Patent Publication Number: US-2016229676-A1

Title: Multi-single serve beverage dispensing apparatus, method and system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/708,434, filed on May 11, 2015, entitled “MULTI-SINGLE SERVE BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM”. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/708,434 is a divisional application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/915,210, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,062,912, filed on Oct. 29, 2010, entitled “MULTI-SINGLE SERVE BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM”, the disclosures each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the storage, management and delivery of multiple single serving, liquid enhancement cartridges in a liquid dispensing appliance, and more particularly, to apparatuses, methods and systems for storing, managing and delivering multiple single serve, liquid enhancement cartridges to a beverage preparation position in a refrigerator for dispensing or preparing beverages. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dispensing liquid from an indoor dispenser of a refrigerator or other liquid dispensing appliance or device is well-known. In fact, many new and existing refrigerators have an indoor or other dispenser having a liquid outlet to dispense liquid from the refrigerator. Although these existing refrigerators can dispense liquid from a dispenser, including ice from an ice dispenser, no concept or platform exists where the refrigerator, or other liquid dispensing appliance, is configured to receive, store, transfer, and manage a plurality of single serve liquid enhancement cartridges within the liquid dispensing appliance or refrigerator for providing a platform for preparing a variety of flavored beverages at the appliance. Therefore, a need has been identified in the art to provide a refrigerator, or other liquid dispensing appliance, having the advantage of being able to receive, store, deliver, and manage the handling of multiple single serving liquid enhancement cartridges whereby one or more of them are presented at a beverage preparation position in the appliance for preparing a beverage at the appliance for drinking or for other uses. 
     Beverage industries are known to use single serving cartridges for preparing beverages in both residential and commercial settings. These cartridges, for example, may include coffee grounds for preparing a brewed beverage. Current cartridge designs do not allow for controlling the concentration level of the beverage being prepared using structure associated with the cartridge. Therefore, a need has been identified in the art to provide a liquid enhancement cartridge configured with multiple sub-compartments having quantified amounts of a liquid enhancement component for use in dispensing one or several of the compartments for controlling the concentration of the beverage being prepared. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a primary object, feature or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art. 
     It is a further object, feature or advantage of the present invention to provide a liquid dispensing appliance equipped with a multi-single serve beverage dispensing system. 
     Yet another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a multi-single serve beverage dispensing system. 
     A still further object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide a liquid enhancement cartridge segmented into multiple sub-compartments for controlling the concentration of the beverage being produced at the liquid dispensing appliance or refrigerator. 
     One of these and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet body having a dispenser that includes a liquid pathway with an inlet in communication with a liquid source and an outlet in communication with a dispensing area. The refrigerator also includes a cartridge loading interface associated with the cabinet body. The interface is configured to receive a cartridge having a liquid enhancement component. A storage system is associated with the cartridge loading interface. The storage system has a storage device with multiple cartridge holding positions for staging a plurality of cartridges proximate a beverage preparation position. An indexing system includes means for moving one or more of the cartridges into the beverage preparation position between the inlet and outlet of the liquid pathway for passing liquid through the cartridge for preparing and dispensing a beverage at the dispensing area. In a preferred form, the storage device includes one or more channels, belts, clips, chutes, columns, carousels, magazines, or wheels having cartridge holding positions for storing a plurality of cartridges. The cartridge moving means includes an actuator in operable connection with the channel, belt, clip, chute, column, carousel, magazine, or wheel. The indexing system may also include a cartridge service system having a shuttle for moving a cartridge from the storage system into the beverage preparation position. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi-single serve cartridge beverage dispensing system is disclosed. This system includes a cartridge loading interface that is configured to receive a cartridge having a liquid enhancement component, a storage system associated with the cartridge loading interface that has a storage device with a plurality of cartridge holding positions for staging cartridges approximate the beverage preparation position, and an indexing system with means for moving one or more of the cartridges into a liquid pathway at the beverage preparation position for passing liquid through the cartridge for preparing and dispensing a beverage at a dispensing area. In a preferred form, the system also includes an actuator for moving or rotating the storage device for staging a cartridge in the storage device at the beverage preparation position. The system is for use in combination with a refrigerator or an ice water dispenser of a refrigerator. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a new method for dispensing a beverage from a host appliance by storing and dispensing from multiple beverage cartridges is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a beverage dispensing system at the host appliance having a beverage preparation position, introducing a plurality of cartridges having a liquid enhancement component into the host appliance, staging the cartridges at the beverage preparation position in a cartridge holder, indexing the cartridge holder or a cartridge from the holder into the beverage preparation position, dispensing liquid to the beverage preparation position to pass through the cartridge for dispensing a beverage from the host appliance, and iterating the cartridge holder or a cartridge at the beverage preparation position for preparing another beverage. In a preferred form, the method also includes the steps of controlling concentration levels of the beverage by dispensing from one or more sub-compartments for preparing a beverage having a first drink strength by dispensing from a first number of sub-compartments of the cartridge and another beverage having a second drink strength greater than the first by dispensing from a second number of sub-compartments greater than the first number of sub-compartments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanied drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a refrigerator illustrating a system for a multi-single serve beverage dispensing system for providing preparation of a beverage at the refrigerator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatical illustration of a beverage dispensing system according to one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a beverage preparation system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of another beverage preparation system of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a beverage preparation system of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is an illustration of another beverage preparation system; 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 B- 6 B in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another beverage preparation system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates various embodiments of a liquid dispensing cartridge of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to a refrigerator or other liquid dispensing device or appliance such as a countertop/tabletop water dispenser, water dispensing cabinet, or beverage vending machine. In particular, the present invention provides for a refrigerated appliance, or other liquid dispensing device or appliance, having a multi-single serve beverage dispensing system providing for the receipt, delivery, management, and handling of a plurality of liquid enhancement cartridges to a beverage preparation position in the refrigerator or appliance for preparing a beverage at the appliance. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a refrigerator  10  having a cabinet body  12  including a refrigerated compartment  14  and a freezer compartment  16  associated with the cabinet body  12 . The refrigerator  10  includes a dispenser  20 , such as a liquid and/or ice/water dispenser, in one of the doors  18  of the refrigerator  10 . As is customary, the dispenser  20  receives liquid from a liquid source  22 , such as a plumbed water line associated with a domestic, commercial or residential dwelling. Liquid source  22  could also be a bottled source such as where water is stored and dispensed from a bottle at or remote to the refrigerator or other liquid dispensing appliance. Liquid from source  22  may be stored in a liquid holding reservoir (not shown), before or after being filtered through an in-line filter, and communicated to the beverage preparation system  24 . The dispenser  20  includes one or both of an ice dispenser  28  and liquid dispenser  30  for dispensing ice and/or liquid from the dispenser. Dispenser  20  also includes a beverage preparation system  24  in operable communication with a liquid enhancement index, storage and service system  26 . The beverage preparation system  24  and liquid enhancement index, storage and service system  26  operate together to provide a beverage dispensing system  32 . 
     In one form of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the refrigerator  10  or other liquid dispensing appliance, such as a tabletop/countertop dispenser or cabinet dispenser, may be configured with a cartridge holder  78 . The cartridge holder  78  may be configured of one or more clips, magazines, tracks, channels, columns, or chutes configured to receive a plurality of the liquid enhancement cartridges of the present invention. The cartridge holder  78  may have a magnet or other attachment means for allowing the holder to be positioned and held to the cabinet body  12  of refrigerator  10  or another liquid dispensing appliance to which the cartridge holder  78  is attached. The cartridge holder  78  could be mounted to refrigerator  10  either externally or internally. For example, in the case where the liquid enhancement component with the cartridges  38  requires refrigeration, the cartridge holder  78  could be positioned within the refrigerated compartment  14 . Similarly, if it is desirable that the liquid enhancement component in the cartridges  38  be frozen, the cartridge holder  78  could be positioned within the freezer compartment  16  of refrigerator  10 . The structure of the holder  78  may be arranged so that indicia positioned on the cartridge is viewable to the operator or user to facilitate management and selection of the same. Additionally, the configuration of the holding or retaining members of the cartridge holder  78  may be arranged or configured so that the cartridges  38  may be staged or indexed according to preference, ingredient, and information included on the cartridge or other preferences of the user or operator. The cartridge holder  78  may also be configured to hold or retain one or more members used to store cartridges for use in the cartridge storage, index and service system  26 . For example, the cartridge holder  78  could be configured to hold or retain one or more clips or magazines filled with a number of cartridges. These clips or magazines will be further described in detail and by way of diagrams in the following descriptions of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a diagram characterizing various components of a beverage dispensing system  32  according to one aspect of the invention. The beverage dispensing system  32  may be used with any liquid dispensing appliance or device, such as a refrigerator having an ice and/or water dispenser. As is customary with most liquid dispensing appliances or devices, each includes a liquid pathway  80  having an inlet  82  in communication with a liquid source  22  and an outlet  84  in communication with a dispensing area  86 . In the present invention, a beverage preparation system  24  is incorporated at the liquid pathway  80 . The beverage preparation system  24  includes a beverage preparation position  88 . The beverage preparation position  88  is positioned in the liquid pathway  80  between the inlet  82  and outlet  84 . The position of the beverage preparation position  88  is such that liquid  50  passing through the liquid pathway  80  passes through a liquid enhancement cartridge  38  so as to combine with a liquid enhancement component  54  in the cartridge  38  and dispense at the outlet  84  of a liquid dispenser  30  as a beverage  54 . Liquid  50  may be combined with or affected by a liquid enhancement component in the cartridge by rupturing or piercing a membrane (such as a seal) at an inlet and outlet of the cartridge  38 . 
