Abstract: A percolating machine for producing a beverage using a sealed capsule containing anhydrous powdered material, the machine having a pressurized-hot-water dispenser assembly extending along a vertical axis, and in turn having a sprinkler having an end wall substantially crosswise to the aforementioned axis; a removable percolating cup positioned, in use, with its inlet facing the end wall, and for housing a sealed capsule positioned with a sealing wall facing the end wall; and a piercing device integral with the sprinkler and having a number of substantially rectangular-based projections, which extend downwards from the end wall of the sprinkler, are equally spaced about the aforementioned axis along a peripheral portion of the end wall, and pierce the sealing wall of the sealed capsule when the percolating cup is set to a work position contacting the sprinkler.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications and having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: A holder includes a grid and a tray below to collect any liquids flowing through the grid. The grid and the tray are mutually constrained magnetically.

Abstract: A method of controlling an integrated beverage system that comprises a dispensing module that dispenses one or more ingredients into a beverage container and a blending/mixing module that blends and/or mixes the ingredients in the beverage container, the method comprising: controlling the dispensing module and the blending/mixing module to prepare first and second beverages concurrently or sequentially.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: A hot beverage making device includes a boiler for heating water; a housing for accommodating the boiler and connecting element for connecting the boiler to the housing. During operation of the boiler, water is heated and water vapor bubbles are created inside the boiler. Formation of the bubbles causes varying moments about the center of mass of the boiler. The connecting element is adapted to prevent transmittal to the housing of at least a portion of the moment variations. This keeps the noise produced as a result of vibrations of the housing at an acceptable level. In particular, the connecting element is adapted to let the boiler have at least one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tofu coagulant includes a liquid food oil pumping pathway, a liquid food oil tank, a mineral salt solution pumping pathway, a mineral salt solution tank, a plurality of metering pumps, and an emulsion dispersion machine for stirring the liquid food oil with the mineral salt solution to an emulsification phase. The liquid food oil pumping pathway is connected with the mineral salt solution pumping pathway, the mineral salt solution is added in a predetermined ratio for producing the tofu coagulant, and the water phase and the oil phase are stirred and mixed to W/O type (water in oil type) emulsion (without emulsifier).

Abstract: A capsule-based beverage production machine that comprises a module designed for producing a beverage on the basis of ingredients which are contained in a capsule. The module comprises: means for retaining the capsule in a fixed position, and means for perforation of the capsule, wherein the perforation means are controlled to perforate the capsule after the capsule is retained in the fixed position by the retaining means.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge (10), which is suitable to be used in a process of preparing a beverage, comprises a beverage making unit (1). A duct system (30) of the beverage making unit (1) has a main duct (31), a first subsidiary duct (32) which merges into the main duct (31), and a second subsidiary duct (33) which merges into the main duct (31) as well, at a different position than the first subsidiary duct (32). In a process of preparing a beverage, a first fluid is supplied by the main duct (31), and flows of a second fluid are supplied by the subsidiary ducts (32, 33). In this way, it is achieved that the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid in two steps. In case the second fluid is used for heating the first fluid, local boiling of the first fluid is prevented.

Abstract: A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.

Abstract: A plant (1) for de-aerating and heating a vegetable product (100) comprises an extraction section (80) in which a vegetable starting product (5) is treated, in order to obtain an extracted vegetable product (100), in particular a puree, or a vegetable juice. The extracted vegetable product (100) is fed to a cold de-aeration section (10) obtaining an extracted vegetable product and de-aerated cold (105). The plant (1) also comprises a heating section (20) in which the de-aerated vegetable product (105) is heated from the starting temperature T1 to a final temperature T2, with T2>T1, obtaining a heated de-aerated product (110). The plant (1) also comprises a storage reservoir (30) of the de-aerated vegetable product. According to the invention, the storage reservoir (30) is located downstream of the heating section (20), proceeding along the conveying direction of the de-aerated vegetable product through the plant (1).

