Patent ID: 8511348
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: B67D,G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A system for dispensing a beverage comprising: a liquid dispensing machine having a dispensing area capable of receiving a container; a scanner adjacent to the dispensing area; a container that has an open end opposite a closed end, wherein the container is capable of being placed in the dispensing area arid configured to receive and retain liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing machine; at least one annular barcode indicium extending around an exterior surface of the container and centered around a generally vertical axis of the container such that the scanner can read the at least one annular barcode indicium to obtain data encoded thereon when the container is placed in the dispensing area at any rotational orientation relative to the scanner; and control circuitry configured to analyze the data received from the scanner, wherein the liquid dispensing machine dispenses a liquid into the container if and only if the liquid dispensing machine determines that the container is appropriate for the liquid based on the data analyzed by the control circuitry, and wherein the liquid dispensing machine directs a user to an appropriate container if the container is determined to be inappropriate for the liquid based on the data analyzed by the control circuitry.