A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes.

A liquid product distribution network includes a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus associated with a keg. The apparatus includes a radio transmitter device and sensing circuitry for sensing and communicating physical properties associating with the keg. A top or bottom chime of keg physically protects the sensing circuitry during keg distribution in the keg distribution network. The apparatus also includes a battery power supply unit fitted within and protected by the top or bottom chime. The apparatus further includes a unique identifier associated with the sensing and reporting device. The apparatus further includes a mobile communications device is configured to identify the keg based on the unique identifier associated with the sensing and reporting device embedded therein, and receive and process the radiofrequency signals from the radiofrequency signal transmission circuitry of the identified keg passively and without user interaction, for monitoring the physical properties and location of the keg.

Disclosed is a system for producing a beverage, in particular a cold beverage, comprising a cartridge that has a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, a beverage preparation unit with a cartridge receptacle into which the cartridge can be reversibly inserted, and a cartridge discharge device which causes at least partial transfer of the beverage substance from the reservoir into a mixing chamber; furthermore, the beverage preparation unit comprises a fluid supply which opens into the mixing chamber, or the system includes a movable plunger which is placed inside the reservoir and can be transferred from a starting position into a final position by means of the cartridge discharge device.

The monitoring system includes a system for indentifying the beer keg to a user which fills the keg and for identifying the date on which the beer keg is filled. A sensor system is attachable to or built into the beer keg, including at least one of the following sensors: a temperature sensor for the beer, a volume sensor for the beer present in the keg and a location sensor for the keg. A communication system transmits the sensor information to a remote data center for the user.

A liquid product dispensing container device for affixes to a liquid product dispensing container, such as a beer keg, for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing flow of a liquid product delivered to consumers from the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device includes a casing for attaching it to the liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device includes a power source, a radio transmitter circuit, a radio/processing module processing radio signal transmissions of information relating to the liquid product dispensing container. An antenna associates with the radio/processing module for sending and receiving the radio signal transmissions between the radio/processing module and at least one stationary reader and/or mobile device.

Systems and methods for dispensing chilled wine using a dispensing appliance. The appliance generally comprises a housing or enclosure protecting internal components and providing a chilled chamber for wine storage and an unchilled chamber for electric and other components. An airtight wine “silo” containing a packaged wine is insertable into a cradle in the chilled chamber for attaching to a fluid connector system. The user operates a handle to control wine flow. Identifiers on the silo may be read and transmitted to a server, where learning algorithms can suggest alternative wines the user may like based on user feedback about prior wines used with the appliance.

The invention relates to a system for hygienically reconstituting and delivering food preparations, such as drinks, comprising a metering and mixing device connected to a container containing a base liquid, in the form of a package configured to be connected to a base station. The metering and mixing device comprises a pump for metering the liquid, a diluent intake and a mixing chamber. Coupling means are provided for providing the diluent supply and the means for driving the liquid pump.

A method prepares and dispenses a beverage with a dispensing device. The device includes a housing with a beverage unit having a liquid line, a pressure controller to control liquid line pressure, and an ingredient container receiving means. The content of the ingredient container is in fluid communication with a liquid line to mix the ingredient container contents with a base liquid in the liquid line. The device further includes an ingredient container identification unit and a processor coupled for controlling the pressure controller. The method includes providing an ingredient container in the device, identifying the ingredient container, providing a base liquid, and mixing the contents of the ingredient container with the base liquid dispensing the prepared beverage. The pressure in the liquid line changes from a first pressure level to a second pressure level by the pressure controller during mixing and dispensing of the beverage.

Beverage shrinkage monitoring technology is disclosed and is used to reduce beverage shrinkage at bars, clubs, restaurants, and other establishments that dispense beverages. Bottles are topped with wireless (RFID/Bluetooth/WiFi) enabled liquor/wine nozzles that only pour when handled by appropriate staff members who wear RFID wristbands or bracelets. The wireless (RFID/Bluetooth/WiFi) enabled liquor/wine nozzles also report sales to a point of sales (POS) system. Beer taps include proprietary wireless (RFID/Bluetooth/WiFi) enabled beer tap adapters that are mounted to or embedded in the beer taps.

A beverage system including a beverage appliance and beverage containers where the functions required for creating beverages may be activated and controlled through a pre-programmed specific App (an application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device), residing external to and wirelessly communicating with the apparatus.