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus having structures and methods to facilitate programming of the apparatus with parameters suitable for a pre-determined brewing substances. The beverage making apparatus has a water delivery system for delivering water to a brewing substance holder containing a brewing substance. A temperature adjusting system is provided for adjusting the temperature of water in the water delivery system. A controller is provided for controllably operating the apparatus, the controller further being programmable with characteristics suitable for predetermined brewing substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of extending the production time of a pasteuriser. The pasteuriser is of the type which includes a plate heat exchanger with a number of sections, of which at least one section consists of regenerative section. The method comprises raising the temperature in the downstream part of the regenerative section to a temperature above 50° C., during a certain predetermined period of time and at regular intervals. During normal production, a part quantity of the product which passes downstream of the regenerative section is shunted past the regenerative section. At the regular intervals and during the predetermined period of time, a part quantity of the product which passes upstream of the regenerative section is shunted past the regenerative section. At the same time, all product passes the downstream part of the regenerative section during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprises a diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems describing preparation of a beverage are described. One embodiment includes preparing a beverage taking into account properties of an ingredient, such as sugar content of apple juice, as well as an individual's health data such as the individual's insulin level. Other embodiments include preparing a beverage based on data such as an individual's goal to lose weight. Some embodiments include a recipe such as a beverage recipe to start preparing the beverage. In some embodiments, the ingredients, amount, and instructions in a recipe may remain the same or be changed depending on factors such as health data, properties of an ingredient, and others. In other embodiments, a beverage is prepared so that the beverage meets a set of predetermined threshold criteria such as a pH level, and the ingredients and the amounts of the ingredients may be adjusted to meet these criteria.

Abstract: A muddler aid device is provided for muddling ingredients in an open-ended receptacle. The muddler aid device includes a body in the form of a generally planar disc to cover at least a majority of a mouth of the open-ended receptacle and a sidewall that extends from a periphery of the body to surround at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the mouth of the open-ended receptacle. The device further includes a muddler access port positioned at or near the periphery of the body which is sized to receive a muddler therethrough. A plurality of discharge apertures are arranged proximate the periphery of the body to strain contents of the open-ended receptacle after muddling thereof. A grip feature may also be formed in the body to assist in discharging strained contents from the open-ended receptacle. Related methods of muddling contents are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an associated device for intermittently enriching and dispersing drinking water with gases, particularly CO2 and/or O2, wherein the water is supplied to a mixing device (5) by means of a miniature pump (3), particularly an electromagnetic oscillating piston pump with a low supply volume and the greater throughput volume required for the tap process is realized by the gas flowing into the mixing device (5).

Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.

Abstract: The present device concerns a boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages including a diffuser (32) with a first wall (33) destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall (34) opposite first wall (33), heating element (11) consisting of at least one thick film or photo-etching resistor (31) arranged on second wall (34) of diffuser (32), a body which, with first wall (33) of diffuser (32), defines a heating volume (11) inside which the liquid is to be heated, characterized in that it is arranged so that heating volume (11) is positioned on either side of heating element (30). Also described is the fabrication of machines for preparing hot beverages such as coffee.

Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.

Abstract: Methods for reducing thermophilic spore-forming bacteria that can lead to off-odors and tastes in beverage products, especially fruit or vegetable juice products, are provided. The methods employ one or more peroxy acids that are added to the beverage handling system prior to pasteurization and concentration of the beverage product. Particularly, the peroxy acid is added prior to final filtration of the beverage product upstream of the pasteurizer and concentrator.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a hot water generator, an infusion chamber for receiving an infusible product, an infusion dispensing outlet (6) and a foam producing device (40), which is interposed between the infusion chamber and the dispensing outlet and is provided with at least two outlet orifices (43, 44) arranged with respect to each other in such a way that two infusion jets, which are formed at exit, collide with each other, thereby producing a foam. The two outlet orifices (43, 44) are oriented to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that the first outlet orifice (43) is oriented in a vertical direction whereas the second outlet orifice (44) is oriented in a horizontal direction and placed in such a way that the collision of the two infusion jets takes place under the first orifice.

