Abstract: A beverage-making machine for making a beverage from a portion capsule has a motorized brewing module that has a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part, which can be moved relative to the first brewing module part. A brewing chamber can be formed by the first and second brewing module parts, the brewing chamber at least partly surrounding the portion capsule. The beverage-making machine includes a closing unit and a sensor. The closing unit includes a manually actuatable operating lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a closed position, in which the operating lever closes the capsule insertion opening, and an open position, in which the capsule insertion opening is accessible. The sensor can be used to ascertain whether the operating lever has assumed the closed position.

Abstract: A beverage-making machine for making a beverage from a portion capsule has a motorized brewing module that has a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part, which can be moved relative to the first brewing module part. A brewing chamber can be formed by the first and second brewing module parts, the brewing chamber at least partly surrounding the portion capsule. The beverage-making machine includes a closing unit and a sensor. The closing unit includes a manually actuatable operating lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a closed position, in which the operating lever closes the capsule insertion opening, and an open position, in which the capsule insertion opening is accessible. The sensor can be used to ascertain whether the operating lever has assumed the closed position.

Abstract: A capsule (550) for use in apparatus for dispensing liquid beverage, the capsule including at least one capsule side wall (551), a capsule base (552) and a capsule lid (553) defining a capsule cavity containing concentrated beverage and first (555) and second (556) capsule conduits wherein the first capsule conduit extends from proximate the lid and terminates remote from the capsule base allowing fluid to be supplied to the capsule away from the capsule base and the second capsule conduit extends substantially along a length of the capsule and terminates adjacent the capsule base allowing fluid to be dispensed from the capsule via the second capsule conduit.

Abstract: A brewing unit for a coffee machine has a brewing cylinder on a second end of which an end plate is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. A piston is axially movable in the cylinder away from the first end of the cylinder past the fill opening to compact coffee introduced through a fill opening at the second end in a brewing position and from the brewing position toward the second end in the open position of the end plate into an eject position to eject the used ground coffee from the brewing chamber. A pair of gear wheels flank the cylinder at the second end. Respective coupling plates each having an inner end pivoted on a respective one of the wheels and an outer end pivoted on the end plate about an actuating axis. A drive synchronously rotates both wheels.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for frothing milk in a hot beverage machine, at least comprising a milk frothing nozzle, in which milk can be heated by means of steam produced externally or internally in the device and can be mixed with ambient air, preferably using the principle of a jet pump, the milk frothing nozzle comprising at least a driving nozzle, an air duct for supplying ambient air, one connection each for supplying steam as driving agent and milk, and an outlet for milk foam, wherein the contamination of the air duct by milk is as far as possible prevented, it is proposed that the air duct is integrated in the driving nozzle and has an inner diameter of at least 1 mm, and that in a section of the air duct outside of the driving nozzle, an air nozzle with a reduced cross-section is arranged. Single drawing.

Abstract: In order to provide an electrical beverage preparation machine, in particular for preparing coffee, espresso, mixed milk drinks or the like, the machine comprising an outlet housing part that has an inlet for coffee, fresh air and hot steam as well as milk and outlets for on the one hand coffee and on the other hand milk and milk foam, wherein the coffee outlet as well as the milk frothing system can easily be cleaned, it is proposed that a connector plate is fixed in the outlet housing part, said connector plate comprising connections for the coffee inlet, the steam inlet and the air inlet, and the coffee outlet branching off therefrom, as well as a connection port or similar coupling part, which comprises the steam and air outlets, and at which a mixing chamber with a milk connection is attached in a tightly mountable or detachable manner.

Abstract: A brewer for a vending machine has a brewing chamber, a capsule holder rotatably mounted in the brewing chamber and holding a capsule of the brewed beverage. The capsule holder is a sleeve open at both ends, and first and second closures have respective tools for penetrating the capsule in the capsule holder. The first closure is movable along a longitudinal axis of the brewing chamber and in a closure position can be pressed tightly against an insertion opening. The second closure in the brewing chamber is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the brewing chamber and can shift relative to the end of the capsule holder directed away from the insertion opening so that at least in the closure position it is tightly pressed against the end of the capsule holder.

Abstract: An electric coffee machine has a housing, a brewing unit in the housing having an outlet from which used grounds are ejected, a removable receptacle in the housing spaced below the outlet and adapted to receive the ejected used grounds, and a removable funnel-shaped liner in the housing between the outlet and the receptacle. This liner surrounds a pathway traveled by the used grounds when moving from the outlet to the receptacle so that the liner protects the machine from being soiled by the used grounds when moving from the outlet to the receptacle.