Patent Publication Number: US-11031693-B2

Title: RFID system with an eddy current trap

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/475,500 filed Mar. 31, 2017 and entitled RFID System with and Eddy Current Trap, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,333,224 issued Jun. 25, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/048,570, filed Feb. 19, 2016 and entitled RFID System with and Eddy Current Trap, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,614,285, issued Apr. 4, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/035,438, filed Feb. 25, 2011 and entitled RFID System with and Eddy Current Trap, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,270,010, issued Feb. 23, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/308,655, filed Feb. 26, 2010 and entitled RFID System With An Eddy Current Trap, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/035,438, filed Feb. 25, 2011 and entitled RFID System with and Eddy Current Trap, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,270,010, issued Feb. 23, 2016 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/469,545, filed May 20, 2009, and entitled RFID System, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,740, issued Nov. 20, 2012 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/205,681, filed Sep. 5, 2008, entitled RFID System and Method, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,325,045, issued Dec. 4, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/092,396, filed Aug. 27, 2008, entitled RFID System and Method; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/970,497, filed Sep. 6, 2007, entitled RFID System and Method; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/054,757, filed May 20, 2008, entitled RFID System and Method, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/469,545 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/168,364, filed Apr. 10, 2009, entitled Systems, Devices, and Methods for Communication Using Split Ring Resonators, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to an RFID system and, more particularly, to an RFID system including at least one loop antenna, at least one split ring resonator and at least one eddy current trap. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Processing systems may combine one or more ingredients to form a product. Unfortunately, such systems are often static in configuration and are only capable of generating a comparatively limited number of products. While such systems may be capable of being reconfigured to generate other products, such reconfiguration may require extensive changes to mechanical/electrical/software systems. 
     For example, in order to make a different product, new components may need to be added, such as e.g., new valves, lines, manifolds, and software subroutines. Such extensive modifications may be required due to existing devices/processes within the processing system being non-reconfigurable and having a single dedicated use, thus requiring that additional components be added to accomplish new tasks. 
     SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE 
     In a first implementation, an RFID antenna assembly configured to be energized with a carrier signal. The RFID antenna assembly includes an inductive component including a loop antenna assembly, at least one capacitive component coupled to the inductive component, and an eddy current trap positioned a predetermined distance from the loop antenna assembly. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate a first slot assembly to detect the presence of a first RFID tag assembly within the first slot assembly and not detect the presence of a second RFID tag assembly within a second slot assembly that is adjacent to the first slot assembly. The circumference of the loop antenna assembly may be approximately 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. 
     The at least one capacitive component may include a first capacitive component configured to couple a port on which the carrier signal is received and a ground. The at least one capacitive component may include a second capacitive component configured to couple the port on which the carrier signal is received and the inductive component. 
     In another implementation, an RFID antenna assembly is configured to be energized with a carrier signal. The RFID antenna assembly includes an inductive component having a loop antenna assembly. The circumference of the loop antenna assembly is no more than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. At least one capacitive component is coupled to the inductive component and an eddy current trap positioned a predetermined distance from the loop antenna assembly. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate a first slot assembly to detect the presence of a first RFID tag assembly within the first slot assembly and not detect the presence of a second RFID tag assembly within a second slot assembly that is adjacent to the first slot assembly. The circumference of the loop antenna assembly may be approximately 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. 
     The at least one capacitive component may include a first capacitive component configured to couple a port on which the carrier signal is received and a ground. The at least one capacitive component may include a second capacitive component configured to couple the port on which the carrier signal is received and the inductive component. 
     In another implementation, an RFID antenna assembly is configured to be energized with a carrier signal. The RFID antenna assembly includes an inductive component having a multi-segment loop antenna assembly. The multi-segment loop antenna assembly includes: at least a first antenna segment having at least a first phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a first antenna segment. At least a second antenna segment includes at least a second phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a second antenna segment. The length of each antenna segment is no more than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. At least one matching component is configured to adjust the impedance of the multi-segment loop antenna assembly. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate an access assembly and to allow RFID-based actuation of the access assembly. At least one of the first phase shift element and the second phase shift element may include a capacitive component. The length of each antenna segment may be approximately 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. 
     A first matching component may be configured to couple a port on which the carrier signal is received and a ground. The first matching component may include a capacitive component. A second matching component may be configured to couple the port on which the carrier signal is received and the inductive component. The second matching component may include a capacitive component. 
     In another implementation, a magnetic field focusing assembly includes a magnetic field generating device configured to generate a magnetic field, a split ring resonator assembly configured to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic field generating device and configured to focus at least a portion of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field generating device and an eddy current trap positioned a predetermined distance from the magnetic field generating device. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The magnetic field generating device may include an antenna assembly. The split ring resonator assembly may be constructed of a metamaterial. The split ring resonator assembly may be constructed of a non-ferrous material. The split ring resonator assembly may be configured to be generally planar and have a geometric shape. 
     The magnetic field generating device may be configured to be energized by a carrier signal having a defined frequency and the split ring resonator assembly may be configured to have a resonant frequency that is approximately 5-10% higher than the defined frequency of the carrier signal. 
     The magnetic field generating device may be configured to be energized with a carrier signal and may include an inductive component including a loop antenna assembly. The circumference of the loop antenna assembly may be no more than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. At least one capacitive component may be coupled to the inductive component. 
     The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate a first slot assembly to detect the presence of a first RFID tag assembly within the first slot assembly and not detect the presence of a second RFID tag assembly within a second slot assembly that is adjacent to the first slot assembly. The circumference of the loop antenna assembly may be approximately 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. The at least one capacitive component may include a first capacitive component configured to couple a port on which the carrier signal is received and a ground. The at least one capacitive component may include a second capacitive component configured to couple the port on which the carrier signal is received and the inductive component. 
     The magnetic field generating device may be configured to be energized with a carrier signal and may include an inductive component including a multi-segment loop antenna assembly. The multi-segment loop antenna assembly may include at least a first antenna segment including at least a first phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a first antenna segment. At least a second antenna segment may include at least a second phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a second antenna segment. The length of each antenna segment may be no more than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. At least one matching component may be configured to adjust the impedance of the multi-segment loop antenna assembly. 
     The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate an access assembly and to allow RFID-based actuation of the access assembly. At least one of the first phase shift element and the second phase shift element may include a capacitive component. The length of each antenna segment may be approximately 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. A first matching component may be configured to couple a port on which the carrier signal is received and a ground. The first matching component may include a capacitive component. A second matching component may be configured to couple the port on which the carrier signal is received and the inductive component. The second matching component may include a capacitive component. 
     In another implementation, an RFID antenna assembly is configured to be energized with a carrier signal. The RFID antenna assembly includes an inductive component having a multi-segment loop antenna assembly. The multi-segment loop antenna assembly includes at least a first antenna segment having at least a first phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a first antenna segment. At least a second antenna segment includes at least a second phase shift element configured to reduce the phase shift of the carrier signal within the at least a second antenna segment. The RFID antenna assembly includes at least one far field antenna assembly. The length of each antenna segment is no more than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. At least one matching component is configured to adjust the impedance of the multi-segment loop antenna assembly. The assembly also includes an eddy current trap positioned a predetermined distance from the multi-segment loop antenna assembly. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The inductive component may be configured to be positioned proximate an access assembly of a processing system and to allow RFID-based actuation of the access assembly. The far field antenna assembly may be a dipole antenna assembly. The far field antenna assembly may include a first antenna portion and a second antenna portion. The sum length of the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion may be greater than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal. 
     These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a processing system; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a control logic subsystem included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a high volume ingredient subsystem included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a micro ingredient subsystem included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a plumbing/control subsystem included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a user interface subsystem included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of one embodiment of an RFID system included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the RFID system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is another diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the RFID system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an RFID antenna assembly included within the RFID system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of one embodiment of an antenna loop assembly of the RFID antenna assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a split ring resonator for use with the antenna loop assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIGS.  11 B 1 - 11 B 16  are various flux plot diagrams illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced an inductive loop assembly without and with a split ring resonator assembly at various phase angles of a carrier signal; 
         FIG. 11C  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the RFID system of  FIG. 7  including one embodiment of the split ring resonators of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is one embodiment of a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of the split ring resonator of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12B  is one embodiment of a schematic diagram of a tuning circuit for use with the split ring resonator of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  are examples of alternative embodiments of the split ring resonator of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 14  is one embodiment of an isometric view of a housing assembly for housing the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is one embodiment of a diagrammatic view of an RFID access antenna assembly included within the processing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15B  is one embodiment of a diagrammatic view of a split ring resonator for use with the RFID access antenna assembly of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a preferred embodiment of a diagrammatic view of the RFID access antenna assembly of  FIG. 15A ; and 
         FIG. 16B  is a preferred embodiment of a diagrammatic view of a split ring resonator for use with the RFID access antenna assembly of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 17  is one embodiment of a schematic diagram of a tuning circuit for use with the RFID access antenna assembly of  FIGS. 15A &amp; 15B ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a current trap and antenna assembly; 
         FIG. 18B  is a diagrammatic view of the Eddy Current Trap shown in  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of split ring resonators on a board; 
         FIGS. 20A-20G  show testing results showing two loop antennas, according to one embodiment, with and without an Eddy Current Trap, according to one embodiment, installed; and 
         FIG. 21  shows one embodiment of a loop antenna. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Described herein is a product dispensing system. The system includes one or more modular components, also termed “subsystems”. Although exemplary systems are described herein, in various embodiments, the product dispensing system may include one or more of the subsystems described, but the product dispensing system is not limited to only one or more of the subsystems described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, additional subsystems may be used in the product dispensing system. 
     The following disclosure will discuss the interaction and cooperation of various electrical components, mechanical components, electro-mechanical components, and software processes (i.e., “subsystems”) that allow for the mixing and processing of various ingredients to form a product. Examples of such products may include but are not limited to: dairy-based products (e.g., milkshakes, floats, malts, frappes); coffee-based products (e.g., coffee, cappuccino, espresso); soda-based products (e.g., floats, soda w/fruit juice); tea-based products (e.g., iced tea, sweet tea, hot tea); water-based products (e.g., spring water, flavored spring water, spring water w/vitamins, high-electrolyte drinks, high-carbohydrate drinks); solid-based products (e.g., trail mix, granola-based products, mixed nuts, cereal products, mixed grain products); medicinal products (e.g., infusible medicants, injectable medicants, ingestible medicants, dialysates); alcohol-based products (e.g., mixed drinks, wine spritzers, soda-based alcoholic drinks, water-based alcoholic drinks, beer with flavor “shots”); industrial products (e.g., solvents, paints, lubricants, stains); and health/beauty aid products (e.g., shampoos, cosmetics, soaps, hair conditioners, skin treatments, topical ointments). 
     The products may be produced using one or more “ingredients”. Ingredients may include one or more fluids, powders, solids or gases. The fluids, powders, solids, and/or gases may be reconstituted or diluted within the context of processing and dispensing. The products may be a fluid, solid, powder or gas. 
