Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing constituent materials from brewer's spent grains (BSG) for making packaging and/or products. The spent grains are arranged into a set of balanced constituent materials of approximately 80% to 90% grains, 10% to 20% hops, and less than 1% of spices by weight. This set of constituent materials is then formed into products, such as paper and packaging. The paper can be used to create labels or other carriers for beverages, especially for bottled beverages.

Abstract: A system, method and device determine the state of a beverage and communicate information regarding the beverage. A communication device runs an application that determines the start temperature of the beverage to be cooled and sets a desired end temperature. Thermochromatic inks are used on the container label or packaging of the container to convey temperature information. A camera of the communication device senses temperature information of an image of the container. The application then determines an amount of time for cooling the beverage also taking into consideration the type and size of container. The beverage is placed in a cooling device, a timer is initiated by the user, and the application later generates a message indicating the beverage has reached the desired end temperature. The user may link information generated from the application to social networking sites for purposes such as generating invitations to friends within the social network.

Abstract: A beverage container includes a beverage bottle and a label adjacent to the beverage bottle and including a set of microcapsules that contain a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 40° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.

Abstract: In a liquid dispenser having a vertically reciprocable plunger, the plunger is immobilized by use of a locking system. The locking system comprises a turret collar which is mounted on the cap of the dispenser. A discharge channel member contains a discharge passage which communicates with the vertically reciprocable plunger and the member extends laterally substantially beyond the circumference of the turret collar. The collar has a vertical slot therein adapted to receive the discharge channel member and to permit full vertical movement thereof in conjunction with the operation of the liquid dispenser. A locking groove in the turret collar communicates with the vertical slot and is adapted to retain the discharge channel member, therefore immobilizing the vertically reciprocable plunger, after rotation of the turret collar or rotation of the discharge channel member in a horizontal direction.