A device for storing and circulating drinking water with vortex flow includes a base, a tank and an actuator housed in the base and configured to circulate the drinking water stored in the tank with vortex flow. The base includes an inlet port through which the drinking water is received and an outlet port through which the drinking water is dispensed. The tank is mounted on the base with a sealed engagement and is configured to store the drinking water. The tank has spherical or egg shape and includes an air inlet on an upper portion of the tank through which air can flow in and out of the tank.

A method of operating a beverage preparation machine that permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.

A beverage preparation machine permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.

A device for storing and circulating drinking water with vortex flow includes a base, a tank and an actuator housed in the base and configured to circulate the drinking water stored in the tank with vortex flow. The base includes an inlet port through which the drinking water is received and an outlet port through which the drinking water is dispensed. The tank is mounted on the base with a sealed engagement and is configured to store the drinking water. The tank has spherical or egg shape and includes an air inlet on an upper portion of the tank through which air can flow in and out of the tank.

A method of operating a beverage preparation machine that permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.

A beverage preparation machine permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.