     The various ingredients may be referred to as “macroingredients”, “microingredients”, or “large volume microingredients”. One or more of the ingredients used may be contained within a housing, i.e., part of a product dispensing machine. However, one or more of the ingredients may be stored or produced outside the machine. For example, in some embodiments, water (in various qualities) or other ingredients used in high volume may be stored outside of the machine (for example, in some embodiments, high fructose corn syrup may be stored outside the machine), while other ingredients, for example, ingredients in powder form, concentrated ingredients, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and/or gas cylinders may be stored within the machine itself. 
     Various combinations of the above-referenced electrical components, mechanical components, electro-mechanical components, and software processes are discussed below. While combinations are described below that disclose e.g., the production of beverages and medicinal products (e.g., dialysates) using various subsystems, this is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, rather, exemplary embodiments of ways in which the subsystems may work together to create/dispense a product. Specifically, the electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes (each of which will be discussed below in greater detail) may be used to produce any of the above-referenced products or any other products similar thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a generalized-view of processing system  10  that is shown to include a plurality of subsystems namely: storage subsystem  12 , control logic subsystem  14 , high volume ingredient subsystem  16 , microingredient subsystem  18 , plumbing/control subsystem  20 , user interface subsystem  22 , and nozzle  24 . Each of the above describes subsystems  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  will be described below in greater detail. 
     During use of processing system  10 , user  26  may select a particular product  28  for dispensing (into container  30 ) using user interface subsystem  22 . Via user interface subsystem  22 , user  26  may select one or more options for inclusion within such product. For example, options may include but are not limited to the addition of one or more ingredients. In one exemplary embodiment, the system is a system for dispensing a beverage. In this embodiment, the use may select various flavorings (e.g. including but not limited to lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, chocolate flavoring, and vanilla flavoring) into a beverage; the addition of one or more nutraceuticals (e.g. including but not limited to Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B 6 , Vitamin Bi 2 , and Zinc) into a beverage; the addition of one or more other beverages (e.g. including but not limited to coffee, milk, lemonade, and iced tea) into a beverage; and the addition of one or more food products (e.g. ice cream, yogurt) into a beverage. 
     Once user  26  makes the appropriate selections, via user interface subsystem  22 , user interface subsystem  22  may send the appropriate data signals (via data bus  32 ) to control logic subsystem  14 . Control logic subsystem  14  may process these data signals and may retrieve (via data bus  34 ) one or more recipes chosen from plurality of recipes  36  maintained on storage subsystem  12 . The term “recipe” refers to instructions for processing/creating the requested product. Upon retrieving the recipe(s) from storage subsystem  12 , control logic subsystem  14  may process the recipe(s) and provide the appropriate control signals (via data bus  38 ) to e.g. high volume ingredient subsystem  16  microingredient subsystem  18  (and, in some embodiments, large volume microingredients, not shown, which may be included in the description with respect to microingredients with respect to processing. With respect to the subsystems for dispensing these large volume microingredients, in some embodiments, an alternate assembly from the microingredient assembly, may be used to dispense these large volume microingredients), and plumbing/control subsystem  20 , resulting in the production of product  28  (which is dispensed into container  30 ). 
     Referring also to  FIG. 2 , a diagrammatic view of control logic subsystem  14  is shown. Control logic subsystem  14  may include microprocessor  100  (e.g., an ARM microprocessor produced by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.), nonvolatile memory (e.g. read only memory  102 ), and volatile memory (e.g. random access memory  104 ); each of which may be interconnected via one or more data/system buses  106 ,  108 . As discussed above, user interface subsystem  22  may be coupled to control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  32 . 
     Control logic subsystem  14  may also include an audio subsystem  110  for providing e.g. an analog audio signal to speaker  112 , which may be incorporated into processing system  10 . Audio subsystem  110  may be coupled to microprocessor  100  via data/system bus  114 . 
     Control logic subsystem  14  may execute an operating system, examples of which may include but are not limited to Microsoft Windows CE™, Redhat Linux™, Palm OS™, or a device-specific (i.e., custom) operating system. 
     The instruction sets and subroutines of the above-described operating system, which may be stored on storage subsystem  12 , may be executed by one or more processors (e.g. microprocessor  100 ) and one or more memory architectures (e.g. readonly memory  102  and/or random access memory  104 ) incorporated into control logic subsystem  14 . 
     Storage subsystem  12  may include, for example, a hard disk drive, an optical drive, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a CF (i.e., compact flash) card, an SD (i.e., secure digital) card, a SmartMedia card, a Memory Stick, and a MultiMedia card, for example. 
     As discussed above, storage subsystem  12  may be coupled to control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  34 . Control logic subsystem  14  may also include storage controller  116  (shown in phantom) for converting signals provided by microprocessor  100  into a format usable by storage system  12 . Further, storage controller  116  may convert signals provided by storage subsystem  12  into a format usable by microprocessor  100 . In some embodiments, an Ethernet connection may also be included. 
     As discussed above, high-volume ingredient subsystem  16  (also referred to herein as “macroingredients”), microingredient subsystem  18  and/or plumbing/control subsystem  20  may be coupled to control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  38 . Control logic subsystem  14  may include bus interface  118  (shown in phantom) for converting signals provided by microprocessor  100  into a format usable by high-volume ingredient subsystem  16 , microingredient subsystem  18  and/or plumbing/control subsystem  20 . Further, bus interface  118  may convert signals provided by high-volume ingredient subsystem  16 , microingredient subsystem  18  and/or plumbing/control subsystem  20  into a format usable by microprocessor  100 . 
     As will be discussed below in greater detail, control logic subsystem  14  may execute one or more control processes  120  that may control the operation of processing system  10 . The instruction sets and subroutines of control processes  120 , which may be stored on storage subsystem  12 , may be executed by one or more processors (e.g. microprocessor  100 ) and one or more memory architectures (e.g. read-only memory  102  and/or random access memory  104 ) incorporated into control logic subsystem  14 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 3 , a diagrammatic view of high-volume ingredient subsystem  16  and plumbing/control subsystem  20  are shown. High-volume ingredient subsystem  16  may include containers for housing consumables that are used at a rapid rate when making product  28 . For example, high-volume ingredient subsystem  16  may include carbon dioxide supply  150 , water supply  152 , and high fructose corn syrup supply  154 . The high-volume ingredients, in some embodiments, may be located within close proximity to the other subsystems. An example of carbon dioxide supply  150  may include but is not limited to a tank (not shown) of compressed, gaseous carbon dioxide. An example of water supply  152  may include but is not limited to a municipal water supply (not shown), a distilled water supply, a filtered water supply, a reverse-osmosis (“RO”) water supply, or other desired water supply. An example of high fructose corn syrup supply  154  may include but is not limited to one or more tank(s) (not shown) of highly-concentrated, high fructose corn syrup, or one or more bag-in-box packages of high-fructose corn syrup. 
     High-volume, ingredient subsystem  16  may include a carbonator  156  for generating carbonated water from carbon dioxide gas (provided by carbon dioxide supply  150 ) and water (provided by water supply  152 ). Carbonated water  158 , water  160  and high fructose corn syrup  162  may be provided to cold plate assembly  163  e.g., in embodiments where a product is being dispensed in which it may be desired to be cooled. In some embodiments, the cold plate assembly may not be included as part of the dispensing systems or may be bypassed. Cold plate assembly  163  may be designed to chill carbonated water  158 , water  160 , and high fructose corn syrup  162  down to a desired serving temperature (e.g. 40° F.). 
     While a single cold plate assembly  163  is shown to chill carbonated water  158 , water  160 , and high fructose corn syrup  162 , this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, an individual cold plate assembly may be used to chill each of carbonated water  158 , water  160  and high fructose corn syrup  162 . Once chilled, chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166 , and chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  may be provided to plumbing/control subsystem  20 . And in still other embodiments, a cold plate may not be included. In some embodiments, at least one hot plate may be included. 
     Although the plumbing is depicted as having the order shown, in some embodiments, this order is not used. For example, the flow control modules described herein may be configured in a different order, i.e., flow measuring device, binary valve and then variable line impendence. 
     For descriptive purposes, the system will be described below with reference to using the system to dispense soft drinks as a product, i.e., the macroingredients/high-volume ingredients described will include high-fructose corn syrup, carbonated water and water. However, in other embodiments of the dispensing system, the macroingredients themselves, and the number of macroingredients, may vary. 
     For illustrative purposes, plumbing/control subsystem  20  is shown to include three flow measuring devices  170 ,  172 ,  174 , which measure the volume of chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166  and chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  (respectively). Flow measuring devices  170 ,  172 ,  174  may provide feedback signals  176 ,  178 ,  180  (respectively) to feedback controller systems  182 ,  184 ,  186  (respectively). 
     Feedback controller systems  182 ,  184 ,  186  (which will be discussed below in greater detail) may compare flow feedback signals  176 ,  178 ,  180  to the desired flow volume (as defined for each of chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166  and chilled high fructose corn syrup  168 ; respectively). Upon processing flow feedback signals  176 ,  178 ,  180 , feedback controller systems  182 ,  184 ,  186  (respectively) may generate flow control signals  188 ,  190 ,  192  (respectively) that may be provided to variable line impedances  194 ,  196 ,  198  (respectively). An example of variable line impedance  194 ,  196 ,  198  is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,683 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) and U.S. Publication No.: 2007/0085049 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Variable line impedances  194 ,  196 ,  198  may regulate the flow of chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166  and chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  passing through lines  206 ,  208 ,  210  (respectively), which are provided to nozzle  24  and (subsequently) container  30 . However, additional embodiments of the variable line impedances are described herein. 
     Lines  206 ,  208 ,  210  may additionally include solenoid valves  200 ,  202 ,  204  (respectively) for preventing the flow of fluid through lines  206 ,  208 ,  210  during times when fluid flow is not desired/required (e.g. during shipping, maintenance procedures, and downtime). 
     As discussed above,  FIG. 3  merely provides an illustrative view of plumbing control subsystem  20 . Accordingly, the manner in which plumbing/control subsystem  20  is illustrated is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, some or all of the functionality of feedback controller systems  182 ,  184 ,  186  may be incorporated into control logic subsystem  14 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , a diagrammatic top-view of microingredient subsystem  18  and plumbing/control subsystem  20  is shown. Microingredient subsystem  18  may include product module assembly  250 , which may be configured to releasably engage one or more product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 , which may be configured to hold microingredients for use when making product  28 . The microingredients may be substrates that may be used in making the product Examples of such micro ingredients/substrates may include but are not limited to a first portion of a soft drink flavoring, a second portion of a soft drink flavoring, coffee flavoring, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals; and may be fluids, powders or solids. However and for illustrative purposes, the description below refers to microingredients that are fluids. In some embodiments, the microingredients may be powders or solids. Where a microingredient is a powder, the system may include an additional subsystem for metering the powder and/or reconstituting the powder (although, as described in examples below, where the microingredient is a powder, the powder may be reconstituted as part of the methods of mixing the product. 
