Patent Description:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an automatic dry goods dispenser and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a dispenser that dispenses dry goods cleanly, without crushing the product and/or without hand contact.

<CIT> to the current inventor appears to disclose, "A dry food dispensing device for controlling the portion size of the dispensed food, comprising a storage receptacle for containing dry foods, wherein the receptacle is seated over a base providing a housing for a dispensing mechanism, the dispensing mechanism comprising:.

European Patent Application Publication no. <CIT> appears to disclose, "A dispensing actuator locking assembly for a bulk inventory dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing, a lockable dispensing actuator pivotally connected to the housing, and a gate connected to the dispensing actuator and adapted to pivot between a closed position and an open position to selectively dispense the bulk product through an opening in the housing when the dispensing actuator is in an unlocked condition. The dispensing actuator cannot be accidentally actuated unless and until the locking assembly is purposefully disengaged by the user of the dispenser.

US Patent Application Publication no. <CIT> appears to disclose, "A device is provided for holding dispensing and conveying substances such as dry foods such as, for example, flour, breakfast cereal or granola. The device may include a stand holding a possibly hermetically sealed container which may include a conveyor, having a flexible paddle belt mounted on at least two axles and possibly at least one connector. The conveyor is connected to a handle which when rotated may cause the conveyor to rotate and dispense the dry substances such as food from the container into, for example, an outside bowl.

US Patent no. <CIT> appears to disclose, "A dry food dispenser having a cylindrical container with a removable top or cap for covering a central storage area holding dry baby formula or other dry food commodity. The mid-section of the container includes a tapered funnel terminating in an opening. A rotatable cylinder is operably carried on the funnel having a pre-measured receptacle or cavity co-extensive with the funnel opening for collecting a quantity of the dry food product. Upon rotation of the cylinder, the receptacle carries the product from the funnel for external dispensing into a utility container for usage. A second pre-measured receptacle or cavity may be provided in the cylinder and a releasable retainer interconnects the container with the cylinder for holding the cylinder in a fixed position.

US Patent no. <CIT> appears to disclose, "An automatic dry food feeder for animals is described. The feeder consists of a housing with a hopper fitted in the housing having sloping members terminating in a rectangular section at the bottom of the hopper. An electric motor having a gearbox attached thereto is located outside the rectangular portion of the hopper. The gearbox shaft extends into the rectangular portion with a sleeve fitted over the shaft. Attached to the sleeve are segmented flexible vanes that rotate in accordance with the signal provided by an electronic programmable controller. Rotating the segmented flexible vanes a prescribed amount in response to a programmed timer dispenses a measured amount of dry animal food into a tray.

<CIT> discloses a system known in the art to dispense dry goods.

According to the invention, there is provided a system according to claim <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes: an adjustment interface for adjusting the program.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment interface includes a wireless receiver.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment interface includes an application running on a personal computing device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment interface includes a manual regulator to adjust an oscillation rate between the maximum opening position and the minimum opening position.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment interface includes a manual regulator to adjust an open time.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment interface includes an interface configured for inputting characteristics of the dry goods and an algorithm for deciding on a program for dispersing the dry goods.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the interface is configured for inputting characteristics includes a camera for taking an image of the dry goods.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the interface includes an image processing component for determining a shape and size of the dry goods from the image.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the receptacle includes a fiducial marker.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a manual lever for activating dispensing manually.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes an optical reader for reading a code specifying the program.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for dispensing dry goods according to claim <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes adjusting a rate of the oscillating to avoid crushing the dry goods.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the driving is according a program and further including reading the program from a visual code.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the driving is according a program and wherein the program is configured to dispense a predefined quantity of the dry goods.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system to dispense dry goods cleanly, without crushing the product and/or without hand contact.

For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings, reference is first made to the construction and operation of a valve of a manual dry goods dispenser as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrated a valve of a previous art dry goods dispenser from US Patent <FIG>,<NUM>,<NUM> to the current inventor. 1A shows valve <NUM> in a leveled position, having wings <NUM> a-b blocking the stored food from exiting dispenser <NUM>.

