Abstract: A device for producing fluid foam includes a container where the fluid can be accommodated, and includes a foaming tool rotatable in the inner volume of the container. The texture and the porosity of the fluid foam obtained are provided by shear energy coming from Couette Flow effect and depend on the dimension of the foaming tool with respect to the inner volume of the container, on the location of the foaming tool from the bottom of the container and on the rotation speed of the foaming tool.

Abstract: A capsule for preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.

Abstract: A capsule for preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.

Abstract: The beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation device (2) with a holding section (10) for detachably holding a beverage component holder (12) that comprises: ?a cavity (14) for receiving a beverage component suitable for interacting with a liquid to prepare a beverage, and?a transponder (16) configured to store data related to the beverage component, a liquid delivery device (4) for delivering a liquid via a liquid inlet (18) into the cavity (14), a liquid discharge device (6) for discharging N the prepared beverage via a discharge outlet (22) out of the cavity (14) to a dispensing outlet (24), and a control unit (8) for controlling a liquid flow from the liquid delivery device (4) via the cavity (14) to the liquid discharge device (6) based on the stored data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (100), which comprises a beverage production device (200) having a cavity (222) for receiving a beverage component to prepare a beverage upon interaction with a liquid, a liquid delivery device (300) for delivering a liquid into the cavity (222) via a liquid inlet (320), and a liquid discharge device (400) for discharging the delivered liquid out of the cavity (222) via a discharge outlet (420) and to a dispensing outlet (470). The liquid discharge device (400) comprises a flexible tube (450) provided between the discharge outlet (420) and the dispensing outlet (470). The beverage preparation machine (100) further comprises a deforming device (500) configured to selectively deform the flexible tube (450) so as to restrict or prevent a liquid flow from the cavity (222) to the dispensing outlet (470). Further, the invention relates to a method for delivering a liquid through a beverage preparation machine (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage and to a beverage preparation device (1), such as a beverage dispenser, for simpler and more efficient cleaning of the device (1). The beverage preparation device (1) comprises: a discharge line (23) for discharging water via a discharge outlet (24), a pump (26) for selectively circulating water along the discharge line (23) towards the discharge outlet (24), and one or more flushing lines (90, 95) with a flushing outlet (91, 96). The beverage preparation device (1) is configured to operate in a discharging mode and in a flushing mode, such that in the discharging mode the pump (26) is arranged to circulate water along the discharge line (23) towards and out of the discharge outlet (24), and in the flushing mode at least part of the water in the discharge line (23) flows by gravity from the discharge line (23) into the one or more flushing lines (90, 95) and subsequently out of the flushing outlet (91, 96).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule holder (2) for holding a capsule (C) carrying a beverage component and for being attachable in an attachment direction (I) to a beverage preparation device (3) of a beverage preparation machine (1) for beverage production, the capsule holder (2) comprising a holder body (4) having a cavity (40) configured to receive a capsule (C) via an insertion opening (41), and a lock element (5) for fixing the capsule holder (2) to the beverage preparation device, wherein the lock element (5) and the holder body (4) are connected to each other so that i) the lock element (5) is rotatably moveable relative to the holder body (4) about a fixing axis (F), and ii) the holder body (4) is translationally moveable relative to the lock element (5) along the attachment direction (I). The present invention is further directed to a beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a capsule holder (2) according to the present invention and a beverage preparation device (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage dispenser connector (1) comprising a dispenser body (2) defining a cavity (3) with an opening (4) to be open at a side of the dispenser body (2), a connection section (6) to attached the dispenser body (2) with the open cavity (3) over a delivery section (102) of a container (100) to close the cavity (3) with the delivery section (102), an inlet (7) to deliver a fluid into the cavity (3), an outlet (8) to discharge the fluid out of the cavity (3), and a needle (9) with a piercing tip (90), the needle (9) being associated with the dispenser body (2) so as to be moveable between a retracted position in which the piercing tip (90) is positioned within the cavity (3) and an extended position in which the piercing tip (90) protrudes out of the cavity (3) via the opening (4). The invention is further directed to a beverage production device comprising the beverage dispenser connector (1), a liquid supply (201), a gas supply (202), and a discharge section (203).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a peristaltic pump (1), comprising a rotary body (2) with a plurality of squeeze sections (3) arrange circularly distributed and moveable about a rotation axis (A), a tube carrier (4) for carrying a flexible tube (5) along an arcuate engagement section (6) arcuately surrounding the rotary body (2), and an actuator (7) for selectively moving the tube carrier (4) relative to the rotary body (2) between a pump position in which a flexible tube (5) carried by the tube carrier (4) be positioned in engagement between the engagement section (6) and at least one of the squeeze sections (3) to allow for a pumping action when moving the rotary body (2) about the rotation axis (A), and a release position in which the flexible tube (5) carried by the tube carrier (4) be disengage from the plurality of squeeze sections (3) to allow for free flow through the flexible tube (5).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (3) comprises: a beverage processing unit (10, 20) delimiting a chamber (21) in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with water (4); one or more electric devices (60, 65, 721); and a connection (76) for powering the electric devices (60, 65, 721). The connection (76) is disconnectably connected to the electric devices (60, 65, 721) and removable therefrom. The connection (76) has a power connector (761) for connection to an external power source. The connection (76) includes an electric converter (762) that is configured to convert the electric power supplied by the external power source into a converted electric power appropriate to power one or more or all of the electric devices (60, 65, 721).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage mixing device (2) comprising a mixing body (3) defining a mixing chamber (30), at least one or a plurality of fluid inlets (4, 5, 6) for supplying a fluid (L, W, A, S) into the mixing chamber (30), a discharge opening (7) to discharge a liquid (P) from the mixing chamber (30), a sealing element (8) being moveably provided between a closed position for closing the discharge opening (7) and an open position for releasing the discharge opening (7) to allow a liquid (P) in the mixing chamber (30) be discharged via the discharge opening (7), and an evacuation outlet (9) for evacuating the mixing chamber (30) by a fluid (G) be introduced into the mixing chamber (30) via the at least one or the plurality of fluid inlets (4, 5, 6) when the discharge opening (7) is closed by the sealing element (8).

