Beverage device, system and method

Abstract

A beverage mixing device is disclosed herein. The beverage mixing device may include: a capsule receiver configured to receive a capsule including a premix composition, the capsule receiver including a first sensor; a carbonation container disposed in the housing, the carbonation container configured for on-demand carbonation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to: determine a beverage type based on sensor data received from the first sensor, and dispense carbonated water or non-carbonated water based on the beverage type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to beverage devices, systems, and methods, and more particularly, to mobile beverage device systems and methods for use in aircraft cabins. Background Art

[0002] Mixed drink options during flight are limited by available stowage space and available time to serve customers, and / or the knowledge of flight attendants about mixed drinks. In this regard, passengers may have limited options for single bottle service that can be purchased by customers. Additionally, currently beverage options within aircraft cabins are only operated by flight attendants and the like, which further limits mixed alcoholic beverage options due to the knowledge of flight attendants about mixed drinks, and limits the number of beverages that can be sold on shorter flights. Summary of the invention

[0003] A beverage mixing device is disclosed herein. The beverage mixing device may include: a housing; a dispensing head spaced apart from the housing; a nozzle coupled to the dispensing head; a capsule receiver configured to receive a capsule including a premixed composition, the capsule receiver including a first sensor; a water supply tank disposed in the housing; a carbonation container disposed in the housing, the carbonation container configured for on-demand carbonation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to: determine a beverage type based on sensor data received from the first sensor, and dispense carbonated water or non-carbonated water based on the beverage type.

[0004] In various embodiments, the beverage mixing device may be mobile. It may also be fixed or installed in an aircraft cabin. The beverage mixing device may also include a pump disposed between the water supply tank and the first valve, and the controller is further configured to enable the first valve to fluidly couple the water supply tank to the on-demand carbonation container in response to the controller receiving an indication that the beverage type uses carbonated water. The first valve may include a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. A first fluid conduit may extend from the second outlet to the first inlet of the second valve. The second valve may include the first inlet, a second inlet in fluid communication with the carbonation container, and a first outlet in fluid communication with the nozzle. The beverage mixing device may also include a flow meter disposed between the water supply tank and the pump, the flow meter being in electronic communication with the controller. The controller may also be configured to command water to be pumped from the water supply tank via the pump in response to determining that the beverage type includes non-carbonated water for mixing. The beverage mixing device may also include a third valve disposed between a carbon dioxide container and the on-demand carbonation container. In various embodiments, in response to determining that the beverage type includes carbonated water, the controller is further configured to: enable the first valve to connect the water supply tank fluid to the on-demand carbonation container, enable the third valve to connect the carbon dioxide container fluid to the on-demand carbonation container, and enable the second valve to connect the on-demand carbonation container fluid to the nozzle.

[0005] An article of manufacture is disclosed herein. The article of manufacture may include a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, in response to being executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform operations including: receiving, via the processor, an identifier from a sensor disposed in a beverage mixing device, the sensor being configured to capture the identifier on a capsule comprising a premix composition; determining, via the processor, a beverage type associated with the identifier; determining, via the processor, that the beverage type comprises carbonated water; enabling, via the processor, a first valve to fluidly couple a water supply tank to an on-demand carbonation container; enabling, via the processor, a second valve to vent the on-demand carbonation container during filling of the on-demand carbonation container with water; deactivating, via the processor, the first valve and the second valve; enabling, via the processor, a third valve to fluidly couple a carbon dioxide container to the on-demand carbonation container; and enabling, via the processor, a fourth valve to fluidly couple the on-demand carbonation container to a nozzle configured to dispense the carbonated water and the premix composition.

[0006] In various embodiments, the operations may further include receiving, via the processor, pressure data from a pressure transducer disposed between the on-demand carbonation container and the third valve. The operations may further include deactivating the third valve in response to a pressure in the pressure data exceeding a pressure threshold. Deactivating the first valve and the fourth valve may be in response to determining that a predetermined volume of water is disposed in the on-demand carbonation container based on data received from a flow meter. The operations may further include commanding, via the processor, an air pump to pump air through the nozzle. The operations may further include commanding, via the processor, a pump to pump non-carbonated water from the water supply tank in response to determining that the beverage type includes non-carbonated water as a mixed beverage.