<FIG> shows valve <NUM> tilted counter-clockwise, such that wings <NUM> a-b are no longer blocking the food, and as shown by arrow A, the food is now allowed to bypass valve <NUM> in order to flow through dispensing aperture <NUM>, to the user.

The overall product design for the inventive dispenser can be such that a simply constructed, easy-to-use dispenser is provided, featuring an adjustable valve <NUM> opening angle, to accommodate different types of dry food, whether they be in fine or coarse granular form, flakes or chunky-type food pieces, including toppings, powders and the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective exploded view of free-flow dispenser <NUM>, showing optional components.

Depressible handle <NUM> and valve <NUM> are connected via handle actuator <NUM> having a square shaft <NUM> inserted into each of its components (described below). Each of the ends of shaft <NUM> are inserted into one of handle <NUM> or valve <NUM>, so that when depressing handle <NUM>, valve <NUM> turns. Valve <NUM> has two identical rounded wings <NUM> a-b disposed on each side of valve <NUM> in the same plane, such that they fit into the internal circumference of base <NUM>, and when maintained at a level position, they block the exit of the stored dry food. Valve <NUM> has a third wing <NUM> which is slightly longer than wings <NUM> a-b, and is disposed beneath wing <NUM> b at an angle, for the purpose of blocking any food from leaking out of aperture <NUM> and maintaining the freshness of the stored dry food. When handle <NUM> is depressed, valve <NUM> rotates counter-clockwise to an opening angle, thereby allowing food to pass through base <NUM> and out of dispenser <NUM> through aperture <NUM>.

For determining the maximum opening angle that valve <NUM> will be allowed to turn, there is provided as part of handle actuator <NUM>, position limiting means in the form of a rotatable handle-position stop <NUM> having a circumferential shoulder <NUM> which fits into a fixed handle-position stop <NUM> having an internal truncated rim <NUM>. Rotatable stop <NUM> rotates counter-clockwise along with handle <NUM> when it is depressed, inside of fixed handle-position stop <NUM> along its internal truncated rim <NUM>. When circumferential shoulder <NUM> hits the edge of truncated rim <NUM>, stop <NUM> cannot rotate anymore, and handle <NUM> cannot continue to be depressed further.

Rotatable handle-position stop <NUM> may be designed with a variation in the length of circumferential shoulder <NUM>, in order to determine the maximum opening angle to which valve <NUM> can rotate. For example, if shoulder <NUM> is longer, then handle position stop <NUM> can rotate less before it hits the edge of truncated rim <NUM>, thereby reducing the opening angle to which handle <NUM> can become depressed. Alternatively, with a shorter shoulder <NUM>, more rotation of handle position stop <NUM> is possible. On the reverse side of fixed handle position stop <NUM>, there is attached spring <NUM> which is connected to a spring base <NUM> having a flat portion <NUM> which fits, from behind, into the center of fixed handle position stop <NUM>, and the center of rotatable handle position stop <NUM>. Spring base <NUM> is positioned within base socket <NUM> that is embedded in base <NUM>. When handle <NUM> is released after being depressed, spring <NUM> twists handle actuator <NUM> clockwise back to its original position, thereby rotating valve <NUM> back to its original position and blocking the exit of the stored food.

