CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/867,822, filed June 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Machines have been provided for dispensing beverages. Such machines typically comprise soda dispensers or vending machines. Soda dispensers dispense sugary, unhealthy, beverages that comprise a mixture of syrup and carbonated water. Such beverages lack nutrition, and the machines are typically messy and involve multiple complicated hook-ups and connections to operate the machine.

[0003] Vending machines have been provided, but only produce pre-bottled ready to drink (RID) beverages. Such beverages are also unhealthy and have been processed to extend their shelf life in a manner that makes them lack nutrition.

[0004] in addition, if an individual seeks a healthy beverage such as juice, that individual often must directly enter a juice bar, which comprise retail stores that the user may not be conveniently nearby.

[0005] As such, there is a need for a convenient kiosk that may dispense beverages that are healthy, yet may be appropriately dispensed from a kiosk.

SUMMARY

[0006] Apparatuses, methods, and systems herein are directed to a kiosk for dispensing beverages. The kiosk may be utilized to dispense beverages including juice (which may be vegetable juice, fruit juice, or other forms of juice or combinations of juice). The juice may be processed via high pressure processing (HPP), or other forms of sterilization, in certain embodiments. The juice may be non-pasteurized in certain embodiments. The kiosk may conveniently be provided in m variety of locations, including outdoor and indoor locations such as commercial office buildings. Temperature control of the kiosk and other aspects of the kiosk may allow for dispensing juice. Other beverages may be dispensed in embodiments.

[0007] In embodiments disclosed herein, a kiosk for dispensing a beverage Is disclosed. The kiosk may comprise a kiosk housing having an interior area, a temperature control device configured to control a temperature of the interior area and one or more containers configured to be positioned within the interior area and to hold liquid for the beverage. The kiosk may comprise one or more agitator devices configured to agitate the liquid for the beverage within the one or more containers and a dispensing assembly configured to dispense the beverage to a user.

[0008] In embodiments disclosed herein, a method is disclosed. The method may comprise providing a kiosk to a plurality of users for dispensing juice, the kiosk including one or more agitator devices tor agitating the juice within the kiosk. The method may include dispensing the juice from the kiosk to one of the plurality' of users.

[0009] In embodiments disclosed herein, a method is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving a request to dispense juice to a user. The method may include dispensing the juice from a kiosk to the user in response to the request, the kiosk including one or more agitator devices for agitating the juice within the kiosk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present disclosure. [0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the kiosk shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a frame for containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the frame shown in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG 5 illustrates a top view of the frame shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 3.

[0017 ] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a tray shown in FIG 3

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a container in the form of a flexible bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the flexible bag shown in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a rocker mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure positioned within an interior area of the kiosk housing [0021] FIGS. 11 and 12 each illustrate a side view of the rocker mechanism operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a cup dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view' of the cup dispensing assembly shown in FIG 14.

[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the cup dispensing assembly shown in FIG.

14. [0026] FIG 17 illustrates a front view of a dispensing area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0Q27] FIG 18 illustrates a front view of the dispensing area shown in FIG. 17 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG 19 illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing area shown in FIG. 17.

[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a drain floor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates an interior perspective view of the operation of a shuter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[O031| FIG. 22 illustrates an interior perspective view of the dispensing chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing area shown in FIG. 17.

[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing area shown in FIG. 17.

[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic view of components of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates a rear perspective view of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0036] FIG. 27 illustrates a view of a user interface of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG . 28 illustrates a view of a user interface of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 29 illustrates a view of a user interface of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 30 illustrates a view of a user interface of a kiosk according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0040] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041 ] FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a coupler coupling to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view' of a coupler coupled to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of an agitator arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG 35 illustrates a cross sectional view' of a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG 36 illustrates a perspective view' of containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a coupler coupling to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of a coupler coupled to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a kiosk 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure The kiosk 10 is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 1, and is shown assembled in a left side perspective view' in FIG. 2. The kiosk 10 may be configured to dispense a beverage. The kiosk 10 may be configured to dispense a variety of different kinds of beverages, including smoothies, juices, or other kinds of beverages. Of particular note, the kiosk 10 may be configured to dispense a juice processed with high pressure processing (HPP). In certain embodiments, other forms of sterilization may be performed to the juice. In certain embodiments, the kiosk 10 may be configured to dispense non-pasteurized juice. In other embodiments, other types of juices and beverages may be dispensed from the kiosk 10 The juice, whether pasteurized or not, may be stored within the kiosk 10 and dispensed from the kiosk 10 for a relatively extended period of time due to the construction and operation of the kiosk 10. The juice may be stored within a temperature controlled area of the kiosk.

[0049] The kiosk 10 may include a kiosk housing 12. The kiosk housing 12 may be configured to contain components of the kiosk 10 therein. The kiosk housing 12 may include a plurality of panels, including side panels 14, 16, a top panel 18, a bottom panel 20, and a front panel 22 and a rear panel 24 (marked in FIG. 26). The plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may couple together to define an interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12, and may form an exterior surface of the kiosk 10. The kiosk housing 12 may include a base 28 that the plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 rest upon. The base 28 may include legs 30 or the like that the plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 rest upon. The kiosk housing 12 may include a placard 32 upon the top panel 18 that may display information about the kiosk 10, such the name of the kiosk 10 or other information.

[0050] The front panel 22 of the kiosk housing 12 may comprise a door The door may include a multi-layered structure, which may include an inner door 34 and an outer door 36 layered together. The door may serve as an entry way to the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12, and may be swung open upon a hinge 38 or the like that allows the door to be opened. A lock 40 may be utilized to lock and unlock the door, to allo for secure closure of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. A sensor may be utilized to detect whether the door is opened or dosed

[00S1] The plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be configured to provide a secure interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12, such that an individual may not access the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 The kiosk housing 12 may secure the interior of the kiosk 10. Preferably only a technician or service provider may access the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 to provide service or otherwise maintain the kiosk 10 The technician or service provider may unlock the lock 40 to open the front panei 22 of the kiosk housing 12 for access.

[0052] The kiosk housing 12 may be configured such that the kiosk 10 is a free-standing structure, which may be placed in a desired area for the kiosk 10 to dispense the beverage. The kiosk 10 may be a stand alone structure such as a vending machine, and may be durable to withstand being positioned in outdoor environments. The plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 24 may be configured to be thermally insulated to allow the kiosk to be positioned in a variety of outdoor environments (e.g., hot cold) and to maintain an internal temperature for the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. The kiosk housing 12 may be configured to thermally insulate the interior area 26. The plurality' of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be configured to be weather resistant to prevent precipitation (e.g., rain, snow), and other weather effects (e.g., wind) from penetrating into the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. In certain embodiments, the kiosk housing 12 may be configured such that the kiosk 1(1 may be positioned within an indoor environment, such as a commercial building, or a residential structure, among others.

