper plate 204 is connected to the tops of the elongate members 202, extending substantially in parallel with the lower plate 201. The upper plate 204 is configured to hold a number of dispensing assemblies 400. The number can vary as will be described below. However, in the embodiment shown in figures 23 and 24, the number of dispensing units that can be connected is four. These are connected at substantially equal intervals (i.e. at 90 degrees from one another, or at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 ‘clockface’ positions if the apparatus 100 is viewed from above / plan view). In this embodiment, the four dispensing assemblies 400 are connected to the upper plate 204 so as to have their inner ends located at or close to the centre or ‘hub’ of the upper plate 204, with the body of the dispensing assembly extending outwards towards the rim of the upper plate 204. A camera or cameras can also be positioned on or close to the upper plate so as to measure or check optically what is being dispensed. In this embodiment, individual funnels are associated with each of the dispensing assembly stations. As shown in figures 23 and 24, when connected to the upper plate 204, the funnels are angled inwards and downwards towards the centre or hub of the apparatus, above the centre of the conveyor belt 222, which forms a central collection and distribution area Dispensing Assembly - General Each of the dispensing assemblies 400 of this embodiment comprises a drive unit 401 and a dispensing unit 402. In figures 23 and 24, the drive units 401 are shown connected to the apparatus in isolation, without the dispensing units 402 being present. Figures 29b and 29c show a dispensing unit 402 connected to a drive unit 401. The drive unit 401 and dispensing unit 402 will be described separately below. Drive Unit An embodiment of drive unit 401 is shown in isolation in figure 27. The drive unit 401 comprises a motor portion 401a and a connection portion 401b. An electric motor 406 is contained within the outer housing of the motor portion 401a. A dog clutch 403a is located at one side or end of the motor portion 401a so that in use the dog clutch extends or faces outwards towards the rim of the upper plate 204. The connection portion 401b comprises two arms 404 that are connected one each to the two lower corners of the motor portion 401a so that in use, with the drive unit connected to the upper plate 204, these extend outwards towards the rim of the upper plate 204. As shown in figure 28, each of the arms 404 is adapted so that a dispensing unit 402 can be slid between the motor arms 404 to engage with the drive unit 401. In this embodiment, each of the dispensing units 402 comprises a pair of dispensing arms 405 that are complementary to the motor arms 404. The dispensing unit 402 can be slid between the motor arms 404, with the motor arms 404 and dispensing arms 405 mutually adapted so that they will slide over one another and then ‘click’ together or engage with one another via a wedge-shaped cutout on the inside of the motor arm 404 and a triangular extension on the outside of the dispensing arm 405. As shown in figure 29d, the dispensing units comprise a complementary dog clutch element 403b that engages with the motor dog clutch element 403a when the dispensing unit 402 is fully slid into position. The dispensing unit 402 can be removed from the drive unit 401 by pressing its arms 405 inwards (squeezing them together in substantially the horizontal plane) so as to disengage the triangular extension from the wedge-shaped cutout, and then pulling the dispensing unit 402 outwards. The drive unit in this embodiment is substantially sealed and / or kept away from any elements of the apparatus that are in contact with food, which makes it much easier to keep clean and functional. Dispensing Unit-General The dispensing unit 402 comprises a housing that forms / surrounds a substantially vertically oriented passage that passes through the centre of the dispensing unit 402 from the top to the bottom. The top of the housing of the dispensing unit around / adjacent to the opening of the passage is configured to connect with an ingredient tube 300 as will be described in detail below. The lower opening of the passage in use opens above the top opening of a funnel 600 connected to the base 200 as will also be described in detail below. For all of the variations / embodiments of dispensing unit described and shown, a mechanism is located within the passage between the upper and lower openings, the mechanism acting on a foodstuff moving from the ingredient tube 300 into and through the dispensing unit 402 - e.g. to dispense a set amount, to cut or slice, or similar. Dispensing Unit - Paddle Wheel In the embodiment shown in figures 30 and 31, the dispensing unit 402 contains a paddle wheel 114 similar to the paddle wheel of the ingredient dispensing wheel of the first embodiment described above. That is, the dispensing unit 402 contains a food dispenser sub-assembly comprising an ingredient dispensing paddlewheel 114. In this embodiment, the dog clutch 403b connects with an integral shaft 117 within the dispensing unit 402. The paddle wheel is connected to the shaft 117 so that it rotates with the shaft. This can be by way of splines or similar as for the first embodiment, or any other suitable