According to the invention, a manual dispenser is upgraded for automatic and/or sanitary dispensing (e.g., avoiding touching the dispenser with the hands). For example, a motor may be mounted to the dispenser. The motor optionally opens and/or closes a valve for dispensing the goods. Optionally, the opening and/or closing is adjustable to function efficiently for different types of dry goods (for example having different densities and/or shapes). For example, the opening and closing may be adjusted to achieve a desired flow rate and/or dispensing volume. In some embodiments, the dispenser is designed to avoid grinding and/or damaging the goods. In some embodiments, the device in designed to achieved controlled flow and/or avoid spilling of goods. For example, the valve and/or actuator may be designed to avoid dispensing and/or leaking of goods when there is no container to receive the goods. The device comprises a valve biased to a closed configuration and/or for example a motor that opens the valve for a fixed time and/or that opens the valve for as long as a switch remains in an activated position and/or oscillates the valve between a maximum and minimum opening for as long as the switch is activated and/or oscillates the valve between a maximum and minimum opening for a fixed time and then closes the valve each time switch is activated. Optionally, a manual operation option is available.

In some embodiments, the opening and/or closing may be preprogrammed. Optionally, a user will purchase goods and/or a program will be transferred to the dispenser according to his purchase. For example, according to the amount that was purchased, upon pushing the actuator, the valve will be opened and/or oscillated in a way to dispense the purchased quantity of goods and/or will then close. In some embodiments, pushing the actuator switch may trigger the preprogrammed opening and closing program which will then continue till its finish regardless of activity of the switch. Alternatively or additionally, pushing the actuator switch may trigger the preprogrammed opening and closing, releasing the switch may interrupt the opening and closing (e.g., by closing the valve) and/or pushing the switch again may trigger continuation of the program. Optionally, the program may be interrupted and/or resumed multiple times until the programs finishes and/or until a new program is entered into a controller of the dispenser. For example, when a customer pays for a certain quantity of product he may receive a receipt with a visual code (e.g., a barcode and/or a QR code). The dispenser optionally includes a code reader (e.g., a camera and/or software) that reads the quantity to dispense from the codes. The controller is optionally preprogrammed to open and/or close the valve is a way that will dispense the proper quantity.

In some embodiments, dry goods may have various physical characteristics causing them to flow and/or jam and/or crush under various conditions. A dispenser for dry goods may include features to foster clean controlled flow without damaging the goods. Optionally, the device may be configured and/or adjusted to foster a desired flow for a particular product. For example, a dispenser for cornflakes may be adjusted to encourage flow and/or avoid jamming while avoiding grinding the fragile flakes. For example, a container for dispensing lentils may be adjusted to limit flow and/or achieve a reliable slow flow. For example, using the setting of cornflakes with lentils may result in an uncontrolled flood of lentils and/or lots of spilled material. For example, using the setting for lentils with cornflakes may result in uneven and/or blocked flow and/or grinding and/or ruining the flakes.

In some embodiments, a dispenser is supplied with a hygienic actuator. For example, the actuator may be designed to activate dispensing without hand contact. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may be designed to avoid mis-dispensing of the product. For example, the actuator may include a lever that is activated by pushing with a container under the spout of the dispenser. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor (for example a light source and/or a light sensor) may prevent activation when there is no container and/or may activate the valve when there is a container.

In some embodiments, an electric motor drives a valve that when open allows flow of a dry goods dispenser. For the sake of the current disclosure, a valve may include a valve that when open allows flow (e.g., gravity flow). For example, various aspects of the opening of the valve may be adjustable. According to the invention, the maximum opening and for example the time of opening. The valve oscillates between a maximum open state in which the value may be fully and/or partially opened and a minimal closed state wherein the valve may be fully and/or partially closed and/or less open than the maximum open state. Optionally, the rate of oscillation, the size and/or angle of the closed portion of the oscillation cycle may be adjustable.

The invention as defined in the appended claims is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a cut away view of a dry goods dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a motor drives a shaft to open and/or close a valve releasing dry goods from a receptacle. A controller (for example a microprocessor mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB)) determines a mode and/or cycle of motor actuation. For example, an actuator handle may activate the controller to command to the motor to open and/or close the valve according to a preset cycle and/or mode. According to the opening and/or closing of the valve, goods from the receptacle are dispensed out a spout (for example under gravitational flow). Optionally, the dispenser is connected to an electricity power grid and/or runs off of alternating current. Alternatively or additionally, the dispenser may run from a DC power source (e.g., a battery and/or a solar cell etc.).

