A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.

A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.

In one embodiment, a system includes: a robotic arm assembly; a plurality of components arranged around the robotic arm assembly and positioned within reach of the robotic arm assembly; and a controller configured to control operation of the robotic arm assembly within the system. Each of the plurality of components is configured to either: store ingredients under predetermined environmental conditions; store food preparation tools; dispense ingredients; blend, cook, or assemble ingredients into a completed food item; provide cleaning functionality to the system and/or components thereof; provide user access to completed food items; or display information relevant to a food item or preparation thereof to users. Methods of using such systems to prepare and dispense food items are also disclosed, and generally include translating recipes into instructions executable by the robotic arm assembly and/or components of the system, communicating such instructions to the robotic arm assembly, and executing such instructions.

A system and method for facilitating the ordering and generation of a beverage. The system and method are configured to receive an electrical signal in response to the activation by a second user of an electronic link corresponding to a recipe for the beverage shared by a first user. The system and method are further configured to generate a user interface having a user-selectable or user-inputtable order field for allowing the second user to order the beverage. The system and method are still further configured to receive an order for the beverage responsive to a user input made via the order field, and The system and method are yet still further configured to command the generation of the beverage responsive to the receipt of the order, and to effect the presentation of the beverage to the second user at a specified pickup location following the generation of the beverage.

A system and method for facilitating the ordering and generation of a beverage. The system and method are configured to receive an electrical signal in response to the activation by a second user of an electronic link corresponding to a recipe for the beverage shared by a first user. The system and method are further configured to generate a user interface having a user-selectable or user-inputtable order field for allowing the second user to order the beverage. The system and method are still further configured to receive an order for the beverage responsive to a user input made via the order field, and The system and method are yet still further configured to command the generation of the beverage responsive to the receipt of the order, and to effect the presentation of the beverage to the second user at a specified pickup location following the generation of the beverage.

An apparatus for dispensing dry particulate consumables includes a storage silo to store the particulate consumables. A first end of a conveyor is adjacent to a discharge opening of the silo. A second end of the conveyor is in communication with a dispensing hopper. A motor is configured to drive the conveyor in order to fill the dispensing hopper, where the dispensing hopper is filled in response to a purchase signal indicating a purchase request for dispensing the particulate consumables. A user interface is configured to initiate the purchase signal, where the user interface is configured to receive payment from a purchaser for the particulate consumables. A controller is in communication with the user interface, the motor that controls the conveyor, and the dispenser hopper in order to control an amount of particulate consumables dispensed to the purchaser.

A method and system for encouraging the selection of healthy products with a vending machine are provided. The method includes providing a vending machine that displays an inventory of products. Each product of the inventory of products includes a dispensing countdown time displayed on the vending machine. The method also includes receiving a first customer selection of a first product from the inventory of products, where the first product has a first dispensing countdown time. Additionally, the method includes actuating a countdown timer to count down to zero seconds from the first dispensing countdown time. The method also includes dispensing the first product once the countdown timer reaches zero seconds. The first product is only dispensed if a customer does not select a second product having a second dispensing countdown time before the first dispensing countdown time counts down to zero seconds.

Coffee formulations comprising a coffee extract, a flavor agent, a solvent, and a coloring agent are described. Cartridges containing the coffee formulations are also described. Beverage dispensing systems containing such cartridges, and methods of make and using the coffee formulations are also described.

An electronic system to remotely enable and locally control use of liquid milk in the preparation of beverages based on, or containing, liquid milk in beverage vending machines is disclosed.

An electronic system to remotely enable and locally control use of liquid milk in the preparation of beverages based on, or containing, liquid milk in beverage vending machines is disclosed.