FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an automated apparatus, more preferably, the present invention relates to an automated device used for various applications preferably cooking.
BACKGROUND
[002] With the development of more and more intellectualized technology, there lies a solution for almost all hurdles faced by human beings in complex situations or simple day to day routine. One such solution is offered by the concept of intelligent cooking. Intelligent cooking primarily focuses on automation of almost all steps involved in cooking and hence, reduces human intervention during cooking. Therefore, nowadays, when time has become a luxury for almost everybody around the globe, intelligent cooking offers a promising solution.
[003] In relation to intelligent cooking, numerous devices have been devised which ease the process of cooking by providing automatic functions for performing activities such as stirring, mixing, etc. which were previously performed manually. In addition to the said features, the existing devices are Wi-fi enabled and hence, a user may operate these devices remotely. [004] However, the existing devices are not completely automatic and do require human intervention for feeding raw materials, intermittent mixing, etc. Further, the said existing devices are complex and hence, tend to have high chances of inaccuracy. Also, due to complexity in the existing devices cleaning and maintenance becomes a difficult task. Further, the conventional devices do not have proper provision for housing as well as dispensing raw materials which leads to raw material wastage.
[005] One such conventional device disclosed in US patent, US7485830B2. The cooking device of the US7485830B2 includes a rotating body and a cooking vessel that can regulate and control cooking processes. However, the device of

the said patent does not include any provision for storing ingredients. Further, the dispensation of the ingredients which plays a crucial factor in automated cooking systems is unattended in the said publication.
[006] Therefore, a modified cooking device which eliminates the disadvantages of the conventional devices is required to be devised. SUMMARY
[007] The present invention discloses an automated device for preparation of a product. The said device includes various components as described herein. At least one cartridge is equipped to house ingredients. Each cartridge includes an identifier and is sealed with a fragile material. A feeder assembly includes a tray and a placement device being configured to scan the identifier and place the selected cartridge over the tray in an order in which each of the selected cartridges are to be dispensed. At least one dispensing system includes a blade to cut and pierce the fragile material of the selected cartridge and dispense the ingredients of the selected cartridge into the vessel. A microprocessor provides instructions to the feeder assembly and the dispensing system to operate as per timelines of a predefined recipe selected by a user to prepare a product. [008] The automated device is thus, completely automatic and eliminates human intervention for its operation. In the present invention, the only requirement of a user is to provide one or more inputs as instructions to the automated device before the said device is operated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

[0010] FIG.l illustrates an automated device of the present invention in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. la depicts an alternate automated device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a lid assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIGs. 2a & 2b depict the opening and closing of the lid with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a feeder assembly in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIGs. 3a-3d depict various components of the feeder assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 indicates a flowchart including all steps involved in operating the
automated device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or
phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms
"include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with"
and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include,
be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to
or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave,
juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the
like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this
patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such
definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of
such defined words and phrases.
[0018] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be

understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0019] It should be noted that the word 'recipe' in the following description relates to a set of instructions and timelines for preparing a particular product. [0020] The present invention discloses an automated device utilized for preparing a product. The automated device of the present invention may be utilized for various applications such as, without limitation, cooking, preparing various products which may be used in construction, therapeutics, cosmetics, etc. Though the automated device of the present invention may be employed for all the aforesaid applications, the following description elaborates the automatic device in context of cooking.
[0021] The automated device of the present invention is a simple assembly which involves reduced number of complex mechanical/robotic moving components. As described below, the automated device of the present invention includes components such as a vessel, a platform, a feeder assembly (including a tray, a hopper, a cartridge, etc.), a lid assembly (including a lid, an arm, etc.), a dispensing system, a micro-processor, a database, etc. (elaborated below in detail). Owing to the simplicity of the above stated components, the automated device is robust, easy to operate and cost-effective. Also, the automated device can be easily cleaned and well maintained.
[0022] Further, the components of the automated device are structured and configured in such a way that the automated device is highly accurate in detection of one or more ingredients required for preparation of the product.