[0053] The kiosk 10 may include containers 190a~19Od (marked in FIG. 10) that are each configured to hold liquid therein for the beverage to be dispensed. As shown in FIG. 10, four containers 19Oa-190d may be utilized, although a greater or lesser number may be utilized as desired. For example, in one embodiment, only one container may be utilized. The containers 190a-~!9Od are each configured to be positioned within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. Other components of the kiosk 10 may include one or more agitator devices (which may be in the form of rocker mechanism 192), a dispensing assembly 46, a cup dispensing assembly 48, a dispensing chamber 50, and input devices, which may include a touch screen 52, a code scanner 54, a sales transaction device 56, a touch pad 58, and a proximity sensor 60. Other components of the kiosk 10 may include a power and control module 62 and a display screen 64, and an output device in the form of a speaker 66

[00S4] The agitator device may be configured to agitate the liquid for the beverage within the one or more containers 190a-!9Od (marked in FIG. 10). One or more agitator devices may be provided as desired. In embodiments, the one or more agitator devices may be configured to move the one or more containers 190a~190d themselves, without entering the one or more containers 199a-190d. As such, a sterile environment within the one or more containers 190a- 190d may remain upon operation of the one or more agitator devices, because the one or more agitator devices do not enter the one or more containers 190a---190d. Referring to FIG 1, the agitator device may have the form of a rocker mechanism 192 that may be configured to rock the liquid for the beverage within the one or more containers 190a-190d (marked in FIG. 30). The rocker mechanism 192 may rock the one or more containers !90a-490d themselves, filed with the liquid, such that the one or more containers 190a-190d are not entered and remain sterile. The rocker mechanism 192 may include a motor 194, a cam assembly that may include a cam body 196 and a linkage assembly, and a frame 198. The motor 194 may he positioned within the kiosk housing 12 and may be coupled to a portion of the kiosk housing 12, for example the bottom panel 20 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, other methods of positioning or coupling the motor 194 may be utilized. The motor 194 may comprise a rotary motor, configured to produce rotary motion upon electrical power being provided to the motor 194. A motor shaft may extend from the motor 194 and may couple to the cam body 196. The motor 194 may he configured to cause the cam body 196 to rotate, by rotation of the motor shaft. In other embodiments, other linkages between the motor 194 and the cam body 196 may allow the cam body 196 to rotate.

[0055] The cam assembly may include the cam body 196 and may include a linkage assembly lor linking the motor 194 to the frame 198. The cam body 196 may include an aperture for receiving the motor shaft of the motor 194. Accordingly, upon rotation of the motor shaft, the cam body 196 may rotate as well. The cam body 196 may comprise an oblong body and may include a linkage coupler 200. The linkage coupler 20Q may be positioned offset from the axis of the cam body 196 that the cam body 196 rotates about (the axis of the motor shaft), such that rotation of the cam body 196 causes a displacement of the position of the iinkage coupler 200. The linkage coupler 200 accordingly may rotate about the axis of the cam body 196 at a radial distance from the cam body 196. The linkage assembly may include a linkage arm 203 (as shown in FIG. 12 for example) that may couple to the linkage coupler 200 and may couple the cam body 196 and the motor 194 to the frame 98. The frame 198, for example, may include a coupler 202 for coupling to the linkage arm 203. Other forms of cam assemblies and linkage assemblies may be utilized in embodiments as desired.

[0056] The frame 198 may be configured to support the one or more containers 190u-l 90d and may be configured to be rocked by operation of the motor 194 including rotation of the cam body 196. The frame 198 may be positioned within the kiosk housing 12. The frame 198 may include one or more supports, which may be utilized for supporting the one or more containers !90a-190d. The supports may have the form of plates 204a~2G4d (as marked in FIG. 6) that may extend horizontally and that the containers 190a-190d may be positioned upon. The plates 204a-204d may be supported by side supports 206, 207 (as marked in FIG. 6).

[0057] Side supports 206 may comprise vertically extending plates that may couple to the horizontal plates 204a-204d. A side support 267 may comprise a plate that is removable from the rest of the frame 198 and may serve to secure the containers 0a-190d to the frame 198. The side support 207 for example, may be mechanically attached to a side of the plates 204a- 204d and may extend vertically between the plates 204a-204d to block the containers 190a-- 190d from being removed from the frame 8. The side support 207 may further block one or more trays 208a-208d from being slid out of the frame 198. The side support 207 may be utilized to prevent such sliding during a rocking motion of the frame 198 that may be caused by the motor 194. The side support 207 may be removed from the rest of the frame 198 to allow for access to the containers 190a-190d and to allow the trays 208&-208d to be slid out of the frame 198. The side support 207 may be removably coupled to the frame 198 with a locking mechanism or other form of coupling to the frame 198.

[0058] The frame 198 may include a pivot coupler 21Q that may pivotally couple the frame 198 to the kiosk housing 12. The frame 198 may be configured to pivot about the pivot coupler 210 within the kiosk housing 12. The pivot coupler 210 may comprise an aperture as shown iu FIG. i, or may comprise another form of pivot coupler 21Q as desired (for example a pivot shaft or another form of coupler). The pivot coupler 210 may be positioned in a center portion of the frame 198 such that the frame 198 may be configured to pivot in two opposing directions about the pivot coupler 210. Further, the pivot coupler 210 may be positioned in the center portion of the frame 198 such that the frame 198 is balanced upon the pivot coupler 210, to allow for a balanced force to be applied to the frame 198 by the motor 194 to pivot the frame 198 in the two opposing directions. The coupler 202 may be positioned at an end portion of the frame 198 to allow for a greater radial distance of force to be applied to the frame 198 relative to the pivot coupler 210.

[0059 The pivot coupler 210 may be configured to pivot relative to a pivot support 212 that may be coupled to the kiosk housing 12. The pivot support 212 may comprise a pivot shaft or another form of support configured to couple with the pivot coupler 210. For example if the pivot coupler 210 comprises a shaft, then the pivot support 212 may comprise an aperture. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , if the pivot coupler 210 comprises an aperture then the pivot support 212 may comprise a pivot shaft. The pivot support 212 may be configured to bear the weight of the frame 198 upon the frame being coupled to the pivot support 212. [0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of the kiosk 10 shown in FIG. 1.

[0061 ] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the frame 198 outside of the interior area of the kiosk 10. The frame 198 is shown to include the plates 204a-204d forming multiple levels on top of each other and spaced from each other vertically. A portion of the plates 204a~204d may pass through apertures in the side support 207 to mechanically attach the side support 207 to a side of the plates 204a-204d.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the frame 198 outside of the interior area of the kiosk 10. The side support 206 is shown to comprise a rectangular material having a height 214 and a depth 2 6.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view _' of the frame 198 outside of the interior area of the kiosk 10. The frame 198 is shown to have a rectangular shape with a width 218 and depth 216. The frame 198 may have other configurations in embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame 198. The plates 204a- 204d are shown to couple to side wails 220 that are configured to couple to the side supports 206. The side walls 220 may further block the one or more containers 190a-490d and the one or more trays 208a-208d (as shown in FIG. 10) from being slid out of the frame 198 during a rocking motion of the frame 198. The plate 204d is shovm to form a bottom surface of the frame 198.

