Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a beverage container with a carbonated fluid at ambient temperature while minimizing foam formation are provided. The carbonated fluid can maintain a laminar flow through the filling machine.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel sweetener composition of improved taste of the sweetener (e.g., reduced bitterness and/or astringency, and improved overall sweet quality of the composition); food and beverage products containing the same; and methods of making the same.

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A product, system, and method for creating a film capable of allowing a user to create a custom graphical representation is described, which may allow a user to create a custom graphical representation in a film by depressing select areas of the film to form the custom graphical representation.

Abstract: This disclosure provides beverage compositions comprising a pectin, a first xanthan gum, optionally a second xanthan gum, and a non-nutritive sweetener, such as steviol glycosides and blends thereof. These beverage compositions have improved mouthfeel properties.

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.