     Product module assembly  250  may include a plurality of slot assemblies  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266  configured to releasably engage plurality of product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 . In this particular example, product module assembly  250  is shown to include four slot assemblies (namely slots  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ) and, therefore, may be referred to as a quad product module assembly. When positioning one or more of product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  within product module assembly  250 , a product container (e.g. product container  254 ) may be slid into a slot assembly (e.g. slot assembly  262 ) in the direction of arrow  268 . Although as shown herein, in the exemplary embodiment, a “quad product module” assembly is described, in other embodiments, more or less product may be contained within a module assembly Depending on the product being dispensed by the dispensing system, the numbers of product containers may vary. Thus, the numbers of product contained within any module assembly may be application specific, and may be selected to satisfy any desired characteristic of the system, including, but not limited to, efficiency, necessity and/or function of the system. 
     For illustrative purposes, each slot assembly of product module assembly  250  is shown to include a pump assembly. For example, slot assembly  252  shown to include pump assembly  270 ; slot assembly  262  shown to include pump assembly  272 ; slot assembly  264  is shown to include pump assembly  274 ; and slot assembly  266  is shown to include pump assembly  276 . 
     Each of pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276  may include an inlet port for releasably engaging a product orifice included within the product container. For example, pump assembly  272  a shown to include inlet port  278  that is configured to releasably engage container orifice  280  included within product container  254 . Inlet port  278  and/or product orifice  280  may include one or more sealing assemblies (e.g., one or more o-rings/luer fittings; not shown) to facilitate a leakproof seal. 
     An example of one or more of pump assembly  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276  may include but is not limited to a solenoid piston pump assembly that provides a defined and consistent amount of fluid each time that one or more of pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276  are energized. In one embodiment, such pumps are available from ULKA Costruzioni Elettromeccaniche S.p.A. of Pavia, Italy. For example, each time a pump assembly (e.g. pump assembly  274 ) is energized by control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  38 , the pump assembly may provide a calibrated volume of the root beer flavoring included within product container  256 . Again, for illustrative purposes only, the microingredients are fluids in this section of the description. 
     Other examples of pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276  and various pumping techniques are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,161 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,482 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,162 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,515 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,357 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the pump assembly may be any of the pump assemblies and may use any of the pump techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,823 (which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). 
     The above-cited references describe non-limiting examples of pneumatically actuated membrane-based pumps that may be used to pump fluids. A pump assembly based on a pneumatically actuated membrane may be advantageous, for one or more reasons, including but not limited to, ability to deliver quantities, for example, microliter quantities, of fluids of various compositions reliably and precisely over a large number of duty cycles; and/or because the pneumatically actuated pump may require less electrical power because it may use pneumatic power, for example, from a carbon dioxide source. Additionally, a membrane-based pump may not require a dynamic seal, in which the surface moves with respect to the seal. Vibratory pumps such as those manufactured by ULKA generally require the use of dynamic elastomeric seals, which may fail over time for example, after exposure to certain types of fluids and/or wear. In some embodiments, pneumatically-actuated membrane-based pumps may be more reliable, cost effective and easier to calibrate than other pumps. They may also produce less noise, generate less heat and consume less power than other pumps. 
     Product module assembly  250  may be configured to releasably engage bracket assembly  282 . Bracket assembly  282  may be a portion of (and rigidly fixed within) processing system  10 . Although referred to herein as a “bracket assembly”, the assembly may vary in other embodiments. The bracket assembly serves to secure the product module assembly  250  in a desired location. An example of bracket assembly  282  may include but is not limited to a shelf within processing system  10  that is configured to releasably engage product module assembly  250 . For example, product module assembly  250  may include a engagement device (e.g. a clip assembly, a slot assembly, a latch assembly, a pin assembly; not shown) that is configured to releasably engage a complementary device that is incorporated into bracket assembly  282 . 
     Plumbing/control subsystem  20  may include manifold assembly  284  that may be rigidly affixed to bracket assembly  282 . Manifold assembly  284  may be configured to include a plurality of inlet ports  286 ,  288 ,  290 ,  292  that are configured to releasably engage a pump orifice (e.g. pump orifices  294 ,  296 ,  298 ,  300 ) incorporated into each of pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 . When positioning product module assembly  250  on bracket assembly  282 , product module assembly  250  may be moved in the direction of the arrow  302 , thus allowing for inlet ports  286 ,  288 ,  290 ,  292  to releasably engage pump orifices  294 ,  296 ,  298 ,  300 . Inlet ports  286 ,  288 ,  290 ,  292  and/or pump orifices  294 ,  296 ,  298 ,  300  may include one or more O-ring or other sealing assemblies as described above (not shown) to facilitate a leakproof seal. 
     Manifold assembly  284  may be configured to engage tubing bundle  304 , which may be plumbed (either directly or indirectly) to nozzle  24 . As discussed above, high-volume ingredient subsystem  16  also provides fluids in the form of, in at least one embodiment, chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166  and/or chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  (either directly or indirectly) to nozzle  24 . Accordingly, as control logic subsystem  14  may regulate (in this particular example) the specific quantities of the various high-volume ingredients e.g. chilled carbonated water  164 , chilled water  166 , chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  and the quantities of the various microingredients (e.g. a first substrate (i.e., flavoring), a second substrate (i.e., a nutraceutical), and a third substrate (i.e., a pharmaceutical), control logic subsystem  14  may accurately control the makeup of product  28 . 
     Although  FIG. 4  depicts only one nozzle  24 , in various other embodiments, multiple nozzles may be included. In some embodiments, more than one container  30  may receive product dispensed from the system via e.g., more than one set of tubing bundles. Thus, in some embodiments, the dispensing system may be configured such that one or more users may request one or more products to be dispensed concurrently. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5 , a diagrammatic view of plumbing/control subsystem  20  is shown. While the plumbing/control subsystem described below concerns the plumbing/control system used to control the quantity of chilled carbonated water  164  being added to product  28 , this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are also possible. For example, the plumbing/control subsystem described below may also be used to control e.g., the quantity of chilled water  166  and/or chilled high fructose corn syrup  168  being added to product  28 . 
     As discussed above, plumbing/control subsystem  20  may include feedback controller system  182  that receives flow feedback signal  176  from flow measuring device  170 . Feedback controller system  182  may compare flow feedback signal  176  to the desired flow volume (as defined by control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  38 ). Upon processing flow feedback signal  176 , feedback controller system  182  may generate flow control signal  188  that may be provided to variable line impedance  194 . 
     Feedback controller system  182  may include trajectory shaping controller  350 , flow controller  352 , feed forward controller  354 , unit delay  356 , saturation controller  358 , and stepper controller  360 , each of which will be discussed below in greater detail. 
     Trajectory shaping controller  350  may be configured to receive a control signal from control logic subsystem  14  via data bus  38 . This control signal may define a trajectory for the manner in which plumbing/control subsystem  20  is supposed to deliver fluid (in the case, chilled carbonated water  164 ) for use in product  28 . However, the trajectory provided by control logic subsystem  14  may need to be modified prior to being processed by e.g., flow controller  352 . For example, control systems tend to have a difficult time processing control curves that are made up of a plurality of linear line segments (i.e., that include step changes). For example, flow regulator  352  may have difficulty processing control curve  370 , as it consists of three distinct linear segments, namely segments  372 ,  374 ,  376 . Accordingly, at the transition points (e.g., transition points  378 ,  380 ), flow controller  352  specifically (and plumbing/control subsystem  20  generally) would be required to instantaneously change from a first flow rate to a second flow rate. Therefore, trajectory shaping controller  350  may filter control curve  30  to form smoothed control curve  382  that is more easily processed by flow controller  352  specifically (and plumbing/control subsystem  20  generally), as an instantaneous transition from a first flow rate to a second flow rate is no longer required. 
     Additionally, trajectory shaping controller  350  may allow for the pre-fill wetting and post-fill rinsing of nozzle  24 . In some embodiments and/or for some recipes, one or more ingredients may present problems for nozzle  24  if the ingredient (referred to herein as “dirty ingredients”) contacts nozzle  24  directly i.e., in the form in which it is stored. In some embodiments, nozzle  24  may be pre-fill wetted with a “pre-fill” ingredient e.g., water, so as to prevent the direct contact of these “dirty ingredients” with nozzle  24 . Nozzle  24  may then be post-fill rinsed with a “post-wash ingredient” e.g., water. 
     Specifically, in the event that nozzle  24  is pre-fill wetted with e.g., 10 mL of water (or any “pre-fill” ingredient), and/or post-fill rinsed with e.g., 10 mL of water (or any “post-wash” ingredient), once the adding of the dirty ingredient has stopped, trajectory shaping controller  350  may offset the pre-wash ingredient added during the pre-fill wetting and/or post-fill rinsing by providing an additional quantity of dirty ingredient during the fill process. Specifically, as container  30  is being filled with product  28 , the pre-fill rinse water or “pre-wash” may result in product  28  being initially under-concentrated with a the dirty ingredient, Trajectory shaping controller  350  may then add dirty ingredient at a higher-than-needed flow rate, resulting in product  28  transitioning from “under-concentrated” to “appropriately concentrated” to “over-concentrated”, or present in a concentration higher than that which is called for by the particular recipe. However, once the appropriate amount of dirty ingredient has been added, the post-fill rinse process may add additional water, or another appropriate “post-wash ingredient”, resulting in product  28  once again becoming “appropriately-concentrated” with the dirty ingredient. 
     Flow controller  352  may be configured as a proportional-integral (PI) loop controller. Flow controller  352  may perform the comparison and processing that was generally described above as being performed by feedback controller system  182 . For example, flow controller  352  may be configured to receive feedback signal  176  from flow measuring device  170 . Flow controller  352  may compare flow feedback signal  176  to the desired flow volume (as defined by control logic subsystem  14  and modified by trajectory shaping controller  350 ). Upon processing flow feedback signal  176 , flow controller  352  may generate flow control signal  188  that may be provided to variable line impedance  194 . 
     Feed forward controller  354  may provide an “best guess” estimate concerning what the initial position of variable line impedance  194  should be. Specifically, assume that at a defined constant pressure, variable line impedance has a flow rate (for chilled carbonated water  164 ) of between 0.00 mL/second and 120.00 mL/second. Further, assume that a flow rate of 40 mL/second is desired when filing container  30  with product  28 . Accordingly, feed forward controller  354  may provide a feed forward signal (on feed forward line  384 ) that initially opens variable line impedance  194  to 33.33% of its maximum opening (assuming that variable line impedance  194  operates in a linear fashion). 
     When determining the value of the feed forward signal, feed forward controller  354  may utilize a lookup table (not shown) that may be developed empirically and may define the signal to be provided for various initial flow rates. An example such a lookup table may include, but is not limited to, the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 FIOWratemL/  
                 Signal to stepper  
               
               
                   
                 second 
                 controller 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                  0 
                 pulse to 0 degrees 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 pulse to 30 degrees 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 pulse to 60 degrees 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 pulse to 150 degrees 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 pulse to 240 degrees 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 pulse to 270 degrees 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 pulse to 300 degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Again, assuming that a flow rate of 40 mL/second is desired when filing container  30  with product  28 , feed forward controller  354  may utilize the above-described lookup table and may pulse the stepper motor to 60.0 degrees (using feed forward line  384 ). 
