Beverage container dispenser and method for dispensing beverage container

Abstract

To provide a beverage container dispenser that makes a consumer experience a unique beverage dispensation experience.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for dispensing a beverage container to a consumer. The method includes receiving a first beverage container containing a beverage corresponding to a user's beverage choice by a beverage container dispenser. The method further includes dispensing a second beverage container containing a beverage from a temperature control section of the beverage container dispenser. The second beverage container dispensed from the temperature control section corresponds to the user's beverage choice.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices for dispensing beverage containers to consumers. In particular, embodiments described herein relate to a beverage container dispenser that displays a simulation of the process of dispensing a beverage container. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverage dispensers for dispensing packaged beverages to consumers are well known. Many such dispensers present the consumer with a selection of available beverages and allow the consumer to make a beverage selection. The device then dispenses a beverage container corresponding to the consumer's beverage selection. Many beverage dispensers are fully functional and simply dispense the selected beverage to the consumer. Such conventional beverage dispensers do not provide a unique or enjoyable experience for the consumer, and the consumer must wait idly while the beverage is dispensed.

[0003] As such, there is a continuing need for beverage container dispensers that provide consumers with a unique beverage dispensing experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments include a method for dispensing a beverage container to a consumer, the method including receiving a first beverage container at a beverage container dispenser containing a beverage corresponding to a user's beverage selection, and dispensing a second beverage container containing the beverage from a temperature controlled compartment of the beverage container dispenser, the second beverage container corresponding to the user's beverage selection.

[0005] Embodiments include a method for dispensing a beverage container, the method including receiving a user selection of a beverage, displaying a simulation of a beverage container dispensing operation on a display upon receiving the user selection, and dispensing a beverage container corresponding to the user selection upon completion of the simulation.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments described herein, receiving the first beverage container may include receiving the first beverage container at an inlet port of the beverage container dispenser. In some embodiments, the method for dispensing a beverage container further includes receiving the first beverage container in a temperature regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser. In some embodiments, the method for dispensing a beverage container may further include receiving the first beverage container in a receiving compartment of the beverage container dispenser.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments described herein, receiving the first beverage container may include receiving a bottled beverage or a canned beverage.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the method for dispensing a beverage container may further include detecting a beverage type of the first beverage container with a detection device of the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, detecting a beverage type of the first beverage container may include detecting indicia on the first beverage container with the detection device, the indicia corresponding to the beverage type of the first beverage container. In some embodiments, the method may further include detecting indicia on the first beverage container to determine the beverage type, and dispensing the beverage container includes dispensing a second beverage container of the same beverage type as the first beverage container.

[0009] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the display is disposed on the beverage dispenser.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments described herein, receiving the user selection may include receiving the user selection with a user interface of the beverage container dispenser. In some embodiments, the user interface may be a touch screen display.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the simulation may depict a beverage container of a type selected by a user. In some embodiments, the simulation may depict, on a display, the beverage container moving toward a delivery portal of the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the simulation may be a pre-recorded video.

[0012] In any of the various embodiments described herein, dispensing the beverage container may include dispensing the beverage container from a temperature regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser.

[0013] Some embodiments relate to a beverage container dispenser that includes a housing, a user interface for receiving a user selection of a beverage, a first temperature control compartment disposed within the housing for housing a first beverage container containing the beverage at a first predetermined temperature, a second temperature control compartment disposed within the housing for housing a second beverage container containing the beverage at a second predetermined temperature, and a delivery portal disposed in the housing for providing access to the beverage container corresponding to the user selection.

[0014] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first temperature can be a temperature greater than the second temperature, which can be at or below the freezing point of the beverage in the second beverage container. In some embodiments, the first temperature can be between about 35° F. and about 45° F.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first beverage container and the second beverage container may each contain the same type of beverage.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser may further include a display that, in response to receiving a user selection, displays a simulation of a beverage container dispensing operation.

[0017] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser may further include a beverage collector configured to retrieve the first beverage container or the second beverage container based on a user selection and transport the first or second beverage container to a delivery portal.

[0018] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser may further include an agitator configured to receive a second beverage container dispensed from the second temperature regulated compartment, and the agitator may cause the beverage in the second beverage container to undergo nucleation to create a slush beverage in the second beverage container.

[0019] Embodiments include a method for providing a slush beverage in a beverage container including receiving a user selection of a beverage by a beverage container dispenser, displaying a simulation of the beverage container being dispensed on a display of the beverage dispenser, dispensing the beverage container corresponding to the user selection from a first temperature control section having a first predetermined temperature below the freezing point of the beverage, and displaying instructions for causing nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments described herein, displaying the instructions for inducing nucleation may include displaying a video demonstrating a process for inducing nucleation. In some embodiments, displaying the instructions for inducing nucleation may include displaying instructions for shaking the beverage container. In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser may further include an agitator configured to induce nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container, and displaying the instructions may include instructions for activating the agitator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, are illustrative of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0024] [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a cooling system for a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a graphical user interface for a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a display of a simulation of a beverage dispensing operation, according to one embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of a beverage container dispenser for accommodating beverage containers at various temperatures, according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 9] 9 shows a front perspective view of the internal volume of the beverage container dispenser according to FIG. 8.

[0031] [Figure 10] 9 shows a front perspective view of a temperature regulated section of the beverage container dispenser according to FIG. 8.

[0032] [Figure 11] 9 shows a front perspective view of a temperature-controlled compartment of the beverage container dispenser according to FIG. 8 when used to accommodate a beverage container.

[0033] [Figure 12] 9 shows a detailed view of the dispensing mechanism of the beverage container dispenser according to FIG. 8.

[0034] [Figure 13] 9 shows a perspective view of components of a cooling system of the beverage container dispenser according to FIG. 8 .

[0035] [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a diagram of an agitator for a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 15] 1 illustrates a graphical user interface for a beverage container dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for providing a slush beverage in a beverage container according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system on which embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following detailed description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the detailed description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims.

[0040] Vending machines are well known for dispensing packaged beverages, such as bottled or canned beverages, whether in plastic or glass bottles. Vending machines allow consumers to quickly and easily purchase beverages on demand. As a result, consumers do not need to enter a store, find the desired beverage, wait in a cashier line, pay for the beverage, or otherwise attend a cashier counter.

