Patent Publication Number: US-11390515-B2

Title: Wall mounted beverage dispensing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/299,730, filed on Mar. 12, 2019 and entitled “WALL MOUNTED BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Beverage dispensing system, such as those that dispense municipal water, chilled water, filtered water, flavored water, and/or carbonated water are becoming more popular as individuals turn away from beverages packaged in disposable single use containers. Conventional beverage dispensers are either typically large and heavy commercial systems that are supported by a base positioned firmly on the ground or small counter top beverage coolers or heaters. Unfortunately, the large commercial systems typically require substantial floor space which is not ideal for all uses and the small counter top systems may not be suited to some kitchens with limited counter space. Additionally, the small conventional counter top systems typically often have only a one gallon or less reservoir that needs to be refilled after a small number of servings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example perspective view of a water dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates another example perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example front view of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example perspective view of a beverage dispensing system with an open filter unit for accessing a filter according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example perspective view of the beverage dispensing system with front paneling removed according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example front view of the beverage dispensing system with front paneling removed according to some implementations 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example side view of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example perspective view of the beverage dispensing system with a drain cover and front paneling removed according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example rear view of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another example rear view the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example rear view the beverage dispensing system with rear paneling removed according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example bottom view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example top view of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates is an example cross section view of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example perspective view of the spill tray and drain of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an example exploded view of a portion of the spill tray of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an example block diagram of example components of the beverage dispensing system according to some implementations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure includes a plumbed beverage dispensing system and apparatus for mounting off the ground and in-wall within the common 16 inch stud spacing (e.g., 14.5 inches between each pair of studs) found in many types of construction, such that the studs may provide the sole support for the beverage dispensing system. Thus, unlike conventional dispensers that are supported by a base positioned firmly on the ground or placed on a counter top, the beverage dispensing system discussed herein may be located within the wall space of a structure, such as a home, thereby preventing the dispenser from occupying otherwise available space. 
     For instance, in some implementations, the beverage dispensing system may include an in-wall portion and a front portion that extends past the wall. In some instances, the in-wall portion may be less than or equal to approximately 14.5 inches from side to side and less than or equal to approximately 3.5 inches from front to back. Similarly, the front portion may be less than approximately 19.7 inches from side to side and less than or equal to approximately 1.2 inches from front to back. 
     In the current implementation, the in-wall portion of the beverage dispensing system may include a housing one or more liquid metering devices, one or more sensors, one or more drain features or components, one or more drip trays, one or more drip tray covers, one or more dispensed servings components, one or more electronics boards, one or more filter enclosures, one or more filter sensor systems as well as other components. In addition to the components, the dispenser may define an alcove for receiving a bottle or vessel. The alcove may be demarcated by a top member, a back wall member, and a bottom member formed from one or more of a spill tray and/or cover and extend at least partially into the wall space between the studs. In some cases, the alcove may include a middle area that includes the beverage dispensing nozzle. The middle area may be approximately 4.5 inches deep (e.g., from front to back) and approximately 5.5 inches wide. The alcove may also include a right area and a left area on either side of the middle area. The right area and the left area may have a depth that transitions from a position adjacent to the middle area and having a depth equal to the middle area to a position flush with the front of the system. In some examples, the alcove may be between approximately 9.9 inches and 13.8 inches tall, between approximately 9.9 inches and 13.8 inches wide, and between approximately 3.5 inches and 4.7 inches deep at the alcove&#39;s greatest depth. In some other examples, the alcove may be between approximately 11.4 inches and 12.6 inches tall, between approximately 11.4 inches and 12.6 inches wide, and between approximately 3.9 inches and 4.3 inches deep at the alcove&#39;s greatest depth. 
     In some cases, the beverage dispensing system may include a filter also disposed within the wall space but easily accessible to a user for replacement. For example, the beverage dispensing system may include an assembly, such as a drawer, positioned below the dispenser having a filter box. The drawer of the may be opened to allow the user access to a removable filter contained in the filter box. Thus, the filter may be accessed without the need for tools or to remove paneling or other components from the system. The filter box may be approximately 14.2 inches from side to side. In some specific cases, the filter box may be less than approximately 17.7 inches from side to side. The filter box may also be no greater than approximately 6.3 inches from top to bottom. The filter box may also be no greater than approximately 3.1 inches from front to back. 
     In general, the filter box may have an area for housing a filter that is approximately 12.6 inches by approximately 6.3 inches. In some specific implementations, the filter box may have an area that has a length (e.g., from side to side) of between approximately 9.8 inches and approximately 14.2 inches, a height (e.g., from top to bottom) that is between approximately 3.9 inches and approximately 9.8 inches, and a depth (e.g., front to back) that is between approximately 2.0 inches and approximately 3.5 inches. 
