Abstract: A steam tube assembly for an espresso making machine includes a steam tube having a longitudinal axis and an outlet end; and a nozzle head attached to the steam tube at the outlet end. The nozzle head has a plurality of nozzle bores distributed in a circular array. Each nozzle bore has an inlet in communication with the outlet end of the steam tube and an outlet through which steam flowing in the steam tube is discharged. The nozzle bores diverge from one another as viewed from the inlet toward the outlet thereof and form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the steam tube.

Abstract: A steam outlet tube assembly for preparing beverages includes a steam tube having a terminal length portion including an outlet end. The outlet end of the first conduit is located at the terminal length portion of the steam tube. There is further provided a second conduit having an outlet end communicating with the steam tube at the terminal length portion thereof; and a mechanism for selectively placing the second conduit into an unblocked position and into a blocked position. In the unblocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit and draws air through the second conduit to effect a discharge of a steam/liquid/air mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube. In the blocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit, to effect a discharge of solely a steam/liquid mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube.

Abstract: An espresso machine having a filter holder which holds a filter strainer and which can, with the assistance of a handel, be detachably locked to the housing of the espresso machine by way of a bayonet coupling or the like. The espresso machine has a discharge section having a water conduit, there being a chamber in the water conduit and a locking member in the chamber. The locking member locks the filter holder on the housing of the espresso machine when there is a predetermined pressure in the chamber and releases the filter holder as soon as the pressure in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A brewing head of an espresso maker includes a housing, and a lower brewing head section fixedly attached to the housing. The lower brewing head section includes a pressure sealed brewing chamber, and a lifting piston forming a floor of the brewing chamber. The lifting piston has apertures therethrough. A water inlet is located beneath the floor of the brewing chamber. An apparatus for moving the lifting piston is provided. The brewing head further includes an upper brewing head section movable relative to the lower brewing head section. The upper brewing head section includes an upper brewing head housing, and a fill shaft. The fill shaft is in communication with the brewing chamber when the upper brewing head section is moved to a fill position. The upper brewing head section further includes a brewing piston positioned over the brewing chamber when the upper brewing head section is moved to a brewing position.

Abstract: A coffee making machine assembly includes a coffee maker which has a brewing water outlet defining a brewing position thereunder. The assembly further includes a coffee mill having a grinding device spaced horizontally from the brewing water outlet. Underneath the grinding device a grinding position is defined which is horizontally spaced from the brewing position. There is also provided a filter carrier adapted to receive a filter basket; and a displacing mechanism for supporting the filter carrier and for moving the filter carrier into the grinding position or into the brewing position.