[0041] Although vending machines provide convenience to consumers, conventional vending machines may have some drawbacks. Specifically, many vending machines simply receive a consumer selection of a beverage and dispense the selected beverage to the consumer. The consumer must wait a certain amount of time while the beverage is dispensed. Such vending machines do not provide the consumer with a unique or entertaining experience that may motivate the consumer to return to the vending machine for further purchases. As a result, the consumer may choose to make subsequent beverage purchases from other vendors or vending machines. Instead, the consumer may want to watch the beverage being dispensed in order to obtain a unique experience. Furthermore, if the consumer can watch the beverage being prepared, the consumer can obtain a unique and entertaining experience. By providing a unique consumer experience, the beverage dispenser and vending machine owners can increase their overall sales.

[0042] Additionally, vending machines typically only dispense cooled or chilled beverage containers from a refrigerated compartment within the vending machine. Such vending machines do not allow consumers to choose the temperature of the beverage container dispensed. Consumers may prefer to have the option to select the temperature of the beverage dispensed, for example, to choose between a chilled beverage or a slushy beverage. The availability of multiple temperature options, including the option to select a slushy beverage in the beverage container, may encourage consumers to revisit a particular vending machine.

[0043] Other types of beverage dispensers known in the art have the same limitation in that such beverage dispensers simply dispense a beverage to the consumer. Therefore, such beverage dispensers do not provide a unique and entertaining experience. The process of dispensing the beverage is not depicted to the consumer, and the consumer is forced to wait while the beverage is being dispensed. Also, beverage dispensers typically do not provide the consumer with the option to select the temperature of the beverage, such as to select a chilled or slushy beverage.

[0044] Although several devices are known for providing slush beverages to consumers, known systems for providing slush beverages have many drawbacks. Such systems may require a consumer to manually remove a beverage container from a refrigerator, shake or open the beverage container, and replace the cap, position the beverage container in a nucleation device for nucleating the beverage, and create the slush beverage in the beverage container. However, opening the refrigerator and removing the beverage container may change the temperature within the refrigerator. If the beverage container is not stored at the proper temperature, the beverage will not nucleate and a slush beverage will not be created. Also, a consumer may be required to follow a series of instructions and perform various tasks to create a slush beverage. This introduces several opportunities for user error, and if a consumer is unable to create a slush beverage, the consumer is unlikely to use the device again or to make further purchases. Also, many consumers may find it cumbersome to follow a series of steps to prepare a slush beverage, and the consumer may decide not to use a slush beverage system in favor of easier and less time-consuming beverage purchasing options.

[0045] In some embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser includes an inlet port for receiving a first beverage container and dispenses a second beverage container from the temperature controlled compartment to give the consumer the impression that the inserted beverage container is the chilled beverage container to be dispensed. In some embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser includes a display for displaying a simulation of the beverage dispensing operation to give the consumer a unique and entertaining experience. In some embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser includes a first temperature controlled compartment and a second temperature controlled compartment to allow the consumer to select the temperature of the beverage to be dispensed, and a temperature is below the freezing point of the beverage to provide the consumer with a slushy beverage.

[0046] These and other embodiments will be described in conjunction with the drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with reference to these drawings is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0047] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the term "beverage container" can refer to any of a variety of types of containers for holding beverages. The beverage container may be in the form of a bottle or a can. The beverage container may comprise any of a variety of materials, including glass, metal such as aluminum, or plastic such as PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET), among others.

[0048] As used herein, the term "beverage" includes any consumable free-flowing liquid or semi-liquid product, which may be carbonated or non-carbonated, including, but not limited to, soft drinks, water, carbonated water, dairy drinks, juices, alcoholic drinks, sports drinks, smoothies, coffee drinks, tea drinks, and milkshakes, among others. Also, the term "slush beverage" includes any beverage as described herein that is at least partially frozen such that the beverage is part liquid and part solid.

[0049] In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 100 includes an inlet port 120 for receiving a first beverage container 800. The first beverage container 800 may be at ambient temperature and may be a full, unopened beverage container ready to be purchased by a consumer. The first temperature-controlled compartment 180 (see FIG. 2 ) accommodates the second beverage container 850 at a predetermined temperature such that the second beverage container 850 is cooled. Upon receipt of the first beverage container 800 by the inlet port 120, the second beverage container 850 is dispensed into the delivery portal 160 of the beverage container dispenser 100. The second beverage container 850 contains the same type of beverage as the beverage in the first beverage container 800. Thus, the beverage container dispenser 100 gives the consumer the impression that the first beverage container 800 inserted into the inlet port 120 is the same as the cooled second beverage container 850 dispensed.

[0050] The beverage container dispenser 100 may include a housing 105 such that the beverage container dispenser 100 is a stand-alone device, as shown in Figure 1. The beverage container dispenser 100 may be mounted on a supporting surface, such as a floor, and may be used in any of a variety of environments, such as a restaurant, an office, a school, a movie theater, a convenience store, a sports stadium, or a concert venue, among others.

[0051] The inlet port 120 may be disposed on the housing 105 of the beverage container dispenser 100, such as on a side wall of the housing 105. The inlet port 120 may be sized to receive a first beverage container 800 containing a beverage, such as a canned beverage or a bottled beverage. The inlet port 120 is configured to receive a first beverage container 800 that is the same as a second beverage container 850 housed within the beverage container dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the inlet port 120 may be sized and / or shaped to receive a corresponding beverage container. For example, if the beverage container dispenser 100 only houses bottles of beverage A and beverage B, the inlet port 120 is configured to only receive bottles of beverage A or beverage B. The inlet port 120 may be shaped similarly to the beverage container to be inserted into the inlet port 120. Thus, the inlet port 120 may include a bottle-shaped opening or a can-shaped opening to receive a bottle or can, for example, in a substantially upright orientation. In some embodiments, the inlet port 120 may comprise a rectangular or oval opening sized to receive a beverage container.

[0052] A delivery portal 160 may also be disposed on the housing 105 of the beverage container dispenser 100 to provide consumers with access to dispensed beverage containers. The delivery portal 160 may be located in any of a variety of locations on the housing 105, such as on a sidewall of the housing 105. In some embodiments, the delivery portal 160 may include a door or lid for removably covering the delivery portal 160 until the beverage container is dispensed. The housing 105 may define a rectangular delivery portal 160 as shown in FIG. 1, although in alternative embodiments, the delivery portal 160 may be formed to have any of a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, a square, an oval, a bottle shape, a can shape, or other suitable shape.