     Unit delay  356  may form a feedback path through which a previous version of the control signal (provided to variable line impedance  194 ) is provided to flow controller  352 . 
     Saturation controller  358  may be configured to disable the integral control of feedback controller system  182  (which, as discussed above, may be configured as a PI loop controller) whenever variable line impedance  194  is set to a maximum flow rate (by stepper controller  360 ), thus increasing the stability of the system by reducing flow rate overshoots and system oscillations. 
     Stepper controller  360  may be configured to convert the signal provided by saturation controller  358  (on line  386 ) into a signal usable by variable line impedance  194 . Variable line impedance  194  may include a stepper motor for adjusting the orifice size (and, therefore, the flow rate) of variable line impedance  194 . Accordingly, control signal  188  may be configured to control the stepper motor included within variable line impedance. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 6 , a diagrammatic view of user interface subsystem  22  is shown. User interface subsystem  22  may include touch screen interface  400  that allows user  26  to select various options concerning product  28 . For example, user  26  (via “drink size” column  402 ) may be able to select the size of product  28 . Examples of the selectable sizes may include but are not limited to: “12 ounce”; “16 ounce”; “20 ounce”; “24 ounce”; “32 ounce”; and “48 ounce”. 
     User  26  may be able to select (via “drink type” column  404 ) the type of product  28 . Examples of the selectable types may include but are not limited to: “cola”; “lemon-lime”; “root beer”; “iced tea”; “lemonade”; and “fruit punch”. 
     User  26  may also be able to select (via “add-ins” column  406 ) one or more flavorings/products for inclusion within product  28 . Examples of the selectable add-ins may include but are not limited to: “cherry flavor”; “lemon flavor”; “lime flavor”; “chocolate flavor”; “coffee flavor”; and “ice cream”. 
     Further, user  26  may be able to select (via “nutraceuticals” column  408 ) one or more nutraceuticals for inclusion within product  28 . Examples of such nutraceuticals may include but are not limited to: “Vitamin A”; “Vitamin Be”; “Vitamin Bi 2 ”; “Vitamin C”; “Vitamin D”; and “Zinc”. 
     In some embodiments, an additional screen at a level lower than the touch screen may include a “remote control” (not shown) for the screen. The remote control may include buttons indicating up, down, left and right and select, for example. However, in other embodiments, additional buttons may be included. 
     Once user  26  has made the appropriate selections, user  26  may select “GO!” button  410  and user interface subsystem  22  may provide the appropriate data signals (via data bus  32 ) to control logic subsystem  14 . Once received, control logic subsystem  14  may retrieve the appropriate data from storage subsystem  12  and may provide the appropriate control signals to e.g., high volume ingredient subsystem  16 , microingredient subsystem  18 , and plumbing/control subsystem  20 , which may be processed (in the manner discussed above) to prepare product  28 . Alternatively, user  26  may select “Cancel” button  412  and touch screen interface  400  may be reset to a default state (e.g., no buttons selected). 
     User interface subsystem  22  may be configured to allow for bidirectional communication with user  26 . For example, user interface subsystem  22  may include informational screen  414  that allows processing system  10  to provide information to user  26 . Examples of the types of information that may be provided to user  26  may include but is not limited to advertisements, information concerning system malfunctions/warnings, and information concerning the cost of various products. 
     As discussed above, product module assembly  250  (of microingredient subsystem  18  and plumbing/control subsystem  20 ) may include a plurality of slot assemblies  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266  configured to releasably engage a plurality of product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 . Unfortunately, when servicing processing system  10  to refill product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 , it may be possible to install a product container within the wrong slot assembly of product module assembly  250 . A mistake such as this may result in one or more pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 ) and/or one or more tubing assemblies (e.g., tubing bundle  304 ) being contaminated with one or more microingredients. For example, as root beer flavoring (i.e., the microingredient contained within product container  256 ) has a very strong taste, once a particular pump assembly/tubing assembly is used to distribute e.g., root beer flavoring, it can no longer be used to distribute a microingredient having a less-strong taste (e.g., lemon-lime flavoring, iced tea flavoring, and lemonade flavoring). 
     Additionally and as discussed above, product module assembly  250  may be configured to releasably engage bracket assembly  282 . Accordingly, in the event that processing system  10  includes multiple product module assemblies and multiple bracket assemblies, when servicing processing system  10 , it may be possible to install a product module assembly onto the wrong bracket assembly. Unfortunately, such a mistake may also result in one or more pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 ) and/or one or more tubing assemblies (e.g., tubing bundle  304 ) being contaminated with one or more microingredients. 
     Accordingly, processing system  10  may include an RFID-based system to ensure the proper placement of product containers and product modules within processing system  10 . Referring also to  FIGS. 7 &amp; 8A , processing system  10  may include RFID system  450  that may include RFID antenna assembly  452  positioned on product module assembly  250  of processing system  10 . 
     As discussed above, product module assembly  250  may be configured to releasably engage at least one product container (e.g., product container  258 ). RFID system  450  may include RFID tag assembly  454  positioned on (e.g., affixed to) product container  258 . Whenever product module assembly  250  releasably engages the product container (e.g., product container  258 ), RFID tag assembly  454  may be positioned within e.g., upper detection zone  456  of RFID antenna assembly  452 . Accordingly and in this example, whenever product container  258  is positioned within (i.e. releasably engages) product module assembly  250 , RFID tag assembly  454  should be detected by RFID antenna assembly  452 . 
     As discussed above, product module assembly  250  may be configured to releasably engage bracket assembly  282 . RFID system  450  may further include RFID tag assembly  458  positioned on (e.g. affixed to) bracket assembly  282 . Whenever bracket assembly  282  releasably engages product module assembly  250 , RFID tag assembly  458  may be positioned within e.g., lower detection zone  460  of RFID antenna assembly  452 . 
     Accordingly, through use of RFID antenna assembly  452  and RFID tag assemblies  454 ,  458 , RFID system  450  may be able to determine whether or not the various product containers (e.g., product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ) are properly positioned within product module assembly  250 . Further, RFID system  450  may be able to determine whether or not product module assembly  250  is properly positioned within processing system  10 . 
     While RFID system  450  shown to include one RFID antenna assembly and two RFID tag assemblies, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. Specifically, a typical configuration of RFID system  450  may include one RFID antenna assembly positioned within each slot assembly of product module assembly  250 . For example, RFID system  450  may additionally include RFID antenna assemblies  462 ,  464 ,  466  positioned within product module assembly  250 . Accordingly, RFID antenna assembly  452  may determine whether a product container is inserted into slot assembly  266  (of product module assembly  250 ); RFID antenna assembly  462  may determine whether a product container is inserted into slot assembly  264  (of product module assembly  250 ); RFID antenna assembly  464  may determine whether a product container is inserted into slot assembly  262  (of product module assembly  250 ); and RFID antenna assembly  466  may determine whether a product container is inserted into slot assembly  260  (of product module assembly  250 ). Further, since processing system  10  may include multiple product module assemblies, each of these product module assemblies may include one or more RFID antenna assemblies to determine which product containers are inserted into the particular product module assembly. 
     As discussed above, by monitoring for the presence of an RFID tag assembly within lower detection zone  460  of RFID antenna assembly  452 , RFID system  450  may be able to determine whether product module assembly  250  is properly positioned within processing system  10 . Accordingly, any of RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  may be utilized to read one or more RFID tag assemblies affixed to bracket assembly  282 . For illustrative purposes, bracket assembly  282  is shown to include only a single RFID tag assembly  458 . However, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, bracket assembly  282  may include multiple RFID tag assemblies, namely RFID tag assembly  468  (shown in phantom) for being read by RFID antenna assembly  462 ; RFID tag assembly  470  (shown in phantom) for being read by RFID antenna assembly  464 ; and RFID tag assembly  472  (shown in phantom) for being read by RFID antenna assembly  466 . 
     One or more of the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies  454 ,  458 ,  468 ,  470 ,  472 ) may be passive RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies that do not require a power source). Additionally, one or more of the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies  454 ,  458 ,  468 ,  470 ,  472 ) may be a writeable RFID tag assembly, in that RFID system  450  may write data to the RFID tag assembly. Examples of the type of data storable within the RFID tag assemblies may include, but is not limited to: a quantity identifier for the product container, a production date identifier for the product container, a discard date identifier for the product container, an ingredient identifier for the product container, a product module identifier, and a bracket identifier. 
     With respect to the quantity identifier, in some embodiments, each volume of ingredient pumped from a container including an RFID tag, the RFID tag is written to include the updated volume in the container, and/or, the amount pumped. Where the container is subsequently removed from the assembly, and replaced into a different assembly, the system may read the RFID tag and may know the volume in the container and/or the amount that has been pumped from the container. Additionally, the dates of pumping may also be written on the RFID tag. 
     Accordingly, when each of the bracket assemblies (e.g. bracket assembly  282 ) is installed within processing system  10 , an RFID tag assembly (e.g. RFID tag assembly  458 ) may be attached, wherein the attached RFID tag assembly may define a bracket identifier (for uniquely identifying the bracket assembly). Accordingly, if processing system  10  includes ten bracket assemblies, ten RFID tag assemblies (i.e., one attached to each bracket assembly) may define ten unique bracket identifiers (i.e. one for each bracket assembly). 
     Further, when a product container (e.g. product container  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ) is manufactured and filled with a microingredient, an RFID tag assembly may include: an ingredient identifier (for identifying the microingredient within the product container); a quantity identifier (for identifying the quantity of microingredient within the product container); a production date identifier (for identifying the date of manufacture of the microingredient); and a discard date identifier (for identifying the date on which the product container should be discarded/recycled). 
     Accordingly, when product module assembly  250  is installed within processing system  10 , RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  may be energized by RFID subsystem  474 . RFID subsystem  474  may be coupled to control logic subsystem  14  via databus  476 . Once energized, RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  may begin scanning their respective upper and lower detection zones (e.g. upper detection zone  456  and lower detection zone  460 ) for the presence of RFID tag assemblies. 
     As discussed above, one or more RFID tag assemblies may be attached to the bracket assembly with which product module assembly  250  releasably engages. Accordingly, when product module assembly  250  is slid onto (i.e. releasably engages) bracket assembly  282 , one or more of RFID tag assemblies  458 ,  468 ,  470 ,  472  may be positioned within the lower detection zones of RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  (respectively). Assume, for illustrative purposes, that bracket assembly  282  includes only one RFID tag assembly, namely RFID tag assembly  458 . Further, assume for illustrative purposes that product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  are being installed within slot assemblies  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266  (respectively). Accordingly, RFID subsystem  474  should detect bracket assembly  282  (by detecting RFID tag assembly  458 ) and should detect product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  by detecting the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assembly  454 ) installed on each product container. 
