Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.

Disclosed is a smart device housing configured to fixably attach to a beverage vessel having a domed surface at a distal end, the domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device housing having an exterior configured as a transformable shape enabling a locking fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. Also disclosed is a system wherein a smart device has at least one proximity, image or distance sensor having a beam of detection with a path, the sensor located and directed such the beam of detection covers a location where a coupler can be attached to the beverage vessel, the smart device configured to determine whether the coupler is attached to the beverage vessel by measuring whether the path is obstructed by the coupler. Also disclosed is a method of determining the fill status of a beverage container.

Cartridge loaders for fluid mixture dispensing systems are disclosed. One disclosed fluid mixture dispensing system comprises an interface surface, a cartridge receiver carriage, and an actuator configured to depress the cartridge receiver carriage towards the interface surface to load a cartridge. The fluid mixture dispensing system is configured to apply continuous downward pressure on the cartridge towards the interface surface when the cartridge is loaded and is in contact with the interface surface.

Cartridge loaders for fluid mixture dispensing systems are disclosed. One disclosed fluid mixture dispensing system comprises an interface surface, a cartridge receiver carriage, and an actuator configured to depress the cartridge receiver carriage towards the interface surface to load a cartridge. The fluid mixture dispensing system is configured to apply continuous downward pressure on the cartridge towards the interface surface when the cartridge is loaded and is in contact with the interface surface.

A liquid dispenser may include a container having an upper opening, a pump provided in the container, a pipe through which liquid discharged from the pump is transferred, a top plate having an upper surface over which liquid flows, a filter assembly provided below the top plate, a base provided below the container, and a thermoelectric element provided in the base to cool the liquid in the container.

Proposed is a cartridge system for making a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable into a beverage preparation machine and comprising a cartridge that includes a reservoir filled with a beverage substance; and a cartridge receptacle; the cartridge receptacle includes a mixing chamber fluidically connectable to the reservoir, and a fluid feed line extending into the mixing chamber; characterized in that the cartridge system comprises an intermediate cap, the cartridge includes a first connection means, the intermediate cap includes a first mating connection means that is complementary to the first connection means, and the first mating connection means is connected to the first connection means.

Proposed is a cartridge system for making a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable into a beverage preparation machine and comprising: a cartridge that includes a reservoir filled with a beverage substance; and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge; the cartridge receptacle includes a mixing chamber fluidically connectable to the reservoir, and a fluid feed line extending into the mixing chamber; the cartridge includes a cartridge wall, and the cartridge system includes a sealing element for closing the reservoir; characterized in that a seal between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is formed by a sealing means.

The inventive system and method advantageously enable superior preserved storage and selective dispensation of liquids by storing wine (or other liquids) in a pressurized environment to ensure that the stored liquid does not come into contact with air, and then by selectively dispensing a portion of the stored liquid, in accordance with a desired dispensing regime, by utilizing a controlled source of pressure force to apply a sufficient pressure to the pressurized environment to expel the desired volume of the liquid in a pressurized stream directed to a dispensing/pouring interface through a conduit or equivalent delivery system. In at least several novel embodiments thereof, the system and method of the present invention are configured for use with wine-in-bag (“WinB”) products.

A smart device for a beverage vessel having a domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device having a housing, and at least one expanding member, the at least one expanding member being one of integral to the housing, attached to the housing, or separate from the housing. The at least one expanding member may be configured to be manipulated by way of a force. The smart device housing and the expanding member being configured to fixably attach to the beverage vessel enabling a secure fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. The at least one expanding member may also be a lockable expanding member lockable into a deployed state. The at least one expanding member may also enable a dimension change from an initial vertical dimension to a greater locking fit dimension to provide a secure fit.

Disclosed is a smart device housing configured to fixably attach to a beverage vessel comprising a domed surface at a distal end, the domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device housing comprising an exterior configured as a transformable shape enabling a locking fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. Also disclosed is a system wherein a smart device comprises at least one proximity, image or distance sensor having a beam of detection with a path, the sensor located and directed such the beam of detection covers a location where a coupler can be attached to the beverage vessel, the smart device configured to determine whether the coupler is attached to the beverage vessel by measuring whether the path is obstructed by the coupler. Also disclosed is a method of determining the fill status of a beverage container.