In some embodiments, a manual dry goods dispenser (for example as pictured in <FIG>) may be retrofit for automatic and/or touch free operation. For example, the system may include one or more of a motor <NUM>, controller <NUM>, transmission <NUM> and/or hands-free actuator switch <NUM> the motor <NUM> and transmission <NUM> may be installed onto a manual dry goods dispenser. Alternatively, a dry goods dispenser may be built originally for automatic operation with a receptacle <NUM>, valve that when open allows flow (e.g., as described in <FIG>) a motor <NUM>, a transmission <NUM> and/or a controller <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the motor <NUM>, for example, an AC motor, a brushless motor and/or a DC motor. For example, the motor <NUM> may turn a transmission <NUM> that turns a shaft <NUM> that opens and/or closes a valve. Alternatively or additionally, the valve may include a linear actuator and/or a brushless motor and/or another sort of actuator that opens and closes the valve in response to commands of the controller <NUM>. The valve is biased closed (e.g., such that if there is a system failure and/or power failure, the valve will default to a closed state). For example, there may be a mechanical biasing element (for example an elastic element such as a spring (e.g., spring <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>)) that biases the valve to the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, an actuator switch <NUM> is designed for sanitary use.

A user may activate dispensing of the goods without touching a shared surface (e.g., a handle and/or an activation button). For example, an actuator switch <NUM> may be designed to activate dispensing when a container is pushed into position under a dispensing spout <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, dispensing may be activated when an actuator <NUM> switch is pushed by a wall of the vessel. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor (such as a light detector and/or light source) may be used to detect the presence of a container under the spout <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a digital communication system may give instructions to unlock dispensing and/or determine how much and/or how fast dispensing should occur. For example, a user may have an application on a personal computing device (e.g., his cell phone and/or a digital self-checkout scanner) to instruct the controller of a dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of goods into a container when the container is placed under the spout. Alternatively or additionally, a dispenser may include a reader (such as a bar code reader and/or a QR code scanner and/or a magnetic strip reader) such to receive digital instructions. Alternatively or additionally, a dispenser may include a identity detector (for example receiving a signal from a personal computing device of a user and/or an RF tag) and/or estimate the quantity of goods taken by user and/or bill the user (for example, by charging a credit card and/or charging an account and/or adding a charge to a self-check out system). Alternatively or additionally, the dispenser may include a printer and/or a screen for displaying a barcode that can be attached to the container and/or read by a self-checkout device.

In some embodiments, the dispenser may be designed for first in, first out operation. For example, goods are added to the top of the receptacle <NUM> and/or removed through a spout (e.g., by gravity flow) from the bottom of the receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a dry goods dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. for example, a flap of valve <NUM> may be mounted along its axis <NUM> and/or on a shaft. Turning the shaft rotates the flaps of valve <NUM> around its axis. For example, rotating the flaps of valve <NUM> may open and/or close a passage between a receptacle <NUM> for goods and a dispensing spout <NUM>. A controller <NUM> may include a processor, memory, software and/or a user interface (for example, an operating and/or signaling light <NUM>). For example, the processor may signal a motor <NUM> to open the valve <NUM>, close the valve <NUM> and/or oscillate the valve <NUM> back and forth between maximally open positions (e.g., fully open or partially open) and/or a minimally open position (e.g., fully or partially open and/or closed) and/or a closed position.

In some embodiments, the system has a cover <NUM> and/or a front plate <NUM>. For example, the front plate <NUM> may be removed and a manual handle installed for manual operation.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustration of a dry goods dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

In some embodiments, a dispenser may include a sensor. For example, a light source <NUM> and/or light sensor <NUM> may be used to determine if there is a vessel under the spout <NUM> of the dispenser. For example, when light travels uninterrupted between the light source <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> the device may be inhibited from dispensing. Optionally, this will prevent spillage of food, for example when kids play with the actuator switch <NUM> and/or if the actuator switch <NUM> gets jammed in the activated position. Alternatively or additionally, the system may only dispense goods after receiving instructions and/or confirmation of payment. For example, the dispenser may limit dispensing to a quantity specified in the instructions. For example, the instructions may be communicated over a wireless channel and/or a network.