[0007] A control system for a beverage mixing device is disclosed herein. The control system may include: a sensor; a fluid pump configured to be in fluid communication with a water supply tank; a first valve, the first valve being in fluid communication with the fluid pump; a second valve, the second valve being configured to be disposed between the fluid pump and an on-demand carbonation container; a third valve, the third valve being configured to be disposed between a carbon dioxide container and a nozzle; a fourth valve, the fourth valve being configured to be disposed between the carbon dioxide container and an exhaust port; and a controller, the controller being in electronic communication with the fluid pump, the first valve, the second valve, and the sensor, the controller being configured to: receive an identifier from the sensor, the sensor being configured to capture an identifier on a capsule, the capsule comprising a premix composition, the identifier corresponding to a beverage type; determine whether the beverage type comprises carbonated water or non-carbonated water; activate the first valve to dispense water into the on-demand carbonation container; activate the third valve to dispense carbon dioxide into the on-demand carbonation container; and activate the second valve to dispense the carbonated water formed by activating the first valve and the third valve.

[0008] In various embodiments, the control system may further include a carbonation container and a pressure transducer configured to measure the pressure in the carbonation container. The controller may also be configured to receive pressure data from the pressure transducer. The control system may be configured to enable the fourth valve when filling the on-demand carbonation container with water from the water supply tank. The control system may further include an air pump configured to be fluidly coupled to a nozzle, the second valve fluid being coupled to the nozzle. The controller may also be configured to command the air pump to dispense pressurized air through the nozzle.

[0009] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, the foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and operations of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in view of the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and clearly claimed at the end of the specification. However, a more complete understanding of the present disclosure can be best obtained by referring to the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although the drawings illustrate various embodiments using the principles described herein, the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 2 shows a piping system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 3 shows a piping system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4 A piping system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 A piping system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 A control system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0017] Figure 7 A control system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0018] Figure 8 A control system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0019] Fig. 9 A control system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device according to various embodiments is shown; and

[0020] Fig.10 A process for a control system for an alcoholic beverage mixing device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description of each embodiment of this paper refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate each embodiment by way of illustration. Although these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments can be implemented and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific embodiments of this paper are presented only for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation. In addition, any reference to the singular includes multiple embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Moreover, any reference to attachment, fixing, connection, etc. may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to non-contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specifically provided, reference to "one", "a kind of" or "said" may include one or more, and reference to articles in the singular may also include articles in the plural. In addition, all ranges may include upper and lower limits, and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

[0022] Disclosed herein is an alcoholic beverage mixing device for an aircraft cabin. In various embodiments, the alcoholic beverage mixing device is mobile. Although described herein as a mobile device, the disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, according to various embodiments, the alcoholic beverage mixing device can be fixed and can be configured to be installed in the aircraft cabin. In various embodiments, the alcoholic beverage mixing device may include a power source. The power source may be capable of powering the alcoholic beverage mixing device. In various embodiments, the power source may be a rechargeable power source, such as a battery, an auxiliary power unit, a generator, etc.

[0023] In various embodiments, the alcoholic beverage mixing device includes a dispensing head, a mixing nozzle, a water supply tank, a carbon dioxide tank, a carbonation container, one or more pumps and a controller. In various embodiments, the controller is configured to perform various operations to mix alcohol and generate a mixed alcoholic beverage, as further described herein. In various embodiments, the alcoholic beverage device includes a flavoring concentrate containing alcohol.

[0024] Currently, alcoholic beverages available in aircraft are limited to beer, wine, and single bottles of distilled spirits (vodka, whiskey, etc.) or liqueurs, which customers can mix with another beverage (sometimes referred to as a mixed drink). According to various embodiments, the devices disclosed herein allow for the sale of more complex cocktails (mixtures of distilled spirits and mixed drinks), such as margaritas, mojitos, Long Island iced teas, etc. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the devices disclosed herein can provide additional revenue streams from passengers and / or provide enhanced amenities for various passengers.

[0025] Reference now Figure 1 , schematic diagrams of alcoholic beverage mixing devices 100, 300, 400, 500 for aircraft cabins are shown according to various embodiments. Devices 100, 300, 400, 500 include a housing 101 configured to accommodate a water supply tank 110, one or more pumps 120, a carbonation container 130, a controller 102, 302, 402, 502, and a power source 104. In various embodiments, the housing 101 may be mobile (e.g., the device 100, 300, 400, 500 may include one or more wheels 103 coupled to the housing 101). Although shown as including wheels 103, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, the housing 101 may be installed in the cabin of an aircraft.

[0026] In various embodiments, the apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 further includes a dispensing head 150, a nozzle 160, a drip tray 170, and a piping system 180, 380, 480, 580. During operation, the piping system 180, 380, 480, 580 may be in fluid communication with the water supply tank 110, the carbonation container 130, and the carbon dioxide container 140. In this regard, the piping system 180, 380, 480, 580 is configured to convey the mixed drink generated by the apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 through the nozzle 160 via the piping system 180, 380, 480, 580, as further described herein.

