Patent Publication Number: US-2017360243-A1

Title: Beverage dispensing system and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/351,673 filed Jun. 17, 2016, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a beverage brewing and dispensing systems and methods for using the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a beverage brewing system and method that includes introducing nitrogen into the beverage, and a method and system for heating the beverage immediately prior to serving the beverage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Beverages may be served from a tap system. The tap system may include a reservoir, which stores the beverage, and a tap. In operation, an operator may articulate the tap to control dispensing of the beverage from the beverage system. A beverage dispensed from a tap is generally cold or room temperature. Such a beverage is typically introduced with a gas that is agitated by the tapper, such that the texture and mouthfeel of the beverage is distinct when dispensed. In a particular example, beer is commonly dispensed from a tapper and the resulting foam head that forms when the beer is dispensed is resultant from the gas-infused beverage being agitated by a tapper system as it is poured. The same desirable texture and mouthfeel of beer can be achieved in coffee, as described in the present application. 
     To achieve a frothy, foam head in coffee, the coffee also be nitrogenated. It is thought that heating a nitrogenated beverage prevents the desireable foam head from lingering from any significant amount of time. Accordingly, there is a need for a hot, nitrogenated beverage that is brewed and dispensed in such a way that substantially maintains the foam head and mouthfeel of coffee dispensed through a tap system. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure relates a system for dispensing a beverage. The system for dispensing a beverage includes a storage vessel configured to store the beverage, a flow meter fluidly coupled to the storage vessel and configured obtain flow measurements of the beverage from the storage vessel, a first fluid path comprising a valve fluidly coupled to the flow meter and to a faucet, and a second fluid path comprising a heater fluidly coupled to the flow meter and to a flow restrictor. The heater is operable between a first state and a second state. The heater is configured to increase a temperature of the beverage passing through the heater to a target temperature when the heater is in the first state and configured to not to increase the temperature of the beverage passing through the heater when the heater is in the second state. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of providing hot, nitrogenated coffee. The method includes pressurizing a vessel at a first temperature with nitrogen at a target steeping pressure, steeping the vessel for a steeping time at a first temperature, decreasing a temperature of the vessel to a chilled steeping temperature lower than the first temperature, steeping at the second temperature, rapidly decreasing a pressure of the vessel in such a manner as to cause nitrogen cavitation within the vessel, thereby producing a brew fluid, and connecting the vessel to a filter unit. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a mobile delivery system for delivering hot, nitrogenated coffee to a customer. The mobile delivery system includes an application accessible by a customer using an external mobile device and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system includes a storage vessel configured to store brewed and nitrogenated coffee, a flow meter fluidically coupled to the storage vessel and configured to measure flow of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee from the storage vessel, a valve fluidically coupled to the flow meter and to a faucet, a heater fluidically coupled to the flow meter and to a flow restrictor, and a processing circuit configured to be communicable with the application. The customer may place an order for a coffee at the beverage dispensing system using the application. The processing circuit is configured to receive the order and transmit an order confirmation to the customer, the order confirmation including a location of the mobile delivery system and an expected order completion time. 
     In some applications, the beverage is coffee. In other applications, the beverage is brewed and nitrogenated coffee. In other applications, the beverage is hot brewed and nitrogenated coffee. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a process for brewing coffee, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a beverage dispensing system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system in a first configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the beverage dispensing system shown in  FIG. 3  in a second configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the beverage dispensing system shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another beverage dispensing system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a mobile delivery system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mobile delivery system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a brewing process includes grinding coffee beans, adding ground coffee beans to a brew vessel containing water, pressurizing the brew vessel with nitrogen, decreasing the temperature of the brew vessel, rapidly decreasing the pressure of the brew vessel, filtering coffee in a filter unit, rinsing the filter, introducing the coffee into a storage vessel, and nitrogenating the coffee in the storage vessel. Rapidly decreasing the pressure of the brew vessel facilitates nitrogen cavitation, a process that increases the quality of the texture and mouthfeel of the coffee, thereby increasing the desirability of the coffee. Once in the brew vessel, the coffee may be dispensed to customers as either a hot or cold beverage, or a mixture thereof. 
     The coffee is dispensed through a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system utilizes a flow meter, a valve, a heater, a flow restrictor, a processing circuit, and a control switch to produce the coffee desired by the customer. If hot coffee is desired, coffee flows through the heater. The beverage dispensing system also includes a faucet that is configured to agitate the nitrogen in the brewed and nitrogenated coffee. When a hot coffee is desired by the customer, the hot coffee develops a foam head when dispensed. The foam head attributed to the nitrogen provides a unique and desirable aspect to the hot coffee. It has been discovered by the inventor that when prepared according to some exemplary embodiments, the nitrogen is unexpectedly able to maintain the foam head for some time because of the relatively high concentration of nitrogen in the Earth&#39;s atmosphere. 
