FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to fluid dispensing devices and, in particular, to condiment dispensing devices.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Restaurants often provide customers with one or more condiments for their food items. These condiments include, as examples, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and barbeque sauce, as well as other condiments including particulate. Some restaurants provide large containers of one or more condiments along with a hand pump that is actuated to dispense the condiment to the user for use with their food. A separate condiment dispensing unit is provided for each type of condiment the restaurant offers to customers. Restaurants thus must separately service and clean each condiment dispensing unit.

[0003] Condiment dispensers are often required to be cleaned periodically, for example, daily. Current hand pump solutions are difficult to clean. This is in part due to the long passageways that are difficult to reach along with the many internal crevices and ledges within the pump components and containers. Employees are often reluctant to clean current hand pump solutions due to the difficulty of doing so. Moreover, disassembling the pump may result in the loss of one or components, particularly the small components, during cleaning. As a result, the pumps are not cleaned as often, and, even when cleaned, the pump may not be fully cleaned. Thus, current pump solutions are prone to contamination. Additionally, many restaurants use more than one dispenser and, due to the thorough and manual cleaning that is required, restaurants may need additional resources to properly maintain their condiment dispensers.

[0004] Refilling the existing condiment dispensers may also be cumbersome as employees must withdraw the pump from a container of the condiment dispenser, connect the pump to the new condiment pouch, and carefully lower the pump and the condiment pouch into the container without the pump coming disconnected from the condiment pouch. Moreover, when the condiment dispenser needs to be refilled, the condiment dispenser may be out of use by customers for a significant period of time while the condiment is being loaded into the condiment dispenser. Additionally, once the condiment is placed in the condiment dispenser for use, the condiment is not sealed and is prone to contamination if not used within a certain period of time.

[0005] Many condiment dispensers permit a customer to actuate the condiment dispenser themselves to retrieve condiment. Some restaurants desire to regulate the amount of condiment that is dispensed to a customer to a standard serving size to mitigate the amount of condiment that is not used by a customer and goes to waste. Some restaurants desire to charge customers for condiments and are in need of a machine customers are able to operate to purchase and/ or retrieve the types of condiments they desire through while minimizing user contact with the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a condiment dispenser.

[0007] FIG. IB is a perspective of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A shown with a front portion of the condiment dispenser moved to an open position.

[0008] FIG. 1C is an exploded view of a condiment dispenser similar to that of FIG. 1A.

[0009] FIG. ID is a cross-sectional view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C.

[0010] FIG. IE is a perspective view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C shown with front panels removed.

[0011] FIG. IF is a schematic diagram of various electronic components of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A and associated system.

[0012] FIG. 1G is an example schematic diagram showing the interconnection of various electronic components of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0013] FIG 2A is a front perspective view of a basket of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a rear bottom perspective view of the basket of FIG. 2A.

[0015] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the basket of FIG. 2A. [0016] FIG. 2D is a cross-section view of the basket of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the basket of FIG. 2A shown with a side wall removed.

[0018] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of a clamp attached to a sidewall of the basket of FIG. 2A.

[0019] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the basket similar to that of FIG. 2A with a condiment pouch positioned within the basket.

[0020] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a pump and a pouch adapter inserted into a pump receiver of the basket of FIG. 2A.

[0021] FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the pump, pouch adapter, and pump receiver of FIG. 3B.

[0022] FIG. 4A is a rear bottom perspective view of the basket of FIG. 2A connected to a motor system of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C.

[0023] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the basket of FIG. 2A connected to the motor system of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C.

[0024] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a pump system including the pump, pouch adapter, and the motor system of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1C disconnected from one another.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the pump system of FIG. 5A connected to one another.

[0026] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the pouch adapter of FIG. 5A.

[0027] FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the pouch adapter of FIG. 6A.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the pump of FIG. 5A.

[0029] FIG. 8A illustrates loading the condiment pouch, pouch adapter, and pump into the basket of FIG. 3A. [0030] FIGS. 8B-8C illustrate clamping a lower end of the condiment pouch with pouch clamp systems of the basket.

[0031] FIG. 8D illustrates use of the clamp of FIG. 2F to secure the condiment pouch to the basket.

[0032] FIG. 8E illustrates installing the basket of FIG. 3A loaded with a condiment pouch into the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0033] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a series of examples states of the user interface of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A when dispensing condiment.

[0034] FIGS. 10A-D illustrate examples of display screens that are presented to the user when operating the condiment dispenser of FIG. 1A.

[0035] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a condiment dispenser according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A.

[0037] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A shown with a front portion of the condiment dispenser moved to an open position.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A shown without the front portion.

[0039] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A shown without the front portion and with a basket removed.

[0040] FIG. 13B is a closeup view of an upper portion of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A as shown in FIG. 13A.

[0041] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a basket of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A.

[0042] FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the basket of FIG. 14A. [0043] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the basket of FIG. 14A loaded into the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A and illustrating a connection of a motor of the condiment dispenser to the basket.

[0044] FIG. 15B is a closeup view of the connection of the motor and the basket shown in FIG. 15A.

[0045] FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a motor of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A connected to a drive shaft via a coupling mechanism.

[0046] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a guide pin of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A connected to the basket of FIG. 14A.

[0047] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an actuator of a locking mechanism of the basket of FIG. 14A.

[0048] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a pump and a pump adapter of the condiment dispenser of FIG. 11A, the pump adapter being in a disassembled configuration.

[0049] FIG. 17B is a side perspective view of the pump and a tube of the pump adapter of FIG. 17A.

[0050] FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the pump inserted into the pump adapter of FIG. 17A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] A condiment dispenser is provided that is able to dispense multiple types of condiments (e.g., ketchup and mayonnaise) to the user. The condiment dispenser may have a separate dispensing location for each type of condiment. The user may input a condiment selection, for example, via a touchscreen display of the condiment dispenser. The condiment dispenser indicates to the user which dispensing location the selected condiment will be dispensed from. The user may position a cup or other receptacle at the indicated dispensing location to receive the selected condiment. The condiment dispenser may include sensors to detect whether the user has positioned the cup in the correct location before dispensing the condiment. [0052] The condiment dispenser includes a compartment that is able to receive a plurality of condiment receptacles or baskets that serve as refillable cartridges. The baskets include a compartment into which a condiment pouch containing condiment may be loaded. The condiment pouches may be fluidly connected to a pump before inserting the pump and the condiment pouch into the basket. Baskets loaded with the condiment pouch and pump may be inserted into the condiment dispenser. Insertion of each basket into the condiment dispenser connects a motor system of the condiment dispenser to the pump within the basket. The condiment dispenser operates the motor system connected to the basket to drive the pump of that basket to cause condiment to be dispensed from the condiment pouch of that basket to the user. The condiment dispenser thus operates the motor system corresponding to the basket containing the condiment selected by a user to dispense the selected condiment to the user.

[0053] With respect to FIGS. 1A-1D, a condiment dispenser 100 is provided that provides a user with the option to select from multiple types of condiments and dispenses the requested type of condiment to the user. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the condiment dispenser 100 includes a door or front portion 102 having a user interface 103 that includes a display screen 105, an upper shelf 104, and a lower shelf 106. The condiment dispenser 100 is able to dispense various condiments via dispensing openings 230 to each shelf 104, 106. Each shelf 104, 106 includes recessed regions 108 indicating dispensing locations where dispensing openings 230 of the condiment dispenser 100 are positioned to dispense condiment to the user. In the embodiment shown, the condiment dispenser 100 is able to dispense condiments at six different locations with three on the upper shelf 104 and three on the lower shelf 106. In other embodiments, the condiment dispenser 100 may have more or less dispensing locations. For example, the condiment dispenser 100 may have two or four dispensing outlets per shelf. As another example, the condiment dispenser 100 may have one or three shelves rather than two.

[0054] The condiment dispenser 100 may be configured to dispense a different condiment at each dispensing outlet of the condiment dispenser 100. For example, where the condiment dispenser has six dispensing outlets, the condiment dispenser 100 may be loaded with six different types of condiments and configured to dispense each type of condiment via one of the dispensing outlets. The condiment dispenser 100 may dispense any type of condiment including, as examples, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, relish, frites sauce, and garlic sauce. [0055] To dispense condiment, a user may select the condiment they would like to receive from the condiment dispenser 100 via the user interface 103 of the condiment dispenser 100. The user interface 103 includes the display screen 105 which may be a touchscreen display. The user may select a condiment from a list of options provided to the user on the display screen. Upon receiving the user's selection, the condiment dispenser 100 may indicate to the user which dispensing outlet of the condiment dispenser 100 will be used to dispense the requested condiment to the user. For example, the condiment dispenser 100 may display a graphic on the display screen 105 indicating where the user should position their condiment receptacle (e.g., cup, plate, ramekin) or food item to receive a dose of the selected condiment. As another example, the condiment dispenser 100 may include an indicator light 107 at each of the recessed regions 108 and/ or dispensing outlets of the condiment dispenser 100 that illuminate the area of the shelf 104, 106 from which condiment is to be dispensed. The condiment dispenser 100 may have a proximity sensor 158 associated with each dispensing outlet that detects when the user has positioned a receptacle or food item below the dispensing outlet.

