Bubble tea dispensing apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to vending machines. More specifically, the present application relates to a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber, a loading valve, a dispensing valve and an outlet, wherein the loading valve and the dispensing valve are configured to be adjustable between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the loading valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the chamber and a selected such that an amount of the ingredient contained therein is loaded in the chamber and the dispensing valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet, wherein in the dispensing position, the loading valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the selected container and the dispensing valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet to dispense the loaded ingredient. The present application includes the beverage dispensing apparatus as a bubble tea dispenser, uses thereof and methods of dispensing the same.

Description

BUBBLE TEA DISPENSING APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 545,506, which was filed October 24, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present application is in the field of vending machines. More specifically, the present application relates to a bubble tea dispensing apparatus and uses thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] A bubble tea is a drink consisting of tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls ("pearls") or other toppings, such as grass jelly, aloe vera, red bean, and popping boba, in many varieties and flavors. This drink was developed Taiwan in the early 1980s and was brought to the United States in the 1990s. The bubble tea has since then spread to other countries and has become a popular drink amongst people of all ages.

[0004] The traditional bubble tea preparation is to mix the ingredients together by hand using a bubble tea shaker cup. Many bubble tea shops use a bubble tea shaker machine, which eliminates the need for hand-shake preparation. The use of shakers also reduces staffing needs as multiple cups of bubble tea may be prepared by a single person.

[0005] However, to reduce human input even more, it would be desirable to make bubble teas entirely without any form of manual work, for example where all stages of the bubble tea sales process, from ordering, to making, to dispensing, would be fully automated.

[0006] As such, there is need to provide improved apparatus and methods that alleviate at least some of the drawbacks of known systems.SUMMARY

[0007] It has been shown herein that apparatus of the present application provides for a customized selection and dispensing of beverage ingredients, such as bubble tea ingredients. The processes of the present application further provide for an autonomous apparatus and uses thereof.

[0008] Accordingly, the present application includes a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber, a loading valve, a dispensing valve and an outlet, wherein the loading valve and the dispensing valve are configured to be adjustable between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the loading valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the chamber and a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained therein is loaded in the chamber and the dispensing valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet, wherein in the dispensing position, the loading valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the selected container and the dispensing valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet such that the loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

[0009] The present application further includes a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber in communication with an outlet, the dispenser further comprises a movable member comprising a first piston at a first position thereof and a second piston at a second position thereof, said movable member being movable within said chamber between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the first piston is positioned inside a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a first portion of the chamber is in fluid communication with the selected container from the plurality of containers and a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained thereinis loaded in the first portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned such that the outlet is isolated from the first portion of the chamber and the selected container, wherein in the dispensing position, the first piston is positioned such that the selected container is isolated from a second portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned to provide a fluid communication between the second portion of the chamber and the outlet such that the at least one loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the present application includes a method for dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: actuating a dispenser connected to a container containing at least one ingredient; wherein the dispenser is actuated between a loading position and a dispensing position, wherein in the loading position, a predetermined amount of the ingredient is loaded in the dispenser and in the dispensing position, the loaded ingredient is dispensed; optionally actuating a second dispenser connected to a second container containing a second ingredient to dispense a second ingredient.

[0011] The present application further includes a method for dispensing a customized beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one ingredient from a list of ingredients each contained in a separate container of a plurality of containers of a dispensing apparatus, actuating a dispenser connected to a selected container to load a predetermined amount of the selected ingredient and dispense the selected ingredient; optionally repeating the actuating for each selected ingredient.

[0012] The present application also provides a method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising a liquid and solid particles contained in a container; connecting the container to a chamber; loading a predetermined amount of the at least one composition in the chamber; dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a fluid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, loading and dispensing with at least one another composition.

[0013] Further included is a method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising pearls or bubbles and an aqueous solution, contained in a container; connecting the containerto a chamber; inserting a moveable member into the container; retracting the moveable member towards the chamber to isolate a sample of the composition into the chamber, dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a fluid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, connecting, inserting, retracting and dispensing with at least one other composition from another container.

[0014] The present application further provides use of the dispensing apparatus of the application for dispensing a customized beverage.

