Abstract: An apparatus for making a beverage including an infusion chamber for a capsule containing a food substance, an insertion opening for inserting the capsule into the apparatus, a transfer channel for transferring the capsule from the insertion opening to the infusion chamber, an image acquisition device to acquire at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device includes an optical sensor facing an image capture zone in which, in use, said capsule is located or passes. A viewing window, made of transparent material, is interposed between the optical sensor and the image capture zone. A heating element for heating the viewing window is applied to, or incorporated in, the viewing window.

Abstract: A tea maker includes a brewing unit which defines a vessel having an upper opening with a spout disposed thereon. A lid assembly is removeably received on the upper opening of the vessel and includes a steeping tube. The steeping tube extends downwardly from the lid assembly into the vessel when the lid assembly is received on the upper opening of the vessel. An articulating filter assembly is coupled to the lid assembly and includes a filter plate that is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. The filter plate is configured to contact an inner surface of the vessel when the filter plate is in the extended position. A biasing member is configured to bias the filter plate towards the extended position for filtering a brewed tea mixture as the mixture is poured through the upper opening of the vessel.

Abstract: Stackable infusion filtration and storage systems are described herein. Components of the systems may include a first container, a second container, and a cooperating third container. The stackable systems may further include a sleeve component and one or more lids. The stackable systems can concurrently capture liquid as the liquid separates from an infused butter mixture and solidify butter in separate cooperating stackable containers. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A Thermos Coffee Maker having a main thermos body, a lid member, a screen member and a screen retaining assembly. The screen retaining assembly includes a threaded cylindrical member and a screen retaining ring. The lid has internal threads and is attached to the upper portion of the screen retaining assembly. The screen retaining assembly is attached at its lower end to the internally threaded portion of the main thermos body. The screen is trapped between the screen retaining ring and a ledge located on the interior of the screen retaining assembly. The user to pours ground coffee into the main thermos body then pours in hot water and screws on the lid. The coffee is allowed to brew-steep. The brewed coffee can be poured through the screen member thereby blocking the coffee grounds and allowing brewed coffee to be poured from the main thermos to a coffee cup.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage making device, which includes a lid, a container, an infuser and a pump for pumping liquid. The pump pumps liquid in the container to the infuser through the riser tube. A protective flow-diversion cover is sleeved over a top end of the riser tube, and the protective flow-diversion cover is provided with a water outlet. The lid of the beverage making device is provided with a protruding member extending downward. Only when the lid is closed, the protective flow-diversion cover can open the water outlet by being triggered by the protruding part. This ensures that no liquid will be ejected from the beverage making device when the lid is opened.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of minibreweries and concerns a double-walled vessel for boiling and fermenting wort, comprising (a1) an opening for receiving liquid and yeast, (a2) a space for holding the liquid, (a3) a temperature control element located between outside wall (a5) and inner wall (a6), (a4) an outlet for discharging liquid, equipped with a valve, and a (a9) a controller capable of controlling (a3), which contains a connection (a9?) to an operating system. The invention also concerns a system containing or adapted to receive said vessel, a process for brewing beer using said system, kits of parts comprising said vessel and/or system and a program for executing said process.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispensing container comprises a housing and an internal beverage holding tank positioned in and contained within the housing. The internal beverage holding tank is configured to receive and store a beverage, and the internal beverage holding tank is constructed from a translucent material. The housing includes an opening through a rear surface thereof, such that light from a light source (which is installed at a brewing station) can be directed through the opening and through the internal beverage holding tank, such a light pattern is projected on a sight glass window on a front surface of the housing that provides a visual indication of provide a visual indication of the level of the beverage in the shuttle, along with a visual indication of the status of the brewed beverage.

Abstract: An open-topped drinking cup and a lid comprising a lid cover and a mixing device for holding and mixing a condiment into a beverage held in the dinking cup. The lid cover defines a circular mounting aperture within which the mixing device is displaceably located. The mixing device includes at least two mixing elements which are connected to another so as to be telescopically displaceable relative to one another between a retracted condition and an extended condition wherein the mixing device extends into the beverage. The mixing device includes a condiment chamber which is defined within a mixing element for holding a condiment such as sugar. The mixing device further includes a mixing element which has a number of circumferentially-spaced slots through which the condiment is discharged into the beverage.

