Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus for on-demand preparation of carbonated beverages. The invention further concerns processes for preparing and dispensing carbonated beverages upon user-demand.

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing an additive into a liquid stream is provided. The arrangement includes a conduit for guiding a liquid stream and a dosing device. An opening is provided through a wall of the conduit. The dosing device is arranged at the opening of the conduit for dispensing an additive into the stream through the opening. The dosing device extends above the conduit. The conduit and the dosing device are arranged such that a vertical distance is defined between the dosing device and the liquid stream to prevent direct contact between them when in use. A refrigerator door that includes the arrangement and a method of dispensing an additive into a liquid stream are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that can be configured in a number of flexible arrangements, providing the opportunity for a configurable beverage dispensing “station” having a variable “footprint”. The hybrid beverage dispenser may have “on board” refrigeration and/or heating system for providing both hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser. A remote chiller may provide chilled syrups for the beverages. Also disclosed is a countertop hybrid beverage dispensing unit for situations where limited space is an issue. Also disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that provides the ability to dispense from one dispenser beverages which usually are dispensed from separate dispensers. The countertop unit possesses the same beverage dispensing flexibility; however, all ingredients are remotely chilled and pumped to the point of dispensing.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a drawer having a rear side provided in the lower portion of a casing and is guided by guiding portions fixed to the casing. Before the casing which stands on a floor surface topples down and before the drawer comes into contact with a floor surface, casters support the front side of the drawer. Normally, axles of the casters are supported on respective front side support portions such that the casters roll on a floor surface. The casters collide against a step, so that the axles are moved to rear side support portions which are located higher than the front side support portions.

Abstract: A manifold for a liquid dispensing system has at least two layers. The first layer has multiple through holes along its thickness direction, and one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The second layer has one or more through holes along its thickness direction, each communicating with one of the through holes of the first layer. The second layer also has one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The fluid channels each have an inlet at the edge of the respective layer and an outlet at one of the through holes. The second layer also has one or more holes defining valve bores. A valve in each of the valve bores controls flow of a liquid to a respective one of the fluid channels of the second layer. Also provided are a liquid dispensing system and a method of manufacturing a manifold.

Abstract: Multi-flavored beverage dispensing may be achieved by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system for dispensing a combination of externally supplied flavor concentrates and water may include a housing, a lid, a base, a valve, and a flow control assembly. The valve may include a dispensing nozzle, a handle, and a sensor activated by movement of the handle, the valve adapted to separately receive a flavor concentrate and water and mix the two fluids in the nozzle before dispensing. The flow control assembly may include a multiplicity of paired mechanically adjustable flow control elements and dispensing controllers. The flow control assembly may be controlled by a touch-sensitive control panel and a computer. The touch-sensitive control panel may be adapted to receive user flavor selections, and the computer may control the dispensing controllers responsive to user touches of the control panel and manipulation of the handle.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a water dispenser apparatus, comprising a single suction unit for pumping water from a water container to a cold water tank and to a hot water tank. The single suction unit also pumps water from a suction tube connected to either the cold water tank or the hot water tank. The water sucked by the suction unit from the suction tube is circulated between the cold water tank and the hot water tank and when heated is used to clean tubes and tanks at the water dispenser apparatus and is transferred through tubes within the water dispenser apparatus. The subject matter also discloses a method for cleaning the water dispensing apparatus by activating a primary cleaning cycle and a secondary cleaning cycle for cleaning the water tanks and the tubes.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.

Abstract: A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.