The dispenser includes an adjustment interface. For example, there may be adjusting screws <NUM>. For example, a screw <NUM> may be turned one way to increase that maximum opening of the valve and/or another direction to decrease the maximum opening during oscillation of the valve. In some embodiments, the adjustments may be implemented mechanically. For example, the size of the valve opening may be limited by a valve stop (e.g., there may be stop ring <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> and truncated rim <NUM> for example as described in <FIG> and/or screws <NUM> may move a physical valve stop similar to truncated rim <NUM> allowing the valve to open larger or smaller). Alternatively or additionally, the user interface may change performance of the electric actuator. For example, screws <NUM> may change a potentiometer and/or an adjustable resistor that may control power to the motor <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the interface may be connected to the controller (e.g., controller <NUM>). For example, turning a screw <NUM> may indicate to the controller <NUM> to change the program of the motor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, another screw <NUM> may adjust a rate of oscillation of a valve <NUM> between a minimum opening and a maximum opening. Additionally or alternatively, another screw <NUM> may be turned one way to increase that maximum opening of the valve <NUM> and/or another direction to decrease the maximum opening. Additionally or alternatively, another screw <NUM> may be supplied to adjust a time before the valve <NUM> closes after activation. Alternatively or additionally, a valve <NUM> may stay open and/or continue to oscillate as long as a user holds the actuator switch <NUM> activated. Alternatively or additionally, a user interface may facilitate a user defining an amount of product desired and/or the amount time that the valve remains in the open and/or oscillating state may be adjusted according to a quantity of product requested. In some embodiments, the adjustments of the dispenser may be made by a technician based on the goods to be dispensed.

In some embodiments, the dispensing may be adjusted automatically. For example, an app may be run on a personal computing device of an operator (e.g., an operator may include a vendor and/or store owner who supplies the machine for use by customers who are users of the dispenser) and/or a technician. Optionally, the app requests details about the product being sold. For example, the app may receive as input the shape of the product (e.g., spheres, jagged shaped, smooth, flakes, cylinders) and/or the density (for example the operator may give a measured density and/or report how much of the receptacle is filled with a specific mass of goods (e.g., <NUM> half fills the receptacle <NUM>)). Alternatively or additionally, an operator may fill the receptacle <NUM> with a specified mass of product and take a picture of the receptacle <NUM>. The receptacle optionally includes a window and/or is transparent and/or includes fiducial marker <NUM>. For example, an image processing program and/or an artificial intelligence routine based on the image determines the size and shape and density of the goods and/or an appropriate adjustment for the opening program of the valve <NUM>. For example, for a larger and/or more jagged and/or more nonuniform and/or less dense goods the valve <NUM> may open larger. For thinner goods, the valve <NUM> may oscillate more slows (e.g., to reduce grinding). Optionally, the system will facilitate corrective adjustment. For example, an operator may specify in an app that the goods are exiting too fast and/or too slow. For example, when the dispensing is too fast system may automatically reduce the flow rate, for example by reducing the maximum and/or minimum valve opening. For example, an operator may specify in an app that the goods are getting ground up and/or the system will automatically reduce the grinding effect, for example by reducing the oscillation rate. For example, an operator may specify in an app that too much of goods are dispensed. Optionally the system will automatically reduce the quantity dispensed, for example by decreasing the amount of time that the valve <NUM> is held open and/or oscillating.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view illustration of a dispenser with an optional manual actuator <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, an automatic dispenser includes a manual operation option. For example, a face plate (e.g., face plate <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) may be removed from the device and/or a manual actuator <NUM> may be attached to the dispenser. For example, the manual actuator <NUM> may be attached to a valve shaft (e.g., shaft <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>) and/or the manual actuator <NUM> may be turned to open a valve. The manual actuator <NUM> may allow the system to be used where there is no electrical power and/or when there is a malfunction and/or a power outage. Alternatively or additionally, the manual activator <NUM> may facilitate emptying and/or cleaning the dispenser when and/or where there is no electricity. For example, a face plate of the dispenser may be removed and/or a manual handle <NUM> connected to a shaft of a valve and/or the handle may be turned to open the valve.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, an activator switch <NUM> may connect to a spout <NUM> such that a dispensing of goods (e.g., freely and/or according to a program) may be activated when a receptacle <NUM> is placed under the spout <NUM>. For example, dispensing may be activated by a motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> optionally opens a valve <NUM> that intervenes between a receptacle <NUM> (e.g., containing dry goods to be dispensed) and the spout <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the motor <NUM> may cause the valve to oscillate, for example, between a maximum opening and a minimum opening (the maximum and/or minimum opening may be fully open, fully closed and/or partially open).

