Patent Abstract:
A powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, dispenser, and tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable or slidable carriage. The carriage includes at least one compartment horizontally disposed above an optional funnel. The carriage is rotatable about a central axis or translatable parallel to and below the hopper. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/521,929 filed Jul. 12, 2012 which is a national phase application of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US2011/046436 filed Aug. 3, 2011, both entitled Powder Dispensing Apparatus, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present device generally relates to a powder dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the dispensing apparatus includes a base and a dispenser attached at opposite ends of a vertically disposed tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a slidable or rotatable carriage with one or more compartments. The slidable or rotatable carriage is either manually operable or motorized. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a predetermined quantity of powder into a funnel either without or with a liquid before delivery into the container resting on the base. 
         [0005]    2. Background 
         [0006]    A variety of powder dispensers are known within the beverage arts. Several exemplary devices are noteworthy. 
         [0007]    Cheong describes an apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,249 for dispensing infant formula, and in particular an apparatus that is able to contain and mix temperature controlled water with milk powder based on the amount of infant formula desired and ideally is also capable of sterilizing bottles prior to dispensing. 
         [0008]    Haven et al. describes an apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,431 for automatically dispensing the proper amounts of dry baby formula and heated water to make liquid infant formula. The baby bottle is held in place in a pivoting transfer arm with a clip that fastens around the neck of the bottle. After the powdered formula is dispensed, the transfer arm swings the bottle to the water dispensing station. Water heated to the desired temperature is added to the bottle, and the formula is ready to be mixed and served. 
         [0009]    Harrison et al. describes a dispensing apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,990 including a base housing having side and bottom walls, and also having an open top, and further having container assembly support members disposed therein. The apparatus also includes a container assembly including a container, and also including a hood being securely and conventionally attached about the container, and further including a bottle support member being securely and conventionally attached to the container, and also including bottle retaining members being securely and conventionally attached to the bottle support member; and further includes a cover being removably disposed over the open top of the container; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being securely fastened attached to the container assembly; and further includes a baby formula preparation and dispensing assembly for preparing baby formula and for dispensing the baby formula to bottles. 
         [0010]    Brice describes an automated baby formula bottle filler in U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,527 for providing formula for a baby&#39;s bottle from powdered formula. The automated baby formula bottle filler includes a housing having an interior space for holding water. A motor compartment coupled to the housing is positioned in the interior space. A first funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing baby formula powder. A second funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing water. A control panel is coupled to the housing. The control panel includes a powdered formula dispenser control and a water dispenser control. 
         [0011]    Clubb describes a heated beverage machine in U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,117 for use in making heated beverages, such as baby formula and cocoa, from heated water and a powdered drink mix that includes a housing having contained therein water dispensing assembly, a powdered drink mix dispensing assembly, and a control circuit. The water dispensing assembly includes a water reservoir, a water reservoir level sensor, a water temperature sensor, three fluid volume select input buttons, a warm/hot select switch, a water dispensing valve in connection between the water reservoir and a mixing nozzle, resistance heating element, a water temperature display gauge, a water level display gauge, a warm temperature select indicator light, and a hot temperature select indicator light. The powdered drink mix dispensing assembly includes a powdered drink mix reservoir, a dispensing auger positioned within a dispensing pipe in connection between the mixing nozzle and the powdered drink mix reservoir, a dispensing auger position sensor, a shaker assembly positioned within the powdered drink mix reservoir, and a dispensing auger motor. The control circuit has inputs in electrical connection with a water reservoir level sensor, a water temperature sensor, a dispensing auger position sensor, three fluid volume select input buttons, a warm/hot select switch, and on/off switch, a start mix switch, and outputs in connection with a water dispensing valve, a resistance heating element, a water temperature display gauge, a water level display gauge, a dispensing auger motor, a warm temperature select indicator light, and a hot temperature select indicator light. The control circuit operates the dispenser auger motor and the water dispensing valve such that the volume of powdered drink mix and water dispensed corresponds with the volume of the fluid volume select input button selected in response to activation of the start mix switch. The control circuit operates the resistance heating element to heat dispensed water exiting the water dispensing valve to the temperature corresponding to the position of the warm/hot select switch before the dispensed water reaches the mixing nozzle. The mixing nozzle is positioned outside of the housing and includes a dispensing opening for dispensing a mixture of the dispensed water and powdered beverage mix. 
         [0012]    Rothley describes an electronic baby formula preparation and storage device in U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,313 including a housing for securely receiving and supporting a baby-feeding bottle. A reservoir is mounted on the housing for storing a measured volume of water and is in fluid communication with the bottle. A timer means releases the volume of water into the bottle at a preselected time during a baby-feeding cycle. Simultaneously with the release of the water from the reservoir, a mixing means, operatively associated with the bottle, is activated to agitate the water with a volume of formula that was previously inserted into the bottle. A heating means, under the control of a temperature sensor, warms the formula mixture to a desired temperature and maintains the formula mixture at that temperature for a preselected period of time. 
         [0013]    Roberson describes a free-standing apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,325 that stores and heats a supply of water in a reservoir to a temperature desirable for instant consumption by an infant. The apparatus is portable and especially adapted to dispense warm water into a standard baby bottle that is then mixed with powdered baby formula for instant feeding. The apparatus includes controls for ensuring that water in the reservoir does not exceed or overshoot a maximum safe temperature for feeding formula to an infant. Visual indicator that the temperature of the water is in a safe range is provided to reassure the caregiver of proper temperature. The size of the reservoir is limited to prevent stagnation of water while providing sufficient volume to a hold a supply of water for one night of feedings. 
         [0014]    LaBarbera, Jr. describes a device in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,816 used for making and combining warm sterile water with dry baby formula. Device must contain a source of water, enough to fill at least one bottle to desired amount and to properly combine with formula. A heating device is contained in order to sterilize water by boiling it. A cooling device within the unit brings down the temperature of the water to recommended mixing temperature with dry formula. Enough dry formula is contained to produce at least one bottle. A releasing device is provided to release recommended amounts of both water and dry formula directly into a bottle. 
         [0015]    Jensen describes a baby milk warmer in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,031 including a housing for supporting a bottle of water and a heater for heating selected amounts of water. A flexible tube is provided for interconnecting the bottle and the heater and a metering valve is disposed between the bottle and the heater, allowing one of the selected amounts of water to enter the heater. A sensor is provided and disposed within the flexible tube upstream from the metering valve for sensing the temperature of water entering the metering valve. A control system, responsive to a manual switch for designating one of the selected amounts of water, is provided for running the heater for a sufficient time to warm one of the selected amounts of water to a selected temperature. 
         [0016]    Herring describes a sanitary device in U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,460 for storing components of a liquid infant formula in which at least one of the liquid components is refrigerated and all of the components are jointly dispensed to a baby&#39;s bottle. 
         [0017]    Biderman et al. describes devices in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,184 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,690 for preparing a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand, comprising two reservoirs of water, a container containing a formula, a data processor and a controller for dispensing water of the correct temperature from each of the reservoirs and the formula from the container into a vessel. 
         [0018]    Thaler et al. describes an apparatus in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/821,506 for quickly and easily preparing a bottle of infant formula from powdered formula and water. The device warms the water contained in a baby bottle placed therein to a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature and keeps the water warmed to that temperature. The device further contains a dispensing mechanism allowing the quick and accurate dispensing of the required amount of formula into the baby bottle. Such apparatus succeeds in substantially reducing the time and effort associated with baby formula preparation. This device would be ideal for late night situations so the user is not required to partake in multiple time consuming tasks to prepare a baby bottle. 
         [0019]    As is readily apparent from the discussions above, the related arts do not include a powder dispenser capable of dispensing a predetermined amount of a powdered food or the like in a convenient, controllable and efficient manner either without or with a liquid. 
         [0020]    Therefore, what is required is a dispensing apparatus capable of conveniently, controllably and efficiently dispensing a food item in powder form into a container either without or with a liquid. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus capable of conveniently, controllably and efficiently dispensing a consumable in powder form into a container either without or with a liquid. 
         [0022]    In accordance with some embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus includes a base, a dispenser, and a tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a slidable carriage horizontally disposed above an optional funnel and linearly slidable within a track. The slidable carriage further includes one or more compartments capable of separately dispensing a predetermined quantity of powder through the funnel into the container. The tower is disposed between and attached to the base and the dispenser. The powder dispensing apparatus could further include a reservoir and a pump. The reservoir could be attached to the apparatus and adapted to store a liquid. The pump could communicate with reservoir and move the liquid from the reservoir to the funnel. 
         [0023]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a handle attached and rotatable with respect to the dispenser. The handle communicates with the slidable carriage so that the carriage is operable. 
         [0024]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a motor disposed within and attached to the apparatus and communicable with the slidable carriage so that the carriage is operable via the motor. 
         [0025]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a control panel disposed along an exterior surface of the apparatus. The control panel communicates with and controls operability of the motor. 
         [0026]    In accordance with other embodiments, the dispenser could include a threaded shaft attached to and rotatable with respect to the dispenser and a platen. The platen could push or feed the powder toward and into one or more compartments when the threaded shaft is rotated. The threaded shaft also includes a gear adjacent to the slidable carriage which engages a ring adjacent to the slidable or rotatable carriage so as to rotate a wand. 
         [0027]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a rotatable handle attached and rotatable with respect to the dispenser. The rotatable handle facilitates operability of the carriage and the platen. 
         [0028]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a motor disposed within and attached to the apparatus. The motor facilitates operability of the carriage and the platen. 
         [0029]    In accordance with other embodiments, the hopper, the slidable carriage, the threaded shaft, or the platen could be removable from the dispenser. 
         [0030]    In accordance with other embodiments, a wand is attached to the slidable carriage and disposed within the hopper so as to distribute powder into the slidable or rotatable carriage. 
         [0031]    In accordance with other embodiments, the base could be foldable with respect to the tower. 
