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.

Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one example, a method for configuring a dispenser apparatus may include determining one or more current associations between some or all of a plurality of ingredient packages and one or more of a plurality of dispensing devices associated with the dispenser apparatus. The method may include determining whether a current association of the one or more current associations has changed with respect to at least one previous association between some or all of the plurality of ingredient packages and one or more of the plurality of dispensing devices, and in response to ascertaining that the current association has changed, modifying an association table based at least on the one or more current associations, the association table being representative of the at least one previous association.

In a water purifier or other liquid dispenser, a sensor configured to transmit and receive a distance measuring signal is installed in a water discharge module moving vertically or disposed at the front of a main body, to sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately without a no-response duration of the sensor. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module discharges purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, to prevent the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.

A cocktail dispensing assembly includes a housing that is positionable in an establishment licensed to sell alcohol and a dispensing outlet is integrated into the housing. An alcohol dispensing unit is integrated into the housing to dispense a pre-determined volume of a distilled spirit outwardly through the dispensing outlet. A mixer dispensing unit is integrated into the housing to dispense a pre-determined volume of a cocktail mixer outwardly through the dispensing outlet. In this way the distilled spirit and the mixer can be dispensed in the beverage container. A point of sale unit is integrated into the housing to conduct a financial transaction to purchase a cocktail. An identification reader is integrated into the housing to read a state issued identification card. A facial recognition unit is integrated into the housing to scan a face of a user for to inhibiting an unauthorized user from purchasing alcohol.

A method for controlling sterilization of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing accommodating components for generating cold water and/or hot water; a water chute which protrudes from a front surface of the housing and includes a water outflow part extending downward; and a light emitting element which is mounted inside the water chute corresponding to an upper end of the water outflow part and emits ultraviolet rays for sterilization, and the method includes when a sterilization mode is started, turning on the light emitting element for a first set time and to emit ultraviolet rays through the water outflow part; and after the lapse of the first set time, turning off the light emitting element for a second set time to stop emission of ultraviolet rays, in which a sterilization cycle is defined as a sum of the first set time and the second set time, in which the sterilization mode is started at the same time when the water purifier is powered on, and in which the first set time is set such that the sterilization mode is performed for one day so that the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the water outflow part is less than 3 mJ/cm.sup.2 during the accumulated on time of the light emitting element.

A system and method detection of an empty keg is provided. Carbonated beverages from a keg communicates a carbonated alcoholic beverage to a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector. The FOB forms a reservoir and containing a float. Level detection sensors in operative communication with the float identifies the position and movement of the float. An keg's status can thereby be anticipated by float level and speed changes. A the FOB status can thereby operate a touchless tap including a control valve via a tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve. A controller in operative communication with the TCB communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the level sensor.

Systems and methods for dispensing consumable liquids are disclosed. An example networked system includes a server and a plurality of beverage dispenser stations. Each of the beverage dispenser stations includes a filler including a filler outlet configured to deliver a beverage into a container, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag fixed to a water filter through which water for the beverage is to flow, and a controller. The controller is configured determine a duration-of-use of the water filter and a volume of water that has passed through the water filter. Each of the beverage dispenser stations also includes a network communications interface configured to communicate the duration-of-use and the volume of water to the networked administrative server to track use of the water filter among the plurality of beverage dispenser stations.

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.

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.