[0065] Each plate 204a~204d may support a tray 208a-208d. Each tray 208a-208d may support one or more of the containers 190a-190d. A perspective view of one. of the trays 208a is shown in FIG. 7. The tray 208a may include a plurality of side wails 222 extending upward from a bottom wail 224. The tray 208a may define an interior cavity' 226 for receiving the one or more of the containers 190a-~!90d. The tray 208a may have a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 7 or may have another shape as desired. The tray 208a may be configured to be slid into and out of the frame 198. For example the side support 207 may be removed from the

I I frame 198 and the tray 208a may be able to be slid into and out of the frame 198 upon one of the plates 204a-204d. A user, such as a technician, accordingly may be able to replace or otherwise access one or more of the containers 190a~i90d within the tray 208a. The user may- then slide the tray 208a back into the frame 198 and couple the side support 207 to the frame 198 to secure the tray 208a within the frame 198. The other trays 208b-d may be configured similarly as the tray 208a.

[0066] The one or containers 190a-190d may each be configured to hold liquid for the beverage. The one or more containers 190a-190d may have a variety of forms including one or more flexible bags, as shown in FIG. 8 for example. Referring to FIG. 8, a side view of a container 190a in the form of a flexible bag is shown. The flexible bag may include a side wall 228 that may surround an interior cavity 230 (marked in FIG. 9) that holds the liquid for the beverage. The side wall 228 may be flexible to allow the wall 228 to deform upon liquid being removed from the interior cavity 239, to compensate for the reduced volume of liquid in the interior cavity 230. Further, the side wall 228 may be made of a lightweight materia! that may allow the flexible bag to be easily lifted and transported. The side wall 228 may be made of a plastic material or other form of material.

[0067] The container 190a may include a port 232 that may allow the liquid to be removed from the interior cavity 230, and may be utilized for filling the interior cavity 230 with the liquid in certain embodiments. The port 232 may be in fluid communication with the interior cavity 230. The port 232 may be configured to couple to a portion of the dispensing assembly to allow the dispensing assembly to remove the fluid from the interior cavity 230.

[0068] The container 190a may be configured to be air-sealed. As such, the container 190a may be configured to not allow' air to enter the container 190a. As such, a valve 234 (as marked in FIG. 9) may be utilized to not allow air into the container 190a as liquid is released from the interior cavity 230. lire valve 234 for example, may comprise a cheek valve or other form of one-way valve that may allow the liquid to release from the interior cavity 230 without allowing ambient air to enter the interior cavity 230 As such, as liquid is released from the interior cavity' 230, the side wail 228 may deform to compensate for the released volume of liquid The valve 234 may be positioned at the port 232 as shown in FIG. 9 or may be positioned in another location as desired. The port 232 may further be configured to form an air-seal with the portion of the dispensing assembly to which it couples, to prevent ambient air from entering the interior cavity 230.

[0069] The container 190a may be configured for high pressure processing (HPP), or another form of sterilization. Under high pressure processing the side wail 228 of the container 190a may undergo high pressure that may be accordingly applied to the liquid within the container 190a. The high pressure may be applied to sterilize the liquid within the container 190a. Further, the air-seal of the container 190a may prevent the liquid within the container 190a from being exposed to ambient air after the high pressure processing occurs, to maintain the sterility of the liquid. The liquid accordingly may remain sterile upon transport to the kiosk and upon remaining within the interior of the kiosk.

[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the container 190a showing the side wail 228 surrounding the interior cavity 230. The other containers 190b-190 may be configured similarly as the container 190a. The configuration of the one or more containers may be varied in other embodiments.

[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates the containers 190a-d positioned within a respective one of the trays 208a-208d and the trays 208a-208d positioned upon a respective one of the plates 204a- 204d of the frame 198 The frame 198 is positioned within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 and coupled to the cam assembly and the motor 194. The pivot coupler 210 is coupled to the pivot support 212. [0072] Each container 190a— 190d may be pre-fiiled with the liquid for the beverage. For example, in operation, the liquid for the beverage may comprise juice that may be blended (from fruits, vegetables, and/or other materials) and may be placed within the respective container 19Oa-190d. Each container 190a~190d may include a blend of juices, or a biend of different types of materials for the juices. Each container I90a-190d may include sediment, for example, resulting from the blending process. The liquid within each container 190a~490d may undergo a sterilization process, which may include a process such as high pressure processing (HPP) or another form of sterilization. The production of the liquid for the beverage (e.g., the blending) and sterilization may occur remote from the kiosk at a remote kitchen or other facility- as desired. The air-sealed configuration of the container 190a-I90d may prevent ambient air from entering the sterilized container 190a-190d.

[0073] The container 190a~190d filled with liquid may be transported to the kiosk. A user, such as a technician or service provider, may open the kiosk and slide one or more of the trays 208a---208d out of the frame 198. The user may then place the filled containers 190a-190d within the trays 208a~208d or replace containers having older liquid (such as older juice) with containers having newer liquid (or newer juice). The coupling of the port 232 to the dispensing assembly may be performed such that ambient air does not enter the containers 19Oa-190d (which may result in spoliation or exposure of the liquid to microbes) and an air-seal results between the new containers 190a-190d and the dispensing assembly. The liquid within the containers may be able to be dispensed from the kiosk. The containers 190a-49(3d are removable from the kiosk. Upon the liquid being in the kiosk for a duration of time, or the liquid being fully released from the container, the containers may be removed from the kiosk and replaced in a similar process as described.

[0074] The liquid for the beverage may he agitated within the one or more containers 190a- 190d. The liquid for the beverage may be agitated for a variety- of purposes, including avoidance of nucleaiion within the containers 1 ©a-190d, maintaining a dispersion of sediment within the containers 190a-190d, and to keep a blend of the liquid within the one or more containers 190a-190d. An agitator device may be configured to agitate the liquid for the beverage within the one or more containers 19Oa-190d The agitator device may be in the form of the rocker mechanism 192, or another configuration that may agitate the liquid and the containers without entering the containers and potentially causing desterilization and spoliation of the juice A variety of forms of agitator devices configured to move the container to agitate the liquid therein, without entering the container, may be utilized.

[0075] The rocker mechanism 192 may operate by rocking the one or more containers 190a--190d supported by the frame 198 to agitate the liquid within the one or more containers 190a-190d The rocking may be an oscillating motion, that pivots the frame 198 about the pivot coupler 210 in opposite directions.