     In some applications, a customer may interact with the beverage dispensing system via an application on an external mobile device. For example, the customer may order a specific coffee on the application, and the application may transmit the order to the operator of the beverage dispensing system. Then, the operator may use the beverage dispensing system to prepare the order. Similarly, the operator may utilize an external mobile device to monitor various aspects of the beverage dispensing system such as the amount of brewed and nitrogenated coffee remaining in the brew vessel. 
     In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system is part of a mobile delivery system. For example, the mobile delivery system may provide customers with two different blends of brewed and nitrogenated coffee (e.g., dark and light, etc.). Further, the mobile delivery system may provide customers with a mixture of different blends of brewed and nitrogenated coffee. The mobile delivery system may be used to deliver orders to customers or to place the beverage dispensing system at a desired location such as at a sporting event, concert, festival, or other event. The mobile delivery system may cooperate with a mobile application to receive orders from customers. 
     Brewing Process 
     According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , brewing process  100  is described in detail. Brewing process  100  is used to transform coffee beans (e.g., coffee grounds, powder, mix, etc.) into brewed and nitrogenated coffee. Brewing process  100  begins with step  110 , grinding the coffee beans to a target consistency (e.g., fine, coarse, etc.) using a grinder. In some embodiments, the coffee beans are coarsely ground using a commercial grinder. At step  120 , the ground coffee beans are added to a first amount of water in a brew vessel. The brew vessel may be any vessel suitable to be pressurized, such as a keg (e.g., 
     Sankey keg, Cornelius keg, etc.) or a conical fermenter. Typically, the brew vessel has a volume of between approximately 18.9 liters (e.g., 5 gallons) to 22.7 liters (e.g., 6 gallons). 
     At step  130 , the brew vessel is pressurized to a target steeping pressure with nitrogen. Once the nitrogen has been added to the brew vessel, the brew vessel is allowed to steep at a first temperature. According to various embodiments, the first temperature is room temperature. At step  140 , the temperature of the brew vessel is decreased to a chilled steeping temperature where the coffee continues to steep at a lower temperature than the first temperature. When the temperature of the brew vessel has been lowered in step  140 , the solubility of the nitrogen in the brew vessel will increase. Similarly, the decrease in temperature that occurs in step  140  will cause different extraction of chemicals, thereby improving the flavor of the coffee. 
     Brewing process  100  includes a fifth step  150  where nitrogen cavitation is performed. At step  150 , the pressure of the brew vessel is quickly reduced to atmospheric pressure (e.g., zero gauge pressure). This draws the gas in the coffee beans to come out of solution and releases additional flavor. At step  160 , the brew vessel is connected (e.g., coupled) to a filter unit (i.e., with hoses, etc.). The filter unit is configured to filter the contents of the brew vessel. Brewing process  100  continues with seventh step  170 , filtering the brewed coffee from the brew vessel through filters in the filter unit. At step  172 , the filters are rinsed with a second amount of water. The brew vessel is then removed from the filter unit and the brewed coffee is poured or otherwise transferred into a storage vessel at step  180 . Finally, at step  182  the storage vessel is loaded into (e.g., installed in, inserted in, etc.) a beverage dispensing system and the brewed coffee is nitrogenized at a target dispensing system pressure and is ready for dispensing. 
     Brewing process  100  may be defined as a cold brewing process. Brewing process  100  may produce a brewed and nitrogenated coffee that, by its particular process, has a greater amount of caffeine and is less bitter than conventional cold brew coffees. The target consistency of the coffee beans, as ground in step  110 , may correspond to a target bitterness of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee. For example, finely ground coffee beans may result in a more bitter brewed and nitrogenated coffee than coarsely ground coffee beans. The water in step  120  and step  172  may be filtered water (i.e., through osmosis, etc.) or may contain a flavoring or additive. Similarly, different temperatures of the water in step  120  and step  172  may be used (e.g., hot, cold, boiling, etc.). In one example, approximately 15.1 liters (four gallons) of water is added in step  120  and approximately 5.7 liters (one and a half gallons) of water is used in step  172 . In this example, brewing process  100  may produce approximately 18.1 liters (4.78 gallons) of brewed and nitrogenated coffee. Accordingly, it is understood that the amount of water added in step  120  and used in step  172  is related to the amount of brewed and nitrogenated coffee produced by brewing process  100 . 
     Rather than, or in addition to, using nitrogen in step  130  and step  182 , other gases such as nitrous oxide, other nitrogen-based gases, a noble gas, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gases may also be used such that brewing process  100  is tailored for a target application. In one example, nitrous oxide is used rather than nitrogen. For this example, the nitrous oxide may dissolve more efficiently, relative to the nitrogen, at a lower pressure. However, the nitrogen may be replaced with any of the aforementioned gases such that beverage dispensing system  200  may be tailored for a target application. It is understood that any of the forgoing gases may be used by beverage dispensing system  200  in a similar fashion to nitrogen. In one example, the target steeping pressure of the nitrogen in step  130  is approximately 268.9 kilopascals (kPa) (e.g., thirty-nine pounds per square inch (PSI)). However, other target steeping pressures of the nitrogen may be used in step  130  such as 186.2 kPa (e.g., 27 PSI), 241.3 kPa (e.g., 35 PSI), 268.9 kPa (e.g., 39 PSI), 310.3 kPa (e.g., 45 PSI), and other suitable pressures such that brewing process  100  is tailored for a target application. During step  130 , cells and tissues of the ground coffee in the brew vessel are homogenized, thereby allowing the nitrogen to dissolve into the cells of the ground coffee. 