     Cartridge storage, index and service system  26  is configured to operate in companionship with beverage preparation system  24 . The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  may be located proximate the beverage preparation system  24  within the beverage dispensing system  32  of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention provide the necessary functionality to allow the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  to be positioned, if necessary, in a non-contiguous position relative to beverage preparation system  24 . The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  provides the necessary functionality for introducing a cartridge  38  having a liquid enhancement component into the beverage preparation position  88 , and retrieving the cartridge  38  from the beverage preparation position  88  to allow for subsequent cartridges to be introduced at the beverage preparation position  88  depending on the type of beverage being prepared. The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  includes a cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  by which a user or operator loads (see arrow  34 ) fresh cartridges  38  into the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  and unloads (see arrow  36 ) spent cartridges  38  from the system. The cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  may be configured wholly or partially in the interior or exterior of the cabinet body  12  ( FIG. 1 ) for a refrigerator  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or another liquid dispensing appliance/device. For example, the cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  may be positioned on an exterior portion of the cabinet body  12  of refrigerator  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  may also be positioned within a compartment, such as the refrigerated compartment  14  or freezer compartment  16  of cabinet body  12  of the refrigerator  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Any part or all of the cartridge storing system  42 , cartridge indexing system  44  or cartridge service system  45  may be housed within the cabinet body or a compartment within the same. The compartment may be configured to be accessible by an operator or user through a cartridge loading/unloading interface  40 . 
     The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  includes one or more systems providing the function of storing, indexing, iterating, managing and transferring cartridges to and from the beverage preparation system  24 . One or more cartridges  38  are loaded into the beverage preparation system  24  from the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  through loading route  46  and unloaded from the beverage preparation system  24  via retrieval route  48 . 
     The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  includes, in one embodiment of the invention, a cartridge storage system  42 , a cartridge indexing system  44  and a cartridge service system  45 . These systems will be described in detail in the following paragraphs. One or more of the systems contained in the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  may be combined as a single system. For example, the cartridge indexing and service system may be combined as one system or the cartridge storage, indexing and service system may be combined as a single system of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cartridge storage, index and service system  26  according to one exemplary aspect of the invention. As indicated in  FIG. 2 , fresh cartridges  38  are introduced and spent cartridges  38  are retrieved from the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  via cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  in cabinet body  12  ( FIG. 1 ). A fresh cartridge  38  may also be loaded (along the path illustrated by arrow  34 ) through the cartridge loading/unloading interface  40 , and a spent cartridge  38  may be unloaded (along the path illustrated by arrow  36 ) through the same or another interface. The cartridge loading/unloading interface  40  could be configured so that fresh cartridges are introduced through one interface whereas spent cartridges are retrieved through another interface at the cabinet body  12 . In one form of the invention, fresh cartridges  38  are loaded into the cartridge storage system  42  and spent cartridges  38  are retrieved from the cartridge storing system  42 . 
     The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is one example of the present invention wherein the cartridge storage system, cartridge indexing system and cartridge service system are combined into a single system. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a belt  62  or other continuously linked bands, straps or chains may be used to form a structure upon which are configured a plurality of cartridge holding positions  92 . The cartridge holding positions  92  may be staged at intervals along the belt  62  at a sufficient distance apart from one another to allow for one cartridge to be presented at the beverage preparation position  88  without obstruction of the adjacent most cartridge holding position  92  or beverage cartridge  38  either in front of or in back of the cartridge. The cartridge holding positions  92  may be constructed of a device where the cartridge rests upon a platform or where the cartridge is positively retained. Other fits are contemplated such as a configuration where the cartridge is supported and retained in the cartridge holding position  92  by a tension fit. The cartridge holding position  92  could be configured as a clip where the cartridge  38  is clipped into the hold position  92 . Other means for retaining cartridges at each of the holding positions  92  are contemplated. For example, an elastic band could be used to retain the cartridge at the holding position  92 . The cartridge could be configured with connecting hardware, structure or geometry that allows the cartridges to be snapped to and held by the cartridge holding position  92 . Similarly, the belt  62  may be configured with supporting hardware, clasps, or other geometry configurations for retaining a cartridge at each of the holding positions  92  on belt  62 . The belt  62  is rotatably supported by a plurality of pulleys  64 . The belt  62  may also be rotatably supported by diametrically opposed gears. In either case, pulleys, cogged or otherwise, including gears may be disposed within the interior of the belt  62  to rotatably support movement of belt  62  along both a loading route  46  and a retrieval route  48 . A drive pulley, such as a cogged pulley or a gear  58  driven