[0076] FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, illustrate the rocking motion of the frame 198. FIG 11 illustrates the motor 194 coupled to the frame 198 via the cam assembly. The motor 194 couples to the cam body 196 that couples to the linkage arm 203. The linkage arm 203 couples to the coupler 202 of the frame 198. As the shaft of the motor 194 rotates, the cam body 196 rotates as well, causing the linkage coupler 200 to be displaced. The displacement of the linkage coupler 200 accordingly moves the linkage arm 203, which operates to push and pull the frame 198. The cam body 196 in FIG. 1 1 is shown to rotate in a clockwise motion, which drives the linkage arm 203 towards the frame 198 and accordingly serves to pivot the frame 198 about the pivot coupler 210 in a clockwise direction 236. As shown in FIG. 12, upon the cam body 196 continuing to rotate in a clockwise motion, the linkage arm 203 is driven in a direction away from the frame 198 and accordingly serves to pivot the frame 198 about the pivot coupler 210 in a counter-clockwise direction 238. Accordingly, the frame 198 may be rocked with an oscillating motion about the pivot coupler 210, and the liquid within the one or more containers 19Oa-190d positioned within the frame 198 may be agitated

[0077] The configuration of the linkage assembly may be varied from the configuration as shown herein A variety of forms of mechanical linkages may link the motor 194 to the frame 198. Further, the configuration of the cam assembly may be varied from the configuration as shown herein. For example, the frame 198 may be configured to ride upon a cam surface of the cam body 196 rather than the linkage arm 203 being utilized. Further, the cam body 196 in certain embodiments may be positioned within the motor 194 and may comprise a rotating linkage coupler 200 that the frame 198 may couple to, that rotates via the force applied by the motor 194. The configuration of the rocker mechanism may be varied from the configuration as shown herein. For example, various forms of drives, such as linear motor drives may be utilized to rock the frame 198 and accordingly rock the one or more containers 190a-190d. Further, other directions of rocking motion may be provided as desired.

[0078] The rocker mechanism 192 may operate continuously or periodically. The motor 194 accordingly may be configured to operate continuously to continuously rock the frame 1 8 or periodically rock the frame 198. The motor 194 may be controlled via an electronic control unit, as disclosed herein, that may control operation of the motor 194, including rate and force of operation of the motor 194, as well as the time at which the motor 194 is to operate. The rocker mechanism 192 may be operated by the electronic control unit.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, the dispensing assembly 46 may be coupled to the respective containers 190a~190d while the containers 190a~-190d are coupled to the frame 198 and while the containers 190a-190d are being rocked by the rocking mechanism. The portion of the dispensing assembly 46 that couples to the containers 190a-190d may include respective conduit couplers 102a-102d that engages a port such as a port 232 of the respective container 19Ga-~190d The conduit couplers H>2a-~102d may be configured to form an air-seal with the respective container 190&-190d that does not allow ambient air to enter the respective container 190a-~190d during and following the coupling process. The conduit couplers 102a- 102d may be utilized to withdraw liquid from the respective containers !90a-190d.

[0Q80] FIG. 13 illustrates components of the dispensing assembly 46 that may be utilized. The dispensing assembly 46 may be configured to dispense the beverage to the user. The components may include one or more conduits lO4a-104d that each may be utilized for withdrawing liquid from a respective one of the containers 190a-190d. The components may include one or more pumps 106a--106d, each configured to pump the liquid through the respective conduit 104a-104d. The components may include one or more spouts lO8a-108d for dispensing the liquid from the one or more conduits 104a-104d.

[0081] The dispensing assembly 46 may be configured such that the coupling of the conduit couplers 102a-102d to the respective containers 190a-19Qd allows the one or more pumps 106a-106d to pump the liquid of the respective containers 190a~-19Od. The conduits 104a- 104d may each comprise tubes such as pipes, or other forms of conduits. As shown in FIG. 13, the conduits 104a--104d may comprise flexible tubes that may be movable as desired, particularly for coupling to the respective containers 19Oa-190d.

[0082] The pumps 106a--106d may be configure as peristaltic pumps, or other forms of pumps as desired. The pumps 106a-106d may be configured to withdraw the liquid from the respective containers 190a-190d with a vacuum, or suction force.

[0083] The pumps 106a -106d may pump the liquid through the spouts lOSa-lOSd for dispensing the liquid. The pump rate of the respective pumps 106a-106d may he set and varied based on the type (e.g., density or flow rate) of the liquid contained within the respective containers 190a~-190d. For example, a greater pump rate may be provided for a liquid with a lesser flow rate and a lesser pump rate may be provided for a liquid with a greater flow rate. An electronic control unit, as may be discussed herein, may be utilized to control the operation of the pumps 106a--l®6d and the flow rate.

[0084} The spouts lOSa-lOSd in certain embodiments may include valve nipples that open and close when liquid passes therethrough. Such valve nipples may control a flow of the liquid through the spouts 108a-i08d and may reduce the possibility' of dripping from the spouts 108a--108d when liquid should not be dispensed therefrom.

[0085] The dispensing assembly 46 may include filters I lOa-llOd that may be positioned along the conduit lines. The filters l!Oa-llOd may be configured to remove air from the flow of the liquid through the respective conduits. The filters llOa-!!Od may accordingly serve a pulse dampening purpose to reduce the possibility of spurts of liquid being passed out of the spouts 108a-108d.

[0086] The dispensing assembly 46 may include check valves 112a, 112b that may be positioned along the conduit lines. The check valves 112a, 112b may prevent backflow of liquid from the conduit lines back into the respective containers 190a -190d. The check valves 112a, 112b may be utilized in combination with or in lieu of the valves 234 as shown in FIG. 9 for example

[0087] The spouts lOSa-lOSd may all be assembled such that they are gathered to pass into a spout retainer 114. The spout retainer 114 may hold all the spouts 108a-108d such that liquid from the spouts 108a~4O8d may dispense into the dispensing area or dispensing chamber of the kiosk 10. As shown in FIG. 13, the spout retainer 114 may comprise a hollow cylinder that the spouts 108a-108d are passed into. In FIG. 13, the arrow _' 116 represents the spouts 108a-108d being passed into the hollow' center of the spout retainer 114.

[0088] FIG. 14 illustrates components of the cup dispensing assembly 48 that may be utilized. The cup dispensing assembly 48 may be utilized to dispense a cup for the beverage to a user. The cup dispensing assembly 48 may include a cup retainer apparatus 118 and a cup catcher 120 as shown in FIG. 19. The cup retainer apparatus 118 as shown in FIG. 14 may include a rotating carousel having cylinders 122a~122f that are each configured to retain a number of cups for storage prior to the cup being dispensed. Upon a number of cups in the cylinder being depleted, the rotating carousel may rotate to the next available cylinder, and allow the cups from that cylinder to be dispensed. The cups may be dispensed through an aperture 124 that is positioned beneath the cylinders 122a~122f of the cup retainer apparatus 118.

[0089] The aperture 124 may be positioned on a support plate 126 for the cup retainer apparatus 118. The rotating carousel may be positioned above the support plate 126. The support plate 126 may be slid out of the interior area 26 of the kiosk 10 to allow for access to the cup retainer apparatus 118 (to refill the cup retainer apparatus 118, or the like).