[0015] Further provided is use of the dispensing apparatus of the application for dispensing a bubble tea beverage.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only and the scope of the claims should not be limited by these embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments of the application will now be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0018] FIG.1 shows a schematic representation of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0019] FIG.2A-2B show schematic representations of a dispenser of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments, where FIG.2A shows the loading position and FIG. 2B shows the dispensing position.

[0020] FIG.3 shows an image of a front view of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] FIG.4. shows an image of an interior view of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONI. Definitions

[0022] Unless otherwise indicated, the definitions and embodiments described in this and other sections are intended to be applicable to all embodiments and aspects of the present application herein described for which they are suitable as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0023] As used in this application and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps.

[0024] The term “consisting” and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be closed terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, and also exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps.

[0025] The term “consisting essentially of’, as used herein, is intended to specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of these features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps.

[0026] The terms "about", “substantially” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies or unless the context suggests otherwise to a person skilled in the art.

[0027] As used in the present application, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] In embodiments comprising an “additional” or “second” component, such as an additional or second compound, the second component as used herein is chemically different from the other components or first component. A “third” component is different from the other, first, and second components, and further enumerated or “additional” components are similarly different.

[0029] The term “and / or” as used herein means that the listed items are present, or used, individually or in combination. In effect, this term means that “at least one of” or “one or more” of the listed items is used or present.

[0030] The term “suitable” as used herein means that the selection of the particular components or conditions would depend on the specific steps to be performed, the identity of the components to be transformed and / or the specific use for the components, but the selection would be well within the skill of a person trained in the art.II. Apparatus of the Application

[0031] It has been surprisingly shown herein that apparatus of the present application provides for a customized selection and dispensing of beverage ingredients, such as bubble tea ingredients. The apparatus of the present application further provides for an autonomous apparatus and uses thereof.

[0032] Accordingly, the present application includes a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber, a loading valve, a dispensing valve and an outlet, wherein the loading valve and the dispensing valve are configured to be adjustable between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the loading valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the chamber and a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained therein is loaded in the chamber and the dispensing valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet, wherein in the dispensing position, the loading valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loadedingredient and the selected container and the dispensing valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet such that the loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

[0033] The present application further includes a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber in communication with an outlet, the dispenser further comprises a movable member comprising a first piston at a first position thereof and a second piston at a second position thereof, said movable member being movable within said chamber between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the first piston is positioned inside a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a first portion of the chamber is in fluid communication with the selected container from the plurality of containers and a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained therein is loaded in the first portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned such that the outlet is isolated from the first portion of the chamber and the selected container, wherein in the dispensing position, the first piston is positioned such that the selected container is isolated from a second portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned to provide a fluid communication between the second portion of the chamber and the outlet such that the at least one loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

[0034] In some embodiments, the dispensing apparatus further comprises an actuator for moving the loading valve and the dispensing valve, or the first piston and the second piston between the loading position and the dispensing position. In some embodiments, the first piston and the second piston are mounted on the same axis or shaft. In some embodiments, the first piston and the second piston are of the same shape or different shape. For example, the first piston may be shaped as a dome, a cone, or the like so that the shape causes movement of ingredients into the container when inserted therein. Without being bound to theory, the first piston or the loading valve are configured as a dual action part, i.e. a sealing action to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the container in the dispensingposition, and a mixing action to disperse the ingredient substantially uniformly within the container in the loading position. In some embodiments, the second piston has a disc-like shape.

[0035] In some embodiments, the dispensing apparatus, further comprises a receiving area configured to receive a glass for receiving the loaded ingredient. In some embodiments, the glass may be a disposable glass or a refillable glass. For example, the glass may be provided with a QR code containing pertinent information, such as sizes, discount for a refillable glass, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of containers are arranged on a rotating carrousel for moving the containers such that the outlet of the dispenser of the selected container of the plurality of containers is in a position to dispense to the receiving area. In some embodiments, the rotating carrousel is coupled with an engine and rotation means, such as a tree and gear arrangement. A skilled person in the art will appreciate that any means for rotating the containers may be used. In some embodiments, the number of containers is determined by the number of flavors available, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of containers are in the shape of funnels. In some embodiments, the at least one ingredient in each of the plurality of containers is different. In some embodiments, the at least one ingredient in each of the plurality of containers are bubble tea ingredients. In some embodiments, the bubble tea ingredients are pearls or bubbles in an aqueous solution.

[0038] In some embodiments, the apparatus is enclosed in a refrigerated chamber.

[0039] In some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises at least one fluid inlet each configured to discharge a jet of fluid into the chamber in the dispensing position to flush the loaded ingredient towards the outlet. In some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid (e.g water, an aqueous solution). In some embodiments, the fluid is a gas such like air, or the like. In some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a discharge means to provide the jet of fluid, such as a pump, valves, a pressure regulator, etc. In some embodiments, the fluid is cooled before discharge. It will beappreciated that the properties of the at least one fluid inlet are tunable, i.e. the applied pressure of the jet, the direction of the jet within the chamber, the number of inlets present in the dispenser, etc, may be optimized to facilitate dispensing of the loaded ingredient into the outlet.

[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprising a processor configured to receive a selection of ingredients from a user and activate parts of the dispensing apparatus to dispense the corresponding ingredients according to the selection. The skilled person in the art will appreciate that various types of processors / controllers may be used and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the application will now be explained with reference to the figures, but should not be limited thereto. In the figures, components of the dispensing apparatus are as follows:1 - Outlet2- Piston / valves3- Glass4- Actuator5- Water valves6- Water cooler7- Carousel engine8- Carousel gear9- Carousel tree10-Containers11 -Syrup pumps12-Syrup containers13-Barcode or QR on products14-QR reader or barcode for product batch number15-Unique QR on glass16-QR code reader on glass17-Bubbles composition (ingredient)18-Chamber19-Fluid inlet

[0042] The Bubble Tea dispenser is an apparatus of the vending machine-type that allows a customer to build a custom beverage according to their preferences of the moment. In some embodiments, the customer will choose, from a main screen, flavors of bubbles, for example 3 flavors of bubbles among 6 flavors, and a choice ofsyrup among available flavors, for example 3 choices. In this example, there would be a possibility of combinations representing more than 600 different recipes.

[0043] In some embodiments, the customer will be able to use their personal reusable glass or a recyclable glass, for example the glasses may be recognized by a detection system and the reusable glasses may be identified by a QR code. In some embodiments, this dispensing apparatus allows to serve a personalized beverage with a view to reusing containers. By combining the telemetry system and a mobile application, consumers will be encouraged to reuse their containers.

[0044] In some embodiments, when making their beverage by the automated dispensing apparatus, the customer will be able to see the bubbles being dispensed in the glass in the same order as they were selected, thus increasing the "personalized" experience.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dispensing apparatus is equipped with a data acquisition system that is bilateral with a cloud server. Such system would make it possible to receive, in real time, the distributor's information, including stock status, customer satisfaction, glass used, preventive and predictive maintenance as well as the update of programs, prices and other parameters.

[0046] In some embodiments, the dispensing apparatus is autonomous with or without a payment system and with or without a running water service.

[0047] In some embodiments, a screen of the dispensing apparatus, for example the main screen used for selection or an auxiliary screen, are configured to present advertising, which may be remotely controlled.The piston or valve assembly (2)

[0048] The piston 2, including first piston 2’ and second piston 2”, (or valve assembly including a loading valve and a dispensing valve - not shown) is configured to act as a dosing valve of constant equal portions. The handling of bubble tea bubbles does not behave according to common knowledge of fluid management. The challenge is to dose by "capturing" the right amount of bubbles. In order to do this, the apparatus of the present application provides a way to unblock bubble congestion at the entranceto the container and then find a way to dispense the bubbles to the glass. The piston / valve can be of all possible shapes (square, round, triangle, oval, ...). The first piston 2’ (or loading valve) is used to undo the links between the bubbles and thus, combined with the "funnel" shape of the container, fill the cavity defined by the chamber collect the right number of bubbles, in the loading position.Fluid ejection

[0049] Once cavity defined by the chamber is filled with the bubbles composition, the piston or valve assembly descends or moves to the dispensing position. Without being bound to theory, since the bubbles are collapsed with each other, mere gravity is not enough. In some embodiments, the apparatus of the application sends a jet of fluid into the chamber and thus creates a splash to facilitate dispensing of the first bubbles towards the outlet, which in turn generates a vortex expelling the bubbles in the outlet for dispensing the same.Shape of the container

[0050] In the illustrated embodiments, the shape of the container has been designed as a funnel-shape to allow the bubbles to descend by minimizing resistance to the walls and maximizing the capacity space in a carousel principle.Carousel principle

[0051] Again, in the illustrated embodiments, the carousel principle makes it possible to manage several choices of bubbles individually without risk of contamination by mounting the multiple containers on a rotating carousel, which is activated by a processor / controller (not shown) to align the selected container with the actuator, upon selection from a user.Glass - Traceability of the input product

[0052] In some embodiments, the glass is equipped with a unique QR code to identify it, for example by sizes, preferences, special discount, etc., it and the number of times this glass has been reused may be counted for statistical purposes, for example to calculate the positive ecological impact. Also with the input product reading system, it may be possible to trace which glass has been filled with which product.

