Patent Publication Number: US-10787357-B2

Title: Mobile beer-dispensing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/545,320, filed Aug. 14, 2017, entitled “Mobile Beer-Dispensing System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety, for all that it teaches and for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to fluid dispensing system, in particular, toward a mobile cooled and pressurized fluid dispensing system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Unlike many canned and bottled beverages, beer has a relatively short shelf life. While environmentally-controlled beer can last several months on the shelf, the taste of beer is best when consumed within the shortest time of being brewed. Among other things, the freshness and taste of beer relies on maintaining a controlled environment for the beer during packaging, transportation/distribution, and dispensing. 
     Beer can be stored and transported in cans, bottles, kegs, and/or other containers. Kegs are typically employed to transport beer to bars, tap houses, and/or other businesses that dispense draft beer. Although a brewer can control the environment (e.g., light, temperatures, gas, etc.) of beer transported in kegs, the brewer cannot guarantee freshness and taste of the beer after the keg is interconnected with a business&#39;s draft dispensing system (e.g., short draw, long draw, or other dispensing system. 
     For instance, many commercial beer-dispensing systems are not maintained, cleaned, or otherwise purged between taps. In this case, when a new keg is interconnected with the unmaintained beer-dispensing system old/stale beer, bacteria, and/or other unwanted substances may mix with the beer dispensed from the keg and the quality and taste of the beer can suffer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a beverage storage system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a mobile beer-dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a block diagram of a first cooling flow for a mobile beer-dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a block diagram of a second cooling flow for a mobile beer-dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  shows a mobile beer-dispensing system including graphic elements in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with a mobile beer-dispensing system. In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, compounds, and systems that provide an integrated mobile beer storage and dispensing platform. In some embodiments, the mobile beer-dispensing system includes a mobile cart, a beer storage tank or container mounted to the mobile cart, a pressurization system configured to selectively force beer from the storage tank, a beer-dispensing tap, a fluid transport line configured to convey the beer from the storage tank to the tap, and an integrated cooling system that keeps the storage tank and the fluid transport lines cool. The mobile beer-dispensing system is not interconnected with foreign fluid distribution lines or tap systems, and as such, the quality of the product dispensed from the mobile system can be guaranteed. 
       FIG. 1  shows a beverage storage system  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the beverage storage system  100  may include a fluid storage tank  104 , a fluid port  108 , and a frame  112  to which the beverage storage system  100  is connected. The frame  112  may comprise a base  116 , side and end lift receptacles  120 , and a guard assembly  124  comprising one or more uprights, crossbars, and/or other structural elements. 
     The fluid storage tank  104  may be a pressure vessel, or other container, configured to store fluid (e.g., a beverage or liquid such as beer, etc.) therein. In some embodiments, the fluid may be held in a bag, or flexible bladder, disposed inside the fluid storage tank  104  and fluidly interconnected with the fluid port  108 . In this example, the fluid storage tank  104  may provide sufficient structure around the bladder to protect the bladder and fluid during shipment, hold a positive or negative pressure, and/or thermally, or otherwise, insulate the fluid inside the bladder from the environment outside of the fluid storage tank  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the fluid storage tank  104  may be selectively pressurized to control a release of the fluid from the bladder through the fluid port  108 . For instance, to release fluid from the system  100 , the space inside the fluid storage tank  104  (e.g., the space between the inner walls of the tank  104  and the outside surface of the bladder) may be pressurized exerting a pressure on the bladder and the contents inside the bladder. Once the port  108  is opened (e.g., via a valve) the contents inside the bladder may be expelled through the port  108 . As the fluid escapes the bladder, while under pressure, the bladder may collapse inside the fluid storage tank  104 . Among other things, this arrangement provides a clean, safe, and reliable storage of fluid inside the fluid storage tank  104 . 
     The fluid storage tank  104  may be mounted to a frame  112  for storage, transport, and/or protection. The tank  104  may be fastened to the frame  112  via one or more clamps, straps, and/or other supports. In some cases, the tank  104  may be mounted to the frame  112  via one or more isolation mounts. The isolation mounts may mechanically isolate the tank  104  from the frame  112 . Mechanical isolation may include thermal and/or shock isolation. For example, any force or impact imparted on the frame  112  may be at least partially prevented from passing through to the tank  104 . As another example, the tank  104  may be athermalized, or thermally isolated, from the frame  112  at the isolation mounts. In this example, the isolation mounts may include a thermal insulation layer or interruption in a thermal path between the tank  104  and the frame  112 . 