[0090] FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of the cup retainer apparatus 118. FIG. 16 illustrates a side perspective of the cup retainer apparatus 118 above the support plate 126 with a representative stack of cups 130 extending from the cup retainer apparatus 118. A guide surface 128 may be positioned on the support piate 126. and may be configured to guide the cap 130 from the cup retainer apparatus 118 to the cup catcher 12(1 (as shown in FIG. 19). The cup dispensing assembly 48 may include a cup release device 132 that is utilized to sequentially release the cups 130 from the cup retainer apparatus 118, so that the cups drop to the cup catcher 120. The cup release device 132 may be configured to rotate or activate movement of a protrusion to cause the cup 130 to release, among other forms of release. A sensor 134 may be utilized to determine when the particular cylinder 122a of the cup retainer apparatus 118 no longer has cups (a cup no longer extends from the cylinder 122a) and thus the carousel should be rotated to cause the next cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1221) to be positioned above the aperture 124, [0091] An electronic control unit, as may be discussed herein, may be utilized to control the operation of the cup dispensing assembly 48.

[0092 J FIG 17 illustrates a front view of a dispensing area 136 for the kiosk 10. The dispensing area 136 may be positioned on the front panel 22 of the kiosk 10 (or any other panel, such as a side panel, as desired). The dispensing area 136 may include the dispensing chamber 50 and may include a shutter 138. The shutter 138 may be a movable shutter. The shutter 138 may move to selectively block access to the dispensing chamber 50 by a user. The shutter 138 may move down as indicated in FIG. 17 to allow for access to the dispensing chamber 50 by a user. The shutter 138 may then move up as indicated in FIG. 18 to block access to the dispensing chamber 50 by the user

[0093] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing area 136 with the shutter in a lowered position. The dispensing chamber 50 is visible. The dispensing chamber 50 is for retaining a cup for receiving the beverage that is dispensed to the user and includes the cup catcher 120 and the cup guide 140. The cup catcher 120 is configured to receive a cup (such as cup 130) when the cup is dropped from the cup retainer apparatus 18. The cup catcher 120 may have a forked shape to allow the cup to drop between the prongs of the cup catcher 120 to catch the cup. The cup catcher 120 may include material 142 wrapped on the prongs of the cup catcher 120 (such as a heat shrink tubing) to improve the grip of the cup catcher 120 on the cup 130

[0094] The cup catcher 120 may be configured to rotate or otherwise move to allow the cup catcher 120 to catch the cup 130, and then move to position the caught cup 130 under the spouts 108a-lO8d. The movement of the cup catcher 120 is represented by the arrow 143 [0095] The dispensing chamber 50 may include a drain floor 144 that allows fluid (particularly waste liquid) to drain from the dispensing chamber 50. The drain floor 144 may be angled to direct flow to a drain 146. which is shown in FIG 20. [0096] FIG. 21 illustrates a feature and operation of the shutter 138 as viewed from the interior of the front panel 22 of the kiosk 10. The shutter 138 may be configured to move up and down via operation of a shutter motor 148 that is coupled to a shutter coupler 150. The shutter coupler 150 may comprise a cord or other connector that moves the shutter 138 upon operation of the shuter motor 148. The shutter 138 may slide along a rail 152 or the like that allows the shutter 138 to move when the shuter motor 148 operates

[0097] One or more sensors 154a. b may be utilized to detect the position of the shutter 138. The sensors 154a, b may be coupled to the shutter 138 via springs 156a, 156b. The springs 156a, 156b may couple to cords 158a, 158b that couple to the sensors 154a, b. The springs 156a, 156b may he utilized to dampen the force of movement of the shutter 138 such that the sensors 154a, b are not damaged upon movement of the shutter 138. The signals from the one or more sensors 154a, b may be provided to an electronic control unit, as may be discussed herein.

[0098] FIG. 21 illustrates a waste liquid receptacle 159 that may couple to a waste liquid conduit 160. The waste liquid conduit 160 may couple to the drain 146 of the dispensing chamber and receive and hold waste liquid from the drain 146. The waste liquid receptacle 159 and the waste liquid conduit 160 may be configured to move relative to the dispensing chamber 50, to improve ease of access of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 and the waste liquid receptacle 159 when the front panel 22 is opened. The waste liquid receptacle 159 may be untethered from the front panel 22 and the waste liquid conduit 160 may be flexible to allow the receptacle 159 and conduit 160 to move relative to the dispensing chamber 50. A sensor may be utilized that detects when the waste liquid receptacle 159 is full and should be emptied (by a service provider, for example). A signal from the sensor may be provided to an electronic control unit, as may be discussed herein. [0099] FIG. 22 illustrates a rear perspective view of the dispensing chamber 50 as viewed from the interior of the front panel 22 of the kiosk 10. A receiving aperture 162 of the cup guide 140 is shown, for receiving a cup 130 deployed from the cup retainer apparatus 118. A guide surface 164 may be positioned adjacent the receiving aperture 162 to guide delivery of the cup 130 to the dispensing chamber 50 and onto the cup catcher 126. A cup catcher motor 166 is shown which operates movement of the cup catcher 1:20. A slot 168 is shown, which allows the spout retainer 114 to pass into the dispensing chamber 50 and dispense liquid from the one or more spouts 108a-108d to the cup 130.

[0100] FIG. 22 illustrates the presence of a disinfection device that may be utilized to disinfect the dispensing chamber 50. The disinfection device may comprise one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitters 170 that may shine into the dispensing chamber 50, The UV light emitters may operate continuously except for a time that the shutter 138 is opened. The shutter 138 may be made of a material that blocks UV light from passing through, to prevent the UV light from shining on nearby people or structures A dispenser light 171 may produce visible light that is used to illuminate the dispensing chamber 50,

[0101] FIG. 22 illustrates a sensor 172 may be utilized to determine if the cup catcher 128 has successfully caught the cup, and may be used to detect the position of the cup catcher 120.

[8102] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a cup 130 captured by the cup catcher 120. The cup 130 has been dropped from the cup retainer apparatus 118 and passed through the cup guide 140 to be caught by the cup catcher 120. The sensor 172 may be utilized to determine whether the cup catcher 120 has successfully caught and retained the cup 130. If the sensor 172 detects that the cup catcher 120 has not successfully caught and retained the cup 130, then the cup drop may be atempted again. The shutter 138 is shown as open in FIG. 23, however the shutter 138 is preferably closed during the cup drop process. [0103] Upon the sensor 172 detecting that the cup catcher 120 successfully caught and retained the cup 130, then the cup catcher 120 may move to position the cup 130 under the spouts 108a-108d. The spouts lQ8a~108d may he positioned adjacent the cup guide 140 and positioned within the spout retainer 114. The liquid 174 for the beverage may then be dispensed into the cup, as shown in FIG. 24. Upon the desired amount of liquid 174 passing into the cup 130, the shutter 138 may open and allow the user to retrieve the dispensed beverage

[0104] Referring back to FIG. 1 , the power and control module 62 may be positioned within the kiosk housing 12, and may he used to distribute power and control features of the kiosk 10. Referring to FIG. 25, contents of the power and control module 62, and components coupled to an electronic control unit 176 are shown. The components may include a power supply 178, which may supply power for the kiosk 10. The kiosk 10 may operate off of AC line voltage, or other forms of power input may be provided, including battery power, solar power, capacitor power, among others.

