BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED MIXING - Patent application

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system is provided that is configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input. The beverage dispensing system includes a liquid container, a gas container, a regulator, a flavor container, and a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavor container, the beverage container configured to mix the liquid, gas, and flavor from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavor container, respectively, into a beverage. The beverage dispensing system further includes a controller configured to automatically control the flow of the liquid, gas, and flavor to the beverage container in response to a user input, and an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage. The regulator is configured to pressure regulate the gas from the gas container to each of the liquid container, the flavor container, and the beverage container.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments described herein relate generally to the dispensing of beverages. In particular, the embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing system with automatic mixing. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverages may be provided to consumers from, for example, retail refrigerators or beverage dispensing systems. Retail refrigerators can be deployed in a wide variety of environments, but may encourage wasteful packaging of containers. Some beverage dispensing systems include sophisticated machinery having resource requirements that preclude application of the beverage dispensing systems in some environments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input. The beverage dispensing system includes a liquid container configured to contain a liquid, a gas container configured to contain a gas, and a regulator connected to an opening of the gas container, the regulator configured to regulate a flow of gas from the gas container such that the gas is provided from the regulator at a pressure. The beverage dispensing system further includes a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring, and a beverage container configured to selectively fluidly communicate with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container and to receive the liquid, gas, and flavoring from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, respectively. The beverage dispensing system further includes a controller configured to automatically control the flow of the liquid, gas, and flavoring to the beverage container in response to a user input to mix the liquid, gas, and flavoring into a beverage, and an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage. The regulators are connected to each of the liquid container, the flavor container, and the beverage container, and are configured to regulate gas from the gas container to each of the liquid container, the flavor container, and the beverage container to respective pressures.

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input. The beverage dispensing system comprises a liquid container configured to contain a liquid, a gas container configured to contain a gas, a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring, and a beverage container configured to selectively fluidly communicate with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container to receive the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, respectively. The beverage dispensing system further comprises a controller configured to automatically control the flow of the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring to the beverage container in response to a user input to mix the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring into a beverage. The beverage dispensing system also comprises an outlet configured to selectively dispense a beverage, and a cooler interposed between the liquid container and the beverage container. The cooler comprises a passive heat sink, which does not directly consume power and is configured to cool the liquid flowing from the liquid container to the beverage container to a temperature.

[0005] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input. The beverage dispensing system includes a liquid container configured to contain a liquid, a gas container configured to contain a gas, a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring, and a beverage container configured to selectively fluidly communicate with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container to receive the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, respectively. The beverage dispensing system further includes a first valve disposed between the fluid container and the beverage container, the first valve configured to selectively control a flow of liquid from the fluid container to the beverage container, a second valve disposed between the gas container and the beverage container, the second valve configured to selectively control a flow of gas from the gas container to the beverage container, a third valve disposed between the flavoring container and the beverage container, the third valve configured to selectively control a flow of flavoring from the flavoring container to the beverage container, and an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage. The beverage dispensing system further comprises a controller operatively connected to the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve. The controller comprises a computer having a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by the computer in response to a user input, cause the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve to automatically mix the beverage in the beverage container. The beverage container includes a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixing of the liquid, gas, and flavoring into the beverage.

[0006] Some embodiments herein relate to a beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, the beverage dispensing system including a liquid container configured to contain a liquid, a gas container configured to contain a gas, a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring, a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container and the gas container and configured to receive the liquid and gas from the liquid container and the gas container, respectively, and an outlet fluidly connected to the beverage container and the flavoring container and configured to selectively dispense the beverage. The beverage dispensing system also includes a first valve disposed between the fluid container and the beverage container, the first valve configured to selectively control a flow of liquid from the fluid container to the beverage container, a second valve disposed between the gas container and the beverage container, the second valve configured to selectively control a flow of gas from the gas container to the beverage container, a third valve disposed between the flavoring container and the outlet, the third valve configured to selectively control a flow of flavoring from the flavoring container to the outlet, and a controller operably connected to the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve. The controller includes a computer having a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executed by the computer in response to a user input, the instructions, when executed, causing the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve to automatically mix the liquid and gas in the beverage container and automatically dispense the mixture of the liquid, gas, and flavoring through the outlet. The beverage container includes a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixing of the liquid and gas in the beverage container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the disclosure and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a beverage dispensing system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the above example beverage dispensing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example beverage dispensing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a first step of an example of an automated beverage mixing process using an example beverage dispensing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates a second step of the above example of an automated beverage mixing process using the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates a third step of the above example of an automated beverage mixing process using the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth step of the above example of an automated beverage mixing process using the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 illustrates a fifth step of the above example of an automated beverage mixing process using the above example of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a computer of the beverage dispensing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0009] Beverages can be provided to consumers in many ways. For example, retail refrigerators (e.g., vending machines) can provide chilled, premixed bottled beverages. Retail refrigerators are advantageous because they can be economically deployed in a variety of retail environments, such as kiosks, small stores, and large stores, to reach a large number of consumers. Furthermore, the beverages are of high quality because the ingredients and manufacturing can be controlled by the beverage manufacturer. However, the manufacturing of bottles for retail refrigerators consumes materials such as plastics and metals, which can be wasteful. Furthermore, retail refrigerators can include active cooling, which can be energy intensive, which can be costly and can prevent the use of retail refrigerators in areas where the power supply is unreliable and / or where power is expensive and inaccessible.

