Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.

Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.

Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energization of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energization of the primary heater simultaneous with energization of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilizing first and second brewers.

Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.

Abstract: A water mixing valve having two water inlets, a mixing chamber, a rotatable control member having openings for controlling flow from the water inlets to the mixing chamber, the control member comprising a substantially circular plate having first and second surfaces, the water inlets sealing against the first surface and the openings extending between the first and second surfaces and a support for supporting the control member on the second surface, the support including a base wall generally parallel to the control member and a peripheral wall extending from the periphery of the base wall to the periphery of the control member so as to support the control member and form the mixing chamber therebetween wherein the support and control member are together rotatable relative to the water inlets, the support including surfaces against the openings in the control member for directing flows from the respective openings towards one another and into the mixing chamber for efficient mixing, the base wall including i

Abstract: A mixing valve apparatus including a mixing valve for mixing water from a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet and supplying the mixed water to a water outlet, the water inlets and outlets being for connection to an external water system, a valve servo for moving the position of the valve, a control system for operating the valve servo and thereby controlling at least the temperature at the water outlet, wherein the control system characterises the external water system in which the mixing valve is connected and optimizes control of the valve according to the characterisation.

Abstract: A mixing valve apparatus including a mixing valve for mixing water from a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet and supplying the mixed water to a water outlet the water inlets and outlets being for connection to an external water system, a valve servo for moving the position of the valve, a control system for operating the valve servo and thereby controlling at least the temperature at the water outlet, wherein the control system characterises the external water system in which the mixing valve is connected and optimizes control of the valve according to the characterisation.

Abstract: A water mixing valve having two water inlets, a mixing chamber, a rotatable control member having openings for controlling flow from the water inlets to the mixing chamber, the control member comprising a substantially circular plate having first and second surfaces, the water inlets sealing against the first surface and the openings extending between the first and second surfaces and a support for supporting the control member on the second surface, the support including a base wall generally parallel to the control member and a peripheral wall extending from the periphery of the base wall to the periphery of the control member so as to support the control member and form the mixing chamber therebetween wherein the support and control member are together rotatable relative to the water inlets, the support including surfaces against the openings in the control member for directing flows from the respective openings towards one another and into the mixing chamber for efficient mixing, the base wall including i