A bottled water dispenser is disclosed that includes a water bottle, a cold tank, and an ozone generator, which is fluidly coupled to a Y-connector. The dispenser includes a first tube that is fluidly coupled to a first port of the Y-connector, with the first tube being configured to deliver ozone gas to the cold tank. The dispenser further includes a second tube that is fluidly coupled to a second port of the Y-connector, with the second tube being configured to deliver ozone gas to the water bottle. The ozone gas is effective to sterilize and prevent biofilm formation within the interior areas of the cold tank and water bottle. The dispensers further include an in-line flow restrictor positioned in-line with either the first tube or second tube, which helps balance the flow of ozone that is delivered to the cold tank and water bottle.

Containers are provided and include a container body having an opening extending into a hollow interior, and a cap extending across the opening. The cap has an inlet port with an inlet valve configured to couple to a fluid source such that fluid can be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurized the hollow interior of the container body. The cap also has an outlet port with an outlet valve having a cracking pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior, and a closing pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The cracking pressure is greater than the closing pressure.

Ingredient containers for use in a beverage carbonation system are provided. The ingredient container includes a container body having a hollow interior and an opening leading into the hollow interior. The ingredient container also includes a cap positioned over the opening in the container body and including an inlet port and an outlet port. A cross-section of the cap extends substantially perpendicular to a central axis of each of the inlet port and the outlet port, and the cross-section of the cap has a shape that is a substantially circular triangle.

A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients.

There is shown a dispensing apparatus for use with pressurized containers of fluids, particularly carbonated beverages such as beer. A base that fits onto the container has a piston member slidably fitted to it, along with a compressed gas housing and a pickup tube or assembly. A handle moves the piston member with respect to the base against a spring bias. A gas flow path from the housing to the container passes through a valve, that is opened by the piston member as the handle is moved. Moving the handle opens both a liquid flow path as well as a gas flow path.

A water dispenser having beverage-making function is provided. The water dispenser can include a body defining a beverage making cavity with an open side therein; a beverage making assembly disposed in the beverage making cavity and including a beverage container for accommodating a beverage capsule, the beverage container having a first penetration member for penetrating a bottom of the beverage capsule; and a water injection mechanism for supplying water to the beverage capsule and having a second penetration member for penetrating a top of the beverage capsule.

Described herein is a beverage system that is configured to produce beverages having different characteristics, such as different levels of carbonation including producing substantially non-carbonated beverages and carbonated beverages with a single machine. The beverage system includes a beverage appliance and a beverage container. The beverage container includes a beverage material, which can include a flavoring ingredient for a target beverage. The beverage appliance is used to access the beverage material from the beverage container and produce the target beverage. The beverage appliance and beverage container are adaptable to produce the target beverage having any of a range of carbonation levels or other characteristics.

In a method for distribution and dispensing of beverages, a one-way system is used including a disposable and freestanding container blow moulded in one piece from a preform of plastics, and a tube structure having a tube to be inserted in the container and a closure cap. The thin-walled container is filled with beverage by means of the tube and then closed by the closure cap. This filled unit is distributed to the end user and connected to standard beverage dispensing means. After use, the empty container is collapsed and discarded along with the tube structure which also is made of plastics.

The object of the present invention is the combination between a dispenser (1) for dispensing beverages and a container (5) intended to be used in the drawing station (2) of said dispenser (1). Said dispenser (1) and container (5) are provided each with a centring element (4, 6) having reciprocal shape, the coupling thereof enables the positioning of said container (5) inside the compartment (3) of the drawing station (2) of said dispenser (1), in such a way that the mouth (5.2) of said container (5) is vertically aligned with the overlying opening or spout (3.3) for dispensing the beverages. The reciprocal coupling between said centring elements (4, 6) further activates a wireless communication system for the exchange of data between said container (5) and said dispenser (1).

The object of the present invention is the combination between a dispenser (1) for dispensing beverages and at least a case (5.0) of a plurality of containers (5) intended to be used in the drawing station (2) of said dispenser (1). Said dispenser (1) and case (5.0) are provided each with a centring element (4, 6) having reciprocal shape, the coupling thereof enables the positioning of said case (5.0) inside the compartment (3) of the drawing station (2) of said dispenser (1), in such a way that the mouths (5.2) of said plurality of containers (5) of said case (5.0) are vertically aligned with the overlying plurality of openings or spouts (3.3) for dispensing the beverages. The reciprocal coupling between said centring elements (4, 6) further activates a wireless communication system for the exchange of data between said case (5.0) of a plurality of containers (5) and said dispenser (1).