     At step  140 , the chilled steeping temperature may be greater or lower than room temperature. In many applications, the chilled steeping temperature is lower than room temperature. According to an exemplary embodiment, the chilled steeping temperature is approximately 4.4 degrees Celsius (e.g., forty degrees Fahrenheit). However, other chilled steeping temperatures may similarly be used. The chilled steeping temperature may be chosen such that a difference (e.g., a temperature differential, a temperature gradient, etc.) between the chilled steeping temperature and the first temperature is tailored for a target application. 
     The nitrogen cavitation performed in step  150  is achieved by a sudden (e.g., near-instantaneous or instantaneous) decrease in pressure of the brew vessel. For example, a valve on the brew vessel may be opened thereby coupling the brew vessel to an external environment of a lower pressure (e.g., a room, a container, a vessel, etc.). During step  150 , the cells of the ground coffee may receive nitrogen bubbles within the cells. As these bubbles break, the flavor compounds within the ground coffee may be released quickly, thereby allowing the flavor components to easily dissolve. Step  150  provides the final, brewed and nitrogenated coffee produced in step  182  with a target flavor. The length of time during which the pressure within the brew vessel is released in step  150  may be varied, controlled (e.g., according to a scheme or pattern), or otherwise modulated such that a target flavor of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee is achieved. 
     The filter unit used in step  160  may be configured to receive liquid from multiple brew vessels and to filter them simultaneously. The brew vessel may be coupled to the filter unit via a hose such that the brew vessel is coupled to a filter. In this manner, the filter unit may filter the contents of the brew vessel and then return the filtered contents to either the brew vessel or a storage vessel. The filter used in step  170  may be a variety of different filters suitable for filtering coffee grounds and other particulates from a brewed coffee. In one embodiment, the filter is a one micron Purenex™ filter. However, step  170  may utilize other sediment filters suitable for use in a reverse osmosis filtration system. The filter unit may be configured to receive multiple brew vessels at once. In one example, the filter unit is configured to receive six brew vessels. In another example, the filter unit is configured to receive ten brew vessels. The filter unit may use bag filters, cartridge filter, disk filters, and other similar filters. Similarly, filters having different filtration properties (e.g., different porosities, beta ratios, etc.) may also be used by the filter unit. 
     From the filter, coffee flows to the storage vessel. The beverage dispensing system may be various structures and devices configured to receive the storage vessel. For example, the beverage dispensing system may be a mobile cart, a bar, a cabinet, a refrigerator, a refrigerated compartment, a combination thereof, or any other suitable structure for beverage storage and dispensing. To install the storage vessel in the beverage dispensing system, the storages vessel may be connected to lines (e.g., pressurized lines, high pressure lines, hoses, tubes, etc.) from the beverage dispensing system. One of these lines leads directly to a faucet (e.g., stout faucet, tap, tapper, outlet, etc.) of the beverage dispensing system where a drinking or carrying receptacle may be filled with the brewed and nitrogenated coffee. Another of the lines leads directly to a pressurized tank (e.g., a bottle, canister, etc.). 
     The pressurized tank stores the nitrogen for use in step  182 . According to various embodiments, the beverage dispensing system is refrigerated such that the storage vessel is refrigerated. Additionally, the beverage dispensing system may be insulated (e.g., thermally, acoustically, etc.) such that any thermal losses from within the storage vessel are minimized. During step  182 , nitrogen exits the pressurized tank and is introduced to the storage vessel to pressurize the storage vessel to the target dispensing system pressure. In one embodiment, the target dispensing system pressure is approximately 310.3 kPa (e.g., 45 PSI). However, in other examples, the target dispensing system pressure may be other suitable pressures. In some applications, the target dispensing system pressure is a function of the storage vessel and/or the beverage dispensing system. 
     In various embodiments, the coffee is stored until dispensed from a faucet. The faucet may be a stout faucet including an agitator (e.g., restrictor plate). The agitator may be a device designed to limit the flow from the stout faucet such as a disk with a number of holes in it. When the brewed and nitrogenated coffee flows through the tiny holes in the agitator, the nitrogen comes out of solution and causes the brewed and nitrogenated coffee to foam. This effect may be referred to as a “cascade.” The stout faucet also includes a tap (e.g., handle) operable by an operator to dispense brewed and nitrogenated coffee. The tap may be a two position tap where each position corresponds to a different function such as pour and foam. 
     It is understood that brewing process  100  may include more or less steps depending on a target application and that the order of the aforementioned steps may be altered depending on the target application. For example, brewing process  100  may utilize pre-ground coffee beans thereby eliminating step  110  from brewing process  100 . Similarly, additional steps may be added to brewing process  100 . For example, an additive such as milk, cream, or flavoring may be added to the brewed coffee prior to dispensing. The following tables provide detailed insight into various non-limiting examples of brewing process  100 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Amount 
                 Target 
                 Duration 
                 Chill 
                 Filter 
                 Amount of 
               
