Patent Publication Number: US-10766756-B2

Title: Beverage nozzle with mixing core

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The disclosure claims priority to, the benefit of, and is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/118,219, filed Aug. 11, 2016 which is a national stage entry application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/US/2015/016257, filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/941,113, filed Feb. 18, 2014, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure generally relates to beverage nozzles and more particularly relates to systems and methods for mixing various beverage ingredients. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typical beverage nozzles are limited to mixing a single type of beverage. That is, depending on the beverage, specific beverage nozzles may be used to ensure adequate mixing of the beverage ingredients that comprise the beverage. For example, some beverage nozzles may be designed to mix juice ingredients, while other beverage nozzles may work better for tea or soda ingredients. In this manner, a beverage dispenser may be limited in the beverages it can dispense due to the limited mixing capabilities of its beverage nozzles. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of the beverage nozzle disclosed herein. For example, in an embodiment, a beverage nozzle for mixing at least a first beverage ingredient and a second beverage ingredient into a homogeneous mixture is disclosed herein. The beverage nozzle may include a housing having a first portion and a second portion. A first inlet may be in fluid communication with the housing. The first inlet may be configured to provide the first beverage ingredient to the housing. A second inlet may be in fluid communication with the housing. The second inlet may be configured to provide the second beverage ingredient to the housing. The beverage nozzle also may include a mixing core disposed within the housing. The mixing core may be configured to mix the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient into the homogeneous mixture. An outlet may be disposed about the housing. The homogeneous mixture may exit the housing by way of the outlet. 
     Other features and aspects of the beverage nozzle will be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and the detailed description. All other features and aspects, as well as other systems, methods, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be included within the description and are intended to be within the scope of the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably. 
         FIG. 1  schematically depicts a beverage dispensing system n accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an upper portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  depicts cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an upper portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an upper portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an upper portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a lower portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  depicts cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a lower portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a lower portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a lower portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a mixing core of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a mixing core of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a mixing core of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a mixing core of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  depicts an adapter of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  depicts an adapter of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  depicts an adapter of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  depicts a cross-sectional view of an adapter of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  depicts a partially exploded view of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  depicts an exploded view of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  depicts a side portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  depicts a side portion of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 27  depicts an inlet of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 28  depicts a cross-sectional view of an inlet of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  depicts an inlet of a beverage nozzle in accordance with e or more embodiments of the disclosure, 
         FIG. 30  depicts a side and cross-sectional view of an inlet of a beverage nozzle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described below are example embodiments of one or more beverage nozzles (as well as individual components of the beverage nozzles). The beverage nozzles may be used to mix various beverage ingredients into a homogeneous mixture. The beverage nozzles may be used in any suitable application. The beverage nozzles may provide the technical effect and/or solution of enabling a wide variety of beverage ingredients to be mixed together. Moreover, the beverage nozzles may eliminate or reduce contamination of the unmixed beverage ingredients. 
     These and other embodiments of the beverage nozzles will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings. The techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a beverage nozzle  100  may be in fluid communication with a container  102  (such as a bag-in-box container or the like). The beverage nozzle  100  may be in communication with the container  102  by way of a first fluid conduit  104 . A first beverage ingredient  106  may be housed within the container  102 . By way of example, the first beverage ingredient  106  may be a concentrate, a syrup, a slurry, a carbonated beverage concentrate, a juice or juice mixture, a flavor component, h pulp juice, a high viscosity fluid, a vitamin concentrate, enhanced water, a low viscosity fluid, a product containing particulate, a dairy product, a yogurt, water, or any combination or derivative thereof. Other suitable beverage ingredients may be used herein. The first beverage ingredient  106  may be any suitable beverage ingredient or combination of beverage ingredients. 