connection mechanism. As for the first embodiment, the paddle wheel 114 is formed so that the paddles are roughly semi-circular and extend radially outwards from the central axis, with eight paddles spaced equidistant around the central axis of the paddle wheel 114. In use, ingredients within the tube 300 fall out of the lower end of the tube 300 and onto and between the paddles, with the space between the blades forming a portion or measure for an individual ingredient. When the motor 406 is activated, the paddle wheel 114 rotates, and the ingredients will be moved by the paddles so as to be dispensed from the open lower end of the passage through the dispensing unit 402. Each part rotation of the paddle wheel 114 causes rotation so that a trailing blade is now in the position of the previously immediately leading blade (that is, 45 degrees for an eight-bladed paddle wheel), and this dispenses one measure or portion of the ingredient. The dispensed measure / portion will fall under gravity out of the open lower end of the passage, which is positioned over the open upper mouth of a funnel 700 (as shown in figure 25 and described in detail below), and the dispensed measure / portion will fall down onto the sloped part of the funnel 700, falling through and out of the lower end of the funnel. A user will have positioned a bowl or similar container on the conveyor belt under the lower end of the funnel 700, so that the ingredients land in the container. The paddle wheels for both this embodiment and the first embodiment can optionally be formed from 3D printed TPU material. This provides a flexible paddle, which can be advantageous for use with some ingredients. As outlined above, the apparatus 100 in this embodiment has four dispensing assemblies 400, each of which in use has a connected ingredient tube 300. It can be seen that a bespoke or personalised meal such as a salad can be quickly and easily produced. The four tubes will each contain a separate ingredient such as for example sweetcorn, shredded / diced carrots, shredded / diced beetroot, baby tomatoes, diced cucumber, olives, and similar. A user will choose their particular mix of ingredients - that is, how many measures of each ingredient are desired, and these will be dispensed as required in order to form the meal. If more than four ingredients are required, then multiple ones of the apparatus 100 can be placed in sequence so that the conveyor belt on each one allows an ingredient bowl or similar on the belt to be passed from one to the next so as to add further and different ingredients from a second or third apparatus next to the first apparatus in a line. Dispensing Unit - Tray / Sector Dispenser - 2nd Embodiment An embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising a tray / sector dispenser is shown in figures 32 to 36. In this embodiment, the dispensing unit 402 contains a unit that is similar to the tray dispenser of the first embodiment. As can be seen in the figures, the upper part of the outer housing of the dispensing unit extends inwards and downward to partly block the passage through the centre of the dispensing unit. This has the effect that food items falling down from the tube connected above the dispensing unit will be deflected to one side as they fall. An upper dispenser 470 is located in the passage, the upper dispenser having the form of a wheel with spokes running radially from a central hub to a rim, so as to divide the interior of the wheel (within the perimeter of the rim) into wedge-shaped sectors (eight, in the embodiment shown). The upper side of the rim is toothed, so as to engage with and be driven by the dog clutch 403b, so the dispenser can rotate around the axis of the hub within the dispensing unit. The hub connects to a central part of the housing that extends inwards and downwards. A lower dispenser 471 is located below the upper dispenser 470, the lower dispenser comprising a circular body having the same radius as the upper dispenser and radially aligned with the upper dispenser. The lower dispenser 471 comprises a mostly solid face within its circumferential perimeter, so that in use this forms a floor for the wedge-shaped sectors of the upper dispenser 470. The lower dispenser has a mostly solid upper face as described above, except for one open wedge-shaped sector as shown in figure 34. When this is aligned with one of the wedge-shaped sectors of the upper dispenser 470, food items within that sector can freely fall through the dispensing unit 402 and into the funnel below. When the motor is activated, the upper dispenser 470 rotates and the wedge-shaped sectors will fill with food items falling from the tube above. As each full sector passes over the open wedge-shaped sector in the lower dispenser, the items in the upper sectors will fall through to be dispensed. Dispensing Unit - Auger Screw Dispenser An embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising an auger screw dispenser is shown in figures 36 to 39. In this embodiment, the dispensing unit 402 is configured to contain a spiral or helical screw 450, arranged with the axis of the helical screw 450 running across the dispensing unit 402 or aligned substantially horizontally. In use, the screw 450 is driven by the motor via connection with the dog clutch 403b. The dispensing unit 402 is configured in