               
                   
                 Fineness  
                 of water 
                 steeping 
                 of 
                 time 
                 pressure 
                 water used to 
               
               
                   
                 of ground 
                 added in 
                 pressure in 
                 steeping 
                 in 
                 in step 
                 rinse filter in 
               
               
                   
                 coffee 
                 step 120 
                 step 130 
                 time in 
                 step 
                 170 [kPa 
                 step 172 
               
               
                   
                 beans in 
                 [liters 
                 [kPa (PSI)] 
                 step 130 
                 140 
                 (PSI)] 
                 [liters 
               
               
                 Example 
                 step 110 
                 (gallons)] 
                 (gauge) 
                 [hours] 
                 [hours] 
                 (gauge) 
                 (gallons)] 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 Coarse 
                 75  
                 (19.8) 
                 310.3 (45) 
                 15 
                 0.00 
                 62.1  
                 (9) 
                 62.5  
                 (16.5) 
               
               
                 2 
                 Electric 
                 99.9  
                 (26.4) 
                 268.9 (39) 
                 15 
                 0.00 
                 34.5  
                 (5) 
                 37.5  
                 (9.9) 
               
               
                   
                 percolator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 grade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 Electric 
                 11.4  
                 (3) 
                 241.3 (35) 
                 11.5 
                 3 
                 62.1  
                 (9) 
                 9.5  
                 (2.5) 
               
               
                   
                 percolator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 grade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 Coarse 
                 15.1  
                 (4) 
                 268.9 (39) 
                 12 
                 9.3 
                 34.5  
                 (5) 
                 5.7  
                 (1.5) 
               
               
                 5 
                 Regular 
                 15.1  
                 (4) 
                 310.3 (45) 
                 14 
                 2 
                 55.2  
                 (8) 
                 0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 percolator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 grade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 6 
                 Regular 
                 15.1  
                 (4) 
                 310.3 (45) 
                 7 
                 7.5 
                 96.5  
                 (14) 
                 5.7  
                 (1.5) 
               
               
                   
                 percolator 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 grade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 Auto- 
                 11.4  
                 (3) 
                 186.2 (27) 
                 9.5 
                 3 
                 62.1  
                 (9) 
                 9.5  
                 (2.5) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 drip 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Amount of 
                 Amount of 
                 Amount of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 coffee 
                 water 
                 nitrogen 
               
               
                   
                   
                 [kilograms 
                 [liters 
                 [cubic meters 
               
               
                   