     In some instances, a peristaltic pump  108  may be disposed about the first fluid conduit  104  between the beverage nozzle  100  and the container  102 . In this manner, the peristaltic pump  108  may be configured to pump the first beverage ingredient  106  within the container  102  to the beverage nozzle  100 . Any pump or pump-like device may be used to transfer the first beverage ingredient  106  from the container  102  to the beverage nozzle  100 . More than one pump may be used. 
     The beverage nozzle  100  may be in fluid communication with a second beverage ingredient  110  by way of a second fluid conduit  112 . In some instances, the second beverage ingredient  110  may be water. In this manner, the beverage nozzle  100  may be in fluid communication with a water source  114 . In some instances, a flow valve  116  or the like may be disposed about the second fluid conduit  112  to control the flow of water to the beverage nozzle  100 . The second beverage ingredient  110  may be any beverage ingredient, including those described above with reference to the first beverage ingredient  106 . 
     Two beverage ingredients are illustrated for clarity. However, one or more additional beverage ingredients may be in fluid communication with the beverage nozzle  100 . For example, one or more additional fluid conduits may provide the beverage nozzle  100  with one or more flavor components, vitamins, and/or additional beverage ingredients, including those described above. 
       FIGS. 2-22  depict the beverage nozzle  100  (as well as individual components of the beverage nozzle  100 ) in greater detail. The beverage nozzle  100  may include a housing  118  having an upper portion  120  and a lower portion  122 . The upper portion  120  is depicted in  FIGS. 2-9 , and the lower portion is depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 and 10-14 . In some instances, the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  may form a single unitary structure. In other instances, the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  may be attached and detached from each other. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the upper portion  120  may include an upper flange  124  and the lower portion  122  may include a lower flange  126 . In some instances, the upper flange  124  and the lower flange  126  may be secured together by way of one or more screws  128 . In other instances, the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  may be secured together by way of a snap-on mechanism. Any suitable attachment mechanism that enables the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  to be separated and/or attached may be used. 
     In some instances, the housing  118  may define an elongated internal chamber  130 . For example, the lower portion  122  may define the elongated internal chamber  130 . In some instances, the lower portion  122  and the upper portion  120  may define the elongated internal chamber  130 . 
     The beverage nozzle  100  may include a first inlet  132 . The first inlet  132  may be in fluid communication with the elongated internal chamber  130  of the housing  118  by way of one or more openings in the house  118 . In some instances, the first inlet  132  may be disposed about the upper portion  120 . The first inlet  132  may be disposed at any location about the housing  118 . The first inlet  132  may be configured to provide the first beverage ingredient  106  to the housing  118 . For example, the first inlet  132  may be in fluid communication with the container  102  by way of the first fluid conduit  104 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , in some instances, in order to prevent backflow into the container  102 , the first inlet  132  may be a check valve  134 . For example, the first inlet  132  may include an opening  136  disposed between a barbed portion  138  and a head portion  140 . The head portion  140  may be inserted into the first fluid conduit  104  such that the first fluid conduit  104  passes over the barbed portion  138 . An outer diameter of the barbed portion  138  may be greater than an inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104 . In this manner, the first fluid conduit  104  may be a flexible material that expands over the barded portion  138  and is secured in place. 
     When the peristaltic pump  108  pumps the first beverage ingredient  106 , the inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104  may be configured to expand about the head portion  140  to enable the first beverage ingredient  106  to pass into the opening  136 . When the peristaltic pump  108  stops pumping the first beverage ingredient  106 , the inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104  may be configured to contract about the head portion  140  to create a seal which prevents backflow. Other types of check valve configurations are possible, including, but not limited to, duckbill valves, ball valves, etc. Any valve configuration capable of preventing backflow can be used herein. Preventing backflow to the container  102  may maintain the aseptic nature of the first beverage ingredient  106  disposed within the container  102 . In some instances, the first inlet  132  may not include a check valve. For example, a check valve may be disposed upstream of the first inlet  132 . 
