Abstract: A machine and process for managing a connection with a portable terminal may include a detector for detecting a person. A transmitter may be configured to transmit a wireless signal in response to the detector detecting a person within a predetermined range of the machine. A receiver may be configured to receive a connection request signal from the portable terminal that has received the wireless signal. An identification unit may be configured to identify, in response to receiving the connection request signal, a portable terminal in communication with the machine, and establish a connection with the identified portable terminal. The machine may be a vending machine or a beverage dispenser.

Abstract: Methods of preparing freeze dried powders comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D are provided herein. The freeze dried powders produced by the disclosed methods exhibit improved aqueous solubility over known forms and compositions of rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D. Methods of preparing consumables, e.g. beverages, with the freeze dried compositions are also detailed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming caramels having reduced low molecular weight species such as 4-MeI. The low-4-MeI caramels produced by this method have improved stability and taste relative to those known in the art. The invention also extends to the caramels produced by the disclosed methods and the use of such caramels in food and beverages.

Abstract: Stevia varieties with a high content of RebM, are disclosed Further provided are methods for producing Stevia plants having a high RebM content by negatively regulating certain genes selecting the resulting plants, and breeding with such plants to confer such desirable Reb M phenotypes to plant progeny.

Abstract: A near field communications vending control file is a non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) for configuring a near field communication vending machine. Typically, a control file will be stored in computerized memory on a computer on a network connected to vending machines as described herein. The control file may be configured with at least one universal configuration template organizing vending parameters in a pattern of software commands, wherein the vending parameters are selected to complete an interface protocol that enables the NFC vending machine to accept a request by a customer payment device. The vending parameters enable the NFC vending machine to consummate a vending transaction initiated by an NFC tap from a customer payment device (i.e., a transaction type device).

Abstract: The present application provides a remote beverage dispensing system for filling a number of orders with one or more beverage selections. The remote beverage dispensing system may include a point-of-sale device for receiving the orders and a remote beverage dispenser for filling the orders. The remote beverage dispenser may include a point-of-sale order queue and a manual selection screen. The point-of-sale order queue may include the beverages selections in each of the number of orders.

Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispenser capable of dispensing one or more limited time offering beverages. The beverage dispenser may include a dispensing valve, a limited time offering ingredient source, and a limited time offering circuit extending between the dispensing valve and the limited time offering ingredient source. The limited time offering circuit may include a stainless steel line extending between the dispensing valve and the limited time offering ingredient source.

Abstract: A kiosk maintains a list of pre-paid orders. A first authentication process enables a consumer to select their order on the kiosk so as to receive the product or service that was remotely paid for via a mobile application. Authentication of the consumer selecting the order is performed based upon sending an order authentication notification to the mobile application that completed the order. If the user of the mobile application provides a positive authentication reply, the kiosk is unlocked to fulfill the order. The consumer may alternatively be authenticated by providing a personal identification number (PIN) that is associated with the order or associated with a user of the mobile application. Authentication using the PIN enables a consumer to interact with the kiosk to receive the previously ordered product or service without having to access their mobile phone or mobile application that was used to place the order.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a dispensing nozzle assembly of a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a macro-ingredient/diluent outlet and a number of micro-ingredient outlets surrounding the macro-ingredient/diluent outlet. The cleaning device may include a handle, a head end rotatably attached to the handle, a guidance protrusion extending from the head end, a first set of bristles extending from the head end and surrounding the guidance protrusion, and a second set of bristles extending from the head end adjacent to the first set of bristles.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a solution to producing mogrosides and mogroside-based sweeteners having low or no calorie. By using recombinant gene and plant transformation techniques, non-native genes encoding mogroside pathway enzymes are introduced/implemented into the genome of a plant hereby forming a transgenic plant, wherein the plant by the native genome thereof prior to transformation may not produce mogrosides naturally. Such transgenic plant and a progeny thereof are enabled to produce non-native mogrol precursors, mogrol, mogrosides, and/or metabolites or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provide new multilayer polyester (particularly PET) containers that have improved gas barrier properties over conventional monolayer PET containers. In particular, a 2,5-furandicarboxylate polyester (for example, poly(ethylene furan-2,5-dicarboxylate) (PEF)) barrier layer that has superior gas barrier and mechanical properties relative to PET, that is “sandwiched” between two PET layers, has been found to achieve a significantly higher barrier against gas permeation relative to conventional monolayer PET container of the same size and shape. Associated preforms, methods, and compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel mogrosides and methods for heir purification are provided herein. In addition, compositions comprising said novel mogrosides and methods for preparing the same are provided.

Abstract: In order to improve the efficiency of solidification and melting of a heat storage material in a heat storage material unit, a heat storage material covered with a coating material is accommodated in a metal accommodating container having a high thermal conductivity, and the heat storage material unit is embedded in a thermal insulation panel in such a way that the accommodating container is exposed inside a merchandise accommodating compartment, thereby enabling a surface of the heat storage material that is embedded in the thermal insulation panel also to exhibit an action equivalent to that if the accommodating container is exposed in the merchandise accommodating compartment as a heat transfer element, thereby improving the efficiency of solidification (heat storage) and melting (heat dissipation) of the heat storage material.

Abstract: A compressible gasket is provided that includes a compressible core having opposing first and second sides. The opposing first and second sides are covered, at least partially, with adhesive material. The compressible gasket can prevent leakage of contents from a pouch by being disposed between, and adhered to, a mating flange on a male piercer and a mating surface on a pouch.

Abstract: A system and method a method may include receiving (i) beverage composition data of a requested beverage, and (ii) a user identifier of a user requesting the beverage. Responsive to receiving an instruction to dispense the requested beverage, the requested beverage may be dispensed. The beverage composition data may be stored in a dispensed beverage data record. A verification as to whether or not the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour may be performed. Responsive to determining that the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour, a counter may be increased. Responsive to determining that the counter value crosses a threshold value, a first message may be communicated to a mobile electronic device of the user, otherwise, a second message may be communicated to the mobile electronic device. The first or second message may be displayed on the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A Stevia extract made from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant is described. The extract has desired levels of steviol glycosides and is useful in food, beverage, and other consumable products.

Abstract: Methods of preparing novel steviol glycosides are described herein. The methods utilize biocatalysts for converting a starting steviol glycoside to a target steviol glycoside. Compositions and consumables comprising said novel steviol glycosides as well as methods of purifying and using said novel steviol glycosides, are also provided.

Abstract: Stevia varieties with a high content of RebM, are disclosed Further provided are methods for producing Stevia plants having a high RebM content by negatively regulating certain genes selecting the resulting plants, and breeding with such plants to confer such desirable Reb M phenotypes to plant progeny.