a similar manner to that of the second embodiment of tray dispenser, with the upper part of the outer housing of the dispensing unit extending inwards and downward to partly block the passage through the centre of the dispensing unit. The lower part of the passage is blocked, except for directly under that part of the outer housing of the dispensing unit that extends inwards and downwards to partly block the upper part of the passage. In use, food will fall from the tube 300 and be deflected sideways and downwards into the screw. This food is blocked from falling all the way through the passage and into the funnel. As the screw rotates, foodstuffs are carried sideways by the screw back under the partly blocking portion of the housing or casing dispensing unit 402 to a point where they can fall through the passage and into the funnel. Ingredient Tube As noted above, in use an ingredient tube 300 is connected to each dispensing unit 402 so as to extend upwards from the dispensing assembly 400. The top part of the dispensing unit 402 around or directly adjacent to the top opening of the passage is configured to connect with the base or lower end of the tube 300. The ingredient tubes 300 are similar to those of the first embodiment - long transparent rigid cylindrical tubes with open upper and lower ends. These are formed from a food-safe plastic or similar. The upper end is closed by a removable lid that is generally retained in position in normal use, but which can be removed to fill the tube, for washing the tube, or similar. The lower end is closed by a closure and connection assembly 311, described below. In the preferred embodiment, the tubes have a diameter of between approximately 75mm and 100mm, as for the first embodiment. The closure and connection assembly 311 and the main body of the dispensing unit 402 are mutually configured to allow the tubes to be removed and replaced quickly and easily. The closure and connection assembly 311 is configured to both close the lower end of a tube 300 for transport and storage, and to connect with a dispensing unit 402 so that ingredients can be dispensed. The connector 311 comprises a lower lid 311a and a lower connector 311b, with these items shown in cross section in figure 34b. The lower connector 311b and lid 311a are mutually configured so that the lid 311a in use slots into the lower connector 311b. The lower connector 311b is configured to engage with the lower end of the tube 300, and is held in place by a friction fit or similar. If required, the lower connector 311b can be glued to the end of the tube 3. In use the lower lid 311a slides across the bottom end of the tube 300 to open and close the tube. The lower lid 311a has a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user to pull or push the lower lid 11a into place or to remove it. Once the lower connector 311b has been engaged with the dispensing unit 402, the lower lid 11a is located just above the top passage opening of the dispensing unit 402. A user can remove the lid 11a by pulling the lid out of the slot in the lower connector 11b, so that ingredients can fall out of the tube 3 into the main body of the tube receiver / connector body 16. The top part of the dispensing unit 402 around or directly adjacent to the top opening of the passage is mutually configured with the lower connector 311b so that these can engage with one another via a quarter-turn screw thread or snap-fit or similar. Funnel The funnels 700 is in this embodiment are configured to connect with the base 200 via a slidable engagement with the lower side of the arms 404 on the drive unit 401, the funnels 700 sliding on and off the arms at their free or outer ends. Each funnel comprises an elongate tube having an open upper end and an open lower end. The upper end is of a size with the arms 404. Any food item falling through the passage in the dispensing unit 402 will fall into the open top of the funnel, then through the funnel, and down through the open lower end. As shown in figures 23 and 24, the funnels are angled inwards and downwards towards the centre or hub of the apparatus, above the centre of the conveyor belt 222, which forms a central collection and distribution area. In this embodiment, the funnels are angled downwards at substantially 60 degrees downwards from the horizontal plane. In use, an ingredient bowl or similar will be located at the centre of the conveyor belt 222 - at the central collection and distribution area. The lower open ends of all four of the funnels 700 connected to the apparatus 100 open towards the centre so that foodstuffs falling through each funnel 700 land in the bowl. The funnel 700 narrows towards the open lower end to help ensure that foodstuffs end up where they are supposed to and do not spill out. In the second embodiment described above, an apparatus 100 having four separate stations is described. As shown for example in figure 35 or figure 36, the apparatus could be configured so that there are six stations (figure 36) or ten stations (figure 35) or any other number as appropriate. As shown in figure 36, one advantage of the apparatus of this embodiment and its variations is that power and communication connections can be routed via a central hub, so that the length of exposed cabling or similar is kept to a minimum, reducing snagging hazards.