Abstract: Automatic process for calibrating the single and double dose of ground and dispensed coffee by means of a specific grinder-doser integrating a weighing device with a load cell. The process is automatically and steadily carried out during the ordinary activity, with no interruptions, adapting the grinding time according to the actually detected grammages, in order to get closer as much as possible to the desired grammage in any use condition. The process, after a preliminary phase for temporary configuring the desired grammages and the grinding time, conceives self-calibration cycles continuously repeated, each of them comprising three sequential phases: a first phase for automatically checking the dispensing with progressive weight detections, a second phase for automatically processing the detected data for determining the correct grinding time, a following third phase for the automatic setting.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) comprises: —a main body (10) containing a unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for preparing said beverage (2) to be dispensed via an outlet (21) to an external user-recipient (3) at a user-recipient placement location (30); —an auxiliary body (20) that is movable relative to the main body (10) inwards into the main body (10) into a retracted position and outwards from the main body (10) into a deployed position; —a control unit (16) for controlling the preparation unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) to supply said beverage (2) to the outlet (21); and—a user-interlace (17, 17?) connected to the control unit (16). The user-interface (17, 17?) is located on the auxiliary body (20) and is movable therewith.

Abstract: In pour-over brewing, a vessel containing water can be suspended over a brew basket so that the water can drain, under gravity, into the brew basket and onto the coffee, and the water level in the brew basket is used to regulate the flow of water from the vessel. A vessel that is closed, other than the mouth thereof, and containing brew-heated water, is suspended over the brew basket so that the water can drain from the mouth of the vessel into the brew basket and into the ground coffee to brew liquid coffee, which drains into a container. Rising of the water in the brew basket causes interruption of drainage of the water from the mouth of the vessel into the brew basket, and lowering of the water in the brew basket causes resumption of drainage of the water from the mouth of the vessel into the brew basket.

Abstract: The coffee machine (1) with a system for emulsifying and heating milk comprises a body (2) having a coffee dispenser (3) and a device (4) for emulsifying and/or heating milk having a carafe (6) for containing the milk and a lid (7) for closing the carafe (6), means (8) for conveying the steam generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube (9) present in the lid (7) so as to emulsify and/or heat the milk inside said lid, the device (4) being provided with detection means (12) for detecting the presence of milk in the carafe (6) so as to interrupt the dispensing of milk when said carafe (6) is completely empty.

Abstract: A beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine, prepares a beverage using water supplied via a fixed water connection to a hydraulic part arranged in the beverage machine and outputs the beverage at an outlet of the beverage machine. Maintenance is simplified by the fact that the beverage machine is provided with a cartridge holder which is accessible from the outside and into which a cartridge can be inserted in an exchangeable manner, the cartridge includes a cartridge connection on the inlet side and a cartridge connection on the outlet side, via which, in the inserted state of the cartridge, water supplied to the beverage machine via the fixed water connection flows through the cartridge and is thereby filtered and/or enriched with additives.

Abstract: A capsule assembly including a capsule for preparation of beverages and a conveyor cap mounted on the capsule for conveying the beverage exiting the capsule. The capsule includes an inlet wall, an outlet wall, and a lateral wall defining an internal volume inside which at least one beverage ingredient is housed. The outlet wall includes one or more capsule beverage outlets. The conveyor cap is mounted on the capsule to define an enclosure space between the outlet wall and an inner surface of the conveyor cap. The conveyor cap includes one or more beverage delivery openings and is movably mounted on the capsule. The capsule beverage outlets and the conveyor cap are configured to interact so that the capsule beverage outlets are opened by the conveyor cap due to a relative movement between the capsule and the conveyor cap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation apparatus (10), said apparatus having at least one chamber (1) for receiving and mixing an aqueous liquid and at least one soluble beverage ingredient, said chamber having: a cylindrical lateral side wall (11) having a liquid inlet (2), a bottom wall (12) having a beverage outlet (3), and wherein the liquid inlet (2) is positioned close to the bottom of the chamber, and wherein the liquid inlet (2) is configured so that the liquid is introduced in the chamber as a straight jet of liquid, and wherein said chamber includes a first bump (4) separating the bottom wall in two areas (121, 122), and wherein said chamber includes a second bump (5) rising from the bottom and lateral side walls of the chamber and presenting a shape designed to convert the jet of liquid into a swirl and to guide said swirl so that it flows along the line L in front of the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, including: a first processing container for processing a liquid or semi-liquid base product and defining a processing chamber; a stirrer mounted inside the first processing container; a thermal system including a heat exchanger, associated with the first processing container; a processing and control unit, including a module for receiving and transmitting data, a processing module and a memory containing processing software instructions which can be carried out by the processing module, the processing and control unit defining a storage node of a distributed architecture database.