     The beverage nozzle  100  may include a second inlet  142 . The second inlet  142  may be in fluid communication with the housing  118  by way of the second fluid conduit  112 . For example, the second inlet  142  may be in fluid communication with the elongated internal chamber  130  of the housing  118  by way of one or more openings in the housing  118 . In some instances, the second inlet  142  may be disposed about the upper portion  120 . The second inlet  142  may be disposed at any location about the housing  118 . The second inlet  142  may be configured to provide the second beverage ingredient  110  (e.g., water) into the housing  118 . In some instances, the second inlet  142  may be a check valve. In other instances, the flow valve  116  disposed about the second fluid conduit  112  may control the flow of the second beverage ingredient  110  to the second inlet  142 . In certain embodiment, the second inlet  142  may include a nozzle  144  configured to inject the second beverage ingredient  110  into the housing  118 . In some instances, as depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 and 19-22 , the second inlet  142  may include an adapter  143  attached to the second inlet  142 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 6 , in certain embodiments, a headspace  146  may be formed within the upper portion  120  between an internal surface  148  of the upper portion  120  and a mixing core  150  when the mixing core  150  is disposed within the housing  118 , as described below. In some instances, the internal surface  148  within the upper portion  120  may be at least partially curved  152 . In an example embodiment, the first inlet  132  and the second inlet  142  may be disposed about the headspace  146 . In some instances, to facilitate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 , the first inlet  132  may be transverse to the second inlet  142 . In certain embodiments, the second inlet  142  (e.g., the nozzle  144 ) may be angled towards the first inlet  132  or vice versa. The first inlet  132  and the second inlet  142  may be disposed in any location and in any orientation about the housing  118 , including the upper portion  120  and/or the lower portion  122 . 
     As noted above, the beverage nozzle  100  may include a mixing core  150  disposed within the housing  118 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the mixing core  150  may be an elongated structure configured to nest within at least a portion of the elongated internal chamber  130 . The mixing core  150  may be configured to mix the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  into the homogeneous mixture. 
     In some instances, the mixing core  150  may be interchangeable and/or replaceable within the housing  118 . For example, as noted above, the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  may be separated. The mixing core  150  may be added and/or removed from the housing  118  when the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  122  are separated. In some instances, the mixing core  150  may be disposable. That is, after the mixing core  150  is removed from the housing  118 , it may be discarded. In other instances, the mixing core  150  may be permanently disposed within the housing  118 . In certain embodiments, the mixing core  150  may be part of the housing  118 . That is, the housing  118  may include an internal flow path that acts as the mixing core  150 . 
     The mixing core  150  may be configured to create at least one of a turbulent flow, a laminar flow, or various combinations thereof within the housing  118  to ensure adequate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . For example, in some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  150  may define a turbulent flow path within the housing  18 . Similarly, in some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  150  may define a laminar flow path within the housing  118 . In some instances, the mixing core  150  and the housing  118  may collectively define a laminar and/or turbulent flow path. The mixing core  150  may define any number of turbulent and/or laminar flow paths within the housing  118  in any sequence. For example, the mixing core  150  may define a turbulent-to-laminar flow path within the housing  118 , or the mixing core  150  may define a turbulent-to-laminar-to-turbulent flow path within the housing  118 . In some instances, the mixing core  150  may only define a turbulent flow path or a laminar flow path within the housing  118 . The mixing core  150  may be any shape and/or size. Moreover, the mixing core  150  may define any type of flow path, including, but not limited to, S-shaped flow paths, labyrinths, partially obstructed flow paths, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, a mixing characteristic of the mixing core  150  may be dependent on the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110 . That is, depending on the composition of the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110 , one or more variables associated with the mixing core  150  may be varied. For example, the flow path shape, sequence, mixing rate, and/or length of the mixing core  150  may vary to ensure sufficient mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . In some instances, the mixing core  150  may be interchangeable with other mixing cores  150  having suitable mixing rates, flow path shapes, sequences, and/or lengths that correlate to the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110  to ensure sufficient mixing thereof. That is, depending on what type of ingredient the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110  is, the mixing core  150  may be replaced (or swapped out) with another mixing core  150  that is more suitable for mixing the ingredient. 