Claims

1. An automated food preparation and dispensing device, comprising:a base configured to rest in use on a surface and extend upwards from the surface;a plurality of dispensing assemblies, each configured for mutual connection with an ingredient tube of the type that contains a food item, the dispensing assemblies configured so that food items from the tubes are in use dispensed through the connected dispensing assembly;the base and dispensing assemblies configured for mutual connection;characterised in thatthe base is further configured to have a central collection and distribution portion that receives and distributes food items dispensed from the dispensing assemblies at a single location.

2. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a funnel, the funnel configured as the central collection and distribution portion.

3. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the funnel has a side wall angle of substantially between 45 and 60 degrees.

4. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the base is configured so that the central collection and distribution portion of the base is located above the surface at a sufficient distance to allow a food receptacle to be freely located and removed from under the exit of the central collection and distribution portion.

5. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the base comprises a framework formed from a lower ring configured to rest on a surface, and an upper ring held in a vertically-spaced-apart arrangement from the lower ring by a series of pillars spaced around the circumference of the rings, the central collection and distribution portion located within the perimeter of the rings.

6. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the rings are circular in plan view and have substantially the same diameter.

7. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the base is formed from a plurality of modular elements.

8. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 7 wherein each modular element comprises a pillar and a section of the rings.

9. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 8 wherein each modular element further comprises part of the central collection and distribution portion.

10. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies comprises a connector, a motor, and a receiver / connector body, the connector configured to releasably connect to the base above the central collection and distribution portion, the receiver / connector body comprising a short section of pipe configured to receive the lower end of an ingredient tube.

11. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the motor detachably fits within the receiver / connector body in use, the motor comprising a shaft that extends within and at least partly across the receiver / connector body substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the tube receiver / connector.

12. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the dispensing assembly comprises a load cell extending substantially in parallel with and alongside the motor, the load cell connected so that any change in the overall weight of a connected tube will be detected by the load cell.

13. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the receiver / connector body comprises an ingredient dispensing paddle wheel, the motor and paddle wheel configured for mutual connection so that the wheel rotates in use to dispense ingredients from a connected ingredient tube.

14. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the receiver / connector body comprises a reciprocating slicing blade, the base of the tube receiver / connector body formed so that there is a slot in the base configured to receive the blade, the blade slot formed so that a cutting blade can slide repeatedly in and out of the slot, and so that material can pass through the open centre of the base.

15. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the body of the blade behind the edge is hollow, with gear teeth formed on the inside rim of the hollow part, a toothed cog located in the slot so that the teeth of the cog engage with the gear teeth of the blade, the cog connected to the motor to drive the toothed cog, the toothed cog and blade teeth formed so that the blade is driven in and out of the blade slot in a reciprocating manner.

16. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the receiver / connector body comprises a plunger tube and plunger arranged substantially in parallel with a connected ingredient tube in use, the plunger tube configured so that in use contents from the ingredient tube are transported to the bottom of the plunger tube, the receiver / connector body further comprising a screw and mesh screen, the plunger in usepushing ingredients onto the screw, which operates to push the ingredients into the screen so that liquid from the ingredients passes through the screen and pulp is sieved out by the screen.

17. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the receiver / connector body is configured to contain an auger screw, the shaft of the motor passing through the centre of the auger screw, the receiver / connector body configured so that in use the tube is located immediately above the auger screw so that food items in the tube fall under gravity onto the auger screw for dispensing.

18. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 further comprising a slicing body, the slicing body comprising an elongate tube with an open upper end arranged generally axially vertically in use, a plurality of wheels located in the slicing body towards the lower end of the slicing body, a blade housing located at the lower end and holding a blade that rotates around the blade housing, the wheels rotating in use to pull items downwards through the tube and onto the rotating blade.

19. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base comprises a framework configured to allow the device to rest on a surface or similar, and to hold the dispensing assemblies above and away from the surface.

20. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the base further comprises a conveyor belt that runs from one side of the framework to the other, and which extends slightly beyond the side of the framework.

21. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the base further comprises a swivel unit configured so as to allow at least part of the apparatus to freely rotate.

22. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies comprises a drive unit and a dispensing unit, each drive unit comprising:a motor portion comprising a motor and a dog clutch, and;a connection portion comprising a pair of arms adapted to releasably connect with a dispensing unit and engage this with the drive unit;the dispensing unit comprising a housing that forms / surrounds a substantially vertically oriented passage that passes through substantially the centre of the dispensing unit from the top to the bottom, the top of the housing of the dispensing unit around / adjacent to the opening of the passage configured to releasably connect with an ingredient tube, the lower opening of the passage open, a mechanism located within the passage between the upper and loweropenings, the mechanism configured to act on a foodstuff moving from the ingredient tube 300 into and through the dispensing unit.

23. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the mechanism comprises a paddle wheel, the paddle wheel connecting to and driven by the dog clutch.

24. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the mechanism comprises an upper dispenser comprising a body divided into a plurality of open sectors, and a lower dispenser, complementary to and located below the upper dispenser, the lower dispenser having a single open sector substantially sized and shaped to the upper dispenser open sectors, the dispensers relatively rotatable to align the lower dispenser single open sector to align with each of the upper dispenser open sectors.

25. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the upper dispenser comprises a spoked wheel.

26. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the upper surface of the rim comprises gear teeth, the teeth and dog clutch configured to engage so the upper dispenser can be rotationally driven.

27. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the mechanism comprises an auger screw dispenser comprising a spiral or helical screw arranged with the axis running across the dispensing unit, the screw engaging with the dog clutch to be rotationally driven, the housing of the dispensing unit so that an upper part of the outer housing of the dispensing unit extends inwards and downward to partly block the passage through the centre of the dispensing unit, the lower part of the passage also blocked except for that portion substantially directly under the upper part.

28. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 27 further comprising a plurality of funnels, each of the funnels connected to the framework and associated with a dispensing assembly so that food items dispensed through a dispensing assembly pass into and through the associated funnel, the funnels arranged so that the central collection and distribution portion is formed at and by the lower ends of the funnels.

29. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28 further comprising a plurality of ingredient tubes, each tube comprising an elongate body configured to in use hold a volume of ingredient, and a closure and connection assembly configured to connect with one of the dispensing assemblies, the connector comprising a lower lid and lower connector, the lower connector and lid mutually configured so that the lid in use slots into the lower connector, the lower connector configured to engage with the lower end ofthe tube, the lower lid configured to slide across the lower end of the tube to open and close the tube.

30. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the lower lid comprises a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user.5 31. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via a quarter-turn screw thread.

32. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower 10 connector via snap-fit.

33. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32 wherein the top end of the ingredient tube is configured for connection to the lower end of another ingredient tube.

34. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 15 to 33 wherein the main components are formed from either ABS or PLA, the surface of the components smoothed post-forming by exposure to an environment containing acetone vapour or Ethyl Acetate.31

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