Embodiments described herein can include one or more modular storage units for use with a refrigerator system. The modular storage units can include a door that is movable from a closed position to an open position; a back wall; side walls; and a base. The modular storage unit can have an air inlet disposed in the back wall for receiving chilled air from the refrigeration system. The modular storage unit can include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature within the interior volume and an insulating wall comprising a phase change material disposed within the insulating wall. The modular storage unit can include a locking system configured to lock the door. Multiple modular storage units can be used in one refrigerator system, and each can be removably coupled to an interior storage compartment of the refrigerator system. Embodiments described herein can be integrated into existing refrigeration systems.
F25D 11/02 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
F25D 13/04 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems the compartments being at different temperatures
A47F 3/04 - Showcases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
A flavor dispensing system includes a dispensing system configured to dispense flavor concentrates with minimal installation support. In aspects, the flavoring dispensing system includes one or more concentrate cartridges with a pump cap that are fluidly connected to a nozzle. A pump actuator in the flavor dispensing system moves the concentrate cartridges and thereby actuates the pump cap to dispense concentrate.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 1/02 - Beer engines or like manually-operable pumping apparatus
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
Embodiments relate to systems for dispensing a flowable solid. The system can include a body, a dosing device, and a handle. The body can include a storage volume, an inlet, an outlet, and a dosing chamber disposed between the storage volume and the outlet. The dosing device can be disposed at least partially within the dosing chamber. The dosing device can be rotatable about a horizontal axis and include a central shaft extending along the horizontal axis, a walls extending radially outward from the central shaft, dosing volumes defined in part by the walls. Each dosing volume can hold one dose of the flowable solid. The dosing device can restrict flow of the flowable solid from the storage volume to the outlet. The dosing device can rotate incrementally about the horizontal axis such that one dose of the flowable solid is dispensed through the outlet with each incremental rotation.
A47G 19/32 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers
A47G 19/34 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
B65D 83/06 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material
G01F 11/20 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/28 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
A47G 19/30 - Other containers or devices used as table equipment
B65D 83/00 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
G01F 11/00 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
G01F 11/10 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
G01F 11/12 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements
4.
UNATTENDED VENDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
Embodiments described herein relate to mobile vending systems for vending products (e.g., beverages and snacks). The system can be easily repositioned from one position to another and can be operated unattended. The system can include a storage compartment for storing products and a cooling system for maintaining the temperature of the storage compartment. The system can have an integrated system for payment processing, inventory management, and powering the system. The system can detect an authorized user or a payment source to authorize vending of the products. The system can have active cooling systems, passive cooling systems, or both. The active cooling systems can include refrigeration systems for cooling products stored within the system. The passive cooling systems can use temperature control packs for maintaining temperatures within the system.
Some embodiments are directed to systems and methods for treating a viscous fluid. The viscous liquid may be a liquid sugar. The viscous fluid may have a viscosity of at least 50 cP. The system may include one or more mixers configured to receive the viscous fluid and to generate turbulent flow of the viscous fluid; and one or more UV chambers configured to receive the viscous fluid from the mixer and to expose the viscous fluid to a dose of UV light, the dose being at least 250 mJ/cm2. The system may deliver a total dose of UV light of about 500 mJ/cm2 such that bacteria and other contaminants are reduced or eliminated.
A23L 3/28 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating with ultraviolet light
A23L 5/30 - Physical treatment, e.g. electrical or magnetic means, wave energy or irradiation
Aspects of the present disclosure include a connector that interfaces a beverage dispenser with an external water supply. The connector includes a backflow preventer that only allows water to flow from the external water supply to the beverage dispenser. Some aspects of the connector also include a pressure regulator configured to reduce incoming water pressure to a desired pressure. The connector is configured to be mounted to a suitable surface, such as the rear of the beverage dispenser.
Aspects of the present disclosure include a water filter mount for a beverage dispenser. The water filter mount releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a gas cylinder mount for a beverage dispenser. The gas cylinder mount releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a concentrate vial mount for a beverage dispenser. The concentrate vial releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools.
B01D 29/96 - Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups ; Filtering elements therefor in which the filtering elements are moved between filtering operations; Particular measures for removing or replacing the filtering elements; Transport systems for filters
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for multi-sensor perception for resource tracking and quantification. An embodiment operates by receiving resource information indicating a resource identifier, a resource location, and a resource amount. Based on sensor data received from a first sensing device and the resource identifier, a resource removed from the resource location and placed at a predefined location may be tracked. An amount of the resource placed at the predefined location may be determined based on depth information from sensor data received from a second sensing device. A notification that indicates that additional resources that match the resource should stop being removed from the resource location and placed at the predefined location may be generated based on a match between the resource amount and the amount of the resource placed at the predefined location.
A beverage can with an ingredient chamber for storing functional ingredients separately from a base beverage until the beverage can is opened by a consumer. The ingredient chamber may be disposed on a can end of the beverage can. The ingredient chamber may be broken open to release functional ingredients automatically when the beverage can is opened by the consumer. In some embodiments, the ingredient chamber includes a membrane that forms a sealed cavity. In some embodiments, the ingredient chamber includes a deformed cavity of the can end.
B65D 17/40 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness extending circumferentially of the container mouth
B65D 51/28 - Closures not otherwise provided for combined with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for carbonating a liquid at ambient temperature. The system may include a liquid source; a carbon dioxide source; and a contactor for carbonating the liquid. The contactor may include channels and a sparge for carbonating liquid flowing through the channels. The system may produce a liquid having high levels of carbonation at ambient temperature. The sparge may generate microbubbles or nanobubbles to allow for cost-effective carbonation at ambient temperatures. The bubbles may have an average diameter of 100 μm or less. The system may carbonate liquid at a rate of 1 gram to 10 grams carbon dioxide per liter.
B01F 23/236 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A system for automated vending and delivery of products to consumers is provided. The system may include a mobile delivery unit, a product dispenser, and a web server. The system may also include a pickup area. The web server may instruct the product dispenser to dispense a product to the mobile delivery unity. The web server may also provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit, which may then navigate to the consumer for delivery.
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
G07F 9/00 - COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS - Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
12.
BEVERAGE DISPENSER AND METHOD OF DISPENSING A BEVERAGE
A beverage dispenser includes a housing and a base liquid nozzle arranged on the housing and configured to dispense a base liquid. The beverage dispenser further includes an additive nozzle arranged on the housing and configured to dispense an additive. The beverage dispenser includes a user interface arranged on the housing, and the user interface is configured to receive a first selection of a base liquid and at least one of a temperature of the base liquid and a carbonation level of the base liquid, and a second selection of an additive. The beverage dispenser is configured to dispense the base liquid from the base liquid nozzle based on the first selection, and wherein the additive nozzle is configured to dispense the additive based on the second selection.
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B67D 1/04 - Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for using imaging data to manage the dispensement of fluid to a receptacle. Imaging data captured by a camera configured with a fluid dispenser may be used to control receptacle autofill operations for the fluid dispenser. An embodiment operates by receiving first imaging data that indicates a receptacle. Classification information that indicates empty and full states for the receptacle may be determined, for example, by a predictive model. The embodiment may cause fluid to start pouring into the receptacle based on an image of the first imaging data and the classification information indicating that the receptacle is in the empty state. The embodiment may receive second imaging data and cause the fluid to stop pouring into the receptacle based on an image of the second imaging data and the classification information indicating that the receptacle is in the full state.
A beverage dispense system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input. The beverage dispense system including a liquid container, a gas container, a regulator, a flavoring container, and a beverage container selectively in fluid communication with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container that is configured to mix liquid, gas, and flavoring respectively from the liquid container, gas container, and flavoring container into the beverage. The beverage dispense system further including a controller that is configured to automatically control flow of the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring to the beverage container in response to the user input and an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage. The regulator is configured to regulate the gas from the gas container to each of the liquid container, the flavoring container, and the beverage container at the pressure.
B67D 1/04 - Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
B67D 1/12 - Flow- or pressure-control devices or systems
B01F 23/236 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
An aseptic-fill beverage container can include a body and a base having a standing ring, a central portion, and an isolation ring that surrounds the central portion. One or more ribs can extend from the isolation ring to the standing ring such that the ribs do not extend outward the standing ring or inward to the central portion. The ribs can be s-shaped to provide rigidity and limit or prevent deformation to the base.
Embodiments are directed to a container for dispensing equal doses of a flowable solid. The container may include a body defining an interior volume including a storage volume, an outlet passage, and a dosing chamber in communication with the storage volume and the outlet passage. The container may include a closure that has a lid and a plunger. The lid may be rotatably coupled to the body such that it rotates about a first axis from a closed position to an open position. The plunger may be rotatably coupled to the lid and configured to seal the dosing chamber. The container may be configured to dispense a dose of the flowable solid when the plunger is in the unsealed position and the container is at least partially inverted, and each dose may have an equal volume.
Aspects of the present disclosure include a self-serve kiosk with a door that allows access to products inside the kiosk. A bar is disposed on the door and contains a user interface that allows the user to purchase products. The bar also includes a handle that the user can grasp to open and close the door. The bar can rotate with respect to the door into an access position that improves maintenance access to the user interface and related components. In aspects, the bar and related components improve integration of self-serve functionality into existing product storage devices.
Methods for producing blow molding instructions for a bottle preform, including creating a first set of first blow molding experiments for blow molding a selected preform design into a target bottle design, each experiment having a different set of blow molding parameters, simulating each experiment of the first set of blow molding experiments using a simulation software program, selecting a group of experiments from the first blow molding experiments based on downselection criteria including wall thickness, section weight, and elastic modulus wall thickness, creating a second set of blow molding experiments based on characteristics of the downselected group of first experiments, simulating each experiment of the second set of blow molding experiments using the simulation software program, selecting an experiment from the second blow molding experiments based on characteristics of the selected experiment's simulated preform and simulated blown bottle, and producing blow molding instructions based on the selected experiment.
A multi-layer beverage container includes a multi-layer wall having an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. At least the inner layer is configured to flex inwards to accommodate a change in the sealed internal volume of the beverage container after a hot-filled beverage is filled inside the container and allowed to cool. The outer layer and inner layer delaminate from each other to accommodate this volume change, which allows the outer layer to retain its original shape. The middle layer functions to encourage delamination of the layers with respect to each other. A space corresponding to the volume change of the interior volume of the container is formed between the wall layers.
A beverage container includes a base, a sidewall extending from and integrally formed with the base, and an upper region extending from the sidewall and defining an upper opening. The beverage container includes a longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the base to the upper opening. The beverage container further includes a continuous channel formed in and extending continuously around a circumference of the sidewall, wherein the continuous channel includes peaks and troughs connected by diagonal regions. The continuous channel is configured to resist paneling and elongation of the beverage container. The beverage container further includes a central channel formed in and extending continuously around a circumference of the sidewall at a central portion of the sidewall, wherein the central channel is configured to resist paneling of the beverage container.
A vending machine includes a product storage cabinet having a housing defining a storage compartment for storing a product and a door movably connected to the housing. A product sensor is configured to detect removal of the product from the storage compartment. The vending machine further includes a control assembly configured to control operation of the vending machine. The control assembly includes a support structure, a control unit mounted on the support structure, a transceiver mounted on the support structure, and a power supply mounted on the support structure. The control assembly is configured to receive information from collected by the product sensor to determine an identity of the product removed from the storage compartment.
A filter medium for removing contaminants from water includes a matrix including a plurality of fibers having an electrostatic charge such that the matrix is configured to remove contaminants from water by electrostatic attraction. The filter medium further includes a filler material including a ceramic substrate containing a mineral. The filler material is embedded in the matrix. When water flows through the filter medium, the mineral at least partially dissolves in the water such that a cavity is formed in the matrix in a location of the at least partially dissolved mineral.
Disclosed herein are embodiments for anomaly detection using machine learning models (MLMs) and similarity regularization. An embodiment operates by obtaining data for a first product, a second product, and a target product. The data include a set of sparse data points for the target product. Next, similarity scores between the target product and the first product and the second product may be calculated. The embodiment further operates by generating a target MLM associated with the target product using a regularization penalty. The regularization penalty is based on the similarity scores and distances between a target set of coefficients for the target MLM and coefficients for a first MLM and a second MLM associated with the first product and the second product, respectively. The embodiment may then detect an anomaly associated with the target product by feeding the target MLM with a feature vector associated with the target product.
The present disclosure relates to colloids comprising caffeine-tannic acid complexes which slow the release of the caffeine. Also described are methods of preparing the colloids and beverages comprising caffeine-tannic acid complexes.
The present disclosure relates to complexes comprising caffeine and tannic acid as well as emulsions and beverages comprising these complexes which slow the release of the caffeine. Also described are methods of preparing the complexes and emulsions and beverages comprising caffeine-tannic acid complexes.
A61K 31/522 - Purines, e.g. adenine having oxo groups directly attached to the heterocyclic ring, e.g. hypoxanthine, guanine, acyclovir
A61K 47/54 - Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being an organic compound
Some embodiments are directed to a container for dispensing a flowable solid (e.g., powder) that comprises an interior volume and a partition separating the interior volume into a storage volume and a passage. The passage may include a dosing chamber and a passage. The storage volume may be in direct communication with the dosing chamber. The storage volume may include a floor positioned above the dosing chamber. The outlet passage may extend from the dosing chamber to an outlet. The partition may extend below the floor of the storage volume such that the partition restricts the flow of the flowable solid from the storage volume when the container is at least partially inverted to dispense a dose of flowable solid each time the container is at least partially inverted. The container may consistently dispense equal doses of flowable solid regardless the amount of flowable solid remaining in the storage volume.
G01F 11/10 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
G01F 11/26 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus
B67B 1/00 - Closing bottles, jars, or similar containers by applying stoppers
B67D 7/78 - Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
G01F 11/06 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement of the free-piston type with provision for varying the stroke of the piston
A61J 3/06 - Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of pills, lozenges or dragees
27.
PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS AND VENDING MACHINES HAVING PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS
A vending machine includes a housing defining a product compartment and a front wall having a transparent portion. A platform is arranged within the product compartment of the vending machine for storing a product thereon, and the platform includes a first end opposite a second end. The vending machine further includes a product release mechanism that includes a gate arranged on the platform and movable from a closed position to an open position to release the product from the platform. A delivery bin having an open front end is arranged below the platform such that when the first gate is moved to the open position, the product falls under a force of gravity from the platform into the delivery bin for access by a consumer.
Devices, systems, and methods for contactless user interfacing can include applying a user interface display configured for presenting at least visual information to the user, a sensor system for capturing contactless user inputs, the sensor system being configured to detect penetration of an activation zone by the user's hands as an indication that the user intends to provide contactless user input to the user interface display, the sensor system being configured for direct tracking of a user's hand to directly sense the position of the user's hands in at least a portion of an area outside from the activation zone, and a control system arranged in communication with the sensor system to receive the user input signal and configured to determine a target interface element engaged by the user for contactless activation of the visual information, based on indication of direct tracking of the user's hands and indication of penetration of the activation zone of the user input signal.
A dispenser having a pedal actuator. The dispenser includes a valve operatively connected to a nozzle and which moves from a closed position to an open position to dispense an item, a first actuator operatively connected to the nozzle, and a second actuator located below the first actuator and operatively connected to the nozzle. The dispenser can be electro-mechanical and can include components capable of retrofitting onto existing dispensers.
B67D 1/06 - Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
A47G 19/18 - Containers for delivering jam, mustard, or the like
B67D 7/00 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
30.
CONTACTLESS PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage compartment for storing products. The housing of the vending machine includes a delivery portal and a front portion having a transparent panel configured to allow a consumer to view the products within the product storage compartment. A row of products is arranged within the product storage compartment. A proximity sensor is arranged within the product storage compartment and corresponds to the row of products. The proximity sensor is configured to detect a hand of a consumer within a predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor, and a product in the row of products is selected when the hand of the consumer is detected within the predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor. The vending machine includes a dispensing mechanism configured to convey the selected product to the delivery portal.
G07F 11/04 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
Resealable bottles for beverages. A bottle may include a main body with an opening for receiving contents and a reservoir for storing contents, a lid, and a bottom, which is interchangeable with an accessory for changing a characteristic of the contents. The lid may close the bottle and/or facilitate consumption of its contents. The bottle may support one or more indicators, such as LEDs, including a safety indicator that is configured to activate when the safety system is active and the resealable bottle enters an unsafe state. The accessory may provide, for example, heating and/or cooling.
F25D 5/02 - Devices using endothermic chemical reactions, e.g. using frigorific mixtures portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
A47J 41/00 - Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
F25D 7/00 - Devices using evaporation effects without recovery of the vapour
G01K 11/12 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
A container assembly includes a vessel and a lid removably coupled to the vessel. The lid includes a circumferential rim at an interface with the vessel, wherein the rim is separated from the vessel by a gap, wherein the gap is open to the atmosphere outside the container. The container includes a gasket disposed at a sealing position between the lid and the vessel to seal a reservoir of the vessel from the gap. The rim includes a recess extending circumferentially along a first portion of the rim. The recess forms a portion of the gap and defines a venting zone extending circumferentially along the first portion of the rim. In response to the internal reservoir of the vessel reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap such that fluid held in the reservoir is vented past the gasket through the venting zone to reduce the pressure of the reservoir.
Machines for cutting products and impellers suitable for use therein. Such an impeller includes a lower plate and paddles configured with the lower plate to direct material placed on the lower plate in a radially outward direction of the impeller under the influence of centrifugal forces when the impeller is rotated. At least one of the paddles has an outer radial extent that is adjacent a perimeter of the lower plate. At least a first exit hole is located in the lower plate and has a wall section that completely closes the first exit hole along the perimeter at an upper surface of the lower plate. The first exit hole extends through the lower plate to define a passageway connected to the upper surface to enable foreign debris at the upper surface to exit the impeller through the passageway.
A method of selecting and dispensing a custom beverage in a contactless manner using a mobile electronic device. The method includes launching a microsite on the mobile electronic device. The method further includes receiving a beverage selection via the microsite on the mobile electronic device, and receiving a selection of a volume of the custom beverage to be dispensed via the microsite. The method further includes generating a QR code via the microsite, wherein the QR code corresponds to the beverage selection and the volume selection and displaying the QR code on a display of the mobile electronic device such that when the QR code is read by a reader of a beverage dispenser, the selected beverage is dispensed in the selected volume based on the QR code.
A pedal-operated vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage area and a delivery portal. The vending machine further includes a dispensing mechanism configured to convey a product in the product storage area to the delivery portal. Vending machine may further include a pedal arranged on a lower end of the housing and configured to be operated by a foot of a consumer to actuate the dispensing mechanism to move the product from the product storage area to the delivery portal.
A label processing engine (302) receives, as inputs, raw data (100, 900) representative of a label and baseline data (800, 1500), detects (406, 420) a raw data object (108, 112, 114) within the raw data, classifies the raw data object, and localizes the raw data object within the raw data, detects (430) a baseline data object (804, 806, 808, 810) within the baseline data, classifies the baseline data object, and localizes the baseline data object within the baseline data. The engine recognizes (410, 422) corresponding text within the raw data object and the baseline data object and extracts the corresponding text within the raw data object and the baseline data object, reassembles (414, 424) the corresponding text of the raw data object and the baseline data object into respective lines of text, compares (434) the respective lines of text with one another, and issues (436) a notification (700, 1600) based on the comparison.
A vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage area and a delivery portal. The vending machine may further include an advancing assembly within the product storage area configured to advance a product. The advancing assembly includes an axle having a coupling, a conveyor belt rotatable about the axle, and a pusher secured to the conveyor belt and configured to push the product as the conveyor belt rotates. The vending machine may include a delivery mechanism configured to convey the product from the product storage area to the delivery portal. The delivery mechanism includes an x-y mechanism and a product retrieval assembly movable by the x-y mechanism. The product retrieval assembly includes a cup configured to receive the product from the advancing assembly, and a drive mechanism configured to engage the coupling of the advancing assembly to drive the conveyor belt to advance the product into the cup.
G07F 11/58 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the articles being supported on or by endless belts or like conveyors
A beverage dispenser includes a nozzle to dispense a beverage. The beverage dispenser further includes a camera to capture an image of the beverage as the beverage is dispensed from the nozzle. The camera has a field of view that includes the beverage. The beverage dispenser further includes a light source that illuminates the field of view of the camera. The beverage dispenser further includes a computer. The computer analyzes the image of the beverage and determines a characteristic of the beverage.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
A beverage dispenser uses-high ratio concentrates to mix on-demand beverages. The high-ratio concentrate is pre-mixed with an alkaline water to allow for improved blending performance in the final beverage. The beverage recipe may be customized by the user to suit personal tastes. Aspects of the beverage dispenser also may include the ability to dispense room temperature, chilled, heated, sparkling, or highly alkaline beverages. Operation of a user interface to receive a beverage order includes the ability to display and employ user interfaces present on both a display on the beverage dispenser and an application on a mobile device. In some aspects, both user interfaces may be used simultaneously to receive user input. Methods of dispensing a beverage using the beverage dispensing systems are also discussed.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A contactless autofill dispenser includes a housing and a dispense area for receiving a cup. The dispenser includes a supply of consumable product disposed within the housing. The dispenser includes an outlet connected to the supply and extending from the housing into the dispense area for dispensing the consumable product into the cup. The dispenser includes a controller disposed within the housing and connected to the supply, wherein the controller is configured to control dispensing of the consumable product from the outlet. The dispenser includes a time of flight sensor attached to or with a direct line of sight into the dispense area and connected to the controller.
A modular system for blow molding a container. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion and second portion may each include a shell, a mold removably coupled to the shell, and a top plate. The third portion may include a base and a base mold. The molds may be 3D printed. The molds together may define a blow mold cavity. The modular system may be used at lab scale, pilot scale, or full production scale. The molds may be durable and smooth enough for full production scale. Some embodiments are directed methods for making a modular system for blow molding a container.
A display device for illuminating a packaged beverage includes a panel having a front end opposite a rear end. The panel further includes a top surface on which a packaged beverage may be placed, and the top surface has transparent portions. A light source is arranged within the panel for illuminating the packaged beverage arranged on the top surface of the panel. The display device further includes an end cap having a front wall arranged at the front end of the panel.
A method of presenting product information in a vending machine may include detecting audio information from a consumer and converting the audio information to a text string. The method may include identifying a keyword in the text string, and determining products from a product database associated with the keyword. The method may include returning a list of the products that correspond to the keyword.
A water filter cartridge includes a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a core having a tubular body with openings that allow water to flow through the core. The core defines an open central area, and the core supports the sediment filter and the carbon filter. A nanofiltration unit is arranged within the open central area of the core. The nanofiltration unit includes a tubular filter element defining a central volume, and a plurality of filaments arranged within the central volume.
A chiller for cooling a beverage includes a reservoir configured to hold a heat exchange fluid and an evaporator coil arranged within the reservoir. The evaporator coil includes a plurality of windings configured to circulate a coolant, and projections extending from an exterior surface of one or more of the plurality of windings. The chiller further includes a chiller coil arranged in the reservoir, wherein the beverage is configured to flow through the chiller coil. When the coolant is circulated through the plurality of windings of the evaporator coil, a bank of frozen heat exchange fluid forms on the windings and on the projections.
A beverage dispensing nozzle includes a housing having an upper end opposite a lower end, and an inlet at the upper end that is configured to be placed in communication with a source of a base liquid. The beverage dispensing nozzle further includes a chamber within the housing and in communication with the inlet. An aerator is in communication with the chamber, and the aerator includes a plate having apertures. A flavor inlet valve is in communication with a source of a flavoring and is arranged downstream of the aerator. The flavor inlet valve is configured to dispense the flavoring into the housing. The beverage dispensing nozzle additionally includes a nozzle tip arranged at the lower end of the housing.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 1/04 - Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
A method for identifying a product removed from a cabinet includes detecting visual characteristics of the product removed from the cabinet by a camera within the cabinet. The method may include detecting an identifier on the product removed from the cabinet by an identifier sensor, and comparing the visual characteristics and the identifier to a database of product information. The product removed from the cabinet may be identified based on the comparison of the visual characteristics and the identifier to the database of product information.
A polymer composition comprising two or more polymers may be used in preforms and containers for hot-fill beverages to increase recycled content, shelf-life of the contents, and stiffness of the container. One polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate and the second polymer may be either polyethylene furanoate or polyethylene naphthalate. The polymers may be blended to form a cube blend. A reheat agent may be used in the polymer composition. Methods of making the preform and the bottle are also disclosed. The polymer compositions may be made of increased recycled content without sacrificing transparency of the material and may be used to make clear preforms and bottles.
A service trolley for dispensing beverages includes a frame having an upper end opposite a lower end, and a tabletop arranged on the upper end of the frame. The trolley further includes wheels arranged on the lower end of the frame configured to allow the frame to roll on a surface. The trolley includes a beverage dispenser arranged within the frame that includes a multi-serve beverage container for storing a beverage, a dispensing head in communication with the beverage container via a conduit, and a pressurized vessel configured to contain a pressurized gas in communication with the beverage container so as to drive a flow of the beverage from the beverage container to the dispensing head.
