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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system having a handheld liquid dispense device with a body portion and a dispensing head. The dispensing system includes an ingredient system located remotely from the handheld liquid dispense device, piping extending from the ingredient system to the handheld liquid dispense device, the ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources and configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a beverage from the handheld liquid dispense device. The dispensing system may also include a user interface device configured to receive a first user selection for a beverage and a second user selection for an ingredient modifying the beverage.

Abstract: D-psicose/erythritol compositions comprise, in combination, D-psicose and erythritol as sweeteners together with one or more other edible ingredients. Comestibles are provided, including beverage products and other food products, comprising the novel D-psicose/erythritol compositions. D-psicose and erythritol may each be present in a comestible in a concentration sufficient independently of the other to perceptibly sweeten the composition. An additional sweetener component and other ingredients may be included in the formulation.