                 Example 
                 (pounds)] 
                 (gallons)] 
                 (cubic feet)] 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 1 
                  9 (19.8) 
                 137.4 (36.3) 
                 0.13 (4.6) 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 12 (26.4) 
                 137.4 (36.3) 
                 0.34 (12)  
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 1.4 (3)    
                 20.8 (5.5) 
                 0.02 (0.7) 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 2 (4.4) 
                 20.8 (5.5) 
                 0.06 (2)     
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 2 (4.4) 
                 15.1 (4)     
                 0.02 (0.7) 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 2 (4.4) 
                 20.8 (5.5) 
                 0.02 (0.7) 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 1.4 (3)    
                 20.8 (5.5) 
                 0.02 (0.7) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Beverage Dispensing System 
     According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 2-7 , a system, shown as beverage dispensing system  200 , is shown. Beverage dispensing system  200  includes a reservoir, shown as storage vessel  210  (e.g., keg, chamber, tank, bottle, vessel, etc.). While installed in beverage dispensing system  200 , storage vessel  210  is configured to hold brewed and nitrogenated coffee such as coffee brewed from brewing process  100 . In some applications, storage vessel  210  is refrigerated and/or insulated. Beverage dispensing system  200  also includes a meter, shown as flow meter  220 , coupled to storage vessel  210  and configured to detect the brewed and nitrogenated coffee flowing from storage vessel  210 . Flow meter  220  is configured to obtain flow information (e.g., data, measurements, characteristics, etc.) of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee flowing from storage vessel  210 . 
     Beverage dispensing system  200  also includes a valve, shown as valve  230 , and a heater (e.g., heating element, etc.), shown as heater  240 , coupled to flow meter  220  and configured to receive the brewed and nitrogenated coffee from flow meter  220 . Valve  230  is configured to be operable between an open position, where the brewed and nitrogenated coffee passes through valve  230 , and a second closed position, where the brewed and nitrogenated coffee is prevented from passage through valve  230 . Heater  240  is operable between an on state where heater  240  is configured to heat the brewed and nitrogenated coffee passing through heater  240  to a target temperature, and an off state where heater  240  does not heat the brewed and nitrogenated coffee passing through heater  240 . 
     Due to the nitrogen in the brewed and nitrogenated coffee, a foam head in the brewed and nitrogenated coffee is formed. Because the composition of the Earth&#39;s atmosphere contains approximately seventy-eight percent nitrogen, the nitrogen in the brewed and nitrogenated coffee tends to stay in the foam head. Advantageously, the foam head of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee is larger than a foam head of a typical coffee, resulting in a more desirable coffee. In some applications, the foam head of the heated, brewed and nitrogenated coffee may be maintained for at least five to ten minutes. 
     Beverage dispensing system  200  also includes a flow restrictor, shown as flow restrictor  250 , coupled to heater  240  and configured to regulate the flow of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee from heater  240 . Flow restrictor  250  limits the flow (i.e., decreases the flow rate) of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee flowing through heater  240 . Beverage dispensing system  200  also includes a faucet, shown as faucet  260  (e.g., stout faucet, etc.), coupled to valve  230  and flow restrictor  250  and configured to receive the brewed and nitrogenated coffee from valve  230  and the brewed and nitrogenated coffee from flow restrictor  250 . Faucet  260  is operable by an operator to dispense the liquid into a receptacle (e.g., cup, mug, glass, container, bottle, can, etc.). 
     Beverage dispensing system  200  also includes a processing circuit, shown as processing circuit  270 . Processing circuit  270  includes a processor, shown as processor  272 , and a memory, shown as memory  274 . Processing circuit  270  is electronically communicable with (e.g., electronically coupled to, etc.) flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , and a switch, shown as control switch  280  to receive input from an operator. Control switch  280  is configured to communicate with processing circuit  270  to control valve  230  and/or heater  204 . For example, the operator may interface with control switch  280  to articulate valve  230  from the open position to the closed position. Following this example, control switch  280  may be in a first position causing valve  230  to be in the open position and heater  240  to be in the off state. According to this example, when control switch  280  is in the first position, cold brewed and nitrogenated coffee may be dispensed. In this example, control switch  280  may also be in a second position causing valve  230  to be in the closed position and heater  240  to be in the on state. According to this example, when control switch  280  is in the second position, hot brewed and nitrogenated coffee may be dispensed. In this example, heater  240  receives all of the flow of brewed and nitrogenated coffee. 
     Processing circuit  270  is configured to relay information between control switch  280  and flow meter  220 , valve  230 , and heater  240 . Flow meter  220  is configured to provide information (e.g., data, measurements, characteristics, etc.) related to the flow of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee flowing from storage vessel  210  to processing circuit  270 . For example, flow meter  220  may provide a flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate, etc.) of the liquid flowing from storage vessel  210  to processing circuit  270 . 
     In some applications, beverage dispensing system  200  may be configured hold more than one storage vessel  210 . For example, beverage dispensing system  200  may be configured to hold two or more storage vessels  210 . According to this example, the two or more brew vessels  210  may be interconnected such that beverage dispensing system  200  need only be connected to one of the two or more brew vessels  210  to receive brewed and nitrogenated coffee from the two or more brew vessels  210 . Beverage dispensing system  200  may be configured to refrigerate and/or insulate storage vessel  210 . Storage vessel  210  may also be insulated independent from beverage dispensing system  200 . For example, storage vessel  210  may be vacuum insulated. In an alternative embodiment, processing circuit  270  is configured to be electronically communicable with storage vessel  210  to determine an amount of brewed and nitrogenated coffee remaining in storage vessel  210 . 