[0056] With respect to FIG. IB, the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser may be hingedly connected to the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100. The front portion 102 may be pivoted about a hinge 114 away from the rear portion 102 as shown in FIG. IB to access the internal components of the condiment dispenser 100. In some forms, the condiment dispenser 100 includes a latch to connect the front portion 102 to the rear portion 112 when the front portion 102 is rotated to the closed position. In some forms, the condiment dispenser 100 includes a lock mechanism 116 to secure the front portion 102 to the rear portion 112 to limit access to the internal components of the condiment dispenser 100 to authorized personnel. A key may be required to unlock the lock mechanism 116 to move the front portion 102 toward the open position and to lock the lock mechanism 116 to secure the front portion 102 to the rear portion 112 in the closed position.

[0057] The front portion 102 may be moved to the open position to load condiment pouches 118 into the condiment dispenser 100. As shown, the condiment dispenser 100 includes six condiment receptacles or baskets 120 inserted into the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100. As explained in further detail below, the baskets 120 define a cavity for receiving a condiment pouch 118. The front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100 may be moved to the open position to insert a basket 120 loaded with a condiment pouch into the condiment dispenser 100. The baskets 120 may also be removed from the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 to remove a condiment pouch 118 from the basket 120 and/ or load a condiment pouch 118 into the basket 120. As seen in FIG. IE, the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 includes an upper shelf 122 and a lower shelf 124 on which the baskets 120 are positioned. Each shelf 122, 124 includes three receiving locations for the baskets 120 to be installed on the shelf 122, 124. Each shelf 122, 124 has three motors 126 mounted along the shelf that are arranged to connect to the baskets 120 when the baskets 120 are inserted into the condiment dispenser 100. In the form shown, the motors 126 are positioned below motor covers 128 formed on the shelves 122, 124. Each motor cover 128 includes an opening 130 through which a shaft 204 coupled to the motor 126 extends. Positioning the basket 120 on the shelf 122, 124 connects the motor 126 to a pump 140 of the basket 120. The motor 126 may then be operated to cause the pump 140 to dispense the condiment from the condiment pouch 118 through a dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140. A more detailed discussion of the baskets 120 and how the baskets 120 connect to the motors 126 when installed on a shelf 122, 124 is provided below.

[0058] With respect to FIG. 1C, the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100 includes a frame 310 to which the shelves 104, 106 are mounted. The frame 310 may include support arms 311 which support the ends of the shelves 104, 106 and to which the shelves 104, 106 are mounted. The frame 310 may be made of a rigid material, such as a metal. As examples, the frame 310 may be made of aluminum, iron, or steel. Side cover panels 302A, 302B may be attached to the frame 310 and extend forward to cover the support arms 311 and the sides of the shelves 104, 106.

[0059] A front panel 304 may be attached to the front edge of the side cover panels 302A, 302B to cover or enclose a region of the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100 above the upper shelf 104. The display screen 105 may be mounted to the front panel 304 via mounting brackets 308. The display screen 105 is mounted at an opening 304A in the front panel 304 so that at least a portion of the display screen 105 is visible and accessible to a user via the display opening 304A. A payment terminal, such as an NFC terminal 160 and/ or other point of sale terminals may be mounted to the rear side of the front panel 304 via a mounting bracket 328. A code reader, such as a QR code reader 162 and/ or bar code reader, may be mounted to the rear side of the front panel 304 via a mounting bracket 330. The QR code reader 162 may be aligned with opening 304B such that a scanner of the QR code reader 162 is able to read codes presented to the QR code reader 162 via the opening 304B. A back plate 306 attaches to the frame 310 and the side cover panels 302A, 302B on the rear side of the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100. The back plate 306 may cover a portion of the rear side of the front portion 102 outside the frame 310. The back plate 306 may include a vent 306A through which heat generated by the electrical components (e.g., the display screen 105, QR code reader 162, NFC terminal 160) of the front portion 102 may escape the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100.

[0060] Crossbars 312 may be mounted across the frame 310. The crossbars 312 may be positioned such that when the front portion 102 is moved to the closed position, the crossbars 312 contact the baskets 120 on the shelves 122, 124 to secure the baskets 120 in place on the shelves 122, 124 of the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 (see FIG. IE). The crossbars 312 may also be positioned such that, as the front portion 102 is moved to the closed position, the crossbars 312 may contact a basket 120 and slide the basket 120 rearward and into its proper position (as described below) if, for example, the basket 120 was not fully installed into the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100.

[0061] The frame 310 of the front portion 102 may be connected to the hinge 114 which is also connected to the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 enabling the front portion 102 to pivot about the hinge 114 relative to the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100. The rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 includes a support frame 314. The support frame 314 may be made of a rigid material, such as a metal. As examples, the support frame 314 may be made of aluminum, iron, or steel. The support frame 314 has a base or support legs 314A that provide increased stability to the condiment dispenser 100 to support the condiment dispenser 100 in an upright position. Feet 315 may be mounted to the support legs 314A to extend between a surface (e.g., countertop, table, floor) on which the condiment dispenser 100 is placed and the support frame 314. The feet 315 may be adjustable to ensure all four feet 315 engage the surface to ensure the condiment dispenser 100 is stable and is not able to wobble. An outer cover 316 is mounted to the support frame 314 to provide a shell about the rear portion 112. A base cover 324 may be mounted over the support legs 314A to provide a flat surface on the base that is able to be easily wiped clean if necessary. [0062] The shelves 122, 124 are mounted to crossbars of the support frame 314 and extend toward the front of the condiment dispenser 100. The motors 126 are mounted on the shelves 122, 126 and spaced apart to create receiving locations for the baskets 120 to permit baskets 120 to be positioned on the shelves 122, 124 and be connected to the motors 126 as described in further detail below. Motor covers 128 may be positioned on the shelves 122, 124 over the motors 126. The motor covers 128 may prevent fluid from flowing onto the motors 126 in the event of a spill or leak and provide a flat surface that is easily cleanable. An upper shelf back plate 122A may be attached to the support frame 314 and extend upward from the upper shelf 122 and a lower shelf back plate 124A may be attached to the support frame 314 and extend upward form the lower shelf 124. The upper and lower shelf back plates 122A, 124A may provide a rear wall against which the baskets 120 may be pressed up against when the baskets 120 are installed in the condiment dispenser 100. The upper and lower shelf back plates 122A, 124A may serve to limit how far the baskets 120 are able to slide rearward on the shelves 122, 124 which may aid to keep the user from inadvertently damaging the motor system 127 or pump 140 as the baskets 120 are installed (e.g., from over insertion). The upper and lower shelf back plates 122A, 124A may also have guide pins 181 protruding therefrom that align with and are inserted into the guide holes 179 of the basket 120 as the basket 120 is installed.

[0063] The rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 may also house a power supply 318, a motor controller circuit 320, a computing device 322 including a processor 146 and a memory 148, and the electronics boards 326. With reference also to FIG. l.G, the power supply 318 may include a cord with a plug for inserting into a conventional wall outlet. The power supply 318 may convert and condition the power into a form usable by some or all of the electrical components of the condiment dispenser 100. For example, the power supply 318 may convert mains power to 12VDC power. The motor controller circuit 320 may be in communication with the computing device 322 and the motors 126. The motor controller circuit 320 may include circuitry that receives signals from the computing device 322 (e.g., via an electronics board 332) to operate one or more of the motors 126 and provides signals to the motors 126 to carry out the requested operation. The motor controller circuit 230 may be able to adjust the position, direction, speed, and/ or torque of the motors 126. The electronics boards 326 may include the sensors 158 and indicator lights 107 which may be in communication with the computing device 322. The sensors 158 transmit sensor data to the computing device 322 for processing, for example, to detect the presence of a cup below a dispensing outlet of the condiment dispenser 100. The indicator lights 107 may be illuminated upon receiving a signal from the computing device 322, for example, to indicate to the user which dispensing outlet condiment is going to be dispensed from. The rear portion 112 may further include back covers 319 attached to the outer cover 316 and/ or support frame 314. The back covers 319 may include venting holes to facilitate heat escaping from the condiment dispenser 100 such as heat generated by the electronics of the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100.

[0064] With respect to FIG. ID, the upper and lower shelves 122, 124 of the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 include the openings 144 through which condiment is dispensed from the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140 of the basket 120 to the user. The upper shelf 122 is vertically separated and above the lower shelf 124 such that the baskets 120 on the upper shelf 122 are vertically separated and above the baskets 120 on the lower shelf 124. The upper shelf 122 also extends further toward the front of the condiment dispenser 100 than the lower shelf 126 such that the openings 144 of the upper shelf 122 are further forward than the openings 144 of the lower shelf 124. The baskets 120 on the upper shelf 122 are also horizontally displaced from the baskets 120 on the lower shelf 120, being further forward than the baskets 120 on the lower shelf 124. With such a configuration, the overall height of the condiment dispenser 100 is able to be reduced because the upper portion of the baskets 120 on the lower shelf 124 vertically overlap with the upper shelf 104. In other words, the upper shelf 104 of the front portion 102 where condiment is dispensed to the user from the dispensing openings 230 of the upper baskets 120 are in front of the upper portion of the baskets 120 on the lower shelf 124.