     In some cases, the filter may be configured to clean approximately 3,000 gallons of liquid (such as water) prior to replacement while fitting within the available wall space (e.g., having less than approximately 3.1 inches in diameter). In other cases, the filter may be configured to clean between approximately 2,800 gallons and approximately 3,200 gallons of liquid (such as water) prior to replacement while having a diameter less than approximately 3.5 inches. In some specific cases, the filter may be configured to clean greater than approximately 2,000 gallons or greater than approximately 2,500 gallons of liquid (such as water) prior to replacement while having a diameter of less than 3.5 inches. 
     In some cases, the filter or system may include one or more sensors that are capable of determining if the filter should be replaced. For example, the filter may expire based on a predetermined amount of time (which may be measured), a predetermined amount of filtered water (which may be measured), or when an amount of an active ingredient is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., carbon). In some cases, the dispensing system may be configured to provide a visual indication, such as a change filter light, on the system itself. The system may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with other electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer, to provide a change filter alert. 
     In some implementations, the filters may be configured to couple, electrically or communicatively, to the dispensing system, such that the dispensing system may determine if the filter is new, the number of gallons the filter is configured to process, and if the filter is verifiably compatible for use with the system. Upon detection of a verified filter, the system may automatically reset the filter timer. 
     For example, the dispensing system may include one or more sensors, such as a flow sensor or proximity sensor, such that the dispensing system may begin to dispense a beverage by opening a valve associated with a beverage dispensing nozzle when a vessel is detected within an alcove of the dispensing system. The dispensing system may then stop dispensing the beverage by closing the valve associated with the beverage dispensing nozzle when the liquid level within the vessel has reached a desired height. In some cases, the amount of liquid dispensed by the dispensing system may be time based (e.g., liquid is dispensed for a predetermined period of time, such as seven seconds). In other cases, the amount of liquid (such as water) dispensed by the dispensing system may be amount based (e.g., liquid is dispensed in specified amounts, such as 1.0 liter, 2.0 liters, 8.0 ounces, 10 ounces, etc.). 
     In some cases, the system may also include additional sensors, such as contact sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors, etc., that may be placed in and around the alcove to detect an overflow event and to cause the system to close the beverage dispensing nozzle or active a shutoff valve in response to detecting the overflow event, thereby, preventing moisture from absorbing or contacting the walls of the structure. In some implementations, the sensors may be incorporated into the beverage dispensing nozzle and/or the back wall member of the alcove. 
     In some examples, the dispensing system may include a spill tray and drain feature configured to prevent moisture and/or liquid (such as water) from contacting or being absorbed by the walls of the structure. In some examples, the drain feature, including the drain and drain lines, may be configured to channel an amount of liquid equal to the normal flow rate of the dispenser, such that if the system dispensed liquid while a vessel was absent from the alcove, the drain feature may process the full flow without causing the spill tray to overflow. For example, the drain feature may process 200 ounces of liquid (such as water) per minute. 
     In some implementations, in addition to the oversized drain feature, the spill guard may include flashing having a back portion and a front portion. The back portion of the flashing may extend upward behind the back walls of the alcove and be at a height that is greater than the height of the front flashing. For instance, the back flashing may be greater than approximately 0.4 inches and the front flashing may be less than approximately 0.2 inches. In another instance, the back flashing may be greater than approximately 0.2 inches and the front flashing may be less than approximately 0.1 inches. In yet another instance, the back flashing may be between approximately 0.2 inches and approximately 0.8 inches and the front flashing may be between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 0.4 inches. By including the flashing extending upward from the spill guard, the system is able to prevent liquid (such as water) from leaking between the wall of the alcove and the spill guard without the use of a sealants or gaskets. 
     The spill tray may also be configured to have a forward tilt to cause the water to move or flow towards the front of the system and out of the drain during an overflow event. For example, the spill tray may have a tilt of approximately 2.0 degrees. The front flashing also includes one or more weeping holes to allow excess liquid (such as water) to exit the spill tray out the front of the system. In this manner, any liquid (such as water) not processed by the drain feature may be directed out into the room and away from the walls behind and to the right and left of the system, thereby preventing, drywall, structural and/or electrical damage. In some cases, the weeping holes in the front flashing may be between approximately 0.2 inches and approximately 0.8 inches wide. In one specific example, the front flashing may have two weeping holes of approximately 0.4 inches wide. 