[0027] In various embodiments, the apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 further includes a storage reservoir 192 and a waste receptacle 194. Although shown as including a storage reservoir 192 and a waste receptacle 194, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, for stationary applications, the storage reservoir 192 and / or the waste receptacle 194 may be eliminated. In various embodiments, the storage reservoir 192 may be configured to hold beverage packages (i.e., premixed flavor concentrates and alcoholic beverages), such as whiskey and syrup concentrates, etc.

[0028] Reference now Figure 2 , showing various embodiments according to Figure 1Schematic diagram of device 100. In various embodiments, device 100 also includes beverage capsule receiver 121. According to various embodiments, beverage capsule receiver 121 can be configured to receive beverage capsules containing premixed compositions. In various embodiments, premixed compositions can include flavorings (e.g., flavorings in powder form, syrups, etc.) and alcohol (e.g., whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, etc.). In various embodiments, the premixed compositions can be sealed in beverage capsules, and device 100 can be configured to break the seal of the beverage capsule (e.g., by piercing the seal via an actuating pin, etc.). The present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any method for breaking the seal of the premixed compositions is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The piping system 180 of the device 100 includes various fluid conduits configured to transfer fluids through the piping system 180, as further disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the piping system 180 includes a first fluid conduit 181 extending from the water supply tank 110 to the pump 122. The pump 122 may include an electrically enabled pump (i.e., the pump 122 may be configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy). In various embodiments, in response to the flow of fluid from the water supply tank 110, the pump 122 may be electrically enabled. Figure 1 The power source 104 receives electrical energy, and the pump 122 is configured to pump water from the water supply tank 110 through the first fluid conduit 181 and pump out the outlet of the pump 122 toward the first valve 208 via the second fluid conduit. In various embodiments, the first valve 208 includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. In various embodiments, the first valve 208 is in fluid communication with the second outlet in an unpowered state. Although shown as being in fluid communication with the second outlet of the first valve 208 in an unpowered state and in fluid communication with the first outlet of the first valve 208 in an energized state, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first valve 208 may be in fluid communication with the first outlet of the first valve 208 in an unpowered state. In various embodiments, the first valve 208 is a solenoid valve. In this regard, according to various embodiments, in response to power on (i.e., the electric coil receives current passing therethrough), the plunger may be actuated to close the second outlet of the first valve 208 and open the first outlet of the first valve 208.

[0030] The first outlet of the first valve 208 is in fluid communication with the carbonation container 130 via the third fluid conduit 183. The second outlet of the first valve 208 is in fluid communication with the first inlet of the second valve 210 via the fourth fluid conduit 184. In various embodiments, the second valve 210 includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. In various embodiments, in an unpowered state, the first inlet of the second valve 210 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the second valve 210. Although it is shown that the first inlet of the second valve 210 is in fluid communication with the outlet in the unpowered state, and the second inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the second valve 210 in the powered state, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, in an unpowered state, the second inlet of the second valve 210 may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the second valve 210. In various embodiments, the second valve 210 is a solenoid valve.

[0031] In various embodiments, the outlet of the second valve 210 is in fluid communication with the flow meter 206 via the fifth fluid conduit 185. The flow meter 206 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 160 via the sixth fluid conduit 186 of the device 100. In this regard, as further described herein, in response to the controller determining that the beverage to be mixed is not a carbonated beverage, the controller may command the pump 122 to pump water through the fluid conduits 181, 182, 184, 185, 186 and out of the nozzle 160 in combination with the premixed composition of the corresponding beverage capsule, as further defined herein.

[0032] In various embodiments, the carbon dioxide container 140 is in fluid communication with the pressure regulator 204. In various embodiments, the pressure regulator 204 may be directly coupled to the carbon dioxide container 140, may be integral with the carbon dioxide container 140, or may be in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit 187. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The pressure regulator includes a valve configured to control the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonation container 130. In this regard, based on Figure 1 The pressure of carbon dioxide supplied to the carbonation container 130 may be adjusted based on the corresponding beverage capsule in accordance with the command of the controller 102, as further disclosed herein.