[0065] With respect to FIG. IF, a condiment dispenser system 350 is provided including the condiment dispenser 100, a server computer 152, and a network 154. With reference also to FIG. 1G, the condiment dispenser 100 includes the processor 146 and the memory 148 of the computing device 322. The memory 148 may include programs and instructions for carrying out various operations and providing functionality to the condiment dispenser 100. For example, the memory 148 may include instructions for operating the motors 126, including, for instance, how long to operate the motor 126 to dispense an amount of a certain type of condiment. As another example, the memory 148 may store data relating to the type of condiment in each basket 120 and which motor 126 is associated with each basket 120 or condiment type. The memory 148 may also store data relating to how much condiment remains in each basket 120 installed in the condiment dispenser 100. The processor 146 may determine how much condiment is left in a basket 120 by tracking the number of servings (e.g., dispensing cycles) that have been dispensed from a basket 120 since a full pouch was installed. In other forms, the processor 146 may receive data from weight sensors in the baskets 120 and/ or shelves to determine how much condiment is left in each basket 120. The processor 146 may store the current condiment levels in memory 148. The processor 146 is configured to communicate with the memory 148 to access the programs and instructions to provide functionality to the condiment dispenser 100 as described in further detail below.

[0066] The condiment dispenser 100 further may include communication circuitry 150. The processor 146 may use the communication circuitry 150 to communicate with remote devices. For example, the communication circuitry 150 may be configured to communicate via wired and wireless communication protocols including, as examples, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, ethernet, and the like. The processor 150 may communicate signals via the communication circuitry 150 to remote devices and receive signals from remote devices via the communication circuitry 150. The condiment dispenser 100 may be configured to communicate with the remote server computer 152 via the network 154 using the communication circuitry 150. The network 154 may include a cellular network, Wi-Fi network, and/ or the internet as examples. The condiment dispenser 100 may communicate data with the server computer 152 such as the types of condiments currently installed in the condiment dispenser 100, the locations of the various types of condiments within the condiment dispenser 100, the remaining levels of each type of condiment, how long a condiment pouch 118 has been installed in the condiment dispenser 100 and the like. The condiment dispenser 100 and/ or server computer 152 may communicate with a user using the communication circuitry 150, for example a user device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, cash register, etc.) to alert a user or staff of a restaurant when a condiment pouch of a basket is low or running low. The condiment dispenser 100 and/ or server computer 152 may be associated with a smartphone application and information pertaining to the condiment dispenser 100 may be presented to the user and/ or viewable by a user in the smartphone application. A user may also be able to use the smartphone application (or other such program) to record the type of condiment the user has installed in the application, which basket location on the shelves 122, 124 the user has installed a particular basket 120, and the time/ date when the condiment pouch 118 was installed. A user may also use the smartphone application (or similar program) to determine how much of each type of condiment is left in the condiment dispenser 100 or when a particular condiment pouch was installed. The user may also receive alerts from the condiment dispenser 100 to refill or service the condiment dispenser 100, for example, when a condiment pouch is running low. A user may also use the user interface 103 of the condiment dispenser 100, for example, the touchscreen display 105, to access and enter such information from memory 148 and/ or the server computer 152.

[0067] The condiment dispenser 100 includes the user interface 103 through which a user may interact with the condiment dispenser 100. The processor 146 is in communication with the user interface 103 and configured to receive input from a user via the user interface 103 and to present information to the user via the user interface 103. The user interface 103 may include the touchscreen display 105. The processor 100 may cause the touchscreen display 105 to display the type of condiments currently installed within the condiment dispenser 100. The user may select which condiment they would like to receive and/ or the number of servings of the condiment via the touchscreen display 105. The user interface 103 may further include a microphone and/ or speaker to communicate with the user. The processor 146 may receive the user's oral commands via the microphone and ask for additional input via the speaker. For example, the user may orally request a dose of a certain type of condiment by speaking "dispense one serving of ketchup." The processor 146 of the condiment dispenser 100 may determine the user's command using voice processing techniques. The processor 146 may communicate with the server computer 152 to process the user's commands. The condiment dispenser 100 may user the speaker to request confirmation from the user that the condiment dispenser 100 has correctly understood the user's command. The condiment dispenser 100 may then dispense the requested condiment to the user.

[0068] The processor 146 is in communication with the motors 126. As shown in FIG. 1G, the computing device 322 may communicate with an electronics board 332 that communicates with a motor controller circuit 320 that control the operation of the motors 126. The processor 146 may communicate with the motors 126 to cause the motors 126 to operate to dispense selected condiment. For example, when the processor 146 receives an input requesting ketchup, the processor 146 may communicate a signal to the motor 126 corresponding to the basket 120 and/ or condiment pouch with ketchup in the condiment pouch 118 to cause the motor 126 to operate and dispense condiment from the condiment dispenser 100. The processor 146 may cause the motor 126 to operate for a predetermined length of time or number of rotations to dispense a specific volume of the condiment to the user. The processor 146 may also cause the motor 126 to operate in a reverse direction for a brief moment at the end of a dispensing cycle so that the pump does not drip after dispensing condiment. The processor 146 may access data from memory 148 regarding how to operate a motor 126 to dispense the desired volume of condiment based on the type of condiment being dispensed. For example, the motor 126 may need to be operated for a longer period of time or more cycles to dispense a viscous condiment (e.g., mayonnaise) compared to less viscous condiments (e.g., ketchup).

[0069] The condiment dispenser 100 may further include sensors 158 in communication with the processor 146. The processor 146 may communicate signals to the electronics board 332 which communicates with the sensors 158. The sensors 158 may be mounted near each of the dispensing locations or dispensing openings 230 through which condiment is dispensed to the user to detect whether a user has placed a receptacle or an item for receiving condiment such as a cup, ramekin, plate, food item, etc. under the dispensing opening. The processor 146 may receive data from the sensor 158 and dispense condiment to the user upon detecting the user has placed an item to receive the condiment dispenser under the dispensing opening 230 through which the condiment dispenser 100 will be dispensing condiment. For example, the processor 146 may dispense the condiment upon detecting a cup has been positioned in the recessed region 108 corresponding to the dispensing opening through which condiment is to be dispensed. This prevents the condiment dispenser from dispensing condiment when the user is not ready and/ or spilling and wasting condiment. The condiment dispenser 100 may be configured to cease dispensing condiment upon detecting that the user has withdrawn the item for receiving condiment. The sensors 158 may be proximity sensors such as infrared or ultrasonic sensors to detect an item under the dispensing opening.

[0070] The condiment dispenser 100 may further include a payment terminal, such as near field communication (NFC) terminal 160, and an optical reader, such as a QR code reader 162. The processor 146 may be in communication with the NFC terminal 160 and/ or the QR code reader 162. The NFC terminal 160 may be configured to receive payment from a user. The NFC terminal 160 may be configured to interact with a payment card (e.g., credit or debit card) and/ or a user's smartphone using NFC communications to receive payment form the user. The user may select the types and amounts of condiment they would like to receive from the condiment dispenser 100 via the user interface 103. The user interface 103 may provide the user with a total cost for the order and instruct the user to pay for the condiment via interaction with the NFC terminal 160. A user may hold their payment card or smartphone in proximity to the NFC terminal 160 to provide payment for the condiment. Upon receiving payment, the processor 146 may cause the condiment dispenser 100 to dispense the condiment the user ordered to the user.

[0071] The QR code reader 162 may also be used to request condiment be dispensed from the condiment dispenser 100. The processor 146 and/ or QR code reader 162 may read a QR code positioned in front of the QR code reader 162 and determine the types and amounts of condiments to be dispensed associated with the QR code. The processor 146 may communicate with the server computer 152 to determine the types and amounts of condiments associated with the QR code. For example, the server computer 152 may include or be configured to access a database associating QR codes with a condiment order. For example, a user may order condiments when they place an order for food (e.g., at a cash register) and receive a QR code to provide to the condiment dispenser 100 to receive the ordered condiments. For example, the QR code may be provided on their receipt. The user may hold the QR code of the receipt to the QR code reader 162 of the condiment dispenser 100 to retrieve the condiments they ordered. The condiment dispenser 100 may access the database including the QR codes and associated condiment order and dispense the condiment to the user. As another example, the user may be provided with a QR code on their smartphone (e.g., upon completing a mobile order or upon selecting condiments via a smartphone application). The user may similarly hold the QR code to the QR code reader 162 of the condiment dispenser 100 to have the condiment dispenser dispense the condiments associated with the user's QR code.