     In addition to the weeping holes, a spill tray cover is configured to be placed over the spill tray during use. A gap or space between the front flashing and the front face of the spill tray cover and between the top surface of the front flashing and the bottom surface of the spill tray cover are maintained to allow the liquid (such as water) exiting the weeping holes in the front flashing to flow between the front face of the cover and the front flashing of the spill tray. In some cases, the gaps between the front face of the cover and the front flashing of the spill tray may be between approximately 0.08 inches and approximately 0.2 inches. In one specific implementation, the gaps may be approximately 0.12 inches. 
     In one particular example, a sensor (such as a moisture sensor) may be located below the front flashing of the spill tray which may cause the system to generate an alert when liquid (such as water) overflows the spill tray. For example, the system may send a wireless signal to an owner&#39;s or site manager&#39;s electronic devices. In other cases, the system may activate one or more speakers with an audible alarm to draw the user&#39;s attention to the system and cause the user to inspect the system or the water lines and, thereby, prevent damage to the structure. 
     In some cases, the system may activate a shutoff valve after a continuous volume of liquid (such as water) has been detected exiting the system (e.g., either via the drain feature or over the front flashing of the spill tray). For example, if the system is outputting a normal flow but no vessel is available within the alcove, the liquid (such as water) may be removed from the spill stray via the drain feature but a sensor within the drain feature may cause the shutoff valve to close to prevent wasting large amounts of water. For instance, in various implementations, if the drain feature detects more than 10 ounces, more than 15 ounces, more than 20 ounces, or more than 25 ounces of continuous flow, the shutoff valve may be closed. Likewise, if the system detects continuous flow out of or over the front of the spill tray, the system may cause the shutoff valve to close to prevent water damage to the structure. Similar, in some implementations, if the drain feature detects more than 5.0 seconds, more than 7.0 seconds, more than 10 seconds, or more than 15 seconds of continuous flow, the shutoff valve may be closed. 
     In some implementations, the beverage dispensing system may include lighting source(s). In some cases, the lighting source may be incorporated into the beverage dispensing nozzle. The lighting source may be configured to scale in intensity based on a fullness level of the bottle or vessel being filled. For example, the lighting source may increase in intensity over time as the beverage dispensing nozzle dispenses liquid. In another example, the lighting source may increase in intensity based on the strength of a signal from a sensor (e.g., as the liquid (such as water) in the bottle or vessel approaches the beverage dispensing nozzle, the intensity of the light source may increase). In some case, the increase in intensity of the light source may be configured to increase in a uniform manner, while in other cases, the rate or intensity change may increase as the vessel fills. In this manner, the system is able to notify the user when the vessel is approaching a full state and prevent unnecessary spills. In another implementation, rather than a light source, a speaker may be included that outputs an audio signal having a sound level based on the level of fill of the vessel. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example perspective view of a beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the current implementation, the beverage dispensing system  100  may include a dispenser  102  and a filter unit  104  positioned below the dispenser  102 . In general, the dispenser  102  may include an alcove  106  that includes a beverage dispensing nozzle  126  housing a solenoid or valve that may be opened to dispense liquid (such as water) into a vessel, such as a bottle or cup, (not shown) within the alcove  106 . 
     In general, both the dispenser  102  and the filter unit  104  may be configured to fit between standard residential sixteen-inch stud spacing, such that the dispensing system  100  is wall mountable. Thus, the dispensing system  100  is positioned off or above the ground (e.g., the dispensing system  100  is not supported by a base member that rests in contact with the ground). When mounted within the studs, both the dispenser  102  and the filter unit  104  include an in-wall portion  108  and  110 , respectively, that is concealed from view within the space between the studs and a front portion  112  and  114 , respectively, that extend outward toward a user from a surface of the wall. 
     As the in-wall portions  108  and  110  are designed to fit within the space between two studs without requiring modification to the structure (e.g., cutting of the studs), the in-wall portions  108  and  110  may have a width (e.g., from a first side  116  to a second side  118  of the system  100 ) that may be less than or equal to approximately 14.6 inches and a depth (e.g., from a front side  120  to a back side  122  of the system  100 ) that is less than or equal to approximately 3.5 inches. In another example, the in-wall portions  108  and  110  may have a width that may be between approximately 14.5 inches and approximately 10.6 inches and a depth between approximately 2.8 inches and approximately 3.9 inches. Similarly, in some cases, the front portion  112  may have a width of approximately 17.7 inches, a height of approximately 20.1 inches, and a depth of approximately 1.2 inches. In other cases, the front portion  112  may have a width of between approximately 30 centimeters or 11.8 inches and approximately 19.7 inches, a height of between approximately 11.8 inches and approximately 23.6 inches, and a depth between approximately 0.8 inches and approximately 1.9 inches. The front portion  114  may have a width of approximately 17.7 inches, a height of approximately 6.3 inches, and a depth of approximately 1.2 inches. In other cases, the front portion  114  may have a width of between approximately 15.7 inches and approximately 19.7 inches, height between approximately 3.9 inches and approximately 7.9 inches, and a depth between approximately 0.8 inches and approximately 2.0 inches. 