Also, the automated device enables minimal wastage of the ingredients by utilizing one or more prefilled cartridges containing one or more ingredients. Each cartridge includes an identifier. Based upon the product to be prepared, the cartridges are detected via the identifiers and automatically dispensed into the vessel using the dispensing system. The preparation of the product then takes place automatically at predetermined parameters and timelines as provided in a pre-defined recipe.
[0023] The automation in the automated device is regulated with the help of the micro-processor. The automated device is thus, completely automatic and eliminates human intervention for its operation. In the present invention, the only requirement of a user is to provide one or more inputs as instructions to the automated device before the said device is operated. The one or more inputs may include, but not limited to, selection of a pre-defined application from a list of pre-defined applications i.e. cooking, construction, therapeutics, etc.; selection of a pre-defined recipe from a pre-defined recipes, etc. In an embodiment, in case the user wishes to customize any of the recipes, the user may alter a pre-defined recipe. In another embodiment, the user may add a new recipe to the list of pre-defined recipes.
[0024] Referring to figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a structural framework of the automated device 100 of the present invention. As stated above, the automated device 100 is employed for preparing a product using one or more ingredients according to a pre-defined recipe and timelines provided therein. The automated device 100 may include one or more of the following structural components: an enclosure 101, a storage container 103, a vessel 105, a platform 107, a lid assembly 109, a feeder assembly 111 and a user interface 113 (Ul 113). Though FIG. 1 of the present invention includes one vessel 105, one platform 107, one lid assembly 109 and one feeder assembly 111, the automated device 100 may include a plurality of such components. For example, FIG. la represents two

vessels 105, two platforms 107, two lid assemblies 109 and two feeder assemblies 111.
[0025] The enclosure 101 of the present invention may be a box type structure. The enclosure 101 may include pre-defined dimensions which may be sufficient to house the other components of the automated device 100 as provided above. The enclosure 101 may be without limitation, a square or a rectangular canister. [0026] The enclosure 101 may be made of any conventional material known in the art. The material may include any durable and insulating material such as, without limitation, food grade plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, glass or combination thereof. Alternatively, the material used for constructing the enclosure 101 is a transparent or a translucent material. Using a transparent/translucent material allows a user to easily monitor the operation of the components disposed within the enclosure 101 wherever and whenever required.
[0027] The enclosure 101 may include six walls i.e. four side walls, one upper wall and one lower wall. The said walls of the enclosure 101 may be easily assembled/dissembled. The lower wall of the enclosure 101 may include one or more movable means which allow the movement of the automated device 100 from one location to another location. In an embodiment, the movable means are a plurality of sliding wheels which allow easy mobility of the automated device 100 with least human effort.
[0028] The side walls of the enclosure 101 may include a plurality of openings. The opening(s) may be provided for accessing the components of the automated device 100 that are placed inside the enclosure 101 whenever required. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of openings is provided for ventilation. In an embodiment, the at least one opening may house an exhaust fan to remove excess moisture produced during cooking.
[0029] In an embodiment, one of the side walls includes a user interface 113 visible on an output device. The output device may be a visual display. Further,

an input device may be provided in the form of, without limitation, a touchpad, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. to enable the user to provide inputs. [0030] Alternately, the automatic device may have a capability to remotely connect with the user via a user interface of the electronic device. For such a possibility, the automatic device may be a Wi-fi enabled device. [0031] The inputs may include, without limitation, selection of an application from a list of pre-defined applications and selection of a pre-defined recipe from a list of pre-defined recipes. In an embodiment, in case the user wishes to customize any of the pre-defined recipes, the user may alter the said recipe. In another embodiment, the user may add a new recipe to the list of pre-defined recipes.
[0032] The aforesaid pre-defined applications, pre-defined recipes, customized recipes, newly added recipes, etc. may be stored in a database. [0033] As an alternate embodiment, the user may provide the above stated inputs remotely using a personal electronic device such as computer, tablet, phone, etc. to the automated device via a network connection. [0034] A storage container 103 may be externally/internally provided with respect to the enclosure 101 of the automated device 100. The storage container 103 may be used to store a pre-defined liquid. In an embodiment, the pre¬defined liquid is any liquid which is required in large volumes as compared to other liquid ingredients for preparation of the product. The pre-defined liquid may vary depending upon the application for which the automated device 100 is to be employed. In an embodiment, the storage container 103 stores filtered water when the automated device 100 is to be utilized for cooking. In case, a plurality of pre-defined liquids are required for cooking, corresponding number of storage containers 103 may be included.
[0035] In an embodiment, the storage container(s) 103 includes a capacity to hold 10 liters of predefined liquid. In case of multiple storage containers 103, the

