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 ingredient tube 3. The dispensing assemblies are configured so that food items from the tubes are dispensed through the connected dispensing assembly. The base further configured to have a central collection and distribution portion 6 that receives and distributes food items dispensed from the dispensing assemblies at a single location. The base may comprise a funnel 6b, the walls of the funnel may be inclined at an angle around 45 degrees. The base may comprise a framework made of lower 5 and upper 7 rings, the rings being separated by a series of vertical pillars 8. The base may be formed of a plurality of modular elements. The dispensing assembly may comprise a connector (15,fig.3), a motor (12, fig.3) and a tube receiver / connector body (16,fig.3).

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 around 45 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, 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. 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 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. Figure 18 shows 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 appara ratuses. 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 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 45 degrees 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 11 b and lid 11a are mutually configured so that the lid 11a in use slots into the lower connector 11b. 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 11 b 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 11 b 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 over time 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 lower 'already in 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 lock 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 Dispenser An embodiment of dispensing assembly comprising an auger screw 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 351 b 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 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 material used to form the components in the preferred embodiments is ABS, with the components formed by 3-D printing. Once formed, the components are smoothed post-forming by exposing the part to an environment containing acetone vapour. The vapour smoothing has the effect of smoothing the exposed surfaces, resulting in a food-safe finish that has fewer surface pores than an ordinary 3D printed finish. 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.

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 around 45 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 any one of claims 1 to 18 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 of the tube, the lower lid configured to slide across the lower end of the tube to open and close the tube.

20. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the lower lid comprises a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user.

21. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via a quarter-turn screw thread.

22. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via snap-fit.

23. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the top end of the ingredient tube is configured for connection to the lower end of another ingredient tube.18 07 25AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:CLAIMS1. An automated food preparation and dispensing device, comprising:a base configured to rest in use on a surface and extend upwards from thesurface;a plurality of dispensing assemblies, each configured for mutual connectionwith 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;wherein the 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,characterised in that the 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.

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 around 45 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 ofthe 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 the1918 07 25rings 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 ashaft 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.18 07 2516. 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 plungertube, 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.

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 withan 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 any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the lower lid comprises a tab at one side that can be grasped by a user.

20. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims1 to 19 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via a quarter-turn screw thread.

21. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 wherein each of the dispensing assemblies is mutually configured to connect with the lower connector via snap-fit.

22. An automated food preparation and dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the top end of the ingredient tube is configured for connection to the lower end of another ingredient tube.22

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