     In the illustrated example, the alcove  106  extends from the front  120  of the system  100  into the in-wall portion  108  towards the back  122  of the system  100 . The alcove  106  may be defined by a top member, a back wall member, and a bottom member formed from one or more of a spill tray and/or cover and extend at least partially into the wall space between the studs. In some cases, the alcove  106  may have a maximum depth from the opening in the front portion  112  to a back wall member, generally indicated by  124 , that is approximately 4.3 inches. The alcove  106  may also have a width of approximately 4.3 inches and a height of approximately 12.6 inches. Thus, the alcove  106  may comfortably receive a vessel and a hand of a user. 
     The dispensing system  100  may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the dispensing system  100  may be formed from stainless steel, other metallic materials, various polymer, various plastics, as well as other materials. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates another example perspective view of a beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the illustrated example, a vessel  202  has been positioned within the alcove  106 , such that a sensor  204  (for instance, a proximity sensor) positioned along the back wall of the alcove  106  is able to detect the presence of the vessel  202  and, in some cases, to cause the solenoid within the beverage dispensing nozzle  126  to open and dispense liquid (such as water)  206  into the vessel  202 . In some cases, the sensor  204  may determine that the vessel  202  is in the correct position prior to dispensing the liquid (such as water)  206  to prevent unnecessary spilling. 
     In some cases, the orifice of the solenoid may be variable, such that the flow rate of the liquid (such as water) out of the beverage dispensing nozzle  126  may be adjustable. In one example, the flow rate may be slowed as the vessel  202  is filled by partially closing the solenoid while the system  100  dispenses the liquid (such as water)  206 . For instance, a flow sensor (not shown) may be configured to measure the amount of liquid (such as water) dispensed by the beverage dispensing nozzle  126  and upon dispensing predetermined or user defined threshold amounts of liquid (such as water)  206  (e.g., 3.0 ounces, 5.0 ounces, 7.0 ounces, 9.0 ounces, etc.), the flow sensor may generate a signal causing the solenoid to reduce the size of the orifice. In other cases, the solenoid may reduce the size of the orifice or reduce the flow rate after a predetermined or user defined threshold period of time has elapsed. 
     In some implementations, additional sensors (not shown) may be positioned along the top surface of the alcove  106  to assist in determining if the vessel  202  is positioned correctly with respect to the beverage dispensing nozzle  126  prior to opening the solenoid and dispensing the liquid (such as water)  206 . A removable drain cover  208  may be positioned opposite the top surface of the alcove  106  to hide or keep a spill tray (not shown) out of view of a user, while allowing access to the spill tray when removed. In some cases, the additional sensors may be proximity sensors, contract sensors, touch sensors, electrical conductivity sensors (such as capacitive or resistive based sensors). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example front view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the illustrated example, the dispenser  102  may also include various user indicators, such as one or more of lights  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308 . For example, the system  100  may be configured to increase or decrease the intensity of the lights  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  as the vessel is filled with liquid (such as water) dispensed from the beverage dispensing nozzle  126 . For example, the sensor  204  may capture data usable to detect a level of fill associated with a vessel in the alcove  106 , such that the system  100  may modify the intensity of the lights  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  based on the fill level of the vessel. In other examples, the intensity of the lights  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  may be varied based on a time period (such as 5.0 seconds, 7.0 seconds, 10 second, 15 seconds, etc. of continuous flow) or an amount of liquid (such as water) dispensed (such as 2.0 liters, 8.0 ounces, 10 ounces, etc.). 
