Abstract: A pump assembly (22) including a piston (36) reciprocal within a cylinder (48) for pressurizing a fluid in a pressure chamber (38) of the cylinder. A biasing member is configured to exert a driving force on the piston to drive the piston in a pumping direction from a reset position to a deployed position. A drivetrain (34) is engageable with the piston and provides power sufficient to transition the piston back to the reset position. A stroke limiting mechanism (42) has a stopping member (82) with a stopping surface (86) against which a protrusion (92) of the piston contacts to define a stroke length of the piston by limiting movement of the piston in the pumping direction (94) when the protrusion engages the stopping surface. The stopping member has a first configuration corresponding to a first stroke length for the piston and a second configuration corresponding to a second stroke length.

Abstract: A semi-free rotating crankshaft actuator (80) for an oral healthcare appliance comprises a chamber (82), a spring loadable plunger (85), and a crank mechanism (88). The crank mechanism (88) comprises at least a drive pin (90) rotatably driven about a drive axis (96), and a crank shaft (94) semi-freely rotatable about the drive axis, wherein the crank shaft (94) couples to the spring loadable plunger (85) and is partially driven about the drive axis (96) via (i) the drive pin (90) in a first operational mode, (ii) the spring loadable plunger (85) in a second operational mode, and (iii) the drive pin (90) in a third operational mode that comprises at least completing an incomplete actuation of the plunger (84) from an undesired end position to the desired end position in response to the crank shaft (94) pushing the plunger (84) from the undesired end position to the desired end position.

Abstract: A system for preparing beverage, including a second exchangeable capsule, and arranged for optionally including a first exchangeable capsule. The second capsule is larger than the first capsule. The system also includes an apparatus with a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of the capsules and a fluid dispensing device for supplying fluid under pressure to the first brew chamber part. The first brew chamber part has a cavity for selectively holding the first or second capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a first volume not occupied by the first exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a second volume not occupied by the second exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The invention further relates to a brew chamber assembly, an apparatus, a set of capsules, a method of preparing a beverage, a capsule, and several adapters.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage, including first and second capsules, and an apparatus including a first and a second brew chamber part, wherein at least a portion of the second brew chamber part is movable into a first and a second brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part is movable between a loading position and a brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part in the brewing position together with the at least one portion of the second brew chamber part in the first brewing position and in the second position define respective closed positions in which the first exchangeable capsule and the second capsule fit in the brew chamber, respectively. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a method and a capsule.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a consumable beverage. The system comprises an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity for selectively holding an exchangeable first or second capsule. An exit area of the second capsule has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of an first exit area of the first capsule. The apparatus includes a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part around the first or second capsule. The second brew chamber part has an extraction plate for abutting against the first or second exit area. The extraction plate includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion is movable relative to the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption includes a second exchangeable capsule having a second body with a second flange-like rim and a second exit face attached to the second flange-like rim. The system further includes an apparatus for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption having a first brew chamber part having a cavity for holding the second exchangeable capsule and a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part around the second exchangeable capsule. The first brew chamber part has a first substantially annular abutment surface in the cavity and further has a second substantially annular abutment surface. A diameter of the second annular abutment surface is larger than a diameter of the first annular abutment surface. The second abutment surface is arranged for abutting the second flange-like rim there against when the cavity holds the second exchangeable capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, includes a first and a second brew chamber part to form a brew chamber for holding an exchangeable capsule as well as a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule. The first and the second brew chamber part are movable relative to each other between a first relative position, and a second relative position. The first relative position defines an open state in which the capsule can be inserted into the brew chamber. The second relative position defines a closed state allowing the brew chamber to enclose the capsule. A first biasing member biases the capsule towards the second brew chamber part. A second biasing biases the first brew chamber part and the second brew chamber part towards each other. The first biasing member has a higher stiffness than the second biasing member.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, including an apparatus including a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of a first and second exchangeable capsules, the second exchangeable capsule having a larger diameter than the first exchangeable capsule, wherein the second brew chamber part includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion includes a second sealing member arranged for providing a fluid sealing engagement between the peripheral portion and the first brew chamber part when forming the brew chamber for holding the second exchangeable capsule.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system comprises a first exchangeable capsule with a first exit face and a second exchangeable capsule with a second exit face, the second exit face having a larger diameter than the first exit face. The system further comprises an apparatus including an extraction plate having a plurality of relief elements for selectively engaging one of the first and second exit faces, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid under pressure to a selected one of the exchangeable capsules, so as to press its exit face onto the relief elements, for opening the exit face. The extraction plate and the second exit face are adapted to each other such that a flow resistance of the second exit face when opened is less than a flow resistance of the first exit face when opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for preparing beverage, including a second and first exchangeable capsule and an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity for holding one of the first and second capsules, and a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part and having an extraction plate for abutting against an exit face of the hold capsule, and including a central and a peripheral portion, the central portion being axially movable relative to the peripheral portion from a first position to a second position, the apparatus including a locking mechanism for locking the central portion in the first position when the cavity holds the first capsule. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a method and a capsule.

Abstract: Various aspects related to a system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption. The system comprises a first exchangeable capsule and a second exchangeable capsule, the second exchangeable capsule being larger than the first exchangeable capsule and an apparatus including a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of the first and second exchangeable capsules, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under pressure to the first brew chamber part. The cavity of the first brew chamber part provides guidance to an outer part of the second exchangeable capsule, ensuring proper positioning before commencing the process of preparing the beverage. Optionally, the first brew chamber part comprises a centering module for centering the second exchangeable capsule in the cavity.

