A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling.

A liquid preparation method is provided. The method includes measuring, with a detection member, a quantity of a liquid stored in a liquid tank by emitting a detection signal toward a floating member positioned in a tube. The tube extends in a height direction of the liquid tank and fluidly connects to two connecting ports of the liquid tank that are located at opposite sides of a surface of the liquid, and the position of the floating member in the tube varies according to a level of the liquid in the liquid tank. The method also includes regulating the liquid in the liquid tank in response to the quantity of the liquid in the liquid tank.

The disclosure relates to methods for distributing alcohol-containing gasoline. The methods herein facilitate the combination of gasoline blendstocks and alcohols to create finished gasoline products. The methods herein also measure the volumes and other characteristics of the gasoline blendstocks and alcohols and employ computers and controllers that calculate the gross and net volumes of liquids, including the net volume of finished gasoline products.

The disclosure relates to systems for distributing alcohol-containing gasoline. The systems herein facilitate the combination of gasoline blendstocks and alcohols to create finished gasoline products. The systems herein also measure the volumes and other characteristics of the gasoline blendstocks and alcohols and feature computers and controllers that can calculate the gross and net volumes of liquids, including the net volume of finished gasoline products.

Introduced here are systems for customized formulation and production of cleaning products and associated methods for using those systems. A system may include a computer-implemented platform (also referred to as a formulation platform or production platform) that is communicatively connected to an interactive dispensing machine responsible for making cleaning products. An individual or company may be permitted to select, create, or modify formulas via the production platform, while the interactive dispensing machine can produce cleaning products in accordance with those formulas.