[0072] The indicator lights 107 are in communication with the processor 146. The processor 146 may communicate signals to the electronics board 332 which communicates with the indicator lights 107. The indicator lights 107 may be illuminated to indicate to the user where to place a cup to receive the selected condiment. The condiment dispenser 100 may also include indicator lights 107 that indicate when a condiment is running low. For example, the condiment dispenser 100 may include a light that the processor 146 may illuminate when the condiment dispenser 100 needs to be serviced, for example, when the level of condiment in a basket 120 is running low or is out. The indicator light 107 may be illuminated a particular color to indicate the condition of the condiment dispenser 100. For example, the indicator light 107 may be a multi-color LED that is illuminated green to indicate a good condition, yellow to indicate service will be needed soon, and red to indicate service is needed. The condiment dispenser 100 may also include a separate indicator light 107 or display for each basket 120 to indicate the amount of condiment left in each basket 120 and/or whether the associated condiment pouch 118 needs to be replaced.

[0073] With respect to FIGS. 2A-2E, the basket 120 that is removably attachable to the condiment dispenser 100 to load the condiment pouches 118 is shown in further detail. The basket 120 includes a base portion 164 and sidewalls 166 extending from the base portion 164 to form a cavity 165 to receive a condiment pouch (see FIG. 3A). The condiment pouch 118, pump 140, and/or adapter 141 may be inserted into the cavity 165 of the basket 120 and the basket 120 inserted into the condiment dispenser 100.

[0074] The base portion 164 of the basket 120 includes a base surface 168, a pump receiver 170, and a channel 172. The base surface 168 is at the lower end of the basket 120 and supports the condiment pouch 118 placed within the cavity 165. The base surface 168 may be shaped to direct fluid in the condiment pouch 118 toward the pump receiver 170 to aid in draining fluid from the condiment pouch 118. For example, the base surface 168 may be sloped or angled (see FIG. 2D) toward the pump 140 and/ or pump receiver 170.

[0075] With reference also to FIGS. 3A-3C, the pump receiver 170 is positioned below the base surface 168 and adjacent the channel 172. The pump receiver 170 has a body 280 that defines a cavity 282 sized to receive the pump 140 and adapter 141 to securely hold the pump 140 and adapter 141 within the basket 120. By way of example, the pump receiver 170 may be formed of a metal or plastic material, such as, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), aluminum, or steel. The body 280 may be mounted to the structural members of the base portion 164 of the basket 120 via fasteners. The walls of the body 280 forming the cavity 282 of the pump receiver 170 are sized and shaped to guide the pump 140 as it is inserted into the pump receiver 170 to position the pump 140 within the pump receiver 170 such that when the basket 120 is inserted into the condiment dispenser 100 the pump 140 is coupled to the motor 126. The pump receiver 170 includes an opening 174 through which a shaft 204 of a motor system 127 extends to engage the pump 140. The body 280 of the pump receiver 170 includes an opening 284 into which the outlet tube 228 of the pump 140 may be inserted. The pump receiver 170 thus also aligns the outlet of the pump 140 with an outlet opening 175 in a bottom plate 176 of the basket 120. The bottom plate 176 may be formed of a low friction material that permits the basket 120 to slide on the shelves 122, 124 to aid in connecting the motor system 127 to the pump 140.

[0076] The cavity 282 of the pump receiver 170 further receives a portion of the adapter 141. As shown in FIG. 3B, the pump receiver 170 may have recesses 173 formed along the sides of the cavity 282 to receive the edges of a push plate 218 of the adapter 141. Pushing the push plate 218 into the pump receiver 170, the edges of the push plate 218 may be aligned with and inserted into the recesses 173 of the pump receiver 170. The recesses 173 of the pump receiver 170 may limit how far the adapter 141 is able to be inserted into the pump receiver 170 which may inhibit a user from over inserting the pump 140 into the pump receiver 170. The front side of the body 280 of the pump receiver 170 may be open permitting a user to access the cavity 282 of the pump receiver 170. Access to the cavity 282 permits a user to easily grasp the adapter 141 and pump 140 which aids in inserting the adapter 141 and pump 140 into and removing the adapter 141 and pump 140 from the pump receiver 170.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 2B, the base portion 134 of the basket 120 includes a recessed portion or channel 172. The channel 172 is formed by the base surface 168 and walls 177 extending below the base surface 168 to form a U-shaped channel. The channel 172 is sized to receive one of the motor covers 128 formed on the shelves 122, 124 of the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100. When the basket 120 is installed into the condiment dispenser 100, the bottom plate 176 of the basket 120 rests on the shelves 122, 124 with the motor cover 128 positioned within the channel 172 between the walls 177 as shown, for example, in FIG. IE. As shown, the pump receiver 170 is positioned adjacent the front end of the channel 172 with the opening 174 of the pump receiver 170 positioned at the front end of the channel 172. As the basket 120 is attached to the condiment dispenser 100, the basket 120 may be slid or moved rearward to extend the shaft 204 of the motor system 127 through the opening 174 of the pump receiver 172 to engage and connect to the pump 140. [0078] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, when the basket 120 is installed, the motor system 127 is positioned within the channel 172 of the basket 120 (the motor cover 128 and other portions of the condiment dispenser 100 not shown for clarity) with the shaft 204 extending into the pump receiver 170. The pump receiver 170 may further include guide pins 178 extending from the pump receiver 170 and into the channel 172. A front end plate 129 of the motor covers 128 may include corresponding guide holes 129A into which the guide pins 178 of the basket 120 may be inserted as the basket 120 is installed on the condiment dispenser 100. Aligning the guide pins 178 with the guide holes 129A aids to ensure that the shaft 204 of the motor system 127 extends through the opening 174 of the pump receiver 170 to a consistent location to ensure the pump 140 is connected to the motor 126 as the basket 120 is installed into the condiment dispenser 100. The basket 120 may include guide holes 179 on the rear surface of the basket 120. These guide holes 179 may receive guide pins 181 (see, e.g., FIGS. IE and 4A) extending from the back plates 122A, 122B of the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100. As the basket 120 is slid rearward over the motor cover 128, the guide pins 181 of the condiment dispenser 100 may be aligned with and inserted into the guide holes 179 to align the basket 120 with the condiment dispenser 100. The guide holes 179 and guide pins 181 may also aid to ensure that the basket 120 is installed at a consistent location on the shelf 122, 124.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 2C, the basket 120 includes a rear plate 166A, a left side plate 166B, and a right side plate 166C. The plates 166A, 166B, 166C may be made of metal or plastic, such as, as examples, aluminum, iron, steel, and ABS. The rear plate 166A, left side plate 166B, and the right side plate 166C form the sidewalls 166 of the basket 120. In the form shown, the rear plate 166A includes a bend to form both the base surface 168 and the rear sidewall. In other forms, the base surface 168 and the rear side wall may be formed from separate plates connected together. The left side plate 166B and the right side plate 166C wrap around the front of the basket 120 and form a portion of the sidewall 166 extending along the front of the basket 120. The left side plate 166B and right side plate 166C are spaced apart by a gap 166D formed in the sidewall 166. This gap 166D (see FIG. 2A) permits a user to see into the basket 120 when viewing the basket 120 from the front. A user may thus visually check whether a basket 120 includes a condiment pouch and/ or see how full the condiment pouch is. For instance, when a user opens the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100, the user is able to visually see the amount of condiment remaining in each basket 120 through the gap 166D. The gap 166D also permits a user to access the interior of the basket 120, for example, to insert the pump 140 and adapter 141 into and remove the pump 140 and adapter 141 from the pump receiver 170. The gap 166D may align with the open front end of the pump receiver 170 to also permit a user to access the interior of the pump receiver 170 from the front side of the basket 120. Access to the interior of the basket 120 may aid in installing a condiment pouch 118 into the basket 120 as described in further detail below.

[0080] The left side plate 166B and right side plate 166C each include an opening 180 and a plate clamp system 182 attached thereto (see FIG. 2A). With reference also to FIGS. 2C and 8B, a hinge 183 connects the plate clamp system 182 to the respective side plate 166B, 166C so that the plate clamp systems 182 are pivotable about the hinge 183. The plate clamp systems 182 may be moved between a closed configuration where the plate clamp system 182 closes or blocks the opening 180 (or a portion thereof) and an open configuration where the plate clamp system 182 is moved out of the opening 180. Each plate clamp system 182 includes a first plate 184 and a second plate 186 connected to one another via a hinge 188. The plates 184, 186 may be made of metal or plastic, such as, as examples, aluminum, iron, steel, and ABS. The first plate 184 and second plate 186 may be pivoted outward from the basket 120 about the hinge 183 and the second plate 186 may be pivoted further outward from the basket 120 about the hinge 188 to move the plate clamp system 182 to the open configuration.

