TIMER CONTROLLER FOR INSTANT POTATO DISPENSING MACHINE REPETITION OF BASIC CYCLES FOR LARGE QUANTITIES TO GIVE EVEN CONSISTENCY

摘要

The timer controls a dispensing machine and in particular controls the dispensing cycle for a product such as instant potatoes by temporally regulating the water portion of the cycle in conjunction with the solid or powder (potato granules or pearls) portion of the cycle. The water flow is usually controlled using a solenoid or the like while the quantity of potato is regulated by an auger and associated drive motor. The dispensing cycle is initiated by a pre-rinse period wherein only water flows. During the main part of the cycle both water and product flow into a mixing area. The cycle ends with a post rinse period that is either positive or negative; positive when the product flow stops first and negative when the water flow stops first. For multiple portions, rather than extending the length of the main part of the cycle, the timer provides for repeating the basic cycle a number of times that relates to the desired portion. All periods comprising the overall basic cycle are preferably adjustable in duration.