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 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: 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.

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: 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 carbonated beverage dispenser includes a tank to store carbonated water, a carbon dioxide source, and a release valve configured to release gas from the tank. The release valve may be actuated to mix the contents of the tank to increase the temperature homogeny and carbon dioxide homogeny in the tank. The tank may include sensors to monitor the temperature of the water and the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved therein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides aqueous steviol glycoside compositions as well as syrups and beverages comprising these compositions. In certain embodiments, the aqueous steviol glycoside composition comprises water and a sweetening composition, wherein the sweetening composition is solubilized in the water and comprises a stevioside composition and rebaudioside D.

Abstract: 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 to methods for making a modular system for blow molding a container.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.