Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method and apparatus for controllably grinding coffee beans for use in an espresso machine. The disclosure includes a system, method and apparatus for controllably adjusting the grinder to maintain a desired tolerance for the espresso produced by the espresso machine. The system, method and apparatus include monitoring of at least one of several espresso related parameters to monitor whether the espresso is being brewed within a desired tolerance or set of tolerances. The system, method and apparatus provide feedback to an automatically adjustable grinder to at least one of increase or decrease the grinding time so as to produce more or less ground coffee.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic brewer. The extraction assembly includes controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The assembly facilitates improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improves the reliability of the extraction assembly. Generally, the brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. An alternative extraction assembly or structure for brewing beverage is provided which may include a larger brew volume, enhanced structures, and removable replacement components. Also provided is a heating element in close proximity to the brew chamber. Heat form the heating element can be brought directly to the area in which the coffee is brewed to help maintain a more consistent, tighter tolerance temperature and faster recovery between brew cycles.

Abstract: A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic espresso brewer. The extraction assembly includes components and methods for controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The components, assemblies, and methods facilitate improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improve the reliability of the extraction assembly. The brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. Compacting force is monitored through at least one sensor carried on the extraction assembly to provide a signal to a controller. A predetermined compacting force may be programmed into the system for all brewing cycles or dependent upon the brewing substance used. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. The pistons provide compacting force and boundaries within the chamber and facilitate removal of a spent brewing substance puck at the end of the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: A brewer, system and method for heating water and dispensing heated water for producing a brewed beverage The brewer includes a water reservoir with a heating element associated with the reservoir for heating water retained in the reservoir A brewing substance holder is associated with the reservoir for receiving heated water from the reservoir A temperature sensitive control valve is provided in communication with the reservoir for controllably dispensing heated water from the reservoir to the brewing substance holder The temperature sensitive control valve may be in the form of a passive control valve which uses a bimetallic, magnetic or other material which is responsive to heat The water is placed in the reservoir and heated The elevated temperature of the water will result in operating the heat sensitive control valve to open the control valve and allow water to pass from the reservoir to the brewing substance holder.

Abstract: A system and method for controllably dispensing a predetermined volume of water at a predetermined temperature. The system and method include at least one heated water source and at least one second water source. Water is controllably dispensed from the heated water source and controllably combined with the controllably dispensed water from the second water source to produce a resultant predetermined volume of water at a resultant predetermined temperature. The system and method also includes controls and/or interfaces which allow a user to control the volume and temperature of water dispensed. The user may directly control the volume and/or temperature or may indirectly control the volume and temperature such as by introducing a control media, control selection, or recipe by which the user selects the choice but does not specify the details of the parameters associated with the choice.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: A removably attachable mixing device for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a controllable water source, an ingredient source. The removably attachable mixing device being attachable to the water source and the ingredient source for receiving and mixing water and ingredient. The mixing device includes a body having a wall defining a cavity, an ingredient inlet removably attachable to the ingredient source and communicating with the cavity of the body. A water inlet removably attachable to the water source and communicating with the cavity of the body. A beverage outlet communicating with the cavity of the body to dispense beverage from the cavity of the body of the mixing device. A kit including the removably attachable mixing device. A method for mixing beverage using the removably attachable mixing device.

Abstract: A molecule capable of potentiating immune responses and modifying existing states of immune responsiveness is described. Also described are compositions containing the molecule, as well as methods for using the molecule and the compositions to enhance immune responses, to enhance DC function, to modify an existing state of immune responsiveness, to immunize individuals, or to treat or inhibit conditions such as allergic asthma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. An active thermal expansion system is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system may include a controllable expansion device accommodates an accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle or drains the water from the system.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.