In some embodiments, the opening and/or closing of the valve <NUM> is controlled by a controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>. For example, the user interface <NUM> may include a physical interface (e.g., a knob and/or a button and/or a switch) Alternatively or additionally the user interface <NUM> may include a wireless communication interface (for example facilitating control of the dispenser via an app on a personal computing device). Alternatively or additionally, the user interface may <NUM> include an optical reader and/or magnetic reader (for example a bar code reader, a QR reader, a RF tag reader, a magnetic strip reader). Alternatively or additionally, the user interface <NUM> may include a network interface. For example, the device may be controlled remotely and/or adjusted remotely (e.g., by a remote technician and/or dispensing may be dependent on approval by a credit authority). Alternatively or additionally, the user interface <NUM> may include a digital interface such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a view screen etc. Optionally, the dispenser is integrated into a self check out system (for example, reporting a quantity, type and/or cost of a dispensed product to a billing system and/or printing a code identifying goods and/or displaying a code identifying goods to a check out scanner and dispensing goods according to a prepaid quantity).

<FIG> is a flow chart illustration of a method of dispensing in accordance with an embodiment of current invention. In some embodiments the dispenser is activated <NUM> to dispense goods. For example, activation <NUM> may include pushing a physical activation switch (for example by means of pushing a container under a dispensing spout). For example, a valve may open <NUM> (e.g., in a static and/or oscillating <NUM> position) as long as the switch is activated. Alternatively or additionally, pushing the switch once may cause a programmed and/or timed opening <NUM>, closing <NUM> and/or oscillation <NUM> of the valve. Alternatively or additionally, activation <NUM> may include giving more complex instructions and/or may be dependent on sensors and/or may be dependent on approval of a payment system. Optionally when the activation <NUM> stops and/or when the programmed dispensing is finished, the valve is closed <NUM> until the next activation.

In some embodiments, the dispenser is integrated into an automatic checkout system. For example, the dispenser may dispense according to instructions received from the checkout system and/or approval for dispensing for the system. Alternatively or additionally, the dispenser may report what was dispensed and/or produce labels to be read by the checkout system. For example, the system may receive instructions (e.g., over a network from an automatic checkout system and/or via a signal from a user's computing device and/or from reading a code (e.g., a bar code and/or a QR code)) to dispense a preselected quantity of goods. Optionally, until the preselected quantity has been dispensed, the system will release goods (e.g., by opening <NUM> and oscillating <NUM> a valve) in response to a user activating <NUM> a switch. Once the predetermined quantity has been dispensed, the valve is optionally closed <NUM> until new instructions are received.

According to the invention, the valve oscillates <NUM> between a maximum opening and minimum opening. For example, the maximum opening may range between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% of fully open. For example, the minimum opening may range between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% and/or between <NUM> to <NUM>% of fully closed. For example, the oscillation <NUM> rate may range between <NUM> to <NUM> oscillations a minute and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> oscillations a minute and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> oscillations a minute and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> oscillations a minute. For example, the maximum opening may range between <NUM> to <NUM> square cm and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> square cm.