by actuator  56 , such as a motor, may be used to provide rotation of belt  62 . The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  illustrated in  FIG. 3  combines the functions of storage, indexing and servicing. The belt  62  includes cartridge holding positions  92  for storing a number of cartridges  38 . The belt  62  rotates into and out of the beverage preparation position  88  for indexing each of the cartridges into and out of the beverage preparation position  88 . The rotation of belt  62  provides the function of servicing a cartridge to and from the beverage preparation position  88 . Actuator  56  may be in operable communication with a controller receiving instructions from a user interface on the cabinet body  12  ( FIG. 1 ). In operation, the controller receives instructions to provide rotation of belt  62  to move a cartridge  38  into the beverage preparation position  88  at the beverage preparation system  24 . As previously discussed supra, a cartridge is rotated into the beverage preparation position  88  so that an inlet and outlet of the cartridge  38  are brought into communication with the liquid pathway  80 . Liquid  50  is received into the pathway  80  from a liquid source  22  at the input  82 . Liquid  50  is communicated through the liquid pathway  80 , combined with or affected by the liquid enhancement component in the cartridge  38  to form a beverage  54  that is dispensed at outlet  84  to dispensing area  86 . The beverage  54  may be dispensed at the dispensing area  86  into a cup or receptacle for drinking or other uses. The belt  62 , given the fact that it has multiple cartridge holding positions  92 , may at one time hold a variety of different types of cartridges, including a variety of different liquid enhancement components. For example, the type of liquid enhancement component in the cartridge holding positions  92  on belt  62  may include a flavoring component, a soluble component, or a non-soluble component. The liquid enhancement component may also include a powder, a brew, a nutraceutical, a medicine, a mineral, a vitamin, an aroma, or any combination of the aforementioned enhancement components. These liquid enhancement components may include any type of flavor ingredient in addition to the aforementioned components. Furthermore, the liquid enhancement component may be any combination of the aforementioned liquid enhancement components where one of the liquid enhancement components interacts or reacts with another or with the liquid stream  50 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment for a beverage dispensing system  32  of the invention. Like the dispensing system  32  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the system shown in  FIG. 4  includes a cartridge loading/unloading interface  40 . The interface  40  is positioned on a cabinet body  12 , such as for example the cabinet body of a refrigerator. Through the interface  40  liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are inserted and/or retrieved from the cartridge storage, index and service system  26 . In one aspect of the invention, the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  includes a cartridge storage system  42  comprising one or more chutes into which liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are loaded. Chutes  66  may be arranged in a parallel configuration whereby multiple chutes are combined providing multiple channels for housing a plurality of cartridges  38 . The chutes have an inlet positioned proximate the interface  40  and an outlet in communication with carousel  68 . Other aspects of the invention include clips or magazines being used in place of the chutes  66 . The clips or magazines may be loaded with any number of cartridges  38  of a singular or varying flavor type, and placed through the interface  40  into the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  so that the outlet of each clip or magazine is in communication with the carousel  68 . Other columns or channels may be configured, whether rigidly fixed within the system or removable, so as to hold a plurality of cartridges  38  proximate carousel  68 . 
     The liquid enhancement cartridges  38  positioned within chute  66  are fed to the carousel  68  preferably by gravity. A mechanical or pneumatic system may also be used to feed liquid enhancement cartridges  38  from the inlet of chute  66  to the outlet disposed adjacent carousel  68 . Therefore, cartridges  38  introduced into chute  66  via loading pathway  34  travel down the chute within each of the channels  70  from the inlet and are iterated toward the outlet of chute  66  as cartridges are loaded into cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68 . An actuator may be configured at the outlet of each channel  70  in chute  66 . The actuator may be configured to receive instructions from a control panel so as to release a cartridge  38  from chute  66  into a cartridge holding position  92  in carousel  68 . When a cartridge is released from chute  66  the plurality of cartridges in each column  70  iterate toward the outlet of chute  66  proximate carousel  68 . Carousel  68  is preferably a circular shaped table having an upright, mostly planar, loading surface housing a plurality of cartridge holding positions  92 . In one aspect of the invention, the cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68  comprise hole pairs spaced radially on the top surface of carousel  68 . The cartridge holding positions  92  may be fashioned in hole pairs as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, single cartridge holding positions  92  may be configured in carousel  68  and spaced radially along the top surface of carousel  68 . The cartridge holding positions  92  may be configured in any array or arrangement so as to facilitate serial or parallel communication of one or more cartridges  38  into the beverage preparation position  88  upon rotation of carousel  68 . Each cartridge holding position  92  is preferably shaped having a geometry to comport with the size and shape of the liquid enhancement cartridge  38 . For example, in the case where the liquid enhancement cartridges are configured in an oval geometry, the cartridge holding positions  92  would also be configured in an oval geometry so that a portion, significant enough to hold the cartridge within the holding position  92 , is received within the corresponding geometry (e.g., cartridge holding position  92 ) in carousel  68 . The cartridges  38  may be retained at cartridge holding positions  92  by gravity or a mechanical or pneumatic actuator that retains a cartridge at each cartridge holding position  92 . 