     The location information concerning the various product modules, bracket assemblies, and product containers, may be stored within e.g. storage subsystem  12  that is coupled to control logic subsystem  14 . Specifically, if nothing has changed, RFID subsystem  474  should expect to have RFID antenna assembly  452  detect RFID tag assembly  454  (i.e. which is attached to product container  258 ) and should expect to have RFID antenna assembly  452  detect RFID tag assembly  458  (i.e. which is attached to bracket assembly  282 ). Additionally, if nothing has changed: RFID antenna assembly  462  should detect the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to product container  256 ; RFID antenna assembly  464  should detect the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to product container  254 ; and RFID antenna assembly  466  should detect the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to product container  252 . 
     Assume for illustrative purposes that, during a routine service call, product container  258  is incorrectly positioned within slot assembly  264  and product container  256  is incorrectly positioned within slot assembly  266 . Upon acquiring the information included within the RFID tag assemblies (using the RFID antenna assemblies), RFID subsystem  474  may detect the RFID tag assembly associated with product container  258  using RFID antenna assembly  262 ; and may detect the RFID tag assembly associated with product container  256  using RFID antenna assembly  452 . Upon comparing the new locations of product containers  256 ,  258  with the previously stored locations of product containers  256 ,  258  (as stored on storage subsystem  12 ), RFID subsystem  474  may determine that the location of each of these product containers is incorrect. 
     Accordingly, RFID subsystem  474 , via control logic subsystem  14 , may render a warning message on e.g. informational screen  414  of user-interface subsystem  22 , explaining to e.g. the service technician that the product containers were incorrectly reinstalled. Depending on the types of microingredients within the product containers, the service technician may be e.g. given the option to continue or told that they cannot continue. As discussed above, certain microingredients (e.g. root beer flavoring) have such a strong taste that once they have been distributed through a particular pump assembly and/or tubing assembly, the pump assembly/tubing assembly can no longer be used for any other microingredient. Additionally and as discussed above, the various RFID tag assemblies attached to the product containers may define the microingredient within the product container. 
     Accordingly, if a pump assembly/tubing assembly that was used for lemon-lime flavoring is now going to be used for root beer flavoring, the service technician may be given a warning asking them to confirm that this is what they want to do. However, if a pump assembly/tubing assembly that was used for root beer flavoring is now going to be used for lemon-lime flavoring, the service technician may be provided with a warning explaining that they cannot proceed and must switch the product containers back to their original configurations or e.g., have the compromised pump assembly/tubing assembly removed and replaced with a virgin pump assembly/tubing assembly. Similar warnings may be provided in the event that RFID subsystem  474  detects that a bracket assembly has been moved within processing system  10 . 
     RFID subsystem  474  may be configured to monitor the consumption of the various microingredients. For example and as discussed above, an RFID tag assembly may be initially encoded to define the quantity of microingredient within a particular product container. As control logic subsystem  14  knows the amount of microingredient pumped from each of the various product containers, at predefined intervals (e.g. hourly), the various RFID tag assemblies included within the various product containers may be rewritten by RFID subsystem  474  (via an RFID antenna assembly) to define an up-to-date quantity for the microingredient included within the product container. 
     Upon detecting that a product container has reached a predetermined minimum quantity, RFID subsystem  474 , via control logic subsystem  14 , may render a warning message on informational screen  414  of user-interface subsystem  22 . Additionally, RFID subsystem  474  may provide a warning (via informational screen  414  of user-interface subsystem  22 ) in the event that one or more product containers has reached or exceeded an expiration date (as defined within an RFID tag assembly attached to the product container). Additionally/alternatively, the above-described warning message may be transmitted to a remote computer (not shown), such as a remote server that is coupled (via a wireless or wired communication channel) to processing system  10 . 
     While RFID system  450  is described above as having an RFID antenna assembly affixed to a product module and RFID tag assemblies affixed to bracket assemblies and product containers, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. Specifically, the RFID antenna assembly may be positioned on any product container, a bracket assembly, or product module. Additionally, the RFID tag assemblies may be positioned on any product container, bracket assembly, or product module. Accordingly, in the event that an RFID tag assembly is affixed to a product module assembly, the RFID tag assembly may define a product module identifier that e.g. defines a serial number for the product module. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 8B , there is shown one implementation of RFID subsystem  474  included within RFID system  450 . RFID subsystem  474  may be configured to allow a single RFID reader  478  (also included within RFID subsystem  474 ) to sequentially energize a plurality of RFID antenna assemblies (e.g., RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466 ). 
     During a scanning period, RFID system  450  may select Port1 on Switch4 (i.e., the port coupled to Switch1) and sequentially cycle Switch1 to select Port1, then Port2, then Port3, and then Port4; thus sequentially energizing RFID antenna assemblies  466 ,  464 ,  462 ,  452  and reading any RFID tag assemblies positioned proximate the energized RFID antenna assemblies. 
     During the next scanning period, RFID system  450  may select Port2 on Switch4 (i.e., the port coupled to Switch2) and sequentially cycle Switch2 to select Port1, then Port2, then Port3, and then Port4; thus sequentially energizing the RFID antenna assemblies (coupled to Switch2) and reading any RFID tag assemblies positioned proximate the energized RFID antenna assemblies. 
     During the next scanning period, RFID system  450  may select Port3 on Switch4 (i.e., the port coupled to Switcb.3) and sequentially cycle Switch3 to select Port1, then Port2, then Port3, and then Port4; thus sequentially energizing the RFID antenna assemblies (coupled to Switch3) and reading any RFID tag assemblies positioned proximate the energized RFID antenna assemblies. 
     One or more ports of Switch4 (e.g., Port4) may be coupled to auxiliary connector  480  (e.g., a releasable coaxial connector) that allows auxiliary device  482  to be releasably coupled to auxiliary connector  480 . Examples of auxiliary device  482  may include but are not limited to an RFID reader and a handheld antenna. During any scanning period in which RFID system  450  selects Port4 on Switch4 (i.e., the port coupled to auxiliary connector  480 ), the device releasably coupled to auxiliary connector  480  may be energized. Examples of Switch1, Switch2, Switch3 and Switch4 may include but are not limited to single pole, quadruple throw electrically-selectable switches. 
     Due to the close proximity of the slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ) included within product module assembly  250 , it may be desirable to configure RFID antenna assembly  452  in a manner that allows it to avoid reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies. For example, RFID antenna assembly  452  should be configured so that RFID antenna assembly  452  can only read RFID tag assemblies  454 ,  458 ; RFID antenna assembly  462  should be configured so that RFID antenna assembly  462  can only read RFID tag assembly  468  and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) affixed to product container  256 ; RFID antenna assembly  464  should be configured so that RFID antenna assembly  464  can only read RFID tag assembly  470  and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) affixed to product container  254 ; and RFID antenna assembly  466  should be configured so that RFID antenna assembly  466  can only read RFID tag assembly  472  and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) affixed to product container  252 . 
     Accordingly and referring also to  FIG. 9 , one or more of RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  may be configured as a loop antenna. While the following discussion is directed towards RFID antenna assembly  452 , this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as the following discussion may be equally applied to RFID antenna assemblies  462 ,  464 ,  466 . 
     RFID antenna assembly  452  may include first capacitor assembly  500  (e.g., a 2.90 pF capacitor) that is coupled between ground  502  and port  504  that may energize RFID antenna assembly  452 . A second capacitor assembly  506  (e.g., a 2.55 pF capacitor) maybe positioned between port  504  and inductive loop assembly  508 . Resistor assembly  510  (e.g., a 2.00 Ohm resistor) may couple inductive loop assembly  508  with ground  502  while providing a reduction in the Q factor (also referred to herein as “de-Qing”) to increase the bandwidth and provide a wider range of operation. 
     As is known in the art, the characteristics of RFID antenna assembly  452  may be adjusted by altering the physical characteristics of inductive loop assembly  508 . For example, as the diameter “d” of inductive loop assembly  508  increases, the far field performance of RFID antenna assembly  452  may increase. Further, as the diameter “d” of inductive loop assembly  508  decreases; the far field performance of RFID antenna assembly  452  may decrease. 
     Specifically, the far field performance of RFID antenna assembly  452  may vary depending upon the ability of RFID antenna assembly  452  to radiate energy. As is known in the art, the ability of RFID antenna assembly  452  to radiate energy may be dependent upon the circumference of inductive loop assembly  508  (with respect to the wavelength of carrier signal  512  used to energize RFID antenna assembly  452  via port  504 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 10  and in a preferred embodiment, carrier signal  512  may be a 915 MHz carrier signal having a wavelength of 12.89 inches. With respect to loop antenna design, once the circumference of inductive loop assembly  508  approaches or exceeds 50% of the wavelength of carrier signal  512 , the inductive loop assembly  508  may radiate energy outward in a radial direction (e.g., as represented by arrows  550 ,  552 ,  554 ,  556 ,  558 ,  560 ) from axis  562  of inductive loop assembly  508 , resulting in strong far field performance. Conversely, by maintaining the circumference of inductive loop assembly  508  below 25% of the wavelength of carrier signal  512 , the amount of energy radiated outward by inductive loop assembly  508  will be reduced and far field performance will be compromised. Further, magnetic coupling may occur in a direction perpendicular to the plane of inductive loop assembly  508  (as represented by arrows  564 ,  566 ), resulting in strong near field performance. 
     As discussed above, due to the close proximity of slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ) included within product module assembly  250 , it may be desirable to configure RFID antenna assembly  452  in a manner that allows it to avoid reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies. Accordingly, by configuring inductive loop assembly  508  so that the circumference of inductive loop assembly  508  is below 25% of the wavelength of carrier signal  512  (e.g., 3.22 inches for a 915 MHz carrier signal), far field performance may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. Further, by positioning inductive loop assembly  508  so that the RFID tag assembly to be read is either above or below RFID antenna assembly  452 , the RFID tag assembly may be inductively coupled to RFID antenna assembly  452 . For example, when configured so that the circumference of inductive loop assembly  508  is 10% of the wavelength of carrier signal  512  (e.g., 1.29 inches for a 915 MHz carrier signal), the diameter of inductive loop assembly  508  would be 0.40 inches, resulting in a comparatively high level of near field performance and a comparatively low level of far field performance. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 11A , to further reduce the possibility of reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies, split ring resonator assembly  568  may be positioned proximate inductive loop assembly  508 . For example, split ring resonator assembly  568  may be positioned approximately 0.125 inches away from inductive loop assembly  508 . 
     Split ring resonator assembly  568  may be generally planar and may include at least one ring, and in some embodiments, a pair of concentric rings  570 ,  572 , each of which may include a “split” (e.g., a gap)  574 ,  576  (respectively) that may be positioned opposite each other (with respect to split ring resonator assembly  568 ). Split ring resonator assembly  568  may be positioned (with respect to inductive loop assembly  508 ) so that split ring resonator assembly  568  may be magnetically coupled to inductive loop assembly  508  and at least a portion of the magnetic field (as represented by arrow  566 ) generated by inductive loop assembly  508  may be focused to further reduce the possibility of reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies. 