[0053] The beverage container dispenser 100 further includes a first temperature regulated compartment 180 for housing a second beverage container 850 at a first predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG. 2. The first temperature regulated compartment 180 is disposed within the housing 105. The first temperature regulated compartment 180 can house multiple beverage containers such that the beverage containers are not accessible to the consumer. The first temperature regulated compartment 180 can be insulated to maintain a first predetermined temperature and limit or reduce heat transfer to the first temperature regulated compartment 180. For example, the first temperature regulated compartment can be constructed of one or more layers of insulating material and / or can include a double wall construction. The first predetermined temperature can be a temperature between about 35°F and about 55°F, or between about 35°F and about 50°F. In this manner, the beverage container dispenser 100 can dispense a cooled or refrigerated second beverage container from the first temperature regulated compartment 180.

[0054] The beverage container dispenser 100 may include a cooling system 190, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The cooling system 190 is configured to maintain the first temperature regulated section 180 at a first predetermined temperature. In one embodiment, the cooling system 190 may include an evaporator 192 in communication with a compressor 194, a condenser 196, and an expansion valve 198 via a plurality of conduits 199 for circulating a refrigerant. The evaporator 192 supplies cooled air to the first temperature regulated section 180 through a duct 193. The first temperature regulated section 180 may include an air vent 185 through which cooled air may flow from the evaporator 192 through the duct 193 into the first temperature regulated section 180. The duct 193 may further be connected to a fan 195 for facilitating circulation of the cooled air within the first temperature regulated section 180. In some embodiments, the first temperature regulated section 180 may include one or more temperature sensors 189 to determine the temperature within the section 180. Based on the readings of the temperature sensor 189, the control unit 150 may automatically adjust the operation of the cooling system 190 to maintain the temperature of the first temperature regulated section 180 at the first predetermined temperature. In alternative embodiments, other types of cooling systems may be used, so long as the temperature of the first temperature regulated section 180 is maintained at the first predetermined temperature.

[0055] In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 200 includes an inlet port 220 that directs a beverage container inserted into the inlet port 220 into a storage compartment 230 of the beverage dispenser 200, as shown in FIG. 4. The inlet port 220 may be in communication with the storage compartment 230, such as by a chute or passageway 225. The storage compartment 230 is located within the beverage dispenser 200 (e.g., located entirely within the housing 105) such that the storage compartment 230 and any beverage containers therein are inaccessible to consumers. The storage compartment 230 may collect and store beverage containers received by the inlet port 220. Thus, beverage containers in the storage compartment 230 are not dispensed. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 230 may be manually emptied by an operator of the beverage dispenser 200. By directing beverage containers into the receiving compartment 230, an operator can inspect any beverage containers inserted therein by a consumer at the entry port 220 for damage, opening, or tampering before restocking the inserted beverage containers for purchase by other consumers. The receiving compartment 230 can also collect any beverage container merchandise that has been accidentally or intentionally inserted into the entry port 220.

[0056] 2, a first beverage container 800 received by the inlet port 120 of the beverage container dispenser 100 is directed to the temperature regulated compartment 180. In such an embodiment, the temperature regulated compartment 180 is continuously or periodically replenished with beverage containers during normal operation as beverage containers inserted into the inlet port 120 by consumers replace beverage containers dispensed by consumers from the first temperature regulated compartment 180 such that the number of beverage containers in the beverage container dispenser 100 remains constant. As a result, in some embodiments, an operator does not need to stock or replenish the beverage container dispenser 100 with beverage containers, as the beverage container dispenser 100 is replenished by consumers during normal operation.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first temperature regulated section 180 defines a passageway that guides the beverage containers from the inlet towards the outlet of the first temperature regulated section 180. The beverage containers are arranged in the first temperature regulated section 180 in a sequence such that the first beverage container inserted is dispensed first. In this manner, the beverage container inserted into the inlet port 120 by the consumer will remain in the temperature regulated section 180 for a sufficient time to allow the beverage container to cool to a predetermined temperature, since the inserted beverage container will not be dispensed until all previously inserted beverage containers held in the first temperature regulated section 180 have been dispensed. However, in some embodiments, the first beverage container 800 inserted into the inlet port 120 by the consumer may pass through the temperature regulated section 180 to be rapidly cooled, and then dispensed into the delivery portal 160 such that the first beverage container 800 inserted by the consumer is the same as the second beverage container 850 dispensed to the consumer.

[0058] The inlet of the first temperature regulated compartment 180 is in communication with the inlet port 120 of the beverage container dispenser 100 such that a beverage container inserted in the inlet port 120 passes through the inlet of the temperature regulated compartment 180 and enters the compartment 180. At the outlet of the first temperature regulated compartment 180, the beverage container may be transferred to the handover 160 of the beverage container dispenser 100 for access by a consumer. In some embodiments, the beverage container may be moved from the outlet of the first temperature regulated compartment 180 by a delivery mechanism for retrieving and transferring the beverage container. In some embodiments, the beverage container at the outlet of the first temperature regulated compartment 180 may be moved directly to the delivery portal 160 without the use of a delivery mechanism, such as by dropping the beverage container down a chute under gravity. A beverage dispenser with a chute for dispensing the beverage container under gravity is disclosed, for example, in Indian Patent Application No. 2018 / 41038006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0059] In embodiments in which the beverage container dispenser 100 includes multiple temperature regulated compartments 180, a first beverage container 800 inserted into the inlet port 120 by a consumer is directed to a temperature regulated compartment 180 for containing the type of beverage within the first beverage container 800. As illustrated, for example in FIGS. 1-2 , the beverage container dispenser 100 may include a detection device 110 for determining the type of beverage held within the first beverage container 800 such that the beverage container dispenser 100 can direct the first beverage container 800 to a temperature regulated compartment 180 for containing the type of beverage held within the first beverage container 800. For example, if the first beverage container 800 contains beverage A and the beverage container dispenser 100 includes a first temperature-controlled compartment 180 for containing beverage A and a second temperature-controlled compartment for containing beverage B, the detection device 110 can detect that the first beverage container 800 contains beverage A and therefore, that the first beverage container 800 is directed toward the first temperature-controlled compartment 180.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detection device 110 may be a scanner capable of reading a barcode, QR code, or other indicia 810 on the first beverage container 800 (see FIG. 1 ) to determine the type of beverage in the first beverage container 800. The detection device 110 may include an optical scanner, an RFID reader, or other suitable device. The detection device 110 may be positioned adjacent to the inlet port 120 and configured to detect the first beverage container 800 upon acceptance by the inlet port 120, or in some embodiments, the consumer may be required to scan the first beverage container 800 prior to inserting the first beverage container 800 into the inlet port 120. The inlet port 120 may be configured such that the beverage container cannot be accepted until the beverage container has been scanned by the detection device 110.