     Each cartridge holding position  92  could also include an ejector or release mechanism whereby spent or used cartridges  38  are ejected or released from carousel  68  after use at the beverage preparation position  88 . Ejection of a cartridge  38  from a cartridge holding position  92  could be accomplished by the use of a mechanically or pneumatically actuated ejector that makes contact with and removes a cartridge from a cartridge holding position in carousel  68 . Ejected cartridges could be collected in a bin associated with the cabinet body  12  of the refrigerator  10  whereby a user or operator is able to retrieve the ejected cartridges  38  from the bin (not shown). Cartridge holding positions  92  could also be configured with a pneumatic or mechanically actuated release mechanism that allows cartridges  38  to be released from a cartridge holding position  92  into a temporary holding basket where an operator or user could retrieve the cartridges for discarding them. Other embodiments include a discard system having one or more guideways  96  with an inlet  97  adjacent cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68 . Each guideway  96  having a separate or combined outlet  98 . The outlet of the discard system  94  may be positioned at an interface of the appliance accessible to an operator or use. For example, the outlet  98  of the discard system  94  could be configured to terminate at an outer skin of the cabinet body  12  so as to be retrievable by an operator or user each time a spent/used cartridge is released or ejected from the carousel. The ejector or release mechanism in the carousel for each cartridge holding position  92  is actuated and the cartridges are released into the guideway  96  through the inlet  97  proximate the carousel  68 . Thus, used or spent cartridges  38  are ejected or released from the carousel into the discard system  94 . The cartridges are communicated to a common collection point such as a collection bin (not shown) positioned at outlet  98  and accessible to a user or operator of the appliance. 
     User or operator access to carousel  68  would also permit retrieval of spent, used or otherwise unneeded cartridges from cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68  by being unloaded from carousel  68  along unloading pathway illustrated by arrows  36 . 
     The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  also includes a cartridge indexing system  44 . The cartridge indexing system  44  includes an actuator  56 , such as an electric motor, operably connected to carousel  68  for imparting rotation to carousel  68  for moving cartridge holding positions  92  along a loading route  46  (e.g., moving cartridges into the beverage preparation position  88 ) and a retrieval route  48  (e.g., moving cartridges out of the beverage preparation position  88 ). Thus, carousel  68  is rotated by cartridge indexing system  44  so that cartridge holding positions  92  are moved in and out of the beverage preparation position  88 . An actuator may be configured to facilitate the transfer of a cartridge from the cartridge storage system  42  into cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68 . The system may also be configured whereby gravity iterates a cartridge from the cartridge storage system  42  into the cartridge holding positions  92  as the positions are rotated proximate the outlet  71  of the cartridge storage system  42 . Cartridges  38  are rotated along the loading route  46  into the beverage preparation position  88 . A tracking system may be used in combination with the beverage dispensing system  32  for identifying and cataloging the type of liquid enhancement cartridges housed at each one of the cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68 . When the user or operator selects the type of beverage, the operating system for the beverage dispenser  32  instructs the cartridge indexing system  44  to move the appropriate cartridge into the beverage preparation position  88 . Through a display (not shown) a user or operator may be apprised of the various types of liquid enhancement cartridges loaded in carousel  68 , including those stored within cartridge storage system  42 . In a preferred form, the cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68  would be a sufficient number to house a significant variety of liquid enhancement cartridges to provide a user or operator with a wide variety of beverage opportunities. 