     In the illustrated example, the system  100  may also include an additional drawer or compartment  310  below the filter unit  104 . For example, the system  100  may include an optional ice drawer, ice maker, or storage space as part of the wall mounted system  100 . In other examples, the compartment  310  may be located above the dispenser  102  or between the dispenser  102  and the filter unit  104 . Additionally, it should be understood that in some implementations, the filter unit  104  may be positioned remote of the wall mounted dispenser  102  such that the wall space occupied by the filter unit  104  may be used for an ice drawer, ice maker, or storage. In another example, it should be understood that the filter unit  104  may be arranged in different positions relative to the dispenser  102 , such as, for instance, above the dispenser  102 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example perspective view of a beverage dispensing system  100  with an open filter unit  104  for accessing a filter  402  according to some implementations. Since the beverage dispensing system  100  is wall mounted within the space between studs, the filter  402  may be difficult to access if located behind a front panel of the dispenser  102 . Thus, the system  100  discussed herein, includes a filter unit  104 . The filter unit  104  may be configured as a drawer that may be opened by a user to allow the user to access a filter box  404  that includes a filter port  406 . The filter port or head  406  may be configured to allow the filter  402  to be coupled and decoupled from the system  100 . For instance, the filter  402  may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled and/or decoupled to the filter port  406  by the user when the filter unit  104  is open and the filter box  404  is exposed. In some cases, the filter port  406  may be configured to auto seal when the filter  402  is decoupled. The auto seal prevents leaks that may result from operating the system  100  without a filter  402  attached. 
     In some cases, the filter  402  may be configured to clean approximately 3,000 gallons of liquid (such as water) prior to replacement while fitting within the available wall space (e.g., having less than approximately 3.14 inches in diameter). In other cases, the filter  402  may be configured to clean between approximately 2,800 gallons and approximately 3,200 gallons of liquid (such as water) (such as water) prior to replacement while being less than approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. 
     In some cases, the filter box  404  may include one or more sensors (not shown) that are capable of determining the filter  402  should be replaced. For example, the filter  402  may expire based on a predetermined amount of time (which may be measured), a predetermined amount of water filtered (which may be measured), or when an amount of an active ingredient is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., carbon). In some cases, the beverage dispensing system  100  may be configured to provide a visual indication, such as a change filter light, on the system  100  itself that the filter  402  needs to be replaced. The system  100  may also be configured to wirelessly communicate with other electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer, to provide a change filter alert. 
     In some implementations, the filter  402  may be configured to electrically or communicatively couple to the beverage dispensing system  100  via the port  406 , such that the beverage dispensing system  100  may determine if the filter  402  is new, the number of gallons the filter  402  is configured to process, and if the filter  402  is authorized for use with the system  100 . Upon detection of the new authorized filter  402 , the system  100  may automatically reset a filter timer. 
     The filter box  404  is configured to be positioned within the wall when closed. In some cases, the filter box  404  may be approximately 14.2 inches from side to side (e.g., from stud to stud). The filter box  404  may also be less than approximately 6.3 inches from top to bottom. The filter box  404  may also be less than approximately 3.1 inches from front to back (e.g., deep). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example perspective view of the beverage dispensing system  100  with front paneling removed according to some implementations and  FIG. 6  illustrates an example front view of the beverage dispensing system  100  with front paneling removed according to some implementations. As discussed above, the system  100  is configured to mount between the studs. Thus, in the current example, a number of mounting ports, generally indicated by  502 , are located around the exterior of the in-wall portion  108  of the dispenser  102  and the in-wall portion  110  of the filter unit  104 . It should be understood that the mounting ports  502  may be configured for any type of faster for coupling the system  100  to the walls, such as screws, bolts, hooks, etc. 
     In the current example, the solenoid  504  and the spill tray  506  are visible. For example, the spill tray  506  may include flashing  508  that may extend upwards from the tray  506  behind the wall  124  of the alcove  106  to prevent liquid (such as water) from leaking or seeping into the wall without the use of a gasket that may wear out. The spill tray  506  will be described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 15 . In the current example, the filter box  404  is also visible as the drawer of the filter unit  104  has been removed from the drawer brackets  510 . In the current example, the filter has been decoupled from the filter port  406 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example side view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the current example, the in-wall portions  108  and  110  as well as the front portions  112  and  114  of the dispenser  102  and the filter unit  104  are shown. Thus, as illustrated, the system  100  may mount within the walls, such that the in-wall portions  108  and  110  are within the wall space and a back surface of the front portions  112  and  114  are in contact with the wall and the front portions  112  and  114  extend forward into the room. In some cases, the system  100  may extend into the room by approximately 41.8 inches. In other case, the system  100  may extend into the room by between approximately 0.8 inches and approximately 2.3 inches. 