[0033] In various embodiments, the pressure regulator 204 is in fluid communication with the carbonating container 130 via the eighth fluid conduit 188. In various embodiments, the carbonating container 130 can be configured for continuous carbonation. In this regard, the carbon dioxide container 140 can continuously provide carbon dioxide to the carbonating container 130 during operation of the device 100. In various embodiments, the sensor 202 can be operably coupled to the carbonating container 130, the carbonating container being configured to measure a level of a fluid disposed in the carbonating container 130. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the level sensor can be configured to provide input regarding the height of the fluid disposed in the carbonating container 130 to provide an indication when the water content of the carbon dioxide container 140 is low. In this regard, the carbonating container 130 can be a continuous carbonation container. Thus, once the water retreats below a predetermined level, as determined by Figure 1 The controller 102 in FIG. 1 determines based on measurements of the sensor 202 that water from the water supply tank 110 may be supplied to the carbonation vessel 130 (ie, via energizing the first valve 208 ), and pumping water from the water supply tank 110 via the pump 122 .

[0034] In various embodiments, the carbonation container 130 is in fluid communication with the second inlet of the second valve 210 via the ninth fluid conduit 189. In various embodiments, in response to the controller determining that the beverage to be mixed is a carbonated beverage, Figure 1 The controller 102 may energize the first valve 208 and the second valve 210, command the pump 122 to pump water through the fluid conduits 181, 182, 183, into the carbonation container 130 to form carbonated water, pump the carbonated water from the carbonation container 130 through the fluid conduits 189, 185, 186 and out of the nozzle 160, and combine the carbonated water with the premix composition of the corresponding beverage capsule at the nozzle 160, as further defined herein.

[0035] Although shown as having a flow meter 206 disposed between the second valve 210 and the nozzle 160, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, the flow meter 206 may be disposed in the first fluid conduit 181, the second fluid conduit 182, or using two flow meters (e.g., one in the fourth fluid conduit 184, and one in the third fluid conduit 183, etc.).

[0036] In various embodiments, the device 100 includes an air pump 124 in fluid communication with the nozzle 160. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the air pump 124 can be configured to provide positive pressure to push the remaining fluid out of the nozzle 160 near the end of the dispensing cycle. Although shown as including the air pump 124, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, briefly referring to Figure 3, the carbon dioxide container can be fluidly coupled to the third valve 310 via the second pressure regulator 304 of the device 300 to replace the air pump 124. In various embodiments, the device 300 is consistent with the device 100, wherein the same numbers represent the same elements of the device 100. In various embodiments, the third valve 310 can be closed in an unpowered state and opened in an powered state. In this regard, according to various embodiments, in response to the dispensing cycle approaching the end, a portion of the carbon dioxide can be directed to the nozzle 160 to push the remaining fluid out of the nozzle 160.

[0037] Although shown as providing continuous carbonation, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, reference is now made to Figure 4 , shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 400 having a piping system 480 configured for on-demand carbonation, wherein like numbers represent like elements of the apparatus 100. In various embodiments, the flow meter 206 of the apparatus 100 may be moved from between the second valve 210 and the nozzle 160 to between the water supply tank 110 (i.e., fluidly coupled via fluid conduit 481) and the pump 122 (i.e., fluidly coupled via fluid conduit 482), and the pressure transducer 403 may be coupled to the ninth fluid conduit 189 extending from the on-demand carbonation container 430 and the second valve 210. Thus, a single conduit 485 may extend from the second valve 210 to the nozzle 160. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the flow meter 206 and the pressure transducer 403 may provide a flow meter 206 to the nozzle 160. Figure 1 The controller 402 provides input to adjust the pressure of the pump 122 for the beverage being carbonated on demand based on the corresponding carbonation level of the beverage.

[0038] In various embodiments, the third valve 408 can be disposed between the pressure regulator 204 (i.e., fluidly coupled via the fluid conduit 488) and the on-demand carbonation container 430 (i.e., fluidly coupled via the fluid conduit 489). In various embodiments, the third valve 408 can be closed in an unpowered state and open in a powered state. In this regard, the default state of the third valve 408 can correspond to a non-carbonated beverage being produced, while the third valve 408 can be opened in response to a non-carbonated beverage being produced. Figure 1 In the event that the controller 102 determines that the beverage is to be carbonated, the third valve 408 may be energized to open the third valve 408 and fluidly couple the carbon dioxide container 140 to the on-demand carbonation container 430 .

[0039] In various embodiments, the device 400 also includes a first exhaust fluid conduit 490 extending from the on-demand carbonation container 430 to the inlet of the fourth valve 404 and a second exhaust fluid conduit 491 extending from the outlet of the fourth valve 404 to the outlet port. In various embodiments, the fourth valve 404 is closed in the unpowered state and opened in the powered state. In response to the completion of the beverage dispensing cycle, any remaining carbon dioxide in the on-demand carbonation container 430 can be exhausted through the outlet port of the second exhaust fluid conduit 491.