     When the desired beverage is selected, cartridge indexing system  44  iterates carousel  68  so as to move the appropriate liquid enhancement cartridge  38  into the beverage preparation position  88 . Liquid  50  received into guideway  80  at inlet  82  from liquid source  22  is communicated to the beverage preparation position and combined with or affected by the liquid enhancement component in the cartridge  38  so as to prepare a beverage  54  communicated from the beverage preparation position through guideway  80  to outlet  84  of dispenser  30  to a dispensing area for collection into a cup or receptacle. The beverage preparation system  24  may be configured so that multiple cartridges  38  are being dispensed from simultaneously or serially. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , cartridge holding positions  92  are configured in pairs. In this configuration, one cartridge holding position  92  could include one component of the beverage and the adjacent cartridge holding position could include another component of the beverage, the two components being combined to prepare a final beverage for dispensing at the outlet  84  into the dispensing area  86 . When preparation of the beverage is completed, the spent or used cartridges  38  are rotated out of the beverage preparation position  88  along retrieval route  48 . The spent or used cartridges are then ejected, released or retrieved from the carousel  68 . The empty cartridge holding positions  92  are then rotated into position at the outlet  71  of the cartridge storage system  42  whereby another cartridge or pair of cartridges are released from cartridge storage system  42  into cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a beverage dispensing system  32  according to another aspect of the present invention. As with previous systems, the beverage dispensing system  32  illustrated in  FIG. 5  includes a cartridge loading and unloading interface  40 . Interface  40  is positioned preferably in a cabinet body of an appliance such as a refrigerator. Liquid enhancement cartridges  38  may be inserted and retrieved through the interface. Further details and description for the cartridge loading and unloading interface  40  is provided supra. 
     System  32  includes a cartridge storage, index and service system  26 . System  26  comprises a cartridge storage system  42 , a cartridge indexing system  44  and a cartridge service system  45 . The cartridge storage system  42  includes a vertically arranged carousel  68  (similar to a poker chip carousel). In the carousel body along its vertical length are a plurality of cartridge holding positions  92 . Each cartridge holding position is configured within a column  100  extending along a vertical length of the body of the carousel  68 . Each column  100  has a geometric shape commensurate with the geometry of the liquid enhancement cartridge  38 . A cartridge  38  is inserted through the cartridge loading and unloading interface  40  and stored at a cartridge holding position  92  within one of the columns  100  in carousel  68 . The columns  100  in the body of carousel  68  may be configured so that the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  is wholly or partially contained in the body of carousel  68 . The carousel may be configured with any number of columns  100  having a desired number of cartridge holding positions  92 . The columns  100  may be spaced radially at the outer peripheral surface of carousel  68 . Liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are received into each column  100  and stored/staged at a cartridge holding position  92  within the column  100 . The columns  100  are configured so that a plurality of cartridges  38  may be stacked one on top of the other, one cartridge at each of the cartridge holding positions  92 . Thus, a user or operator inserts a cartridge  38  through the cartridge loading and unloading interface  40  into one of the cartridge holding positions  92  in a column  100 . The beverage dispensing system  32  may include a tracking system for monitoring and cataloging the types of liquid enhancement cartridges  38  stored in one of the cartridge holding positions  92  of carousel  68 . A display associated with the cabinet body  12  of the appliance, such as a refrigerator, may be used to apprise the operator or user of the varying types of liquid enhancement cartridges stored in carousel  68  at any given time. 
     When loading or moving a cartridge into a staging position associated with the beverage preparation position  88 , a cartridge indexing system  44  including an actuator  56  imparts rotation to carousel  68 . Cartridges loaded into cartridge holding positions  92  in carousel  68  are rotated into a staging position proximate the beverage preparation position along loading route  46 . Depending upon the desired beverage, the cartridge indexing system  44  may receive instructions from the operating system to rotate the carousel  68  so as to move the desired liquid enhancement cartridge into a staging position adjacent the beverage preparation position  88 . 
     The beverage dispensing system  32  illustrated in  FIG. 5  also includes a cartridge service system  45  positioned at the staging position  102 . The cartridge service system  45  includes a shuttle  72  for providing movement of the cartridge along track  74  into the beverage preparation position  88 . When the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  is moved into the beverage preparation position  88 , the next liquid enhancement cartridge  38  in column  100  drops to take the position of the cartridge moved into the beverage preparation position. The vertical movement of cartridges through columns  100  of each of the cartridge holding positions  92  may be performed by mechanical or pneumatic actuation. In a preferred form, cartridges are iterated vertically downward through column  100  from an inlet  101  to an outlet  103  at the bottom most part of carousel  68  by gravity. At the staging position  102 , a liquid enhancement cartridge is picked up by shuttle  72  and delivered via track  74  to beverage preparation position  88 . Other cartridge service systems are contemplated. For example, a carrier driven by a piston or belt could be included so as to move a cartridge from the staging position  102  to the beverage preparation position  88 . Liquid from a source  22  is communicated through inlet  82  of guideway  80 . Liquid  50  combines with or is affected by the liquid enhancement component contained in the cartridge  38 . A final or complete beverage  54  is prepared as liquid  50  from the source  22  combines with or is affected by the liquid enhancement component in cartridge  38 . The beverage is dispensed from the guideway  80  at outlet  30  into dispensing area  86  where collected by a cup or receptacle. Spent or used liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are retracted back toward the staging position  102  from the beverage preparation position so as to be in communication with discard system  94 . The spent or used cartridge  38  is released or ejected from shuttle  72  into an inlet  97  of a discard system  94 . A guideway  96  carries the spent or used cartridge along retrieval route  48  to an outlet  98  where a user or operator may collect the spent or used liquid enhancement cartridges. The outlet may be conveniently positioned on the cabinet body  12  of a refrigerator  10  ( FIG. 1 ) so that spent cartridges are released to a location where a user may retrieve and discard them. Depending upon the desired beverage, cartridge indexing system  44  may rotate carousel  68  so as to move the desired liquid enhancement cartridge  38  into the staging position  102 . The desired cartridge is then moved by the cartridge service system  45  into the beverage preparation position where a beverage can be prepared for dispensing at the dispensing area  86 . A system for monitoring, tracking and cataloging the different types of cartridges stored by the carousel may also be used to monitor the availability of the selected beverage, depending upon the cartridges stored in the carousel  68  and if a column  100  of cartridge holding positions  92  is empty or running low of liquid enhancement cartridges  38  or a particular type of liquid enhancement component. 