[0010] Beverages may also be provided to consumers from beverage dispensing systems that can automatically mix and dispense one or more beverages on demand, i.e., in response to user input, such as the press of a button or the press of a lever. Beverage dispensing systems can be advantageous because they can have a smaller footprint than, for example, a retail store refrigerator and can reduce bottle (e.g., plastic) consumption.

[0011] However, some beverage dispensing systems may include sophisticated machinery, which may be expensive to manufacture and maintain. Some beverage dispensing systems may also be energy intensive, which may not only be expensive to operate, but may also preclude their use in areas where the power supply is unreliable and / or where power is expensive and inaccessible. Some beverage dispensing systems may also be dependent on the local water supply to mix the beverage and / or to clean the beverage dispensing system, which may compromise beverage quality.

[0012] The embodiments described herein are directed to a beverage dispensing system that can automatically mix and dispense one or more beverages on demand with a limited number of moving parts, reducing costs associated with manufacturing and production of the beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system can include a transparent beverage container, which can allow consumers to view the beverage mixing process to promote consumer engagement. The beverage dispensing system can supply beverage ingredients (e.g., water, carbon dioxide, and syrup) in a closed-loop manner to improve beverage quality. The beverage dispensing system can include a chiller having an insulated compartment that houses a passive heat sink (e.g., ice). A beverage dispensing system with such a chiller can provide chilled beverages in areas where power supply is unreliable and / or where power is expensive and inaccessible. Structures of the beverage dispensing system, such as beverage ingredient containers, supply lines, fittings, and chillers, can be made highly accessible, thereby facilitating cleaning, refilling, and / or replacement of such structures.

[0013] As described above, the beverage dispensing system may supply beverage ingredients in a closed loop manner, i.e., beverage quality related structures that contact the beverage ingredients, such as beverage containers, ingredient containers (e.g., liquid containers, gas containers, flavor containers), supply lines, etc., may remain separate from other structures of the beverage dispensing system that do not contact beverage ingredients, such as electromechanical components.

[0014] The beverage container can contain the beverage ingredients while they are mixed to form a beverage. The beverage container can be transparent so that the consumer can see the beverage mixing process and facilitate the consumer's engagement with the beverage dispensing system. The beverage container can be fluidly connected to the ingredient containers and can selectively receive ingredients from the ingredient containers. In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing system can include a single beverage container for one type of beverage. Alternatively, the beverage dispensing system can include two or more beverage containers for two or more types of beverages. In an embodiment, the beverage container can be tubular and have two caps disposed on the top and bottom of the tubular, respectively. The beverage container can be airtight and can include an outlet at the bottom, which can include a valve (e.g., manual or solenoid) for dispensing the beverage.

[0015] An embodiment of the beverage dispensing system may include a liquid container capable of providing a liquid, such as water, to the beverage container. The terms liquid and water may be used interchangeably throughout this specification. Additionally, in embodiments, the terms liquid or water may encompass water or other consumable liquids, such as, for example, milk, juice, alcohol, etc. The liquid container may be a sealed and pressurized container, such as a keg. The liquid container may be filled with water under the direction of the beverage manufacturer to improve the quality of the beverage. The liquid container may be replaceable to facilitate refilling and / or maintenance of the beverage dispensing system. Additionally, the liquid container may be pressurized so that water can flow through the beverage dispensing system without active pumping. The liquid container may be fluidly connected to a gas container that may pressurize the liquid container. Additionally or alternatively, the beverage dispensing system may include a pump that may pump water throughout the beverage dispensing system.

[0016] An embodiment of the beverage dispensing system may include a flavoring container capable of delivering a flavoring, such as a syrup, to the beverage container. The terms flavoring and syrup may be used interchangeably throughout this specification. Additionally, in embodiments, the terms flavoring or syrup may encompass any substance (with or without flavoring) that may be added to a liquid for a given beverage, including syrups, concentrates, vitamins, proteins, nutrients, and the like. The flavoring container may be a sealed, pressurized container, such as a bottle. The flavoring container may be filled with flavoring under the direction of the beverage manufacturer to improve the quality of the beverage. The flavoring container may be replaceable to facilitate refilling and / or maintenance of the beverage dispensing system. Additionally, since the flavoring container may be pressurized, the flavoring may flow through the beverage dispensing system without active pumping. The flavoring container may be fluidly connected to a gas container that may pressurize the flavoring container. Additionally or alternatively, the beverage dispensing system may include a pump that may pump the flavoring throughout the beverage dispensing system.

[0017] As mentioned above, embodiments of the beverage dispensing system may include a gas container capable of supplying a gas, such as carbon dioxide, to the beverage dispensing system. The terms gas and carbon dioxide may be used interchangeably throughout this specification. Additionally, in embodiments, the terms gas or carbon dioxide may encompass any consumable gas that may be added to a liquid for a given beverage, including, for example, nitrogen. The gas container may be a sealed, pressurized container, such as a tank. The gas container may be filled with gas under the direction of the beverage manufacturer to improve the quality of the beverage. The gas container may be replaceable to facilitate refilling and / or maintenance of the beverage dispensing system. Additionally, the gas container may be pressurized so that the gas can flow through the beverage dispensing system without active compression. The gas container may include a regulator to regulate the pressure of the gas released from the gas container. The same gas container with the regulator may be fluidly connected to the liquid container, the flavor container, and / or the beverage container and may supply gas to the liquid container, the flavor container, and / or the beverage container at the same regulated pressure. This may simplify the manufacture and maintenance of the beverage dispensing system and may reduce the cost of the beverage dispensing system.

[0018] An embodiment of the beverage dispensing system can include a cooler capable of cooling water from a liquid container. The cooler can be, for example, an insulated container having an insulated lid that includes a passive heat sink, such as ice. The insulated lid can be opened and ice can be loaded into the insulated container. The insulated lid can be closed after the ice is loaded, sealing the insulated container to limit heat transfer with the environment surrounding the insulated container. The liquid supply line can include a stainless steel coil and can be disposed at the bottom of the insulated container below the ice to cool the water flowing through the liquid supply line. The liquid supply line can have a surface area exposed to the interior of the insulated container large enough for the ice to cool the water to less than 4°C.

[0019] An embodiment of the beverage dispensing system may include a housing. The housing may hold various structures of the beverage dispensing system including, for example, a beverage container, a gas container, a flavoring container, a cooler, a controller, a drip tray, etc. The structures within the housing may be arranged in an accessible manner so that the structures may be easily maintained, refilled, replaced, etc. The housing may include cutouts, for example, so that ingredient levels within a clear flavoring container may be visually observed and monitored. The housing may also include indicia, such as logos, trademarks, etc., to indicate the type of beverage available and / or to indicate the identity of the beverage manufacturer.

[0020] An embodiment of the beverage dispensing system can include a controller that can automatically control the mixing of the beverage in response to a user input. The controller can automatically control the beverage mixing using time-based logic to open and close valves of the beverage dispensing system in a particular sequence and for a particular period of time. For example, a user can initiate automatic mixing of the beverage by pressing a button. After the user presses the button, the controller can open a valve attached to the liquid supply line to dispense water from a pressurized liquid container, and the water can be cooled by a cooler between the liquid container and the beverage container. The controller can open a valve attached to the liquid supply line for a period of time based on the flow rate of the water to control the amount of water dispensed to the beverage container (e.g., to about two-thirds the volume of the beverage container).

[0021] Once the controlled amount of water has been delivered to the beverage container, the controller can close a valve attached to the liquid supply line to stop the flow of water to the beverage container. The control device can then open a valve attached to the gas supply line to deliver carbon dioxide from the regulated gas container to the beverage container at a regulated pressure. As the carbon dioxide passes through the water in the beverage container, the controller can open a valve attached to the flavor supply line to deliver flavor from the pressurized flavor container to the beverage container. The controller can open a valve attached to the flavor supply line for a period of time based on the flow rate of the flavor to control the amount of flavor added to the water in the beverage container (e.g., such that the flavor to water ratio is 1:5). After the controlled amount of flavor has been delivered to the beverage container, the controller can close a valve attached to the flavor supply line. The controller can close a valve attached to the gas supply line, for example after the valve attached to the flavor supply line is closed, to terminate the flow of carbon dioxide to the beverage container. The controller can close a valve attached to the gas supply line after a period of time based on the flow rate of the carbon dioxide to control the amount of carbon dioxide delivered to the beverage container. The beverage can then be dispensed from the outlet of the beverage container, for example by opening the valve manually or automatically via the controller.

[0022] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to Figures 1-10. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with respect to these figures is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary or clear from the context, similar structural features of, and relationships therebetween, any disclosed beverage dispensing system may be applied to any other disclosed beverage dispensing system.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a beverage dispensing system 100 that can automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, such as a button press. The beverage dispensing system 100 can include a liquid container 102 (e.g., a keg having a capacity of 10 L or 20 L) that can contain a liquid, such as water. The beverage dispensing system 100 can include a gas container 104 (e.g., a 60 L tank) that can contain a gas, such as carbon dioxide, and can include a regulator 106 that can regulate the flow of gas from the gas container, such that the gas is provided from the regulator at a pressure. The beverage dispensing system 100 can include a flavoring container 108 (e.g., a 0.5 L bottle) configured to contain a flavoring, such as syrup. The beverage dispensing system 100 can include a beverage container 110 in selective fluid communication with the liquid container 102, the gas container 104, and the flavoring container 108. The beverage container 110 may be airtight and may receive liquid, gas, and flavorings from the liquid container 102, the gas container 104, and the flavoring container 108, respectively, to form a beverage. In an embodiment, the beverage container 110 may include a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixing of the liquid, gas, and flavorings into the beverage in the beverage container 110. This may allow the consumer to see the beverage mixing process and promote consumer engagement with the beverage dispensing system 100. In an embodiment, the beverage container 110 may be tubular and may have two caps disposed on the top and bottom of the tubular body, respectively. The beverage dispensing system 100 may include an outlet 112 through which a beverage may be selectively dispensed from the beverage container 110. The beverage dispensing system 100 may include a controller 114 that may automatically control the flow of liquid, gas, and flavorings into the beverage container 110 in response to a user input to mix the liquid, gas, and flavorings into a beverage.

[0024] The regulator 106 may be fluidly connected to each of the liquid container 102, the flavor container 108, and the beverage container 110, and may regulate the pressure of gas from the gas container 104 supplied to the liquid container 102, the flavor container 108, and / or the beverage container 110. The regulator 106 may simplify the operation of the beverage dispensing system 100 by performing multiple functions, which may reduce the number of moving parts in the beverage dispensing system 100 and reduce costs associated with manufacturing and maintenance. For example, the regulator 106 may be fluidly connected to the liquid container 102 via a first gas supply line 116, to the flavor container 108 via a second gas supply line 118, and to the beverage container 110 via a third gas supply line 120. By supplying gas under pressure to the liquid container 102 and / or the flavoring container 108, the regulator 106 can pressurize the liquid container 102 and / or the flavoring container 108 to facilitate the flow of the respective liquid and / or flavoring to the beverage container 110. By supplying gas to the beverage container 110 at a regulated pressure, the regulator 106 can supply gas at a normal flow rate, which the controller 114 can use to supply a controlled amount of gas, as described below.

[0025] In embodiments, the regulator 106 can adjust the pressure of the gas supplied to the liquid container 102 without intervening in the control of the gas between the regulator 106 and the liquid container 102. Additionally or alternatively, the regulator 106 can adjust the pressure of the gas supplied to the flavor container 108 without intervening in the control of the gas between the regulator 106 and the flavor container 108. This can simplify the beverage dispensing system 100 by limiting the number of moving parts.

[0026] In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing system 100 may include a cooler 122 capable of cooling liquid provided to the beverage container 110. For example, the cooler 122 may be interposed between the liquid container 102 and the beverage container 110 to cool liquid flowing from the liquid container 102 to the beverage container 110 to a certain temperature. The cooler 122 may be an insulated compartment and may have an insulated lid that provides access to the interior of the insulated compartment. The beverage dispensing system 100 may include a liquid supply line 124 that supplies liquid from the liquid container 102 to the beverage container 110. The liquid supply line 124 may extend through the insulated compartment of the cooler 122, and liquid flowing through the liquid supply line 124 may exchange heat via the liquid supply line 124 to the cooler 122 to cool the liquid. In an embodiment, the cooler 122 may include a passive heat sink 123 that does not directly consume power, which may help the beverage dispensing system 100 provide chilled beverages in areas where power supplies are unreliable and / or where power is expensive and inaccessible. The passive heat sink 123 may be, for example, ice or other low temperature material. Additionally or alternatively, the passive heat sink 123 may include a (e.g., metallic) plate that may facilitate uniform heat transfer between the liquid supply line 124 and the passive heat sink 123.

[0027] The cooler 122 can cool a liquid entering the cooler 122 at a first temperature to a second temperature as the fluid exits the cooler 122. The first temperature can be, for example, between 28°C and 35°C, and the second temperature can be, for example, less than 4°C. In an embodiment, the liquid can be water that can flow through the liquid supply line 124 at a known flow rate. The liquid supply line 124 can have a surface area 125 (e.g., including a coil-shaped portion of the liquid supply line 124) exposed to the interior of the insulated compartment. The surface area 125 can be large enough to transfer heat from the water to a passive heat sink (e.g., ice) to cool the water entering the cooler 122 from the fluid container 102 at a first temperature and flow rate to a second temperature as the water exits the cooler 122 on its way to the beverage container 110. In an embodiment, the liquid supply line 124 may have insulation between the outlet of the cooler 122 and the beverage container 110 to reduce heat transfer between the liquid in the liquid supply line 124 and the environment to keep the liquid cool.

[0028] The beverage dispensing system 100 may include one or more fittings to fluidly connect various structures. For example, the beverage dispensing system 100 may include a first fitting 126 that fluidly connects a liquid supply line 124 to the beverage container 110, such that liquid can flow from the liquid supply line 124 into the beverage container 110. The first fitting 126 may be provided at a top or bottom of the container 110. The beverage dispensing system 100 may include a second fitting 128 that fluidly connects a third gas supply line 120 to the beverage container 110, such that gas can flow from the third gas supply line 120 to the beverage container 110. The second fitting 128 may be provided at a top or bottom of the beverage container 110. In an embodiment, the second fitting 128 is provided at the top of the beverage container 110 and an extension line is provided from the top to the bottom of the beverage container 110 such that gas is provided from the bottom of the beverage container 110. Providing gas to the bottom of the beverage container 110 (e.g., with the second fitting 128 at the bottom of the beverage container 110 or via an extension line) can enhance beverage carbonation, for example, by increasing exposure of the gas to the liquid in the beverage container 110. The beverage dispensing system 100 can include a third fitting 130 that fluidly connects a flavor supply line 132 to the beverage container 110 such that flavor can flow from the flavor supply line 132 to the beverage container 110. The third fitting 130 can be provided at the top or bottom of the beverage container 110.

[0029] In an embodiment, the third fitting 130 is provided at the bottom of the beverage container 110. Alternatively, the third fitting 130 can be provided at the top of the beverage container 110 and an extension line can be provided from the top to the bottom of the beverage container 110 such that flavoring is provided from the bottom of the beverage container 110. Providing flavoring at the bottom of the beverage container 110 (e.g., with the third fitting 130 at the bottom of the beverage container 110 or via an extension line) can promote mixing of the beverage, for example, by increasing the exposure of the flavoring to the liquid in the beverage container 110. The flavoring supply line 132 can be fluidly connected to the flavoring container 108 and can supply flavoring from the flavoring container 108 to the beverage container 110.

[0030] Any or all of the first fitting 126, the second fitting 128, and the third fitting 130 may include a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve, respectively, that selectively open and close openings in the respective first fitting 126, the second fitting 128, and the third fitting 130 to selectively control the flow of fluid to the beverage container 110. For example, the first fitting 126 may include a first valve disposed between the fluid container 102 and the beverage container 110, the first valve configured to selectively control the flow of liquid from the fluid container 102 to the beverage container 110. The second fitting 128 may include a second valve disposed between the gas container 104 and the beverage container 110, the second valve configured to selectively control the flow of gas from the gas container 104 to the beverage container 110. The third fitting 130 may include a third valve disposed between the flavoring container 108 and the beverage container 110, the third valve configured to selectively control the flow of flavoring from the flavoring container 108 to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 may be operatively connected to any of the valves of the first fitting 126, the second fitting 128, and the third fitting 130, and may selectively open or close any of the valves in response to a user input to automatically mix a beverage in the beverage container 110.

[0031] In an embodiment, the outlet 112 may include a fourth valve that may be selectively opened and closed to dispense a beverage from the beverage container 110. The fourth valve may be operably connected to the controller 114, which may automatically open the fourth valve to dispense a beverage after the liquid, gas, and flavorings have been mixed into a beverage in the beverage container 110. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth valve may be manually opened (e.g., with a lever) by a user to manually dispense a beverage from the beverage container 110.

[0032] The structures of the beverage dispensing system 100 may be housed together in a housing 134. The housing 134 may house, for example, any or all of the beverage container 110, the gas container 104, the flavoring container 108, the cooler 122, the controller 114, a drip tray 136 disposed below the outlet 112 for collecting beverage dripping from the outlet 112, the outlet 112, the first fitting 126, the second fitting 128, and the third fitting 130, the liquid supply line 124, the regulator 106, the first gas supply line 116, the second gas supply line 118, the third gas supply line 120, the flavoring gas supply line 132, etc., among others. The structures of the beverage dispensing system 110 housed within the housing 134 may be arranged in an accessible manner such that the structures may be easily maintained, refilled, replaced, etc. The housing 134 may also include indicia such as logos, trademarks, etc., for example, to indicate the type of beverage available and / or to indicate the identity of the beverage manufacturer.

[0033] In an embodiment, any or all structures of the beverage dispensing system 100 that come into contact with the beverage ingredients may include a smooth inner surface that can be easily cleaned. Additionally or alternatively, any or all structures of the beverage dispensing system 100 that come into contact with the beverage ingredients may be periodically flushed with, for example, water and / or carbon dioxide for cleaning. Additionally or alternatively, any or all structures of the beverage dispensing system 100 that come into contact with the beverage ingredients between the containers (i.e., the fluid container 102, the gas container 104, the flavor container 108, and the beverage container 110) and the outlet 112 may be provided in a closed loop that is sealed from the outside environment to prevent undesirable substances from mixing with and / or contaminating the beverage.

[0034] In an embodiment, any or all of the liquid reservoir 102, the gas reservoir 104, and the flavor reservoir 108 may be refillable and / or replaceable by the beverage manufacturer, thus allowing the beverage manufacturer to maintain control over the beverage ingredients and allowing the beverage dispensing system 100 to produce high quality beverages.

[0035] In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing system 100 may include a single beverage container 110 and a single flavoring container 108 for producing a single beverage. Alternatively, the beverage dispensing system 100 may include two or more beverage containers 110 each associated with a flavoring container 108 for collectively producing multiple beverages, one in each beverage container 100. For example, the beverage dispensing system 100 may include two beverage containers 110 and two flavoring containers 108, with each beverage container 110 associated with one of the two flavoring containers 108 such that the beverage dispensing system 100 may collectively dispense multiple beverages, one from each beverage container 110.

[0036] 2-4 show perspective views of an exemplary beverage dispensing system 100. In an embodiment, a housing 134 may be provided on a countertop 138. The liquid supply 102 may be provided on a floor 140 adjacent to the countertop 138. The housing may include cutouts 142, for example, to allow for visual observation and monitoring of ingredient levels within the transparent flavoring containers 108. The housing 134 may include an access panel 144 (e.g., at the rear of the housing 134) to provide access to the components of the beverage dispensing system 100, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] 4, the cooler 122 can include an insulated lid 146 and an insulated container 148. The insulated lid 146 can seal and selectively provide access to the insulated container 148, for example, to refill the insulated container 148 with ice. The surface area 125 of the liquid supply line 124 can include a coil shape disposed at the bottom of the insulated container 148 to provide an increased surface area relative to a straight supply line.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the beverage dispensing system 100. In this embodiment, there is a single beverage container 110 and the outlet 112 is positioned adjacent to the beverage container 100 such that both the beverage container 110 and the outlet 112 are aligned horizontally. A drip tray 136 is positioned directly below the beverage container 110 and the outlet 112 to capture drips from the outlet 110. In this embodiment, the outlet 112 is an automatic version that does not require user control (e.g., from a lever) to dispense the beverage. As discussed above, the controller 114 controls the dispensing of the beverage from the outlet 112. The remaining elements present in FIG. 5 are identical to those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-4.

[0039] Each of FIGS. 7-11 illustrates steps of an automatic beverage mixing process using the exemplary beverage dispense system 100. In this exemplary automatic beverage mixing process, the beverage is comprised of water, carbon dioxide, and syrup. However, the exemplary automatic beverage mixing process may include mixing of any fluids, gases, and flavorings described herein. The process may begin at a first step, as shown in FIG. 7, where a user may input a beverage selection into the controller 114. For example, the controller 114 may include a user interface 115, which may have a button for each beverage that the beverage dispense system 100 may automatically mix. The user input may include pressing a button to initiate automatic mixing of the beverage associated with the button.

[0040] In a second step of the process, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 114 can control the supply of water to the beverage container 110. For example, the controller 114 can open a first valve in the first fitting 126 to control the flow of water from the liquid container 102 to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 can control the amount of water supplied to the beverage container 110, for example, by opening the first valve in the first fitting 126 for a first period of time. The first period of time can be set based on the flow rate of water from the liquid container 102 to the beverage container 110, such that a controlled amount of water can be supplied to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 can cause the first valve of the first fitting 126 to be open for the first period of time and close the first valve of the first fitting 126 after the first period of time has expired. Since the first period of time can be set based on the flow rate of water, the controller 114 can control the amount of water supplied to the beverage container 110 (i.e., a controlled amount). In an embodiment, the first fitting 126 may be disposed at an upper portion of the beverage container 110 such that water may be supplied from the upper portion of the beverage container 110. Alternatively, the first fitting 126 may be disposed at a bottom portion of the beverage container 110 such that water may be supplied from the bottom portion of the beverage container 110.

[0041] In a third step of the process, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 114 can control the supply of carbon dioxide to the beverage container 110. For example, the controller 114 can open a second valve in the second fitting 128 to control the flow of carbon dioxide from the gas container 104 to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 can control the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the beverage container 110, for example, by opening the second valve in the second fitting 128 for a second period of time. The second period of time can be set based on the flow rate of carbon dioxide from the gas container 104 to the beverage container 110, such that a controlled amount of carbon dioxide can be supplied to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 can cause the second valve in the second fitting 128 to be open for the second period of time and can cause the second valve in the second fitting 128 to be closed after the end of the second period of time. The second time period can be set based on the carbon dioxide flow rate so that the controller 114 can control (i.e., a controlled amount) the amount of carbon dioxide delivered to the beverage container 110. In an embodiment, the second time period can begin after the end of the first time period such that carbon dioxide flows into the beverage container 110 after all the water has been delivered to the beverage container 110, which can improve carbonation of the beverage by increasing the amount of water exposed to carbon dioxide.

[0042] In embodiments, the second fitting 128 can be disposed at the bottom of the beverage container 110 such that the carbon dioxide is dispensed from the bottom of the beverage container 110, or an extension line can be provided to supply carbon dioxide to the bottom of the beverage container 110. This arrangement can improve carbonation of the beverage as the carbon dioxide, after being supplied to the beverage container 110, rises through the water from the bottom to the top of the beverage container 110, thereby maximizing the exposure of the carbon dioxide to and dissolution in the water.

[0043] In an embodiment, the controller 114 may control the flow of gas under pressure from the regulator 106 to the beverage container 110, but does not control the flow of gas under pressure from the regulator 106 to the liquid container 102. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 114 may control the flow of gas under pressure from the regulator 106 to the beverage container 110, but does not control the flow of gas under pressure from the regulator 106 to the flavoring container 108. Instead, gas flows from the regulator 106 to the liquid container 102 and / or flavoring container 108 without active control, which may simplify the beverage dispensing system 100, for example, by limiting the number of moving parts.

[0044] In a third step of the process, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 114 can control the supply of syrup to the beverage container 110. For example, the controller 114 can open a third valve in the third fitting 130 to control the flow of syrup from the flavoring container 108 to the beverage container 110. The controller can control the amount of syrup supplied to the beverage container 110, for example, by opening the third valve in the third fitting 130 for a third time period. The third time period can be set based on the flow rate of syrup from the flavoring container 108 to the beverage container 110, such that a controlled amount of syrup can be supplied to the beverage container 110. The controller 114 can cause the third valve of the third fitting 130 to be opened for a third time period and can cause the third valve of the third fitting 130 to be closed after the end of the third time period. The third time period can be set based on the flow rate of the syrup, so that the controller 114 can control (i.e., a controlled amount) the amount of syrup dispensed to the beverage container 110. In an embodiment, the controller 114 can open the third valve of the third fitting 130 after expiration of the first time period and during the second time period. With this configuration, the water can be agitated by supplying carbon dioxide into the water, which can improve the mixing of the syrup when the syrup is dispensed, thereby improving the mixing of the syrup in the water.

[0045] In a fourth step of the process, the mixed beverage may be dispensed from outlet 112, for example into a cup, as shown in Figure 11. In an embodiment, a user may manually open a fourth valve at outlet 112, for example using a manual lever. Alternatively, controller 114 may automatically open the fourth valve at outlet 112 after mixing of the beverage is complete (e.g., after the end of the second time period).

[0046] A variation of the automated beverage mixing process proceeds in a similar manner as just described. However, in this exemplary process, instead of sending flavor from the flavor container 108 to the beverage container 110, the flavor is sent directly to the outlet 112. The controller 114 is configured to synchronize the flow of flavor to the outlet 110 with the flow of the combined liquid and carbon dioxide from the beverage container 110. The flavor and the combined liquid and carbon dioxide are configured to meet at the outlet 112 and mix the flavor and carbonated liquid as they are dispensed from the outlet 112. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating modifications made to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 to accommodate this example of the process. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the line 130 is sent directly to the nozzle 112 instead of the beverage container 110. The fitting 130 (and corresponding third valve) has also been moved to the outlet 112. The controller 114 can control the flow of flavor to the outlet 112 in the same manner as it controls the flow of flavor to the beverage container 110 in the above-described embodiment. In some embodiments of this modified process, the controller 114 is configured to supply gas to the beverage container 110 before supplying liquid to the beverage container 110. In this case, the first and second periods described above with respect to opening the first and second valves can be reversed (i.e., the second valve controlling gas flow is opened first before the first valve controlling liquid flow). This allows for a longer mixing time between the gas and the liquid, which can result in improved carbonation of the liquid.