Abstract: A water purifying and flavor infusion device that includes a lower reservoir for storing filtered water, and a pitcher top removably affixed to the lower reservoir. The pitcher top includes a lid, an upper reservoir, and a filter housing affixed to and extending below the upper reservoir. The filter housing is adapted to contain a filter cartridge wherein the upper reservoir and the filter housing are in liquid communication. The device also includes an infusion tube for infusing filtered water with an additive.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process includes a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: The liquid-overflow platform and container device includes a generally horizontal platform for catching overflow liquid from a small appliance, such as a coffee maker, and a container attached beneath the platform that receives the liquid flowing through apertures in the platform. The apertures are less than 10% of the platform area. The platform may be topographically structured to encourage liquid to drain into the apertures, and is larger than the footprint of the appliance. The container is sized to contain more than the liquid capacity of the small appliance. The device is removable from beneath the appliance for carrying to an appropriate place to empty the contents, preferably by tipping the device to drain the liquid through platform corner apertures. The device may be separate from, and not connected to, the appliance, or may be sold as a connected but removable portion of the appliance.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing whole soy milk by sterilizing raw beans with the bean skins by heating in a heating chamber, transforming the starch into soluble dextrin, and then grinding the beans into an ultra-fine particle to be manufactured into whole soy milk. When the starch is transformed into dextrin by means of the above-described method, whole soy milk which is as smooth as bovine milk can be manufactured, said whole soy milk being easier to digest and having an excellent taste and flavor due to the removal of the inherent fishy taste and grassy flavor or “stink’ of the beans. By using the entire bean the problem of waste generated in traditional soy milk manufacturing processes is resolved, and soy milk yield is greatly improved. Further, a method is provided for manufacturing whole black soybean milk utilizing the quality anticancer ingredients found in the black bean skins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler for heating water in a coffee or espresso machine, comprising a boiler housing (1), a cold water inlet (7), a hot water outlet (8) and an electric heating device (5). Said boiler housing (1) is cylindrical and comprises a boiler cover (2), a boiler top (4) and a boiler base (3) having a cylinder axis (A) that is horizontal when in operation. The cold water inlet (7) and the hot water outlet (8) and the electric heating device (5) are mounted on the boiler base (3) of the boiler housing (1), that extends vertically, and the heating device (5) is configured in such a manner that each point inside the container volume is at a normal distance from the heating device (5) that is less than 40% of the container diameter (D).

Abstract: A beer frothing device for stably generating froth without degrading beer quality is provided.

Abstract: A fermentation method and system which includes providing juice to be fermented into a container. The juice having a cap that is a collection of solid components of grapes. The cap has a permeable consistency and floats in the juice. The method includes moving a portion of the juice from below the cap upward into contact with the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a woven mesh. The woven mesh comprises polyester such as poly(ethylene terephthalate). The present invention also relates to associated uses and systems of the woven mesh.

Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.

Abstract: The carbonation device includes a cap system selectively mounted to the mouth of a liquid container. The cap system includes a cap, a rotatable control ring coaxial with and selectively attached to the cap, a reaction vessel selectively attached to the bottom of the cap, and an elongate distribution tube selectively mounted to the cap. The reaction vessel is filled with a preselected amount of carbonating material such that when the control ring is rotated in one position, water may be introduced into the vessel to initiate the carbonation reaction. In another position, the carbonating gas flows into the liquid via the distribution tube. Other rotated positions permit locking and unlocking of the control ring. The carbonation device also includes a drop-in configuration that serves as a self-contained carbonation distribution vessel.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the blender module initiates a cleaning mode.

Abstract: A server (20) for retaining and dispensing a heated beverage. The server includes an insulated server body (23) for reducing heat transfer of heat from the liquid beverage retained therein. A sump (60) is provided in the server body at a lower portion thereof for draining beverage from the server. The sump has a minimal cross sectional area to further reduce heat transfer from a volume of liquid beverage retained in the server to the sump. A faucet (42) is attached to the server and communicates with the sump through a port (76). An interface hub (52) is positioned between the faucet and the server for reducing heat transfer from the liquid beverage to the faucet.

Abstract: A device for preparing and dispensing a drink comprises a dosing device (21,22) for a product to be mixed with a liquid in a mixing chamber (50), wherein the drink prepared therefrom can be drawn off at an outlet (60). The dosing device (21,22) is provided with a placing space for an exchangeable product holder (31,32), an outflow opening of which is at least initially provided with a removable seal (33 . . . 35). The seal comprises a foil folded back on itself, a base part (33) of which is attached to an edge (37,38) of the product holder (31,32) and a folded further part (34) of which leads back to a front side and protrudes with a pulling part (35) out of the placing space. At least the folded part (34) of the foil is laterally movable inside the placing space in order to allow removal of the foil from a placed product holder.

