Abstract: A beverage system and methods for preparing flavored beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage system includes a housing, a flavorant system, and a processor. The housing includes a mixing chamber configured to operably couple to a fluid reservoir and pressurized gas source. The processor is disposed in the housing and can be configured to cause, in response to at least one input, the separate dispensing of a fluid and a flavorant into a receptacle. The processor can also cause the delivery of gas from the pressurized gas source to the mixing chamber, where it can be used to form a carbonated fluid.

Abstract: A flavorant container for use in a beverage system is provided. The flavorant container can be retained by a beverage system to dispense flavorant, which can be mixed with carbonated and/or uncarbonated water. In one embodiment, the flavorant container includes a container, a cap, and one or more features located on the cap. The features can include an inlet that is able to receive pressurized air, and an outlet that is able to dispense a flavorant when the inlet receives the pressurized air. The features can also include at least one raised protrusion that is capable of being retained by a complimentary pattern located on a beverage system in order to properly seat the flavorant container in the beverage system.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing device includes a housing, a carbonation assembly, a carriage assembly, and one or more flavorant containers. The beverage dispensing device can also include a controller with a UI to allow a user to customize aspects of a beverage. These customizable aspects can include fluid volume, carbonation level, flavorant type, and/or flavorant amount. Based on the customized aspects of the beverage, the beverage dispensing device can dispense an amount of carbonated or uncarbonated water, and can dispense a type and amount of flavorant. Illustrative embodiments of flavorant containers are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to articles and methods for handling food items. In one aspect, an article for receiving or holding a food item comprises: a blade; and a rim extending along at least one side of the blade. In another aspect, a method of handling a food item using an article comprises a blade and a rim extending along at least one side of the blade, the method comprising: gripping or holding a part of the rim by hand; causing the food item to be placed onto the blade; and moving the article containing the food item therein to a desired location.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a dissolvable cleaner head and a wand for removable attachment to the cleaner head. The cleaner head has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a height extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and includes an indentation having a depth same as the height of the cleaner head. The wand has a first end, a second end, and an attachment arrangement movable between an engaged position, wherein the wand is removably coupled to the cleaner head, and a disengaged position, wherein the wand is released from the cleaner head. The cleaner head also has a first sealing member sealing against the top surface of the cleaner head when engaged with the attachment arrangement and a second sealing member sealing against an inner surface of the indentation when engaged with the attachment arrangement to impede liquid intrusion toward the attachment arrangement.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing device includes a housing, a carbonation assembly, a carriage assembly, and one or more flavorant containers. The beverage dispensing device can also include a controller with a UI to allow a user to customize aspects of a beverage. These customizable aspects can include fluid volume, carbonation level, flavorant type, and/or flavorant amount. Based on the customized aspects of the beverage, the beverage dispensing device can dispense an amount of carbonated or uncarbonated water, and can dispense a type and amount of flavorant. Illustrative embodiments of flavorant containers are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a handling tool for a dissolvable cleaner block. The handling tool includes a wand and a retainer arrangement attached to the wand and moveable between a retaining position and a releasing position. The retainer arrangement is configured for removably attaching the wand to the dissolvable cleaner block when in the retaining position. The retainer arrangement is configured for releasing the dissolvable cleaner block when in the releasing position. The retainer arrangement includes at least one selectively moveable engagement member that removably engages the dissolvable cleaner block in the retaining position.