A dispenser that is configured to switch between a first mode in which the user interacts with external surfaces of the dispenser to make selections and initiate dispensing and a second mode in which the user makes selections and initiates dispensing using gesture controls. In some cases, the gesture control feature could be incorporated into an accessibility panel that can be retrofitted with existing dispensers to add gesture control. In some cases, the dispenser broadcasts an identifier with a wireless beacon that facilitates selection and dispensing of a product.

Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. A beverage dispenser may be configured to receive input corresponding to a selection of a beverage, and in response, a graphical representation of the beverage at a display device. The beverage dispenser may receive additional input corresponding to an adjustment of an amount of an ingredient of the selected beverage, and in response, the graphical representation of the beverage may be updated. The graphical representation of the beverage may include graphics depicting the beverage container, the volume of liquid in the beverage container, and the adjusted ingredient.

A method for the operation of a drinks preparation machine, for producing a total product while using a portion package includes the following steps, which are carried out by the drinks preparation machine: a receiving step for receiving, by a communication unit, an activation command for activating a certain action in the drinks preparation machine, and authentication information; an examination step for examining, on the basis of the authentication information, whether the activation command originates from an operating appliance that is authorized for activating the certain action in the drinks preparation machine; and only in the case that the operating appliance is authorized for this. carrying out the action, particularly a production step for producing the total product.

Automated dispensing of beverages is provided by unattended software control. Grants are purchased or given from the administrative Portal (we call it Pass Manager, see screen shots in the ppt presentation). The redemption is initiated from the web page opened on a phone or tablet. Redemption can also be initiated by applying QR, bar code, RFID or CC cards to a Reader. dispensing tap may be accessed at the dispensing station interface or via a networked application interface. Authenticating the granting of automated access via a receipt includes acceptance of legal terms and conditions and assess limited by an access code. User may prepay for servings, with the tap remaining locked until the user specific access code is acknowledged. After dispensing, the tap is locked and the purchase or grant total updated.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a cloud based management system controlling a plurality of automated food production systems residing at different locations. A machine learning algorithm may be used to modify recipe data to customize recipes.

A smart inventory management system is described for a dispensing and blend-in-cup beverage platform including a container having an information tag that is configured to store unique information specific to a particular product, a reader configured to read the stored information from the information tag, a control board configured to host a software based decision engine which is configured to interpret the information specific to a particular product and to control one or more system components based at least in part on the information, a pump controlled by the control board and configured to pump beverage concentrates out of the containers in order to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holder, and a check valve located between an opening on the container and the pump, the check valve configured to provide backflush prevention of foreign solutions into the container.

A fluid integrating system (10) includes an integrating manifold (30) having two or more input fluid inlets (132) disposed at oblique angles relative to a center axis of the integrating manifold (30). The two or more input fluid inlets (132) intersect in the integrating manifold (30) to define an integrating chamber (112). The fluid integrating system also includes a pressure sensor (110) fluidly connected to the integrating chamber (112) that is operable to send a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid in the integrating chamber (112). A integrating controller (22) is operatively coupled to the two or more valves (60) and to the pressure sensor (110) and is operable to selectively control the flow of input fluids into the integrating chamber (112) by actuating the two or more valves (60) based on the pressure signal received from the pressure sensor (110).

The present application provides a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage into a cup. The beverage dispenser may include a dispensing area with a nozzle and an optical recognition system. The optical recognition system may include a camera positioned about the dispensing area.

The present invention is an automated electromechanical gripper for handling a container. In one embodiment, the gripper is used in an automated liquid dispenser. The gripper can grab a single container, remove the container from a nested stack of containers, and move the container in three directions (horizontally, laterally, and vertically).

Dispenser (10), for the dispensing of drinking water and/or other beverages, comprising: —a cabinet (100); —a user interface (112); —a dispensing compartment (113) having a support surface (1130) for a container (9) to be filled; —at least one nozzle (114) for the dispensing of drinking water and/or other beverages, positioned over said support surface (1130); a washing compartment (1) for said container (9), said washing compartment (1) comprising: —a washing device for dispensing one or more washing fluids inside said container (9), —a drain (60) for draining one or more washing fluids outside said washing compartment (1), wherein said washing compartment (1) for said container (9) comprises: a basket (11) adapted to contain said container (9) to be washed in an upside down setup, said basket (11) being movable between: —a first operating position, wherein said basket (11) is completely inserted inside said washing compartment (1) to enable to wash the container (9) contained therein, —and a second operating position, wherein said basket (11) projects, at least partially, from said washing compartment (1) to enable to insert said container (9) to be washed and pull it out once the washing operations are concluded, said washing device being adapted to provide, alternatively, water and water plus ozone when said basket (11) is located in said first operating position.