[0105] The power and control module 62 may include a temperature control device 180. The temperature control device 180 may be configured to control a temperature of the interior area 26. The temperature control device 180 may comprise a refrigerator device 180 as shown in FIG. 25, having a compressor, a compressor fan, and may have an evaporator fan. in other embodiments, other forms of temperature control devices 180 are contemplated, including heater devices in environments in which the interior area of the kiosk 10 may freeze. In some embodiments, the temperature control device 180 may comprise a combination of a refrigerator device and a heater device. FIG. 26 illustrates a rear view' of the kiosk 10 showing a condensation panel 185 of the kiosk 10. A heater 187 may be provided on the condensation panel 185 to allow condensation to evaporate from the condensation panel 185 and reduce the liquid from the condensation panel 185. [0106] The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to operate the processes of the kiosk 10. The electronic control unit 176 may include a processor 182, which may include one or more processors that may be distributed. The electronic control unit 176 may include a memory 184 tor storing data or other information for use by the electronic control unit 176. The electronic control unit 176 may include a wireless communication device 186, which may be used to communicate wirelessly with a remote server, or may be configured to communicate with a local device. For example, the wireless communication device 186 may use cellular communication, or local communication (WiFi) or peer to peer communication (such as Bluetooth), among others.

[6167] The electronic control unit 176 may receive input from the various components of the kiosk 10. Such components are illustrated in exemplary form in FIG. 25. Input may be provided from various sensors disclosed herein, as indicated by the various triangles 167 shown in FIG. 25.

[0108] In operation, the kiosk 10 receives a request to dispense a beverage to a user. The request may be received by the kiosk 10 in a variety of forms. For example, input devices, such as the touch screen 52, the code scanner 54, and/or the touch pad 58, among other forms of input devices, may be used to request the beverage. The kiosk 10 may receive a request to dispense a beverage in the form of juice to a user.

[6109] FIG. 27 illustrates a view of a user interface 181 on the display screen 64. The user may be presented with a variety of options of different kinds of beverages to be dispensed. As noted herein, the beverage may be a juice, which may have enhanced health benefits. As shown in FIG. 27, the user may select, via the touch screen 52, which type of juice to receive. The request may be received via the touch screen 52 on the display screen 64, or may be received via a touch pad 58 (if a user does not have adequate height to reach the touch screen 52 or is in a wheelchair or the like), or the user may scan a code via the code scanner 54 to request the beverage.

[0119] Upon the request being provided by the user, the electronic control unit 176 may determine which of the containers 190a-190d contains that respective requested beverage. If the user selects the beverage contained in container 190a, for example, the electronic control unit 176 will operate the pump 106a to dispense the liquid for that beverage through the spout 108a The electronic control unit 176 may automatically cause the dispensing assembly of the kiosk to dispense the beverage to the user in response to the request received from the input device of the kiosk. The liquid for the beverage may be dispensed from the temperature controlled interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. The electronic control unit 176 may perform such an operation automatically in response to a request received from an input device of the kiosk 10. The electronic control unit 176 may also control the cup dispensing assembly 48 to dispense a cup 130 as disclosed. The sensor 134 may be utilized to determine if a cup is present in the cup dispensing assembly 48 for being dispensed. If not, then the electronic control unit 176 may cause the cup retainer apparatus 118 to be rotated to cause the next cylinder to be positioned above the aperture 124, If the sensor 134 determines that a cup is present, then dispensing may proceed. If a cup is not present, and no cups are present in the cup retainer apparatus 118, then the electronic control unit 176 may stop the kiosk 10 from being able to dispense and may move to an“out of order” mode.

[0111] The sensor 172 may be utilized to detect that the cup catcher 120 successfully caught and retained the cup 130, If the sensor 172 does not detect the present of the cup 139, then the cup dispensing assembly 48 may again attempt to deliver a cup 130 to the cup catcher 120. If the cup 130 is then not caught, the electronic control unit .176 may stop the kiosk 0 from being able to dispense and may move to an“out of order” mode. However, if the cup 130 is caught, the electronic control unit 176 will cause the beverage to be dispensed and will then cause the shutter 138 to be opened after the beverage is dispensed. The proximity sensor 6Q may be utilized to determine if the user is present upon the shutter 138 being opened. The sensor 172 may be utilized to detect that the customer has taken the cup 130 from the cup catcher 120. The electronic control unit 176 may be utilized to turn off the disinfection device (e.g., one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitters 170) when the shutter 138 is opened, and may be utilized to turn on the disinfection device when the shutter 138 is closed after the user has taken the cup 130.

[0112] The user may pay via the sales transaction device 56 (e.g., a credit card reader, a bill or coin acceptor or a payment signal receiver, or another form of sales transaction device) to complete the transaction The kiosk 10 may have dispensed juice to a user in response to a request for the juice. The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to perform the other operations of the kiosk 10, including agitation of the liquid in the respective containers, either continuously or on a periodic schedule that may be programmed into the electronic control unit 176. The electronic control unit 176 may control operation of the dispensing assembly 46, the cup dispensing assembly 48, the shutter 138, and the disinfection device, among other components of the kiosk 10.

[01 3] In one embodiment, the user may select a mixture of the liquids within the containers !90a-190d as the beverage. An input device may be utilized that is configured to receive a request from the user for a respective liquid from the containers 19Qa-190d to be mixed in the beverage. Referring to FKT 28, the user interface 181 may show the option to select a mixture of liquids (or mixture of juices as appropriate) for the beverage. The user may select to mix two or more of the liquids. The electronic control unit 176 may determine which combination of the containers 190a-190d contains those requested liquids. The electronic control unit 176 is configured to cause the dispensing assembly to dispense the beverage to the user such that a respective liquid from the plurality of containers is mixed in the beverage. The electronic control unit 176 is configured to automatically cause the kiosk to provide a mixture of different juices from the kiosk. The electronic control unit 176 may operate the respective pumps to dispense the liquid for that beverage through the respective spouts. A proportionate amount of liquid may be dispensed, for example if two liquids are selected then a 50%/50% mixture may be provided. If three liquids are selected then a 30%/30%/4Q% mixture may be provided. If four liquids are provided, then quarter proportions may be provided. If a greater number of containers and liquids is present then a corresponding proportion may be provided A sum of the cost of the proportionate amount of the liquid requested may be provided as the cost of the beverage. In certain embodiments, the user may be able to select the proportionate amount of the liquids (e.g. juices) to be combined.

[0114] The electronic control unit 176 may operate the respective pumps to dispense the liquid for that beverage through the respective spouts such that the liquids mix within the cup 130. The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to control individual pump rates of the respective pumps 106a~106d based on the type (e.g., density or flow rate) of the liquid contained within the respective containers 190a-196d, which may be programmed into the electronic control unit 176 The electronic control unit 176 will open the shutter 138 upon the beverage being dispensed.