[0061] The detection device 110 may be operably connected to the control unit 150 as shown in FIG. 2. The control unit 150 may include a database of beverage containers available in the beverage container dispenser 100. Upon scanning the first beverage container 800 by the detection device 110, the control unit 150 may determine the beverage type of the first beverage container 800 and compare the type of beverage to the database of available beverages. If the beverage type of the first beverage container 800 detected by the detection device 110 is available in the beverage container dispenser 100 as determined by the control unit 150, the control unit 150 enables the inlet port 120 to accept the first beverage container 800. Otherwise, the inlet port 120 does not enable the first beverage container 800 to be accepted and the display 140 may present a notice or explanation to the consumer that the selected beverage is unavailable and / or may present instructions to the consumer to select a different beverage. In this manner, the beverage container dispenser 100 prevents a consumer from inserting a beverage container that cannot be dispensed, helping to ensure that the consumer receives the desired beverage.

[0062] In such an embodiment, upon receiving the first beverage container 800, the beverage container dispenser 100 dispenses a second beverage container 850 that corresponds to the type of beverage contained by the first beverage container 800 as determined by the detection device 110. As a result, the consumer is given the impression that the second beverage container 850 being dispensed is the same as the first beverage container 800 that was inserted into the inlet port 120.

[0063] In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 300 may include a user interface 310 for receiving a user selection of a beverage, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. The user interface 310 may include a number of push buttons, levers, handles, or actuators. The user interface 310 may further include an electronic display screen, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, or an Organic LED (OLED) display. In some embodiments, the user interface 310 may be a touchscreen display 340. The touchscreen display 340 may display a graphical user interface 500 in which icons corresponding to available beverages are displayed and instructions for operating the beverage container dispenser may be displayed.

[0064] The graphical user interface 500 may display instructions 510 for the consumer to make a beverage selection and dispense a beverage container. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 500 may display instructions 510 that allow the user to select a chilled or slushy beverage as the consumer makes a temperature selection for the beverage to be dispensed. The graphical user interface 500 may further display icons 520 that indicate the types of beverages available (e.g., Beverage A, Beverage B) and also indicate temperature selections (e.g., Temperature 1 (chilled beverage), Temperature 2 (slushy beverage)). The consumer may make a selection by touching the portion of the touch screen display 340 where the particular icon 520 is displayed.

[0065] In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 300 may be configured to receive user input of a beverage selection using a mobile device 700, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device of the consumer. The mobile device 700 may include a software application (e.g., an "app") configured to display instructions for dispensing the beverage and / or display available beverage types and beverage temperature options. The beverage container dispenser 300 may include a communication assembly 330 (see FIG. 7 ) configured to communicate with the mobile device 700 via wireless communication methods, such as by Bluetooth or other short-range wireless networking, or by wireless local area networking, e.g., Wi-Fi, among others, to receive the consumer's selection.

[0066] In some embodiments, beverage container dispenser 100 may include a display 140, as shown, for example, in Figure 1. In embodiments of beverage container dispenser 100 having a touchscreen display as the user interface, the touchscreen display may function as both the user interface and the display 140. In embodiments in which the user interface is a number of buttons, levers, actuators, or controls, the display 140 may be separate from the user interface.

[0067] The display 140 of the beverage container dispenser 100 may be configured to display a simulation 600 of the process of dispensing a beverage, such as a beverage container. In some embodiments, the simulation 600 may alternatively or additionally be displayed on a display of a mobile device 700, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device of the consumer.

[0068] The simulation 600 may include a representation of a beverage container. The beverage container shown in the simulation may be shown on the display 140 with the same dimensions as an actual beverage container. The beverage container shown in the simulation 600 may also be of the same type and style as the beverage container selected by the consumer. In this manner, the simulation 600 may give the consumer the impression that the beverage container shown in the simulation 600 is the same as the beverage container being dispensed to the consumer by the beverage container dispenser 100. In an embodiment in which the consumer inserts a first beverage container into the inlet port 120, the simulation 600 may also give the impression that the first beverage container inserted into the inlet port 120 is the beverage container shown in the simulation 600 and that will be dispensed upon completion of the simulation 600. Thus, the simulation 600 may begin with the beverage container appearing in a portion of the display 140 adjacent the inlet port 120 to give the appearance that the inserted beverage container is being displayed on the display 140. Additionally, once the beverage container has completed the simulation 600, the beverage container shown in the simulation 600 may be moved to a portion of the display 140 located near the delivery portal 160 to give the impression that the beverage container of the simulation 600 is being dispensed to the delivery portal 160. Thus, the beverage container dispenser 100 provides a unique experience to the consumer in which the consumer can view the simulation 600 of the beverage container being dispensed.

[0069] In one embodiment, the simulation 600 may be stored as a digital video file, such as in a memory of the control unit 150, and the dispenser 100 may be configured to play the digital video file on the display 140. The video may be played automatically upon receipt of a user selection, whether from a user interface or upon receipt of a first beverage container via the inlet port 120. The control unit 150 may play the digital video file on the display 140 upon receipt of a user selection. The simulation 600 may be based on a type or style of beverage being selected, with each type of beverage having a separate simulation. Also, the beverage dispenser 100 may include multiple digital video files of different simulations, which may result in the display of a different simulation for each beverage purchased by the consumer.

[0070] The simulation 600 may depict a beverage dispensing operation. The simulation 600 may include live footage, computer animation, computer-generated imagery, or a combination thereof. The term "beverage dispensing operation" refers to any process in which a beverage or beverage container is dispensed, such as a beverage container moving from a containment area shown on a display, along a track or path, or the like, toward a delivery portal. In some embodiments, the simulation 600 may depict the operation of a Rube Goldberg-type machine for dispensing beverage containers, where a chain of events results in the beverage container being dispensed. The beverage dispensing operation may also include a process for cooling or refrigerating a beverage, or a process for preparing a beverage, such as a process for forming a slush beverage. Thus, the simulation 600 may show the beverage container being sprayed with chilled air or submerged in an ice bath to present to the consumer that the beverage container is being cooled. In an embodiment showing the formation of a slush beverage, the simulation 600 may depict the beverage container being agitated to cause nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container. Simulation 600 may depict agitation by showing the beverage container undergoing a mechanical shock or jerk. For example, simulation 600 may show the beverage container being dropped onto a surface, hitting an object, or being shaken, among other methods to stir the beverage. When agitated, simulation 600 may depict the beverage within the container gradually freezing, such as by showing ice or ice crystals forming within the beverage.