     The frame  112  may comprise a metal, plastic, or composite shroud that is configured to protect the tank  104 . In one embodiment, the frame  112  may be manufactured from welded metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, etc.) and comprise a base  116  and a guard assembly  124 . The base  116  may be made from welded structural tubing and include one or more lift points or receptacles  120 . The lift receptacles  120  may be configured to receive one or more forks from a fork lift, such that the system  100  may be lifted, moved, and/or transported without contacting the tank  104 . The guard assembly  124  may comprise one or more rails, crossbars, uprights, and/or frame elements that are interconnected to one another. In some embodiments, the guard assembly  124  may be welded, bent, and/or formed. The guard assembly  124  may be configured to extend beyond the bounds of, or envelope, the tank  104 . The guard assembly  124  may provide a structural exoskeleton configured to prevent protect the tank  104  from incidental contact, damage, and/or other impact. In some cases, the guard assembly  124  may provide mount points for advertising, trademarks, and/or other graphics. 
     The beverage storage system  100  and/or the fluid storage tank  104  may correspond to a Transport Tank, Event Tank, Beer Tank, or other “bag-in-tank” beer system or component sold and/or manufactured by Paul Mueller Company, Duotank, Nittel, etc. 
       FIG. 2  shows an elevation view of a mobile beer-dispensing system  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include at least one tank  204 , a frame  212 , at least one fluid distribution line  240 , at least one dispensing tap  244 , at least one cooling unit  230 , a beer-dispensing pressurization and control system  280 , and a plurality of casters  232  (e.g., swivel casters, fixed casters, etc., and/or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the tank  204  and frame  212  may be similar, if not identical, to the tank  104  and frame  112 , respectively, as described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, any description of the structure, function, and/or the elements of the components of the beverage storage system  100  provided above may apply to the structure, function, and/or the elements of the components of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200 . 
     The tank  204  may be a pressure vessel, or other container, configured to store beer therein. In some embodiments, the beer may be held inside a bag, or bladder, disposed inside the tank  204 . The bladder may be fluidly interconnected with the fluid port  208  of the tank  204 . In this example, the tank  204  may provide sufficient structure around the bladder to protect the bladder and beer during shipment, hold a positive or negative pressure, and/or thermally, or otherwise, insulate the beer inside the bladder from the environment outside of the tank  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the tank  204  may be selectively pressurized to control a release of the beer from the bladder through the fluid port  208 . For instance, a beer-dispensing pressurization and control system  280  may be configured to selectively control pressure applied to an interior of the tank  204 . The beer-dispensing pressurization and control system  280  may comprise a compressor  260 , a compressed-gas storage tank  265 , a controlled valve system  270  (e.g., solenoid valve system, controller, etc.), a pressure regulation system  275 , and one or more gas connections. In this case, when the dispensing tap is actuated, the controlled valve system  270  fluidly interconnects the gas stored in the compressed-gas storage tank  265  to the tank  204  via the pressure regulation system  275 . The pressure regulation system  275  may control the pressure of the gas flowing into the tank  204 , filter the gas, and/or otherwise condition the gas entering the tank  204 . In some cases, the pressure regulation system  275  may be arranged before the controlled valve system  270 , in the gas flow direction, such that the controlled valve system  270  is directly connected to the tank  204 . 
     Once the gas enters the tank  204  from the beer-dispensing pressurization and control system  280 , the space inside the tank  204  (e.g., the space between the inner walls of the tank  204  and the outside surface of the bladder contained therein) may be pressurized thereby exerting a pressure on the bladder and the beer inside the bladder. Once the handle of the tap  244  is actuated, the pressure inside the tank  204  forces the beer from the bladder through the port and valve  210  and along, or through, a fluid distribution line  240  until it is expelled, or dispensed, from the at least one dispensing tap  244 . The fluid distribution line  240  may be insulated via a coating, covering, and/or other thermally insulated tubing. As the beer is dispensed, the pressure inside the tank  204  may at least partially collapse the bladder, until all of the beer is dispensed from the bladder. As provided above, the bladder disposed inside the tank may provide a clean, safe, and reliable storage of beer inside the tank  204 . It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure do not require a bladder to be disposed inside the tank  204  to operate. For instance, the beer may be stored directly inside the tank  204 , and the tank  204  pressurized, to dispense beer therefrom. 