     Storage vessel  210  includes a coupler for coupling storage vessel  210  to flow meter  220 . According to various embodiments, the coupler is a Sankey coupler. However other couplers, such as Cornelius couplers, may also be used. In various embodiments, storage vessel  210  is configured to be nitrogenated prior to being inserted in beverage dispensing system  200 . However, in an alternative embodiment, storage vessel  210  may be nitrogenated after being inserted in beverage dispensing system  200  but before being coupled to flow meter  220 . Because of the relatively high pressure of nitrogen in the brew vessel after nitrogenation (e.g., the target dispensing system pressure) the nitrogen will come out of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee easily when poured and will remain largely entrained in a foam head. 
     In various applications, flow meter  220  is one of an infrared flow meter, a mechanical flow meter, a pressure-based meter, an optical flow meter, an open-channel flow meter, a thermal mass flow meter, a vortex flow meter, and electromagnetic flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, a Coriolis flow meter, and a laser Doppler flow meter. According to an exemplary embodiment, flow meter  220  is an infrared flow meter. Flow meter  220  may record a volume of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee passing through flow meter  220 . For example, in one embodiment, flow meter  220  is a Swissflow® infrared flow meter. Alternatively, flow meter  220  is Nutating disc flow meter. In an alternative embodiment, flow meter  220  is a rotameter. In various applications, valve  230  is an electronically controllable solenoid valve. However, valve  230  may be a ball valve, a gate, valve, a globe valve, a check valve, a butterfly valve, a safety valve, a plug valve, or any other suitable valve such that beverage dispensing system  200  is tailored for a target application. 
     Heater  240  may be defined by a target temperature of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee. In other applications, heater  240  may be defined by a temperature that heater  240  must attain. In various embodiments, heater  240  has a target temperature of between sixty degrees Celsius (e.g., one-hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit) and approximately 71.1 degrees Celsius (e.g., one-hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit). According to an exemplary embodiment, heater  240  has a target temperature of approximately 71.1 degrees Celsius (e.g., one-hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit). In some applications, the target temperature of heater  240  is variable and/or set to follow a specific pattern or curve. 
     According to various embodiments, heater  240  is a heat exchanger. For example, heater  240  may be a tubular heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger, or any other suitable heat exchanger such that beverage dispensing system  200  is tailored for a target application. The heat exchangers are configured to transfer heat from a hot fluid to the brewed and nitrogenated coffee. According to these embodiments, heater  240  may be turned off such that heating of the fluid flowing therethrough is ceased. Alternatively, heater  240  may be a heating element (e.g., metal heating element, ceramic heating element, polymer heating element, composite heating element, etc.) or a combination thereof. In another alternative embodiment, heater  240  is a waste heat recovery unit that recovers heat from a hot gas stream near beverage dispensing system  200 . For example, heater  240  may recover waste heat from the exhaust of an engine or from the vent of a stove or oven. Heater  240  may also utilize heated fluid from a solar water heater or water heater. Heater  240  may also be a condenser of a refrigeration circuit. For example, storage vessel  210  may be cooled by a refrigeration circuit that includes a condenser configured to be heater  240 . Alternatively, the condenser in such a refrigeration circuit may heat a fluid which is routed to heater  240 . 
     Flow restrictor  250  may be defined by an amount of flow that exits flow restrictor  250  to faucet  260  in a target amount of time (e.g., liters per minute, gallons per minute, etc.). Flow restrictor  250  may be chosen such that the brewed and nitrogenated coffee is present within heater  240  for a target amount of time in order to facilitate a desired increase in temperature of the brewed and nitrogenated coffee in heater  240 . In one embodiment, flow restrictor  250  is chosen such that the brewed and nitrogenated coffee achieves the target temperature in heater  240  (e.g., between sixty degrees Celsius (e.g., one-hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit) and approximately 71.1 degrees Celsius (e.g., one-hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit), etc.). Accordingly, flow restrictor  250  is placed downstream of heater  240 . However, beverage dispensing system  200  may include other flow restrictors in other locations in addition to flow restrictor  250 . In some applications, a flow restrictor  250  is a variable flow restrictor. In other applications, flow restrictor  250  is replaced by a valve similar to valve  230 . In those applications, the valve replacing flow restrictor  250  may be electrically coupled to processing circuit  270 . 
     Depending on the target application, beverage dispensing system  200  may have any number of faucets  260 . For example, in one embodiment, beverage dispensing system  200  has two faucets  260 , such as one corresponding to a light coffee and one corresponding to a dark coffee. However, following this embodiment, beverage dispensing system  200  may include a third faucet  260  for a mixture of the light coffee and the dark coffee. The third faucet  260  may correspond to a set and determined mixture of the light coffee and the dark coffee or may be adjustable so as to alter the ratio of light coffee to dark coffee as desired by the operator. Each faucet  260  may be independently coupled to storage vessel  210 . For example, in the case where beverage dispensing system  200  includes one faucet  260  for light coffee and one faucet  260  for dark coffee, the faucet  260  for the light coffee may be coupled to a first storage vessel  210  and the second faucet  260  may be coupled to a second storage vessel  210 . 
     According to various embodiments, processing circuit  270  communicates with various components (e.g., flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , flow restrictor  250 , etc.) of beverage dispensing system  200  via wired communications. However, in some alternative embodiments, processing circuit  270  leverages wireless communications technologies such as near field communications, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, cellular networks, and other wireless communications technologies to communicate with various components (e.g., flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , flow restrictor  250 , etc.) of beverage dispensing system  200  such that beverage dispensing system  200  is tailored for a target application. Various components (e.g., flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , flow restrictor  250 , etc.) of beverage dispensing system  200  may communicate such that operation of one of the various components may influence operation of another of the various components. 
