Abstract: One embodiment may include a machine for providing beverages. The machine may include a reader configured to read data representative of an available balance for a user to obtain beverages from the machine from a machine-readable medium and electronics. The electronics may be configured to receive the data from the machine-readable medium in response to the user positioning the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader, enable the user to dispense a beverage into a vessel, and update the available balance of the machine-readable medium so as to reduce or prevent the user from dispensing unlimited beverages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage making machine comprising a first beverage making cartridge comprising at least one of a gas source portion, the gas source portion contains a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas emitted from the solid gas source. The beverage making machine further comprising a second beverage making cartridge comprising at least one of a micro ingredient, a beverage diluent receptacle for receiving a beverage diluent liquid, a dissolver dissolves portion of the gas, from the gas storage tank, into the beverage diluent liquid, and a dispenser selectively dispenses a predefined ratio of at least one of the micro ingredient and the beverage diluent liquid, to form a beverage. Exemplary embodiments include a computer control arranged to receive a beverage selection from a consumer and control the beverage making machine to form beverages.

Abstract: One embodiment may include a machine for providing beverages. The machine may include a reader configured to read data representative of an available balance for a user to obtain beverages from the machine from a machine-readable medium and electronics. The electronics may be configured to receive the data from the machine-readable medium in response to the user positioning the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader, enable the user to dispense a beverage into a vessel, and update the available balance of the machine-readable medium so as to reduce or prevent the user from dispensing unlimited beverages.

Abstract: A machine and process for providing beverages may include an inventory dispensing apparatus. An input/output (I/O) unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network to which the I/O unit is in communication. A processing unit may be configured to determine remaining inventory being dispensed by the inventory dispensing machine. A non-transitory memory unit may be in communication with the processing unit, and be configured to store data representative of the remaining inventory. A user interface may be in communication with the processing unit, and be inclusive of an electronic display. At least one other inventory dispensing machine may be in communication with the communications network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage making machine comprising a first beverage making cartridge comprising at least one of a gas source portion, the gas source portion contains a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas emitted from the solid gas source. The beverage making machine further comprising a second beverage making cartridge comprising at least one of a micro ingredient, a beverage diluent receptacle for receiving a beverage diluent liquid, a dissolver dissolves portion of the gas, from the gas storage tank, into the beverage diluent liquid, and a dispenser selectively dispenses a predefined ratio of at least one of the micro ingredient and the beverage diluent liquid, to form a beverage. Exemplary embodiments include a computer control arranged to receive a beverage selection from a consumer and control the beverage making machine to form beverages.

Abstract: A method of making a beverage in a beverage making machine includes inserting at least one of a first beverage making cartridge, into the beverage making machine, the first beverage making cartridge includes a gas source portion which includes a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and pressurizing a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas. The method further includes inserting at least one of a second beverage making cartridge, into the beverage making machine, the second beverage making cartridge includes at least one of a beverage ingredient, supplying a beverage diluent liquid into a beverage diluent receptacle, dissolving the gas, from the gas storage tank, into the beverage diluent liquid; and dispensing selectively a predefined ratio of the beverage ingredient and the beverage diluent liquid to form a beverage.

Abstract: A beverage making machine includes a first beverage making cartridge including at least one of a gas source portion, the gas source portion contains a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas emitted from the solid gas source. The beverage making machine further includes a second beverage making cartridge includes at least one of a beverage ingredient, a beverage diluent receptacle for receiving a beverage diluent liquid, a dissolver dissolves portion of the gas, from the gas storage tank, into the beverage diluent liquid, and a dispenser selectively dispenses a predefined ratio of at least one of the beverage ingredient and the beverage diluent liquid, to form a beverage. Exemplary embodiments include a computer control arranged to receive a beverage selection from a consumer and control the beverage making machine to form beverages.

Abstract: A method of supplying consumables to a beverage making machine includes receiving at least one of a beverage making cartridge including at least a solid gas source shipped by way of a no-high-pressure-gas-allowed-delivery-service to the consumer, the solid gas source through sublimation emits a gas, inserting the beverage making cartridge, into a beverage making machine, pressurizing a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas, the beverage making machine further including the gas storage tank, and utilizing the gas to form a plurality of beverages. Exemplary embodiments include sending a notification to a consumer wireless device, and allowing the consumer to reorder by way of the consumer wireless device.