[0047] As previously mentioned, the beverage dispense system 100 may include a controller 114. Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary computer 1000, aspects of which may be incorporated into embodiments of the controller 114.

[0048] In an embodiment, the computer 1000 may be implemented as computer readable code. If programmable logic is used, such logic may execute on a commercial processing platform or special purpose device. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with a variety of computer configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functionality, and pervasive or small computers that may be embedded in virtually any device.

[0049] For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the above embodiments. The processor device may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. The processor device may have one or more processor "cores."

[0050] Various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with respect to this exemplary computer 1000. After reading this 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 computers or computer architectures. Although the operations may be described as sequential processes, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or in a distributed environment, and with program code stored locally or remotely, for access by a single processor machine or a multi-processor machine. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0051] The processor 1004 may be a dedicated or general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor 1004 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 1004 is connected to a communications infrastructure 1006, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

[0052] The computer 1000 includes a main memory 1008, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 1010, which may include, for example, a hard disk drive 1012 or a removable storage drive 1014. The removable storage drive 1014 may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or the like. The removable storage drive 1014 reads from and writes to a removable storage unit 1018 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 1018 may include a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like that is read from and written to by the removable storage drive 1014. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removable storage unit 1018 may include a computer usable storage medium having computer software or data stored thereon.

[0053] The computer 1000 may include a display interface 1002 (which may include input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.) that transfers graphical, textual, and other data from a communications infrastructure 1006 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) for display on a display unit 1030.

[0054] In implementations, the secondary memory 1010 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer 1000. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 1022 and interface 1020. 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 associated sockets, and other removable storage units 1022 and interfaces 1020 that may transfer software and data from the removable storage unit 1022 to the computer 1000.

[0055] The computer 1000 may also include a communications interface 1024. The communications interface 1024 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer 1000 and other devices, such as between the controller 114 and the beverage dispense system 100, or between remote devices used to initiate dispenses without directly contacting the dispenser. The communications interface 1024 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. The software and data transferred through the communications interface 1024 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface 1024. These signals may be provided to the communications interface 1024 via communications path 1026. The communications path 1026 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.

[0056] The computer 1000 may include non-transitory computer readable media, computer program media, and computer usable media, such as, for example, a removable storage unit 1018, a removable storage unit 1022, and a hard disk installed in a hard disk drive 1012. The computer program media and computer usable media may also refer to memory, such as main memory 1008 and secondary memory 1010, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, etc.).

[0057] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) or databases are stored in the main memory 1008 or secondary memory 1010. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 1024. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer 1000 to implement the embodiments described herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 1004 to implement the processes of the embodiments described herein. Thus, such computer programs represent the controller of the computer 1000. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer 1000 using the removable storage drive 1014, the interface 1020, and the hard disk drive 1012, or the communications interface 1024.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention may also be directed to computer program products 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. The embodiments of the present invention may utilize any computer usable or readable medium. 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.).

[0059] In one embodiment of a beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, the beverage dispensing system includes a liquid container configured to contain a liquid, a gas container configured to contain a gas, a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring, a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container and the gas container, the beverage container configured to receive the liquid and the gas from the liquid container and the gas container, respectively, an outlet fluidly connected to the beverage container and the flavoring container, the outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage, a first valve disposed between the fluid container and the beverage container, the first valve configured to selectively control a flow of liquid from the fluid container to the beverage container; a second valve disposed between the gas container and the beverage container, the second valve configured to selectively control a flow of gas from the gas container to the beverage container; a third valve disposed between a flavorant container and an outlet, the third valve configured to selectively control a flow of flavorant from the flavorant container to the outlet; and a controller operatively connected to the first, second, and third valves, the controller comprising a computer having a non-transitory computer readable medium, the non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executed by the computer in response to a user input to cause the computer to open and close the first, second, and third valves to automatically mix the liquid and gas within the beverage container and automatically dispense a mixture of the liquid, gas, and flavorant through the outlet, the beverage container including a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixing of the liquid and gas within the beverage container.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the beverage dispensing system, the instructions executed by the computer cause the computer to open a second valve for a second period of time to allow gas to flow from the gas container to the beverage container, and close the second valve after the second period of time has expired.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the beverage dispensing system, the instructions executed by the computer cause the computer to open a first valve for a first period of time after the end of the second period of time, allow liquid to flow from the liquid container to the beverage container and mix with gas in the beverage container, and close the first valve after the end of the first period of time.

[0062] A further embodiment of the beverage dispensing system includes a fourth valve fluidly connected to the beverage container and the outlet and operably connected to the controller, the instructions causing the computer to open the third valve for a third period of time after the end of the first period and during the second period of time to allow flavorant to flow from the flavorant container to the outlet, the instructions further causing the computer to open the fourth valve simultaneously with the third valve to allow a mixture of gas and liquid in the beverage container to flow to the outlet.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the beverage dispense system, the computer includes a button that provides an interface between a user and the computer, and the user input comprises pressing the button.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the beverage dispensing system, the outlet is configured to mix liquid and gas from the beverage container with flavoring from the flavor container to produce a beverage.

[0065] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is 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 are thus not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0066] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully apparent, and others, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art, may easily modify or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses without undue trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of explanation and not of limitation, and therefore should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance of the present specification.