     In the illustrated example, the spill tray  506  and/or cover  208  may extend past the front surface of the front portion  112  of the dispenser  102 . For instance, the spill tray  506  and/or cover  208  may extend past the front portion  112  to cause liquid (such as water), in the occasion of an overflow event to flow out of the front of the system  100  rather than backward into the wall, thereby reducing risk of water damage to the structure or building. In some cases, the spill tray  506  and/or cover  208  may extend approximately 1.0 centimeter past the front portion  112 . In other cases, the spill tray  506  and/or cover  208  may extend between approximately 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches past the front portion  112 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example perspective view of the beverage dispensing system  100  with a drain cover and front paneling removed according to some implementations. In the current example, an alternate arrangement of the mounting ports  502  is illustrated. Thus, it should be understood to one skilled in the art that the mounting ports  502  may be located at various locations and positioned and take various forms to attach to the studs. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example rear view the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. As discussed above, the in-wall portions  108  and  110  are configured to fit between two studs of a structure. Thus, the in-wall portions  108  may have a length  902  that is approximately 13.8 inches. On either side of the in-wall portions  108  and  110  may include mounting ports, generally indicated by  904 , and configured to mount on a front surface of a stud. Thus, on either side of the in-wall portions  108  and  110  is a width, generally indicated by  906 , for receiving the stud. The widths  906  may be approximately 1.6 inches. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another example rear view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the current example, the system  100  has been installed between two studs  1002 . When installed, additional wall space  1004  above the system  100  and wall space  1006  below the system  100  may be available for additional hardware coupled to the system  100 , such as pipes, chillers, heaters, additional filters, etc. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example rear view the beverage dispensing system  100  with rear paneling removed according to some implementations. In the current example, multiple sensors  204  may be incorporated into or located behind the wall  124  of the alcove (not shown). The sensors  204  may be configured to detect the presence of a vessel, a fill level of the vessel, an overflow event, a continuous flow event, etc. In general, the system  100  may be coupled to cold water plumbing via the liquid (such as water) intake system  1102 . Thus, the system  100  does not require any reservoir, such as is common in conventional counter top water dispensers. Additionally, the solenoid may be positioned close to the outlet (to mitigate air infiltration in the line which reduces the likelihood of leaks or drips. The water lines may be small (e.g., less than approximately 0.004 inches) to prevent water stagnating or warming after passing through the chiller. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example bottom view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the illustrated examples, the in-wall portion  108  may have a length  1202  that is less than or equal to approximately 14.5 inches and a depth  1204  that is less than or equal to approximately 3.5 inches. Similarly, the front portion  120  may have a length  1206  that is less than or equal to approximately 17.7 inches and a depth  1208  that is less than or equal to approximately 1.18 inches. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an example view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the current example, the system  100  illustrates a liquid (such as water) intake system  1102  coupled to the liquid metering devices for dispensing via the beverage dispensing nozzle. Additionally, in the current example, various rear optional mounting brackets  1302  are shown, as well as lighting sources  1304  and control circuits  1306 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates is an example cross section view of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In the current example, the beverage dispensing nozzle  126  includes one or more liquid metering devices  504  that may open to dispense liquid (such as water) is shown within a top member  1402 . The top member  1402  together with the back wall member, and the spill tray defining the alcove. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example perspective views the spill tray  506  and drain feature  1500  of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. In general, the spill tray  506  and drain feature  1502  may be configured to prevent moisture and/or water from contacting or being absorbed by the walls of the structure. In some examples, the drain feature  1502 , including the drain and drain lines, generally indicated by  1504 , may be configured to channel an amount of liquid (such as water) equal to or greater than the normal flow rate of the dispenser (e.g., the beverage dispensing nozzle and liquid metering devices). For instance, the spill tray  506  may also include a raised area  1506  and a basin  1508 . The drain feature  1502  may be mechanically coupled to the spill tray  506  at the lowest position along the basin  1508 , such that excess liquid (such as water) will collect in the basin  1508  and flow out the drain feature  1502 . Thus, if the system  100  dispensed liquid (such as water) while a vessel was absent from the alcove, the basin  1508  may collect and the drain feature  1502  may process the full flow without causing the spill tray  506  to overflow. For example, the drain feature  1502  may process approximately 2.0 gallons of liquid (such as water) per minute. 
     In some implementations, in addition to the drain feature  1502 , the spill tray  506  may be designed to cause excess moisture or liquid (such as water) to exit the system  100  from the front to prevent damages to the walls. For instance, the spill tray may include flashing  1510  having a back portion  1512  and a front portion  1514 . The back portion  1512  of the flashing  1510  may be at a height that is greater than the height of the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510 , as illustrated. For instance, the back portion  1512  of the flashing  1510  may be greater than approximately one centimeter and the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may be less than approximately 0.2 inches. In another instance, the back portion  1512  of the flashing  1510  may be greater than approximately 0.2 inches and the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may be less than approximately 0.01 inches. In yet another instance, the back portion  1512  of the flashing  1510  may be between approximately 0.2 inches and approximately 0.8 inches and the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may be between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 0.4 inches. 
