Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a powder such as powdered infant formula into a container, and pasteurizing and reconstituting the powdered formula while completely mixing the formula in the container. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly for storing powder, a dosing assembly for measuring and dispensing powder from a receptacle into the container, a dilution assembly and a mixing assembly for obtaining accurately and completely mixed formula from the dispensed powder. The hopper is shaped to promote powder bridging, and the resulting powder bridge is used in combination with the dosing assembly to provide a predetermined amount of powder using a single mechanical valve that is isolated from the powder. The mixing assembly mixes the contents of the container while holding the bottle at a fixed angle relative to the vertical. A method of providing pasteurized infant formula from an infant formula powder is also disclosed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim