Abstract: A method and system to access vending machines via a touch-free user interface using a personal electronic device (PED) are described. For each vending session, a unique dynamic tag is generated and presented on a vending machine to be read via a camera. The tag is forwarded by the PED to a remote servicer, which accesses a remote database to determine real-time inventory of the vending machine. This inventory list is transmitted back to the PED for display to a user. The user selects a product from inventory using her PED. This selection is sent to the server, which then transmits instructions to the vending machine to dispense the selected product. The method is free of a requirement for the user to download an app. Security and payment are assured by the use of a unique dynamic tag for each vending session, displayed on or by the vending machine.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing Rebaudioside J using an enzymatic method, comprising using rebaudioside A as a substrate, and making the substrate, in the presence of a glycosyl donor, react under the catalysis of a UDP-glycosyltransferase-containing recombinant cell and/or UDP-glycosyltransferase prepared therefrom to generate Rebaudioside J.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sorbate powder comprising dissolving sorbate salt in water, adding a stabilizing carrier to the sorbate solution, and spray drying the sorbate solution to form the sorbate powder. The sorbate powder is stable in beverage syrup.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising a pectin, a first xanthan gum, and optionally a second xanthan gum. 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.

Abstract: A vending machine includes two horizontal lead screws, a vertical lead screw, first and second motors, a shelf, a delivery cup, and a delivery area. The first and second motors drive the horizontal lead screws and the vertical lead screw, respectively. The vertical lead screw moves horizontally along the horizontal lead screws. The shelf contains a product and has a movable gate to hold the product on the shelf. The delivery cup moves vertically along the vertical lead screw and has a solenoid and a plunger. The solenoid activates the plunger, which opens the gate to dispense the product onto the delivery cup. An outer door of the delivery area isolates the delivery area from outside the vending machine when closed and provides access to the product from outside the vending machine when open. A mechanical interaction between the delivery cup and the delivery area opens the outer door.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is provided, including a main body having a base portion, and a cradle portion configured to support a beverage container including a beverage to be dispensed. The cradle portion may include an elongated cavity, and a shoulder configured to receive an inverted beverage container. The beverage dispensing system may further include an adaptor, and a self-venting tap, and the adaptor is configured to couple a beverage container to the self-venting tap, such that a beverage may be dispensed through the tap.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A chamber can be a pathogen control device, which can include a body having at least one internal wall defining an internal chamber, and a layer of a two dimensional material on at least a portion of the at least one internal wall. The two-dimensional material can have at least one edge protruding from the at least one internal wall. A pathogen control system can include the chamber and at least one pressure source operably coupled with an inlet of the internal chamber, and optionally include a depressurization vessel. A method of processing a fluid, such as for controlling pathogens, can include providing the chamber, and flowing a fluid with or without pressurized carbon dioxide or processing fluid through the internal chamber of the chamber to contact an edge of the two-dimensional material. The flow through the chamber can be conducted until at least one pathogen is controlled.