[0115] As shown in FIG 29 in certain embodiments, the electronic control unit 176 may be configured to produce an identifier code 183 that the user may take a picture of, or otherwise record that identifies the mixture of liquids comprising the user’s desired beverage. The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to cause the identifier code to be displayed to the user on the display screen in response to the request from the user for the respective liquid to be mixed in the beverage. Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the user may scan the identifier code 183 upon another visit to a kiosk 10, to automatically request the beverage. The user may scan the identifier code 183 with the code scanner 54 or other form of scanner. The identifier code

183 may comprise a QR code or other form of code.

[0116] The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to control the temperature of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to receive sensor data from one or more temperature sensors that measure the temperature and humidity within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. The electronic control unit 176 may be configured to cause the temperature control device 180 to automatically control the temperature of the interior area 26 in response to the temperature measurement. The electronic control unit 176 may be programmed with temperature threshold values that the electronic control unit 176 utilizes to determine if the temperature exceeds a desired threshold. For example, if a temperature threshold is set at 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the electronic control unit 176 may determine if the temperature within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 has exceeded that threshold. The electronic control unit 176 may operate the temperature control device 180 to reduce the temperature of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 if the threshold is exceeded. 41 degrees Fahrenheit is utilized as an example, and other threshold values may be utilized as desired.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the electronic control unit 176 may be configured to cause the kiosk, and particularly the dispensing assembly, to cease dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10 if the temperature threshold has been exceeded. For example, the electronic control unit 176 may cease dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10 until the temperature falls back under the threshold, which may be through operation of the temperature control device 180. In certain embodiments, the electronic control unit 176 may be configured to stop dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10 until the kiosk 10 has been approved by a service provider such as a technician to continue dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10. A service provider may physically inspect the kiosk 10 or may remotely determine if the kiosk 10 may dispense beverages. The service provider may be required to clear an error code or the like to allow the kiosk to continue dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10.

[0118] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit 176 may be programmed with a duration of time that the temperature of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 exceeds a desired threshold. For example, the duration of time may be 30 minutes or another duration. If the temperature measurement exceeds the temperature threshold for the predetermined period of time, then the electronic control unit 176 may cause the dispensing assembly to cease dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10. In certain embodiments, the electronic control unit 176 may be programmed wi th tiered durations of time. For example, if the temperature of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 exceeds a desired threshold for a first period of time (e.g., 30 minutes), then the electronic control unit 176 may stop dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10 until the temperature returns below the threshold value. If the temperature of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 exceeds a desired threshold for a second longer period of time (e.g., 4 hours), then the electronic control unit 176 may stop dispensing beverages from the kiosk 10 until the containers 190a-190d are substituted from the kiosk 10.

[0119] The wireless communication device 186 may be utilized for wireless and remote control of the kiosk 10, and tor wireless receipt of information from the kiosk 10. For example, operation data regarding the kiosk 10 such as temperature (e.g. an instruction that the kiosk 10 has exceeded a temperature for a predetermined period of time) amount of liquid within the containers 190a-I90d, sales of beverages from the kiosk 10, a status of the kiosk 10 such as “sold out” or“out of order” and any associated reasons, a purchase log of the kiosk 10, work logs or service logs of the kiosk 10, a list of beverages that can be sold from the kiosk 10, an indication that the waste liquid receptacle 159 is full and should be emptied, the kiosk 10 location, the technical users of the kiosk 10, and any other operation data regarding the kiosk 10 may be transmited via the wireless communication device 186. The data may be transmited to a remote server for analysis by a service provider. In one embodiment the remote server may be a central server that receives data from multiple kiosks 10 and may control operation of multiple kiosks.

[0120] Wireless control of the kiosk 10 may include remotely causing the kiosk 10 to dispense a beverage to a user (e.g., the juice from the kiosk), or any other control of the kiosk 10. Such a wireless operation instruction or any other control may be provided remotely. The electronic control device 176 may be configured to be operated remotely via one or more signals received from the wireless communication device 186. The electronic control device 176 may receive a wireless operation instruction via the wireless communication device 186 to dispense the beverage (e.g., juice) from the kiosk 10. For example, one or more cameras 191 (as marked in FIG. 1) may be positioned on the kiosk 10 that may allow _' a remote service provider to identify a user. The remote service provider may be able to communicate with the user via the speaker 66 and via a microphone that may be positioned on the kiosk 10. The remote service provider may be able to cause the kiosk 10 to dispense a beverage for the user. The remote service provider may also be able to speak with the user regarding any technical issues the user may be facing with the kiosk 10

[0121] The wireless communication device 186 may ailow a remote service provider to provide remote maintenance of a kiosk 10. For example, operation data provided by the kiosk 10 may allow the remote service provider to determine if the kiosk 10 is operable, and may allow' the remote service provider to determine whether to remotely clear an error code or the like, or stop the kiosk 10 from dispensing beverages. Operation data from the kiosk 10 may be provided and received via the wireless communication device 186 to ailow the remote service provider to determine whether to allow the kiosk 10 to continue dispensing beverages. In certain embodiments, cameras 189 (marked in FIG. 1) may be positioned within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. The cameras 189 may allow the remote service provider to view the interior area 26 to determine if an error has occurred and whether the kiosk 10 should continue dispensing beverages, or should restart dispensing beverages.

[0122] The service of the kiosk 10 may thus occur remotely via the wireless communication device 186.

[0123] In operation the kiosk 10 may be positioned in outdoor or indoor areas. The kiosk 10 may be positioned in commercial areas, such as an office building as desired. The kiosk 10 may be positioned in convenience areas such as cafeterias or inside or outside grocery stores or other shops. The kiosk 10 may be provided in one or more of a public area or a commercial building. The kiosk 1Q may be provided to a plurality of users for dispensing juice. The kiosk 10 may then dispense the juice from the kiosk to one of the plurality of users. In an embodiment in which the kiosk 10 dispenses juice beverages, the containers 196a-190d may be rotated out frequently, which may be on the duration of 48 hours or another duration as desired. For example, a duration of weeks may he utilized if high pressure processing (HPP) is applied to the juice within the containers 190a-190d. A service provider may replace the containers 190a~190d within a time interval that may be defined (e.g., 48 hours or another duration). Replacing the containers 190a~490d may include placing a container having newer juice than contained within the replaced container. The juice may be produced remotely from the kiosk (e.g., blended in a remote kitchen or other facility') and then may be processed (for example via HPP applied to the juice) and delivered to the kiosk 10 on a schedule. The containers may be replaced such that ambient air does not enter the containers having the newer juice while coupling the containers to the dispenser assembly. The temperature control and other features of the kiosk 10 may allow liquids comprising juice beverages to stay within the kiosk 10 for this relatively extended period of time. The liquids comprising juice beverages may be remotely produced (e.g., blended from fruits and vegetables) and then brought to the respective kiosk 10. In embodiments, the juice may comprise non-pasteurized juice. [0124] The disclosure herein may beneficially allow for juice beverages to be provided to users in a convenient kiosk format. The kiosk may be free-standing and placed in a variety·' of environments for ease of access by users.

