Pet food preparation system

Abstract

A container of pet food and an apparatus for preparing the pet food are disclosed. The apparatus includes a scanner for reading a pet food identifier on the container. The scanner is adapted to read the pet food identifier and provide it to a controller. The controller is adapted to obtain food preparation parameters from an external database and to cause the apparatus to then prepare the pet food according thereto. The containers has an identically-shaped periphery and the apparatus is adapted to receive that periphery such that each container is properly positioned regardless of the container's volume.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A container of pet food engageable with an apparatus for preparing the pet food and comprising;
 a container volume;   a code on an outer surface containing container volume identification information.   a specifically-shaped periphery regardless of the container volume; wherein   the specifically-shaped periphery enables the apparatus to receive the container in a properly position relative to the apparatus regardless of its container volume.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the container volume identification information enables the apparatus to control food preparation parameters according thereto. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2  wherein the code is one of a plurality of authorized proprietary codes. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3  wherein the plurality of authorized proprietary codes is a plurality of UPC barcodes. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the outer surface is a bottom surface of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein the container volume identification information enables the apparatus to control food preparation parameters according thereto. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6  wherein the code is one of a plurality of authorized proprietary codes. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7  wherein the plurality of authorized proprietary codes is a plurality of UPC barcodes. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 8  wherein the petfood is freeze dried and the food preparation parameters include a process for reconstitution thereof. 
     
     
         1 . An apparatus engageable with any one of a plurality of variously-volumed containers of pet food for preparing the pet food and comprising;
 a food preparation system,   a scanner configured to read a proprietary code on the engaged container;   a programmed database disposed remotely or within the apparatus and including a list of authorized proprietary codes; and   a controller connected by circuitry to the food preparation system; wherein   the scanner is adapted to communicate the read proprietary code to the controller;   the controller is adapted to obtain or determine from the read proprietary code, and from consultation with the programmed database, food preparation parameters;   the controller is adapted to control the food preparation system; and   the controller is adapted, through information or instructions obtained by the consultation with the programmed database, to disable the food preparation system upon failure of the scanner to read an authorized proprietary code from the database on the container; wherein   all the plurality of variously-volumed containers have an identically-shaped periphery and the apparatus is adapted to receive that periphery such that each container is properly positioned regardless of container volume.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the controller is adapted to obtain the food preparation parameters wirelessly from an external database. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a piercer adapted for piercing the container and a steam generator, wherein steam is delivered to the container through the piercer. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the apparatus comprises a base adapted to support the container and a lid movable relative thereto from a closed state wherein the container may not be removed from the base and an open state wherein the container may be removed from the base. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a latch to selectively lock the lid in the closed state. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the lid comprises the piercer and movement of the lid from the open state to the closed state causes the piercer to pierce the container. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein a conduit comprising the piercer provides steam communication from the steam generator to the piercer. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the base comprises the scanner.