     Similarly, processing circuit  270  may utilize wireless communications technologies to communicate with external mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, computers, smart devices (e.g., watches, eye ware, bracelets, etc.), laptops, and other mobile devices such that beverage dispensing system  200  is tailored for a target application. For example, beverage dispensing system  200  may leverage wireless communications technologies to receive an order at processing circuit  270  from a customer&#39;s external mobile device through a mobile application. If an order is received by processing circuit  270  from a mobile application, processing circuit  270  may transmit an order confirmation back to the external mobile device of the customer. The order confirmation may include a location of beverage dispensing system  200  and an estimated order completion time. Similarly, processing circuit  270  may transmit an alert to the customer indicating that the order is ready for pick up at beverage dispensing system  200 . The customer may also utilize the mobile application to visualize a location of beverage dispensing system  200  (e.g., on a map, etc.). In some embodiments, beverage dispensing system  200  is communicable with a computer external to beverage dispensing system  200  such that the operator can monitor and interact with beverage dispensing system  200  remotely. For example, the operator may use the computer external to beverage dispensing system  200  to turn on and off heater  240 . In another example, the operator may use the computer external to beverage dispensing system  200  to monitor the capacity (e.g., the remaining brewed and nitrogenated coffee, etc.) of storage vessel  210 . 
     The mobile application may be accessed through the use of an external mobile device. According to various embodiments, the mobile application provides a location of the customer to beverage dispensing system  200  such that an order may be delivered to a customer&#39;s location. The mobile application may allow the customer to place an order, check on the status of an existing order, view order history, access news and social media posts related to beverage dispensing system  200 , and other actions related to beverage dispensing system  200 . In some embodiments, the mobile application displays a location of beverage dispensing system  200  on a map, such that the customer can easily locate beverage dispensing system  200 . The mobile application may allow the customer to communicate with other friends regarding the location of beverage dispensing system  200  (e.g., on social media). The mobile application may store customer preferences for an order, such as details of a most recent order, thereby simplifying the ordering process for the customer. 
     In some circumstances, the customer may utilize the mobile application to purchase a coffee for a different customer. In this case, the processing circuit receives the order and alerts the second customer that a gift has been made through a notification displayed on a display of a second external mobile device (e.g., “JOHN DOE HAS GIVEN YOU A COFFEE! SAY THANK YOU!” etc.). Alternatively, the second customer receives a notification on a display of an external mobile device of the second customer indicating that an order has been placed. This indication may include a location of beverage dispensing system  200 , an option to redeem the coffee at a later date, an option to send a personalized message to the customer who purchased the coffee, and an option to purchase a coffee for the customer who purchased the coffee for the second customer. If the personalized message is selected, the customer may receive a notification on a display of an external mobile device including the personalized message. In other words, the notification activates the screen on the second external mobile display in order to display the notification. This notification may also include the location of beverage dispensing system  200 . 
     Information from use of the mobile application by customers may be available to the operator. For example, the mobile application may inform the operator of beverage dispensing system  200  where customers are concentrated on a map, or the location of customers who have placed orders. Similarly, the mobile application may store historical data for the operator such that the operator can predict where past and/or potential customers may be depending on various factors such as the day, the time, the weather, local events, and social media posts. In some alternative examples, the mobile application can plan a suggested route for the operator, based on the aforementioned information, to follow to maximize interaction with the past and/or potential customers. 
     In some applications, control switch  280  includes a number of toggle switches, knobs, dials, levers, or other suitable switches such that beverage dispensing system  200  is tailored for a target application. Control switch  280  is operable between a first position and a second position. Control switch  280  may be a single switch or may be multiple switches. Control switch  280  may be an interactive touch screen configured to digitally display the switches and to display real time information related to the various components (e.g., flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , flow restrictor  250 , etc.) of beverage dispensing system  200 . In an alternative embodiment, control switch  280  is built into a handle of faucet  260 . For example, articulation of the handle in one direction (e.g., backward) may dispense brewed and nitrogenated coffee from faucet  260  while the heater is off while articulation in another direction (e.g., forward) may dispense brewed and nitrogenated coffee from faucet  260  while the heater is on. 
     According to various embodiments, control switch  280  is structurally coupled to (e.g., attached to, etc.) beverage dispensing system  200 . In an alternative embodiment, processing circuit  270  is configured to communicate with an external mobile device belonging to the operator of beverage dispensing system  200  and to access a mobile application for beverage dispensing system  200 . Following this alternative embodiment, the operator of beverage dispensing system  200  can interface with the various components (e.g., flow meter  220 , valve  230 , heater  240 , flow restrictor  250 , etc.) of beverage dispensing system  200  through the mobile application on the external mobile device. Similarly, the operator can leverage the mobile application to remotely monitor metrics of beverage dispensing system  200 . The metrics may include a measurement of how much brewed and nitrogenated coffee is remaining in the brew vessel and/or a capacity of storage vessel  210 . The measurement of how much brewed and nitrogenated coffee is remaining in the brew vessel may be calculated by comparing flow measurements from flow meter  220  to the capacity of storage vessel  210 . The capacity of storage vessel  210  may be a constant quantity, known to processing circuit  270 . In some circumstances, processing circuit  270  computes a suggested route for beverage dispensing system  200  to travel. The suggested route may be chosen based on current orders from customers, order history from customers (i.e., which areas have had high sales, etc.), nearby events (e.g., sporting events, etc.), and social media posts. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , beverage dispensing system  200  includes a display, shown as display panel  600 . Display panel  600  may include interactive buttons that facilitate interaction of the operator with beverage dispensing system  200  (e.g., buttons to change the target temperature of heater  240 , etc.). Display panel  600  may be electronically communicable with processing circuit  270 . Similar displays may also be incorporated in other manners on beverage dispensing system  200 . For example, beverage dispensing system  200  may include a touch screen display that may be utilized by a customer for order placement. Similarly, beverage dispensing system  200  may include display screens that are configured to display advertisement material. Beverage dispensing system  200  may further include display screens to indicate when a target customer&#39;s order is ready. 