       FIG. 6A-6B  illustrate another beverage dispensing system  32  of the invention. As with those described supra, system  32  includes a cartridge loading and unloading interface  40  positioned in the cabinet body  12  of the appliance. For example, the refrigerator could include an interface allowing for cartridge loading and unloading on an external portion accessible by an operator or user. Liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are inserted and retrieved through interface  40 . Cartridges  38  are loaded as illustrated by arrow  34  and retrieved or unloaded as indicated by arrow  36 . As with previous embodiments, the present invention contemplates discard systems for collecting spent or used cartridges ejected or released as previously illustrated and described. In the case of manual cartridge retrieval, an operator or user could retrieve a spent or used cartridge through interface  40  or some other portal or window providing access to the system. 
     In  FIG. 6A , the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  includes a cartridge storage system  42  and cartridge indexing system  44 . The cartridge storage system  42  comprises a wheel  104  having an outer rim  106 . Configured into the outer rim  106  of wheel  104  are a plurality of cartridge holding positions  92 . The plurality of cartridge holding positions  92  are radially spaced along the outer rim  106  of wheel  104 . Each cartridge holding position  92  includes an aperture for at least partially or completely receiving a liquid enhancement cartridge  38 . A mechanical or pneumatic actuator at each cartridge holding position  92  may be used to retain the cartridge at the cartridge holding position  92 . For example, the cartridge holding position  92  may be configured to have a geometry commensurate with the geometry of the liquid enhancement cartridge so that when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge holding position  92  a vacuum system retains the cartridge there until the vacuum system is cut off and the used or spent cartridge is removed or retrieved from the cartridge storage system  42 . Cartridge  38  may be mechanically retained within cartridge holding position  92 . An actuated lever in the cartridge holding position  92  could engage a detent in the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  to thereby hold the cartridge at the cartridge holding position  92 . The lever may be actuated out of the detent to release or eject the cartridge from the cartridge holding position. 
     The cartridge storage, index and service system  26  shown in  FIGS. 6A-B  also includes a cartridge indexing system  44 . In one aspect of the invention, the cartridge indexing system  44  comprises an actuator  56 , such as an electric or pneumatic motor operably connected to a hub portion  108  of wheel  104 . Cartridges  38  loaded into cartridge holding positions  92  are rotated into the beverage preparation position  88  along loading route  46  and rotated out of the beverage preparation position  88  along retrieval route  48 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 6B , liquid  50  passing through a guideway  80  connected to a source  22  flows through the cartridge  88  to combine with or be affected by a liquid enhancement component within the cartridge for preparing a finished or complete beverage  54 . After the beverage has been prepared, the spent or used cartridge  38  is rotated out of the beverage preparation position by the cartridge indexing system  44  and ejected or removed from the cartridge storage system  42 . The beverage dispensing system  32  may include an operating system for detecting, storing and cataloging the different types of liquid enhancement cartridges stored in each of the cartridge holding positions  92  of the cartridge storage system  42 . An interface on the cabinet body  12  of refrigerator  10  ( FIG. 1 ) may be used for selecting the type of beverage. Depending upon the type of beverage selected, the cartridge indexing system  44  moves the cartridge holding position carrying the selected liquid enhancement cartridge to the beverage preparation position  88  for preparing the selected beverage. The spent or used cartridge is then retrieved through interface  40  or ejected to a discard system (described and illustrated supra) where the user or operator may collect and subsequently discard or recycle it. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a beverage dispensing system  32  for the present invention. As with others described and illustrated supra, the system  32  includes an interface  40  through which liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are inserted and retrieved. For example, a cartridge  38  may be loaded into the cartridge storage, index and service system  26  along the path indicated by arrow  34 . Spent or used cartridges may be retrieved from the cartridge storage, index and service system along the path indicated by arrow  36 . 