     When split ring resonator assembly  568  is magnetically coupled to inductive loop assembly  508 , the magnetic flux of the magnetic field (as represented in this illustrative example by arrow  566 ) may penetrate rings  570 ,  572  and rotating currents (as represented by arrows  578 ,  580  respectively) may be generated. Rotating currents  578 ,  580  within rings  570 ,  572  (respectively) may produce their own lines of magnetic flux that may (depending on their direction) enhance the magnetic field of inductive loop assembly  508 . 
     For example, rotating current  578  may generate lines of magnetic flux (as represented by arrow  584 ) that flow in a generally perpendicular direction inside of ring  570  (and, therefore, enhance magnetic field  566 ). Further, rotating current  580  may generate lines of magnetic flux (as represented by arrow  588 ) that flow in a generally perpendicular direction inside of ring  572  (and, therefore, enhance magnetic field  566 ). 
     Accordingly, through the use of split ring resonator assembly  568 , magnetic field  566  that is generated by inductive loop assembly  508  may be generally enhanced within the area bounded by split ring resonator assembly  568  (as represented by enhancement area  590 ). 
     When configuring split ring resonator assembly  568 , rings  570 ,  572  may be constructed from a non-ferrous metamaterial. An example of such a non-ferrous metamaterial is copper. As is known in the art, a metamaterial is a material in which the properties of the material are defined by the structure of the material (as opposed to the composition of the material). 
     Left-handed metamaterials may exhibit an interesting behavior of magnetic resonance when excited with an incident electromagnetic wave, which may be due to the physical properties of the structure. Normally shaped as concentric split rings, the dielectric permittivity and effective permeability of the left-handed metamaterial may become negative at resonance, and may form a left handed coordinate system. Further, the index of refraction may be less than zero, so the phase and group velocities may be oriented in opposite directions such that the direction of propagation is reversed with respect to the direction of energy flow. 
     Accordingly, split ring resonator assembly  568  may be configured such that the resonant frequency of split ring resonator assembly  568  is slightly above (e.g., 5-10% greater) the frequency of carrier signal  512  (i.e., the carrier signal that energizes inductive loop assembly  508 ). Continuing with the above-stated example in which carrier signal  512  has a frequency of 915 MHz, split ring resonator assembly  568  may be configured to have a resonant frequency of approximately 950 MHz-1.00 GHz, which, in some embodiments, may be desirable for may reasons, including, but not limited to, minimizing group delay distortion within the operating band of RFID system  478 , which occurs at resonance. 
     Referring also to FIGS.  11 B 1 - 11 B 16 , there are shown various flux plot diagrams illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at various phase angles of e.g., carrier signal  512 . Left Handed Metamaterials may exhibit an interesting behavior of magnetic resonance when excited with an incident electromagnetic wave, which may be due to the physical properties of the structure. In FIGS.  11 B 1 - 11 B 16 , a loop antenna (e.g., inductive loop assembly  508 ) excites a split ring resonator (e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568 ) and the magnetic (H) field patterns are shown for a given phase angle. As the phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512  is varied, the direction and density of the lines of magnetic flux may be observed concentrating within and extending from the geometric footprint of e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568 . 
     Specifically, FIGS.  11 B 1 - 11 B 2  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 0 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 3 - 11 B 4  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 45 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 5 - 11 B 6  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 90 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 7 - 11 B 8  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 135 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 9 - 11 B 10  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 180 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 11 - 11 B 12  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 225 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 13 - 11 B 14  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 270 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . FIGS.  11 B 15 - 11 B 16  are illustrative of the lines of magnetic flux produced by e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  without and with (respectively) e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568  at a 315 degree phase angle of e.g., carrier signal  512 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 11C , there is shown one exemplary implementation of the use of split ring resonators with RFID antenna assemblies. Specifically, product module assembly  250  is shown to include slots for four product containers (e.g., product containers  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ). Four RFID antenna assemblies (e.g., RFID antenna assemblies  452 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466 ) are affixed to product module assembly  250 . One split ring resonator assembly (e.g., split ring resonator assembly  568 ) may be positioned above RFID antenna assembly  452  to focus the “upper portion” of the magnetic field generated by RFID antenna assembly  452  and define e.g., enhancement area  590 . In this particular example, a split ring resonator assembly (e.g., split ring resonator assembly  592 ) may be positioned below RFID antenna assembly  452  to focus the “lower” portion of the magnetic field generated by RFID antenna assembly  452 . Further, three additional split ring resonator assemblies (e.g., split ring resonator assemblies  594 ,  596 ,  598 ) may be positioned above RFID antenna assemblies  462 ,  464 ,  466  to focus the “upper portion” of the respective magnetic fields generated by RFID antenna assemblies  462 ,  464 ,  466  and define the respective enhancement area associated with each RFID antenna assembly. In some embodiments, a single split ring resonator may be used rather than the two shown in  FIG. 11C . In embodiments using a single split ring resonator, the split ring resonator may be positioned either above or below the RFID antenna assembly. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 12A , when configuring split ring resonator assembly  568 , split ring resonator assembly  568  may be modeled as L-C tank circuit  600 . For example, capacitor assemblies  602 ,  604  may be representative of the capacitance of the spacing “x” ( FIG. 11A ) between the rings  570 ,  572 . Capacitor assemblies  606 ,  608  may be representative of the capacitance of gaps  574 ,  576  (respectively). Inductor assemblies  610 ,  612  may be representative of the inductances of rings  570   572  (respectively). Further, mutual inductance coupling  614  may be representative of the mutual inductance coupling between rings  570 ,  572 . Accordingly, the values of capacitor assemblies  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 , inductor assemblies  610 ,  612 , and mutual inductance coupling  614  may be chosen so that split ring resonator assembly  568  has the desired resonant frequency. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the width of spacing “x” is 0.20 inches, the width of gap  574  is 0.20 inches, the width of gap  576  is 0.20 inches, the width “y” ( FIG. 11A ) of ring  570  is 0.20 inches, and the width “z” ( FIG. 11A ) of ring  572  is 0.20 inches. Further, in a preferred embodiment, capacitor assembly  602  may have a value of approximately 1.00 picofarads, capacitor assembly  604  may have a value of approximately 1.00 picofarads, capacitor assembly  606  may have a value of approximately 1.00 picofarads, capacitor assembly  608  may have a value of approximately 1.00 picofarads, inductor assembly  610  may have a value of approximately 1.00 milliHenry, inductor assembly  612  may have a value of approximately 1.00 milliHenry, and mutual inductance coupling  614  may have a value of 0.001. In some embodiments, the inductor assembly  610  may have a value of approximately 5 nanoHenry, however, in various embodiments, this value the inductor assembly  610  may different values than those stated herein. 
     As discussed above, it may be desirable to set the resonant frequency of split ring resonator assembly  568  to be slightly above (e.g., 5-10% greater) than the frequency of carrier signal  512  (i.e., the carrier signal that energizes inductive loop assembly  508 ). Referring also to  FIG. 12B , there is shown varactor tuning circuit  650  that is configured to allow for e.g., tuning of the resonant frequency/varying the phase shift/modulating response characteristics/changing the quality factor of split ring resonator assembly  568 . For example, varactor tuning circuit  650  may be positioned within gaps  574 ,  576  of rings  570 ,  572  (respectively) and may include one or more varactor diodes  652 ,  654  (e.g., MDT MV20004), coupled anode to anode, in series with one or two capacitors (e.g., capacitors  656 ,  658 ). In a typical embodiment, capacitors  656 ,  658  may have a value of approximately 10 picofarads. A pair of resistor assemblies (e.g.,  660 ,  662 ) may tie the cathodes of varactor diodes  652 ,  654  (respectively) to ground  664 , and inductor assembly  666  may supply a negative voltage (produced by generator  668 ) to the anodes of varactor diodes  652 ,  654 . In a typical embodiment, resistor assemblies  660 ,  662  may have a value of approximately 100K ohms, inductor assembly  666  may have a value of approximately 20-300 nanoHenry (with a range of typically 100-200 nanoHenry), and generator  668  may have a value of approximately −2.5 volts. If varactor tuning circuit  650  is configured to include a single varactor diode (e.g., varactor diode  652 ), varactor diode  654  and resistor assembly  662  may be removed for varactor tuning circuit  650  and capacitor  658  may be directly coupled to the anode of varactor diode  652  and inductor assembly  666 . 
     While split ring resonator assembly  568  is shown to include a pair of generally circular rings (namely rings  570 ,  572 ), this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. Specifically, the general shape of split ring resonator assembly  568  may be varied depending on the manner in which magnetic field  566  is to be focused or a shape fashioned to create left hand behavior in a desired footprint. Additionally, in some embodiments, the split ring resonator assembly  568  may include a single ring. Additionally, for example, if a generally circular enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  568  having generally circular rings may be utilized. Alternatively, if a generally rectangular enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  568  having generally rectangular rings may be utilized (as shown in  FIG. 13A ). Alternatively still, if a generally square enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  568  having generally square rings may be utilized. Additionally, if a generally oval enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  568  having generally oval rings may be utilized. 
     Further, the rings utilized within split ring resonator assembly  568  need not be smooth rings (as shown in  FIG. 11A ) and, depending on the application, may include non-smooth (e.g., corrugated) surfaces. An example of such a corrugated ring surface is shown in  FIG. 13B . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 14 &amp; 15A , processing system  10  may be incorporated into housing assembly  700 . Housing assembly  700  may include one or more access doors/panels  702 ,  704  that e.g., allow for the servicing of processing system  10  and allow for the replacement of empty product containers (e.g., product container  258 ). For various reasons (e.g., security, safety, etc), it may be desirable to secure access doors/panels  702 ,  704  so that the internal components of processing system  10  can only be accessed by authorized personnel. Accordingly, the previously-described RFID subsystem (i.e., RFID subsystem  474 ) may be configured so that access doors/panels  702 ,  704  may only be opened if the appropriate RFID tag assembly is positioned proximate RFID antenna assembly  750 . An example of such an appropriate RFID tag assembly may include an RFID tag assembly that is affixed to a product container (e.g., RFID tag assembly  454  that is affixed to product container  258 ). 
     RFID antenna assembly  750  may include multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . A first matching component  754  (e.g., a 5.00 pF capacitor) may be coupled between ground  756  and port  758  that may energize RFID antenna assembly  750 . A second matching component  760  (e.g., a 16.56 nanoHenries inductor) may be positioned between port  758  and multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . Matching components  754 ,  760  may adjust the impedance of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  to a desired impedance (e.g., 50.00 Ohms). Generally, matching components  754 ,  760  may improve the efficiency of RFID antenna assembly  750 . 
     Optionally, RFID antenna assembly  750  may include a reduction in the Q factor of element  762  (e.g., a 50 Ohm resistor) that may be configured to allow RFID antenna assembly  750  to be utilized over a broader range of frequencies. This may also allow RFID antenna assembly  750  to be used over an entire band and may also allow for tolerances within the matching network. For example, if the band of interest of RFID antenna assembly  750  is 50 MHz and reduction of Q factor element (also referred to herein as a “de-Qing element”)  762  is configured to make the antenna 100 MHz wide, the center frequency of RFID antenna assembly  750  may move by 25 MHz without affecting the performance of RFID antenna assembly  750 . De-Qing element  762  may be positioned within multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  or positioned somewhere else within RFID antenna assembly  750 . 