[0067] References to "one embodiment," "embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, the effect of such feature, structure, or characteristic on other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, is intended to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0068] 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 beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, comprising: a liquid container configured to contain a liquid; a gas container configured to contain a gas; a regulator connected to an opening of the gas container, the regulator configured to regulate the flow of gas from the gas container such that the gas is dispensed from the regulator at a predetermined pressure; a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring; a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, the beverage container configured to receive the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, respectively; a controller configured to automatically control the flow of the liquid, the gas, and the flavorings to the beverage container in response to the user input to mix the liquid, the gas, and the flavorings into the beverage; an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage; Equipped with A beverage dispensing system, wherein the regulator is connected to each of the liquid container, the flavor container, and the beverage container, and is configured to regulate gas from the gas container to each of the liquid container, the flavor container, and the beverage container to the pressure.

2. 2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the flow of gas at the pressure from the regulator to the beverage container, but does not control the flow of gas at the pressure from the regulator to the liquid container.

3. 2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the regulator is configured to regulate the gas at the pressure supplied to the liquid container without intervening in the control of the gas between the regulator and the liquid container.

4. 2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the flow of gas at the pressure from the regulator to the beverage container, but does not control the flow of gas at the pressure from the regulator to the flavor container.

5. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the regulator is configured to supply the gas at the pressure to the flavor container without intervening to control the gas between the regulator and the flavor container.

6. 10. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the beverage container comprises a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixing of the liquid and the flavoring into the beverage.

7. 1. A beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, comprising: a liquid container configured to contain a liquid; a gas container configured to contain a gas; a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring; an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage; a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container and the gas container, the beverage container being configured to receive the liquid and the gas from the liquid container and the gas container, respectively; an outlet fluidly connected to the beverage container and the flavor container, the outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage; a controller configured to automatically control, in response to the user input, the flow of the liquid and the gas into the beverage container, the flow of the combined gas and liquid from the beverage container, and the flow of the flavorant from the flavorant container to the outlet to mix the liquid, the gas, and the flavorant into the beverage; A beverage dispensing system comprising:

8. 8. The beverage dispensing system of claim 7, further comprising a cooler disposed between the liquid container and the beverage container, the cooler comprising a passive heat sink configured to cool the liquid flowing from the liquid container to the beverage container to a certain temperature without directly consuming power.

9. 9. The beverage dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the cooler comprises an insulated compartment having an insulated lid providing access to an interior of the insulated compartment.

10. 10. The beverage dispensing system of claim 9, further comprising a supply line connected to the liquid container and the beverage container and extending through the insulated compartment.

11. The beverage dispensing system of claim 10 , wherein the passive heat sink comprises ice filling the insulating compartment.

12. The beverage dispense system of claim 11 , wherein the passive heat sink further comprises a metal plate abutting the supply line.

13. the liquid is water flowing through the supply line at a flow rate; and the supply line having a surface area exposed to the interior of the insulated compartment, the surface area flowing at a flow rate and transferring heat from the water to the ice; 12. The beverage dispensing system of claim 11, configured to cool water entering the cooler from the fluid container at a first temperature and to cool the water to a second temperature as the water exits the cooler.

14. 14. The beverage dispense system of claim 13, wherein the first temperature is between 28°C and 35°C and the second temperature is less than 4°C.

15. 1. A beverage dispensing system configured to automatically mix a beverage in response to a user input, comprising: a liquid container configured to contain a liquid; a gas container configured to contain a gas; a flavoring container configured to contain a flavoring; a beverage container in selective fluid communication with the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, the beverage container configured to receive the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring from the liquid container, the gas container, and the flavoring container, respectively; a first valve disposed between the fluid container and the beverage container, the first valve configured to selectively control a flow of the liquid from the fluid container to the beverage container; a second valve disposed between the gas container and the beverage container, the second valve configured to selectively control the flow of gas from the gas container to the beverage container; a third valve disposed between the flavor container and the beverage container, the third valve configured to selectively control the flow of the flavor from the flavor container to the beverage container; an outlet configured to selectively dispense the beverage; a controller operatively connected to the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve, the controller comprising a computer having a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by the computer in response to a user input, cause the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve and automatically mix the beverage in the beverage container; A beverage dispensing system, wherein the beverage container includes a transparent material that allows a user to observe the mixture of the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring within the beverage container.

16. 16. The beverage dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the instructions executed by the computer in response to the user input to cause the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve and automatically mix the beverage in the beverage container cause the computer to open the first valve for a first period of time to allow the liquid to flow from the fluid container to the beverage container and close the first valve after the first period of time has expired.

17. 17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the instructions executed by the computer in response to the user input to cause the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve and automatically mix the beverage within the beverage container cause the computer to open the second valve for a second period of time after the first period of time has expired to allow the gas to flow from the gas container to the beverage container and mix with the liquid within the beverage container, and close the second valve after the second period of time has expired.

18. 20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the instructions executed by the computer in response to the user input to cause the computer to open and close the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve and automatically mix the beverage within the beverage container cause the computer to open the third valve for a third period after the end of the first period and during the second period to allow the flavorant to flow from the flavorant container to the beverage container and mix with the liquid and the gas within the beverage container to form the beverage, and close the third valve after the end of the third period and before the end of the second period.

19. 16. The beverage dispense system of claim 15, wherein the computer comprises a button providing an interface between the user and the computer, and the user input comprises pressing the button.

20. The beverage dispense system of claim 15 , wherein the outlet comprises a fourth valve operably connected to the controller.

21. 21. The beverage dispense system of claim 20, wherein the controller opens the fourth valve after the liquid, the gas, and the flavoring are mixed into the beverage to dispense the beverage.

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