The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.

An automated beverage preparation apparatus includes: multiple pumps for extracting multiple fluid materials stored in multiple material containers, and pushing the extracted fluid materials to move forward; a fluid output device coupled with the multiple pumps and arranged to operably dispense fluid materials to a beverage container; a user control interface arranged to operably generate a control command; a processing circuit arranged to operably generate a corresponding control signal according to the control command; and a pump control circuit arranged to operably control the multiple pumps according to the control signal. The pump control circuit conducts a layered drink making operation under control of the processing circuit to cause the fluid output device to dispense different fluid materials to the beverage container, so as to automatically form a layered drink/gradient drink having at least two color layers within the beverage container.

An automated beverage preparation apparatus includes: multiple pumps for extracting multiple fluid materials stored in multiple material containers, and pushing the extracted fluid materials to move forward; a fluid output device coupled with the multiple pumps and arranged to operably dispense fluid materials to a beverage container; a user control interface arranged to operably generate a control command; a processing circuit arranged to operably generate a corresponding control signal according to the control command; and a pump control circuit arranged to operably control the multiple pumps according to the control signal. The pump control circuit conducts a sparkling drink making operation under control of the processing circuit to cause the fluid output device to dispense different fluid materials to the beverage container in order, so as to automatically form a sparkling drink/aerated drink with a predetermined flavor within the beverage container.

Systems and methods for beverage dispensing are disclosed herein. The beverage dispensing system can receive a connection request to pair a mobile computing device with a beverage dispensing device via a network. The connection request can include an identifier that can be verified to match a current identifier associated with the beverage dispersing device. The beverage dispensing system can generate a session between the mobile computing device and the beverage dispensing device that replicates a user interface of the beverage dispensing device on the mobile computing device. The beverage dispensing system can receive inputs from the mobile computing device during the session to obtain configuration parameters for a beverage and dispense the beverage from a nozzle based on the configuration parameters.

A pouch for use in a beverage dispenser is a soft pouch having a liquid or slurry contents stored in a compartment thereof. The pouch has a front panel, a rear panel, and a base panel. The front and rear panels are joined together by a common seal around their side edges and an upper edge thereof. An upper portion of the pouch has a top edge, upper side edges and rounded shoulders that are connected to the side edges of the front and rear panels. The top edge has a width that is narrower than the pouch width. The pouch is formed of a laminated material.

An indicator may include a body comprising a sensor and a recess configured to receive a pump head of a corresponding container. An indicator may include a light coupled to the body, wherein the light is configured to light up to indicate when a component in the corresponding container is part of a beverage order, and the sensor is configured to determine when a user dispenses an amount of the component into a beverage container. One or more indicators may communicate with a dock device to coordinate dispensing of beverage orders

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.

Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.

The disclosure concerns a dispensing system having a multi-tower modular dispensing system that includes at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter and a transfer unit located remotely from the counter. Piping extends from the transfer unit to the counter. The transfer unit includes a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources. The centralized ingredient system is configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter. The piping includes a main micro bundle that includes at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

A method for operating a beverage preparation machine, by which at least one coffee unit for dispensing coffee and an additive unit for dispensing a beverage additive is provided. A plurality of beverage variants are displayed by an at least partly graphical display in a selection mode, and the beverage preparation machine is controlled by a selection of a beverage variant, said selection being carried out by a user, such that the selected beverage variant is automatically prepared and dispensed from an outlet. The invention is characterized in that at least one selection region and a preview region are displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the selection mode. A plurality of selectable beverage variants are displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the selection region, and a current selection carried out by the user in the selection region is displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the preview region. The beverage preparation machine is controlled when a starting element is actuated by the user such that the beverage variant displayed in the selection region is automatically prepared and dispensed from the outlet. The selection region and the preview region are displayed simultaneously in at least one first operating mode of the beverage preparation machine.