Abstract: A flavor dispensing system includes a dispensing system configured to dispense flavor concentrates with minimal installation support. In aspects, the flavoring dispensing system includes one or more concentrate cartridges with a pump cap that are fluidly connected to a nozzle. A pump actuator in the flavor dispensing system moves the concentrate cartridges and thereby actuates the pump cap to dispense concentrate.

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: Aspects of the present disclosure include a water filter mount for a beverage dispenser. The water filter mount releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a gas cylinder mount for a beverage dispenser. The gas cylinder mount releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a concentrate vial mount for a beverage dispenser. The concentrate vial releasably mounts a water filter to the beverage dispenser using a rotating motion that does not require any tools.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a connector that interfaces a beverage dispenser with an external water supply. The connector includes a backflow preventer that only allows water to flow from the external water supply to the beverage dispenser. Some aspects of the connector also include a pressure regulator configured to reduce incoming water pressure to a desired pressure. The connector is configured to be mounted to a suitable surface, such as the rear of the beverage dispenser.

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: A beverage dispenser inclues a housing and a base liquid nozzle arranged on the housing and configured to dispense a base liquid. The beverage dispenser further includes an additive nozzle arranged on the housing and configured to dispense an additive. The beverage dispenser includes a user interface arranged on the housing, and the user interface is configured to receive a first selection of a base liquid and at least one of a temperature of the base liquid and a carbonation level of the base liquid, and a second selection of an additive. The beverage dispenser is configured to dispense the base liquid from the base liquid nozzle based on the first selection, and wherein the additive nozzle is configured to dispense the additive based on the second selection.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge includes a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a core having a tubular body with openings that allow water to flow through the core. The core defines an open central area, and the core supports the sediment filter and the carbon filter. A nanofiltration unit is arranged within the open central area of the core. The nanofiltration unit includes a tubular filter element defining a central volume, and a plurality of filaments arranged within the central volume.

Abstract: A system for mixing and dispensing a beverage is provided including a disposable pod containing a solute therein, inflow puncturing cap defining a plurality of spikes extending therefrom, an outflow puncturing cap defining a plurality of puncturing spikes extending therefrom and a translation mechanism for receiving the pod, translating the inflow puncturing cap towards the pod to puncture the pod upper surface and seat the pod proximate the outflow cap spikes. Heated, pressurized solvent fluid is injected into the pod, wherein the solvent and solute mix, causing the pod lower surface to expand against, and be punctured by the outflow puncturing cap spikes. The pod material, and pod thickness may be selected to allow puncture of the pod lower surface after a preferred brewing period has occurred.

Abstract: A drink station is provided with an alkaline filter cartridge in fluid communication with an ambient temperature water line provide alkaline water, and with a chilled water mixed with the alkaline water at a spigot to provide chilled alkaline water. A hot water heating element is located below the spigot so hot water flows upward for dispensing from the spigot, with a vent line between the heating element and spigot helping hot water to flow from the spigot to the heating element. A refrigeration system and a carbonation system is also provided. The refrigeration system uses the ice-bank technology. A submersible agitator pump improves heat exchanged between ice-bank and water by forced convection. The agitator pump operating based on the temperature of the drinking water. A figure eight evaporator coil can provide two cylindrical ice banks and two chilled water coils to increase the chilled water capacity.

Abstract: A filter medium for removing contaminants from water includes a matrix including a plurality of fibers having an electrostatic charge such that the matrix is configured to remove contaminants from water by electrostatic attraction. The filter medium further includes a filler material including a ceramic substrate containing a mineral. The filler material is embedded in the matrix. When water flows through the filter medium, the mineral at least partially dissolves in the water such that a cavity is formed in the matrix in a location of the at least partially dissolved mineral.

Abstract: A filter medium for removing contaminants from water includes a matrix including a plurality of fibers having an electrostatic charge such that the matrix is configured to remove contaminants from water by electrostatic attraction. The filter medium further includes a filler material including a ceramic substrate containing a mineral. The filler material is embedded in the matrix. When water flows through the filter medium, the mineral at least partially dissolves in the water such that a cavity is formed in the matrix in a location of the at least partially dissolved mineral.