     The tank  204  may be mounted to a frame  212  for storage, transport, and/or protection. The tank  204  may be fastened to the frame  212  via one or more clamps, straps, and/or other supports. In some cases, the tank  204  may be mounted to the frame  212  via one or more isolation mounts. The isolation mounts may mechanically isolate the tank  204  from the frame  212 . Mechanical isolation may include thermal and/or shock isolation. For example, any force or impact imparted on the frame  212  may be at least partially prevented from passing through to the tank  204 . As another example, the tank  204  may be athermalized, or thermally isolated, from the frame  212  at the isolation mounts. In this example, the isolation mounts may include a thermal insulation layer or interruption in a thermal path between the tank  204  and the frame  212 . 
     The frame  212  may comprise a metal, plastic, or composite shroud that is configured to protect the tank  204 . In one embodiment, the frame  212  may be manufactured from welded metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, etc.) and comprise a base  216 , a guard assembly  224 , and a plurality of casters  232 , or wheels. The base  216  may be made from welded structural tubing and include one or more lift points or receptacles  220 . The lift receptacles  220  may be configured to receive one or more forks from a fork lift, such that the system  200  may be lifted, moved, and/or transported without contacting the tank  204 . The guard assembly  224  may comprise one or more rails, crossbars, uprights, and/or frame elements that are interconnected to one another. In some embodiments, the guard assembly  224  may be welded, bent, and/or formed. The guard assembly  224  may be configured to extend beyond the bounds of, or envelope, the tank  204 . The guard assembly  224  may provide a structural exoskeleton configured to prevent protect the tank  204  from incidental contact, damage, and/or other impact. In some cases, the guard assembly  224  may provide mount points for advertising, trademarks, messages, and/or other graphics. In one embodiment, the tank  204  may include one or more graphics (e.g., advertising, trademarks, messages, etc.) associated therewith. In any event, the graphics may be shown via at least one type of display element. Example display elements, displays, and graphics are described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, the frame  212  may include a bumper  228 , or other guard, disposed on one or more ends of the system  200 . The bumper  228  may prevent the valve  210  and/or the fluid distribution line  240  from protruding past the frame  212 . In some cases, the bumper  228  may be selectively pivoted, raised, or removed providing enhanced access to the port  208  of the tank  204  and/or interconnection thereto. 
     A drip tray  248 , drain  250 , and drain line  252  may be attached to the frame  212 , and/or a portion thereof, under or adjacent to the dispensing tap  244 . Among other things, the drain  250  and drain line  252  may be configured to direct excess beer, drips, or other fluids from the drip tray  248  to a point under the system  200  or into a wastewater drain or sewer. 
     The mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include a cooling system comprising a cooling unit  230  and one or more cooling lines  236  configured to cool one or more of the tank  204 , the at least one fluid distribution line  240 , and/or the at least one dispensing tap  244 . In one embodiment, the cooling unit  230  may be a glycol cooling system. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling unit  230  may include solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology components, or a system of components (e.g., a Peltier cooling system utilizing the Peltier effect to provide cooling of one or more cooled surfaces in the cooling unit  230 , etc.). In any event, the cooling unit  230  may include at least one refrigerated cooling line  236  that passes from the cooling unit  230  to the tank  204  and back to the cooling unit  230 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may follow the at least one fluid distribution line  240  along a length of the distribution line  240 . For example, the cooling line  236  may be wrapped around, follow along, and/or trace the at least one fluid distribution line  240 , placed in direct contact with the at least one fluid distribution line  240 , and/or disposed inside the at least one fluid distribution line  240 . As described herein, tracing the at least one fluid distribution line  240  may include following the shape and/or curvature of the at least one fluid distribution line  240 , in some cases, without helically wrapping around a complete periphery or diameter the line  240 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may exit from the cooling unit  230  via a port  234 A,  234 B to cool the tank  204 , the fluid distribution lines  240 , and/or dispensing taps  244  before the cooling line  236  returns to another port  234 B,  234 A of the cooling unit  230  forming a coolant loop. Examples of system  200  coolant loops, or cooling flows, are shown and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