Optionally a valve gate (e.g., wings 116a, 116b) may be of soft material, for example, silicon and/or elastomer.

<FIG> and <FIG> are flow chart illustrations of a method of adjusting a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, an operator of the dispenser may select <NUM> what contents will be dispensed. He may input <NUM> the contents of the device, for example by informing a technician and/or an automatic adjustment app what are the contents. For example, the system may have preset settings for common products (e.g., rice, cornflakes, oatmeal, raw popcorn, cooked popcorn, chips, beans, lentils, pasta, cereal etc.) and/or the operator may input the kind of product and/or a set of preliminary adjustments are selected automatically. Alternatively or additionally, the user may input <NUM> characteristics of the goods (e.g., size, density, hardness, shape etc.). For example, the user may input characteristics such as density, shape, size etc. manually (e.g., as described above) and/or via a measuring routine (e.g., as described above, an optical routine that estimates the properties from an image).

Optionally, the machine is used to dispense <NUM> the product. While in use, the performance may be evaluated. For example, if the dispenser is correctly <NUM> (dispenses the proper amount of product in good condition) then dispensing is allowed to continue. Alternatively or additionally, if dispensing is not correct <NUM> then the dispenser may be readjusted <NUM> (e.g., as described herein above) and/or corrections when the dispensing is not as desired. Optionally, a technician may adjust <NUM> the dispenser before it is deployed. Alternatively, or additionally, the technician may adjust <NUM> the dispenser after it is deployed (e.g., by the technician coming to service the device in situ and/or remotely for example programming a controller of the dispenser over a network connection). Alternatively, or additionally an operator of the dispenser may, adjust <NUM> the dispenser, for example using an application on a computing device and/or via images of the goods etc. for example as described above. Either before or after the dispenser is adjusted <NUM> is may be filled <NUM> with the product and/or used to dispense <NUM> the product.

<FIG> illustrates use of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, instructions may be conveyed to and/or received <NUM> by the device. For example, a user may make a payment and/or get approval for dispensing and/or the approval may be for a particular quantity of product. For example, the instructions may be conveyed by an automatic check out machine over a network and/or the user may receive a token (for example, a physical object with a bar code and/or QR code printed thereon which is read by the dispenser and/or a code on a personal computing device that may be read by the dispenser (e.g., as a barcode and/or QR code on a screen of the device and/or via a wireless connection e.g., Bluetooth)). For example, instructions may be received <NUM> from a personal computing device of a user and/or over a wireless communication. For example, instructions may be received over a local user interface. For example, instructions and/or approval may be received <NUM> from a network and/or from a credit authority and/or from an automatic checkout system. Optionally, after instructions are received <NUM>, a user may activate <NUM> the dispenser to dispense <NUM> according to the instructions (for example, by putting a vessel under the spout of the dispenser and/or pushing an activator switch).