     As discussed above, by utilizing a comparatively small inductive loop assembly (e.g., inductive loop assembly  508  of  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10 ), far field performance of an antenna assembly may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. Unfortunately, when utilizing such a small inductive loop assembly, the depth of the detection range of the RFID antenna assembly is also comparatively small (e.g., typically proportional to the diameter of the loop). Therefore, to obtain a larger detection range depth, a larger loop diameter may be utilized. Unfortunately and as discussed above, the use of a larger loop diameter may result in increased far field performance, and a reduction in near field performance. 
     Accordingly, multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  may include a plurality of discrete antenna segments (e.g., antenna segments  764 ,  766 ,  768 ,  770 ,  772 ,  774 ,  776 ), with a phase shift element (e.g., capacitor assemblies  780 ,  782 ,  784 ,  786 ,  788 ,  790 ,  792 ). Examples of capacitor assemblies  780 ,  782 ,  784 ,  786 ,  788 ,  790 ,  792  may include 1.0 pF capacitors or varactors (e.g., voltage variable capacitors) for example, 0.1-250 pF varactors. The above-described phase shift element may be configured to allow for the adaptive controlling of the phase shift of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  to compensate for varying conditions; or for the purpose of modulating the characteristics of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  to provide for various inductive coupling features and/or magnetic properties. An alternative example of the above-described phase shift element is a coupled line (not shown). 
     As discussed above, by maintaining the length of an antenna segment below 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  750 , the amount of energy radiated outward by the antenna segment will be reduced, far field performance will be compromised, and near field performance will be enhanced. Accordingly each of antenna segments  764 ,  766 ,  768 ,  770 ,  772 ,  774 ,  776  maybe sized so that they are no longer than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  750 . Further, by properly sizing each of capacitor assemblies  780 ,  782 ,  784 ,  786 ,  788 ,  790 ,  792 , any phase shift that occurs as the carrier signal propagates around multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  may be offset by the various capacitor assemblies incorporated into multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . Accordingly, assume for illustrative purposes that for each of antenna segments  764 ,  766 ,  768 ,  770 ,  772 ,  774 ,  776 , a 90° phase shift occurs. Accordingly, by utilizing properly sized capacitor assemblies  780 ,  782 ,  784 ,  786 ,  788 ,  790 ,  792 , the 90° phase shift that occurs during each segment may be reduced/eliminated. For example, for a carrier signal frequency of 915 MHz and an antenna segment length that is less than 25% (and typically 10%) of the wavelength of the carrier signal, a 1.2 pF capacitor assembly may be utilized to achieve the desired phase shift cancellation, as well as tune segment resonance. 
     As discussed above, by utilizing comparatively short antenna segments (e.g., antenna segments  764 ,  766 ,  768 ,  770 ,  772 ,  774 ,  776 ) that are no longer than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  750 , far field performance of antenna assembly  750  may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. 
     If a higher level of far field performance is desired from RFID antenna assembly  750 , RFID antenna assembly  750  may include far field antenna assembly  794  (e.g., a dipole antenna assembly) electrically coupled to a portion of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . Far field antenna assembly  794  may include first antenna portion  796  (i.e., forming the first portion of the dipole) and second antenna portion  798  (i.e., forming the second portion of the dipole). As discussed above, by maintaining the length of antenna segments  764 ,  766 ,  768 ,  770 ,  772 ,  774 ,  776  below 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, far field performance of antenna assembly  750  may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. Accordingly, the sum length of first antenna portion  796  and second antenna portion  798  may be greater than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, thus allowing for an enhanced level of far field performance. 
     While multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  is shown as being constructed of a plurality of linear antenna segments coupled via miter joints, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. For example, a plurality of curved antenna segments may be utilized to construct multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . Additionally, multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  may be configured to be any loop-type shape. For example, multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  may be configured as an oval (as shown in  FIG. 15A ), a circle, a square, a rectangle, or an octagon. 
     As discussed above, split ring resonator assembly  568  ( FIG. 11A ) or a plurality of split ring resonator assemblies may be positioned (with respect to inductive loop assembly  508 ,  FIG. 11A ) so that split ring resonator assembly  568  ( FIG. 11A ) may be magnetically coupled to inductive loop assembly  508  ( FIG. 11A ) and at least a portion of the magnetic field (as represented by arrow  566 ,  FIG. 11A ) generated by inductive loop assembly  508  ( FIG. 11A ) may be focused to further reduce the possibility of reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies. Such a split ring resonator assembly may be utilized with the above-described multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  to focus the magnetic field generated by multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752 . An example of a split ring resonator assembly  800  configured to be utilized with multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  is shown in  FIG. 15B . The quantity of gaps included within split ring resonator  800  may be varied to tune split ring resonator  800  to the desired resonant frequency. 
     Similar to the discussion of split ring resonator assembly  568 , the shape of split ring resonator  800  may be varied depending on the manner in which the magnetic field produced by multi-segment inductive loop assembly  752  is to be focused. For example, if a generally circular enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  800  having generally circular rings may be utilized. Alternatively, if a generally rectangular enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  800  having generally rectangular rings may be utilized. Alternatively still, if a generally square enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  800  having generally square rings may be utilized. Additionally, if a generally oval enhancement area is desired, a split ring resonator assembly  800  having generally oval rings may be utilized (as shown in  FIG. 15B ). 
     Eddy Current Trap 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , a board  1100  is shown with two loop antennas  1102 ,  1104  and an Eddy Current Trap  1106  therebetween.  FIG. 18B  shows an electrical schematic of one embodiment of the Eddy Current Trap  1106 . The Eddy Current Trap  1106  may include a ground plane  1110 , a de-Qing resistor  1112 , a capacitive gap  1114  and an inductive trace  1108 . 
     In some embodiments of the various embodiments of the antenna, in between two loop antennas  1102 ,  1104 , an Eddy Current Trap  1106  may be installed/positioned. Thus, in some embodiments, an Eddy Current Trap  1106  may be installed/positioned at a predetermined distance from the loop antennas  1102 ,  1104 . An Eddy Current Trap  1106  is a resonant tank circuit that absorbs electromagnetic field patterns from the loop antennas  1102 ,  1104 . In some embodiments, the Eddy Current Trap  1106  may be implemented either in lumped element or distributed components, or a combination of the two. The Eddy Current Trap  1106  may be used to improve the isolation between the loop antennas  1102 ,  1104 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 19 , at least one split ring resonator  1116 ,  1118  may be printed on the opposite side of the board shown in  FIG. 18 . However, in some embodiments, the at least one split ring resonator  1116 ,  1118  may be printed on a separate board. 
     In some embodiments, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the split ring resonator  1116 ,  1118  is a single ring. However, in other embodiments, the split ring resonator  1116 ,  1118  may be any of the embodiments of split ring resonators described herein. In some embodiments, one or more de-Qing elements  1112  may be used to improve broadband response. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20A-20E , various results are shown. In  FIG. 20A , a reference calibration is shown. This is a calibration showing the isolation between the two loop antennas, according to one embodiment. In  FIG. 20B , an Eddy Current Trap has been installed and the isolation between the two loop antennas is measured.  FIG. 20B  shows the improvement in isolation between the two loop antennas. In  FIGS. 20C-20E , various De-Qing resistors were installed (e.g., a 2 ohn,  FIG. 20C , 5 ohm,  20 D and 10 ohm,  20 E resistor respectively) and an improved broadband response is shown. In  FIG. 20F , results from an electromagnetic simulation are shown. A 3D plot of a 2D plane is shown. This shows the magnetic field currents in amps per meter. The plots show the amount of energy trapped in the Eddy Current Trap. The results show a comparison with and without the Eddy Current Trap. Finally,  FIG. 20F-20G  show resulting isoline plots from electromagnetic simulations performed and shows the amount of energy trapped in the Eddy Current Trap, see  FIG. 20G , whereas  FIG. 20F  is the result without an Eddy Current Trap. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , another embodiment of a loop antenna is shown. This embodiment of the loop antenna may be used with any of the various systems described herein. The loop antenna shown in  FIG. 21  is one embodiment of a loop antenna and various embodiments may vary. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 16A , there is shown a preferred embodiment RFID antenna assembly  950  that may be configured to effectuate the opening of access doors/panels  702 ,  704  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     RFID antenna assembly  950  may include multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . A first matching component  954  (e.g., a 5.00 pF capacitor) may be coupled between ground  956  and port  958  that may energize RFID antenna assembly  950 . A second matching component  960  (e.g., a 5.00 pF capacitor) may be positioned between port  958  and multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . Matching components  954 ,  960  may adjust the impedance of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  to a desired impedance (e.g., 50.00 Ohms). Generally, matching components  954 ,  960  may improve the efficiency of RFID antenna assembly  950 . 
     RFID antenna assembly  950  may include resistive element  962  (e.g., a 50 Ohm resistor) that may be configured to tune RFID antenna assembly  750 . Resistive element  962  may be positioned within multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  or positioned somewhere else within RFID antenna assembly  950 . 
     Multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  may include a plurality of discrete antenna segments (e.g., antenna segments  964 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972 ,  974 ,  976 ), with a phase shift element (e.g., capacitor assemblies  980 ,  982 ,  984 ,  986 ,  988 ,  990 ,  992 ). Examples of capacitor assemblies  980 ,  982 ,  984 ,  986 ,  988 ,  990 ,  992  may include 1.0 pF capacitors or varactors (e.g., voltage variable capacitors) for example, 0.1-250 pF varactors. The above-described phase shift element may be configured to allow for the adaptive controlling of the phase shift of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  to compensate for varying conditions; or for the purpose of modulating the characteristics of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  to provide for various inductive coupling features and/or magnetic properties. In some embodiments, an alternative example of the above-described phase shift element may be a coupled line (not shown). 
     As discussed above, by maintaining the length of an antenna segment below 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  750 , the amount of energy radiated outward by the antenna segment will be reduced, far field performance will be compromised, and near field performance will be enhanced. Accordingly each of antenna segments  964 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972 ,  974 ,  976  may be sized so that they are no longer than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  950 . Further, by properly sizing each of capacitor assemblies  980 ,  982 ,  984 ,  986 ,  988 ,  990 ,  992 , any phase shift that occurs as the carrier signal propagates around multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  may be offset by the various capacitor assemblies incorporated into multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . Accordingly, assume for illustrative purposes that for each of antenna segments  964 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972 ,  974 ,  976 , a 90° phase shift occurs. Accordingly, by utilizing properly sized capacitor assemblies  980 ,  982 ,  984 ,  986 ,  988 ,  990 ,  992 , the 90° phase shift that occurs during each segment may be reduced/eliminated. For example, for a carrier signal frequency of 915 MHz and an antenna segment length that is less than 25% (and typically 10%) of the wavelength of the carrier signal, a 1.2 pF capacitor assembly may be utilized to achieve the desired phase shift cancellation, as well as tune segment resonance. 
