Metering device and dispenser comprising such a device
AssigneeNestec S.A.
InventorEnnio Bardin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for metering a powder-based food product including a hopper for storage of the powder, and a metering device located in the hopper in order to convey the powder from the hopper to a feed zone. The feed zone includes a basic portion having an opening for allowing a metered quantity of powder to fall. A sealing element is arranged with the basic portion in order to allow sealing of the opening of the basic portion. The device also includes an operating mechanism for moving the sealing element into a sealing position when the metering device is not operating.
Claims19
A device for metering a powder-based food product comprising a hopper for storage of a food or beverage powder, a feed zone that includes a basic portion having an opening for allowing a metered quantity of powder to fall, a metering device located in the hopper for conveying powder from the hopper to the feed device, a sealing element arranged with the basic portion to provide sealing of the opening of the basic portion, and an operating mechanism for positioning the sealing element in a sealing position when the metering device is not operating.
A compact device for the preparation and automatic dispensing of drinks on request, comprising:
- at least two hoppers for the storage of two different food or beverage-forming powders which can be selected either individually or as a mixture, with each hopper of a pair of hoppers having an asymmetric shape, a side wall that is positioned adjacent the side wall of the other hopper in the pair, and a metering device for allowing the powder to be conveyed to a feed zone;
- and
- a common mixing receptacle positioned beneath the hoppers for receiving powder originating from either hopper;
- wherein the metering device of each hopper of the pair of hoppers is positioned near the side wall that is positioned adjacent to the other hopper, with the two hoppers positioned in relation to a longitudinal median plane of each hopper so as to form a close configuration relative to one another with the feed zones in close proximity to reduce the space requirements for the mixing receptacle.
A device for dispensing drinks on request comprising a housing and at least one hopper in said housing that includes at least one guide member and is adapted to receive a powder refill element, and a housing located above the hopper, wherein the housing and guide member(s) are arranged to allow insertion of the refill element in a primary direction wherein the housing has a free volume capable of receiving the refill element onto the hopper whereby the refill element occupies the free volume to form an extension of the hopper storage.
A combination of a refill element and a device for dispensing drinks on request, the device comprising at least one hopper portion extending along a first direction, a housing located above the hopper along the first direction, and one or more guide members for guiding a powder refill element during insertion into or withdrawal from the housing above the hopper by motion along the first direction, wherein the refill element is in the form of a trough having a pair of edges, which refill element is inserted in an inverted position with its opening facing in the direction of the hopper, with the trough edges slidingly engaging the guide members during insertion or withdrawal of the refill element, and the device further comprises a stop member in the form of a wall for preventing forward insertion of the refill element after positioning above the hopper.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.