A beverage dispensing device and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing device includes a housing, a carbonation assembly, a carriage assembly, and one or more flavorant containers. The beverage dispensing device can also include a controller with a UI to allow a user to customize aspects of a beverage. These customizable aspects can include fluid volume, carbonation level, flavorant type, and/or flavorant amount. Based on the customized aspects of the beverage, the beverage dispensing device can dispense an amount of carbonated or uncarbonated water, and can dispense a type and amount of flavorant. Illustrative embodiments of flavorant containers are also provided.

A computer-implemented method for indicating to a user an amount of an item to dispense from a bulk item dispenser is disclosed. The computer-implemented method includes detecting a real-world scale located on the bulk item dispenser. The computer-implemented method further includes overlaying an augmented scale onto the bulk item dispenser, wherein the augmented scale is positioned with respect to the real-world scale located on the bulk item dispenser.

A modular beverage dispenser and method of use to provide an all in one solution to dispense beer, wine, liquor, mixers, cocktails and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients in a controlled, safe, and measured manner. The machines are manufactured to be modular and scalable to allow for any combination of beverage q ingredients; a machine can have any single ingredient or all of them included at once. They are designed to give customers the ability to select functions that they desire to configure a system that meets their needs and specifications.

Beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a dispenser and a beverage container, wherein the beverage container has a neck portion and a shoulder portion adjacent the neck portion, wherein the neck portion is provided with at least an outflow opening and at least one gas inlet opening and wherein the dispenser comprises a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a receptacle for receiving at least part of the container, wherein the container is positioned in the dispenser with the neck and shoulder portion facing downward, such that the neck portion and at least part of the shoulder portion are received in the receptacle, wherein part of the shoulder portion extends close to and/or is in contact with a wall of the receptacle, wherein preferably a lid is provided over the container, enclosing a part of the container extending outside the receptacle.

The invention relates to a cartridge system (1) for producing a drink in a drink preparation machine, comprising a cartridge (2) that has a reservoir (6) filed with a drink substance (7), and a cartridge receiver (10) that can be reversibly connected to the cartridge, said cartridge receiver (10) comprising a mixing chamber (8) and a cartridge discharge device (34) which causes at least partial transfer of the drink substance (7) from the reservoir (6) into the mixing chamber (8), and said cartridge receiver (10) comprising a fluid supply (12) which opens into the mixing chamber (8). The invention also relates to the cartridge receiver (10) of the cartridge system (1), the drink preparation machine, and the corresponding method for producing a drink (70).

The invention relates to a cartridge system (1) for producing a drink in a drink preparation machine, comprising a cartridge (2) that has a reservoir (6) filed with a drink substance (7), and a cartridge receiver (10) that can be reversibly connected to the cartridge, said cartridge receiver (10) comprising a mixing chamber (8) and a cartridge discharge device (34) which causes at least partial transfer of the drink substance (7) from the reservoir (6) into the mixing chamber (8), and said cartridge receiver (10) comprising a fluid supply (12) which opens into the mixing chamber (8). The invention also relates to the cartridge receiver (10) of the cartridge system (1), the drink preparation machine, and the corresponding method for producing a drink (70).

A valve closure for dispensing liquid by means of a pressurised gas has an inner sleeve (12) which includes a socket (16) and an annular inner valve seat (18). The inner sleeve carries a ring seal (14) which is urged against an outer valve seat (9) by an outer spring (15). A valve member (21) has an annular sealing face (23) co-operable with the inner valve seat (18) and a spring (24) urges the valve member (21) against the inner valve seat (18). The valve member (21) incorporates a plurality of projections (26) spaced radially from the annular sealing face (23). The valve closure can be used with a dispensing coupler having a tubular probe with a circumferential ring seal and a locking recess to engage the locking fingers of a detachable closing element.

A valve closure for dispensing liquid by means of a pressurised gas has an inner sleeve (12) which includes a socket (16) and an annular inner valve seat (18). The inner sleeve carries a ring seal (14) which is urged against an outer valve seat (9) by an outer spring (15). A valve member (21) has an annular sealing face (23) co-operable with the inner valve seat (18) and a spring (24) urges the valve member (21) against the inner valve seat (18). The valve member (21) incorporates a plurality of projections (26) spaced radially from the annular sealing face (23). The valve closure can be used with a dispensing coupler having a tubular probe with a circumferential ring seal and a locking recess to engage the locking fingers of a detachable closing element.

A clamp of the dispensing device may include a container engagement surface arranged to engage and/or disengage the clamp from the container neck when the clamp is pushed downwardly or pulled upwardly relative to the container neck. The container engagement surface may include a surface with a lower portion that slopes upwardly and inwardly, and an upper portion that slopes upwardly and outwardly relative to the container neck and that moves the clamp radially outwardly and away from the container neck as the clamp is moved vertically relative to the container neck. A latch may maintain a body portion of the dispensing device in an upper position, preventing needle insertion, until a container is suitably engaged with the base portion of the device, e.g., by a clamp. Sensors may detect engagement of a container with the device and/or insertion of a needle into the container.

Provided is a liquid supply system with which it is possible to perform quality control of a liquid provided by the system. A liquid supply system (101) that pumps a liquid in a storage container (10) through a supply tube (30) and dispenses the liquid from a liquid dispensing spout of a dispensing device (50), said liquid supply system (101) comprising: a jetting prevention device (110) that has a liquid inlet (111), a liquid outlet (112), and a float (116) for closing the liquid outlet due to inflow of air from the liquid inlet, thereby preventing jetting of pressurized air from the liquid dispensing spout, and provides cleaning or no cleaning inside of a conduit in the liquid supply system; a liquid absence detection device (120) that has a no-liquid/liquid passing sensor (122) for detecting that the liquid in the storage container is gone, and sends empty storage container information; and a transmission device (130) that has a control unit (131) for carrying out control of information transmission to a communication line (200).