A system includes a carousel apparatus including: first openings concentrically arranged around axis to hold first containers adapted to hold first food ingredients, second openings concentrically arranged inside the first openings to hold second containers adapted to hold second food ingredients, a holder in which the first openings and the second openings are formed, and which is adapted to support the first containers and the second containers, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around the axis; support structure configured to hold a receptacle; and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and including: a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the first openings and the second openings.

A shaked beverage dispensing apparatus (1) comprising: a beverage dispenser (2); a housing (30), including a cavity (32) for holding the beverage dispenser (2), a weighted cork (18) which blocks an outlet (29) from the beverage dispenser, a first nozzle (12) extending from the outlet (29), a second nozzle (27) which is movable in relation to the first nozzle (12), a lifting bracket (26) attached to or abutting the second nozzle (27), a lifting mechanism (41) attached to one end of the lifting bracket (26), a lifting rod (28), an outer funnel (35) at least partly beneath the first and second nozzles, the lifting bracket 26 capable of being raised by the lifting mechanism (41) to raise the second nozzle (27), causing the lifting rod (28) to dislodge the weighted cork (18) allowing beverage to flow from the outlet (29) and through the first and second nozzles, and thence through the outer funnel (35), the outer funnel (35) remaining fixed during the movement of the second nozzle (27).

A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

A refrigerator utilizes a quick fill dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle that is easily removable for cleaning and/or dispensing independently of the refrigerator.

Fill stations, cup dispensers and faucet clips configured for robotic interaction and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. One disclosed system includes a robot with a visible light sensor and an end effector, a mechanical scale for weighing a vessel, and a visual flag translated by the mechanical scale. The visual flag is hidden when the vessel is below a target weight and is revealed when the vessel is above a target weight. The robot is programmed to detect the visual flag using the visible light sensor and disengage a dispenser of the fill station in response to the detecting of the visual flag.

A system and method for dispensing a beverage. The system includes a beverage cartridge that stores any liquid and has a spout for dispensing the stored liquid. The beverage cartridge may be inserted into a beverage press that includes a housing for receiving the beverage cartridge. The beverage press also includes a tap that engages the spout of the beverage cartridge, and a lifting assembly that exerts force on the beverage cartridge. Pressing the tap activates the spout of the beverage cartridge to dispense the stored liquid through the spout and out of the tap of the beverage press. a system for dispensing a beverage.

A container used for holding and dispensing materials, the container has cutouts for holding or storing, clear strips for visual observance, and a spout and tray that are each extendable and retractable.

A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

A liquid saving device having a container, a lid for attaching to the container, the lid having a top side and a bottom side, a finger element attached to the lid, and a closure for covering the top side of the lid. The liquid saving device also having an inner cover for covering the bottom side of the lid.

A refrigerator utilizes a quick fill dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle that is easily removable for cleaning and/or dispensing independently of the refrigerator.