Abstract: An integrated fluid connection/drive train interface (12) for an oral healthcare appliance (10) having a fluid connection interface (22) mechanically coupled with the drive shaft (28) and further configured to couple to a removable brushhead (30). The fluid connection interface includes a fluid inlet coupling (42) coupled, via a fluid channel (24), to the fluid reservoir, and a fluid outlet coupling (44). Responsive to the brushhead being removably coupled, the fluid outlet coupling of the fluid connection interface establishes a water/air tight sealing arrangement with a fluid interface receiver port (36) of the brushhead. In addition, the drive shaft is configured for driving the brushhead and the fluid connection interface while maintaining the water/air tight seal between the fluid outlet coupling and the fluid interface receiver port of the brushhead.

Abstract: A semi-free rotating crankshaft actuator (80) for an oral healthcare appliance comprises a chamber (82), a spring loadable plunger (85), and a crank mechanism (88). The crank mechanism (88) comprises at least a drive pin (90) rotatably driven about a drive axis (96), and a crank shaft (94) semi-freely rotatable about the drive axis, wherein the crank shaft (94) couples to the spring loadable plunger (85) and is partially driven about the drive axis (96) via (i) the drive pin (90) in a first operational mode, (ii) the spring loadable plunger (85) in a second operational mode, and (iii) the drive pin (90) in a third operational mode that comprises at least completing an incomplete actuation of the plunger (84) from an undesired end position to the desired end position in response to the crank shaft (94) pushing the plunger (84) from the undesired end position to the desired end position.

Abstract: A method of cooking food using a device for cooking the food in a container includes supplying water for cooking the food; generate heat by a heater of the device; and controlling by a controller an operation of the heater to initially supply the container with a first quantity of the water in a form of steam during a first period of time of a cooking process, and to subsequently supply the container with a second quantity of the water in a form of heated water during a second period of time of the cooking process. The second period of time is longer than the first period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing hot beverages includes a heater and a latent heat storage provision (LHSP) that is in thermal contact with the heater. The LHSP contains, or is configured to contain, a phase-change material. The apparatus further includes an electric circuit for powering the heater. The electric circuit includes a switch assembly that is configured cut power to the heater when a temperature of the LHSP fulfills a predetermined auto-power-down condition.

Abstract: A citrus fruit pressing device comprises two pressing elements for performing a pressing action on a piece of citrus fruit, The pressing elements have surfaces for contacting different sides of a piece of citrus fruit to be pressed and are movable with respect to each other in two opposite directions, i.e. towards and away from each other. The pressing device also comprises at least one knife for performing a cutting action on a piece of citrus fruit, through the peel of the piece The at least one knife is arranged at a side position with respect to the surface of the pressing elements for penetrating into the piece from a side which is free from contact to the surfaces of the pressing elements. The at least one knife is arranged at a side position with respect to the surfaces of the pressing elements.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic domestic appliance (1000) comprising a decalcifying apparatus (1) for purifying an aqueous liquid, wherein the electronic domestic appliance (1000) comprises an electronic connector (110) for connecting to an external AC power source wherein the electronic connector (110) is functionally coupled with the DC power supply (100), the electronic domestic appliance (1000) further comprising a functional element (1600) wherein purified aqueous liquid is applied and/or stored.

Abstract: The present application relates to a centrifugal separator for separating fruit or vegetable juice from fruit or vegetable pulp. The centrifugal separator comprises a body (22) configured to rotate about a central axis (24), a chamber (28) formed by the body (22) for receiving pulp and juice, and an elongate aperture (29) defined by and extending arcuately around the body (22). Therefore juice in the chamber (28) is urged to flow through the aperture (29) when the body (22) is rotated about the central axis. The present application also relates to a juicer for extracting fruit and or vegetable juice from fruit or vegetable pulp comprising a centrifugal separator.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system for generating steam, the system (1) comprising: a wall structure (3) forming a steam chamber (3A); an opening (4) formed in a wall portion (3B) of said wall structure (3); and a cover member (5) cooperating with said wall portion (3B) such that the cover member (5) can take a first position (P1) where the cover member (5) covers the opening (4) and a second position (P2) where the cover member (5) uncovers the opening (4); wherein said opening (4) has a cross-section surface being at least 50% of the cross-section surface of said wall portion (3B). The invention allows easy access to an inside part of the steam chamber (3A), thanks to the opening (4) provided in the wall portion (3B) of the steam chamber (3A), so that the user of the system (1) can clean the inside part of the steam chamber (3A) of scale.

Abstract: Citrus fruit pressing devices, apparatus and methods are disclosed. Several features that can reduce the incidence of rupturing oil pockets in the fruit peel can be employed to improve the taste of the juice pressed from the fruit. One feature includes cutting (307) the peel at least partly along a circumference of the fruit to reduce rupturing of oil pockets when the fruit is flattened and the surface of the fruit is folded over. Another feature includes utilizing a curved knife, which can provide a relatively deep cut and a smooth expansion of the peel. According to other aspects, juice extraction can be improved by employing one or more protrusions in a surface of the pressing element to press areas of the fruit in which the peel of the fruit is not present. Another aspect is directed to using the pressing speed to control the pulp content of the juice.