[0053] FIG.1 illustrates a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments, including a plurality of containers 10 for receiving the bubbles composition (not shown), and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber 18, a piston 2 and an outlet 1 for dispensing the loaded ingredient. The figure also shows actuator 4, configured to push on the piston 2 to adjust the piston 2 within the chamber 18 between the loading position and the dispensing position. Glasse 3 is shown receiving the loaded ingredient.

[0054] FIG.2A-2B show schematic representations of a dispenser of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments, where FIG.2A shows the loading position and FIG. 2B shows the dispensing position. In the loading position (FIG.2A), actuator 4 adjust the piston 2 such that the first piston 2’ is positioned to provide fluid communication between the chamber 18 and a selected container 10 such that a predetermined amount of the bubble ingredient contained in the container is loaded in the chamber 18, and the second piston 2” is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet 1. In the dispensing position, (FIG.2B), the first piston 2’ is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the selected container 10 and the second piston 2” is positioned to provide fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet 1 such that the loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet 1 . FIG.2A and FIG.2B also show water inlet 19, to inject water upon dispensing. More particularly, in FIG.2B, arrows are shown indicating movement of the bubbles composition (the loaded ingredient) towards the outlet 1 under the action of the jet of water from inlet 19.

[0055] FIG.3 shows an image of a front view of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments, where a selection screen, a payment terminal and the receiving area are shown, as would be seen from a user.

[0056] FIG.4. shows an image of an interior view of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments, with parts similar as was described in FIG.1 .III. Methods and Uses of the Application

[0057] The processes of the application have been shown to provide a reliable method for dispensing a beverage, such as a bubble tea-type beverage, the processes being autonomous and allowing a customized selection of beverage.

[0058] Accordingly, the present application includes a method for dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: actuating a dispenser connected to a container containing at least one ingredient; wherein the dispenser is actuated between a loading position and a dispensing position, wherein in the loading position, a predetermined amount of the ingredient is loaded in the dispenser and in the dispensing position, the loaded ingredient is dispensed; optionally actuating a second dispenser connected to a second container containing a second ingredient to dispense a second ingredient.

[0059] The present application further includes a method for dispensing a customized beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one ingredient from a list of ingredients each contained in a separate container of a plurality of containers of a dispensing apparatus, actuating a dispenser connected to a selected container to load a predetermined amount of the selected ingredient and dispense the selected ingredient; optionally repeating the actuating for each selected ingredient.

[0060] The present application also provides a method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising a liquid and solid particles contained in a container; connecting the container to a chamber; loading a predetermined amount of the at least one composition in the chamber; dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a fluid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, loading and dispensing with at least one another composition.

[0061] Further included is a method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising pearls or bubbles and an aqueous solution, contained in a container; connecting the container to a chamber; inserting a moveable member into the container for causing movement of the pearls or bubbles in the aqueous solution for uniform distribution; retracting the moveable member towards the chamber to isolate a sample of the composition intothe chamber, dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a fluid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, connecting, inserting, retracting and dispensing with at least one other composition from another container.

[0062] In some embodiments, wherein inserting a moveable member into the container comprises multiple strokes prior to retracting, for example to allow for a more uniform distribution.

[0063] The present application further provides use of the dispensing apparatus of the application for dispensing a customized beverage.

[0064] Further provided is use of the dispensing apparatus of the application for dispensing a bubble tea beverage.EXAMPLES

[0065] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present application.General Methods

[0066] A general method of using a dispensing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments will be described, without being limited thereto.• The customer chooses 3 flavors of bubbles (which can be different or the same) and a syrup.• The customer pays via a payment terminal, either integrated within the apparatus or as an independent terminal.• The customer deposits a glass, optionally identified by a unique QR code.• The carousel moves to the selected container comprising the 1st choice of bubbles.The piston is activated and takes the right amount of bubbles from the selected container and brings it to the chamber.The bubbles are ejected from the piston to the glass using a jet of water.• The above steps are repeated 3 times, i.e. for each flavors selected.• Then, the syrup and the missing water are added to the composition in the glass.• The customer retrieves the glass containing the drink and enjoys their personalized beverage.