       FIGS. 15-18  depict an example mixing core  150 . The mixing core  150  may include a number of openings  154  and obstructions  156  which create a labyrinth  158  for the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  to pass through. The labyrinth  158  may impart a turbulent flow into the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  to ensure adequate mixing thereof. The mixing core  150  may include other configurations. For example, the mixing core  150  may include one or more turbulent flow sections and/or one or more, laminar flow sections. Moreover, the mixing core  150  may include various combinations of flow path shapes, sequences, mixing rates, and/or lengths. The configuration of the mixing core  150  may be related to the beverage ingredients to be mixed. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , the homogeneous mixture may exit the housing  118  by way of an outlet  160  disposed about the lower portion  122 . In some instances, one or more ribs  162  and/or openings  163  may be disposed about the outlet  160  to impart a laminar flow to the homogeneous mixture. In some instances, the ribs  162  and/or openings  163  may be configured to complement the mixing core  150 . That is, the ribs  162  and/or openings  163  may align with the mixing core  150  so as to impart a laminar flow to the turbulent homogeneous mixture exiting the mixing core  150 . In other instances, the ribs  162  and/or openings  163  may be omitted. For example, the shape of the outlet  160  may impart a laminar flow to the homogeneous mixture. The outlet  160  may be any shape and/or configuration. Moreover, the outlet  160  may be configured to impart a turbulent flow to the homogeneous mixture. 
     As noted above, the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  may be mixed within the housing  118 . In some instances, to ensure adequate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 , at least a portion of the mixing core  150  and/or the housing  118  may be textured. The textured surfaces of the mixing core  150  and/or housing  118  may increase the mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . In some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  150  and/or the housing  118  may be smooth. Any combination of textured and/or smooth surfaces may be used. 
       FIGS. 23-30  depict a beverage nozzle  200  as may be used herein. The beverage nozzle  200  may be used in conjunction with or instead of the beverage nozzle  100 . As depicted in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the beverage nozzle  200  may include a housing  202  having a first side  204  and a second side  206 . In some instances, the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  may form a single unitary structure. In other instances, the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  may be attached and detached from each other. In one example, the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  may be welded together. For example, the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  may be ultrasonically welded together. Any suitable attachment mechanism that enables the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  to be separated and/or attached may be used. 
     In some instances, as depicted in  FIGS. 24-26 , the housing  202  may define an elongated internal chamber  208 . The elongated internal chamber  208  may be in fluid communication with a first inlet  210  and a second inlet  212  via one or more openings in the housing  202 . The elongated internal chamber  208  may include a headspace  214 . The elongated internal chamber  208  also may include a mixing core  216  disposed therein. In some instances, an internal surface  218  within the elongated internal chamber  208  may be at least partially curved. In an example embodiment, the first inlet  210  and the second inlet  212  may be disposed about the headspace  214 . In some instances, to facilitate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 , the first inlet  210  may be transverse to the second inlet  212 . In certain embodiments, the second inlet  212  (e.g., a nozzle  238 ) may be angled towards the first inlet  210  or vice versa. The first inlet  210  and the second inlet  212  may be disposed in any location and in any orientation about the housing  202 . 
     In certain embodiments, the mixing core  216  may be an elongated structure configured to nest within at least a portion of the elongated internal chamber  208 . The mixing core  216  may be configured to mix the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  into the homogeneous mixture. 
     In some instances, the mixing core  216  may be interchangeable and/or replaceable within the housing  202 . For example, the mixing core  150  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-22  may be disposed within the internal chamber  208 . In other instances, as depicted in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the mixing core  216  may include a first half  222  disposed within the first side  204  of the housing  202  and a second half  224  disposed within the second side  206  of the housing  202 . That is, the first half  222  and the second half  224  may collective form the mixing core  216  when the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  are joined together. 
