Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage dispenser. The cartridge including a plurality of storage compartments stacked one on top of the other within an interior of the cartridge. Each of the plurality of storage compartments includes an inlet port, an outlet port opposite the inlet port, an ingredient contained between the inlet and outlet ports, and a seal covering the inlet and outlet ports. A transfer medium ruptures the seal and enters the inlet port to discharge the ingredients simultaneously out of each of the plurality of storage compartments.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for combining a number of micro-ingredients, one or more macro-ingredients, and one or more water streams. The beverage dispenser may include a micro-mixing chamber for mixing a number of the micro-ingredients and the water into a micro-ingredient stream and a macro-mixing chamber for mixing the micro-ingredient stream, the macro-ingredients, and the water into a combined stream.

Abstract: A hot and cold vending machine. The vending machine may include a product compartment, a refrigeration system, and a ventilation system in communication with the refrigeration system and the product compartment. The ventilation system may include a valve positioned in communication with the product compartment. A heater may be positioned about the product compartment. The valve and the heater may be selectively activated such that product compartment may be hot or cold.