A hydrogen generation device and method are provided. The device includes componentry for separating an input flow of water such as tap water into separate hydrogen enriched and oxygen enriched flows. These flows are then recombined to produce a hydrogen enriched flow with a substantially neutral pH.

Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.

Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a promotion for a combined product dispensed from a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can provide a promotion for a combined product dispensed from a product dispenser. The system can include a code generation module operable to receive data associated with a plurality of product recipes; and generate a machine readable item with a promotion identifier, and a combined recipe including the plurality of product recipes, wherein the machine readable item configures a product dispenser to promote and dispense the combined recipe.

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.

This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing an interactive bartender that uses a dynamic linear conveyor. The linear conveyor may transport a cup horizontally from station to station within an interactive bartender kiosk. The linear conveyer may include a cup-holding platform including a scale capable of measuring weight. Real-time data on the weight of the cup may provide a mechanism that allows the interactive bartender kiosk to error check the steps in the drink-assembly process.

A system and method for guiding the assembly of a food or beverage item including a number of components is disclosed. The system includes a starting point device having a controller. The starting point device is operable to receive the details of the food item, which includes the components required to create the food or beverage item. The controller is in communication with multiple dispensers and bins that each include one or more of the components and an indicator. The controller activates the indicators associated with each of the components of the food or beverage item either sequentially or simultaneously to indicate to the staff member all of the components that need to be added to the food or beverage item. As each component is added, the indicator is deactivated until all of the components have been added. Once the food or beverage item is created, the controller indicates that the next food or beverage item can be created.

Systems, devices, and methods for beverage preparation. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a beverage system including: a fluid feeder configured to discharge a fluid; an ingredient feeder configured to discharge one or more ingredients; a mixing chamber having a dispensing opening, the mixing chamber configured to receive the fluid and the one or more ingredients; a mixer configured to mix the fluid and the one or more ingredients in the mixing chamber; a dispenser configured to control dispensing from the mixing chamber via the dispensing opening; and a controller or control circuit programmed to perform operations including: receiving from a user a selection for a beverage; and producing the beverage automatically.

A system and method for guiding the assembly of a food or beverage item including a number of components is disclosed. The system includes a starting point device having a controller. The starting point device is operable to receive the details of the food item, which includes the components required to create the food or beverage item. The controller is in communication with multiple dispensers and bins that each include one or more of the components and an indicator. The controller activates the indicators associated with each of the components of the food or beverage item either sequentially or simultaneously to indicate to the staff member all of the components that need to be added to the food or beverage item. As each component is added, the indicator is deactivated until all of the components have been added. Once the food or beverage item is created, the controller indicates that the next food or beverage item can be created.