     The mixing core  216  may be configured to create at least one of a turbulent flow, a laminar flow, or various combinations thereof within the housing  202  to ensure adequate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . For example, in some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  216  may define a turbulent flow path within the housing  202 . Similarly, in some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  216  may define a laminar flow path within the housing  202 . In some instances, the mixing core  216  and the housing  202  may collectively define a laminar and/or turbulent flow path. The mixing core  216  may define any number of turbulent and/or laminar flow paths within the housing  202  in any sequence. For example, the mixing core  216  may define a turbulent-to-laminar flow path within the housing  202 , or the mixing core  216  may define a turbulent-to-laminar-to-turbulent flow path within the housing  202 . In some instances, the mixing core  216  may only define a turbulent flow path or a laminar flow path within the housing  202 . The mixing core  216  may be any shape and/or size. Moreover, the mixing core  216  may define any type of flow path, including, but not limited to, S-shaped flow paths, labyrinths, partially obstructed flow paths, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, a mixing characteristic of the mixing core  216  may be dependent on the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110 . That is, depending on the composition of the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110 , one or more variables associated with the mixing core  216  may be varied. For example, the flow path shape, sequence, mixing rate, and/or length of the mixing core  216  may vary to ensure sufficient mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . In some instances, the mixing core  216  may be interchangeable with other mixing cores having suitable mixing rates, flow path shapes, sequences, and/or lengths that correlate to the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110  to ensure sufficient mixing thereof. That is, depending on what type of ingredient the first beverage ingredient  106  and/or the second beverage ingredient  110  is, the mixing core  216  may be replaced (or swapped out) with another mixing core that is more suitable for mixing the ingredient. In other instances, the mixing core  216  may be integrally formed within the housing  202 . For example, the first half  222  of the mixing core  216  may be integral with the first side  204  of the housing  202 , and the second half  224  of the mixing core  216  may be integral with the second side  206  of the housing  202 . 
     The mixing core  216  may include a number of openings  226  and obstructions  228  that create a labyrinth  230  for the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  to pass through. The labyrinth  230  may impart a turbulent flow into the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  to ensure adequate mixing thereof. The mixing core  216  may include other configurations. For example, the mixing core  216  may include one or more turbulent flow sections and/or one or more laminar flow sections. Moreover, the mixing core  216  may include various combinations of flow path shapes, sequences, mixing rates, and/or lengths. The configuration of the mixing core  216  may be related to the beverage ingredients to be mixed. 
     The homogeneous mixture may exit the housing  202  by way of an outlet  232 . In some instances, one or more ribs  234  and/or openings  236  may be disposed about the outlet  232  to impart a laminar flow to the homogeneous mixture. In some instances, the ribs  234  and/or openings  236  may be configured to complement the mixing core  216 . That is, the ribs  234  and/or openings  236  may align with the mixing core  216  so as to impart a laminar flow to the turbulent homogeneous mixture exiting the mixing core  216 . In other instances, the ribs  234  and/or openings  236  may be omitted. For example, the shape of the outlet  232  may impart a laminar flow to the homogeneous mixture. In other instances, the outlet  232  may impart a turbulent flow to the homogeneous mixture. The outlet  232  may be any shape and/or configuration. 
     As noted above, the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110  may be mixed within the housing  202 . In some instances, to ensure adequate mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 , at least a portion of the mixing core  216  and/or the housing  202  may be textured. The textured surfaces of the mixing core  216  and/or housing  202  may increase the mixing of the first beverage ingredient  106  and the second beverage ingredient  110 . In some instances, at least a portion of the mixing core  216  and/or the housing  202  may be smooth. Any combination of textured and/or smooth surfaces may be used. 