individual capacity of each storage container 103 may be same or different from other storage containers 103.
[0036] The pre-defined liquid stored in each storage container 103 may be delivered to the vessel 105 via pipes 103a. Each storage container 103 may include a means to drive the flow of the pre-defined liquid via pipes to the vessel 105. In an embodiment, each storage container 103 includes a pump 103b. The pump 103b utilized in the present invention may be any conventional pump known in the art, which mechanically drives the flow of a liquid. [0037] As an alternate embodiment, in case the pre-defined liquid is water, the automated device 100 may receive water supply directly from a water supply line via pipes.
[0038] The vessel 105 of the present invention may be any container utilized for holding/containing the one or more ingredients while the same are processed for preparation of the product. The vessel 105 may include pre-defined dimensions. The pre-defined dimensions may be selected based upon the application for which the automated device 100 is to be employed. In an embodiment, for cooking, the diameter of the vessel 105 ranges between 16cm to 25cm while the depth of the vessel 105 ranges between 10cm to 15cm. [0039] In an embodiment, the vessel 105 is placed over the platform 107. The platform 107 of the present invention may be a uniform surface which regulates the temperature of the vessel 105. The temperature of the platform 107 may be regulated according to the pre-defined recipe using a thermal control circuitry. The platform 107 of the present invention is structured in a manner that the vessel 105 having any shape/dimension may be used in association with the platform 107.
[0040] The lid assembly 109 of the present invention is used in association with the vessel 105. The lid assembly 109 includes various components such as lid, extendable arms, stirrer, etc., as described in detail below (FIG. 2). The components of the lid assembly 109 work in a synchronized manner to

cover/uncover the vessel 105 during the operation of the automated device 100. Further, when the vessel 105 is covered, the lid assembly 109 may also be employed for mixing/stirring the one or more ingredients. [0041] The feeder assembly 111 may be utilized to provide the one or more ingredients to the vessel 105 for preparation of the product. The feeder assembly 111 may include various components as described in FIG. 3 below. The feeder assembly 111 of the present invention is a simplified and compact structure.
[0042] The at least one of the above stated structural components of the automated device 100 may be operated via a micro-processor (not shown). The micro-processor controls the operation of the input/output device, the pump 103b, the platform 107, the lid assembly 109 and the feeder assembly 111. The method of operation is provided in FIG. 4 below.
[0043] FIGs. 2-2b of the present invention indicates the lid assembly 109. As indicated in the said figures, the lid assembly 109 includes one or more of, without limitation, a lid 109a, an arm 109b, a mixing means 109c, a motor 109d, a stand 109e and an actuator 109f.
[0044] The lid 109a of the lid assembly 109 may be a plate type structure. The lid 109a may be utilized for covering the vessel 105. The lid 109b may be of a pre¬defined shape and dimensions. The shape and dimensions of the lid 109b are so selected that the lid 109b completely covers the vessel 105. [0045] The lid 109a may include an upper surface 9a and a lower surface 9b. In an embodiment, the upper surface 9a is in contact with the arm 109b. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 9a and the arm 109b may be connected via a magnetic attachment. The magnetic attachment allows easy attachment/detachment of the lid 109a from the arm 109b especially at the time of its cleaning.
[0046] The lower surface 9b may be in contact with the vessel 105. The lower surface 9b of the lid 109a may be provided with the mixing means 109c (as

shown in FIGs. 2a & 2b). The mixing means 109c may be provided for thoroughly and uniformly mixing the one or more ingredients. The mixing means 109c may include a propeller, a stirrer or any conventional means which converts rotational motion into thrust. In an embodiment, the mixing means 109c mixes the ingredients contained in the vessel 105 only when the lid 109a is closed (i.e. the vessel 105 is covered). Alternately, the mixing means 109c may be extendable and hence, allows mixing of the ingredients even when the lid 109a is opened i.e. vessel 105 is uncovered.
[0047] In an embodiment, the mixing means 109c operates at a pre-defined rpm (rotations per minute). The pre-defined rpm may range from 10 to 50. The rotation of the mixing means 109c may be driven via a motor 109d (or any other equivalent means). The motor 109d may be any conventional motor known in the art which converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. [0048] In an embodiment, the motor 109d may be disposed over the arm 109b of the lid assembly 109.
[0049] The arm 109b of the lid assembly 109 causes the opening (FIG. 2a) and closing (FIG. 2b) of the lid 109a to uncover or cover the vessel 105 respectively. The arm 109b of the present invention may be a single unit or may alternately include a plurality of sub-arms. In an embodiment, the arm 109b includes 3 sub-arms. The arm 109b may be mounted over a stand 109e. [0050] The arm 109b may include a first end 'bl' and a second end 'b2'. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end 'bl' may be attached to the stand 109e. The first end 'bl' of the arm 109b may be permanently/temporarily attached to the stand 109e. The second end 'b2' may be in contact with the upper surface 9a of the lid 109a as shown in FIGs. 2a & 2b. On the contrary, the lid 109a may be attached to the arm 109b between the first end 'bl' and the second end 'b2' with the help of a mount as shown in FIG. 2.
[0051] Being a dynamic member of the lid assembly 109, the movement of the arm 109b is regulated by an actuator 109f along a lead screw 109g. The actuator