A47B 31/02 - Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons with heating, cooling or ventilating means
A47B 31/00 - Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons
A47B 31/06 - Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons adapted to the use in vehicles
A47B 47/00 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
A47F 1/12 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack
B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
B62B 3/02 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable, or convertible
A method for blow molding a container includes heating a central region of a preformed puck to a first temperature, and heating an annular region surrounding the central region of the preformed puck to a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The heated preformed puck is arranged at an upper end of a mold cavity of a mold that defines an outer shape of the container. The heated preformed puck is secured to the upper end of the mold cavity. The heated reformed puck is stretched by pressing a plunger into the heated preformed puck and into the mold cavity in a longitudinal direction of the mold cavity toward a lower end of the mold cavity. Pressurized air is then applied to the mold cavity so that the heated preformed puck stretches to conform to the shape of the inner wall of the mold cavity.
A cooler includes a cabinet having an interior volume for storing a beverage container containing a beverage and a door for providing access to the interior volume of the cabinet. The cooler further includes a lock configured to maintain door in a closed position when the lock is engaged. The cooler includes a cooling unit configured to maintain the cabinet at a predetermined temperature and a temperature sensor arranged within the cabinet that detects a temperature within the cabinet. A control unit is in communication with the cooling unit and the temperature sensor, and the control unit is configured to control the cooling unit to maintain a temperature within the cabinet at a predetermined temperature as determined by the temperature sensor. The control unit may be configured to lock the door until a temperature within the cabinet is at the predetermined temperature.
Aspects of the disclosure include a method for producing a batch according to a batch process that includes adding ingredients to water to form a batch, mixing the batch, measuring the drive gain of the batch in real time using an in-line density device, monitoring amplitude variation of the drive gain, comparing the amplitude variation of the drive gain to a predetermined threshold, and providing an indication based on the amplitude variation of the drive gain that the batch is homogeneously dispersed or fully dissolved. Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for detecting homogeneity of a mixture and a method of determining the degree of mixing of a batch.
B01F 15/04 - Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed
G05D 11/06 - Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material with auxiliary non-electric power by sensing density of mixture, e.g. using aerometer
G05D 11/13 - Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means
54.
BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH CONSUMABLE MONITORING SYSTEM
A beverage dispenser includes a system for detecting an empty state of a consumable in the dispenser. The system detects the physical movement of an element of a fluid delivery component that is fluidly connected to the consumable. The movement is triggered by the empty state of the consumable and is detected by a sensor disposed in the beverage dispenser. The system can be retrofitted into a legacy beverage dispenser with reduced installation effort.
A nozzle for dispensing a beverage includes a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid and a flavoring inlet configured to receive a flavoring. The nozzle further includes a diffuser assembly that is in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and which includes a diffuser plate having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle further includes a receptacle that is in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring inlet. The receptacle of the nozzle includes an inner wall, and the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged so as to direct flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle. The receptacle further includes an outlet through which the flavoring and the base liquid are dispensed.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
A23L 2/76 - Clarifying or fining of non-alcoholic beverages; Removing unwanted matter by removal of gases
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
A beverage nucleation device includes a housing, a beverage receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a supercooled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation in the beverage container receiving area. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, wherein the applicator includes an elastomeric material. An ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device is configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage.
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
A23G 9/06 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream characterised by using carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide snow as cooling medium
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
B01F 3/04 - Mixing, e.g. dispersing, emulsifying, according to the phases to be mixed gases or vapours with liquids
Mobile product dispensers for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile product dispensers may include a product dispensing system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. The mobile product dispenser may freely roam or follow a predetermined path within its environment of operation, and may engage with and service consumers along its route. A consumer may also summon the mobile product dispenser to a location using a user device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or the like. The control unit may enable the mobile product dispenser to autonomously travel within its environment of operation and/or to navigate to the location of a consumer.
A vacuum-insulated cooler for storing products. The cooler includes a housing and a storage compartment enclosed by the housing for storing products. The storage compartment includes a lower wall, an upper wall, and sidewalls extending from the lower wall to the upper wall that include vacuum-insulated glass. The storage compartment further includes a door for providing access to the products within the storage compartment.
A handle for a product vending system includes a housing configured to be secured to a door of a product storage cabinet having a lock. The handle includes a display arranged on the housing, that is configured to show product information. A payment processing unit is arranged on the housing and is configured to detect or receive a payment. A control unit is configured to communicate with the lock of the product storage cabinet, such that when the payment is detected by the payment processing unit, the control unit is configured to unlock the lock of the product storage cabinet so as to provide access to a product stored in the product storage cabinet.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
A47F 9/04 - Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores
G06F 7/08 - Sorting, i.e. grouping record carriers in numerical or other ordered sequence according to the classification of at least some of the information they carry
This disclosure provides a process for preparing transparent emulsions, in particular emulsions that are free of solvents such as propylene glycol, for use in producing clear beverages.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of delivering a self-directed user experience includes encoding access to an intermediate menu in at least one matrix bar code, developing an intermediate menu that facilitates a self-directed user experience, and presenting the at least one matrix bar code to a user via placement on a product. Further in accordance with this aspect, the method may include directing the user to the intermediate menu via the at least one matrix bar code such that the self-directed user experience is responsive to user interaction with intermediate menu.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
G06Q 30/06 - Buying, selling or leasing transactions
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
62.
BEVERAGE-INGREDIENT CARTRIDGE AND CAP FOR BEVERAGE-INGREDIENT CARTRIDGE
A beverage-ingredient cartridge for storing and dispensing beverage ingredients. The cartridge includes a container for storing a first beverage ingredient, and a cap secured within an open upper end of the container that seals the open upper end. The cap includes a storage compartment for storing a second beverage ingredient having a base and a sidewall extending from a the base. A line of weakness defines a separable region of the base, and a column extends from the separable region of the base and is spaced apart from the sidewall. A plastic film is secured to the sidewall and to the column that seals the storage compartment. Upon application of a force to the column, the separable region separates from the base and the plastic film tears such that the storage compartment and container are open to the outside of the beverage-ingredient cartridge.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 25/08 - Partitions with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents
B65D 41/04 - Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
B65D 47/36 - Closures with frangible parts adapted to be pierced, torn, or removed, to provide discharge openings
B65D 51/28 - Closures not otherwise provided for combined with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
63.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEATING ELEMENT OF AN APPLIANCE
A waffle maker having a base and a waffle mold supported by the base. The waffle mold has a first heating plate and a second heating plate, wherein the second heating plate is movable with respect to the first heating plate. A first heating element is arranged on the waffle mold for heating the first and second heating plates. The waffle maker further includes a sensor configured to detect motion in a detection area. A control unit of the waffle maker is in communication with the sensor and the first heating element, such that when the presence of a human is detected in the detection area, the control unit heats the first heating element to a predetermined pre-heat temperature.
A reusable beverage container that includes a vessel having an upper end defining an upper opening and that is configured to store a beverage. The reusable beverage container further includes a cap that is removably securable to the upper end of the vessel, and the cap is configured to receive and completely enclose a beverage-ingredient cartridge. The cap of the reusable beverage container includes a lower shell defining a lower opening, an upper shell removably securable to the lower shell, and a cartridge opener extending from the lower shell.
B65D 51/28 - Closures not otherwise provided for combined with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B65B 29/06 - Packaging of substances to which a further ingredient, e.g. water, is to be added in the package by the user for mixing prior to dispensing
B65D 41/04 - Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
A beverage dispenser having a beverage-level indicating system. The beverage dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing head arranged on the housing for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container. The beverage dispenser further includes a beverage-level sensor arranged on the housing and which determines a beverage level within the beverage container without contacting the beverage within the beverage container, a beverage-level indicator that provides a visual indication of the beverage level within the beverage container, and a control unit that causes the beverage-level indicator to indicate the beverage level within the beverage container based on the beverage level as determined by the beverage-level sensor.
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
A cap and container reduce carbonation loss in filling containers with carbonated beverages. The cap has a splashguard with a circular bottom connected by a conical transition to a smaller diameter, cylindrical ring portion. A circular dispersing disk is above the transition and connected to the cap, with a small radial gap between the disks periphery and the splashguard. A fluid seal is interposed between the ring portion and an open top of the container. The dispersing disk directs a fluid stream outward against the splashguard where the fluid passes through the radial gap around the disk and flows downward in a laminar flow over the conical transition and ring portions. A lip on the bottom of the ring portion extends outward and downward to conduct the laminar flow onto the container sidewall, which is inclined at less than five degrees to maintain laminar flow along the sidewall when filling.
A cooler including a cabinet defining an interior volume for storing a perishable product. A cold plate is disposed within the cabinet, and the cold plate is configured to absorb heat within the cabinet. The cooler further includes a defrosting system that includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of frost on a surface of the cold plate, a heating element affixed to the surface of the cold plate that is configured to at least partially melt frost on the cold plate, and a control unit configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating element when the presence of frost is determined by the sensor.
A metal bottle assembly adapted for use on a plastic bottling includes a metal bottle with an outsert assembled on the neck portion of the bottle. The outsert may be constructed from plastic material and may be fixed to the bottle using an interference fit. The outsert enables the bottle to be placed on a plastic bottling line with minimal or no modifications to the bottling line. The outsert also ensures that the metal bottle is not damaged by handling on the plastic bottling line. In some embodiments, the outsert is designed to elastically deform as it is pressed on the neck of a pre-formed metal bottle and therefore create the interference fit between the outsert and the bottle. In some embodiments the outsert is retained on the neck of the bottle through the interference fit alone.
B65D 1/02 - Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
B65D 41/08 - Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation engaging a threaded ring clamped on the external periphery of the neck or wall
B65D 8/00 - Containers having a curved cross-section formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal, plastics, wood or substitutes therefor
A cooler for storing beverage containers. The cooler includes a housing defining an interior volume for storing a first beverage container at a first predetermined temperature and a compartment within the interior volume of the housing for storing a second beverage container at a second predetermined temperature that is at or below a freezing point of the beverage. The cooler further includes a user interface for receiving a user input to dispense the second beverage container, and a delivery portal for providing access to the second beverage container. A chute is configured to communicate the second beverage container from the compartment to the delivery portal and to cause nucleation of the beverage and form a slush beverage. A cooling unit is configured to maintain the interior volume of the housing at the first predetermined temperature and the compartment at the second predetermined temperature.
F25D 17/04 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection
G07F 7/00 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
A reduced calorie fruit or vegetable composition is provided. The reduced calorie fruit or vegetable composition comprises a juice extracted from a fruit or vegetable and water collected from the concentration of a fruit or vegetable juice, wherein the water is present at a concentration of less than 60% by weight. A method of preparing a reduced calorie fruit or vegetable composition is also provided.
A method for dispensing a beverage container to a consumer. The method includes receiving in a beverage container dispenser a first beverage container that contains a beverage corresponding to a beverage selection of a user. The method further includes dispensing a second beverage container containing the beverage from a temperature-regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser. The second beverage container that is dispensed from the temperature-regulated compartment corresponds to the beverage selection of the user.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
72.
DAIRY MINERALS AS A MOUTHFEEL ENHANCER AND FLAVOR MODIFIER
This disclosure provides a novel beverage composition with enhanced mouthfeel. The beverage composition can comprise a dairy mineral composition. Methods of preparing beverage compositions with enhanced mouthfeel are also disclosed, as are methods of modifying flavor.
A beverage container that includes a base, a cylindrical sidewall extending from and integrally formed with the base, and an upper region extending from the sidewall and defining an upper opening. The beverage container includes a longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the base to the upper opening. The beverage container further includes a continuous channel formed in and extending around a circumference of the sidewall. The continuous channel is sinusoidal such that the continuous channel forms peaks and troughs. A height of the continuous channel as measured in a direction of the longitudinal axis from a peak to a trough is about 30% to 80% of a height of the sidewall, such that the continuous channels resists elongation of the beverage container in a direction of the longitudinal axis.
B65D 1/42 - Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
B65D 1/02 - Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
B65D 1/40 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations p - Details of walls
A beverage ingredient cartridge for releasing beverage ingredients into a bottle to create a mixed beverage includes a body defining a liquid-ingredient chamber, a cap defining a solid-ingredient chamber, and an opening mechanism disposed on the cap. Upon a force applied to the beverage ingredient cartridge, a piercer of the bottle drives through the dispensing end of the cartridge, causing teeth of the opening mechanism to tear through films sealing the liquid-ingredient chamber and solid-ingredient chamber. This mixes contents of the liquid-ingredient chamber with contents of the solid-ingredient chamber and releases the mixed contents from the beverage ingredient cartridge into a bottle below that is filled with a liquid, creating a mixed beverage.
B65D 47/36 - Closures with frangible parts adapted to be pierced, torn, or removed, to provide discharge openings
B65D 81/32 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
75.