         [0032]    In accordance with other embodiments, the funnel could include at least one port which facilitates injection of the liquid into the funnel and cleaning of the funnel after the liquid and the powder are mixed. 
         [0033]    In accordance with other embodiments, the pump could transport the liquid into the funnel when the slidable carriage communicates the powder to the funnel, thereby mixing the liquid and the powder within the funnel. 
         [0034]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a rotatable handle attached and rotatable with respect to the dispenser to control the operability of the slidable carriage and the pump. 
         [0035]    In accordance with other embodiments, the rotatable handle is further configured to dispense liquid and powder in a specific ratio. 
         [0036]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a motor disposed within and attached to the apparatus. The motor also communicates with the slidable carriage and the pump so that each is operable via the motor. 
         [0037]    In accordance with other embodiments, a mechanical linkage is attached to the motor and configured to dispense liquid and powder in a specific ratio. 
         [0038]    In accordance with other embodiments, the mechanical linkage includes a paired arrangement of contacts configured to control the quantity of liquid and powder dispensed into the container. 
         [0039]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a control panel disposed along an exterior surface of the powder dispenser apparatus. The control panel communicates with and controls operability of the motor. 
         [0040]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a heating element disposed within the apparatus capable of heating the liquid prior to mixing with the powder. 
         [0041]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a control panel which communicates with and controls operability of the heating element. 
         [0042]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include at least one sensor disposed within the apparatus to measure the temperature of the liquid so as to allow control of the heating process. 
         [0043]    In accordance with other embodiments, the reservoir could be insulated. 
         [0044]    In accordance with other embodiments, the powder dispensing apparatus could further include a sensor disposed within the reservoir that prevents operability of the motor when the liquid within the reservoir is below a predetermined level. 
         [0045]    In accordance with other embodiments, the reservoir is separable from the powder dispensing apparatus. 
         [0046]    Several advantages are offered by the described invention. The powder dispensing apparatus is capable of dispensing a predetermined quantity of a consumable powdered in a convenient, controllable, precise, and efficient manner into a container either without or with a liquid. The base is foldable with respect to the tower allowing for more compact storage. The funnel within the dispenser ensures efficient mixing of a powder and a liquid prior to communication into a container. Arrangement of ports along the funnel allows cleaning thereof after powder and liquid are properly mixed. Other advantages are described throughout the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         [0047]    Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be understood and will become more readily apparent when the invention is considered in the light of the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0048]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating arrangement of base, tower, and dispenser with funnel, handle and cover in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2  is a front view illustrating elements along the interior and exterior of a powder dispensing apparatus including rotatable handle, rotatable carriage, pump, funnel, and reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0050]      FIG. 3  is a left side view illustrating elements along the interior and exterior of a powder dispensing apparatus including rotatable handle, rotatable carriage, pump, funnel, and reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0051]      FIG. 4  is a right side view illustrating elements along the interior and exterior of a powder dispensing apparatus including a rotatable handle, rotatable carriage, pump, funnel, and reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0052]      FIG. 5   a  is a top view illustrating compartments within a substantially circular and rotatable carriage in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0053]      FIG. 5   b  is a top view illustrating cover which prevents powder from entering a compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a top elevated view illustrating arrangement of rotatable carriage and pump within a powder dispensing apparatus with respect to a rotatable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  is a left side elevated view illustrating arrangement of rotatable carriage and pump within a powder dispensing apparatus with respect to a rotatable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  is a top elevated view illustrating rotatable carriage with powder disposed in several compartments adjacent to an opening communicating with a funnel in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0057]      FIG. 9  is a partial section view illustrating hopper within dispenser and dispensing of a powder from rotatable carriage to container positioned within the base in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0058]      FIG. 10   a  is a side view illustrating a plurality of first nubs disposed along a bottom surface of a rotatable carriage and a second nub disposed along the top surface of a planar element within a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0059]      FIG. 10   b  is a side view showing interaction between first and second nubs which push the rotatable carriage up and away from the support element as further illustrated in  FIG. 10   a.    
           [0060]      FIG. 10   c  is a side view showing relative position between rotatable carriage and support element after interaction between first and second nubs as further illustrated in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b.    
           [0061]      FIG. 11   a  is a top view illustrating rotatable carriage with a plurality of compartments each including a rotatable paddle in the CLOSED position which rotates to release powder therefrom in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0062]      FIG. 11   b  is a partial section view illustrating attachment of rotatable paddle to the inner and outer walls of a compartment with a gear attached at one end of the rotatable paddle adjacent to the outer wall as further illustrated in  FIG. 11   a.    
           [0063]      FIG. 12   a  is a schematic diagram illustrating interaction between a gear disposed at one end of a rotatable paddle and an actuation bracket attached to the support element of a dispenser adjacent to an opening which causes the gear to rotate the rotatable paddle in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0064]      FIG. 12   b  is a schematic diagram illustrating arrangement between adjacent rotatable paddles with respect to an opening and actuation bracket which ensures that only one paddle is OPEN at a time as further illustrated in  FIG. 12   a.    
           [0065]      FIG. 13  is a top view illustrating a plurality of separate compartments attached to a center ring which allows each compartment to move independently from the remaining compartments in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0066]      FIG. 14  is a side exploded view illustrating arrangement of first and second nubs which cause each compartment to separately deflect upward and downward multiple times when aligned over an opening to ensure release of powder from a compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0067]      FIG. 15   a  is a schematic view illustrating the side of a compartment aligned with an opening when the first and second nubs are complementary aligned in accordance with an optional embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0068]      FIG. 15   b  is a schematic view illustrating the side of a compartment as further illustrated in  FIG. 15   a  when the first and second nubs are aligned to raise the compartment above the support element whereby the successive up and down motion of the compartment causes the powder therein to fall from the compartment. 
           [0069]      FIG. 16   a  is a side perspective view illustrating funnel with cup-shaped section with opening, handle, flange, and plurality of ports which allow liquid to be injected into the cup-shaped section in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0070]      FIG. 16   b  is a bottom perspective view illustrating cup-shaped section with opening, handle, flange, and plurality of ports as further illustrated in  FIG. 16   a.    
           [0071]      FIG. 16   c  is an enlarged partial section view illustrating attachment of a port along the funnel with a connector port disposed along the dispenser or tower in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0072]      FIG. 16   d  is an enlarged partial section view illustrating attachment of funnel to housing via a flange and channel arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0073]      FIG. 16   e  is an enlarged partial section view illustrating interaction between flange and sensor disposed within the channel as further shown in  FIG. 16   d.    
           [0074]      FIG. 17   a  is a section view illustrating reservoir with optional sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0075]      FIG. 17   b  is a section view illustrating reservoir with optional float sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0076]      FIG. 17   c  is a section view illustrating reservoir with optional heater in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0077]      FIG. 17   d  is a section view illustrating removable reservoir with spring actuated valve in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0078]      FIG. 17   e  is a section view illustrating removable reservoir with optional inline heater in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0079]      FIG. 18   a  is a schematic diagram illustrating functionality of a pump when rotatable handle is in the UP position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0080]      FIG. 18   b  is a schematic diagram illustrating functionality of a pump when rotatable handle is in the DOWN position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0081]      FIG. 19   a  is a perspective view with cutaway illustrating hopper with shaft-driven platen which causes the platen to move toward rotatable carriage causing powder to enter compartments not aligned with an opening in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0082]      FIG. 19   b  is a diagram illustrating a partial cutaway side view of a mechanism enabling functionality of the threaded shaft via a rotatable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0083]      FIG. 19   c  is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of a mechanism enabling functionality of rotatable carriage and platen via a rotatable handle as further described in  FIG. 19   b.    
           [0084]      FIG. 19   d  is a diagram illustrating mechanism enabling functionality of the pump via a rotatable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0085]      FIG. 19   e  is a diagram illustrating mechanism enabling functionality of rotatable carriage and platen via a motor in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0086]      FIG. 19   f  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of a mechanism enabling functionality of wand and platen via a motor as further illustrated in  FIG. 19   e.    
           [0087]      FIG. 19   g  is a diagram illustrating a top view of a hopper with a wand element attached to evenly distribute powder into compartment(s) within a carriage in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0088]      FIG. 20   a  is a side view with partial cutaway illustrating powder dispensing apparatus with foldable base extended in the upright position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0089]      FIG. 20   b  is a section view illustrating interaction between bosses extending outward from the walls of the base and tracks extending inward from the walls of the tower as further illustrated in  FIG. 20   a.    
           [0090]      FIG. 20   c  is a side view with partial cutaway view illustrating powder dispensing apparatus with foldable base retracted and folded with respect to the apparatus as further illustrated in  FIG. 20   a.    
           [0091]      FIG. 21  is a top view illustrating a control panel disposed along an exterior surface of a powder dispensing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0092]      FIG. 22  is a block diagram illustrating communication between control panel, controller circuit, motor, sensors and pump elements within a powder dispensing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0093]      FIG. 23   a  is a diagram illustrating a partial cutaway side view of a mechanism enabling functionality of slidable carriage and platen via a rotatable handle while in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0094]      FIG. 23   b  is a diagram illustrating a partial cutaway side view of a mechanism enabling functionality of slidable carriage and platen via a rotatable handle while in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0095]      FIG. 23   c  is a top view illustrating a slidable carriage with compartments configured in a side-by-side arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0096]      FIG. 23   d  is a top view illustrating a slidable carriage with compartments configured in an end-to-end arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0097]      FIG. 24   a  is a diagram illustrating a partial cutaway side view of a mechanism enabling functionality of slidable carriage and platen via a motor while in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0098]      FIG. 24   b  is a diagram illustrating a partial cutaway side view of a mechanism enabling functionality of slidable carriage and platen via a motor while in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0099]      FIG. 25   a  is a diagram illustrating a top view of a hopper with a wand element attached to a slidable carriage for evenly distributing powder into one or more compartments within the slidable carriage in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
           [0100]      FIG. 25   b  is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of a hopper with a wand element attached to a slidable carriage for evenly distributing powder into one or more compartments within the slidable carriage in accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0101]    Reference will now be made in detail to several preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The words communicate, connect, couple, link, and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediary elements or devices. 
