Precision seasoner

A seasoning apparatus comprising:

• a hollow hopper configured for holding and selectively dispensing seasoning therefrom;
• a plurality of actuatable dispensing elements each translatably attached to the hopper and each having a holding compartment founed therein configured to receive seasoning from the hopper in a holding position and to dispense seasoning from the holding compartment when translated to a dispensing position;
• a seasoning spreader configured for dispersing seasoning dispensed from the hopper when the actuatable dispensing element is translated to the dispensing position;
• a food-holding container fixed a distance below the hopper and configured for holding food therein and receiving the seasoning dispersed by the seasoning spreader;
• and
• a weighing device configured for weighing food in the food-holding container.

A seasoning apparatus comprising:

• a hollow hopper configured for holding and selectively dispensing seasoning therefrom, the hopper comprising at least one side wall, a first bottom wall, and a second bottom wall positioned below the first bottom wall, wherein the first bottom wall has a first bottom opening formed therethrough and the second bottom wall has a second bottom opening formed therethrough and vertically offset from the first bottom opening;
• a plurality of actuatable dispensing elements each translatably attached to the hopper between the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall and each having a holding compartment formed therein configured to receive seasoning through the first bottom opening of the hopper in a holding position and to dispense seasoning from the holding compartment through the second bottom opening of the hopper when translated to a dispensing position;
• a seasoning spreader comprising at least one of an impeller and a diffuser configured to spin and/or gravity-spread seasoning dropped thereon from the hopper when the actuatable dispensing element is translated to the dispensing position;
• a food-holding container fixed a distance below the hopper and configured for holding food therein and receiving the seasoning dispersed by the seasoning spreader;
• a weighing device configured for weighing food in the food-holding container;
• and
• a controller and at least one electrical actuator or motor, wherein the controller is configured for receiving a signal indicative of a weight of the food in the food-holding container from the weighing device and sending a command signal to the electrical actuator or motor, wherein the electrical actuator or motor is configured to actuate the actuatable dispensing elements based on the command signal received thereby.