Abstract: A drink station is provided with an alkaline filter cartridge in fluid communication with an ambient temperature water line provide alkaline water, and with a chilled water mixed with the alkaline water at a spigot to provide chilled alkaline water. A hot water heating element is located below the spigot so hot water flows upward for dispensing from the spigot, with a vent line between the heating element and spigot helping hot water to flow from the spigot to the heating element. A refrigeration system and a carbonation system is also provided. The refrigeration system uses the ice-bank technology. A submersible agitator pump improves heat exchanged between ice-bank and water by forced convection. The agitator pump operating based on the temperature of the drinking water. A figure eight evaporator coil can provide two cylindrical ice banks and two chilled water coils to increase the chilled water capacity.

Abstract: Carbonation apparatus is provided for carbonating a mixed input flow of pressurized and refrigerated carbon dioxide and water. A first cartridge is disposed within the carbonation chamber, defining a porous micromesh net in fluid communication with the input flow and a central cavity in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber output port. The micromesh net is configured to break up chains of water molecules passing through the net, to enhance bonding between the water and carbon dioxide molecules within the cartridge. The net also responds to the flow of water and carbon dioxide molecules impacting and passing through the net by generating a passive polarizing field that has a polarizing influence on the water molecules to further enhance bonding. Beads may be provided within the cartridge for capturing and stabilizing carbon dioxide molecules to yet further enhance bonding between the water and the carbon dioxide molecules.

Abstract: Resealable bottles for beverages. A bottle may include a main body with an opening for receiving contents and a reservoir for storing contents, a lid, and a bottom, which is interchangeable with an accessory for changing a characteristic of the contents. The lid may close the bottle and/or facilitate consumption of its contents. The bottle may support one or more indicators, such as LEDs, including a safety indicator that is configured to activate when the safety system is active and the resealable bottle enters an unsafe state. The accessory may provide, for example, heating and/or cooling.

Abstract: Carbonation apparatus is provided for carbonating a mixed input flow of pressurized and refrigerated carbon dioxide and water. A first cartridge is disposed within the carbonation chamber, defining a porous micromesh net in fluid communication with the input flow and a central cavity in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber output port. The micromesh net is configured to break up chains of water molecules passing through the net, to enhance bonding between the water and carbon dioxide molecules within the cartridge. The net also responds to the flow of water and carbon dioxide molecules impacting and passing through the net by generating a passive polarizing field that has a polarizing influence on the water molecules to further enhance. Beads may be provided within the cartridge for capturing and stabilizing carbon dioxide molecules to yet further enhance bonding between the water and the carbon dioxide molecules.

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: A water filter cartridge includes a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a core having a tubular body with openings that allow water to flow through the core. The core defines an open central area, and the core supports the sediment filter and the carbon filter. A nanofiltration unit is arranged within the open central area of the core. The nanofiltration unit includes a tubular filter element defining a central volume, and a plurality of filaments arranged within the central volume.

Abstract: A chiller for cooling a beverage includes a reservoir configured to hold a heat exchange fluid and an evaporator coil arranged within the reservoir. The evaporator coil includes a plurality of windings configured to circulate a coolant, and projections extending from an exterior surface of one or more of the plurality of windings. The chiller further includes a chiller coil arranged in the reservoir, wherein the beverage is configured to flow through the chiller coil. When the coolant is circulated through the plurality of windings of the evaporator coil, a bank of frozen heat exchange fluid forms on the windings and on the projections.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing nozzle includes a housing having an upper end opposite a lower end, and an inlet at the upper end that is configured to be placed in communication with a source of a base liquid. The beverage dispensing nozzle further includes a chamber within the housing and in communication with the inlet. An aerator is in communication with the chamber, and the aerator includes a plate having apertures. A flavor inlet valve is in communication with a source of a flavoring and is arranged downstream of the aerator. The flavor inlet valve is configured to dispense the flavoring into the housing. The beverage dispensing nozzle additionally includes a nozzle tip arranged at the lower end of the housing.

Abstract: A drink station is provided with an alkaline filter cartridge in fluid communication with an ambient temperature water line provide alkaline water, and with a chilled water mixed with the alkaline water at a spigot to provide chilled alkaline water. A hot water heating element is located below the spigot so hot water flows upward for dispensing from the spigot, with a vent line between the heating element and spigot helping hot water to flow from the spigot to the heating element. A refrigeration system and a carbonation system is also provided. The refrigeration system uses the ice-bank technology. A submersible agitator pump improves heat exchanged between ice-bank and water by forced convection. The agitator pump operating based on the temperature of the drinking water. A figure eight evaporator coil can provide two cylindrical ice banks and two chilled water coils to increase the chilled water capacity.