         [0102]    While features of various embodiments are separately described throughout, it is understood that two or more such features could be combined into a single embodiment. 
         [0103]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a powder dispenser apparatus  1  is shown including a base  2  and a dispenser  4  attached at opposite ends of a substantially vertically disposed tower  3 . 
         [0104]    The base  2  is a generally planar element adapted to receive and hold a container  63 , one non-limiting example being a baby bottle, as further illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The base  2  includes a housing  13  which could be fabricated of a polymer via injection molding techniques understood in the art. The dimensional properties of the base  2  should ensure proper support of the powder dispenser apparatus  1  to avoid tip over. The base  2  could also include a grate  10  which allows the base  2  to function as a spill tray. 
         [0105]    The tower  3  is a vertically disposed element which separates the dispenser  4  from the base  2  and properly supports and aligns the dispenser  4  above the base  2 . The height of the tower  3  is design dependent and dictated by the maximum height of a container  63  intended for use with the power dispensing apparatus  1 . The tower  3  includes a housing  12  which could include, but is not limited to, a tube-like structure having a rectangular, square, or circular cross section. The housing  12  could be fabricated of a polymer via injection molding techniques understood in the art. The tower  3  could be attached to the base  2  via techniques understood in the art including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or ultrasonic welds. In some embodiments, the tower  3  could include or function as a reservoir adapted to hold a liquid, as described further herein. A button  9  could be provided along the housing  12  facilitating ON and OFF functionality when the powder dispensing apparatus  1  includes one or more electrically powered elements. 
         [0106]    The dispenser  4  includes a housing  11  also composed of a polymer fabricated via techniques understood in the art. The housing  11  could include an infinite number of aesthetically pleasing designs. In some embodiments, a rotatable handle  14  could be attached to the dispenser  4  at one end so as to be freely rotatable above or at the top of the dispenser  4 . The dispenser  4  could also include a hopper  60  and rotatable carriage  6  or a slidable carriage  194 , the latter two elements not shown, disposed within the housing  11 . The dispenser  4  could further include a cover  7  attached or attachable to the housing  11  so as to allow access to the area immediately above the rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194  for the purpose of refilling the powder dispensing apparatus  1  with powder and/or liquid. The cover  7  could be completely removable from the housing  11  or attached to the housing  11  in a hinged arrangement. The dispenser  4  could also include a funnel  5  which is either removably attached to the dispenser  4  or fixed thereto. The funnel  5  could be positioned immediately below and adjacent to either the rotatable carriage  6  or the slidable carriage  194  to provide a pathway for powder  46  from the hopper  60  to a container. In alternate embodiments, the dispenser  4  could further include a pump  8 , the latter not shown. The pump  8  could extend from the dispenser  4  so as to be insertable into the tower  3  or a reservoir  18  immediately adjacent to the tower  3 . In other embodiments, the rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194 , cover  7 , and/or hopper  60  could be attached to or arranged in a stacked configuration within the powder dispensing apparatus  1  so as to be removable for cleaning purposes. 
         [0107]    The powder dispensing apparatus  1  could also include a reservoir  18 . The reservoir  18  could reside along the exterior of the tower  3  as represented in  FIG. 1  or be disposed within or comprising the tower  3  as further described herein. The tower  3  could be fixed to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  or attached to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  in a removable fashion. 
         [0108]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , the powder dispensing apparatus  1  is shown without the exterior portion of the housing  11  forming the dispenser  4 . The interior of the housing  11  includes a generally planar support element  16  disposed in a cantilever arrangement above a reservoir  18 . The reservoir  18  could be a container-like structure mechanically fastened or adhesively bonded to one side of the support element  16 . The structure comprising the reservoir  18  could be composed of one or more materials which form a thermal short circuit thereby insulating the contents within the reservoir  18  from the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the reservoir  18  could reside as a separate element insertable into or onto the tower  3  or base  2 . In yet other embodiments, the reservoir  18  could form the tower  3 , as represented in  FIGS. 2-4 . In the latter embodiments, the base  2  could be directly attached and fixed to the reservoir  18 , as represented in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0109]    In some embodiments, a fill tube  17  could communicate with the reservoir  18  via the dispenser  4  enabling refill of the reservoir  18  as required. The fill tube  17  could be accessible after removal of the cover  7 . In yet other embodiments, the reservoir  18  could be accessible via a removable or rotatable cover or cover with grate-like openings that allow a user to refill the reservoir  18 . 
         [0110]    A pump  8  and a funnel  5  are likewise disposed along the same side of the support element  16  with respect to the reservoir  18 . The pump  8  is attached and fixed to the support element  16  in a substantially perpendicular arrangement. The pump  8  is positioned along the support element  16  so as to extend into and communicate with the reservoir  18 . The funnel  5  is also attached to the support element  16  in a substantially perpendicular arrangement residing immediately adjacent to and along the exterior of the reservoir  18 . 
         [0111]    A rotatable carriage  6  contacts the support element  16  along the side opposite from the reservoir  18 , funnel  5 , and pump  8 . The rotatable carriage  6  is a generally circular element could include a plurality of generally wedge-shaped compartments  30  disposed about a central opening  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5   a . The size of the compartments  30  could have the same or different. In preferred embodiments, the compartments  30  are similarly sized and capable of holding a specified quantity of powder  46 . 
         [0112]    The rotatable carriage  6  is assembled onto a spindle  19  which extends from the support element  16  in a perpendicular arrangement. The spindle  19  could be directly molded onto the support element  16 . This arrangement allows the spindle  19  to extend up and through the central opening  102 . The central opening  102  is preferred to be dimensioned so as to allow at least a clearance fit with the spindle  19  so that the rotatable carriage  6  freely rotates with respect to the spindle  19  about a central axis  20  extending through the center of the spindle  19  perpendicular to the support element  16 . The rotatable carriage  6  is positioned along the support element  16  so that at least one compartment  30  along the rotatable carriage  6  is disposed above the funnel  5 . 
         [0113]    The support element  16  could include a pair of flanges  21  disposed along one end thereof and extending upward in a perpendicular arrangement. The pairwise arrangement of arms  103  along a generally u-shaped handle  14  are each separately and loosely attached to a flange  21  via a fastener  25  or  26 , so as to allow the handle  14  to rotate freely with respect to the flanges  21 . 
         [0114]    The pump  8  could include a piston  15  which is extendable from and retractable into the pump  8 . The upper end of the piston  15  could be tube shaped. A linkage  22  could be loosely attached at one end to the end of the piston  15  via a fastener  24  and at a second end to one arm  103  of the handle  14  via another fastener  23 . This arrangement allows the linkage  22  to freely rotate as the handle  14  is rotated about the flanges  21  causing the piston  15  to move upward and downward with respect to the vertically disposed pump  8 . 
         [0115]    Referring now to  FIG. 5   a , the rotatable carriage  6  is shown with a plurality of compartments  30  formed by an outer circumferential wall  31  and an inner circumferential wall  32  attached via a plurality of side radial walls  33  disposed in a spoke-like arrangement. In this embodiment, the rotatable carriage  6  is a single unitary element with open compartments  30 . In other embodiments, the outer circumferential wall  31  could be a multi-sided element composed of a plurality of planar elements, as represented in  FIG. 6 . The rotatable carriage  6  could be molded or form a single unit via techniques understood in the art or be assembled from separate components mechanically fastened, adhesively bonded, or ultrasonically welded together to form the desired shaped. Rubber gaskets could be removably attached or co-molded to the top and bottom surfaces of the side radial walls  33  or compartments  30  to minimize or prevent powder leakage. 
         [0116]    Referring now to  FIG. 5   b , the rotatable carriage  6  is shown residing along and above a support element  16 . The housing  11  could include a wedge-shaped cover  34  attached and fixed to the housing  11  which contacts the rotatable carriage  6  parallel to and opposite of the support element  16 . The cover  34  is dimensioned so as to completely cover at least one compartment  30 . This arrangement allows powder to communicate with at least less than all compartments  30  as further described herein. 
         [0117]    Referring now to FIGS.  4  and  6 - 8 , the rotatable carriage  6  is disposed and rotatable about a spindle  19 . The rotatable carriage  6  is attached to the spindle  19  via a cap  105  which contacts the inner circumferential wall  32  and is secured to the spindle  19  via a fastener  106 . The rotatable carriage  6  is positioned along the support element  16  so that at least one compartment  30  is aligned with an opening  35  disposed along and through the support element  16 . The opening  35  could include a variety of shapes, preferably a shape that closely approximates the cavity within the compartment  30 . 
         [0118]    The outer circumferential wall  31  of the rotatable carriage  6  includes a plurality of index tabs  42  attached thereto via adhesive or mechanical fasteners. One index tab  42  is attached immediately adjacent to the each compartment  30  so as to extend radially outward therefrom. The support element  16  further includes an index flange  41  attached thereto and oriented in a perpendicular arrangement. The index flange  41  includes triangular-shaped teeth  189  positioned at a height above the support element  16  allowing interaction between the index tab  42  along one compartment  30  and the teeth  189 . The teeth  189  are biased so as to allow the index tab  42  to move along the teeth  189  in the rotational direction of the rotatable carriage  6 . The index tab  42  along one compartment  30  is seated along one of the teeth  189  when the rotatable carriage  6  stops rotating so as to align the respective compartment  30  with the opening  35 . This arrangement allows the powder  46  residing within the compartment  30  aligned with the opening  35  to drop into the funnel  5 , as further illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0119]    The rotatable carriage  6  is also indexed to align with the opening  35  via an index arm  39  attached at one end to the support element  16  via a pair of pins  45  fixed and attached to the support element  16  via an adhesive or fasteners. This arrangement biases the index arm  39  toward the rotatable carriage  6  in a spring-like fashion. A second end along the index arm  39  could further include a barb  101  which engages the vertical edge  61  extending from the side radial wall  33  between two adjacent compartments  30 . The vertical edges  61  could be formed by either extending the side radial walls  33  beyond the radius of the outer circumferential wall  31  or molding or attaching a thin polymer strip to the outer circumferential wall  31  opposite of each side radial wall  33 . When the rotatable carriage  6  first begins to rotate, the index arm  39  is pushed outward by the rotatable carriage  6  so as to allow the barb  101  to slide over the vertical edge  61 . The index arm  39  continues to ride along the outer circumferential wall  31  thereby allowing the barb  101  to engage the vertical edge  61  immediately adjacent to the next paired arrangement of compartments  30 . 