Abstract: There is described a beverage preparation machine comprising a centrifugal brewing unit (2) for preparing a beverage by centrifugation of an ingredient contained in a capsule and mixed with a carrier liquid, the centrifugal brewing unit (2) comprising a centrifugal cell (3) for receiving such a capsule (2A, 2B, 2C); driving means (5) for rotating the centrifugal cell (3); a regulator for regulating a rotation speed of the centrifugal cell (3) by controlling the driving means (5) based on a feedback signal representative of a difference between a desired rotation speed and a measured rotation speed of a capsule (2A, 2B, 2C) rotated in the centrifugal cell (3); the machine further comprising: liquid supply means (6, 4) for supplying carrier liquid to the centrifugal brewing unit (2); an optical reading arrangement (100) for reading a code on a periphery of a capsule (2A, 2B, 2C) while the capsule (2A, 2B, 2C) is rotated relative to the optical reading arrangement (100) in the centrifugal cell (3) and generating

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage and to a beverage preparation device (1), such as a beverage dispenser, for simpler and more efficient sanitization of water. The beverage preparation device (1) comprises: a buffer tank (2) having a tank body for storing an amount of water, a recirculation line (20) configured to allow water circulating out of and back into the buffer tank (2) to form a recirculation path together with the buffer tank (2), a UV lamp (40) arranged for irradiating UV light at a position along the recirculation path to sanitize the water, a cooling unit (3) for cooling the water within the buffer tank (2), a discharge line (23) for discharging the water from the buffer tank (2) via a discharge outlet (24), and a pump (26) for selectively circulating water along the recirculation path or the discharge line (23) towards the discharge outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow separation device (100), which may be provided in a beverage preparation device (1). The flow separation device (100) in particular effects an easier separation (redirection) of a flow. The flow separation device (100) comprises a first delivery line (30) to drain water from a buffer tank (2), a branching section (29) provided downstream the first delivery line (30), wherein the branching section (29) branches the first delivery line (30) into a second delivery line (28) and a third delivery line (23), each of the second and third delivery line (28, 23) leading to a respective discharge outlet (22; 24), and a flow rate control device (26) for delivering water through the flow separation device (100) and for adjusting the flow rate of the water.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has a beverage processing unit (10,20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which the ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the ingredient (2) is held and mixed with the water (4) in the chamber (21). The machine includes: a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the beverage processing unit (10,20); and a fluid module (15) having a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21), the fluid module (15) comprising the first processing unit member (10) of the processing unit (10,20). The fluid module (15) is assemblable by a user as a unit to the water source and to the second processing unit member (20) and is disassemblable by a user as a unit from the water source and from the second processing unit member (20).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (3) has a beverage processing unit (10,20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with water (4) in the chamber (21). The machine includes: a beverage collector (80) for collecting the beverage (3) from the processing unit (10,20). The collector (80) has a collecting wall (81) directing the beverage (3) out of the collector (80) to a beverage dispensing area (90); a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the processing unit (10,20); a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21); and a supporting structure (70) which has a base (72) that is stationary and that supports the beverage collector (80).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (3) has a beverage processing unit (10, 20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with water (4) in the chamber (21) during beverage preparation. The machine includes: a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the beverage processing unit (10, 20); a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21); and a supporting structure (70) which has a base (72) that is stationary during beverage preparation and that supports the beverage processing unit (10, 20) during beverage preparation. The beverage processing unit (10, 20) is disassemblable by a user from the supporting structure (70) and assemblable by a user to the structure (70).

Abstract: A machine for preparing a beverage has a beverage processing unit (10,20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with water (4). The machine has a beverage collector (80) for collecting the beverage (3) from the processing unit (10,20). The collector (80) has a collecting wall (81) directing the beverage (3) out of the collector (80) to a beverage dispensing area (90). The machine has: a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the processing unit (10,20); a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21); and a supporting structure (70) which has a base (72) that supports the beverage collector (80) during beverage preparation.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (3) has a beverage processing unit (10,20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with water (4) in the chamber (21). The machine include: a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the beverage processing unit (10,20); a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21); one or more electronic devices (60, 65, 721); and a support structure (70) having a base (72) that comprises a main outside housing (72?), a fluid line support (72??) and a supporting foot (72IV) at a bottom of the main outside housing (72?). The processing unit (10,20) and the water guide (30), and optionally the water source, are supported by the base (72).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (3) has a beverage processing unit (10, 20) formed of a first processing unit member (10) and a second processing unit member (20) that delimit a chamber (21) and that are movable between a distant configuration in which a flavouring ingredient (2) is received in the chamber (21) and a proximate configuration in which the flavouring ingredient (2) is held and mixed with the water (4) in the chamber (21). The machine includes: a water source for delivering the water (4) towards the beverage processing unit (10, 20); a water guide (30) for guiding the water (4) between the water source and the chamber (21); and a support structure (70) having a base (72) that comprises a main outside housing (72?), a fluid line support (72??) and a supporting foot (72IV) at a bottom of the main outside housing (72?). The processing unit (10, 20) and the water guide (30), and optionally the water source, are supported by the base (72).