     The electrical components of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  (e.g., controllers, solenoids, processors, compressor  260 , cooling unit  230 , etc.) may be powered via an on-board battery, solar array, photovoltaics, and/or an AC electrical interconnection. In some cases, the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include a transformer configured to convert AC electricity to DC electricity to power one or more of the components of the system  200 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  show block diagrams of various cooling flows  300 A,  300 B for the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The cooling flows of  FIGS. 3A-3B  are shown in a schematic block diagram where other components of the system  200  have been omitted for clarity. Each schematic block diagram shows the cooling unit  230  interconnected, via a coolant loop, to the beer storage tank  204  and the fluid distribution line  240  by a cooling line  236 . The cooling line  236  may be metal, (e.g., copper, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, etc.) and/or composite tubing configured to convey and direct refrigerated fluid from an outlet of the cooling unit  230  to the tank  204 , distribution lines  240 , and/or the taps  244  and back to an inlet of the cooling unit  230 . As the refrigerated fluid is cycled through the cooling unit  230  the fluid is re-cooled. Depending on the direction of the flow in the coolant loop, different components in the system  200  may be cooled before other components in the system  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a block diagram of a first cooling flow  300 A for a mobile beer-dispensing system  200  is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the first cooling flow  300 A shows coolant flowing from a first port  234 A of the cooling unit  230  to the beer storage tank  204  via the cooling line  236 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-3B , the cooling line  236  may be wrapped around at least a portion of the tank  204 . This arrangement of the cooling line  236  can provide even cooling of the tank  204  and provide greater surface-to-surface contact between the cooling line  236  and the tank  204  (e.g., providing more cooling surface area). Once the cooling line  236  passes the tank  204 , the line  236  may follow the fluid distribution line  240  to the taps  244 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may engage with, and cool, at least a portion of the taps  244 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may follow the fluid distribution line  240  in direct contact with the line  240 . In one embodiment, the cooling line  236  may be wrapped around, follow along, and/or trace at least a portion of the fluid distribution line  240  as the cooling line  236  follows the fluid distribution line  240 . This arrangement of the cooling line  236  around the fluid distribution line  240  can provide even cooling of the fluid distribution line  240  and provide greater surface-to-surface contact between the cooling line  236  and the fluid distribution line  240 . After following the fluid distribution line  240 , the cooling line  236  returns to the cooling unit  230  at a second port  234 B, where the refrigerated fluid is re-cooled by the cooling unit  230  before exiting the first port  234 A (e.g., in a continuous cooling cycle). 
       FIG. 3B  shows a block diagram of a second cooling flow  300 B for a mobile beer-dispensing system  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The second cooling flow  300 B shows coolant flowing from the second port  234 B of the cooling unit  230  to the fluid distribution line  240 , and/or the taps  244 , via the cooling line  236 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may follow the fluid distribution line  240  in direct contact with the line  240 . In one embodiment, the cooling line  236  may be wrapped around at least a portion of the fluid distribution line  240  as the cooling line  236  follows the fluid distribution line  240 . This arrangement of the cooling line  236  around the fluid distribution line  240  can provide even cooling of the fluid distribution line  240  and provide greater surface-to-surface contact between the cooling line  236  and the fluid distribution line  240 . In some embodiments, the cooling line  236  may engage with, and cool, at least a portion of the taps  244 . After following the fluid distribution line  240 , the cooling line  236  passes to tank  204 . As described above, the cooling line  236  may be wrapped around at least a portion of the tank  204 . This arrangement of the cooling line  236  can provide even cooling of the tank  204  and provide greater surface-to-surface contact between the cooling line  236  and the tank  204  (e.g., providing more cooling surface area). Once the cooling line  236  passes the tank  204 , the line  236  may return to the cooling unit  230  at the first port  234 A, where the refrigerated fluid is re-cooled by the cooling unit  230  before exiting the second port  234 B (e.g., in a continuous cooling cycle). 