         [0120]    In some embodiments, the rotatable carriage  6  is manually operable via the handle  14 . The handle  14  could include a flange  36  disposed between the pairwise arrangement of flanges  21 . The flange  36  could further include an arm  37  which extends substantially downward therefrom. One end of a linkage  28  could be loosely mechanically attached via a fastener  43  to the arm  37  opposite of the flange  36 . A second end of the linkage  28  could be loosely mechanically attached via a fastener  29  to one end of an arm  40  positioned along and parallel to the support element  16 . The arm  40  is further positioned between the rotatable carriage  6  and a flange  27 , the latter extending from and perpendicular to the support element  16 . The arm  40  is further loosely constrained in the vertical direction by a flange  191  fixedly attached via a fastener  44  to a spacer  104  perpendicularly extending from the support element  16 . The described arrangement allows the arm  40  to freely move forwards and backwards parallel to the support element  16  between the rotatable carriage  6  and flange  27 . The arm  40  is slightly curved toward the rotatable carriage  6  and includes a barb  100  at the end opposite attachment to the linkage  28 . The curvature of the arm  40  biases the barb  100  against the outer circumferential wall  31 . When the handle  14  is fully rotated upward, the arm  40  slides forward so as to allow the barb  100  to engage a vertical edge  61 . When the handle is fully rotated downward, the arm  40  slides backward thereby pulling on the vertical edge  61  and rotating the rotatable carriage  6  so as to advance the next compartment  30  into alignment with the opening  35 . The arm  40 , linkage  28 , and arm  37  should be sufficiently long so as to ensure the desired functionality. 
         [0121]    In other embodiments, the rotatable carriage  6  described herein could translate rather than rotate with respect to the hopper  60 . Referring now to  FIGS. 23   a ,  23   b ,  24   a  and  24   b , the slidable carriage  194  could be disposed in a slidable fashion within a channel  195  or other similar structure thus allowing the slidable carriage  194  to translate parallel to and below the hopper  60 . The slidable carriage  194  could include at least one compartment  30  having side walls  203  arranged to form a structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 5   a , except preferably rectangular or square shaped, and open at the top and bottom. 
         [0122]    Referring again to  FIGS. 23   a  and  24   a , the slidable carriage  194  could align in a first position with the opening  208  along the hopper  60  so as to allow powder  46  to fall into the compartment  30 , as otherwise described herein. Referring again to  FIGS. 23   b  and  24   b , the compartment  30  could align in a second position with either a funnel  5  or a container  63  disposed below the channel  195 . The channel  195  could include a second opening  35  allowing the powder  46  to fall from the compartment  30  when oriented in the second position. 
         [0123]    A movable cover  196  could be attached to a side wall  203  adjacent to the top of the compartment  30  and extend perpendicular with respect thereto. The movable cover  196  could contact and slide along the bottom outer surface of the hopper  60 . The movable cover  196  could align with the opening  208  in the second position so as to prevent powder  46  from further entering the compartment  30  of the slidable carriage  194 . 
         [0124]    An arm  207  could extend perpendicular with respect to one side wall  203  and extend through a channel wall in a slidable arrangement. The slidable carriage  194  is generally operable via the arm  207 . The arm  207  and hopper  60  could be manually operable via a handle  14  or mechanically operable via a motor  168 , as otherwise described herein with adaptations for linear actuation. 
         [0125]    Referring again to  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b , the handle  14  is attached at a pivot  142  so as to rotate about a rotational axis  159 . The handle  14  could include a flange  143  which extends in a substantially upright direction. The flange  143  is loosely attached to one end of a linkage  145  via a pivot pin  144  or other similar fastener. The linkage  145  is loosely attached at a second end to an arm  207  via a pivot pin  146  or other similar fastener. The arm  207  is disposed in a horizontal arrangement with the slidable carriage  194  and parallel to hopper  60 . The arm  207  is attached to a side wall  203  at one end and further extends through one end of the channel  195  in a slidable arrangement. The second end of the arm  207  includes a rack gear  202  oriented toward the hopper  60 . The rack gear  202  includes a plurality of teeth  198  disposed along one side thereof which contact teeth along a spur gear  199 . The spur gear  199  is attached within the dispenser  4  so as to be rotatable. In some embodiments, the spur gear  199  might also include a finger  201  fixed at one end so as to extend and contact the teeth of the spur gear  199 . This arrangement would allow the spur gear  199  to rotate in one direction so that the platen  84  continuously feeds powder  46  into the slidable carriage  194 . In other embodiments, molded teeth, such as elements  68  and  69  in  FIGS. 15   a - 15   b , could be used to restrict rotation of the spur gear  199  in a preferred direction. 
         [0126]    The dispenser  4  further includes a hopper  60 . A platen  84  is disposed in an upright position, preferably substantially traversing the width and height of the hopper  60 . A threaded shaft  83  is further disposed horizontally along a portion of the hopper  60 . One end of the threaded shaft  83  passes through a side wall  156  of the hopper  60 . The other end of the threaded shaft  83  is supported along a flange  155  attached to a bottom wall along the hopper  60 . The threaded shaft  83  also passes through the platen  84  which is adapted to move along the threaded shaft  83  in one direction when the threaded shaft  83  is rotated clockwise and in the opposite direction when the threaded shaft  83  is rotated counter-clockwise. The threaded shaft  83  is freely rotatable at contact points with the side wall  156 , platen  84 , and flange  155 . A worm gear  200  is attached and fixed to the end of the threaded shaft  83  immediately adjacent to the side wall  156 . The teeth along the worm gear  200  contact and interact with the spur gear  199 . 
         [0127]    The slidable carriage  194  also includes at least four side walls  203  arranged in a box-like fashion with an open top and bottom, generally referred to as the compartment  30 . It is likewise possible for the side walls  203  to be configured to form one or more compartments  30  each fillable, either separately or jointly, with powder  46  and capable of dispensing, either separately or jointly, powder  46  into a container  63 . Compartments  30  may be arranged side-by-side or end-to-end along the length of the slidable carriage  194 , as generally represented in  FIGS. 23   c  and  23   d , respectively. In some embodiments, the slidable carriage  194  could include compartments  30  arranged both side-by-side and end-to-end. The side wall  203  attached to the arm  207  also includes a movable cover  196 . The movable cover  196  is attached to the side wall  203  in a perpendicular arrangement so as to contact the bottom of the hopper  60  in a slidable fashion. The side walls  203  of the slidable carriage  194  move horizontally within a channel-like element defined by the channel  195 . The side walls  203  contact the horizontal and vertical walls comprising the channel  195 . For example, the side walls  203  in  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  contact and are freely movable with respect to the horizontal wall  204 . The channel  195  is fixed to the bottom of the hopper  60  thus containing the movable elements of the slidable carriage  194  and properly orienting such elements with respect to the other elements within the dispenser  4 . This arrangement ensures proper communication of powder  46  from the hopper  60  into one or more compartments  30  within the slidable carriage  194  and from the one or more compartments  30  into a container  63 . 
         [0128]    Movement of the handle  14  is communicated to the arm  207  via the linkage  145  causing the rack gear  202  and side walls  203  to move horizontally. Interaction between the spur gear  198  and teeth  198  along the rack gear  202  causes the worm gear  200  to rotate. Rotation of the worm gear  200  is further communicated to the threaded shaft  83  causing the platen  84  to move with respect to the hopper  60  and the slidable carriage  194 . 
         [0129]    When the handle  14  is fully depressed, the side walls  203  of the slidable carriage  194  move toward the left and stop when contact is made with the channel structure  195 , as represented in  FIG. 23   b . In this position, at least one compartment  30  is positioned above the opening  35  through the channel  195  allowing the contents within the compartment(s)  30  to be dispensed. Also, the movable cover  196  is positioned over the opening  208  so as to prevent further release of powder  46  from the hopper  60  into the slidable carriage  60 . 
         [0130]    A spring  209  is attached at one end to structure within the dispenser  4  and at another end to the handle  14 . When the handle  14  is released from the depressed position, the spring  209  pushes the handle  14  back to its starting position, as represented in  FIG. 23   a . The side walls  203  now move to the right so that the side walls  203  are once again disposed about the opening  208  along the hopper  60 . In this position, powder  46  within the hopper  60  is released through the opening  208  and into the compartment(s)  30 . 
         [0131]    Referring again to  FIGS. 24   a  and  24   b , the dispenser  4  described in  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  is now shown as a motorized embodiment. The arm  207  now includes teeth  197  disposed along one side thereof opposite of the teeth  198  comprising the rack gear  202 . The teeth  197  are arranged to contact and interact with a spur gear  176 . This arrangement ensures that the arm  207  moves horizontally when the spur gear  176  rotates. The spur gear  176  is further attached to an arrangement of cluster gears  174  within a gearbox  170 , as otherwise described herein. A pinion  175  is attached to a shaft along a reversible motor  168 . One cluster gear  174  contacts the pinion  175  and another cluster gear  174  contacts the spur gear  176 . The cluster gears  174  communicate rotation of the pinion  175  by the motor  168  to rotation of the spur gear  176  causing the arm  207  to move horizontally, thereby moving slidable carriage  194  within the channel structure  195  as otherwise described for  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b . The resultant motion of the slidable carriage  194  is dependent in part on gear design and rotational capabilities of the motor  168 . The cluster gears  174  also communicate rotation of the pinion  175  to the spur gear  176 . The spur gear  176  could further include sensors which enable proper control of the motor and function of the slidable carriage  194 . Exemplary sensors include the contact  177 ,  178  as described herein. 