Abstract: A caustic recovery arrangement for a clean-in-place system permits recovery of the caustic solution used for cleaning sanitary liquid-food processing equipment. A recovery tank receives the caustic aqueous solution and entrained solids. The caustic recovery tank has an upper barrel portion and a lower conic portion. The caustic solution remains in the recovery tank for about eight hours to allow the solids to settle out into the conic portion. A solution drain conduit at a lower end of the barrel portion connects to a caustic recovery line with a pump that feeds the recovered solution back to a main caustic supply tank. A solids drain conduit leads from an outlet at the bottom end of the conic portion of the caustic recovery tank to a solids receptacle so that the solids can be recovered for use, e.g., as animal feed or as fertilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component having an inner surface. The first valve is opened to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode. The first valve is closed when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit having a discharge cell configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow. A tank may be configured to receive the air flow from the discharge cell of the processing unit and expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water and form ozone-containing water.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component comprising an inner surface. The first valve has an open position to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode, in a closed position when the combination is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit, having an electrochemical cell configured to produce an anolyte solution and a catholyte solution. The sanitizing system comprises a second valve having an open position to send the anolyte solution and the catholyte solution to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The second valve has a closed position when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode.

Abstract: A grinding member for a device for grinding coffee includes a grinder with a grinding surface. A single co-molded block is formed including the grinding member with a support made of plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a kit, comprising:—at least a capsule (10) for insertion in a beverage production machine and containing beverage ingredients, the capsule having a cup-like base body (10b) comprising an outlet face (10c), and—one or more beverage production parameter programming connector(s) (1) comprising an identification member (2) placed on a first side (1a) of the connector designed for representing individual information as to beverage production parameters upon mechanical contact by sensing means (8, 18) of a beverage production machine (100), said side being opposite to the second connector side (1b) designed for connection to the outlet face (10c) of the capsule, wherein either the capsule(s) (10) or the connector(s) (1) or the both is provided with means for mechanically associating the connector (1) to the capsule (10) by the consumer, preferably without using tools.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.

Abstract: A self-cooked soybean milk machine comprises a base (1), a control unit (12), a grinding cooked device (121), grinding blades (134) inside the grinding cooked device (131), a motor (135) driving the grinding blades (134) to rotate, and a preheat device. The motor (135) and/or the grinding cooked device (131) are/is installed on the base (1), with the motor electrically connected with the control unit (12). When the soybean material and water are blended in the grinding cooked device (131) and is grinded into seriflux/paste, the seriflux/paste is heated and cooked by heat produced by the friction between the seriflux/paste, the grinding blades (134) and the grinding cooked device (131). The design of the grinding cooked device with a high grinding and cooking efficiency allows the self-cooked soybean milk machine to reduce the pulping time and to produce the pulp in five minutes.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oat and milk beverage includes processing taking place under chilled conditions. Moreover, the oat product used in accordance with aspects of this invention is hydrolyzed oat flour.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a beverage mixing apparatus which may be used to prepare alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage combination cocktails. In one embodiment, the beverage mixing apparatus includes an upper assembly capable of supporting a plurality of tapered vessels having a first size and a lower assembly capable of supporting a plurality of tapered vessels having a second size. The upper assembly includes a handle assembly which functions like a plunger to submerge and release the plurality of tapered vessels having a first size into the plurality of tapered vessels having a second size when force is applied thereto.

Abstract: A capsule-based beverage production machine comprises a module (2) designed for producing a beverage on the basis of ingredients (5) which are contained in a capsule (1). The module (2) comprises: —means (3, 4) for retaining the capsule (1) in a fixed position, and—means (6) for perforation the capsule (1), wherein the perforation means (6) are controlled to perforate the capsule (1) after the capsule (1) is retained in the fixed position by the retaining means (3, 4).

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage from water and an instant product includes a water supply system for supplying water, a heating device for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device for cooling water heated in the heating device. The cooling device uses water from the water supply system as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device has preferably previously been used in the cooling device as cooling-water. The cooling device includes a counter flow heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a device for treating a liquid foodstuff product containing a solid with a heat exchanger charged with the foodstuff product under pressure and/or a degasser, which is charged with a reduced pressure, followed or preceded by a pressure reduction device, the pressure reduction device has at least one brake pump through which the foodstuff product flows. In a method the pressure with which the foodstuff product is conveyed through the brake pump is reduced by a rotary movement of the brake pump.