     In some cases, the back portion  1512  of the flashing  1510  may be configured to extend upward behind the back wall (not shown) of the alcove. For instance, the wall of the alcove may be configured to fit between the flashing  1510  and a member  1516  of the spill tray  506  while resting on the raised area  1506 . In this manner, the spill tray  506  and the wall of the alcove may mate or lock with each other without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In some cases, the back wall mating member  1516  may be between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches in height and between 1.6 inches and 3.9 inches in length. Additionally, the flashing  1510 , discussed herein, also allows for a water tight seal without the use of caulk, a gasket, or other sealant along the seam between the wall of the alcove and the spill tray  506 . Thus, by including the flashing  1510  extending upward from the spill tray  506 , the system  100  is able to prevent liquid (such as water) from leaking into the wall of the structure and, thereby, causing damage. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the spill tray  506  may also be configured to have a forward tilt to cause the liquid (such as water) to move or flow towards the front of the system  100  during an overflow event. For example, the spill tray  506  may have a tilt of approximately 2.0 degrees. The tilt may cause excess liquid (such as water) to flow out of the system  100  via the front rather than backwards into the wall of the structure. The front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  also includes one or more weeping holes  1518  to encourage the excess liquid (such as water) to exit the spill tray  506  out the front of the system  100 . In this manner, any liquid (such as water) not processed by the drain feature  1502  may be directed out into the open space of the structure and away from the walls behind and to the right and left of the system  100 , thereby preventing drywall, structural and/or electrical damage to the structure. In some cases, the weeping holes  1518  in the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may be between approximately 0.5 centimeters or 0.2 inches and approximately 0.8 inches. In one specific example, the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may have two weeping holes  1518  of approximately 0.4 inches. 
     In some cases, a spill tray cover  208  (not shown) is configured to be placed over the spill tray  506  during use. A capillary action disruption space, generally indicated by  1520 , between the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  and the front face of the spill tray cover (not shown) is maintained to allow the liquid (such as water) exiting the weeping holes  1518  in the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  to flow between the front face of the cover and the front portion  1512  of the flashing  1510 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example exploded view of a portion of the spill tray  506  of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. As discussed above, the cover (not shown) is configured to be placed over the spill tray  506  during use and a capillary action disruption space  1520  is formed between the front face of the cover and the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510 . In some cases, the capillary action disruption space  1520  between the front face of the cover and the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  may be between approximately 0.8 inches and 1.9 inches. In one specific implementation, the capillary action disruption space  1520  may be approximately 1.18 inches. 
     In the currently illustrated example, the flashing  1510  also includes a third portion  1602  located between the back portion  1512  and the front portion  1514 . The third portion  1602  may have a height that is less than the height of the back portion  1512  but greater than the height of the front portion  1514 . In some examples, a top surface of the third portion  1602  may be in contact with the cover when in place over the spill tray  506 , while a top surface of the front portion  1514  of the flashing  1510  is separated from the cover by a second capillary action disruption space, generally indicated by  1604 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example block diagram of example components of the beverage dispensing system  100  according to some implementations. As described above, the beverage dispensing system  100  may include electrical components configured to monitor and control an amount and rate of liquid (such as water) dispensed by the system  100 . For example, the system  100  may include sensors  1702 , speakers  1704 , communication interfaces  1706 , input/output interfaces  1708 , light sources  1710 , processors  1712 , and/or computer-readable media  1714 . 
     The sensors  1702  may be configured to collect data associated with the system  100 . For example, the sensors  1702  may include flow sensors associated with the drain feature and/or the beverage dispensing nozzle to collect flow data  1728  associated with liquid (such as water) flow into and out of the system  100 . The sensors  1702  may include one or more object detection sensors, such as proximity sensors, to collect object data  1730  associated with the presence of a vessel within the alcove of the system  100 . In some cases, the system  100  may also include moisture sensors at various positions around the spill tray and/or wall of the alcove to collect moisture data  1732  associated with any potential leaks or overflow events. 
     The speakers  1704  may be configured to output audio data as sound. For examples, the speakers  17042  may include one or more speakers such as an array of speakers. In some cases, the speakers  1704  may be arranges to reproduce directionality of sound. For example, the system  100  may cause the speakers  1704  to output audio in relation to a fill level of a vessel placed within the alcove of the system  100 . 