         [0132]    Referring now to  FIGS. 25   a  and  25   b , a shaft  192  could be attached to the hopper  60  in a rotatable fashion so as to extend vertically upward away from the slidable carriage  194 . A wand  193  could be fixed in a perpendicular arrangement to an upper end of the shaft  192  within the hopper  60 . A portion of the shaft  192  could extend through the bottom wall  161  of the hopper  60  and include a pinion  206  fixed at a lower end of the shaft  192 . In this arrangement, the wand  193  and shaft  192  rotate with the pinion  206 . The wand  193  could be positioned adjacent to the opening  208  within the hopper  60  and communicable with the compartment(s)  30  of the slidable carriage  194 . The slidable carriage  194  could include a rack gear  202  fixed thereto and positioned so as to contact and interact with the pinion  206 . Teeth  205  along the rack gear  202  could engage the pinion  206  so that the wand  193  rotates when the slidable carriage  194  moves. Rotational motion of the wand  193  would allow the wand  193  to interact with the powder  46  within the hopper  60 . This functionality could facilitate distribution of powder  46  from the hopper  60  into the compartment(s)  30 . For example, the motion of the wand  193  could move powder  46  toward the opening  208  and/or cut, chop, or otherwise separate agglomerated powder  46 . The wand  193  could include various designs, non-limiting examples including the three-arm arrangement in  FIG. 19   g  and the four arm arrangement in  FIG. 25   a.    
         [0133]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the dispenser  4  is shown including a hopper  60  disposed above and communicating with at least one compartment  30  within the rotatable carriage  6 . The hopper  60  is a container-like structure adapted to hold a powder  46 . The hopper  60  could include a cover  7 . In some embodiments, it might be advantageous for the hopper  60  to communicate with more than one compartment, as represented in  FIG. 5   b . The walls  107  of the hopper  60  could be sloped or otherwise shaped to further ensure powder  46  slides down into the compartments  30 . It is preferred for the hopper  60  to not communicate with the compartment  30  immediately above the opening  35  so as to avoid uncontrolled flow of powder  46  from the hopper  60  into the container  63 . In other embodiments, a motor  62  coupled to one or more motor-driven elements within the powder dispensing apparatus  1  could be secured adjacent to the hopper  60 . In yet other embodiments, the rotatable carriage  6 , cover  7 , and/or hopper  60  could be attached to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  in a removable fashion to facilitate cleaning. 
         [0134]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10   a - 10   c , the rotatable carriage  6  is shown disposed above the support element  16 . The outer circumferential wall  31  as otherwise described in  FIG. 5   a  could further include a ring  190  either molded or adhesively or mechanically attached thereto so as to be disposed between the rotatable carriage  6  and the support element  16 . The ring  190  could include a plurality of first nubs  50  projecting downward from a lower surface  49 . The first nubs  50  could be either molded onto or adhesively bonded to the lower surface  49 . The upper surface  48  of the support element  16  could also include at least one second nub  51  adhesively bonded to or molded onto thereto. The first and second nubs  50 ,  51  could be substantially curvaceous as represent in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  or any other shape which allows sliding motion between rotatable carriage  6  and support element  16 . In alternate embodiments, the first nubs  50  could reside directly along the lower edge of the outer circumferential wall  31 . 
         [0135]    The height of the first and second nubs  50 ,  51  are preferred to be complementary spaced so as to allow the first nubs  50  to contact the upper surface  48  when the second nub(s)  51  contact the lower surface  49 , as represented in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   c ; however, the height of first and second nubs  50 ,  51  could differ in some applications. As the rotatable carriage  6  rotates, the first nubs  50  slide up and over the second nub  51  as represented in  FIGS. 10   b  and  10   c , respectively. This repeated interaction causes the rotatable carriage  6  to move up and down thereby shaking the rotatable carriage  6  and its contents. When a compartment  30  is aligned over an opening  35 , the shaking motion, in part or whole, causes the powder  46  to fall into the container  63 , as represented in  FIG. 9 . This feature is particularly beneficial when the powder  46  is prone to clumping or agglomerations. 
         [0136]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , the rotatable carriage  6  could also include a plurality of compartments  30  disposed between an outer circumferential wall  31 , an inner circumferential wall  32 , and a pairwise arrangement of radial side walls  33 . Each compartment  30  could further include a horizontal wall  53 , substantially parallel to the support element  16 , attached either mechanically or adhesively to the four perimeter walls  31 ,  32 , and  33  forming a cup-like structure closed at the bottom or lower end. In this embodiment, the horizontal wall  53  has an opening  58  facilitating dispensing of powder  46  from the compartment  30 . A rotatable paddle  52  is further attached to the rotatable carriage  6  within each compartment  30 . The rotatable paddle  52  includes a plate  57  complementary shaped and disposed within the opening  58  to prevent dispensing of the powder  46 . The plate  57  is further attached to a pair of shafts  55 ,  56  disposed along opposing ends of the plate  57  and along a common axis that allows the plate  57  to freely rotate. One shaft  55  passes through a complementary sized hole through the inner circumferential wall  32 . The other shaft  56  passes through a complementary sized hole through the outer circumferential wall  31 . Holes are preferred to be dimensioned with at least a clearance fit so that the shafts  55 ,  56  freely rotate therein. A gear  54  is attached and fixed to the end of the shaft  56  along the exterior of the outer circumferential wall  31  so that gear  54 , shafts  55 ,  56 , and plate  57  rotate as a single unit. 
         [0137]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11   b ,  12   a , and  12   b , the upper surface  48  of the support element  16  could include an actuation bracket  59  extending above the upper surface  48  immediately adjacent to the opening  35 . The actuation bracket  59  could be mechanically attached or adhesively bonded to the support element  16 . In some embodiments, the actuation bracket  59  and/or gears  54  could be composed of a rubber or other material that grabs or sticks when contacted. In other embodiments, the actuation bracket  59  and gear  54  could be textured or include complementary teeth-like structures. 
         [0138]    The gears  54  are dimensioned and position along the rotatable carriage  6  so as to provide a gap between the gears  54  and upper surface  48 , as represented in  FIG. 12   a . The actuation bracket  59  extends above the support element  16  so as to allow contact with a gear  54  immediately adjacent to the opening  35  as the rotatable carriage  6  rotates. When the gear  54  contacts the actuation bracket  59 , the gear  54  rotates thus rotating the plate  57  within the opening  58  to an OPEN position so as to allow the powder  46  therein to fall from the compartment  30  into the funnel  5 . Rotation of the plate  57  further enhances dispensing functionality by interacting with and agitating the powder  46 . At the end of the actuation bracket  59 , the gear  54  is rotationally positioned so that the plate  57  is in the CLOSED position, thus closing the opening  58 . This functionality allows the otherwise empty compartment  30  to be refilled with powder  46 . In other embodiments, the actuation bracket  59  could be positioned so as to contact and forcibly rotate the rotatable paddle  52  regardless of the composition, texturing, and other features of the gears  54  and actuation bracket  59 . 
         [0139]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the rotatable carriage  6  is shown composed of a plurality of separate and independent compartments  30 . Each compartment  30  includes an outer wall  64 , inner wall  65 , and a pair of side radial walls  66  molded or otherwise formed into a single, substantially wedge-shaped body. The outer and inner walls  64 ,  65  could be arcuous so as to form a substantially circular-shaped structure or planar to form a polygonal-shaped structure. A plurality of compartments  30  is arranged about a circular-shaped live hinge  67  so that the inner wall  65  of each compartment  30  contacts the outer circumference of the live hinge  67 . The live hinge  67  could be composed of a rubber or other pliable and resilient material which readily deflects under a load, yet recovers its original shape when a load is removed. Each inner wall  65  is separately and either mechanically fixed or adhesively bonded to the outer circumference of the live hinge  67  forming a pie-shaped structure. 
         [0140]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a lower edge of the outer wall  64  along each compartment  30  could include a plurality of first nubs  68  disposed in a generally downward arrangement. The support element  16  could also include a plurality of second nubs  69  disposed upward and along a radial position immediately adjacent to the opening  35 . Both first nubs  68  and second nubs  69  are positioned so as to overlay in a complementary arrangement when the rotatable carriage  6  is seated onto the spindle  19  along the support element  16 . 
         [0141]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b , the first and second nubs  68 ,  69  interact when the rotatable carriage  6  rotates causing the compartment  30  attached to the first nubs  68  to repeatedly lift up and down relative to the support element  16 . The up and down motion of a compartment  30  is facilitated by deflection of the live hinge  67 . The compartments  30  adjacent to the immediate compartment  30  are isolated from this motion by virtue of the deflection and damping properties of the live hinge  67 . The resultant shaking or vibrating motion agitates the powder  46  ensuring release from the compartment  30  immediately aligned with an opening  35 , as further represented in  FIG. 15   b.    
         [0142]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16   a - 16   d , the funnel  5  includes a cup-shaped section  70  having wall  108  that is at least partially sloped downward toward an opening  71 . In some embodiments, the funnel  5  could also include a handle  73  disposed along one end. In other embodiments, at least one port  74  could be positioned along the wall  108  with at least one port  74  positioned within the sloped region  109 . The ports  74  enable injection of a liquid  82  from a reservoir  18  via a pump  8  as otherwise described herein and further illustrated in  FIG. 18   b . Each port  74  aligns with a connector port  75  disposed along the tower  3 , dispenser  4 , or reservoir  18 , thus allowing for the uninterrupted flow of liquid  82  from the pump  8  into the funnel  5 . In some embodiments, the funnel  5  functions to direct only powder  46  from a compartment  30  into a container  63 . In other embodiments, the funnel  5  enables mixing of a powder  46  and liquid  82  dispensed into the funnel  5  prior to directing the mixture into a container  63 . In latter embodiments, the ports  74  inject a liquid  82  into the funnel  5  causing the liquid  82  to swirl along the interior of the cup-shaped section  70  in a downward-directed spiraling fashion toward the opening  71 . This swirling action also facilitates cleaning within the cup-shaped section  70  after proper mixing of the powder  46  and liquid  82 . 
