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.

Disclosed is a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a non-mixed fluid along with a post-mix fluid. The post-mix fluid is formed by mixing a base beverage with at least one beverage additive. For example, the beverage dispensing system may dispense a post-mix fluid (e.g. cola) and a non-mixed fluid (e.g. spirits) separately. In some embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed simultaneously with the non-mixed fluid from separate fluid outlet ports. In other embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed from a first fluid outlet port and, subsequently, the non-mixed fluid may be dispensed from a second fluid outlet port.

The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing a beverage by means of a cartridge system consisting of a cartridge (7), which has a beverage substance in a reservoir (8), and of a cartridge receptacle (11) which is connected to the cartridge (7) and has a mixing chamber, at least one fluid supply and a beverage outlet, wherein the beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a main unit (2) and a cartridge holder (3) which protrudes from the main unit (2) and is in particular designed like a balcony, wherein the cartridge holder (3) is designed such that the cartridge system can be inserted into it, wherein the cartridge holder (3) comprises an actuator element (14) for operating a cartridge discharging device of the cartridge system, wherein the main unit (2) comprises a liquid reservoir (4), a liquid conditioning system for conditioning a liquid from the liquid reservoir (4), in particular for controlling the temperature of and/or carbonating the liquid, a fluid supply system for introducing the conditioned liquid and/or pressurised air into the cartridge system, and a control device for controlling the liquid conditioning system and/or the fluid supply system, wherein the main unit (2) and/or the cartridge holder (3) comprises a drive for the actuator element (14).

A dispenser head for in-line mixing and dispensing of beverages, which may be carbonated or nitrogenated. The dispenser head comprising a pump, a dilution mechanism, an additive mechanism, and outlet nozzle and optionally a regulation system. In use, the pump can pump concentrate liquid for the liquid product from a concentrate source to the dilution mechanism; the dilution mechanism can receive diluent liquid suitable for the liquid product from a diluent source, operable to mix the diluent liquid and the concentrate liquid and provide diluted concentrate liquid; and the additive mechanism can receive additive fluid for the liquid product from an additive source, to combine the diluted concentrate liquid and the additive fluid. The regulation system comprises a pump regulator means for regulating the quantity of concentrate liquid pumped into the dilution mechanism within the dispense period; a diluent quantity regulator means for regulating the flow of diluent liquid into the dilution mechanism; and an additive quantity regulator means for regulating the flow of additive fluid into the additive mechanism. Preferably, the dispenser head is a unitary device, which may be supplied attached to a vessel containing the concentrate.

An embodiment system and method for dispensing multiple dairy products includes a dispenser which houses two or more dairy product bases with different formulations, which may be combined with or without water to create a multitude of homogenous dairy beverages. The two or more dairy product bases may be mixed together first and then separately mixed with water, mixed together simultaneously with water, or mixed together without adding water. They may be mixed together with or without additional flavoring, ingredients, mineral or nutritional additives. The dispenser comprises a pump with a quick-release mechanism to allow for quick and clean maintenance of the system.

A beverage dispenser and methods of beverage dispensing include a dispenser with a beverage valve and a purge valve. The beverage valve is connected the dispenser body and is actively operable to control a flow of a base beverage into a flow path of the dispenser. The purge valve is selectively operable to control a flow of a purge substance into the flow path. A nozzle is configured to mix a flavoring from a flavoring nozzle with a base beverage from the beverage valve prior to dispensing a mixture of the flavoring and the base beverage from the nozzle.

A beverage dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a first inlet, a piston being disposed in the dispenser housing, with the piston having a chamber extending through the piston, where the piston is movable in the dispenser housing between an open position and a closed position. The first inlet is in fluid communication with the chamber when in the open position. The first inlet is blocked from fluid communication with the chamber when in the closed position.

A cooling system for use in a beverage dispenser, the cooling system including: a cold plate having a top surface and a side surface; a carbonator arranged in a non-horizontal orientation relative to the cold plate, the carbonator having a sidewall, a lower uninsulated portion of the sidewall of the carbonator being in thermal communication with the side surface of the cold plate; and a fastener coupling the carbonator to the cold plate, the fastener having a lower thermal conductivity as compared to a thermal conductivity of the carbonator.

A post-mix beverage dispenser system with removable pumps is disclosed. The system includes a pump enclosure for receiving a plurality of beverage syrup pumps. Each beverage syrup pump may be easily removed from the enclosure and replaced in a tool-less manner. A sensor and control system for the plurality or removable pumps is also disclosed.

A post-mix beverage dispenser system with removable pumps is disclosed. The system includes a pump enclosure for receiving a plurality of beverage syrup pumps. Each beverage syrup pump may be easily removed from the enclosure and replaced in a tool-less manner. A sensor and control system for the plurality or removable pumps is also disclosed.