[0040] Although the apparatus 100, 300, 400 is shown to be configured to receive a beverage capsule, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 5 , a schematic diagram of an apparatus 500 having a piping system 580 configured for a plurality of bulk premix compositions 510 is shown, wherein like numbers represent like elements of the apparatus 100. In various embodiments, the apparatus 500 includes a plurality of bulk premix compositions 510, each of which is stored in a corresponding reservoir. In various embodiments, the bulk premix compositions 510 include alcohol and flavoring concentrates, such as powder compositions, syrup compositions, and the like. In various embodiments, the bulk premix compositions may include alcohol, which is disposed separately from the flavoring concentrates and is configured to be mixed / dispensed together in response to dispensing the bulk premix compositions (e.g., bulk premix compositions 512 or bulk premix compositions 514).

[0041] Although shown as including a first bulk premix composition 512 and a second bulk premix composition 514, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, any number of bulk premix compositions for use with the apparatus 100 is within the scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, each premix composition can be associated with a corresponding pump in fluid communication with the nozzle 160. In response to this, Figure 1 Controller 502 receives a drink selection, the controller may command a corresponding pump (e.g., commanding pump 522 in response to a user selecting a drink associated with bulk premix composition 512) to dispense a predetermined amount of bulk premix composition 512 to nozzle 160 to be mixed with one of non-carbonated water or carbonated water, as previously described herein. Although illustrated as a pump for each bulk premix composition, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, instead of pump 522 being associated with bulk premix composition 512 and pump 524 being associated with pump 524, a single pump may be utilized and the valve may be configured to open or close as previously described herein to fluidly couple the selected bulk premix composition to nozzle 160.

[0042] Although the device 500 is illustrated as having a carbonation system according to the device 100, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, the device 500 may include a carbonation system according to the device 300 or the device 400. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the carbonation system of the device 500 may be configured to use carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide container 140 to push the remaining fluid out of the nozzle 160 according to the device 300, or may include an on-demand carbonation container 430 according to the device 400. The present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] Reference now Figure 6 , showing various embodiments according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a control system 200 of the device 100 in FIG. In various embodiments, the control system 200 includes Figure 1 The controller 102 of the device 100. In various embodiments, the controller 102 may be configured as a central network element or hub to access various systems and components of the control system 200. In various embodiments, the controller 102 may include a processor. In various embodiments, the controller 102 may be implemented in a single processor. In various embodiments, the controller 102 may be implemented as and may include one or more processors and / or one or more tangible non-transitory memories (e.g., memories) and may implement logic. Each processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor ("DSP"), an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA") or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The controller 102 may include a processor configured to implement various logic operations in response to the execution of instructions, for example, the instructions are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium configured to communicate with the controller 102.

[0044] The system program instructions and / or controller instructions may be loaded onto a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform various operations. The term "non-transitory" should be understood to remove only the propagated transitory signals themselves from the scope of the claims and not to disclaim rights to all standard computer readable media that propagate more than just transitory signals themselves. In other words, the meaning of the terms "non-transitory computer readable medium" and "non-transitory computer readable storage medium" should be interpreted to exclude only those types of transitory computer readable media found in In Re Nuijten from the scope of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

[0045] In various embodiments, the controller 102 is in electronic communication (e.g., wirelessly or electrically) with the sensors 202, capsule sensors 212, flow meters 206, pressure regulators 204, and power sources 104 of the device 100. In various embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to receive data from the sensors 202, pressure regulators 204, flow meters 206, and capsule sensors 212. In this regard, the controller 102 may command the power source 104 to provide power to the various components in response to the data received during operation of the device 100, as further described herein. Figures 2 to 5 , the capsule sensor 212 may be disposed in the beverage capsule receiver 121. In this regard, the capsule sensor 212 is configured to provide beverage data to the controller 102 for the controller to take action. In various embodiments, the capsule sensor 212 may include a radio frequency identification ("RFID") reader, a camera, a scanner, etc. Thus, the beverage capsule may include a beverage identifier, such as an RFID tag, a barcode, etc., which the capsule sensor 212 is configured to read.

[0046] Reference now Figure 7 , showing a method for Figure 1 and Figure 3 The control system 700 of the device 300, wherein the same numerals represent Figure 6 In various embodiments, the control system 700 includes a controller 302. The controller 302 is consistent with the controller 102, except as otherwise described herein. In various embodiments, the control system 700 is consistent with the control system 200, except that the air pump 124 is removed, the pressure regulator 304 is added, and the third valve 310 is added. In various embodiments, the pressure regulator 304 is in electronic (i.e., electrical or wireless) communication with the controller 302. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the pressure regulator 304 is configured to provide the controller with information about the pressure at the time of the pressure drop. Figure 3 The controller 302 may be configured to monitor and adjust the pressure in response to the data, according to various embodiments.