     The second inlet  212  may be in fluid communication with the housing  202  by way of the second fluid conduit  112 . The second inlet  212  may be disposed at any location about the housing  202 . The second inlet  212  may be configured to provide the second beverage ingredient  110  (e.g., water) into the housing  202 . In some instances, the second inlet  212  may be a check valve. In other instances, the flow valve  116  disposed about the second fluid conduit  112  may control the flow of the second beverage ingredient  110  to the second inlet  212 . In certain embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 28 , the second inlet  212  may include a nozzle  238  configured to inject the second beverage ingredient  110  into the housing  202 . For example, the nozzle  238  may inject the second beverage ingredient  110  into the headspace  214 . 
     In certain embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 24, 27, and 28 , the second inlet  212  may include a top ring  240  attached thereto. The top ring  240  may be generally transverse to the second inlet  212 . The top ring  240  may include an aperture  241  therethrough. The second inlet  212  and the top ring  240  may be configured to be at least partially sandwiched between the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  when the beverage nozzle  200  is assembled together. For example, the top ring  240  may include a circular groove  242  disposed about the aperture  241 . The circular groove  242  may be configured to mate with and form a seal about a circular rim  244  of the housing  202 . Likewise, the second inlet  212  may include a circular groove  246  disposed about the nozzle  238 . The circular groove  246  may be configured to mate with and form a seal about a circular rim  248  of the housing  202 . In this manner, the second inlet  212  and the top ring  240  may be positioned between the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  and secured in place when the first side  204  and the second side  206  of the housing  202  are attached together. In this manner, the second inlet  212  may be easily removed, replaced, and/or swapped out with other types of inlets. 
     The first inlet  210  may be in fluid communication with the housing  202 . The first inlet  210  may be disposed at any location about the housing  202 . For example, the first inlet  210  may be in fluid communication with the headspace  214  of the internal chamber  208 . The first inlet  210  may be configured to provide the first beverage ingredient  106  to the housing  202 . For example, the first inlet  210  may be in fluid communication with the container  102  by way of the first fluid conduit  104 . 
     In some instances, in order to prevent backflow into the container  102 , the first inlet  210  may be a check valve  250 . For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 24, 29, and 30 , the first inlet  210  may include an opening  252  disposed between a barbed portion  254  and a head portion  256 . In some instances, the head portion  256  may be a duckbill or the like. The head portion  256  may be inserted into the first fluid conduit  104  such that the first fluid conduit  104  passes over the barbed portion  254 . An outer diameter of the barbed portion  254  may be greater than an inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104 . In this manner, the first fluid conduit  104  may be a flexible material that expands over the barded portion  254  and is secured in place. 
     When the peristaltic pump  108  pumps the first beverage ingredient  106 , the inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104  may be configured to expand about the head portion  256  to enable the first beverage ingredient  106  to pass into the opening  252 . When the peristaltic pump  108  stops pumping the first beverage ingredient  106 , the inner diameter of the first fluid conduit  104  may be configured to contract about the head portion  256  to create a seal which prevents backflow. Other types of check valve configurations are possible, including, but not limited to, duckbill valves, ball valves, etc. Any valve configuration capable of preventing backflow can be used herein. Preventing backflow to the container  102  may maintain the aseptic nature of the first beverage ingredient  106  disposed within the container  102 . In some instances, the first inlet  210  may not include a check valve. For example, a check valve may be disposed upstream of the first inlet  210 . 
     The first inlet  210  may include a lip  258 . The lip  258  may be configured to mate with a slot  260  in the house  202 . The slot  260  may be disposed adjacent to the aperture  241  in the top ring  240 . For example, the slot  260  may be formed between the circular rim  244  and a shoulder  261 . In this manner, the lip  258  of the first inlet  210  may be slid into the slot  260  so as to position the first inlet  210  about the aperture  241  in the top ring  240 . In some instances, the lip  258  may include a bulge  262  extending therefrom. The bulge  262  may seat within the aperture  241  to form a seal therebetween. In this manner, the first inlet  210  may be easily removed, replaced, and/or swapped out with other types of inlets. 
     Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.