Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding coffee powder (a) into a brewing chamber of a coffee machine, comprising a brewing chamber container (1) having a filling opening (2) for receiving and brewing the coffee powder (a) and a feeding apparatus (3) for feeding the coffee powder (a) into the brewing chamber container (1) through the filling opening (2). By means of a shaking apparatus (4), which is coupled to the brewing chamber container (1), the brewing chamber container (1) is set vibrating during and/or after the filling with coffee powder.

Abstract: A device and a method for heating and foaming a liquid, in particular a beverage such as a milk-containing beverage for example. The device comprises a steam generator, a pressurized gas source, and a pump means which is connected to the steam generator and the pressurized gas source for transporting a steam/gas mixture into the liquid. The pressurized gas source comprises a controllable switching valve in order to generate pressure pulses. The pressure pulses generated by the pressurized gas source are introduced into the pump means and mixed with the liquid in the pump means, whereby the liquid is foamed. The foam properties of the foamed liquid, such as consistency, creaminess, density, and porosity, can be influenced by the frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration of the pressure pulses.

Abstract: A device and a method for heating and foaming a liquid, in particular a beverage such as a milk-containing beverage for example. The device comprises a steam generator, a pressurized gas source, and a pump means which is connected to the steam generator and the pressurized gas source for transporting a steam/gas mixture into the liquid. The pressurized gas source comprises a controllable switching valve in order to generate pressure pulses. The pressure pulses generated by the pressurized gas source are introduced into the pump means and mixed with the liquid in the pump means, whereby the liquid is foamed. The foam properties of the foamed liquid, such as consistency, creaminess, density, and porosity, can be influenced by the frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration of the pressure pulses.

Abstract: Devices are provided for determining the longitudinal and angular positions of a rotationally symmetrical apparatus, when guided inside an element surrounding the same is provided. In one implementation, a device is provided that comprises a bead held in motion-transmitting contact with the apparatus, and includes an imaging optical navigation sensor that measures the motion of the bead by comparing successive images of its outer surface. The bead may be made of a paramagnetic material. Further, the device may include a magnetic device for applying a magnetic force onto the bead to secure its contact with the apparatus. Additional features of the device may be used to identify the insertion and withdrawal of the apparatus in the device as they cause a displacement of the bead, therefore allowing the determination of the absolute position of the apparatus.

Abstract: An actuator for an elongated object may include one or two electromagnetically-activated braking mechanisms to provide haptic sensations in conjunction with a device that tracks a rotationally symmetric instrument manipulated by a user. A contact-free motion sensor may provide information about the longitudinal movement and about the rotational movement of the instrument, and a control unit may receive movement information from the motion sensor and may be connected with the electromagnetically-activated braking mechanisms. Each braking mechanism may include a first surface and a second surface, the second one at least being movable in the direction of the first one to pinch or release the instrument as a function of the motion information provided by the motion sensor. In the case of two braking mechanisms a braking force may be applied on the guided instrument for both degrees of freedom independently.

Abstract: A device for determining the longitudinal and angular position of a rotationally symmetrical apparatus when guided inside a longitudinal element surrounding the same, including an imaging optical navigation sensor that measures the motion of the underlying surface by comparing successive images, and translates this image translation into a measurement of the longitudinal and rotational motion of the instrument. Features of the captured image are used to identify the insertion or withdrawal of the instrument, and to identify specific areas of the moving surface passing underneath the sensor, therefore allowing to establish the absolute position of the instrument, or to identify which instrument was inserted or in what cavity a tracking instrument was inserted. The device comprises a light source and a light detector. Light emitted by said light source is directed onto a surface of the rotationally symmetrical apparatus.