109f may be any conventional actuator. The actuator 109f may be disposed on the stand 109e of the lid assembly 109.
[0052] FIG. 3 depicts the feeder assembly 111 of the present invention. As depicted in FIGs. 3-3d, the feeder assembly 111 includes, without limitation, a tray Ilia, a dispensing system 111b, a hopper 111c and a cartridge llld. [0053] The tray Ilia is utilized to hold the one or more cartridges llld. In an embodiment, the tray Ilia is equipped to hold six cartridges at a given time. Hence, the shape and dimensions of the tray Ilia are selected based upon the shape and dimensions of the one or more cartridges llld. In an embodiment, the tray Ilia of the feeder assembly 111 is rectangular in shape. The tray Ilia includes four sides i.e. two long sides '11a' and two short sides (a first short side 'llbl', a second short side 'llb2') as well as a bottom surface 'lie'. [0054] As shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the tray Ilia may be equipped with a slider system 'lid'. In an embodiment, the slider system 'lid' includes two conveyor belts being disposed along two long sides '11a' of the tray Ilia at its bottom surface 'lie'. The conveyor belts may be provided to carry the one or more cartridges llld from the first short side 'llbl' to the second short side 'llb2'. It should be noted that though the figures of the present invention depict a belt conveyor system, the utilization of other conventionally known conveyor systems are also within the scope of the present invention. [0055] As seen in FIGs. 3a and 3b, a dispensing system 111b may be provided at the second short side 'llb2' of the tray Ilia below its bottom surface 'lie'. The dispensing system 111b of the present invention is employed for dispensing the ingredients contained in the cartridge llld into the vessel 105. [0056] In an embodiment, the dispensing system 111b is in the form of at least one blade lie as shown in FIG. 3c. The said blade lie may rotate around a blade shaft (not shown) with the help of a motor(s). The blade shaft may be disposed between the long sides '11a' of the tray Ilia below its bottom surface 'lie'.

[0057] The blade lie may be semi-circular in shape. The blades lie may include a sharp edge to easily pierce through the cartridge llld placed above it. Further, the blade lie may be wider at its center to tear maximum portion of the cartridge llld. The blade lie is disposed in such a manner that while rotating, at least half of the blade lie lies above the bottom surface 'lie' of the tray Ilia. Such disposition of the blade lie helps to pierce the cartridge llld in a way that the ingredient(s) contained therein are completely dispensed from the cartridge llld without any wastage (described in detail below).
[0058] The ingredients dispensed from the cartridge llld are discharged to the vessel 105 via the hopper 111c. As shown in FIG. 3, the hopper 111c may be a funnel shaped structure having a cone shaped portion lllcl and a cylindrical portion lllc2. The cylindrical portion lllc2 is connected with the cone shaped portion lllcl.
[0059] The cone shaped portion lllcl may be placed below the blade lie. The cone shaped portion lllcl may be utilized to receive the ingredients dispensed from the cartridge llld. The cylindrical portion lllc2 is disposed below the cone-shaped portion lllcl. The cylindrical portion lllc2 helps to channelize the ingredients which are subsequently discharged to the vessel 105. [0060] FIG. 3d of the present invention discloses the cartridge llld. The cartridges llld have a sealed box type structure and are used for housing the ingredients. In an embodiment, each cartridge llld houses a single type of ingredient. In an alternate embodiment, each cartridge llld houses a mixture of ingredients which are to be dispensed together.
[0061] In an embodiment, the cartridges llld are stored in a shelf and only those cartridges llld which are required for preparation of the product are placed over the tray Ilia. In an embodiment, a placement device may be provided which selects one or more pre-defined cartridges llld from the shelf and places the same over the tray Ilia. The placement device may be in the form of a robotic arm which operates with the help of the micro-processor. The