[0067] While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber, a loading valve, a dispensing valve and an outlet, wherein the loading valve and the dispensing valve are configured to be adjustable between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the loading valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the chamber and a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained therein is loaded in the chamber and the dispensing valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet, wherein in the dispensing position, the loading valve is positioned to prevent fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the selected container and the dispensing valve is positioned to provide fluid communication between the loaded ingredient and the outlet such that the loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator for moving the loading valve and the dispensing valve between the loading position and the dispensing position.

3. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of containers each configured for receiving at least one ingredient and each configured to be connected to a dispenser when selected, wherein the dispenser comprises a chamber in communication with an outlet, the dispenser further comprises a movable member comprising a first piston at a first position thereof and a second piston at a second position thereof, saidmovable member being movable within said chamber between a loading position and a dispensing position; wherein in the loading position, the first piston is positioned inside a selected container from the plurality of containers such that a first portion of the chamber is in fluid communication with the selected container from the plurality of containers and a predetermined amount of the at least one ingredient contained therein is loaded in the first portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned such that the outlet is isolated from the first portion of the chamber and the selected container, wherein in the dispensing position, the first piston is positioned such that the selected container is isolated from a second portion of the chamber and the second piston is positioned to provide a fluid communication between the second portion of the chamber and the outlet such that the at least one loaded ingredient is dispensed through the outlet.

4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an actuator for moving the first piston and the second piston between the loading position and the dispensing position.

5. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a receiving area configured to receive a glass for receiving the loaded ingredient.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of containers are arranged on a rotating carrousel for moving the containers such that the outlet of the dispenser of the selected container of the plurality of containers is in a position to dispense to the receiving area.

7. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispenser further comprises at least one fluid inlet each configured to discharge a jet of fluid into the chamber in the dispensing position to flush the loaded ingredient towards the outlet.

8. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of containers are in the shape of funnels.

9. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is enclosed in a refrigerated chamber.

10. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one ingredient in each of the plurality of containers is different.11 . The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a processor configured to receive a selection of ingredients from a user and activate parts of the dispensing apparatus to dispense the corresponding ingredients according to the selection.

12. The dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one ingredient in each of the plurality of containers are bubble tea ingredients.

13. The dispensing apparatus of claim 12, wherein bubble tea ingredients are pearls or bubbles in an aqueous solution.

14. Use of the dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14 for dispensing a customized beverage.

15. Use of the dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14 for dispensing a bubble tea beverage.

16. A method for dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: actuating a dispenser connected to a container containing at least one ingredient; wherein the dispenser is actuated between a loading position and a dispensing position, wherein in the loading position, a predetermined amountof the ingredient is loaded in the dispenser and in the dispensing position, the loaded ingredient is dispensed; optionally actuating a second dispenser connected to a second container containing a second ingredient to dispense a second ingredient.

17. A method for dispensing a customized beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one ingredient from a list of ingredients each contained in a separate container of a plurality of containers of a dispensing apparatus, actuating a dispenser connected to a selected container to load a predetermined amount of the selected ingredient and dispense the selected ingredient; optionally repeating the actuating for each selected ingredient.

18. A method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising a liquid and solid particles contained in a container; connecting the container to a chamber; loading a predetermined amount of the at least one composition in the chamber; dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a fluid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, loading and dispensing with at least one another composition.

19. A method for dispensing a bubble tea-type beverage, the method comprising: selecting at least one composition comprising pearls or bubbles and an aqueous solution, contained in a container; connecting the container to a chamber; inserting a moveable member into the container for causing movement of the pearls or bubbles in the aqueous solution for uniform distribution;retracting the moveable member towards the chamber to isolate a sample of the composition into the chamber, dispensing the composition from the chamber by injecting a liquid jet towards an outlet of the chamber; and optionally repeating said selecting, connecting, inserting, retracting and dispensing with at least one other composition from another container.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein inserting a moveable member into the container comprises multiple strokes prior to retracting.

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