     Beverage dispensing system  200  is configured to be powered by either alternating current (AC) electrical power or direct current (DC) electrical power. In one embodiment, beverage dispensing system  200  is electrically coupled to an AC wall socket configured to provide a standard voltage (e.g., 120 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, etc.). In another embodiment, beverage dispensing system  200  is electrically coupled to a battery. The battery may be electrically coupled to an electrical power generation mechanism such as a solar panel array or a fuel cell. Similarly, beverage dispensing system  200  may utilize electrical power from multiple sources simultaneously. For example, beverage dispensing system  200  may utilize a propane source for heater  240  while utilizing a battery for flow meter  220 , valve  230 , processing circuit  270 , and control switch  280 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a system, shown as mobile delivery system  700 , includes beverage dispensing system  200  along with a plurality of wheels, shown as wheels  710 , and a handle, shown as handle  720 . An operator of mobile delivery system  700  may interact with (e.g., push) handle  720  such that mobile delivery system  700  moves beverage dispensing system  200  along a path via wheels  710 . According to various embodiments, mobile delivery system  700  is used to deliver brewed and nitrogenated coffee to customers at locations remote from a conventional (e.g., brick and mortar, etc.) storefront. For example, mobile delivery system  700  may be utilized by an operator to deliver brewed and nitrogenated coffee at a beach, park, festival, convention, sporting event, or other event. Mobile delivery system  700  may be used to both deliver orders and to prepare brewed and nitrogenated coffee for new orders using beverage dispensing system  200 . According to one embodiment, mobile delivery system  700  facilitates customer selection between at least two different types of brewed and nitrogenated coffee from beverage dispensing system  200 . In one example, mobile delivery system  700  facilitates a customer selection between a light brewed and nitrogenated coffee and a dark brewed and nitrogenated coffee. 
     Mobile delivery system  700  can be configured to be tailored to a target application. Mobile delivery cart may be a hand cart, a dolly, a vendor cart, a food services cart, a hot dog cart, an ice cream cart, or any other suitable cart structure. Mobile delivery system  700  may include heater  240  mounted on the back of beverage dispensing system  200 , underneath handle  720 . Similarly, various devices and objects may also be coupled to mobile delivery system. For example, a storage unit for receptacles (e.g., cups, etc.), an umbrella, speakers, and other devices and objects may be coupled to mobile delivery system  700 . In one embodiment, beverage dispensing system  200  includes an access panel (e.g., door) underneath handle  720  such that the operator can interact with storage vessel  210  without moving away from handle  720 . According to one embodiment, mobile delivery system  700  includes four wheels. However, more or less wheels  710  may be included. For example, mobile delivery system may include two wheels on one end and two rests on another end. Following this example, the operator may move mobile delivery system  700  by lifting off of the rests and using the two wheels  710 . 
     Even though brewing process  100 , beverage dispensing system  200 , and mobile delivery system  700  have been shown and described relative to brewed and nitrogenated coffee, it is understood that brewing process  100  and beverage dispensing system  200  may similarly be used with other types of beverages. According to various embodiments, the liquid dispensed by beverage dispensing system  200  is a hot or cold beverage. For example, beverage dispensing system  200  may dispense hot or cold (e.g., “iced,” etc.) coffee, tea, milk, hot cocoa, hot chocolate, espresso, cider, asiatico, eggnog, water, lemonade, sake, soda, punch, or any other suitable beverage such that beverage dispensing system  200  may be tailored for a target application. Similarly, brewing process  100  may be adapted to produce various hot or cold (e.g., “iced,” etc.) beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, hot cocoa, hot chocolate, espresso, cider, asiatico, eggnog, water, lemonade, sake, soda, punch, or any other suitable beverage. Depending on the beverage, more or less steps than those illustrated by brewing process  100  may be necessary. The following example illustrates an implementation of brewing process  100  to produce hot cocoa where the hot cocoa is nitrogenated at 310.3 kPa (45 PSI). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Amount of Cocoa Beans [kilograms (pounds)] 
                 0.34 
                 (0.75) 
               
               
                   
                 Amount of water [liters (gallons)] 
                 5.7 
                 (1.5) 
               
               
                   
                 Amount of nitrogen [cubic meters (cubic feet)] 
                 0.02 
                 (0.7) 
               
               
                   
                 Amount of water added in step 120 [liters 
                 3.8 
                 (1) 
               
               
                   
                 (gallons)] 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Target steeping pressure in step 130 [kPa 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 (PSI)] (gauge) 
               
               
                   
                 Duration of steeping time in step 130 [hours] 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Chill time in step 140 [hours] 
                 0.17 
               
               
                   
                 Filter pressure in step 170 [kPa (PSI)] (gauge) 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Amount of water used to rinse filter in step 172 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 [liters (gallons)] 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the multi-section refuse ejector as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.