A system for monitoring and regulating restaurant equipment and monitoring the condition of tap piping including at least one main unit (47) comprising a main processor (6), wherein the main unit (47) is connected to at least one sensor selected from a group consisting of a probe thermometer, ultrasonic flowmeter, mechanical flowmeter, thermometer, pressure sensor, wherein at least one main unit (47) is connected to a processing unit (41) comprising a database (42), wherein the processing unit (41) is implemented for processing data from individual main units (47) and for storing data and accessing stored data, and provided with tools for remote data management and visualization.

A flavoring dispensing apparatus, system, and method configured for use with a plurality of pump equipped flavoring containers such as bottles, operable to automatically dispense relatively precise or metered amounts of flavoring, and more specifically concentrated flavoring, into a beverage container, mixing vessel, or other receiver. The containers are easily removed and replaced and flavoring levels can be automatically monitored for replacement with a fresh container.

A measurement system for providing real-time tracking. The measurement system includes a system tracking measurement unit, a system tracking processing unit, and a user interface device for receiving data corresponding to one or more system conditions over an electronic communications channel, the user interface device including a display. The system tracking measurement unit calculates temporal flow data when the orientation of one or more objects corresponds to an event trigger value and transmits the data to the system tracking processing unit. The system tracking processing unit determines one or more tracking parameters based on the temporal flow data. In addition, the system tracking processing unit determines one or more system conditions based on the one or more tracking parameters. The system tracking processing unit transmits data corresponding to the system conditions for display on a user interface device.

Disclosed are various embodiments for dispensing and tracking beverages. An identifier associated with a user can be read by an identification device. Beverage availability information for the user can be determined. The beverage availability information can specify categories of beverages that the user is authorized to dispense. Valves can be selected that correspond to the authorized beverage categories. The valves can be enabled to allow the user to dispense beverages from the authorized beverage categories. The quantity of beverages dispensed can be tracked.

A domestic refrigeration appliance includes a water dispenser unit having a serving unit for discharging a cold beverage. The serving unit includes a receiving unit into which at least one container containing a flavoring can be inserted. In the inserted state of the container, the container is coupled to a dispensing container of the water dispenser unit containing a liquid in such a way that the cold beverage can be discharged as a mixture of the liquid and the flavoring when the serving unit is actuated.

Provided is a ready-to-install apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages and/or beverages on draught that incorporates a flow sensor and a pinch valve and may be coupled to the end of a beer line (or any other tubing used for beverage dispensing) without having to be integrated within the line (i.e. eliminating the need to make multiple cuts for the valve, the flow sensor, etc.) The beverage dispensing apparatus reduces foaming by reducing the number of components that come into contact with the fluid and/or interfere with flow. For example, the beverage dispensing apparatus may utilize an external flow sensor to reduce the creation of nucleation sites where CO.sub.2 bubbles may form. In another example, a pinch valve may be used to prevent excessive foaming in place of conventional valves that must be placed proximal to the keg.

A flavoring dispensing apparatus, system, and method configured for use with a plurality of pump equipped flavoring containers such as bottles, operable to automatically dispense relatively precise or metered amounts of flavoring, and more specifically concentrated flavoring, into a beverage container, mixing vessel, or other receiver. The containers are easily removed and replaced and flavoring levels can be automatically monitored for replacement with a fresh container.

Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.