[0081] Cam locks 190 may be mounted to each of the side plates 166B, 166C adjacent the openings 180. The cam locks 190 include a cam 192 that may be rotated into the opening 180 to lock the plate clamp system 182 in the closed position or rotated out of the opening 180 to permit the plate clamp system 182 to be moved between open and closed configurations. To move the plate clamp system 182 to the open configuration, the cam locks 190 may be rotated out of the opening 180 to permit the plate clamp systems 182 to be rotated outward from the sidewalls 166 about the hinge 183. The second plate 186 may be rotated outward from the basket 120 about the hinge 188. The plate clamp system 182 may be moved to the closed configuration by reversing the above steps.

[0082] The plate clamp systems 182 may be used to clamp the bottom corners 118 A of the condiment pouch 118 to aid in fully evacuating a condiment pouch 118 during use. A bottom corner 118A of the condiment pouch 118 may be drawn outward from the basket 120 through the opening 180 in the sidewall 166 to rest on the first plate 184. The second plate 186 may then be pivoted about the hinge 188 back toward the basket 120 and against the first plate 184 squeezing the condiment out of the corners 118A of the condiment pouch 118 (see FIG. 8C). The first and second plates 184, 186 may then be pivoted toward the closed configuration and the com locks 190 used to secure the plate clamp systems 182 to the respective side walls 166B, 166C. Use of the plate clamp systems 182 aid to force the condiment out of the bottom corners 118 A of the condiment pouch 118 and toward a middle portion of the condiment pouch where the condiment more readily flows toward the portion of the condiment pouch 118 into which the pouch piercing end 214 of the adapter 141 is inserted through the pouch. The plate clamp systems 182 also elevate the bottom corners 118 of the condiment pouch 118 above the base surface 168 which also facilitates flow of the condiment toward the adapter 141. Using the plate clamp systems 182 the condiment pouch 118 is able to be more fully emptied which results in less wasted condiment.

[0083] The baskets 120 may include a handle 194 enabling the baskets 120 to be picked up by a user. For example, a user may grasp the handle 194 to transport the basket 120 and/ or when installing the basket 120 into or removing the basket 120 from the condiment dispenser 100. In the form shown, the handle 194 extends from the left side plate 166B to the right side plate 166C. The handle 194 extends across the gap 166D in the front surface of the basket 120.

[0084] With respect to FIG. 2F, the basket 120 may also include clamps 196 mounted at the upper portion of the sidewalls 166. The clamps 196 may be include clamp members biased against the sidewalls 166 of the basket 120, for example, by a spring. To clamp the condiment pouch 118 to the sidewall 166, a user may deflect the clamp member from the sidewall 166 and position a portion of the condiment pouch 118 between the clamp member and the sidewall 166. The user may then release the clamp member to permit the clamp 196 to return to is resting position with a portion of the condiment pouch 118 between the clamp member and the sidewall 166. The upper corners or portions 118B of the condiment pouch 118 may be clamped to the upper portion of the sidewalls 166 (see FIG. 8D). Clamping the condiment pouch 118 to the upper portion of the sidewalls 166 may facilitate draining the condiment within the pouch toward the end of the pouch connected to the adapter 141. For example, clamping the condiment pouch 118 with the clamps 196 suspends at least a portion of the condiment pouch 118 which aids to keep the walls of the condiment pouch 118 relatively straight to allow the condiment to flow downward along the sides of the pouch 118 and from bending and folding which may trap condiment within the pouch 118.

[0085] With respect to FIG. 5 A, a pump system 200 is shown in a partially disassembled configuration. The pump system 200 includes the motor system 127, pump 140, and adapter 141. The motor system 127 includes the motor 126, a coupler 202, and extendable shaft 204. The extendable shaft 204 includes a tip 206 with gear teeth that engages a drive port 232 of the pump 140. The extendable shaft 204 includes a spring 208 that extends between the coupler 202 and a flange 210 of the extendable shaft 204 that biases the tip 206 of the shaft 204 away from the motor 126. When the basket 120 is installed into the condiment dispenser 100, the tip 206 is extended through the opening 174 of the pump receiver 170 and into the drive port 232 of the pump 140. As the basket 120 is slid toward the motor 126 on the shelf 122, 124 of the condiment dispenser 100, the extendable shaft 204 may be moved toward the motor 126 overcoming the biasing force of the spring 208 on the shaft 204. This permits for a degree of variability in the position of the basket 120 relative to the motor 126 while ensuring that the shaft 204 engages and remains engaged with the pump 140 of the basket 120.

[0086] With respect to FIGS. 5B, the pump 140 is shown connected to the adapter 141 and the motor system 127. As explained above, the pump 140 is inserted into the pump receiver 170 of the basket 120 before being connected to the shaft 204 of the motor 126, however, the basket 120 is not shown for illustrative purposes. As shown, the geared tip 206 of the shaft 204 of the motor system 127 is inserted into the drive port 232 of the pump 140. Once connected, when the motor 126 is operated, the shaft 204 rotates and drives an impeller of the pump 140 causing fluid to be drawn from the condiment pouch 118 through the adapter 141 and forced out the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140.

[0087] With respect to FIGS. 6A-6B, the adapter 141 includes a tube 212 having a pouch piercing end 214. The adapter 141 may be formed of a rigid material, such as a plastic (e.g., ABS, PP, and polycarbonate (PC)). The pouch piercing end 214 includes a narrow or sharp tip that may be pressed against the wall of a condiment pouch 118 to pierce a hole in the pouch 118. Once inserted into the condiment pouch 118, condiment may flow into the tube 212 of the adapter 141 from the condiment pouch 118. The pouch piercing end 214 may be inserted into a fitment of the condiment pouch that holds a portion of the wall of the condiment pouch 118 taut as the pouch piercing end 214 is pressed against the pouch 118. The fitment may also space the opposite wall away from the pouch piecing end 214 so that the pouch piercing end 214 is not pressed through both walls of the condiment pouch 118. The adapter 141 may include a flange 216 at the pouch piercing end 214 that aids to limit how far the pouch piercing end 214 is able to be inserted into the condiment pouch 118. The pouch piercing end 214 may include angled protrusions or hooks 219 to hold the pouch piercing end 214 within the fitment of the condiment pouch 118 and inhibit the adapter 141 from becoming unintentionally detached from the condiment pouch 118. The tip of the pouch piercing end 214 may include sharp points to aid in tearing the condiment pouch 118 as the tip of the pouch piercing end 214 is pressed against the condiment pouch 119.

[0088] The end of the tube 212 of the adapter 141 opposite the pouch piercing end 214 is sized to receive the inlet tube 224 of the pump 140. The inlet tube 224 of the pump 140 may be inserted into the adapter 141 to attach the pump 140 to the adapter 141. An O-ring may be positioned between the inlet tube 224 of the pump 140 and the tube 212 of the adapter 141 to form a fluid tight seal therebetween to inhibit fluid from leaking out of this connection. The adapter 141 provides a passageway to transport condiment from the condiment pouch 118 to the pump 140. The pump 140 may be attached to the adapter 141 by a friction fit connection or other locking connection.

[0089] The adapter 141 further includes a push plate 218 extending from the tube 212. The push plate 218 may provide a surface against which a user is able to apply a force as the pump 140 and adapter 141 are inserted into the pump receiver 170 of the basket 120. Support walls 220 may extend along the push plate 218 to provide increased rigidity to the plate 218 to transfer force applied to the push plate 218 to move the adapter 141 and to limit the amount of bending or flexing of the push plate 218 relative to the tube 212. The push plate 218 may include one or more ridges 222 to provide increased grip or friction as a user pressed on the push plate 218. A user may, for example, place their finger (e.g., thumb) on the push plate 218 to apply a downward force the adapter 141 and pump 140 to force the pump 140 and adapter 141 into the pump receiver 170.

[0090] With respect the FIG. 7, the pump 140 includes the inlet tube 224, a pump chamber 226, and an outlet tube 228. The inlet tube 224 forms a passageway to transport fluid from the adapter 141 to the pump chamber 226. An end of the inlet tube 224 is inserted into the tube 212 of the adapter 141 such that fluid, e.g., condiment, flows from the adapter 141 into the pump 140. In some forms, the end of the inlet tube 224 of the pump 140 includes a pouch piercing end (e.g., similar to that of the adapter 141) that is inserted into the condiment pouch 118. In such forms, the adapter 141 may not be needed as the pump 140 is able to be connected directly to the condiment pouch 118. Further, the adapter 141 may be formed such that it is otherwise integral with the pump 140.

[0091] The pump chamber 226 includes an impeller that pumps the fluid from the inlet tube 224 toward the outlet tube 228. The impeller is driven by the motor 126. As explained above, the shaft 204 has a tip 206 that is inserted into the drive port 232 of the pump 140. The teeth of the tip 206 of the shaft 204 engage and/ or intermesh with teeth of a drive member of the pump 140 such that rotation of the motor 126 rotates the drive member which causes the impeller to rotate and drive fluid from the inlet tube 224 along the outlet tube 228. The outlet tube 228 includes a passageway from the pump chamber 226 to the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140. When the pump 140 is inserted into the pump receiver 170 of the basket 120, the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140 is aligned with the opening 175 in the bottom plate 176 of the basket 120 and, when the basket 120 is installed in the condiment dispenser 100, the opening 144 of the shelf 122, 124 on which the basket 120 is placed. Thus, fluid flows directly from the pump 140 to the user. This is advantageous as fewer components of the condiment dispenser 100 contact the condiment than in other condiment dispenser designs and thus less components need to be cleaned or sanitized to prevent contamination.