[0047] In various embodiments, the third valve 310 is in electrical communication with the controller 302. In this regard, according to various embodiments, in response to the controller 302 determining that the dispensing cycle has ended (i.e., by deactivating the pump 122), in response to the controller 302 commanding the power supply to energize the third valve 310, the remaining fluid can be pushed out. Figure 3 The nozzle 160 of the device 300.

[0048] Reference now Figure 8 , showing a method for Figure 1 and Figure 4The control system 800 of the device 400, wherein the same numerals represent Figure 6 In various embodiments, the control system 800 includes a controller 402. The controller 402 is consistent with the controller 102, unless otherwise described herein. In various embodiments, the control system 800 is consistent with the control system 200, except that the control system 800 also includes a third valve 408 and a fourth valve 404. In various embodiments, the third valve 408 and the fourth valve 404 are electrically connected to the power source 104. In this regard, the controller 402 is configured to open the third valve 408 by energizing the third valve 408 in response to determining that the corresponding beverage to be mixed is to be carbonated. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the controller 402 can control the pressure regulator 204 to control the amount of carbon dioxide to be supplied to the Figure 4 The on-demand carbonation container 430 of the device 400 is configured to de-energize the third valve 408 upon completion of the dispensing cycle. Similarly, according to various embodiments, in response to completion of the dispensing cycle, the controller 402 is configured to command (e.g., via the power supply 104) to energize the fourth valve 404 to Figure 4 The on-demand carbonation container 430 of the device 400 discharges carbon dioxide.

[0049] Reference now Fig. 9 , showing a method for Figure 1 and Figure 5 The control system 900 of the device 500, wherein the same numerals represent Figure 6 In various embodiments, control system 900 includes controller 502. Controller 502 is consistent with controller 102 unless otherwise described herein. In various embodiments, control system 900 is consistent with control system 200, except that control system 900 does not include capsule sensor 212 and also includes pumps 522, 524 and user interface 902. In various embodiments, user interface 902 includes a graphical user interface that can be accessed by a display device via an application, a web browser, a software application, etc. In various embodiments, since the premixed composition is set in Figure 1 Therefore, the capsule sensor 212 is not used. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the user can Figure 5 In response to selecting a mixed drink from the user interface 902, the controller may select a drink from the list of mixed drinks of the device 500. Figure 5The controller 502 may determine a bulk premix composition to be dispensed through the nozzle 160 of the device 500 from among the plurality of bulk premix compositions 510. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the controller 502 may enable a pump (e.g., pump 522 or pump 524) associated with the corresponding bulk premix composition (e.g., bulk premix composition 512 or bulk premix composition 514).

[0050] Reference now Fig.10 , a flow chart of a process 10 for dispensing a mixed drink via a control system 200, 700, 800, 900 according to various embodiments is shown. The process 10 includes determining, via a controller, a mixed drink to be dispensed (step 12). In various embodiments, determining the mixed drink may be based on receiving an identifier from a capsule sensor (e.g., capsule sensor 212 of control system 200, 700, 800), as previously disclosed herein. In various embodiments, determining the mixed drink may be based on receiving a selected drink from a user interface (e.g., user interface 902 of control system 900).

[0051] In various embodiments, process 10 also includes determining whether the mixed drink to be dispensed includes carbonation (step 14). In various embodiments, each identifier of the mixed drink according to control systems 200, 700, 800 and each selectable drink from the user interface according to control system 900 may include the following data: carbonation data (i.e., carbonated or not), volume data (i.e., the volume of water or carbonated water to be dispensed), etc.

[0052] In various embodiments, process 10 further includes, in response to determining that the mixed drink is a carbonated mixed drink, commanding, via the controller, to dispense a predetermined volume of carbonated water (step 16).

[0053] In various embodiments, the control system 200, 700 can dispense carbonated water from the continuously carbonated carbonation container 130 according to step 16, as previously described. To this end, the second valve 210 can be energized by the controller 102, 302 of the control system 200, 700, the pressure from the carbonation container 130 can drive the carbonated water out of the nozzle 160 of the device 100, 300, and the flow meter 206 can provide data to the controller 102, 302 to ensure that the volume of carbonated water is consistent with the mixed drink of step 12.