         [0143]    In other embodiments, the wall  108  and sloped region  109  are generally arranged as represented in  FIG. 2  to allow at least one port  74  to produce a downward tumbling vortex with the liquid  82 . The vortex is sustained by the pressure exerted by the ports  74  to ensure proper mixing between powder  46  and liquid  82  within the funnel  5 . 
         [0144]    In yet other embodiments, the funnel  5  could include a flange  72  disposed along a port of the upper edge of the cup-shaped section  70 , as shown in  FIG. 16   a . The flange  72  could facilitate attachment of the funnel  5  to the dispenser  4 . For example, the flange  72  in some embodiments could contact a channel  112  disposed along the housing  11 , as shown in  FIG. 16   d , which enables a user to properly attach the funnel  5  to the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . The channel  112  could also include a sensor  113  in other embodiments contacted by the flange  72 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16   e . For example, the sensor  113  could be a depression-type switch or the like which indicates the funnel  5  is properly seated onto the housing  11  when the switch is depressed. 
         [0145]    Referring now to  FIG. 17   a , the reservoir  18  is shown with a first probe  116  and a second probe  117  disposed along and attached to opposing sides of the reservoir  18 . It is likewise possible for the first and second probes  116 ,  117  to be disposed along and attached to one side or to two immediately adjacent sides. The first and second probes  116 ,  117  extend into the reservoir  18  so as to communicate with a liquid  82  therein. The interface between each probe  116 ,  117  and the reservoir  18  could be sealed with a waterproof adhesive or caulk or gasket to prevent leakage. In preferred embodiments, the first and second probes  116 ,  117  are disposed at the same height within the reservoir  18 . Both probes  116 ,  117  are electrically connected to a continuity circuit and thereafter electrically communicate with a control circuit. The liquid  82  contacts the first and second probes  116 ,  117  when the liquid  82  is at a first level  114 , thus completing the continuity circuit. The first level  114  could indicate sufficient liquid  82  within the reservoir  18  for operation of a pump  8 . The liquid  82  would otherwise not contact one or both probes  116 ,  117  when the liquid  82  is at a second level  115 . The second level  115  could indicate that either the reservoir  18  is empty or does not hold the minimum quantity of liquid  82  required to prevent damage to the pump  8  during its operation. In preferred embodiments, the first level  114  is the minimum height of liquid  82  within the reservoir  18  required to contact both probes  116 ,  117  and the second level  115  is the minimum height at which the liquid  82  only contacts the first probe  116  or second probe  117 . 
         [0146]    Referring now to  FIG. 17   b , the reservoir  18  is shown including a float  119  disposed within a housing  118 . The float  119  could be composed of a material with a density less than that of the liquid  82 . The housing  118  could be either molded or attached to the reservoir mechanically or via an adhesive. In preferred embodiments, the housing  118  includes a vertically disposed column or channel, as represented in  FIG. 17   b . The lower end of the housing  118  communicates with the reservoir  18  via an opening  138  so as to allow liquid  82  within the reservoir  18  to enter and exit the housing  118 . The float  119  freely moves up and down within the housing  118  to a level corresponding to the overall level of liquid  82  within the reservoir  18 . When the float  119  is positioned at or near the top of the housing  118 , the float  119  interacts with a switch  120  mounted to the housing  118  or contacting the housing  118 . When the liquid  82  is at a first level  114 , the float  119  moves upward within the housing  118  so as to contact the switch  120 . Activation of the switch  120  by the float  119  could indicate sufficient liquid  82  within the reservoir  18  for operation of a pump  8 . When the liquid  82  is at a second level  115 , the float  119  no longer interacts with the switch  120  thus indicating that the reservoir  18  either is empty or does not hold the minimum quantity of liquid  82  required to prevent damage to the pump  8 . The switching mechanism between float  119  and switch  120  could include, but is not limited to, a magnet within the float  119  and reed switch disposed along the housing  118  or a mechanical switch adapted to the housing  118  to interact with a cam along the float  119 . The switch  120  could be electrically connected to a control circuit to activate a motor which drives a pump  8  or directly attached to a self-contained, fully-functional pump  8 . 
         [0147]    Referring now to  FIG. 17   c , a heating element  124  is shown attached at and fixed to the bottom of a reservoir  18 , although the heating element  124  could reside in other locations therein. In some embodiments, the heating element  124  could be attached to the reservoir  18  adjacent to a line  123 . The heating element  124  could be a resistive-type element adapted for use within a liquid  82 . The line  123  could be a tube or other element allowing a liquid  82  to pass from the reservoir  18  to a pump  8 . A probe  125  is also attached to the reservoir  18 , preferably at the bottom thereof, so as to contact the liquid  82  within the reservoir  18 . The probe  125  could be a thermistor or other element known within the art which enables temperature monitoring of the liquid  82 . The probe  125  and heating element  124  could be electrically connected to a control circuit which allows the heating element  124  to be turned ON or OFF depending on temperature information from the probe  125 . The reservoir  18  could include an access panel  121  allowing for refill thereof. 
         [0148]    Referring now to  FIG. 17   d , the reservoir  18  is shown including an optional probe  130  attached along one wall and contacting liquid  82  within the reservoir  18  for purposes of monitoring temperature thereof. A male connector  139  is disposed at the bottom of the reservoir  18 . A spring actuated valve  131  is disposed within and attached to the male connector  139 . A heating element  124  is also attached to the reservoir  18  and electrically connected to one or more contacts  133  disposed along the exterior of the reservoir  18 . Connectivity between heating element  124  and contacts  133  could be via wires adapted to traverse the wall of the reservoir  18  without leakage of the liquid  82 . 
         [0149]    A female connector  140  is provided along a housing  126  so as to align with the male connector  139 . The housing  126  could include structure along or projecting from the tower  3  or base  2 . Contacts  127  could be provided along and attached to the housing  126  so as to align with the contacts  133 . A contact  122  could be provided along and attached to the housing  126  so as to align with a contact  133  electrically communicating with the probe  130 . 
         [0150]    The reservoir  18  is seated onto the housing  126  by inserting the male connector  139  into the female connector  140 . A seal ring  132  could be provided at the interface between male and female connectors  139 ,  140  to prevent leakage. The female connector  140  could be further attached to a line  128 . The spring actuated valve  131  is depressed or otherwise actuated thereby opening the otherwise closed valve when male and female connectors  139 ,  140  are properly coupled. This functionality prevents the liquid  82  from freely flowing from the reservoir  18  when detached from the housing  126  but otherwise flowable from the reservoir  18  when seated onto the housing  126 . Liquid  82  from the reservoir  18  passes through the male and female connectors  139 ,  140  into the line  128  thereafter passing to the pump  8 . 
         [0151]    When male and female connectors  139 ,  140  are properly connected, the contacts  133  from the heating element  124  contact the contacts  127  along the housing  126  so as to allow power to the heating element  124  and/or control commands from a control circuit. Also, the contact  133  from the probe  130  contacts the contact  122  so as to communication voltage or other informational values from the probe  130  to a control circuit or the like. In other embodiments, a probe  129  could be attached to the line  128  so as to monitor temperature of the liquid  82  after it exits the reservoir  18 . 
         [0152]    Referring now to  FIG. 17   e , a modified form of the removable reservoir  18  in  FIG. 17   d  is shown with a line  134  attached to and communicating with the female connector  140  along the housing  126  at one end and a pump  135  at the other end. In some embodiments, the pump  8  could be a fully-functional motorized component. The pump  135  is further attached to and communicates with an external heating element  136  via a line  141 . The external heating element  136  is also attached to and communicates with the funnel  5  described herein via another line  137 . In this embodiment, the external heating element  136  could be an on-demand or hot-shot heater which allows for rapid heating as the liquid  82  passes through the heating element  136  prior to injection into the funnel  5 . In some embodiments, the heating element  136  could be positioned before the pump  135  rather than after the pump  135  as represented in  FIG. 17   e.    
         [0153]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b , the powder dispensing apparatus  1  is shown including a pump  8  manually actuated via a handle  14 . The pump  8  includes a housing  80  defining an enclosure adapted to receive, hold, and dispense a liquid  82 . A portion of the pump  8  extends into the reservoir  18 . An optional inlet tube  78  could be attached to the lower end of the housing  80  so as to allow the pump  8  to communicate with liquid  82  at the bottom of the reservoir  18 . An outlet tube  79  is also attached at one end to the housing  80 , preferably at the lower end thereof. The other end of the outlet tube  79  is attached to the ports  74  along the funnel  5  directly or via connector ports  75 , as described herein. The inlet and outlet tubes  78 ,  79  could be either flexible or rigid tubing. A piston  15  is slidably disposed within the housing  80  with a portion extending therefrom. The piston  15  is attached to the handle  14  via a linkage assembly  22 , as otherwise described herein, so as to be extendable from and retractable into the housing  80 . The functional description is also applicable to motorized embodiments with appropriate substitutions and adaptations otherwise described herein. 
         [0154]    The piston  15  extends from the housing  80  when the handle  14  is rotated upward, as represented in  FIG. 18   a . As the piston  15  is extended, it generates a vacuum within the housing  80  drawing liquid  82  from the reservoir  18  into the housing  80 . The lower end of the housing  80  adjacent to the inlet tube  78  could include a flapper  76  attached to the interior of the housing  80  via a fastener  77 . The flapper  76  could be composed of rubber or other flexible material capable of deflecting away from the housing  80  when fluid enters the pump  8 . It is also possible for the inlet tube  78  or housing  80  to include a one-way valve which allows liquid  82  to enter but not exit through the inlet tube  78 . The outlet tube  79  could further include a one-way valve  81  to prevent air from entering the pump  8  when the piston  15  is extended. 