[0092] The pump 140 may be a disposable pump that is used to dispense the contents of a single condiment pouch 118. After the condiment pouch 118 has been emptied, the pump 140 may be disposed of and a new pump 140 used with a new condiment pouch 118 installed into the basket 120. The adapter 141 may similarly be used a single time before being disposed of. In such embodiments, the amount of time spent cleaning the condiment dispenser 100 is significant reduced or eliminated because all parts that contact the condiment, such as the condiment pouch 118, adapter 141, and pump 140, are disposed of. This is advantageous in restaurants, food courts, and the like because employees or staff do not need to spend time cleaning the condiment dispenser 100 regularly as in existing condiment dispenser designs. In some forms, the pump 140 and/ or adapter 141 may be reused for a certain period of time (e.g., a week) or to dispense a certain amount of condiment (e.g., two 2.5L or 5L condiment pouches 118). In some forms, the pump and/ or adapter 141 may be cleaned and reused.

[0093] With respect to FIGS. 8A-8E, in use, the adapter 141 may be connected to the pump

140 by inserting the inlet tube 224 of the pump 140 into the tube 212 of the adapter 141. The pouch piercing end 214 of the adapter 141 may be inserted through a wall of the condiment pouch 118. The condiment pouch 118, pump 140, and adapter 141 may then be loaded into the basket 120 as a single unit. As shown in FIG. 8A, the end of the pouch 118 through which the adapter 141 is inserted is lowered into the cavity 165 of the basket 120 with the pump 140 and adapter 141 at the front of the basket 120 and accessible via the gap 166D. With respect to FIG. 8B, as the condiment pouch 118, pump 140, and adapter 141 are lowered into the basket 120, the pump 140 may be aligned with the cavity 165 of the pump receiver 170 and slid within the pump receiver 170 to align the drive port 232 of the pump 140 with the opening 174 of the pump receiver 170 and to align the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140 with the opening 175 in the bottom plate 176 of the basket 160. As shown in FIG. 3B, a portion of the outlet tube 228 of the pump 140 may be inserted into a bottom opening 284 of the pump receiver 170. The pump receiver 170 serves as a guide that brings the pump 140 to the proper position as the pump 140 is received in the pump receiver 170 due to the shape of the internal walls forming the cavity 165 of the pump receiver 170. The pump receiver 170 thus aids to ensure that the pump 140 is correctly installed each time. This reduces the amount of time a user has to spend double checking the alignment of the pump within the basket 120 and reduces misalignment issues. The user may use the push plate 218 of the adapter 141 to apply a downward force on the adapter 141 and pump 140 to force the pump 140 into the pump receiver 170. The adapter

141 may also align with and be partially received within the pump receiver 170.

[0094] The cam locks 190 may be pivoted so that the cam 192 does not extend over the openings 180 to allow the plate clamp systems 182 to be pivoted to the open configurations. The plate clamp systems 182 may be pivoted outward about the hinge 183 and the second plate 186 pivoted further about the hinge 188 to bring the plate clamp systems 182 to their open configurations. As shown in FIG. 8B, the bottom corner 118A of the condiment pouch 118 may be drawn through the opening 180 to rest on the first plate 184 of the plate clamp system 180. The bottom corner 118A of the opposite side of the pouch 118 may similarly be drawn through the opening 180 on the other side of the basket 120. With respect to FIG. 8C, the plate clamp systems 182 may be folded over the bottoms corners 118A of the pouch and moved to their closed configurations. As shown, the second plate 186 is pivoted about the hinge 188 and the first and second plate 184, 186 urged or squeezed together to force the condiment in the bottom corner 118A of the pouch 118 out of the corner 118A of the pouch 118. The plate clamp systems 182 may then be rotated about the hinge 183 back to the closed configuration and the cam lock 190 pivoted such that the cam 192 holds the plate clamp systems 182 in the closed position as shown on the right side of the basket 120 in FIG. 8C.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8D, the upper corners 118B of the condiment pouch 118 may also be clamped to the sidewalls 166 of the basket 120 using the clamps 196. As the condiment pouch 118 is emptied, the clamps 196 will hold the upper corners 118B of the pouch 118 to the basket 120, keeping the pouch 118 upright and/ or partially suspended so that the walls of the condiment pouch 118 direct the condiment toward the pump 140.

[0096] With reference to FIG. 8E, the basket 120 loaded with the condiment pouch 118 may be installed into the condiment dispenser 100. As shown, the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100 is pivoted away from the rear portion 112 of the condiment dispenser 100 to provide access to the shelves 122, 124 of the rear portion 112. The basket 120 may then be installed on a shelf 122, 124 of the condiment dispenser 100 to connect the motor system 127 to the pump 140 as shown, for example, in FIG. 5B, so that the condiment dispenser 100 is able to dispense the condiment in the condiment pouch 118 to the user. To install the basket 120, the base portion 164 of the basket is aligned with a motor cover 128. The bottom plate 176 of the basket 120 may be slid or moved rearward on the shelf 122, 124 with the channel 172 of the basket 120 aligned with and receiving the motor cover 128 of the shelf 122, 124. As the motor cover 128 is inserted into the channel 172, the basket 120 is guided to the proper orientation relative to the shelf 122, 124 and motor system 127. The guide pins 178 of the pump receiver 170 may be aligned with and inserted into the openings 129A of the front plate 129 of the motor cover 128. The shaft 204 of the motor system 127 may be extended through the opening 174 in the pump receiver 170 and inserted into the drive port 232 of the pump 140. With the guide pins 178 inserted into the front end 129 and the pump 140 having been guided into the proper position within the pump receiver 170, the shaft 204 of the motor system 127 is aligned with and engages the drive port 232 of the pump 140. The user thus slides the basket 120 onto the shelf 122, 124 over the motor cover 128 and the motor system 127 is simultaneously connected to the pump 140 without any further action required by the user. This is advantageous as the installation of the basket 120 may be done quickly and intuitively without the user needing to spend significant amount of time aligning and connecting various components as in prior condiment dispenser designs. Once the baskets 120 has been installed, the front portion 102 of the condiment dispenser 100 may be closed and the condiment dispenser 100 used to dispense the condiment.

[0097] The user may then update the settings or configuration of the condiment dispenser 100 to input the type of condiment and location within the condiment dispenser that the user inserted the basket 120. The user may use the user interface 103 of the condiment dispenser 100 or may user a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, cash register, or other computer) to remotely input such information, for example, via the server computer 152 and network 154. For example, the user may use the touchscreen display 105 of the condiment dispenser 100 and navigate to a configuration screen to update the condiment dispenser 100. The user may input the type of condiment of the basket, the size of the condiment pouch, the location within condiment dispenser 100 the basket was inserted (e.g., middle spot of the upper row), the portion size to be dispensed to the customer, and/ or whether the condiment pouch was full upon insertion.

[0098] With respect to FIGS. 9A-9C, upon receiving an order or selection of condiment from a user (e.g., input received via the touchscreen display, QR code scanned), the condiment dispenser 100 may provide an indication to the user of where to position a cup to receive the selected condiment. For example, the processor 146 of the condiment dispenser 100 may provide an indication to the user via the user interface 103. As shown in FIG. 9A, a graphical user interface 250 on the display screen 105 of the user interface 103 may display all of the condiment options to the user. Upon receiving a user's selection, the graphical user interface of the condiment dispenser 100 is changed to indicate to the user where the condiment dispenser 100 will be dispensing the selected condiment and indicating to the user where to position their cup. As shown in FIGS. 9B-9C, the graphical user interface 250 displays the icon 252 of the condiment on the left side of the upper row slightly larger and brighter than the other icons. For instance, the condiment dispenser 100 may washout or gray out the other icons 254 and only show the icon of the condiment to be dispensed with full brightness or in full color. This indicates to the user that the condiment dispenser 100 will be dispensing the condiment at the dispensing opening on the left side of the upper shelf 104. As shown in FIG. 9C, the graphical user interface 250 further shows a cup 256 below the condiment icon 252 on the left side of the upper row of the condiment options displayed to the user. This indicates to the user to position their cup on the left side of the upper shelf 104. The user may then position their cup on the left side of the upper shelf 104 below the corresponding dispensing opening to receive the selected condiment to be dispensed. For example, the user may position a cup 258 in the recessed region 108 on the left side of the upper shelf 104 as shown. The condiment dispenser 100 may further illuminate the indicator light 107 at the dispensing opening from which the selected condiment is to be dispensed. As shown in FIGS. 9B-9C, the condiment dispenser has illuminated the indicator light 107 for the dispensing opening on the left side of the upper shelf. This provides an indication to the user of where to position their cup to receive the condiment that is to be dispensed from the condiment dispenser 100.

