Expedited aging processes include intermittently exposing an alcohol-containing fluid to any one or more of pressure, vacuum and music. One or more fluid properties may be measured during the process to determine endpoints. Some process endpoints may be based upon any one or more of taste and aroma attributes, via a flavor profile or aroma profile, respectively. Diminishing change in the fluid property over time may indicate an endpoint to the process; or by comparison to the properties of an external reference.

Systems and methods for dispensing items utilizing a housing having a compartment configured to store a quantity of items, a dispensing device configured to dispense at least one of the items from the housing to an individual, an activation device configured to activate the dispensing device to dispense the at least one item from the housing in response to an interaction with the individual, an outlet in the housing through which the items may be individually dispensed from the housing by the dispensing device, and one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation within the housing and irradiate exterior surfaces of the items or packaging of the items with the UV-C radiation. Methods utilizing the system may be used to dispense items, such as sacramental elements for Communion.

The present invention discloses a device for light-treating a fluid having base having an internal hollow portion for housing electronic components, a transparent medium on a top of portion of the base on which a fluid vessel rests, a light emitting element (LEE) for producing light located in the base and positioned toward the top portion of the based where the fluid vessel rests, a processor in communication with the LEE, a user interface for inputting characteristics about the fluid to be treated, wherein the processor, based on the input, controls at least one of the intensity or duration of the light produced by LEE. A system and method for treating a fluid is also disclosed.

An alcohol aging assembly for rapidly aging distilled spirits includes an aging container for containing alcohol. A cylinder comprised of copper is provided which can be submerged in alcohol without imparting an unpleasant flavor to the alcohol. A plurality of dowels is each of the dowels is disposed within the cylinder and each of the dowels is comprised of oak to facilitate a chemical process to enhance the flavor and color of the alcohol. A light emitter is disposed inside of the cylinder to emit light into the alcohol when the cylinder is submerged into the alcohol. The light emitter emits light in the ultra-violet spectrum to increase the rate of chemical reaction between the alcohol and the dowels thereby speeding up the process of aging the alcohol.

Provided is a system and method for rapid aging of distilled ethyl alcohol. The system includes a vessel with at least one aperture for introducing RF energy at a preselected frequency to be absorbed by opaque material in a target area; at least one liquid circulating system; and a platform to substantially contain a plurality of units of wood as the opaque material. Each unit of wood has a plurality of capillaries containing at least wood sugar and resin. The system has a wood agitation system to move the wood through the target area. An RF generator provides constant RF energy at the predetermined frequency to induce oscillation of molecules within the wood. The system has an oxygenator to provide oxygen into the liquid mixture and outgas congeners from the liquid, the vessel further providing at least one vent structured and arranged to vent the outgassed congeners.

A system and process for enhancing sensory attributes of a beverage product are described. According to one embodiment, the process comprises providing a consumable beverage. A sonication process is applied to the consumable beverage utilizing a sonication unit. Chemical reactions in the consumable beverage are catalyzed to modify a sensory attribute of the consumable beverage.

A system and process for enhancing sensory attributes of a beverage product are described. According to one embodiment, the process comprises providing a consumable beverage. A sonication process is applied to the consumable beverage utilizing a sonication unit. Chemical reactions in the consumable beverage are catalyzed to modify a sensory attribute of the consumable beverage.

The invention relates to a method and a device for treating foods and/or containers for holding foods. The foods and/or containers are treated in at least one treatment zone by a process liquid, wherein the process liquid is at least partially recirculated into the treatment zone or the treatment zones after completed treatment of the foods and/or the containers. At least one membrane filtration system and at least one UV irradiation apparatus are provided for cleaning and sterilisation of the process liquid.

The invention relates to a method and a device for treating foods and/or containers for holding foods. The foods and/or containers are treated in at least one treatment zone by a process liquid, wherein the process liquid is at least partially recirculated into the treatment zone or the treatment zones after completed treatment of the foods and/or the containers. At least one membrane filtration system and at least one UV irradiation apparatus are provided for cleaning and sterilisation of the process liquid.

Provided is a system and method for rapid aging of distilled ethyl alcohol. The system includes a vessel with at least one aperture for introducing RF energy at a preselected frequency to be absorbed by opaque material in a target area; at least one liquid circulating system; and a platform to substantially contain a plurality of units of wood as the opaque material. Each unit of wood has a plurality of capillaries containing at least wood sugar and resin. The system has a wood agitation system to move the wood through the target area. An RF generator provides constant RF energy at the predetermined frequency to induce oscillation of molecules within the wood. The system has an oxygenator to provide oxygen into the liquid mixture and outgas congeners from the liquid, the vessel further providing at least one vent structured and arranged to vent the outgassed congeners.