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OwnerLaurie J. Browninventor
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A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling.
An apparatus for commercial vending of a plurality of fluid products into individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles suitable for holding, transporting and consuming said fluid products, said individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles having machine-readable indicia thereon indicative of one fluid product for an individual one of said discrete fluid receptacles, said one fluid product selected from said plurality of fluid products available from said vending apparatus, comprising:
An apparatus for commercial vending of a plurality of liquid products into individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles suitable for holding, transporting and consuming said fluid products and having a remote communications link, said individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles having machine-readable indicia thereon indicative of one fluid product for an individual one of said discrete fluid receptacles, said one fluid product selected from said plurality of fluid products available from said vending apparatus, comprising:
An apparatus for commercial vending of a plurality of liquid products into individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles suitable for holding, transporting and consuming said fluid products and having ingredient lot tracking, said individual ones of discrete fluid receptacles having machine-readable indicia thereon indicative of one fluid product for an individual one of said discrete fluid receptacles, said one fluid product selected from said plurality of fluid products available from said vending apparatus, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.