[0099] With respect to FIGS. 10A-10D, examples GUIs presented to the user via the display screen 105 to order or select condiments are provided. With respect to FIG. 10A, the display screen 105 of the condiment dispenser 100 provides the user with a GUI 260 showing all of the types of condiment that a user may select including BBQ sauce, tomato ketchup, frites sauce, garlic sauce, mayonnaise, and a second tomato ketchup. Where a particular type of condiment is popular, two or more baskets 120 having the same type of condiment (e.g., ketchup as in this example) may be loaded into the condiment dispenser 100 to reduce the number of times the condiment needs to be replaced. The GUI 260 provides the user with a plus (+) symbol and minus (-) symbol next to each condiment option that the user may tap to increase or decrease, respectively, the number of doses of each condiment the user would like to order. The GUI 260 displays the total number of doses that that condiment dispenser 100 will be dispensing for each type of condiment based on the user's selections using the plus/ minus symbols. The user may order one or more doses of several types of condiment at the same time, and then receive all of the selected condiments from the condiment dispenser 100. Once the customer has selected the types and number of doses of each condiment, the user may press a button to accept the order such as the "continue" button displayed on the GUI 260 to continue with the order.

[00100] As shown in FIG. 10B, once the user presses the "continue" button, the GUI 262 may display a receipt or summary of the condiment order. In the example shown, the user has ordered two servings of tomato ketchup, one serving of frites sauce, and one serving of

- 17 - mayonnaise. The GUI 262 includes the buttons "Add More" and "Continue." The user may select the "Add More" button to return to the GUI 260 of FIG. 10A to adjust the condiment order. If the user would like to proceed with the displayed condiment order, the user may press the "continue" button. In some forms, the user may be required to provide a payment to purchase the ordered condiment before the condiment dispenser 100 dispenses the ordered condiment to the user. The user may bring a payment card or their smartphone near the NFC terminal 160 of the condiment dispenser 100 to provide payment as described above.

[00101] With respect to FIG. 10C, the condiment dispenser 100 may then present a GUI 264 indicating to the user where the user should position a cup to receive the first does of condiment. In the example shown, the GUI displays all of the dispensing positions of the condiment dispenser and highlights the middle dispensing location on the upper shelf where the user should position their cup. The condiment dispenser 100 also illuminates the indicator light 107 of the middle dispensing location on the upper shelf 104 to further indicate to the user where to position their cup. The condiment dispenser 100 may user the proximity sensors 158 to detect when the user has positioned their cup 266 at the indicated dispensing location. With respect to FIG. 10D, once the condiment dispenser 100 detects the cup 266 is in the correct location, the condiment dispenser 100 then displays a GUI 268 indicating that the condiment dispenser 100 is dispensing the condiment and the type of condiment being dispensed (e.g., tomato ketchup). The condiment dispenser 100 then operates the motor 126 corresponding to the condiment to drive the pump 140 to dispense the condiment from the dispensing opening 230 of the pump 140 and into the cup 166.

[00102] The condiment dispenser 100 may further provide GUIs indicating to the user when the user may remove the cup 266. The condiment dispenser 100 may display additional screens prompting the user to position cups 266 at dispensing locations to receive the remainder of their condiment order. Continuing the example above where the user ordered two servings of tomato ketchup, one serving of frites sauce, and one serving of mayonnaise, the condiment dispenser may further direct the user to place another cup 266 at a dispensing location to receive the second serving of tomato ketchup, another cup 266 at a dispensing location to receive the serving of frites sauce, and another cup 266 at a dispensing location to receive the serving of mayonnaise. [00103] With respect to FIGS. 11A-16, a condiment dispenser 400 is provided according to another embodiment. The condiment dispenser 400 is similar in many respects to the condiment dispenser 100 discussed above such that the differences will be highlighted. With reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, the condiment dispenser 400 may include handles 402A, 402B that may aid in lifting and/ or transporting the condiment dispenser 400. The set of lower handles 402A may be mounted near the base 404 of the condiment dispenser 400 to provide the user with a structure a user is able grasp firmly to lift the condiment dispenser 400. The handles 402A may be removably attachable to the base 404 such that the handles 402A may be attached when the condiment dispenser 400 is to be lifted or moved and detached once the condiment dispenser 400 is positioned and/ or setup for use. The condiment dispenser 400 may include the set of upper handles 402B to provide a structure the user is able to grasp towards the upper end of the condiment dispenser 400. The upper handles 402B may be used to control the orientation of the condiment dispenser 400, for example, to maintain the condiment dispenser 400 in an upright position when transported or to prevent the condiment dispenser 400 from tipping over. The condiment dispenser 400 may be transported by multiple users. A user may, for example, grasp one of the lower handles 402A and/ or one of the upper handles 402B on a side of the condiment dispenser 400 to lift and/ or move the condiment dispenser 400.

[00104] The condiment dispenser 400 may have a plurality of foot members or feet 405 that support the condiment dispenser 400 on a surface, such as a tabletop or countertop. The feet 405 may be adjustable such that the distance the feet extend from the condiment dispenser 400 may be increased or decreased. In some forms, the feet 405 are threaded to the base 404 of the condiment dispenser 400 such that the position of the feet 405 may be adjusted by rotating the feet. The feet 405 may be adjusted until the condiment dispenser 400 is level and/ or all four feet 405 contact the surface on which the condiment dispenser 400 is placed.

[00105] The condiment dispenser 400 may include a bracket 411 that may be used to secure the condiment dispenser 400 to a wall. For example, one or more fasteners may be extended through one or more openings of the bracket 411 and into the wall to secure a rear portion 413 of the condiment dispenser 400 to the wall. Securing the condiment dispenser 400 to the wall may inhibit the condiment dispenser 400 from tipping over. With respect to FIG. 11C, the condiment dispenser 400 may include a door stop 415 that limits how far the door or front portion 417 of the condiment dispenser 400 is able to pivot from the rear portion 413 of the condiment dispenser 400.

[00106] With respect to FIGS. 12-13 B, the condiment dispenser 400 has six docks 406 for receiving the condiment baskets 408. In the form shown, the condiment dispenser 400 has an upper row with three docks 406 and a lower row with three docks 406. In other embodiments, the condiment dispenser 400 may include more or fewer rows and docks or have different arrangement of the docks. For example, the condiment dispenser 400 may include one, two, three or more rows with one, two, or more docks in each row.

[00107] In this embodiment, the docks 406 on each row are separate from one another and are each configured to receive a single condiment basket 408. Each dock 406 includes a basket receiver 410 and a motor interface 412. The basket receivers 410 include a shelf or bottom wall 414, a rear wall 416, and side walls 418, 420 connecting the bottom wall 414 and rear wall 416. The rear wall 416 is attached to a support wall 419 of a rear portion 413 the condiment dispenser 400. Guide pins 425 extend forward from the rear wall 416 to guide the condiment basket 408 into the basket receiver 410. The bottom wall 414 includes a support surface 421 on which the condiment basket 408 may be positioned and supported. The bottom wall 414 may include the motor interface 412 to which the condiment basket 408 may be connected as discussed below. The side walls 418, 420 aid to guide the condiment basket 408 as the condiment basket 408 is positioned on the dock 406 to aid in aligning the condiment basket 408 for connection to the motor interface 412.

[00108] The motor interface 412 includes a motor cover 423 that has a front end 422 through which guide pins 424 and a drive shaft 426 extend. The condiment basket 408 may be positioned on the dock 406 to connect a pump of the condiment basket 408 to the drive shaft 426. The guide pins 424 of the motor interface 412 aid in aligning the condiment basket 408 with the drive shaft 426 as the condiment basket 408 is installed into the dock 406. The drive shaft 426 may be turned by a motor of the condiment dispenser 400 to pump condiment from the condiment basket 408.

[00109] With reference to FIG. 14A-14B, the condiment basket 408 includes a pump holder 428 configured to receive a pump (such as pump 140 discussed above). The pump may be fluidly connected to a condiment pouch positioned in the condiment backet 408. The pump may include a drive sized to receive an end portion of the drive shaft 426 of the motor interface 412 when the condiment basket 408 is installed in the dock 406. The drive shaft 426 may drive the pump of the condiment basket 408 to pump condiment out of the condiment pouch.

[00110] The front wall 430 of the condiment basket 408 may include a slit or opening 432 to permit a user to see how much condiment is left in the condiment pouch within the condiment basket 408. The front wall 430 may also be pivotable relative to the remainder of the condiment basket 408 to aid in loading a condiment pouch into the condiment basket 408. The front wall 430 may include side portions 431 that each include an upper slot 433 and an open-ended lower slot 435. A fastener 437 may extend through the upper slot 433 to secure the front wall 430 to the remainder of the basket 408. A fastener 439 may extend through the lower slot 435 to secure the lower end portion of the front wall 430 to the basket 408. To pivot the front wall 430, the front wall 430 may be slid upward relative to the remainder of the condiment basket 408 to withdraw the fastener 439 from the lower slot 435. The front wall 430 may then be pivoted about the upper fastener 437, for example, to permit the condiment pouch and pump to be loaded into the condiment basket 408. To secure the front wall 430 to the remainder of the basket 408, the front wall 430 may be pivoted about fastener 437 and slid such that the lower slot 435 receives the lower fastener 439.

