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.

The disclosed beverage dispensing monitors, systems, and methods help to track, monitor, and analyze data about beverage pours dispensed from one or more beverage dispensers. For example, a beverage dispensing system can have monitors attached to one or more of its beverage dispensing taps so that when a beverage is dispensed at one of the monitored taps, the beverage poured is tracked and analyzed for many reasons like tracking inventory levels for supply and loss purposes and user training and accountability. Various data integrity analyses can be performed and reports can be generated based on the analyzed data included data integrity reports and variance reports. The disclosed systems and methods can interface with a point-of-sale system to reconcile data of inventory and sales transactions.

Certain embodiments of the invention include a system, method, and apparatus surrounding the delivery of a filtered beverage. Certain embodiments include a filtered beverage kiosk that provides filtered and disinfected beverage. The filtered beverage kiosk includes hardware components and associated software connected to a network, where the software and hardware is controllable through the network. Certain embodiments include an RFID-tag associated with a bottle or a band, and an RFID reader and writer that accounts for the dispensing of the beverage into a receptacle. Users are able to add funds to the RFID tag, while the RFID reader and writer debits the RFID tag to account for the dispensed beverage.

A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a beverage dispensing valve including a movable valve activation device is provided. The beverage dispensing valve can move the valve activation device to a predetermined activation position to dispense a fluid in response to a control signal.

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.

An apparatus, system and method for providing a consumable level monitor for association with a content-filled consumable. The embodiments may include a sensing module suitable to sense the consumable level; and a communications module suitable for receiving the consumable level from the sensing module, and for communicating the consumable level to a user.

Various beverage preparation systems and methods are shown. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

This invention is a refrigeration, dispensing, and management system for beverage and beverage containers that includes a tap attached to an upper door and a supply line; a recess base in a recess of a housing; a slide slidably carried by the recess base having a slot; a pressurized gas cylinder connected to the housing and attached to a gas line in fluid communications with the supply line wherein the gas cylinder contains gas selected from the group consisting of O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, N.sub.2 or other inert gas; and, a cap placed on the beverage container so that when the tap is opened, pressurized gas enters the cap and the snorkel through an inlet defined in the cap, forces gas into the beverage container, and forces the beverage out of the outline defined in the cap, through the supply line and out of the tap.

Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

An exemplary mobile wine tasting system may include a vehicle, e.g., a van or other automobile capable of transporting and serving at least one wine product, and at least one wine dispenser installed on the vehicle. The wine dispenser may be configured to dispense the at least one kind of wine to at least one of an interior compartment of the vehicle and an exterior of the vehicle. Accordingly, wine tasting experiences may be brought directly to customers, as opposed to requiring individuals to travel to a winery, bar, or tasting room.