[0071] For example, in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the simulation 600 may be an animation showing a beverage container 644 of a type selected by a consumer moving from a receiving area to a dispensing area shown on the display 140. The simulation 600 may depict the beverage container 644 being selected from a number of beverage containers in the beverage receiving area 642. The selected beverage container 644 then moves or rolls along a path 646 from an upper portion 141 of the display 140 adjacent the inlet port 120 to a lower portion 143 of the display 140 adjacent the delivery portal 160 of the beverage container dispenser 100. Along the path 646, the beverage container 644 may encounter one or more obstacles 648 and may be subjected to one or more treatments, such as cooling. The simulation 600 may further include various visual effects and decorations as the beverage container 644 moves toward the delivery portal 160. The simulation 600 may further include audio, such as sound effects played by the speakers of the beverage container dispenser 100, to provide added interest and enjoyment.

[0072] Upon completion of the simulation 600, the beverage container dispenser 100 is configured to dispense a second beverage container from the temperature regulated compartment 180 to give the impression that the beverage container shown in the simulation 600 is being dispensed to a consumer. The dispense operation may be timed with the completion of the simulation such that the second beverage container is dispensed at approximately the same time that the simulation ends. Thus, for example, the simulation 600 may have a set runtime and the control unit 150 of the beverage container dispenser 100 may play the simulation 600 on the display 140 and dispense the beverage container after the runtime of the simulation 600 has elapsed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the display 140 may be further configured to display an image or video when the beverage container dispenser 100 is in an idle state. Thus, when the beverage container dispenser 100 is not being used by a consumer, the display 140 may be configured to display an image or video designed to attract the consumer's attention. In the idle state, the display 140 may show advertisements and / or images or videos of beverages available at the time of purchase. If a consumer does not engage with the beverage container dispenser 100 for a certain period of time, the display 140 may automatically enter the idle state. Once a consumer engages with the beverage container dispenser 100, the beverage container dispenser 100 may revert to displaying a graphical user interface to receive a consumer selection of a beverage and / or beverage temperature. The consumer may be detected by a sensor of the beverage container dispenser 100, such as a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, or a heat sensor, or the consumer may be detected by the consumer's interaction with a user interface, such as by touching a touch screen display. Upon completion of the beverage dispensing operation, which may include displaying the simulation, the display may return to an idle state.

[0074] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage container dispenser 300 that may include a first temperature regulated compartment 380 for housing a beverage container at a first predetermined temperature and a second temperature regulated compartment 382 for housing a beverage container at a second predetermined temperature, as shown, for example, in Figure 7. The first and second temperature regulated compartments 380, 382 are operably connected to a cooling system 390 for maintaining the temperature regulated compartments 380, 382 at the first and second predetermined temperatures, respectively.

[0075] Only one cooling system 390 may be used in each of the temperature regulated sections 380, 382, ​​or multiple cooling systems may be used. The cooling system 390 may be configured similarly to the cooling system 190 described above with respect to the beverage container dispenser 100. Thus, the cooling system 390 may include an evaporator 392 in communication with a compressor 398, a condenser 396, and an expansion valve via multiple conduits to circulate a refrigerant, as shown in FIG. 13. The evaporator 392 supplies cooled air to the temperature regulated section 380 through a duct 393. The temperature regulated section 380 may include a vent 397 through which cooled air may flow from the evaporator 392 through the duct 393 to the first and second temperature regulated sections 380, 382, ​​and the temperature regulated section 380 may include a fan 395 to facilitate circulation of the cooled air within the temperature regulated section 380.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first temperature control section 380 and the second temperature control section 382 of the beverage container dispenser 300 are configured to contain the same type of beverage. Therefore, the beverage container dispenser 300 can dispense beverages at a first or second predetermined temperature as desired by the consumer. The first predetermined temperature can be between about 35°F and about 55°F, and can be between about 40°F and about 50°F, such that the beverage container contained therein is cooled or refrigerated at the first predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature can be below the freezing point of the beverage in the beverage container, such that the beverage held in the beverage container is supercooled. A beverage is "supercooled" when it is below its freezing point but remains in a liquid state. The supercooled beverage will remain in a liquid state until it is agitated, such as by shaking, dropping, or tapping the beverage container, or by opening the cap of the beverage container to release the carbonation. In some embodiments, the second predetermined temperature may be between about 10°F and about 32°F, or between 16°F and about 25°F, or between about 19°F and about 25°F. To effect subcooling of the beverage within the second temperature control compartment 382, ​​the beverage may be accommodated in the compartment 382 for at least about 1 hour to about 8 hours, depending on the particular beverage and the temperature of the compartment 382. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that freezing points vary from one beverage to another and appropriate temperatures may be selected accordingly. For example, the freezing point of sweetened carbonated beverages is often lower than the freezing point of flat purified water, and as a result, a temperature control compartment for housing a sweetened carbonated beverage may need to be maintained at a lower temperature than a temperature control compartment for housing purified water.

[0077] In embodiments having first and second temperature control compartments 380, 382, ​​such as the beverage container dispenser 300 of FIG. 7, the beverage container dispenser 300 may include a user interface 310 for receiving user input. If the beverage container dispenser 300 contains only one type of beverage, the user input may be the temperature of the beverage to be dispensed, for example, refrigerated or super-cooled, such that a consumer may select a chilled beverage or a slushie beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 300 may contain multiple types of beverages, and the user input may be the type of beverage, for example, soda or diet soda, as well as the temperature of the beverage to be dispensed (see FIG. 5).

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8-9, the beverage container dispenser 300 includes a housing 305 having an enclosed interior volume 309. One or more temperature regulated compartments 380 are disposed within the interior volume 309. It will be appreciated that the temperature regulated compartment 380 may be a first temperature regulated compartment for containing a beverage at a first predetermined temperature or a second temperature regulated compartment for containing a beverage at a second predetermined temperature. The temperature regulated compartment 380 contains a beverage container dispensed by the beverage container dispenser 300. The beverage container dispenser 300 further includes a delivery mechanism 361 for removing the beverage container from the temperature regulated compartment 380 and transferring the beverage container to the delivery portal 360. The beverage container dispenser 300 may further include an agitator 370 for inducing nucleation of a supercooled beverage within a beverage container dispensed by the beverage container dispenser 300.

[0079] In some embodiments, each temperature regulated compartment 380 defines a path 381 such that beverage containers 800 are placed within the temperature regulated compartment 380 in a single-file file and dispensed in sequence, as shown in Figures 10-11. Each temperature regulated compartment 380 may be configured to accommodate one or more beverage containers in a sideways or horizontal orientation. Thus, multiple beverage containers may be placed sideways and stacked vertically on top of one another from the bottom end 308 to the top end 307 of the temperature regulated compartment 380 such that a sidewall of a first beverage container is adjacent to or in contact with a sidewall of a second beverage container.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the pathway 381 may be defined by a first sidewall 385 opposite a second sidewall 386, where one or both sidewalls may include a plurality of protrusions 383 extending therefrom. The temperature regulated compartment 380 may include a series of protrusions 383 spaced apart from one another along the first sidewall 385 or the second sidewall 386 from a top end 307 of the temperature regulated compartment 380 toward a bottom end 308 of the temperature regulated compartment 380. In some embodiments, the protrusions 383 extend from the first sidewall 385 toward the opposing second sidewall 386. In FIG. 10, the second sidewall 386 is shown as being devoid of any protrusions 383, however, in some embodiments, the second sidewall 386 may include protrusions 383 that define the pathway 381. The protrusions 383 may have any of a variety of configurations and are shown as having a generally triangular longitudinal cross-section. However, in alternative embodiments, protrusion 383 may have alternative cross-sectional shapes, such as a semicircular or trapezoidal cross-section, among others. Protrusion 383 may help to bear some of the weight of the beverage container so that it does not rest directly on other beverage containers in temperature regulated compartment 380. Protrusion 383 may also help to slow the progression of the beverage container along path 381 so that the beverage container does not free fall into temperature regulated compartment 380 as it is dispensed.

[0081] As best shown in FIG. 10 , a gate 387 may be disposed along the path 381 at the lower end 308 of the temperature regulated compartment 380 to prevent the beverage container 800 in the path 381 from moving into the chute 388. The gate 387 may be electrically actuated and operably connected to the control unit 350 such that the gate 387 is configured to open to allow only one beverage container 800 to be released from the temperature regulated compartment 380 in response to a user selection of a beverage container. Once the beverage containers are stacked vertically, the beverage container may be released under gravity. Upon the beverage container being released into the chute 388, the gate 387 is adapted to return to a closed position to prevent additional beverage containers from moving into the chute 388.

[0082] The chute 388 may be positioned at the lower end 308 of the temperature regulated section 380. The chute 388 may include an inclined surface configured to redirect a horizontally stored beverage container into an upright or upright orientation. The inclined surface may have an angle relative to the horizontal of between about 30° and 80°, between about 40° and about 75°, or between about 50° and about 70°. Thus, when a horizontally oriented beverage container is released onto the chute 388, the chute 388 acts to redirect the beverage container into an upright or upright orientation.

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, a delivery mechanism 361 is included in the beverage container dispenser 300. Because the supercooled beverage undergoes nucleation and transforms into a solid state upon agitation, the supercooled beverage container needs to be moved carefully to the delivery portal 360 to avoid agitating the beverage container and causing beverage nucleation. If nucleation occurs within the beverage container dispenser 100, the slush beverage within the beverage container is provided to the consumer, but the consumer cannot see the process of beverage nucleation, which can be enjoyed by the consumer and provide a unique consumer experience. The delivery mechanism 361 includes a beverage collector 364 for removing the beverage container from the temperature regulated section 380 and transferring the beverage container to the delivery portal 360. In addition to redirecting the beverage container, a chute 388 in the temperature regulated section 380 can also act to direct the beverage container to the beverage collector 364.

[0084] The beverage collector 364 is movable from the temperature regulated section 380 to the delivery portal 360 to retrieve and transport beverage containers. In some embodiments, the beverage collector 364 is positioned on a guide rod 376 having an upper end 377 and a lower end 378 such that the guide rod 376 extends parallel to the temperature regulated section 380 from the lower end 308 to the upper end 307 of the temperature regulated section 380. The beverage collector 364 is movable along a longitudinal axis of the guide rod 376 from the upper end 377 to the lower end 378 (in the Y direction). The guide rod 376 is further movably positioned on a pair of tracks 379 disposed at the upper end 307 and the lower end 308 of the temperature regulated section 380. The tracks 379 are disposed transversely to the guide rod 376 and are parallel to each other. The guide rod 376 is configured to move transversely to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod 376 along the track 379 (in the X direction). In this manner, as the beverage container is dispensed, the beverage collector 364 can move in two directions that are perpendicular to each other, e.g., the X direction and the Y direction, and can move via the guide rods 376 and the track 379 to remove the beverage container from the temperature-controlled compartment 380 and transport the beverage container to the delivery portal 360 for dispensing the beverage container to the consumer.

[0085] In some embodiments, the beverage collector 364 includes a container support 362 and a movable sidewall 365, for example as shown in FIG. 12. The container support 362 may include a base 363 configured to support a bottom end or base of the beverage container 800 and a sidewall 368. The container support 362 may have a generally L-shaped configuration. The sidewall 368 may be integrally formed with the base 363. The container support 362 may be movably secured to a guide rod 376 via the sidewall 368.

[0086] The container support 362 may further include a movable sidewall 365. The movable sidewall 365 may have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section such that the movable sidewall 365 surrounds a portion of the beverage container 800 when the beverage container 800 is positioned on the container support 362. The movable sidewall 365 may be connected to the container support 362 via a pivot point 366, such as a hinge, such that the movable sidewall 365 is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, a portion of the movable sidewall 365 sits on a sidewall 368 of the container support 362 to support the beverage container on the base 363. In the second position, the movable sidewall 365 rotates outwardly about the pivot point 366, away from the sidewall 368. Once the movable sidewall 365 partially encircles the beverage container 800, the outward rotation disengages the beverage container 800 from the base 363 and the beverage container 800 falls under gravity through an open lower end 367 of the movable sidewall 365. The movable sidewall 365 can direct the beverage container 800 towards a delivery portal 360, which can include an entrance chute 369 configured to guide the beverage container 800 into the delivery portal 360.

[0087] The beverage collector 364 may be movable by a drive mechanism such as a motor, and the actuation of the delivery mechanism 361 may be determined by the control unit 350 of the beverage container dispenser 300. Thus, upon receiving a user selection of a beverage, the control unit 350 may cause the beverage collector 364 to move to the location of the beverage container in the temperature-regulated section 380 and remove the beverage container. The gate 387 of the temperature-regulated section 380 may open to release the beverage container 800 into a chute 388 such that the beverage container is reoriented to an upright position and moves to the container support 362 of the beverage collector 364 with the movable side wall 365 in the first position. The beverage collector 364 moves along a guide rod 376 that moves along a track 379 such that the beverage collector 364 is adjacent to the delivery portal 360. Upon being adjacent to the delivery portal 360, the movable side wall 365 moves by rotating outward from the container support 362 to a second position such that the beverage container 800 is directed into the delivery portal 360. By transferring the beverage container to the beverage collector 364 rather than by dropping the beverage container so that it falls freely into the delivery portal 360, nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container is avoided.

[0088] In some embodiments, the beverage container dispenser 300 may further include an agitator 370 for causing the beverage container containing the supercooled beverage to undergo nucleation, as shown, for example, in Figure 14. The agitator 370 is configured to induce nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container dispensed by the beverage container dispenser 300. Thus, when a consumer selects to dispense the beverage container from the second temperature regulated section 382, ​​where the dispensed beverage is at a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage, the consumer can use the agitator 370 to create a slush beverage and watch the beverage nucleate from a liquid to a partially solid.

[0089] The agitator 370 may be integrally connected to or formed as part of the beverage container dispenser 300. For example, the agitator 370 may be incorporated into or connected to the housing 305 of the beverage container dispenser 300. In some embodiments, the agitator 370 may be a separate device from and positioned adjacent to the beverage container dispenser 300.

[0090] In some embodiments, the agitator 370 includes a beverage container frame 384 that defines a beverage container receiving area 375. The beverage container frame 384 is configured to securely hold the beverage container 800 within the beverage container receiving area 375. In some embodiments, the beverage container frame 384 may include a lower support 373 and an upper support 374, where the lower support 373 is configured to support a base of the beverage container 800 and the upper support 374 is configured to support a lid or top end of the beverage container 800 such that the beverage container 800 is securely held between the upper support 374 and the lower support 373. The beverage container frame 384 is configured to impart a swinging motion to the beverage container 800. The beverage container frame 384 may move quickly in an up-down motion, a side-to-side motion, or a combination thereof. Thus, the beverage container frame 384 may impart a circular swinging motion to the beverage container 800. Alternatively, the beverage container frame 384 may be configured to move in a rocking motion by pivoting about a fixed point. To impart a swinging motion to the beverage container, the beverage container frame 384 may be operably connected to a drive mechanism, such as a motor 371, by an arm or linkage 389. The motor 371 may be contained within a housing 372, which may be separate from or integral with the housing 305 of the beverage container dispenser 300.

[0091] In response to dispensing a beverage container containing a beverage at a second predetermined temperature, e.g., a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage in the dispensed beverage container, the display 340 of the beverage container dispenser 300 may display instructions for nucleating the beverage, as shown in FIG. 15. The display 340 may include a graphical user interface 500 that describes a manual shaking 560 of the beverage container 540 to cause nucleation of the beverage in the container. The instructions may include text instructions 550 and / or image instructions, such as an animation, or video instructions, for causing nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container 540. In an embodiment of the beverage container dispenser 300 having an agitator 370, the instructions may demonstrate or describe operation of the agitator 370. For example, the instructions for operating the agitator 370 may include inserting and securing the dispensed beverage container into the agitator 370 and operating a controller to initiate operation of the agitator 370. The agitator 370 may be configured to automatically agitate a beverage container inserted into the agitator 370, or the consumer may need to activate a controller to cause the agitator 370 to begin operation.

[0092] A process for dispensing a slush beverage in a beverage container is shown, for example, in FIG. 16. The process for dispensing a slush beverage 400 includes receiving a user selection 410 for a beverage and / or a temperature of the beverage to be dispensed. The user selection may be received by a user interface of the beverage container dispenser, such as a touch screen display of the beverage container dispenser. The user selection may be made in part by inserting the beverage container into an inlet port of the beverage dispenser, and the beverage container dispenser may detect the type of beverage in the beverage container. The beverage container dispenser may display a simulation of a beverage dispensing operation 420 upon receiving the user selection. Upon completion of the simulation, the beverage container dispenser may dispense a beverage container 430 corresponding to the user selection. If the consumer selects to dispense the beverage at a temperature that is below the freezing point of the beverage, the beverage dispenser may further display instructions for stirring the beverage 440. The instructions may include steps for manually stirring the beverage or may include steps for activating an agitator of the beverage container dispenser. The consumer may then stir the beverage 450 according to the instructions presented on the display, such as by inserting the beverage container into the stirrer of the beverage dispenser and activating the stirrer to cause nucleation of the beverage dispenser.

[0093] In any of the embodiments described herein, the beverage container dispenser may further include a payment system for receiving payment from a user prior to dispensing a beverage container to a consumer. The payment system may include any of a variety of means for receiving payment from a user, including, but not limited to, a slot for receiving paper money, such as dollar bills, coins, or tokens, a credit card reader for reading credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, etc., or a mobile payment scanner for receiving payments made by an application on a smart phone.

[0094] 17 is an example of an exemplary computer system 900 in which embodiments or parts thereof may be implemented as computer readable code. The control units 150, 250, 350 described herein may be computer systems having all or some of the components of the computer system 900 for performing the processes described herein.

[0095] Where programmable logic is used, such logic may be executed on commercially available processing platforms or special purpose devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the inventive subject matter of this disclosure may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations, including multi-core multi-processor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functions, and even pervasive or miniature computers that may be embedded in virtually any device.

[0096] For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the above embodiments. A processor device may be only one processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. A processor device may include one or more processor "cores."

[0097] Various embodiments may be implemented with respect to the example computer system 900. After reading this detailed description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement one or more of the present inventions using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as an uninterrupted process, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, concurrently, and / or in a distributed environment, and may be performed by program code stored locally or remotely for access by a single processor or multi-processor machine. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the inventive subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0098] The processor device 904 may be a special purpose processor device or a general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor device 904 may also be a single processor in a multi-core / multi-processor system operating alone or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor device 904 is connected to a communications infrastructure 906, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

[0099] The computer system 900 also includes a main memory 908, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 910. The secondary memory 910 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 912 or a removable storage drive 914. The removable storage drive 914 may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive 914 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 918, as is well known. The removable storage unit 918 may include a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or the like, which is read from and written to by the removable storage drive 914. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removable storage unit 918 may include a computer usable storage medium having computer software and / or data stored thereon.

[0100] Computer system 900 (optionally) includes a display interface 902 (which can include input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.) that transfers graphics, text, and other data to be displayed on a display 940 from a communications infrastructure 906 (or from a frame buffer, not shown).

[0101] In alternative implementations, secondary memory 910 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 900. Such means may include, for example, removable storage units 922 and interfaces 920. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROMs or PROMs) and corresponding sockets, as well as other removable storage units 922 and interfaces 920 that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage units 922 to the computer system 900.

[0102] Computer system 900 may also include a communications interface 924. Communications interface 924 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 900 and external devices. Communications interface 924 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot, and cards, and the like. The software and data transferred through communications interface 924 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 924. These signals may be provided to communications interface 924 via communications path 926. Communications path 926 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, or other communications channel.

[0103] In this specification, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are often used to refer to media such as removable storage unit 918, removable storage unit 922, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 912. Computer program medium and computer usable medium can also refer to memory, such as main memory 908 and secondary memory 910, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, etc.).

[0104] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 908 and / or the secondary memory 910. Computer programs may also be received via the communication interface 924. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 900 to perform the embodiments as described herein. Specifically, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device 904 to perform the processes of the embodiments as described herein. Thus, such computer programs represent the controller of the computer system 900. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 900 using the rim-valve storage drive 914, the interface 920, and the hard disk drive 912, or the communication interface 924.

[0105] An embodiment of the present invention may also be directed to a computer program product including software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed on one or more data processing devices, causes the data processing devices to operate as described herein. Any computer usable or readable medium may be employed in an embodiment of the present invention. Examples of computer usable media include, but are not limited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnology storage devices, etc.).

[0106] It is understood that the Detailed Description section, and the Abstract section, rather than the Summary, are intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0107] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks that exemplify the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specific functions and their relationships are appropriately performed.

[0108] The above description of specific embodiments makes the overall nature of the invention fully apparent so that others may easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications by applying knowledge within the skill of those skilled in the art without undue trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for purposes of description and not of limitation, and that the phraseology or terminology used herein is as would be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching and guidance provided herein.

[0109] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method for dispensing a beverage container from a beverage container dispenser, comprising: Receiving a user selection of a beverage; displaying a simulation of a beverage container dispensing operation on a display in response to receiving the user selection; and upon completion of the simulation, dispense a beverage container corresponding to the user selection.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the user selection comprises receiving the user selection via a user interface of the beverage container dispenser.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the user interface is a touch screen display.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the user selection includes receiving a first beverage container corresponding to the user's beverage selection.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising detecting indicia on the first beverage container to determine a type of beverage, and wherein dispensing the beverage container further comprises dispensing a second beverage container of the same beverage type as the first beverage container.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the display is disposed on the beverage container dispenser.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the simulation depicts a beverage container that is the same as the beverage selected by the user.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the simulation depicts, on the display, a beverage container moving toward a delivery portal of the beverage container dispenser.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the simulation depicts the formation of a slush beverage within the beverage container.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein removing the beverage container comprises removing the beverage container from a temperature regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser.

11. A housing and a user interface for receiving a user selection of a beverage; a first temperature regulated compartment disposed within the housing for accommodating a first beverage container containing a beverage at a first predetermined temperature; a second temperature regulated compartment disposed within the housing for accommodating a second beverage container containing a beverage at a second predetermined temperature; a delivery portal disposed on the housing for providing access to a beverage container corresponding to the user selection.

12. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature, the second temperature being below the freezing point of the beverage in the second beverage container.

13. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, wherein the first temperature is between about 35°F and about 45°F.

14. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, wherein the first beverage container and the second beverage container each contain the same type of beverage.

15. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a display configured to display a simulation of a beverage container dispensing operation in response to receiving the user selection.

16. 16. The beverage container dispenser of claim 15, wherein the user interface and the display include a touch screen display.

17. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a beverage collector configured to retrieve the first beverage container or the second beverage container based on the user selection and transfer the first beverage container or the second beverage container to the delivery portal.

18. 12. The beverage container dispenser of claim 11, further comprising an agitator configured to receive the second beverage container dispensed from the second temperature regulated compartment, the agitator causing the beverage in the second beverage container to undergo nucleation to create a slush beverage in the second beverage container.

19. 1. A method for providing a slush beverage in a beverage container, comprising: receiving, by the beverage container dispenser, a user selection of a beverage; displaying a simulation of a beverage container being dispensed on a display of the beverage container dispenser; removing the beverage container corresponding to the user selection from a first temperature control section having a first predetermined temperature below the freezing point of the beverage; and displaying instructions for causing nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein receiving a user selection includes receiving the user selection with a user interface.

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the user interface and the display include a touch screen display.

22. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein displaying instructions for inducing nucleation includes displaying a video demonstrating steps for inducing nucleation.

23. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein displaying instructions for inducing nucleation includes displaying instructions for shaking the beverage container.

24. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the beverage container dispenser further comprises an agitator configured to cause nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container, and wherein displaying the instructions includes instructions for activating the agitator.

25. 1. A method for dispensing beverage containers to a consumer, comprising: receiving a first beverage container at a beverage container dispenser containing a beverage corresponding to a user's beverage selection; and dispensing a second beverage container containing the beverage from a temperature controlled compartment of the beverage container dispenser, the second beverage container corresponding to the beverage selection of the user.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein receiving the first beverage container comprises receiving the first beverage container at an inlet port of the beverage container dispenser.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising housing the first beverage container in the temperature regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser.

28. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising receiving the first beverage container in a receiving compartment of the beverage container dispenser.

29. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein receiving the first beverage container comprises receiving a bottled or canned beverage.

30. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising detecting the beverage type of the first beverage container with a detection device of the beverage container dispenser.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein detecting the type of beverage in the first beverage container includes detecting indicia on the first beverage container with the detection device, the indicia corresponding to the type of beverage in the first beverage container.

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