         [0155]    The piston  15  retracts into the housing  80  when the handle  14  is rotated downward, as represented in  FIG. 18   b . As the piston  15  is retracted, it pressurizes the liquid  82  within the pump  8  causing the flapper  76  to cover the inlet tube  78  thereby directing the liquid  82  into the outlet tube  79 . The liquid  82  traverses the outlet tube  79  and is injected into the funnel  5  via the ports  74 . The liquid  82  could pass through a heating element prior to entering the funnel  5 . Downward rotation of the handle  14  also causes the rotatable carriage  6  to rotate or the slidable carriage  194  to move, as otherwise described herein, so as to dispense a powder  46  as liquid  82  enters the funnel  5 . In some embodiments, the pump  8  could inject liquid  82  into the funnel  5  for a finite time period after powder  46  and liquid  82  are properly mixed. This functionality would allow the liquid  82  to rinse the interior of the funnel  5 , thus removing residue remaining after mixing. 
         [0156]    Referring now to  FIG. 19   a , a dispenser  4  is shown including a hopper  60  with a threaded shaft  83  passing through and rotatable with respect to a wall  110 . The threaded shaft  83  also passes through a platen  84 . The interface between threaded shaft  83  and platen  84  enables the platen  84  to move toward and away from a rotatable carriage  6  disposed below and at one end of the hopper  60 . The threaded shaft  83  could be further supported within the hopper  60  via one or more flanges. The end of the threaded shaft  83  could include a gear  85  which rotates with the threaded shaft  83 . The gear  85  could contact a ring  86  along the upper surface of the rotatable carriage  6 , thus allowing the gear  85  to rotate the rotatable carriage  6  when the threaded shaft  83  rotates. In some embodiments, the gear  85  and/or ring  86  could be composed of or include a rubber or other material which grabs or sticks when contacted. In other embodiments, the gear  85  and/or ring  86  could be textured or include teeth providing a complementary engagement. When the threaded shaft  83  is rotated in one direction, the platen  84  moves toward the rotatable carriage  6  pushing powder  46  within the hopper  60  into compartments  30  not contacted by a cover  34 . When rotation of the threaded shaft  83  is reversed, the platen  84  moves away from the rotatable carriage  6  allowing a user to refill the hopper  60  with powder  46 . In other embodiments, the rotatable carriage  6 , cover  7 , and/or hopper  60  could be attached to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  in a removable fashion to facilitate cleaning. In still other embodiments, the threaded shaft  83 , platen  84 , and ring  85  could be attached to the hopper  60  via a snap-fit arrangement which facilitates disassembly for cleaning purposes. 
         [0157]    In some embodiments, the platen  84  could be attached to the threaded shaft  83  in a removable fashion, one example being a snap fit arrangement. A removable platen  84  would allow a user to reposition and adjust the platen  84  after cleaning or when the hopper  60  is refilled with powder  46 . It is also possible for the platen  84  to be molded of a material with one or more different colors. A colored platen  84  could provide visual cues to a user as to the quantity of powder  46  residing within the hopper  60 . The cover  7  described herein could be composed of a transparent material and etched with lines, numbers or other visual cues that correspond with the position of the platen  84  within the hopper  60 . These visual cues could be representative of the quantity of powder  46  residing within the hopper  60 . 
         [0158]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19   b  and  19   c , the handle  14  is attached at a pivot  142 , as otherwise described in  FIGS. 2-4 , so as to rotate about a rotational axis  159 . The handle  14  could include a flange  143  which extends in a substantially upright direction. The flange  143  is loosely attached to one end of a linkage  145  via a pivot pin  144  or other similar fastener. The linkage  145  is loosely attached at a second end to a rack gear  147  via a pivot pin  146  or other similar fastener. The rack gear  147  is disposed in a horizontal arrangement parallel to the rotatable carriage  6  and hopper  60 . The rotatable carriage  6  includes a carriage pinion  148  extending perpendicular from the rotatable carriage  6  and toward the rack gear  147 . The carriage pinion  148  is fixed to the rotatable carriage  6  so that both elements are rotatable as a single body. The rack gear  147  further includes a plurality of teeth  157  disposed along one side thereof which contact teeth  160  along the carriage pinion  148 . The far end of the rack gear  147  is attached to one end of a compression spring  152 . The other end of the compression spring  152  contacts a stop  151  attached and fixed to the housing  11  within dispenser  4 . The rack gear  147  also includes a rack cam  149  adjacent to a housing cam  150 , the latter attached and fixed to the housing  11 . In some embodiments, the carriage pinion  148  could be designed as a clutch or slip gear so as to eliminate the rack gear and cam  147 ,  148 . The rotatable carriage  6  might also include a finger  158  fixed at one end to the rotatable carriage  6  so as to extend and contact the teeth  160 . This arrangement allows the carriage pinion  148  to rotate in one direction only. In addition molded teeth used as shown by elements  68  and  69  on  FIGS. 15   a - 15   b  could be shaped to eliminate the finger  158  allowing the carriage pinion  148  to rotate in one direction only. 
         [0159]    The dispenser  4  further includes a hopper  60 . A platen  84  is disposed in an upright position, preferably substantially traversing the width and height of the hopper  60 . A threaded shaft  83  is further disposed along a portion of the hopper  60 . One end of the threaded shaft  83  passes through a side wall  156  of the hopper  60 . The other end of the threaded shaft  83  is supported along a flange  155  attached to a bottom wall  161  along the hopper  60 . The threaded shaft  83  also passes through the platen  84  which is adapted to move along the threaded shaft  83  in one direction when the threaded shaft  83  is rotated clockwise and in the opposite direction when the threaded shaft  83  is rotated counter-clockwise. The threaded shaft  83  is freely rotatable at contact points with the side wall  156  and flange  155 . A spur gear  154  is attached and fixed to the end of the threaded shaft  83  immediately adjacent to the flange  155 . 
         [0160]    The rotatable carriage  6  is positioned below the hopper  60  as otherwise described herein. The ring  86  along the upper side of the rotatable carriage  6  includes a crown gear  153 . The teeth along the crown gear  153  contact and interact with the spur gear  154 . 
         [0161]    Downward movement of the handle  14  is communicated to the rack gear  147  via the linkage  145  causing the rack gear  147  to move horizontally toward the carriage pinion  148  compressing the compression spring  152  disposed between the rack gear  147  and stop  151 . Interaction between the carriage pinion  148  and teeth  157  along the rack gear  147  causes the carriage pinion  148  and rotatable carriage  6  to rotate. Rotation of the rotatable carriage  6  is further communicated to the threaded shaft  83  via the crown gear  153  and spur gear  154  causing the platen  84  to move toward the rotatable carriage  6 . When the handle  14  is fully depressed, the rack cam  149  engages the housing cam  150  allowing the rack gear  147  to disengage from the carriage pinion  148 , thus allowing the compression spring  152  to push the rack gear  147  back to its starting position to reset the handle  14 . Rotation of the rotatable carriage  6  positions a compartment  30  for delivery of powder  46  into the funnel  5 , as further described herein. 
         [0162]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19   b  and  19   g , a shaft  192  could be fixed to the rotatable carriage  6  so as to extend vertically upward from the rotatable carriage  6  opposite of the carriage pinion  148 . A wand  193  could be fixed to the upper end of the shaft  192  within the hopper  60 . The wand  193  could be arranged perpendicular with respect to the shaft  192  above the rotatable carriage  6 . The wand  193  rotates with the rotatable carriage  6  and carriage pinion  148 . The wand  193  could include various shapes, one example being the three-arm arrangement in  FIG. 19   g . The wand  193  is positioned within the hopper  60  so as to evenly distribute powder  46  into the compartments  30 . 
         [0163]    Referring now to  FIG. 19   d , the handle  14  is attached to a pivot  142  at one end and includes a flange  162  extending substantially downward. The flange  162  is rotatably attached to one end of a linkage  163  via a pivot pin  164  or the like. The other end of the linkage  163  is rotatably attached via a pivot pin  165  to a piston  15  slidably disposed within a pump  8 . The pump  8  receives a liquid  82  from a reservoir  18  via an inlet line  166  and communicates the liquid  82  to a funnel  5  via an outlet line  167 , as further described herein. Downward motion of the handle  14  causes the piston  15  to move into the pump  8  causing the liquid  82  therein to flow into the outlet line  167 . Upward motion of the handle causes the piston  15  to move out of the pump  8  drawing liquid  82  into the pump  8  via the inlet line  166 . In some embodiments, it might be advantageous to combine the features described in  FIGS. 19   b - 19   d  allowing for manual operability of both a rotatable carriage  6  and a pump  8 . In other embodiments, it might be advantageous to combine the features described in  FIGS. 23   a ,  23   b  and  19   d  allowing for manual operability of both a slidable carriage  194  and a pump  8 . The travel distance of the handle  14  could be indexed to the quantity of powder  46  within each rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194  and capacity of liquid  82  from the pump  8  to dispense the proper ratio of powder  46  and liquid  82 . 
         [0164]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19   e  and  19   f , the piston  15  along the pump  8  shown in  FIG. 19   d  is rotatably attached to one end of a linkage  169  via a pivot pin  165 . The other end of the linkage  169  is rotatably attached to a second linkage  171  via a pivot pin  164 . The other end of the second linkage  171  is attached and fixed to a spur gear  172  via a pivot pin  173 . This arrangement ensures the linkage  171  rotates with the spur gear  172 . The spur gear  172  is further attached to an arrangement of cluster gears  174  within a gearbox  170 . A pinion  175  is further attached to a shaft along a reversible motor  168 . One cluster gear  174  contacts the pinion  175  and another cluster gear  174  contacts a second spur gear  176  partially extending into the gearbox  170 . The cluster gears  174  communicate rotation of the pinion  175  by the motor  168  to rotation of the spur gear  172  causing the piston  18  to move up or down within the pump  8  dependent in part on gear design and direction of rotation by the motor  168 . The cluster gears  174  also communicate rotation of the pinion  175  to the second spur gear  176 . The inlet line  166 , outlet line  167 , and/or pump  82  could include a one-way valve and/or flap mechanism as otherwise described for  FIGS. 18   a - 18   b . In other embodiments, it might be advantageous to combine the features described in  FIGS. 23   a ,  23   b ,  12   e , and  12   f  allowing for motorized operability of both a slidable carriage  194  and a pump  8 . 