<FIG> illustrates dispensing in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a user may activate a dispenser to dispense <NUM> a quantity of product. Optionally, the dispenser may report <NUM> details of the dispensing <NUM>. For example, reporting may to a personal computing device of a user and/or over a wireless communication and/or by printing a code (e.g., a barcode and/or a QR code). For example, the details may be sent to automated checkout station and/or read by an automatic checkout station. For example, reporting <NUM> may be to a network and/or to a credit authority and/or to an automatic checkout system.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate front views of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, a dispenser includes a motor <NUM> connected to a valve to actuate a valve. Optionally, the motor <NUM> and/or valve are inside a housing <NUM>. Optionally, the housing <NUM> includes a receptacle adapter <NUM> configured for holding a receptacle of dry goods for dispensing. For example, the adapter <NUM> may be used with a large receptacle (e.g., for user in a retail establishment selling bulk dry goods) and/or a smaller receptacle (e.g., for use in a food service establishment such as a restaurant and/or salad bar). Optionally, opposite the receptacle adapter <NUM> (with the valve therebetween) housing <NUM> includes a dispensing spout <NUM>. Optionally, an activator <NUM> facilitates activating dispensing when a user puts a vessel under the spout <NUM>. Optionally, activator <NUM> may include a lever. Alternatively, or additionally activator <NUM> may include a sensor (e.g., a light sensor that senses when a vessel is placed under spout <NUM>). In some embodiments a front cover <NUM> covers and/or allows access to the internal parts of the dispenser and/or can be removed to allow access to the internal parts and/or to activate the dispenser manually. Optionally, the dispenser may include an indicator. For example, an indicator light <NUM> may glow and/or blink and/or change colors to various functions or states of the dispenser, for example, ready, finished, locked, fault,.

<FIG> illustrates front view of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, there may be a rear cover <NUM>. For example, rear cover <NUM> may cover and/or allow access to electronic components of the dispenser. Optionally, the dispenser includes a power input jack <NUM> and/or an on-off switch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic rear view of a dispenser with a rear cover removed in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, under the dispenser includes adjustment controls 1292a and 1292b (e.g., a toggle button) for determining a maximum and/or minimum opening value for a valve. Alternatively or additionally controls could include a switch and/or a dial. Alternatively or additionally, adjustments may be made using a remote device, for example, over a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth) and/or over a network connection. In some embodiments, the dispenser will include a battery <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be used to hold a valve in a closed when there is a power outage. Optionally, the controls 1292a 1292b may be covered, for example, by rear cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic rear view of a dispenser with a rear cover, rear portion of the casing and battery removed in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a dispenser includes a controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be embodied on a printed circuit board (PCB). Optionally, the PCB includes a valve angle indicator <NUM> and/or sensors <NUM>, for example, for sensing the angle of the valve wings (for example wings of valve <NUM>). Controller <NUM> optionally includes wireless and/or network communication hardware and/or software and/or a code reader (e.g., barcode and/or QR code). Controller <NUM> is optionally programmable for various dispensing programs.

<FIG> illustrates a dispenser having a large receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a receptacle <NUM> supplying dry goods <NUM> to a valve assembly <NUM> may extend beyond an adapter <NUM> and/or the valve assembly <NUM>. for example, the receptacle <NUM> may be supported by a base <NUM> separate from the valve assembly <NUM>. For example, the receptacle may have a large capacity (e.g., between <NUM> to <NUM> liters and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> liters and/or between <NUM> to <NUM> liters. Optionally, the receptacle may include a fiduciary marker <NUM> (e.g., to indicate the volume of good <NUM> in the receptacle. Optionally, the dispenser may be configured (e.g., via programming of a controller) to receive data on how much goods <NUM> are placed into the receptacle and/or how much remains and/or how much is dispensed. Optionally, the dispenser will signal when the receptacle needs to be refilled. Optionally, a receptacle includes an exhibition area <NUM> for example, to display the product regardless of how much is left in the receptacle. For example, the exhibition area may an area for storing good <NUM> that does not empty to the valve <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system to dispense dry goods comprising:
a receptacle (<NUM>) for the dry goods;
a spout (<NUM>) for dispensing the dry goods via gravity flow from said receptacle;
a valve (<NUM>) between the receptacle and the spout controlling flow of said dry goods from said receptacle;
said valve (<NUM>) including flaps biased to a closed position blocking free flow of the dry goods from said receptacle;
an actuator (<NUM>) rotating said flaps;
a controller (<NUM>) configured to command said actuator to open and close said valve by rotating said flaps according to a program, and further configured to command said actuator to cause said valve to oscillate between a maximum opening position and a minimum opening position; and
an activator (<NUM>) for said controller;
an adjustment interface (<NUM>) for adjusting said maximum opening position.