     As discussed above, by utilizing comparatively short antenna segments (e.g., antenna segments  964 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972 ,  974 ,  976 ) that are no longer than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal energizing RFID antenna assembly  950 , far field performance of antenna assembly  950  may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. 
     If a higher level of far field performance is desired from RFID antenna assembly  950 , RFID antenna assembly  950  may include far field antenna assembly  994  (e.g., a dipole antenna assembly) electrically coupled to a portion of multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . Far field antenna assembly  994  may include first antenna portion  996  (i.e., forming the first portion of the dipole) and second antenna portion  998  (i.e., forming the second portion of the dipole). As discussed above, by maintaining the length of antenna segments  964 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972 ,  974 ,  976  below 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, far field performance of antenna assembly  950  may be reduced and near field performance may be enhanced. Accordingly, the sum length of first antenna portion  996  and second antenna portion  998  may be greater than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, thus allowing for an enhanced level of far field performance. 
     While multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  is shown as being constructed of a plurality of linear antenna segments coupled via miter joints, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. For example, a plurality of curved antenna segments may be utilized to construct multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . Additionally, multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  may be configured to be any loop-type shape. For example, multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  may be configured as an octagon (as shown in  FIG. 16A ), a circle, a square, a rectangle, or an octagon. 
     As discussed above, split ring resonator assembly  568  ( FIG. 11A ) or a plurality of split ring resonator assemblies may be positioned (with respect to inductive loop assembly  508 ,  FIG. 11A ) so that split ring resonator assembly  568  ( FIG. 11A ) may be magnetically coupled to inductive loop assembly  508  ( FIG. 11A ) and at least a portion of the magnetic field (as represented by arrow  566 ,  FIG. 11A ) generated by inductive loop assembly  508  ( FIG. 11A ) may be focused to further reduce the possibility of reading e.g., product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies. Such a split ring resonator assembly may be utilized with the above-described multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  to focus the magnetic field generated by multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952 . An example of a split ring resonator assembly  1000  configured to be utilized with multi-segment inductive loop assembly  952  is shown in  FIG. 16B . The quantity of gaps included within split ring resonator  1000  may be varied to tune split ring resonator  1000  to the desired resonant frequency. As discussed above, it may be desirable to set the resonant frequency of split ring resonator assembly  1000  to be slightly above (e.g., 5-10% greater) than the frequency of carrier signal  512  (i.e., the carrier signal that energizes inductive loop assembly  952 ). Referring also to  FIG. 12B , there is shown varactor tuning circuit  650  that is configured to allow for e.g., tuning of the resonant frequency/varying the phase shift/modulating response characteristics/changing the quality factor of split ring resonator assembly  1000 . For example, varactor tuning circuit  650  may be positioned within gaps of rings, shown in resonator  1000 , and may include one or more varactor diodes  652 ,  654  (e.g., MDT MV20004), coupled anode to anode, in series with one or two capacitors (e.g., capacitors  656 ,  658 ). In a typical embodiment, capacitors  656 ,  658  may have a value of approximately 10 picofarads. A pair of resistor assemblies (e.g.,  660 ,  662 ) may tie the cathodes of varactor diodes  652 ,  654  (respectively) to ground  664 , and inductor assembly  666  may supply a negative voltage (produced by generator  668 ) to the anodes of varactor diodes  652 ,  654 . In a typical embodiment, resistor assemblies  660 ,  662  may have a value of approximately 100K ohms, inductor assembly  666  may have a value of approximately 20-300 nanoHenry (with a range of typically 100-200 nanoHenry), and generator  668  may have a value of approximately −2.5 volts. If varactor tuning circuit  650  is configured to include a single varactor diode (e.g., varactor diode  652 ), varactor diode  654  and resistor assembly  662  may be removed for varactor tuning circuit  650  and capacitor  658  may be directly coupled to the anode of varactor diode  652  and inductor assembly  666 . 
     While the system is described above as having the RFID tag assembly (e.g., RFID tag assembly  454 ) that is affixed to the product container (e.g., product container  258 ) positioned above the RFID antenna assembly (e.g., RFID antenna assembly  452 ), which is positioned above the RFID tag (e.g., RFID tag assembly  458 ) that is affixed to bracket assembly  282 , this for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, the RFID tag assembly (e.g., RFID tag assembly  454 ) that is affixed to the product container (e.g., product container  258 ) may be positioned below the RFID antenna assembly (e.g., RFID antenna assembly  452 ), which may be positioned below the RFID tag (e.g., RFID tag assembly  458 ) that is affixed to bracket assembly  282 . 
     While the various electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes are described above as being utilized within a processing system that dispenses beverages, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, the above-described processing system may be utilized for processing/dispensing other consumable products (e.g., ice cream and alcoholic drinks). Additionally, the above-described system may be utilized in areas outside of the food industry. For example, the above-described system may be utilized for processing/dispensing: vitamins; pharmaceuticals; medical products, cleaning products; lubricants; painting/staining products; and other non-consumable liquids/semi-liquids/granular solids and/or fluids. 
     As discussed above, the various electrical components, mechanical components, electro-mechanical components, and software processes of processing system  10  may be used in any machine in which on-demand creation of a product from one or more substrates (also referred to as “ingredients”) is desired. 
     In the various embodiments, the product is created following a recipe that is programmed into the processor. As discussed above, the recipe may be updated, imported or changed by permission. A recipe may be requested by a user, or may be preprogrammed to be prepared on a schedule. The recipes may include any number of substrates or ingredients and the product generated may include any number of substrates or ingredients in any concentration desired. 
     The substrates used may be any fluid, at any concentration, or, any powder or other solid that may be reconstituted either while the machine is creating the product or before the machine creates the product (i.e., a “batch” of the reconstituted powder or solid may be prepared at a specified time in preparation for metering to create additional products or dispensing the “batch” solution as a product). In various embodiments, two or more substrates may themselves be mixed in one manifold, and then metered to another manifold to mix with additional substrates. 
     Thus, in various embodiments, on demand, or prior to actual demand but at a desired time, a first manifold of a solution may be created by metering into the manifold, according to the recipe, a first substrate and at least one additional substrate. In some embodiments, one of the substrates may be reconstituted, i.e., the substrate may be a powder/solid, a particular amount of which is added to a mixing manifold. A liquid substrate may also be added to the same mixing manifold and the powder substrate may be reconstituted in the liquid to a desired concentration. The contents of this manifold may then be provided to e.g., another manifold or dispensed. 
     In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be used in conjunction with mixing on-demand dialysate, for use with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, according to a recipe/prescription. As is known in the art, the composition of dialysate may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, dextrose, lactate, acetic acid, acetate, magnesium, glucose and hydrochloric acid. 
     The dialysate may be used to draw waste molecules (e.g., urea, creatinine, ions such as potassium, phosphate, etc.) and water from the blood into the dialysate through osmosis, and dialysate solutions are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     For example, a dialysate typically contains various ions such as potassium and calcium that are similar to their natural concentration in healthy blood. In some cases, the dialysate may contain sodium bicarbonate, which is usually at a concentration somewhat higher than found in normal blood. Typically, the dialysate is prepared by mixing water from a source of water (e.g., reverse osmosis or “RO” water) with one or more ingredients: an “acid” (which may contain various species such as acetic acid, dextrose, NaCl, CaCl, KCl, MgCl, etc.), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCOs), and/or sodium chloride (NaCl). The preparation of dialysate, including using the appropriate concentrations of salts, osmolality, pH, and the like, is also well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As discussed in detail below, the dialysate need not be prepared in real-time, on-demand. For instance, the dialysate can be made concurrently or prior to dialysis, and stored within a dialysate storage vessel or the like. 
     In some embodiments, one or more substrates, for example, the bicarbonate, may be stored in powder form. Although for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, a powder substrate may be referred to in this example as “bicarbonate”, in other embodiments, any substrate/ingredient, in addition to, or instead of, bicarbonate, may be stored in a machine in powder form or as another solid and the process described herein for reconstitution of the substrate may be used. The bicarbonate may be stored in a “single use” container that, for example, may empty into a manifold. In some embodiments, a volume of bicarbonate may be stored in a container and a particular volume of bicarbonate from the container may be metered into a manifold. In some embodiments, the entire volume of bicarbonate may be completely emptied into a manifold, i.e., to mix a large volume of dialysate. 
     The solution in the first manifold may be mixed in a second manifold with one or more additional substrates/ingredients. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more conductivity sensors) may be located such that the solution mixed in the first manifold may be tested to ensure the intended concentration has been reached. In some embodiments, the data from the one or more sensors may be used in a feedback control loop to correct for errors in the solution. For example, if the sensor data indicates the bicarbonate solution has a concentration that is greater or less than the desired concentration, additional bicarbonate or RO may be added to the manifold. 
     In some recipes in some embodiments, one or more ingredients may be reconstituted in a manifold prior to being mixed in another manifold with one or more ingredients, whether those ingredients are also reconstituted powders/solids or liquids. 
     Thus, the system and methods described herein may provide a means for accurate, on-demand production or compounding of dialysate, or other solutions, including other solutions used for medical treatments. In some embodiments, this system may be incorporated into a dialysis machine, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/072,908 filed on 27 Feb. 2008 and having a priority date of 27 Feb. 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, this system may be incorporated into any machine where mixing a product, on-demand, may be desired. 
     Water may account for the greatest volume in dialysate, thus leading to high costs, space and time in transporting bags of dialysate. The above-described processing system  10  may prepare the dialysate in a dialysis machine, or, in a stand-alone dispensing machine (e.g., on-site at a patient&#39;s home), thus eliminating the need for shipping and storing large numbers of bags of dialysate. This above-described processing system  10  may provide a user or provider with the ability to enter the prescription desired and the above-described system may, using the systems and methods described herein, produce the desired prescription on-demand and on-site (e.g., including but not limited to: a medical treatment center, pharmacy or a patient&#39;s home). Accordingly, the systems and methods described herein may reduce transportation costs as the substrates/ingredients are the only ingredient requiring shipping/delivery. 
     As discussed above, other examples of such products producible by processing system  10  may include but are not limited to: dairy-based products (e.g., milkshakes, floats, malts, frappes); coffee-based products (e.g., coffee, cappuccino, espresso); soda-based products (e.g., floats, soda w/fruit juice); tea-based products (e.g., iced tea, sweet tea, hot tea); water-based products (e.g., spring water, flavored spring water, spring water w/vitamins, high-electrolyte drinks, high-carbohydrate drinks); solid-based products (e.g., trail mix, granola-based products, mixed nuts, cereal products, mixed grain products); medicinal products (e.g., infusible medicants, injectable medicants, ingestible medicants); alcohol-based products (e.g., mixed drinks, wine spritzers, soda-based alcoholic drinks, water-based alcoholic drinks); industrial products (e.g., solvents, paints, lubricants, stains); and health/beauty aid products (e.g., shampoos, cosmetics, soaps, hair conditioners, skin treatments, topical ointments). 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.