[0054] In various embodiments, the control system 800 may energize the first valve 208 and the fourth valve 404 via a command from the controller 402 (i.e., to provide venting during filling of the on-demand carbonation container). The control system 800 may continue to fill the on-demand carbonation container 430 with a predetermined volume of water associated with the beverage being dispensed. The control system 800 may fill the on-demand carbonation container 430 based on data received from the flow meter 206. In various embodiments, once the predetermined volume of water is disposed in the on-demand carbonation container 430, the controller 402 may de-energize the pump 122, the valve 208, and the third valve 404. The controller 402 may further energize the valve 408 to pressurize the on-demand carbonation container 430 to a predetermined pressure. In this regard, the pressure transducer 403 may provide pressure data to the controller 402 to ensure that the pressure of the on-demand carbonation container 430 meets the predetermined pressure. In various embodiments, in response to meeting or exceeding the predetermined pressure, the controller 402 may de-energize the valve 408 and energize the valve 210 to dispense carbonated water.

[0055] In this regard, according to various embodiments, carbonated water may be formed in the on-demand carbonation container 430 by adjusting the amount of water supplied from the water supply tank 110 and the amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide container 140 via the pump 122 (in response to the controller receiving data from the flow meter 206) and the pressure regulator 204. In various embodiments, the pressure transducer 403 may provide pressure data to the controller 402.

[0056] In various embodiments, control system 900 can dispense carbonated water according to control system 200, control system 700, or control system 800 as described above.

[0057] In various embodiments, process 10 also includes dispensing a premix composition associated with the mixed drink via a controller command (step 18). In various embodiments, the premix composition may be dispensed via a controller command by breaking a seal of a drink capsule (e.g., used in control systems 200, 700, 800) or by activating a pump (e.g., pump 522 or pump 524 of device 500) associated with the premix composition (e.g., bulk premix composition 512 or bulk premix composition 514 of device 500), according to various embodiments. Figure 1 The premix composition is dispensed by the dispensing head 150 of the mixing device. In various embodiments, steps 16 and 18 can be performed simultaneously. In various embodiments, according to various embodiments, the bulk premix composition associated with the mixed drink can be configured to release a predetermined volume of the premix composition and then pump the premix composition through the nozzle 160.

[0058] In various embodiments, the process 10 further includes, in response to determining that the mixed drink is a non-carbonated mixed drink, dispensing a predetermined volume of non-carbonated water via a controller command (step 20). To this end, the controller 102, 302, 402, 502 can command the pump 122 to pump the predetermined volume of water through the nozzle 160. In various embodiments, the controller 102, 302, 402, 502 can monitor the amount of non-carbonated water dispensed via the flow meter 206.

[0059] In various embodiments, process 10 further includes: dispensing a premix composition associated with the mixed drink via a controller command (step 22). In various embodiments, step 22 can be similar to step 18 as described above. For example, according to various embodiments, the premix composition can be dispensed by breaking the seal of a drink capsule (e.g., used in control system 200, 700, 800) or activating a pump (e.g., pump 522 or pump 524 of device 500) associated with the premix composition (e.g., bulk premix composition 512 or bulk premix composition 514 of device 500). Figure 1 The premix composition is dispensed by the dispensing head 150 of the mixing device. In various embodiments, steps 20 and 22 can be performed simultaneously. In various embodiments, according to various embodiments, the bulk premix composition associated with the mixed drink can be configured to release a predetermined volume of the premix composition and then pump the premix composition through the nozzle 160.

[0060] Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described herein with respect to specific embodiments. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more prominent should not be interpreted as key, required or necessary features or elements of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will therefore be limited only by the appended claims, wherein unless explicitly stated, reference to singular elements is not intended to refer to "one and only one", but to "one or more". In addition, in the case where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase is interpreted to mean that only A may be present in one embodiment, only B may be present in one embodiment, only C may be present in one embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the drawings to represent different parts, but not necessarily the same or different materials.

[0061] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is considered that those skilled in the art will be able to implement such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments. After reading the specification, those skilled in the relevant art will understand how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0062] In addition, the elements, components, or method steps in this disclosure are not intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the elements, components, or method steps are explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein shall be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the phrase "means for..." is used to expressly recite the element. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device.

[0063] Finally, it should be understood that any of the concepts described above may be used alone or in combination with any or all of the concepts described above. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain modifications will fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings.