Abstract: Automatic calibration of dispense parameters of a product dispense system is accomplished via electronic communication of product information. A chemical product includes an electronically readable tag or label that stores and communicates chemical product data concerning the chemical product to a chemical product dispenser. The chemical product data may include, for example, the name of the chemical product, the type or class of the chemical product, manufacturing information regarding the chemical product (e.g., manufacturing date, location, serial number, lot number, etc.), concentration of active ingredient(s), weight, volume, viscosity, density, hardness, specific gravity, shape, color, and/or other data concerning the chemical product. A controller within the dispenser automatically calibrates the dispense parameters based on the chemical product data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for consumer-dispenser interactions. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to interact with a consumer and receive at least one input from the consumer. The product dispenser can also include a controller comprising a set of instructions operable to receive a request from a consumer to dispense a custom product. In addition, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to present via the user interface a at least one of a list of selectable product ingredients or adjustable product formulation parameters. Moreover, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to dispense a product based at least in part on one or more of the selectable ingredients or selected formulation parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow may include a flow channel, a housing, a flow restrictor, and a housing adjustment member. The flow channel defines a fluid pathway for the fluid flow. The fluid pathway includes an inlet and an exit. The housing surrounds the flow channel. The housing comprises an exterior surface defining a first threaded portion. The flow restrictor is located within the housing and proximate the exit. The housing adjustment member includes a second threaded portion in contact with the first threaded portion. Embodiments may include a method for controlling a fluid flow. The method comprises: causing the fluid flow to pass through a flow channel having an inlet and an exit; restricting, via a flow restrictor, the fluid flow, the flow restrictor located proximate the exit; and adjusting a position of the flow restrictor to further restrict or unrestrict the fluid flow.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set mount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber through a conduit for mixing with water to form a beverage. A sensor detects when the amount of the flavored concentrate in the conduit or in the container is low or out. The sensor includes two wings each including a recessed surface that together defines a circular space. A portion of the conduit is received in the circular space. Each of the wings includes an ultrasonic portion that emits ultrasonic waves that are non-intrusive. When the amount of flavored concentrate in the conduit is low, air bubbles are generated in the flow along the conduit and/or a vacuum is created in the conduit to draw the conduit away from the recessed surface. The ultrasonic waves detect either of these two features, indicating that the amount of the flavored concentrate is low.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing head for dispensing beverages from at least one pressurized beverage source, and at least one beverage tube, with a first end that is fluidly connected to the beverage dispensing head and a second end. A manifold module for use in this system includes at least one flow control module configured for attachment to and fluid communication with the beverage source, and a beverage redirecting apparatus configured to be attached between the flow control module and the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet in fluid communication with the flow control module and at least one fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus is configured such that a direction of fluid flow is altered between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A fountain beverage dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a beverage syrup and a diluent for the syrup is characterized by use of a highly concentrated beverage syrup supply and at least one diluent and syrup blending station for diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An output unit for a beverage dispenser outputs hot beverages and/or ingredients for beverages to a container standing below the output unit. The output unit has one or more outlet assemblies for beverages and/or ingredients. Improved cleaning and/or mixing is achieved in that each of the outlet assemblies has a central inner outlet and an outer outlet which concentrically encloses the inner outlet, and in that the outer outlet is designed as a ring nozzle directed in the outlet direction so that a fluid which is output through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric liquid sheath.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage, either having a refrigeration unit to chill the beverage or a removable pitcher that may be put in a refrigerator. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. A dispensing mechanism puts pressure on the cartridge or the pouch to break the pressure rupturable seal or diaphragm to discharge the concentrate into a mixing structure. The mixing structure also receives chilled liquid from the refrigeration unit or the pitcher, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that can be configured in a number of flexible arrangements, providing the opportunity for a configurable beverage dispensing “station” having a variable “footprint”. The hybrid beverage dispenser may have “on board” refrigeration and/or heating system for providing both hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser. A remote chiller may provide chilled syrups for the beverages. Also disclosed is a countertop hybrid beverage dispensing unit for situations where limited space is an issue. Also disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that provides the ability to dispense from one dispenser beverages which usually are dispensed from separate dispensers. The countertop unit possesses the same beverage dispensing flexibility; however, all ingredients are remotely chilled and pumped to the point of dispensing.

Abstract: A cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water that includes a housing, a bladder disposed within the housing, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The bladder is configured to contain a consumable additive such as a flavor, for water. The pump is operable to selectively dispense an amount of the additive into water. The cartridge may be connected to a water filtration system such that the cartridge may dispense the additive into filtered water.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for combining a number of micro-ingredients, one or more macro-ingredients, and one or more water streams. The beverage dispenser may include a micro-mixing chamber for mixing a number of the micro-ingredients and the water into a micro-ingredient stream and a macro-mixing chamber for mixing the micro-ingredient stream, the macro-ingredients, and the water into a combined stream.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: A dispenser platform for receiving a product container, having a casing, wholly or partially encasing a control panel coupled a control module and a product container receptacle having a product container coupling assembly. The product container coupling assembly includes a first product supply conduit configured to receive a barrel of a product container. A second product supply conduit couples to a reservoir or to a supply of a second product, such as water. The product container holds a first product, such as concentrated coffee, concentrated tea, concentrated flavored drink, flavored syrup (cola) or concentrated juice. Components of the dispenser platform include a pump assembly, a heating and/or cooling assembly responsively coupled to a control panel via a control module and a filter assembly. The product container can be a BOV container or an airless dispensing container.

Abstract: A beverage vending machine has a housing, in which first means for brewing and dispensing a coffee beverage prepared using freshly ground coffee are housed. Flexible configuration is made possible in that the first means have a modular construction and comprise at least one base module for brewing the coffee beverage and a separate outflow module for dispensing the coffee beverage, which are in fluid connection with one another by means of one or more fluid interfaces.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color from a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve dispensing system that can be used in a beverage dispenser. In particular, the valve dispensing system has individual valve module components that control the flow of a beverage or beverage component, and a plurality of valve module components may be combined to form a system capable of dispensing a plurality of beverages and/or beverage components.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.