     The beverage dispensing system  32  shown in  FIG. 7  also includes a cartridge storage, index and service system  26  that includes a cartridge storage system  42 . Included in the cartridge storage system  42  are a plurality of cartridge holding positions  92 . In one aspect of the invention the cartridge holding positions  92  are a plurality of vertically oriented, parallel channels  70  for holding a plurality of liquid enhancement cartridges stacked one on top of another within the channels  70 . In other aspects of the invention, the cartridge holding positions  92  include a magazine or a clip whereby a plurality of liquid enhancement cartridges  38  are inserted into the magazine or clip which is in turn attached to the cartridge indexing system  44 . The cartridges may be gravity fed into the cartridge indexing system  44 . Mechanical and pneumatic means may also be provided for moving cartridges from channels  70  to the cartridge indexing system  44 . One or more actuators may be included at the outlet of each channel  74  preventing movement of a cartridge  38  from the channel to the cartridge indexing system  44 . As discussed supra, these actuators may be mechanical or pneumatic for iterating cartridges  38  downward through channels  70  to the cartridge indexing system  44 . The cartridge indexing system  44  permits movement of cartridges through channels  70  to the cartridge service system  45 . The cartridge service system  45  includes an actuator  56 , such as an electric or pneumatic motor, operably connected to a belt  62 . Attached to the belt  62  is a shuttle  72  that rides a track  74 . Instructions provided from an operating system to the actuator  56  impart rotation to belt  62  which in turn provides horizontal translation of shuttle  72  back and forth along the length of track  74 . When a specific beverage is selected, the shuttle  72  is positioned beneath the cartridge held in one of the channels  70 . The indexing system  44  actuates and allows the cartridge  38  to drop onto the shuttle  72 . The shuttle  72  moves the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  into the beverage preparation position. Liquid  50  from a liquid source  22  enters a guideway  80  through an inlet  82  of the beverage preparation system  24 . Other cartridge service systems, such as those discussed and illustrated supra are also contemplated. Liquid  50  combines with or is affected by the liquid enhancement component within the cartridge  38  to prepare a complete or final beverage  54  for dispensing at the outlet  84  into a dispensing area  86  associated with dispenser of an appliance such as a liquid dispenser of a refrigerated appliance. The used or spent liquid enhancement cartridge  38  is retrieved from the beverage preparation position  88 . The spent or used cartridges are ejected, released or manually retrieved by an operator or user of the system. The operating system may be configured to track, identify and catalog the various types of cartridges stored in each of the channels  70  of the cartridge storage system  42 . When a desired beverage is selected at an interface of the appliance, instructions are provided to the cartridge service system  45  for positioning the shuttle  72  beneath the appropriate cartridge  38 . The cartridge indexing system  44  actuates and releases the cartridge from channel  70  into shuttle  72 . The shuttle moves the desired cartridge  38  into the beverage preparation position  88  of the beverage preparation system  24 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates various aspects of the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  of the present invention. In one aspect of the invention, the liquid enhancement cartridge includes a disc segmented into a plurality of sub-compartments  110 . Each sub-compartment  110  includes a quantified amount of a liquid enhancement component. Depending upon the strength of the desired beverage, one or more sub-compartments  110  of cartridge  38  may be dispensed from. For example, if a weaker beverage is desired the system may be configured to dispense from a fewer number of the sub-compartments  110 , whereas if a stronger beverage is desired the system may be configured to dispense from all or most of the sub-compartments of cartridge  38 . For example, in one aspect of the invention, the cartridge service system  45  as previously described and illustrated may be configured with an actuator for providing rotation to the cartridge at the beverage preparation position. Depending upon the number of sub-compartments  110  being dispensed from, the system may be configured to rotate cartridge  38  after each sub-compartment  110  is dispensed from, thereby dispensing from a desired number of sub-compartments  110  to create a finished or complete beverage of a desired strength. In another aspect of the invention, the liquid enhancement cartridge  38  may be configured geometrically as a cube. The cube shaped liquid enhancement cartridge  38  may be divided up into sub-compartments  110  holding a quantified amount of a liquid enhancement component. The liquid enhancement component from one sub-compartment  110  may be dispensed by piercing a top and bottom portion or rupturing a top and bottom portion of each compartment. Depending upon the strength of the desired beverage, one or more of the sub-compartments  110  may be dispensed from for controlling the strength of the finished or prepared beverage. 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the drawings and the specification and, although specific terms are employed, these are used in the generically descriptive sense only and are not used for the purpose of limitation. Changes in the form proportion of parts as well as in the substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or are rendered expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims.