Abstract: A fluid level detector is provided, which has a transmitter, a receiver, and a sensing zone adjacent the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter and receiver are arranged such that when an electric field forms between the transmitter and receiver, a fringe electric field extends from the transmitter into the sensing zone. The transmitter and receiver are both on a same side of the sensing zone, and a fluid located at the sensing zone changes a measured capacitance at the transmitter and receiver system.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid. The system includes a fluid cartridge having a fluid outlet spout, a carbonated fluid outlet, a still water outlet, and a non-contact drop sensor for detecting a number of drops dispensed from the fluid outlet spout. The fluid outlet spout, the carbonated fluid outlet, and the still water outlet are configured to dispense fluid into a beverage vessel.

Abstract: A fluid level detector is provided, which has a transmitter, a receiver, and a sensing zone adjacent the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter and receiver are arranged such that when an electric field forms between the transmitter and receiver, a fringe electric field extends from the transmitter into the sensing zone. The transmitter and receiver are both on a same side of the sensing zone, and a fluid located at the sensing zone changes a measured capacitance at the transmitter and receiver system.

Abstract: A system for carbonating fluid is provided comprising a gas supply and a fluid vessel for carbonating fluid, the fluid vessel having at least one internal surface for obstructing a return path of the gas to an upper surface of the fluid after injection. A retainer retains the fluid vessel relative to the gas supply and a gas injector injects gas from the gas supply into the fluid vessel. During use, the gas injector injects gas below a fluid level within the fluid vessel.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid is provided in which a first fluid cartridge and a second fluid cartridge each comprise a first spout at corresponding fluid outlets, and wherein a docking location is provided for docking each of the fluid cartridges such that the first spout is adjacent the second spout. The system may further comprise a drop sensor for detecting a number of drops dispensed from the fluid cartridges at a drop detection location. The docking location may define a specific orientation for any cartridge docked at the docking location, and the cartridges may be wedge shaped and may each taper towards their corresponding spouts. Also provided is a fluid cartridge comprising a cartridge housing, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet above a fluid fill level, and a syphon for transporting fluid from inside the cartridge to the fluid outlet.