     The communication interfaces  1706  may be configured to facilitate communication between one or more networks, one or more cloud-based systems and/or one or more devices (such as a mobile electronic device). The communication interfaces  1706  may also facilitate communication between one or more wireless access points, a master device, and/or one or more other computing devices as part of an ad-hoc or home network system. The communication interfaces  1706  may support both wired and wireless connection to various networks, such as cellular networks, radio, WiFi networks, short-range or near-field networks (e.g., Bluetooth®), infrared signals, local area networks, wide area networks, the Internet®, and so forth. 
     The input/output devices  1708  may be an input device, such as actuatable buttons, dials, or the like or touch enabled component or sensor (e.g., capacitive touch sensor or resistive touch sensor, etc.). The input/output devices  1708  may also include one or more display for providing visual feedback to the user. The input/output devices  1708  may also include one or more tactile outputs, such as haptic feedback units for providing a physical feedback to the user, such as vibrating to provide a fill level warning to a user. In some cases, the input/output devices  1708  may be combined into a single device, such as a touch enabled display. In some cases, the input/output devices  1708  may be used by the user to manually control the amount of liquid (such as water) dispensed into the vessel, set temperature of the liquid (such as water), set flow rates, adjust parameters associated with an auto-fill, or otherwise provide input. 
     The processors  1712 , such as at least one or more access components, control logic circuits, central processing units, or processors, as well as one or more computer-readable media  1714  to perform functions. Additionally, each of the processors  1712  may itself comprise one or more processors or processing cores. 
     Depending on the configuration, the computer-readable media  1714  may be an example of tangible non-transitory computer storage media and may include volatile and nonvolatile memory and/or removable and non-removable media implemented in any type of technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions or modules, data structures, program modules or other data. Such computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other computer-readable media technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, solid state storage, magnetic disk storage, RAID storage systems, storage arrays, network attached storage, storage area networks, cloud storage, or any other medium that can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the processors  1712 . 
     Several modules such as instructions, data stores, and so forth may be stored within the computer-readable media  1714  and configured to execute on the processors  1712 . For example, as illustrated, the computer-readable media  1714  store component vessel detection instructions  1716 , fill monitoring instructions  1718 , filter monitoring instructions  1720 , user notification instructions  1722 , leak detection instruction(s)  1724 , alert instruction(s)  1726  as well as other instructions. The computer-readable media  1714  may also store data, such as flow data  1728 , object data  1730 , moisture data  1732 , and user data  1734  (e.g., user settings and user preferences). 
     The vessel detection instructions  1716  may be configured to receive the object data from the sensors  1702  and to determine if a vessel is present and correctly positioned within the alcove. In some cases, the vessel detection instructions  1716  may cause the system  100  to commence dispensing of liquid (such as water) into the detected vessel and to cause the system  100  to terminate the dispensing of liquid (such as water) when the vessel is removed. 
     The fill monitoring instructions  1718  may be configured to receive the flow data  1728  from the sensors  1702  and to use the flow data  1728  to control various user indicators, such as the lighting sources  1710  or the speakers  1704 . For instance, the fill monitoring instructions  1718  may cause an intensity of the lighting sources  1710  to increase or decrease as the vessel is filled and/or cause the volume of the sound output by the speakers  1704  to increase or decrease as the vessel is filled. 
     The filter monitoring instructions  1720  may be configured to monitor a health or lifetime of a filter coupled to the system  100 . For example, the filter monitoring instructions  1720  may monitor the lifetime of a filter based on the flow data  1728 . In other cases, the filter monitoring instructions  1720  may confirm the filter is new and authorized based on data collected by the filter when coupled to the system  100  to prevent damage to the system  100  by use of old or incompatible filters. 
     The user notification instructions  1722  may cause the communication interfaces  1706  to send data and/or messages to a device associated with the system  100 . For example, the user notification instructions  1722  may send a message to the user&#39;s device indicating that the filter should be replaced. In another example, the user notification instructions  1722  may cause the communication interfaces  1706  to send a message to the user&#39;s device indicating an environmental impact of the system  100 , such as a number of plastic bottles saved by use of the system  100 . 
     The leak detection instructions  1724  may analyze the moisture data  1732  and determine if the system  100  is leaking liquid (such as water) into the walls of the structure. In other cases, the leak detection instruction  1724  may analyze the moisture data  1732  to detect overflow events and cause the system  100  to activate a shutoff valve in response. 
     The alert instructions  1726  may cause the communication interfaces  1706  to send an alert to the user device in the response to the leak detection instruction  1724  detecting an overflow event. in addition to or in lieu of sending the alert, the alert instructions  1726  may cause the lighting sources  1710  to flash or the speakers  1704  to output warning sounds in response to the leak detection instruction  1724  detecting an overflow event. 
     The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.