METHOD FOR HYDROLYSIS OF LACTOSE IN DAIRY COMPOSITIONS AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
A dairy product comprising a sweetened dairy composition with a mass ratio of lactose to glucose equal to 1.0:2.7 to 2.6:1.5 and a mass ratio of lactose to galactose equal to 1.0:2.2 to 2.6:1.1. In a second aspect, a method comprises hydrolyzing lactose in the starting dairy composition in a lactase-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction and deactivating the reaction to provide a lactose percent conversion of 46 to 80 wt. %. In a third aspect, a dairy product comprises a fermented sweetened dairy composition comprising a lactose:glucose mass ratio of 0.01:2.4 to 1.0:1.0 and a lactose:galactose mass ratio of 0.01:2.7 to 1.0:1.0. In a fourth aspect, a method comprises hydrolyzing and fermenting lactose in a starting dairy composition, thereby providing a fermented sweetened dairy composition with a lactose percent conversion of 80 to 100 wt. %.
A mobile recycling validation system including a mobile recycling application operating on a users mobile device, at least one server remote from the mobile device, where the mobile recycling application may receive image data relating to an image captured with a camera of the mobile device, identify a unique code printed on a recyclable item depicted in the image, determine unique code data relating to the unique code, determine recycling deposit confirmation data, and send the unique code data and the recycling deposit confirmation data to the server. The server may receive the unique code data and the recycling deposit confirmation data, determine if the unique code is valid, determine if the recycling deposit confirmation data indicates that the recyclable item has been deposited in the recycling stream, and send validation data to the mobile recycling application, which may credit an account of the user with an incentive credit.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
G06Q 50/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
G07F 7/06 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, e.g. bottles
77.
NON-ELECTRIC FOUNTAIN BEVERAGE DISPENSERS AND SYSTEMS
Non-electric fountain beverage dispensers for dispensing a variety of beverages without the use of electricity. The non-electric fountain beverage dispenser may include a gas container for storing a pressurized gas, a base liquid storage container for storing a base liquid, and a gas supply line that communicates pressurized gas from the gas container to the base liquid storage container and to a syrup storage container. Non-electric beverage dispenser further includes a mechanical dispensing valve in fluid communication with the base liquid storage container and the syrup storage container by means of a base liquid supply line and a syrup supply line, respectively, such that the mechanical dispensing valve is capable of selectively dispensing a mixture of the base liquid and the syrup. Non-electric fountain beverage dispenser further includes a non-electric cooling unit for cooling the base liquid without the use of electricity.
Modular vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers. A modular vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, and a control unit. Several modular vending machines may be stacked and/or arranged together in various configurations. Several modular vending machines may be linked electronically and may communicate with each other and/or with a user mobile device over a network. A modular vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer removes a product from the modular vending machine. A consumer may access and purchase products from several modular vending machines in one transaction.
G07F 7/00 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
G07F 7/02 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
A vending machine has an interactive customer experience. Some embodiments of the vending machine include a transparent front wall with a plurality of display units located behind the front wall. Each of the display units may contain an example of a product available for vending. Based on input received from a customer and other information, the vending machine may provide a recommendation for a product or products to select for purchase. The vending machine may highlight the recommendation by selectively illuminating the product display units that contain the recommended products.
A vending machine with a reduced vertical height and footprint has a horizontal roller surface system for delivering vending products. The horizontal roller system includes actuated rollers and trays that move on top of the rollers. The products are present on top of the trays; the rollers actuate to deliver the trays, and the products, to a delivery portal. Some embodiments of the vending machine have a transparent top to allow the interior of the vending machine, and particularly the roller surface, to be visible from the exterior of the vending machine. The reduced height and size of the vending machine enables it to be placed in locations that are unavailable to conventional vending machines.
A47B 37/00 - Tables adapted for other particular purposes
G07F 7/00 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
G07F 9/00 - COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS - Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
G07F 11/42 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
A beverage container for a carbonated beverage may include a body and a base. The base may have a skirt that extends from the body and a dome. Ribs extend between the skirt and the dome. The base may also include a plurality of feet. Each foot may be formed between each pair of adjacent ribs. The feet may extend from the skirt to the dome. Each foot may have a seat and two sidewalls. A transition point of each rib may be between the skirt and the dome. A tangent line formed at each transition point may have a slope of zero. A transition between each foots seat and each foots sidewalls may be smooth.
Beverage chillers are disclosed. A beverage chiller may include a container platform that receives a beverage container and a chiller tank. The chiller tank may have a central axis and may have an agitator. The chiller tank may be filled with water. A conveyor may move the container platform and beverage container into the chiller tank. The container platform and beverage container may rotate in a first direction in the chiller tank and the agitator may rotate the water in a second direction.
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
F25D 17/00 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
Mobile vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. A consumer may view a list of products in the mobile vending machine using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The consumer may summon the mobile vending machine to a location using the mobile device, and the mobile vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer receives a product from the mobile vending machine. The control unit may enable the mobile vending machine to autonomously travel to the location of the consumer.
A vending machine with a curved exterior shape is disclosed. Some embodiments of the vending machine are circular in design, and include a transparent upper housing that allows customers to see into the interior of the vending machine. Products for vending may be stored in a non-transparent lower housing. A centrally-located product delivery system transports products for vending from the lower housing to delivery portals located on the upper housing. The product delivery system is able to move along a vertical line and rotate through the horizontal plane and can deliver products from any portion of the lower housing to any delivery portals located on the upper housing.
Vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers in a space-efficient manner. A vending machine may include a product compartment, a product storage system, a support structure, a dispensing port, and a product delivery system. The support structure may elevate the product compartment and form a void beneath the product compartment. Other structures may occupy the void beneath the product compartment, or humans may walk through the void beneath the product compartment. A product may be automatically moved from the product compartment to the dispensing port using the product delivery system.
G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
G07F 11/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or more magazines having a common delivery chute
G07F 11/38 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
G07F 11/42 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
Coolers for dispensing products, such as beverages, having multiple doors for accessing a single product compartment. A cooler may include a housing defining a product compartment; a top door coupled to a top surface of the housing at a hinge, the top door comprising a curved transparent panel; a vertical door coupled to a vertical front surface of the housing; a collapsible shelf disposed in the product compartment that is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position; and a lower shelf disposed below the collapsible shelf in the product compartment. A product disposed on the collapsible shelf may be accessible through the top door when the collapsible shelf is in the extended position and a product disposed on the lower shelf may be accessible through the top door when the collapsible shelf is in the retracted position.
