Patent ID: 6053218
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B01F

Abstract:
A system for dispensing pourable components from their original containers into a receptacle according to a formula to form a mixture of pourable components, each of the original containers including a lid member, the dispensing system comprising:a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a pourable component from its original container, the original container having a lid member, the dispensing apparatus including:a support frame;means, coupled to the support frame, for releasably receiving the original container, the receiving means including:first means for engaging a first portion of the lid member, andsecond means for engaging a second portion of the lid member, the second portion being spaced from the first portion; andmeans, coupled to the support frame, for dispensing the pourable component from its original container into a receptacle; andan apparatus for controlling the dispensing apparatus, including:a weigh cell for supporting the receptacle and for determining the weight of the pourable component dispensed into the receptacle; anda control module coupled to the weigh cell and the dispensing means for controlling the amount of the pourable component dispensed from its original container, based upon information obtained from the weigh cell.