Abstract: An apparatus for preparing foam or blended media can include a pitcher with a blending mechanism and a blending motor. The blending motor can be configured to actuate the blending mechanism. The pitcher can be configured to receive ingredients therein and the blending mechanism can be configured to blend the ingredients to produce the foam or the blended media. The apparatus can include a base with a rinsing feature configured to spray a liquid into an interior of the pitcher. The apparatus can include one or more pivot arms coupled to the pitcher and the base. The one or more pivot arms can be configured to actuate rotation of the pitcher.

Abstract: A mechanical accumulator may be an expansion tank for a boiler, such as a boiler for a beverage dispensing machine. The mechanical accumulator may include a housing with an inner volume. The accumulator may include a barrier positioned in the inner volume and configured to translate through the inner volume. The accumulator may include a spring positioned in the inner volume and coupled to the barrier. When a force is applied to the barrier by a fluid in a first portion of the inner volume, the spring can expand and/or contract to modify a volume of the first portion of the inner volume in order to regulate a pressure of the fluid in the first portion of the inner volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of ice dispensing and ice dispensing devices and systems. Example systems described herein can include a dispensing container with a container lid that includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and a third cover portion. The third cover portion can include an opening. A duct can be positioned so the duct extends through the opening in the third cover portion. The duct can dispense ice into the dispensing container through the opening in the third cover portion. The first cover portion and the second cover portion can move between a closed position and an open position, so the first cover portion and the second cover portion do not block the opening in the third cover portion.

Abstract: Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems, and devices related to forming a connection assembly for an appliance including a drive socket. The drive socket includes a body having a first aperture at a proximal end, a second aperture at a distal end, and a groove on an exterior surface of the body near the distal end. The connection assembly includes a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a support sleeve including a proximal end configured to receive the drive socket. The support sleeve includes a distal end connected to the drive shaft, and a grab ring positioned on an inner surface of the support sleeve. The grab ring is configured to be positioned within the groove of the drive socket to prevent translation of the drive socket relative to the support sleeve.

Abstract: An ice container may include a housing with an inner volume. The housing may hold ice in the inner volume. An ice container may include a base in the inner volume. The base may support ice in the inner volume. A lift coupled to the base, may move the base between a top of the housing and a bottom of the housing in order to maintain a top level of ice in the inner volume within a predetermined distance from the top of the housing.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a beverage component from a container may include a dosing collar configured to restrict flow of the beverage component through the tube. The dosing collar may be adjustable to modify a volume of the beverage component dispensed from a pump head when the pump head is actuated.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is provided herein. The beverage dispenser may include a housing and a recess that holds a beverage. The recess may be pressurized to dispense the beverage through a dispensing tube that extends into the housing. The recess may include a base positioned at a bottom of the recess. The base may include a reservoir and the base may draw the beverage towards the reservoir. The dispensing tube may be laterally bisected or longitudinally bisected into a first portion and a second portion that may be removably coupled together.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of ice dispensing and ice dispensing devices and systems. Example devices and systems described herein can include a container lid that includes a first cover portion that defines an opening disposed through a portion of the first cover portion, the first portion having an inner edge and an outer edge. Devices and systems can include a second cover portion that defines opening disposed through a portion of the second cover portion having an inner edge and outer edge opposite the inner edge, the opening extending from an inner edge of the second cover portion, wherein the second cover portion is movably coupled to the first cover portion to at least partially overlap with the first cover portion. Devices and systems can further include a door movably coupled to the second cover portion, wherein the door is movably disposable over the opening of the second cover portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of ice dispensing and ice dispensing devices and systems. Example devices and systems described herein can include a container lid that includes a first cover portion that defines an opening disposed through a portion of the first cover portion, the first portion having an inner edge and an outer edge. Devices and systems can include a second cover portion that defines opening disposed through a portion of the second cover portion having an inner edge and outer edge opposite the inner edge, the opening extending from an inner edge of the second cover portion, wherein the second cover portion is movably coupled to the first cover portion to at least partially overlap with the first cover portion. Devices and systems can further include a door movably coupled to the second cover portion, wherein the door is movably disposable over the opening of the second cover portion.

Abstract: A modular brewing system is described for providing hot water and managing power to multiple brew tower modules using a single centralized boiler and power management module so as to limit the number of high-power circuits required in a coffeehouse or store. The boiler and power management module manages power of components of the centralized boiler assembly and any brew tower modules connected thereto, including the boiler heaters, the grinder motors, and the brew chamber heaters.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid can include a dispenser coupled to a container. The dispenser can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the dispenser can be configured to dispense the liquid. The container can be in an inverted position such that an opening of the container is facing downward.

Abstract: A dispensing system can include a container defining an interior and including a first portion and a second portion. The system can include a bag positioned within the interior of the container. The bag can be configured to contain a fluid therein. The system can include an inlet positioned on the container. The inlet can be configured to allow gas into the interior of the container. The system can further include a valve. The valve can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The end of the bag can extend through the valve. The end of the bag can define a passage in communication with an opening through which the fluid contained in the bag can be dispensed. In the open position, the valve can be configured to dispense the fluid through the opening.

Abstract: A beverage station including a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first zone can be positioned below a countertop. The second zone can be positioned at a level of the countertop. The third zone can be positioned at an overhead level, the third zone comprising at least one reduced temperature zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing foam can include a container comprising an open end and a closed end. The container can define an interior configured to contain the foam therein. The container can include a spout extending from the container. The spout can be configured to dispense the foam. The spout can include a plurality of slots positioned through a surface of the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing foam or blended media can include a pitcher with a blending mechanism and a blending motor. The blending motor can be configured to actuate the blending mechanism. The pitcher can be configured to receive ingredients therein and the blending mechanism can be configured to blend the ingredients to produce the foam or the blended media. The apparatus can include a base with a rinsing feature configured to spray a liquid into an interior of the pitcher. The apparatus can include one or more pivot arms coupled to the pitcher and the base. The one or more pivot arms can be configured to actuate rotation of the pitcher.

Abstract: A modular brewing system is described for providing hot water and managing power to multiple brew tower modules using a single centralized boiler and power management module so as to limit the number of high-power circuits required in a coffeehouse or store. The boiler and power management module manages power of components of the centralized boiler assembly and any brew tower modules connected thereto, including the boiler heaters, the grinder motors, and the brew chamber heaters.

Abstract: An adjustable kettlebell has a series of plates in stacked relationship, a handle having a shaft passing through the weights and a retaining arrangement including a base plate engageable with the shaft for holding the plates together between the handle and the retaining arrangement. The invention is improved by a dome top having an outer surface formed with a locating pocket for receiving a portion of the handle in a snap fit therein, and an inner surface positioned upon an uppermost surface of the plates, and a reinforcement plate snap fit into a central hub of the base plate and engageable with a lower end of the shaft.