placement device may be a part of the feeder assembly 111 or alternately may
exist as a stand-alone unit.
[0062] The user may place the cartridges llld over the tray Ilia manually.
[0063] Each cartridge llld may include a pre-defined shape, such as, without
limitation, circular, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, etc. and corresponding
dimensions.
[0064] In an embodiment, each cartridge llld is a rectangular box having six
surfaces. However, the number of surfaces may vary depending upon the shape
of the cartridge llld.
[0065] The surfaces of the cartridge llld may be made of a similar material such
as, without limitation, food grade plastic, polyvinyl chloride, etc.
[0066] In an embodiment, the cartridge llld may be sealed with a fragile
material having a low thickness. Due to utilization of a material having low
thickness, the surface made of a fragile material may be completely torn when in
contact with the blade lie.
[0067] The fragile material may be made of a non-reactive material, say, food
grade plastic sheet.
[0068] The material used for construction of the different surfaces of the
cartridge llld are so selected that the cartridge llld is rendered capable of
holding any nature/form of ingredient, for example, liquid ingredient, solid
ingredient in granular form or powdered form. Further, as a crucial factor, the
material is so selected that the inherent properties of the ingredients are not
altered and the ingredients stay fresh for a longer storage duration.
[0069] At least one of the surfaces of the cartridge llld may include an
identifier llf which indicates the type of ingredient contained in the cartridge
llld. The identifier llf may include, one of, without limitation, a bar code, a QR
code, a radio-frequency identifier (RFID), etc. In an embodiment, the cartridge
llld includes a QR code. The presence of the identifier llf helps the placement
device to easily identify the cartridge(s) llld (and corresponding ingredients)

required for preparation of the product based upon a pre-defined recipe and to subsequently position the cartridge(s) llld over the tray Ilia. Hence, only the correct type of ingredient is dispensed in the vessel 105. Such an arrangement eliminates the risk of erroneous processing of the wrong ingredients i.e. ingredients other than those mentioned in the pre-defined recipe. [0070] Further, due to the presence of such identifiers, the automated device 100 is able to maintain sufficient number/quantity of cartridges llld required for a particular application. For example, for cooking, in case a dish has to be prepared for four people, then the placement device identifies and places four cartridges llld containing pulses over the tray Ilia. Whereas, for cooking the same dish for two people, the placement device identifies and places two cartridges llld over the tray Ilia.
[0071] In an embodiment, the placement device may be equipped with a QR code scanner for detecting the QR code. Alternately, a QR code scanner may be provided with the feeder assembly 111 which detects and/or scans the cartridge llld via the QR code when the user inserts the cartridge llld directly onto the tray Ilia.
[0072] FIG. 4 of the present invention showcases the different steps involved in the operation of the automated device 100. As a pre-requisite, in order to operate the present invention, the automated device 100 should be switched on Further, it should be assured by the user that the cartridges llld required for a particular recipe is present. Though the following process specifically mentions the steps involved for cooking application, it should be noted that same steps would be followed for other applications too.
[0073] At step 401, the user provides the one or more inputs. The user may provide the inputs using the Ul 113 of the automated device 100 or alternately, may remotely input data using user's electronic device. In an embodiment, the automated device 100 includes a timer which allows the user to input details at one time and automatically start the cooking process later at a second time.

[0074] As an embodiment, the user selects cooking application and a pre¬defined recipe for preparing an edible dish. The pre-defined recipe includes the ingredients required, parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time, required for preparation of a dish.
[0075] At step 403, based upon the ingredients involved in the selected recipe, the placement device identifies the one or more cartridges Hid on instructions of the micro-processor and places the selected cartridges Hid over the tray Ilia. In an embodiment, the selected cartridges Hid are placed over the tray Ilia as per the order in which the corresponding ingredients are to be dispensed according to the pre-defined recipe.
[0076] In case, the placement device does not find a particular cartridge Hid or sufficient no. of cartridges Hid required in the recipe, the process does not proceed further and a corresponding notification is sent on the user's device at step 405. In an alternate embodiment, the Ul of the automated device 100 displays the said message with a beep.
[0077] At step 407, once the tray Ilia holds all the selected cartridges Hid, the microprocessor activates the actuator 109f of the lid assembly 109 and the vessel 105 is opened.
[0078] At step 409, post opening of the lid 109a, the micro-processor activates the motor corresponding to the dispensing system 111b and the ingredients are dispensed from the cartridges Hid placed over the tray Ilia in a sequential manner. Further, the ingredients are dispensed at a predefined time as specified in the predefined recipe. As the blade 'He' is adjacently placed with respect to the selected cartridge Hid positioned at the second short side Hb2 of the tray Ilia at a given time, the fragile sealing of the said cartridge Hid is torn i.e. cut and pierced by the rotation of the blade 'He'. Hence, due to such a dispensing mechanism, the ingredients contained therein are dispensed into the vessel 105 at one go through the hopper 111c. Further due to this action, minimal wastage of ingredients takes place.

[0079] At this step, the micro-processor also activates the motor(s) driving the conveyor belts so that each cartridge llld is emptied one after the other. As shown in FIG. 3b, one or more detectors llle may communicate with the micro¬processor to provide the position of each of the cartridges llld. [0080] At step 411, the micro-processor may activate the pump 103b for driving the flow of liquid say, water, from the storage container 103 to the vessel 105. [0081] At step 413, the micro-processor activates the thermal control circuitry of the platform 107 for maintenance of a temperature required for cooking based upon the pre-defined circuitry.
[0082] At step 415, the micro-processor activates the motor 109d of the mixing means 109c so that the ingredients within the vessel 105 may be processed properly.
[0083] It should be noted that though the above description mentions that the steps 409, 411, 413 and 415 are performed sequentially, the occurrence, order, as well as the frequency of said steps may change depending upon the pre¬defined recipe.
[0084] At step 417, once all the instructions of the pre-defined recipe are completed, the micro-processor deactivates all the above activated components and instructs the actuator 109f to open the lid. At such stage, the user may be notified that the cooking is complete and the dish is prepared. [0085] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

WE CLAIM:
1. An automated device (100) for preparation of a product, the automated
device (100) comprising:
at least one vessel (105),
at least one cartridge (llld) equipped to house one or more ingredients, each cartridge (llld) including an identifier (llf) and being sealed with a fragile material on one of its surface;
a feeder assembly (111) disposed above the at least one vessel (105), the feeder assembly (111) including a tray (Ilia) and a placement device, the placement device is configured to scan the identifier (llf) of each cartridge (llld) and place the selected cartridge (llld) over the tray (Ilia) in an order in which each of the selected cartridges (llld) are to be dispensed;
at least one dispensing system (111b) disposed below the tray (Ilia), each dispensing system including a blade (lie), the blade (lie) being configured to cut and pierce the fragile material of the selected cartridge (llld) to dispense the ingredients of the selected cartridge (llld) into the vessel (105); and
a microprocessor configured to provide instructions to the feeder assembly (111) and the at least one dispensing system (111b) to operate as per timelines of a predefined recipe selected by a user to prepare a product.
2. The automated device (100) as claimed in clam 1 wherein the vessel (105) is operatively coupled to a thermal control circuitry.
3. The automated device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tray (Ilia) is equipped with a slider system (lid).
4. The automated device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ingredients housed in each cartridge (llld) are dispensed into the vessel (105) at one go.
5. The automated device (llld) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blade (lie) is a rotatable blade.

6. The automated device (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vessel (105) may be covered by a lid assembly (109).
7. A method of preparing a product, the method comprising:
receiving a plurality of inputs from a user, the plurality of inputs including selection of an application and selection of a predefined recipe;
selecting one or more cartridges (llld) as per the predefine recipe using an identifier (llf) provided on each cartridge (llld);
placing the one or more selected cartridges (llld) in an order in which ingredients of the one or more cartridges (llld) are to be dispensed;
tearing a cartridge (llld) from the one or more selected cartridges (llld) to dispense its ingredients in a vessel (105) at a predefine time; and
processing the dispensed ingredients to obtain a product.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the placing includes positioning the selected cartridges (llld) over a tray (Ilia).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tearing includes cutting and piercing a fragile material of each of the selected cartridges (llld) using a blade (He).
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processing includes
stirring and mixing all the ingredients dispensed within the vessel (105) using a
mixing means (109c).