A multi-layer beverage container made is disclosed. An outer layer encloses an inner layer that is configured to shrink or flex to accommodate volume changes of a beverage inside the beverage container caused by a change in temperature of the beverage in the sealed beverage container. The inner layer is not attached to the outer layer through the majority of the beverage container, with attachment zones being located at selected areas of the outer layer. There is a space between the inner layer and the outer layer. A gas introduction system is provided in the space to maintain a desired gas pressure in the space. The set gas pressure allows outer layer to be designed without the need to resist deformation caused by reduced pressure due to changing volumes of the beverage.
Beverage coolers for storing and cooling bottled beverages. A beverage cooler may include a cooling chamber cooled by a refrigeration system, and openings in the cooling chamber for receiving bottled beverages to be chilled. The openings may have doors and/or seals to minimize heat exchange between the cooling chamber and the environment with or without bottles disposed in the openings. Each of the openings may have a visual indicator, such as a plurality of LEDs, configured to indicate the temperature of the bottle disposed in the opening.
This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I). These compositions are useful for improving mouthfeel properties of non-nutritive sweeteners, such as steviol glycosides and blends thereof, in food and beverages containing the same.
A beverage ingredient pod for releasing beverage ingredients into a bottle to create a mixed beverage includes a liquid-ingredient chamber, a solid-ingredient chamber, a frangible membrane between and separating the liquid-ingredient chamber and the solid-ingredient chamber, and a rigid piercer that extends to a point toward the frangible membrane. Upon a force applied to the beverage ingredient pod, a portion of the pod collapses and drives the rigid piercer through the frangible membrane. This mixes contents of the liquid-ingredient chamber with contents of the solid-ingredient chamber and releases the mixed contents from the beverage ingredient pod into a bottle below that is filled with a liquid, creating a mixed beverage.
B65D 25/00 - CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
B65D 81/00 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
B65D 85/00 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
A compact vending machine for dispensing food products is disclosed. The compact vending machine includes a lightweight housing which may be mounted on a wall and a payment system that is configured to accept non-cash payments. A power source of the compact vending machine may be an external powers source, such as a power outlet, or an internal battery. An embodiment of the compact vending machine includes a controller and a communication system that are configured to transmit status information about the compact vending machine to a network.
G07F 7/02 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for analyzing second party advertising data. An embodiment operates by determining a set of dimensions that a source uses to aggregate data for an advertising campaign. The embodiment creates a subunit advertising campaign based at least in part on the advertising campaign, the determined set of dimensions, and a dimension of interest. The embodiment receives measurement data associated with an execution of the subunit advertising campaign. The embodiment then analyzes the measurement data.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
Beverage dispensers are disclosed. A beverage dispenser may include a carbonation pump, pressure tank, and a pressure switch configured to active the pressure pump when a pressure in the pressure tank falls below a threshold pressure. The pressure switch may cause the carbonation pump to shut off when the pressure in the pressure tank exceeds an upper threshold pressure. The beverage dispenser may be convertible from a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser.
A system and method for delivering food products using an autonomous distribution vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first distribution vehicle that is configured to carry food products and at least one autonomous distribution vehicle. While the first distribution vehicle delivers food products, the autonomous distribution vehicle may depart the first distribution vehicle and deliver its own set of food products. The autonomous distribution vehicle can then return to the first distribution vehicle.
A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispenser includes: detecting a user in proximity to the beverage dispenser; prompting the user to provide a first input, wherein the first input is audible; retrieving a user profile for the user based on the first input; receiving a second input from the user, wherein the second input comprises information about a beverage selection of the user, and wherein the second input is provided in a different manner than the first input; and dispensing the beverage.
G07F 13/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G07F 13/04 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by weight
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
G07F 13/08 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs in the form of a spray
96.
UNATTENDED BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Unattended beverage dispensers configured to dispense one or more beverages after authenticating a customer and associating the customer with a customer account. An unattended beverage dispenser may include a user interface with a biometric sensor configured to identify a biometric characteristic of a customer. A controller associated with the unattended beverage dispenser may authenticate a customer based on a biometric characteristic and associate the authenticated customer with a customer account. After authenticating a customer, the controller may allow beverage dispensing from the unattended beverage dispenser in accordance with a beverage dispensing rule associated with the customers account.
A beverage dispensing system is provided, including a main body that includes an interior cavity adapted to receive a beverage container, an adaptor module, and a controlled gas system. The adaptor module is configured to provide fluidic coupling from the beverage container to the controlled gas system, such that a beverage may be dispensed through from a tap connected to the adaptor with the aid of positive gas pressure disposed on a beverage surface within the beverage container. The controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure on a surface of the beverage in the beverage container such that when a tap is opened to dispense the beverage, the relative pressure difference between the positive pressure on the surface of the beverage and the ambient pressure causes the beverage to be dispensed from the tap.
B65D 83/14 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
A water-filtration system includes four distinct porous media through which water is sequentially routed in a compact, self-contained four-stage filtration process. The porous media improves water quality by removing unwanted contaminants from the water and adding minerals and compounds to the water to improve water taste. A housing contains the porous media. The housing includes connection points for incoming and outgoing water. The water-filtration system may be inserted into a water line upstream of a desired source of high-quality water, or may be integrated directly into an appliance or device that requires high-quality water.
A method of determining a sold-out state of a beverage dispenser is provided. The method includes providing a beverage dispenser including a pump having a gas exhaust port, a dispensing valve, and a sensor disposed on the pump gas exhaust port. The method may include activating the beverage dispenser to dispense a beverage through the dispensing valve and during the activating, sensing a gas exhaust pattern of the pump. The method may also include generating a signal based on the sensed gas exhaust pattern and determining whether the beverage dispenser is in a normal-pour state or a sold-out state. The method may also include providing feedback about the sold-out state to a user interface of the beverage dispenser.
Aspects of this invention relate to an ingredient pod for making a beverage. The pod may include multiple layers, and each layer may include a beverage ingredient. The pod may be surrounded by a solid or gel outer layer, and the inner layers may be gel, solid, or liquid. Each layer may release into a liquid to form a ready-made beverage, providing a different flavor, smell, or ingredient. The pod may also be a multi-chamber pod. Each chamber may include one or more layers, and each layer may include a beverage ingredient. Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for making a beverage using a pod. Each layer or chamber of the pod may be activated differently depending on the application or the type of beverage.
B65D 65/46 - Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
B65D 81/32 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
B65D 85/808 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ for immersion in the liquid, e.g. tea bags
patents