         [0165]    Referring again to  FIG. 19   f , a shaft  192  could be fixed to ring  210  so as to extend vertically upward away a slidable carriage  194 , the latter not shown. The ring  210  is rotatably disposed within the hopper  60  above and adjacent to the slidable carriage  194 . A wand  193  could be fixed to the upper end of the shaft  192  within the hopper  60 . The wand  193  could be arranged perpendicular with respect to the shaft  192  above the ring  210 . This arrangement ensures that the wand  193  rotates with the ring  210  and shaft  192 . The wand  193  could include various shapes, one non-limiting example being the three-arm arrangement in  FIG. 19   g . The wand  193  is positioned within the hopper  60  so as to move and distribute powder  46  into the compartments  30 , as otherwise shown in  FIGS. 24   a  and  24   b . In some embodiments, the cluster gears  174 , spur gear  176 , and motor  168  described in  FIGS. 24   a ,  24   b , and  19   f  could rotate the ring  210  via contact between a spur gear  154  and a crown gear  153  along the top of the ring  210 . The spur gear  154  and crown gear  153  could be driven directly by a motor  168  or indirectly via the threaded shaft  83 . For embodiments including a rotatable carriage  6 , the rotatable carriage  6  could be fixed to the ring  210  and rotate therewith. 
         [0166]    The hopper  60  described in  FIGS. 19   c  and  19   d  includes a threaded shaft  83  which partially traverses the hopper  60 . One end of the threaded shaft  83  passes through and extends from the side wall  156 . The other end of the threaded shaft  83  is supported by a flange  155  extending upright from the bottom wall  161 . A spur gear  154  is attached and fixed to the threaded shaft  83  at one end. A rotatable carriage  6  is disposed below and rotatable with respect to the hopper  60 . The spur gear  154  communicates with a crown gear  153  disposed along the ring  86  along the upper side of the rotatable carriage  6 . A threaded shaft  83  passes through a platen  84  which is adapted to move forward and backward along the threaded shaft  83  depending on the rotational direction. The end of the threaded shaft  83  extending beyond the side wall  156  is attached and fixed to the spur gear  176 . This arrangement allows the spur gear  176  to rotate the shaft  83  which in turn rotates the rotatable carriage  6  via the spur gear  154  and crown gear  153 . 
         [0167]    In some embodiments, the linkage mechanism between pump  8  and rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194  could include a sensor mechanism for determining and controlling the quantity of powder  46  and liquid  82  dispensed into a container  63 . One exemplary sensor mechanism could include a paired arrangement of contacts  177 ,  178 . 
         [0168]    A spur gear  176  could include one or more contacts  177  indexed with the compartments  30  and/or flow rate from or quantity of liquid  82  dispensed by the pump  8 . A contact  178  could be attached to the dispenser  4  or within the gearbox  170  and positioned to touch or interact with the contacts  177  as the spur gear  176  rotates. The contacts  177 ,  178  could be composed of a conductive metal which makes and breaks a circuit so as to allow a control circuit to determine the quantity of liquid  82  and powder  46  dispensed into a container  63 . In one non-limiting example, a single contact  177  could be disposed along a spur gear  176 . The contacts  177 ,  178  could touch once per complete revolution of the spur gear  176  indicating that powder  46  from one compartment  30  is dispensed into the funnel  5  and liquid  82  is injected into the funnel  5  consistent with one fill/discharge cycle by the pump  8 . The control circuit could control the ON and OFF functionality of the motor  168  to accurately control the quantity of powder  46  and liquid  82  dispensed. Other designs are possible allowing for an infinite number of powder-to-liquid ratios. 
         [0169]    While  FIGS. 19   e ,  19   f ,  24   a  and  24   b  describe a motorized embodiment capable of driving both pump  8  and rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194 , it is also possible for the motor  168  to drive either only the pump  8  or only the rotatable carriage  6  or slidable carriage  194 . 
         [0170]    Referring now to  FIGS. 20   a - 20   c , the powder dispensing apparatus  1  is shown including a substantially L-shaped base  2  attached to a tower  3  and dispenser  4 . The housing  13  along the base  2  includes a pair of walls  180 . The housing  12  along the tower  3  also includes a pair of walls  179 . Each wall  180  includes a pair of bosses  181 ,  182  which extend outward in a substantially perpendicular fashion. Each boss  181 ,  182  could have a circular cross section as illustrated in  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   c . Each wall  179  includes a pair of tracks  183 ,  184  which extend inward. The tracks  183 ,  184  are flange-like elements which extend from the inner surface of each wall  179 . The top most track  183  is preferred to be U-shaped structure  185  opening downward. The bottom most track  184  includes a pair of intersecting U-shaped structures  186 ,  187  with an L-shaped structure  188  extending from end one. In preferred embodiments, the bosses  181 ,  182  extend toward and contact the inner surface of the wall  179 , yet remain slidable with respect thereto. Also, a portion of one or both tracks  183 ,  184  could extend toward and contact the outer surface of the wall  180 , yet slidable with respect thereto. 
         [0171]    The base  2  is positioned and locked in an upright position by positioning the boss  181  so that it resides within and contacts the U-shaped structure  185  and the other boss  182  so that it resides within and contacts the U-shaped structure  186 , as represented in  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   b . The base  2  in positioned and locked in a folded position by pulling the base  2  downward to release the bosses  181 ,  182  from the respective U-shaped structures  185 ,  186 . Next, the base  2  is rotated counter-clockwise as represented in  FIG. 20   c  and pulled to the right so the boss  181  now contacts the L-shaped structure  188  and the other boss  182  now contacts the U-shaped structure  187 . The base  2  is extended to the upright position again by pushing the base  2  to the left and rotating the base  2  clockwise so as to align the bosses  181 ,  182  with the respective U-shaped structures  185 ,  186 . Next, the base  2  is pushed up into the tower  3  locking the bosses  181 ,  182  into the respective U-shaped structures  185 ,  186 . A molded spring detent or compression spring with cap could be used to provide a firm stop and an audio cue to the user signaling folded and upright positions. 
         [0172]    Referring now to  FIG. 21 , an exemplary control panel  88  is shown for controlling electrically powered components within the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . The control panel  88  could be mounted along an exterior surface  87  disposed along the base  2 , tower  3 , or dispenser  4 . 
         [0173]    The control panel  88  could include a variety of options which enable a user to select and deselect functionality of the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . In one example, temperature selectors  89  could allow a user to select the temperature of liquid  82  dispensed into a container  63 . In another example, a water selector  90  could allow a user to select or deselect injection of a liquid  82  from a reservoir  18  into the funnel  5 . In yet another example, quantity selectors  91  could allow a user to select the amount of liquid  82  dispensed into a container  63 . In still another example, a start selector  92  could allow a user to power the powder dispensing apparatus  1  and a stop selector  93  could allow a user to terminate power to or interrupt functionality of the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . Selectors could include touch sensitive buttons or switches with or without backlighting or light indicators. 
         [0174]    The control panel  88  could further include a variety of indicator elements which communicate information to a user. In one example, a water level indicator  94  could direct a user to add more liquid  82  to a reservoir  18 . In another example, a funnel indicator  95  could direct a user to attach a funnel  5  to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  or check to determine whether a funnel  5  is properly seated within the dispenser  4 . Other indicators which relate to safety and performance are likewise applicable to the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . Indicator elements could include a polymer sheet with one or more symbols displayable when backlit by a light element. 
         [0175]    Referring now to  FIG. 22 , the control panel  88  could electrically communicate with a control circuit  97 . The control circuit  97  could further communicate with electrically powered elements within the powder dispensing apparatus  1 . For example, the control circuit  97  could communicate power and/or control commands to a motor  96  for purposes of controlling functionality of the rotatable carriage  6  and/or or slidable carriage  194  and/or pump  8 . In another example, the control circuit  97  could communicate power and/or control commands directly to a motorized pump  98 . In yet another example, the control circuit  97  could communicate power and/or control commands to a heater  111  for purposes of controlling heating of a liquid  82 . In still other examples, the control circuit  97  could receive and process information from a variety of sensors  99  including, but not limited to, a temperature sensor communicating with a liquid  82 , a water level sensor within a reservoir  18 , a sensor  113  within the dispenser  4  which determines whether the funnel  5  is property seated therein, or the sensor mechanism comprising the contacts  177 ,  178  shown in  FIGS. 19   e  and  19   d . Information from the temperature sensor could be used to determine ON and OFF functionality of the heater  111 . Information from the water level sensor could be used to prevent the motor  96  or motorized pump  98  from functioning in order to control the quality of the mixture dispensed into the container  63  or to avoid damage to the powder dispensing apparatus  1  or component(s) thereof. Information from the water level sensor could also be used to actuate the water level indicator  94 . Information from the sensor  113  adjacent to the funnel  5  could be used to actuate the funnel indicator  95 . Information from the contacts  177 ,  178  could be used to determine ON and OFF functionality of a motor  168 . 
         [0176]    As is evident from the explanation above, the described invention provides a fully-integrated dispensing apparatus applicable to food preparation. Accordingly, the described invention is expected to be sold by retailers and the like to shoppers who require the convenience of a powder dispenser examples including, but not limited to, persons having a family member with special feeding needs. 
         [0177]    The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility is offered in terms of the present invention. Although systems and methods have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1