Claims

1. A beverage mixing device, comprising: shell; a dispensing head spaced apart from the housing; a nozzle coupled to the dispensing head; a capsule receiver configured to receive a capsule comprising a premixed composition, the capsule receiver comprising a first sensor; a water supply tank, the water supply tank being disposed in the housing; an on-demand carbonation container disposed within the housing, the on-demand carbonation container being configured for on-demand carbonation; A pump is provided between the water supply tank and the first valve, wherein: The first valve comprises a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, A first fluid conduit extends from the second outlet to a first inlet of a second valve, and the second valve comprising the first inlet, a second inlet in fluid communication with the on-demand carbonation container, and a first outlet in fluid communication with the nozzle; as well as a controller in electronic communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to: determining a beverage type based on sensor data received from the first sensor, dispensing carbonated water or non-carbonated water based on the beverage type, and The first valve is activated to fluidly couple the water supply tank to the on-demand carbonation container in response to the controller receiving an indication that the beverage type uses the carbonated water.

2. The beverage mixing device of claim 1, wherein the beverage mixing device is one of mobile or stationary.

3. The beverage mixing device of claim 1 further comprising a flow meter disposed between the water supply tank and the pump, the flow meter being in electronic communication with the controller.

4. The beverage mixing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to command pumping of water from the water supply tank via the pump in response to determining that the beverage type includes the non-carbonated water for mixing.

5. The beverage mixing device of claim 1, further comprising a third valve disposed between a carbon dioxide container and the on-demand carbonation container.

6. The beverage mixing device of claim 5, wherein in response to determining that the beverage type includes the carbonated water, the controller is further configured to: activating the first valve to fluidly couple the water supply tank to the on-demand carbonation container, activating the third valve to fluidly couple the carbon dioxide container to the on-demand carbonation container, and The second valve is activated to fluidly couple the on-demand carbonation container to the nozzle.

7. The beverage mixing device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving an identifier from a first sensor disposed in the beverage mixing device, the first sensor being configured to capture the identifier on the capsule comprising the premix composition; determining the beverage type associated with the identifier; determining that the beverage type includes the carbonated water; activating the first valve to fluidly couple the water supply tank to the on-demand carbonation container; activating the second valve to vent the on-demand carbonation container during filling of the on-demand carbonation container with water; deactivating the first valve and the second valve; activating a third valve to fluidly couple a carbon dioxide container to the on-demand carbonation container; as well as A fourth valve is activated to fluidly couple the on-demand carbonation container to the nozzle, the nozzle being configured to dispense the carbonated water and the premix composition.

8. The beverage mixing device of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to receive pressure data from a pressure transducer disposed between the on-demand carbonation container and the third valve.

9. The beverage mixing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to deactivate the third valve in response to a pressure in the pressure data exceeding a pressure threshold.

10. The beverage mixing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to deactivate the first valve and the fourth valve in response to determining that a predetermined volume of water is disposed in the on-demand carbonation container based on data received from a flow meter.

11. The beverage mixing device of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to command an air pump to pump air through the nozzle.

12. The beverage mixing device of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to command the pump to pump the non-carbonated water from the water supply tank in response to determining that the beverage type includes the non-carbonated water as a mixed drink.

13. The beverage mixing device of claim 1, further comprising a control system, the control system comprising: the first sensor; a fluid pump configured to be in fluid communication with the water supply tank; the first valve, the first valve being in fluid communication with the fluid pump; the second valve, the second valve being configured to be disposed between the fluid pump and the nozzle; a third valve configured to be disposed between the carbon dioxide container and the on-demand carbonation container; a fourth valve configured to be disposed between the carbon dioxide container and the exhaust port; and The controller, the controller being in electronic communication with the fluid pump, the first valve, the second valve, and the first sensor, the controller being configured to: receiving an identifier from the first sensor, the first sensor being configured to capture the identifier on the capsule, the capsule comprising the premix composition, the identifier corresponding to the beverage type; activating the first valve and the fourth valve to dispense water into the on-demand carbonation container; activating the third valve to dispense carbon dioxide into the on-demand carbonation container; and The second valve is activated to dispense the carbonated water formed by activating the first valve and the third valve.

14. The beverage mixing device of claim 13, further comprising a pressure transducer configured to measure pressure in the on-demand carbonation container.

15. The beverage mixing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to receive pressure data from the pressure transducer.

16. The beverage mixing device of claim 15, wherein the control system is configured to activate the fourth valve when the on-demand carbonation container is filled with the water from the water supply tank.

17. The beverage mixing device of claim 13, further comprising an air pump configured to be fluidly coupled to the nozzle, the second valve being fluidly coupled to the nozzle.

18. The beverage mixing device of claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured to command the air pump to dispense pressurized air through the nozzle.

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