Abstract: A bag-in-box type of assembly is disclosed where numerous features are provided. One of the features helps to lock the drainage tube of the bag in a predetermined position at the bottom of the box. Another feature is directed to a ramp inside the box that aid drainage of the bag's content, e.g., concentrate for a postmix beverage. Yet a further feature is directed to structures that prevent slippage of the bag when placed on the ramp.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Abstract: A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space. A carbonator pump and motor is located in a second interior space.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications and having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of cleaning and sanitizing a beverage dispenser is characterized by fluid connectors that may quickly and conveniently be manually fluid coupled with either supplies of beverage components to be delivered through flow paths to beverage dispensing valves or with a source of cleaning and sanitizing fluid to be delivered through the flow paths to the beverage dispensing valves to clean and sanitize the flow paths and dispensing valves. The beverage component supplies have valves with which the fluid connectors fluid couple, and a manifold has an inlet port for receiving cleaning and sanitizing fluid and outlet ports that are each located in proximity to an associated beverage component supply valve and with which the fluid connectors may be fluid coupled after being de-coupled from their associated beverage component supply valves.

Abstract: A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process.

Abstract: An automated mixing drink dispenser (10) establishes a preselected feed rate of concentrate from a concentrate hopper (42) and ratio of concentrate to mixing water fed into a mixing chamber (42) through the Venturi effect created by swirling water fed into a mixing chamber (42) at a preselected water pressure (66) and preselected regulated flow rate (68) associated with the preselected feed rate of the concentrate. Concentrate is fed to a mixing chamber (42) from a concentrate hopper (42) having an open drain hole (50) openly connected to the mixing chamber (42). A stirring mechanism (106, 100, 101, 102, 104) mechanically mixes the concentrate within the concentrate hopper (42) to maintain a uniform density and viscosity and a gas pressure mechanism (92, 94, 96, 86) maintains a uniform head pressure of concentrate to facilitate maintenance of the preselected concentrate flow rate over time.

Abstract: A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing beverages, particularly multiple differing beverages from a dispensing nozzle, are provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a multiple beverage dispensing device includes a dispensing array attached to a dispense point isolation device within a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing array facilitates flow of a beverage base and at least one beverage additive into the dispensing nozzle and the dispense point isolation device isolating discharge of beverage additive to prevent cross-contamination and color-carryover caused by the residual traces of beverage additive often associated with conventional dispensing devices. In many embodiments, the dispense point isolation device further includes one or more isolation features, including any or all of a recess, trough, notch, raised ridge or tubular projection around an exit orifice of the beverage additive flow channel so as to further isolate release of the beverage additive and further inhibit cross-contamination and color-carryover.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising an ice portion control module, an ingredient module; an ice dispensing conduit in communication with the ice portion control module, and an ingredient dispensing valve removably connected to the ice dispensing conduit and in communication with the ingredient module. Ice is dispensed into a beverage container via the ice dispensing conduit and the ingredient is dispensed into the beverage container via the ingredient dispensing valve.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly which has one or more urns to which a manual, post-mix valve is engaged, on front walls thereof. The urn or urns do not contain fluid, rather, at least, a pair of fluid lines carrying pressurized fluid to the post-mix valve, which may be a “T” valve. The two fluid lines carry fluid from a first and a second fluid source, typically pressurized, which sources are remote from the urn or urns. If the assembly is comprised of more than one urn, it may include a base, designed to hold the urns in side-by-side alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser having a plurality of non-linear dispensing sides each having a dispensing station of a dimension suitable to comfortably accommodate a user/operator. Each dispensing station is of a dimension narrower than that of a dispensing station of a conventional dispenser. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure allows for variations and flexibility in the shape of the unit, and a user-friendly touch screen accommodates one or more concurrent users/operators, while also allowing a choice of various beverage selections. The touch screen provides a user interface that may be configured for use by a restaurant employee and/or self-service applications. In addition, the user friendly touchscreen interface also facilitates the use of ADA compliant controls. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure also allows for “banking” of multiple units into a “kiosk” type formation.

Abstract: Water distributor comprising: a first hot water inlet pipe with two outlets; a second pipe with first inlets, each of them being connected to the corresponding first outlet by means of a third pipe, said second pipe further comprising several second outlets; a rod having at least one narrowing and sliding within said second pipe by action of some actuating means; and water tightness means situated on both sides of each of the second outlets. The positioning of the narrowing of the rod with respect of the water tightness means of each outlet determines whether water will be allowed to flow through said outlet or not. Advantage: guaranteeing that the opening and closure of the different water outlets correspond with the selection made by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is provided which may utilize beverage components, finished beverages, or both, as ingredients when cooking. The dispenser may be configured to provide a graphical user interface from which a user may search either a local or remote database to select a cooking recipe. The dispenser may then be utilized to dispense the appropriate amount of beverage component or finished beverage based on the selected recipe.

Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispenser for mixing a flow of concentrate, a flow of water, and a flow of gas. The beverage dispenser may include a carbonator with a water input in communication with the flow of water, a gas input in communication with the flow of gas, a carbonated water output, and a chilling reservoir in communication with the flow of water, and a dispensing nozzle in communication with the flow of concentrate and a flow of carbonated water from the carbonated water output of the carbonator.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided which may utilize food or beverage components, finished foods or beverage products, or both, as ingredients when cooking. The dispenser may be configured to provide a graphical user interface from which a user may search either a local or remote database to select a cooking recipe. The dispenser may then be utilized to dispense the appropriate amount of food or beverage components or finished food or beverage products, based on the selected recipe.