Abstract: A content cartridge is disclosed having a base with a content chamber and a piercing chamber. A cover is sealed to the base, covering the content chamber and the piercing chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. When the piercing chamber is pressurized with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the piercing chamber will increase forming a fluid path between the piercing chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the piercing chamber into the content chamber. When the predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber.

Abstract: A mixed beverage maker having an ice-shaving unit combined with a mixing unit. The mixed beverage maker further includes a concentrate container holder in fluid communication with a reservoir. The ice-shaving unit, mixing unit, concentrate container holder and reservoir are operable connect to a controller, which can be programmed to selective control the operational cycles of each of the units, a pumping cycle, a ice shaving cycle, and a mixing cycle. The controller includes at least one preprogrammed routine to control the operational parameters of the pumping cycle, an ice shaving cycle, and a mixing cycle to make the mixed drink.

Abstract: A chamber for receipt and retention of a bottled beverage has a dispensing cartridge that interacts with a bottle to remove air therein to preserve the beverage under vacuum and to dispense the beverage under pressure. The vacuum and air pressure within the bottle is applied through a concentric pair of tubes introduced into the bottle as a part of the dispensing cartridge. A reversible pump is in fluid communication with the tubes. The chamber is maintained at a user-selected temperature using a thermoelectric cooling unit.

Abstract: A mixed beverage maker having an ice-shaving unit combined with a mixing unit. The mixed beverage maker further includes a concentrate container holder in fluid communication with a reservoir. The ice-shaving unit, mixing unit, concentrate container holder and reservoir are operable connect to a controller, which can be programmed to selective control the operational cycles of each of the units, a pumping cycle, a ice shaving cycle, and a mixing cycle. The controller includes at least one preprogrammed routine to control the operational parameters of the a pumping cycle, a ice shaving cycle, and a mixing cycle to make the mixed drink.

Abstract: A chamber for receipt and retention of a bottled beverage has a dispensing cartridge that interacts with a bottle to remove air therein to preserve the beverage under vacuum and to dispense the beverage under pressure. The vacuum and air pressure within the bottle is applied through a concentric pair of tubes introduced into the bottle as a part of the dispensing cartridge. A reversible pump is in fluid communication with the tubes. The chamber is maintained at a user-selected temperature using a thermoelectric cooling unit.

Abstract: A beverage and cooling dispensing apparatus for holding both containerized and non-containerized beverages including a cooler unit adaptable for holding and cooling containerized products such as bottled and canned beverages and other chilled products, an internal container adaptable for holding non-containerized free-standing beverages which is positionable within the main cooler unit, and a dispensing mechanism accessible from the exterior of the cooler unit for dispensing the non-containerized beverage from the internal container. The internal container includes a first coupling mechanism which is engageable with a second coupling mechanism associated with the dispensing mechanism for providing fluid communication between the dispensing mechanism and the internal container when the first and second coupling mechanisms are engaged.