[00111] The condiment basket 408 may include a clamp 409 at a top end portion of the basket 408. The condiment basket 408 may include a top wall 407 that supports the clamp 409 away from the side walls and at a middle portion of the condiment basket 408. The clamp 409 may be attached to an upper portion of the condiment pouch 403 (see FIG. 15A) that is inserted into the condiment basket 408 to hold the condiment pouch upright and suspend an upper portion of the condiment pouch. Suspending an upper portion of the condiment pouch aids to direct the condiment toward the lower portion of the condiment pouch where condiment is pumped out of the pouch. Thus, use of the clamp 409 may aid in more fully draining the condiment pouch before being replaced.

[00112] The condiment basket 408 includes a recess 434 in a rear portion of the condiment basket 408 sized to receive the motor cover 423 when the condiment basket 408 is installed into the dock 406. The condiment basket 408 includes an interface wall 436 at the front of the recess 434 that is configured to connect to the motor interface 412 of the dock 406. The interface wall 436 includes an opening 438 through which the drive shaft 426 of the dock 406 extends to engage the pump within the pump holder 428 of the condiment basket 408 when the condiment basket 408 is installed in the dock 406. The interface wall 436 of the condiment basket 408 may include guide openings 440 into which the guide pins 424 of the motor interface 412 extend when the condiment basket 408 is installed in the dock 406.

[00113] The condiment basket 408 may also include openings 441 positioned to receive the guide pins 425 of the rear wall 416 of the basket receiver 410 as the condiment basket 408 is inserted into the basket receiver 410. The guide pins 425 may aid to ensure that the condiment basket 408 is being installed properly such that the drive shaft 426 of the motor interface 412 is aligned with and connects to the pump in the pump holder 428 as the condiment basket 408 is installed.

[00114] With respect to FIGS. 15A-15B, the condiment basket 408 is shown installed in the dock 406. The bottom of the condiment basket 408 rests on the bottom wall 414 of the basket receiver 410 and the recess 434 of the condiment basket 408 receives the motor cover 423. The motor cover 423 houses a motor 442 that is operably coupled to the drive shaft 426 that extends through the interface wall 436 of the condiment basket 408 to the pump. The motor 442 may be connected to the drive shaft 426 by a coupling mechanism 444 configured to permit the drive shaft 426 to move axially. The coupling mechanism 444 may bias the drive shaft 426 axially away from the motor 442. With reference also to FIG. 15C, the coupling mechanism 444 includes a coupler 446, a biasing member 448, and a stop 450. The coupler 446 includes a first end portion 446A fixedly attached to a shaft 452 of the motor 442. The coupler 446 includes a second end portion 446B rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 426 such that rotation of the coupler 446 rotates the drive shaft 426. The coupler 446 is attached to the drive shaft 426 such that the drive shaft 426 may move axially relative to the coupler 446. For example, a pin 451 is fixedly attached to the drive shaft 426 and extends within a slot 453 of the coupler 446. Rotation of the coupler 446 rotates the drive shaft 426 via the pin 451. The stop 450 is fixed to the drive shaft 426 and limits how far the drive shaft 426 is able to travel away from the motor 442. The biasing member 448 (e.g., a spring) extends between the coupler 446 and the stop 450 and biases the drive shaft 426 away from the motor 442. Permitting the drive shaft 426 to move axially aids in connecting the drive shaft 426 to the pump when the condiment basket 408 is installed in the dock 406. For example, as the condiment basket 408 is installed onto the dock 406, the condiment basket 408 is slid rearward and toward the drive shaft 426. Sliding the condiment basket 408 rearward may deflect the drive shaft 426 until the end of the drive shaft 426 is aligned with the drive of the pump at which point the drive shaft 426 springs forward and into the drive.

[00115] With respect to FIGS. 14A-14B and 16A-16B, the condiment basket 408 includes a lock mechanism 460 configured to lock the condiment basket 408 to the dock 406 when the condiment basket 408 is installed in the dock 406. The guide pins 424 of the motor interface 412 extend through the guide openings 440 of the interface wall 436 of the condiment basket 408 and into the lock mechanism 460. The guide pins 424 each include a notch 462. The lock mechanism 460 includes actuators 464 (see FIG. 16B) pivotally connected to the pump holder 428. The actuators 464 have an engagement portion or paddle 466 and a hook portion 468. The lock mechanism 460 includes one or more biasing members (e.g., a spring) configured to bias the hook portions 468 of the actuators 464 into the path of the guide pins 424. As the guide pins 424 are advanced into the lock mechanism, the guide pins 424 deflect the hook portions 468 of the actuators 464 outward until the hook portion 468 is aligned with the notch 462 of the guide pin 424 at which point the biasing members force the hook portions 468 of the actuators 464 into the notches 462 (as shown in FIG. 16A). With the hook portions 468 in the notches 462, the condiment basket 408 is not able to be removed from the dock 406. To remove the condiment basket 408 from the dock 406, a user may engage the paddles 466 of the actuator 464 (e.g., pinch or squeeze the paddles 466 of both actuators 464 together) to pivot the actuators 464 causing the hook portions 468 to be withdrawn from the notches 462 of the guide pins 424. Once the paddles 466 have been squeezed together, the condiment basket 408 may then be slid forward to withdraw the guide pins 424 and the drive shaft 426 from the interface wall 436 of the condiment basket 408 to detach the condiment basket 408 from the dock 406.

[00116] With respect to FIG. 17A-17C, a pump adapter 470 is shown. The pump adapter 470 connects a pump, such as pump 140 discussed above, to the condiment pouch. The pump adapter 470 includes a tube 472 defining a passage 473 therethrough. The tube 472 has a piercing portion 474 and a pump receiving portion 476. The piercing portion 474 includes a narrow or sharp tip that may be pressed against the wall of a condiment pouch to pierce a hole in the pouch. Once inserted into the condiment pouch, condiment may flow into the tube 472 of the pump adapter 470 from the condiment pouch. The piercing portion 474 may be inserted into a fitment of the condiment pouch as discussed above. The pump adapter 470 may be formed of a metal material, such as a stainless steel. Use of a metal material may be advantageous to keep the piercing portion 474 sharp and able to pierce the condiment pouch over time.

[00117] The pump receiving portion 476 is sized to receive the pump inlet 224 of the pump 140. A user may force the pump inlet 224 into the pump receiving portion 476 to attach the pump 140 to the pump adapter 470. The pump inlet 224 may be held in the pump receiving portion 476 by a friction fit connection.

[00118] The pump adapter 472 may further include a handle 478 that may aid in forcing the piercing portion 474 into the condiment pouch. For example, the handle 478 may provide a structure that the user is able to firmly grasp as they urge the piercing portion 474 against the condiment pouch to form a hole in the condiment pouch. The handle 478 may be removably attachable to the tube 472. The tube 472 may include one or more holes 480, 482 that may be used to connect the handle 478 to the tube 472. The handle 478 includes a loop portion 484 and an arm portion 486. The loop portion 484 provides a structure that the user is able to apply force to as they force the pump adapter 472 into the condiment pouch. For example, the user may firmly grasp the loop portion 484 and/ or insert a finger through the loop portion 484 so their hand does not slip relative to the pump adapter 472 as force is applied.

[00119] The arm portion 486 is used to removably attach the handle 478 to the tube 472. The handle 478 may include a pin 488 and an opening 490 for attaching the handle to the tube 472. The pin 488 may be inserted into hole 480 as the handle 478 is aligned with the tube 472. The handle 478 may be pivoted about the pin 488 until the opening 490 is aligned with the hole 482 of the tube 472. A fastener 492 may be inserted through the opening 490 and into the hole 482 of the tube 472 to secure the handle 478 to the tube 472. For example, the hole 482 of the tube 472 may be a threaded hole and the fastener 492 may be threaded into the hole 482 to secure the handle 478 to the tube 472.

[00120] The loop portion 484 may extend beyond the end of the pump receiving portion 476 of the tube 472. The loop portion 484 may aid in securing the pump 140 to the pump adapter 470. The loop portion 484 may include a notch or recessed portion 494 that receives a portion of the pump 140 (e.g., the pump chamber 226). The recessed portion 494 inhibits the pump 140 from moving axially relative to the pump adapter 470 when the portion of the pump 140 is within the recessed portion 494. To remove the pump 140, the handle 478 may first be detached from the tube 470 and the pump 140 then withdrawn from the tube 472 of the pump adapter.

[00121] Uses of singular terms such as "a," "an," are intended to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms. It is intended that the phrase "at least one of" as used herein be interpreted in the disjunctive sense. For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to encompass A, B, or both A and B.

[00122] While there have been illustrated and described particular embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.