Abstract: A system for beverage cartridge preparation allows users to self-select, self-fill, and self-seal single use beverage cartridges for convenience. A frame assembly supports a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system. The cartridge filling system includes a fillable container and a portion dispensing system. The cartridge handling system includes a movement guide system moving the beverage cartridges, a sealing system for sealing the beverage cartridges after filling, and a motion system for actuating the cartridge handling system, the portion dispensing system, and the sealing system. The movement system includes mobility relative to operative members of the filling and handling systems and one or more single use beverage cartridges. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system.

Abstract: A Virtual Client Discount Pricing system and method that allows a number of individuals or entities, referred to as participants, to create a virtual client for the purpose of purchasing, leasing or renting of products and services, especially investment management services. The plurality of individuals or entities, referred to as participants, gather together to form the virtual client. In general, the virtual client is created to enable the participants to access goods or services from a provider, or numerous providers, using a discounted rate. In this manner, when the participants of the virtual client access goods or services from the provider, each of the participants receives a discounted rate from the provider using the virtual client, as compared to each of the participants individually accessing goods or services from the provider.