[0125] Further, FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment in which the containers 42 a- 42 cl that are each configured to hold liquid therein for the beverage to be dispensed may comprise tanks, and the one or more agitator devices may include agitator arms for stirring the liquid within the tanks. In such an embodiment, the agitator devices may enter the containers 42a-42d. The operation of such an embodiment may occur otherwise similarly as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 31, four containers 42a-42d may be utilized although a greater or lesser number may be utilized as desired. For example, in one embodiment, only one container may be utilized. The containers 42a~42d may each be configured to be positioned within the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12, and may be positioned in lieu of the frame 198 and containers 190a- 190d as shown in FIG. 10 for example.

[0126] FIG. 31 illustrates a front view of two of the containers 42a, 42e. Each of the containers 42a-42d (as shown in FIG. 36 for example) may be positioned on a container mount 68, which may comprise a tray that may be slidable in and out of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. In other embodiments, other forms of container mounts 68 may be utilized.

[0127] The containers 42a-42d may each comprise tanks, and may be configured to be hermetically sealed from the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. A filter or the like may be utilized to filter air that may enter the respective container 42a-42d to avoid microbes or the like passing into the respective container 42a-42d. The tanks may be constructed out of steel, such as stainless steel, or in other embodiments other materials may be utilized. Each container 42a-42d may include a port at an upper portion that receives a respective agitator device 44a, 44h. [0128] Referring to FIG. 35, a cross sectional view of container 42a is shown. The container 42a may include an exterior surface 70 and an interior surface 72 for contacting the liquid contained within the container 42a. The container 42a may include a port 74 at the upper portion that receives the agitator device 44a, and may include a port 76 that receives a portion of the conduit for extracting liquid from the container 42

[0129] The container 42a may he configured to have a smooth contoured interior surface 72 for containing the liquid therein. The smooth contoured interior surface 72 may be without sharp edges, and may be without sharp rivets or the like. The smooth contour may be particularly useful in preventing nucleation of the liquid contained therein. This feature may be useful when juice, or non-pasteurized juice, is contained within the container 42a, which may have sediment from the juice blending process that may accumulate over any sharp or protruding surface. Each of the containers 42a-42d may be configured similarly as the container 42a shown in FIG. 35.

[0130] Referring back to FIG. 31, the agitator devices 44a, 44b may be utilized to agitate the liquid contained within the respective containers 42a, 42c. The agitator devices 44a, 44b may be positioned on an agitator device mount 78, which may comprise a tray that may be slidable in and out of the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12. In other embodiments, other forms of agitator device mounts 78 may be utilized.

[0131] The agitator devices 44a, 44b may include respective agitator motors 80a, 80b coupled to agitator arms 82a, 82b. The agitator motors 80a, 80b may be positioned on the agitator device mount 78 with the agitator arms 82a, 82b extending downward from the respective motor 80a, 80 b. Bearings 84a, 84b may be utilized to allow the agitator arms 82a, 82b to rotate with the respective motor 80a, 80b.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 32, the agitator arms 82a, 82b may extend into the respective containers 42a, 42c via a respective coupler 86 (similar couplers may be utilized with the other containers). The coupler 86 may include protrusions 88 that extend outward from the coupler 86 and engage a mating surface 90 at the top of the container 42a. The protrusions 88 and mating surface 90 may allow a connection of the agitator arm 82a into the container 42a. in one embodiment, the coupler 86 may be configured to be flexible. The coupler 86 may be configured to bend such that if the portion of the agitator arm 82a within the container 42a contacts an interior surface of the container 42a, then the coupler 86 may flex or bend to allow the coupler 86 to disengage from the mating surface 90 at the top of the container 42a or twist to relieve the torque from the agitator motor 80a on the agitator arm 82a. Such a feature may reduce the possibility of damage within the kiosk 10 if the agitator arm 82a within the container 42a contacts an interior surface of the container 42a. Disengagement of the coupler 86 from the mating surface 90 is represented by arrow 92 in FIG. 32. The arrow 94 represents the movement of the protrusions 88 to the mating surface 90 to allow the coupler 86 to engage. FIG. 33 illustrates the coupler 86 engaged, with the protrusions 88 mated with the mating surface 90.

[0133] FIG 34 illustrates a perspective view _' of the portion of the agitator arm 82a that extends into the respective container 42a. The agitator arm 82a includes a plurality of blades 96 extending outward from a central rod 98. The blades 96 are configured to agitate the liquid contained within the container 42a At least one of the blades 96 may include an angled profile 100 on an outer portion of the blade 96. The angled profile 100 may reduce the possibility of contact with an interior surface of the respective container 42a. The other agitator devices 44b and components thereof may be configured similarly as the agitator device 44a and the components thereof.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 36, in operation the containers 42 -42d may be filled with liquid for the beverage and then placed on the container mount 68. The containers 42a-42d may be filled with the liquid remotely and then brought to the kiosk 10. The liquid may be non-pasteurized juice, or may be juice processed via high pressure processing (HPP) or other forms of sterilization as desired in embodiments. The container mount 68 may be slid out, to allow the containers 42a-42d to be placed and then slid back into the interior area 26 of the kiosk housing 12 as shown in FIG. 36. The agitator devices may then be coupled to the containers 42a-42d via the couplers such as coupler 86 shown in FIG. 33. Coupler conduits 102a of the dispensing assembly may be utilized to couple to the port of the containers 42a-42d as shown in FIG 37 for example.

[0135] The agitator devices may operate continuously, to continuously agitate the liquid in the respective container, or may operate periodically. An electronic control unit, as may be discussed herein, may be utilized to control the operation of the agitator devices and the timing of operation.

[0136] The embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized to dispense juice, and such juice may be sterilized in a process such as high pressure processing (HPP) or other forms of sterilization. In embodiments, the juice may be non-pasteurized juice, such as an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 31-38. However non-pasteurized juice may be dispensed from ail embodiments of the kiosk if desired.

[0137] The disclosure is not limited to the systems and devices disclosed herein but also includes methods of utilizing, servicing, and providing the system and devices disclosed herein. The methods may comprise methods of providing the kiosk, servicing the kiosk, requesting beverages from the kiosk, and operating the kiosk, among other methods disclosed herein. The methods may include software methods for processing and being performed by the processor of the electronic control unit. The processes executed by the processor electronic control unit may be stored in a memory that may be remote or within the electronic control unit. Methods may include operating software for providing the user interface and for operating the processes of the kiosk. Software processes may be stored on non-transitory storage medium, such as memory Including storage drives and storage hardware. Features may be modified, substituted, added to. and subtracted from as desired and embodiments may be combined, modified, substituted, added to, and subtracted from across embodiments.

[0138] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fail within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.