       FIG. 4  shows a mobile beer-dispensing system  200  including one or more graphic elements in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include one or more graphic display areas  404 ,  408  configured to present messages, trademarks, advertising, and/or other graphics. In one embodiment, the tank  204  of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include at least one tank graphic display area  404 . The tank graphic display area  404  may define a region of the tank  204  to which a tank graphic  410  may be attached. The tank graphic  410  may be one or more of a decal, adhesive-backed decoration, engraving, etching, painted image, printed image, photograph, inked image, or other mark, image, or object. In some embodiments, the tank graphic  410  may be etched in, attached to, or offset from the tank  204 . As one example, the tank graphic  410  may include a company logo or other identification of the brewery providing the beer contained inside the tank  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the frame  212  of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  may include at least one system graphic display area  408 . The system graphic display area  408  may be part of a display (e.g., LCD, CRT display, plasma display panel, LED display, electroluminescent display, electronic paper or e-ink display, television, monitor, etc.), a chalkboard, a framed graphic, and/or some other physical display device. In any event, the system graphic display area  408  may be configured to provide one or more messages, marks, or other graphics via at least one graphic portion  412 - 424 . The graphic portions  412 - 424  may include, but are in no way limited to, decals, adhesive-backed decorations, engravings, etchings, painted images, printed images, photographs, inked images, illuminated pixels, or other marks, images, or objects. In some embodiments, the system graphic display area  408  may be connected to a portion of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200 , such as the frame  212 , via one or more mount points. In one embodiment, the system graphic display area  408  may be part of the mobile beer-dispensing system  200  (e.g., a structural component, etc.). 
     The system graphic display area  408  may include at least one graphic portion  412 - 424  configured to display a company logo, a trademark, a message, and/or an identification of the brewery providing the beer contained inside the tank  204 . In one embodiment, the graphic display area  408  may be part of a chalkboard, whiteboard, or other writing surface. In one case, the chalkboard may include a first message area  412  providing an advertising message such as “Delivered fresh from the Golden Brewery,” while the second, third, and fourth message areas  416 ,  420 ,  242  may provide further information about the freshness of the beer contained inside the tank  204 . For example, the second message area  416  may provide the message “Filled On” and the third message area  420  may provide the words “Month Day Time.” In this example, the fourth message area  424 , disposed between the second and third message areas  416 ,  420 , may be used to write or display the actual month, day, and even time the tank  204  was filled with beer. In the event that a chalkboard is used as the display, the information in the fourth message area  424  of the system graphic display area  408  may be handwritten in chalk. Among other things, this feature allows the chalkboard to be reused with the mobile beer-dispensing system  200 . 
     Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically. 
     The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to beer-dispensing and cooling systems. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein. 
     Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system (e.g., controllers, etc.) can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined into one or more devices, such as a server, communication device, or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switched network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. 
     The processes disclosed herein been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, however, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects. 
     A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. 
     In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the present disclosure includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. 
     In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized. 
     In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as a program embedded on a personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system. 
     Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
     The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights, which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 
     Embodiments include a mobile beer-dispensing system, comprising: a cart having a frame supported by two or more wheels; a fluid storage tank mechanically attached to the cart; a fluid dispensing tap connected to a portion of the cart; a fluid distribution line having a first end fluidly interconnected with the fluid storage tank and a second end fluidly interconnected with the fluid dispensing tap; and a cooling system comprising: a cooling unit including a refrigeration unit, a refrigerant, and a refrigerant pump; and at least one cooling line interconnected with the cooling unit and configured to direct the refrigerant along a coolant loop from the cooling unit to the fluid distribution line and/or the fluid storage tank and back to the cooling unit. 
     Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the fluid storage tank is configured to contain a bladder having a fluid. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system further comprising: a tank pressurization system, comprising: a compressor; a compressed-gas storage tank fluidly connected to the compressor; a solenoid valve fluidly connected to compressed-gas storage tank; and a pressure regulation system fluidly connected to the solenoid valve; wherein the tank pressurization system is configured to selectively provide pressure to the fluid storage tank and compress the bladder having the fluid. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the coolant loop directs the refrigerant along a continuous cooling line in a direction from the cooling unit to the fluid distribution line and then to the fluid storage tank and then back to the cooling unit. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the coolant loop directs the refrigerant along a continuous cooling line in a direction from the cooling unit to the fluid storage tank and then to the fluid distribution line and then back to the cooling unit. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the fluid distribution line is fluidly interconnected with the fluid storage tank at a tank fluid port. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the at least one cooling line comprises: a first cooling line fluidly interconnected to a first port of the cooling unit, wherein the first cooling line wraps around a periphery and follows along a length of the fluid storage tank; and a second cooling line fluidly interconnected to a second port of the cooling unit, wherein the second cooling line extends from the second port of the cooling unit to a first portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the fluid dispensing tap and continues along a length of the fluid distribution line to a second portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port, and wherein the first and second cooling lines are fluidly connected with one another defining a conveyance path for refrigerant in the coolant loop. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the fluid storage tank is substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the first cooling line is spirally wound around the periphery of the substantially cylindrical fluid storage tank for at least a portion of the length of the fluid storage tank. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the second cooling line is spirally wound around a periphery of the fluid distribution line for at least a portion of a length of the fluid distribution line. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the first cooling line, after following the length of the fluid storage tank contacts the fluid distribution line at a first point and follows a length of the fluid distribution line from the first point to the second portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the first cooling line is disposed in contact with a first portion of a side of the fluid distribution line at the first point and along the length of the fluid distribution line from the first point to the second portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port, and wherein the second cooling line is disposed in contact with a second portion of the side of the fluid distribution line at the first point and along the length of the fluid distribution line from the first point to the second portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein an insulative material covers the first and second cooling lines from the first point to the second portion of the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the tank fluid port includes a valve disposed externally to the fluid storage tank, the valve controlling an output of fluid from the fluid storage tank. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the frame includes a bumper disposed adjacent to the valve, and wherein the bumper covers at least a portion of the valve and/or the fluid distribution line disposed adjacent to the tank fluid port. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system include wherein the bumper is selectively moveable away from the valve and/or the fluid distribution line providing access to the tank fluid port of the fluid storage tank. Aspects of the above mobile beer-dispensing system further comprising: a graphic display area concealing at least a portion of the tank pressurization system and/or the cooling system, the graphic display area including discrete areas for at least one advertising message and a time that the fluid storage tank was filled with the fluid. 
     Embodiments include a mobile chilled beverage-dispensing system, comprising: a wheeled cart including a frame supported by at least two swivel casters mounted to a portion of the frame; a fluid storage tank disposed within a guard portion of the frame; a fluid dispensing tap connected to the cart; a fluid distribution line having a first end fluidly interconnected with the fluid storage tank and a second end fluidly interconnected with the fluid dispensing tap; and a cooling system comprising: a cooling unit including a refrigeration unit, a refrigerant, and a refrigerant pump; and at least one cooling line interconnected with the cooling unit and configured to convey the refrigerant across portions of the fluid storage tank and the fluid distribution line in a flow direction of a coolant loop, wherein the coolant loop follows a path between a connection of the at least one cooling line to a first port of the cooling unit at a first end of the at least one line and a connection of the at least one cooling line to a second port of the cooling unit at a second end of the at least one line. 
     Aspects of the above mobile chilled beverage-dispensing system include wherein the fluid storage tank contains a flexible bladder having a fluid. Aspects of the above mobile chilled beverage-dispensing system further comprising: a tank pressurization system disposed within the guard portion of the frame, the tank pressurization system comprising: a compressor; a compressed-gas storage tank fluidly connected to the compressor; a solenoid valve fluidly connected to compressed-gas storage tank; and a pressure regulation system fluidly connected to the solenoid valve; wherein the tank pressurization system is configured to selectively provide pressure to the fluid storage tank and compress the flexible bladder having the fluid. 
     Embodiments include a mobile beer-dispensing system, comprising: a cart having a frame supported by two or more wheels; a fluid storage tank mechanically attached to the cart and containing a flexible bladder having a fluid; a fluid dispensing tap connected to a portion of the cart; a fluid distribution line having a first end fluidly interconnected with the fluid storage tank and a second end fluidly interconnected with the fluid dispensing tap; a cooling system comprising: a cooling unit including a refrigeration unit, a refrigerant, and a refrigerant pump; and at least one cooling line interconnected with the cooling unit and configured to direct the refrigerant along a coolant loop from the cooling unit to the fluid distribution line and/or the fluid storage tank and back to the cooling unit; and a tank pressurization system disposed at least partially within a portion of the frame, the tank pressurization system comprising: a compressor; a compressed-gas storage tank fluidly connected to the compressor; a solenoid valve fluidly connected to compressed-gas storage tank; and a pressure regulation system fluidly connected to the solenoid valve; wherein the tank pressurization system is configured to selectively provide pressure to the fluid storage tank and compress the flexible bladder having the fluid. 
     Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     One or more means adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and/or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
     The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
     The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation, which is typically continuous or semi-continuous, done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.” 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an embodiment that is entirely hardware, an embodiment that is entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. 
     The terms “determine,” “calculate,” “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.