A herb and spice dispensing device
The herb and spice dispensing device addresses the challenge of precise sequencing and quantification in recipe preparation by using a control module and movement mechanism to ensure accurate dispensing of herbs and spices, enhancing efficiency and precision.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANGELOPOULOS KONSTANTINOS
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for preparing recipes with multiple herbs and spices are time-consuming and require precise sequencing and quantification, which existing devices fail to efficiently address.
A herb and spice dispensing device with a control module, multiple chambers, dispensers, and a movement mechanism that allows for precise dispensing and sequencing of herbs and spices based on weight and timing, using load cells and conveyer belts to ensure accurate quantities and order.
Enables efficient and precise dispensing of herbs and spices in the correct sequence and quantities, simplifying the recipe preparation process.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a herb and spice dispensing device, in particular a device for aiding in preparation of recipes; more particularly but not exclusively, suitable for a commercial environment. Background Many societies have foods and recipes for foods that involve multiple stages, and multiple additions of multiple herbs and spices, for example in a controlled order, in controlled quantities. This can be problematic and time consuming to arrange, prepare, and ensure correct sequence of use. Prior Art CN 111 184 429 (LU) discloses a method of preparing a seasoning, the method comprising: obtaining the type and specification of a first seasoning, wherein the first seasoning comprises an input and / or prepared seasoning; and determining the type and specification of a second seasoning according to the type and specification of the first seasoning and the type and specification of the required seasoning, wherein the second seasoning comprises the seasoning to be thrown and / or prepared. CN 106 805 814 (CHEN) discloses an automatic unloader of flavouring, its characterized in that, it includes: the storing container is used for containing solid or liquid seasonings and is provided with one or more seasonings; a blanking controller for controlling the opening and closing of the storage container so as to automatically blank the seasoning; the collecting container is used for collecting the seasoning discharged by the automatic blanking of the storage container, and the collecting container is movably arranged and can be taken by a user; and the central control unit is used for receiving input from a user and controlling the blanking controller to act according to the input in a preset mode so as to control the seasoning to be automatically blanked from the storage container. WO 2018 042 800 (KANEKO) discloses an information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control, based on recipe data and a user's situation that are input, to discharge a predetermined quantity of condiment from each of a plurality of condiment accommodating units, such that the condiment indicated in the recipe data is blended in accordance with the user's situation. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a herb and spice dispensing device comprising a control module, a plurality of herb chambers, a plurality of associated dispensers, a plurality of herb receiving containers and a dispense movement mechanism; wherein the control module is arranged to dispense an amount of herb from one or more chamber into one or more container according to a predetermined pattern controlled by the module. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a conveyor movement mechanism, which may move the containers, dispensers or both. In some embodiments of the device the movement mechanism is arranged to move the containers in relation to the dispensers. In some embodiments of the device the containers comprise receiving cradles arranged to move through the movement mechanism, such that the cradles may permit for precise placement below dispensers, for example wherein the containers further comprise displaceable cups for receiving the herb or spice from the dispenser. In some such embodiments of the device the receiving cradles comprise ferromagnetic securement of the containers or cups thereof. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises one or more load cells, which load cells may be used to measure herb or spice and identify passage fro example from one part of the device to another. In some such embodiments of the device the load cells are arranged to weigh the herb chambers, so as to evaluate how much herb has passed from the chambers. In this way it may be envisaged that the load cells may be calibrated at a given moment, and dispensing of herb may be monitored or controlled by weight. It may be envisaged that the device may be enabled to evaluate quantity of dispensing in relation to weight in relation to specified herb or spice in relation to any and all the chambers. In this way the device may be used to fill a plurality of containers in a sequence, and have them presented to a user in the correct sequence to add to a recipe and in the correct quantities. It may be envisaged that a conveyer belt movement mechanism may enable the footprint of the device to be relatively small, and a large number of herbs and spices may be loaded ready for dispensing at any time. In some embodiments of the device the dispensers comprise rotating paddles, which may be calibrated to dispense a predetermined weight according to timing and / or speed of turning, for example. In some embodiments of the device the pattern relates to a recipe. In some embodiments the device comprises a vibrating .means which may be located in or in relation to a chamber, for breaking up any spices and herbs therein. According to a further aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided a means or system of preparation of a recipe using a device substantially as described herein. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures ’ Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in 5 Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ; 10 Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a detail isometric view of the lower tray of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with a container removed; 15 Figure 6 shows a detail isometric view of the lower tray of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with the movement mechanism exploded; Figure 7 shows a detail isometric view of the upper housing of the embodiment of the 20 device shown in Figure 1; and Figures 8 show isometric views of the container, and the dispenser and chamber, of 25 the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, respectively. Detailed Description of Figures 30 With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a herb and spice dispensing device 99 comprising a control module 1, a plurality of herb chambers 7, a plurality of associated dispensers 8, a plurality of herb receiving containers 6 and a dispense movement mechanism 5; wherein the control module is arranged to dispense an amount of herb from one or more chamber into one or more container according to 35 a predetermined pattern controlled by the module. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a monolithic unit, having a lower tray 10 and an upper housing 2, joined by side plates 4. The lower tray provides the movement mechanism which comprises a conveyor belt 51, within which or by which the containers 6 are moved in a linear oval movement pattern. The containers comprise cradles 61 and displaceable cups 62, which cups sit in the cradles. The cups and the cradles share a ferromagnetic securement means, with the cups having embedded neodymium magnets that attracts a neodymium magnets in the base of the cradle. The cradles are provided with a leg 63 that depends downwards, and which leg is arranged to be gripped in a hole 52 in a tab 55 extending from the belt 51. The leg is to one perimetric location on the base of the cradle, and the base further comprises four bolts 64 which bolt stainless steel shielded bearings onto the base of the cradle, which bearings in use contact a channel on the belt 51, so as to allow for smooth movement around the belt’s track on the lower tray 10. The belt is turned by cogs 53 at either end of the belt, wherein the belt internally has teeth 56. The upper housing comprises a displaceable lid 3, which lid rests on a load cell arrangement 13 of four load cells which are arranged in its corners, and which measure the load against the vertical walls of the housing. The lid supports the chambers 7 such that as the weight of the chambers alters the load cells will register the weight change. In this way the load cells may provide information to a touch screen control module 1, so as to regulate, for example, the dispensers. The dispensers comprise funnel housings 8 surrounding turning paddles 15. For example it may be envisaged that the chambers may all be filled and the load cells calibrated to zero, such that during dispensing the dispensed amount of each chamber may be monitored and / or controlled in relation to the dispensed weight of the herb or spice from each chamber, in relation to dispensing time for example. In this way the dispensers may dispense a predetermined quantity of herb or spice from each of the chambers into containers, which may be brought into position under each relevant dispenser in sequence by the belt. In this way it may be envisaged that the herbs and spices for use in a recipe may be precisely dispensed and arranged for sequential use. It may be envisaged that more than one herb or spice may be dispensed into one or more container as appropriate in order to provide an easy to use and appropriate pattern for a user. The housing further comprises the control module 1, and a touch screen control display. The device further comprises wireless connectivity and / or intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) in order for the user to input a preferred recipe for example or in order for the user to be alerted to the device status. The device may also comprise a local alert means, for example audible or visual alert means. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A herb and spice dispensing device comprising a control module, a plurality of herb chambers, a plurality of associated dispensers, a plurality of herb receiving containers and a dispense movement mechanism; wherein the control module is arranged to dispense an amount of herb from one or more chamber into one or more container according to a predetermined pattern controlled by the module.
2. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 1 comprising a conveyor belt movement mechanism.
3. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the movement mechanism is arranged to move the containers.
4. A herb and spice dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the containers comprise receiving cradles arranged to move through the movement mechanism.
5. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 4 wherein the receiving cradles comprise ferromagnetic securement of the containers.
6. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the receiving cradles comprise depending legs.
7. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the receiving cradles comprise bearings.
8. A herb and spice dispensing device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more load cells9. A herb and spice dispensing device according to claim 8 wherein a load cell is arranged to weigh the herb chambers.
10. A herb and spice dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the dispensers comprise rotating paddles.
11. A herb and spice dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the pattern relates to a recipe.
12. A system of preparation of a recipe utilising a device according to any of the preceding claims.