Abstract: A surgical method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab. The drying step includes suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes: a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a beverage-making apparatus; a display unit; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, from the beverage-making apparatus, beverage-making information that is determined based on ingredient information of a beverage made by the beverage-making apparatus; display, through the display unit, a beverage-making interface that comprises the received beverage-making information; during a beverage-making process of the beverage by the beverage-making apparatus, receive beverage-making state information from the beverage-making apparatus; and update the beverage-making interface based on the received beverage-making state information.

Abstract: A liquid infusion system has an infusion chamber with open top and bottom ends. The top end has a removable cover. Flavored ingredients are placed in the chamber. A lower housing is rotatably secured to the bottom end of the chamber. A one-way valve located within the lower housing allows liquid flow in only a single direction. A stopper configured to be inserted into a bottle of virgin liquid is connected to the lower housing. When the system is tilted downward, virgin liquid is free to flow from the bottle and into the chamber. Bringing the bottle to vertical closes the valve and allows the virgin liquid and any ingredients placed in the chamber to steep, to produce a flavored infused beverage. The lower housing can be rotated and locked into a position in relation to the infusion chamber to prevent the flow of liquid into or out of the chamber.

Abstract: An extracting apparatus for extracting a beverage liquid from an extraction target includes an extraction container including a neck portion with an opening and a trunk portion and configured to store the extraction target and a liquid, a filter arranged on the opening of the neck portion and configured to restrict leakage of the extraction target, and a driving unit configured to change a posture of the extraction container from a first posture in which the neck portion is located on an upper side to a second posture in which the neck portion is located on a lower side.

Abstract: An electric hot beverage brewer (20) with a duty cycle modulated DC voltage dispense pump (44) with an inlet (46) connected to a de-aerator (24) and beneath a lower limit and an outlet (48) located above an upper limit the surface a hot water tank (22) is finely controlled by a high frequency pulse-width, modulated, square power input voltage (FIG. 2) with a duty cycle controlled in accordance with predetermined profiles stored within a controller (28) to selectively change the flow rate out of the pump onto a distribution dome (50) during a dispense period of a brew cycle to achieve optimum brewing of different types of beverage ingredients and varieties of the different types and to selectively change the spray pattern of hot water onto the ingredient (53) within the basket assembly (52) between vertical and acute angles including acute angles that pass hot water into a bypass gap (56).

Abstract: A pour-over beverage system is disclosed. The pour-over beverage system includes a double walled vacuum sealed cup feature or pour-over reservoir for holding a steeped beverage and a flow control mechanism or flow control insert attached to a bottom portion of the double walled vacuum sealed cup feature or pour-over reservoir for dispensed the steeped beverage. The system also preferably includes a double walled vacuum sealed capturing vessel or capturing reservoir for capturing the steeped beverage dispensed through the control mechanism or flow control insert.

Abstract: A beverage supply device can suppress a decline of a temperature of hot water remaining in a hot-water delivery piping for guiding the hot water pumped up by a pump to a beverage extraction unit without increasing a cost. The beverage supply device with a hot-water tank storing the hot water heated by a built-in heater is provided with the hot-water delivery piping for guiding the hot water pumped up by the pump arranged below the hot-water tank to the beverage extraction unit. The hot-water delivery piping is arranged to pass through the hot-water tank so that the hot water remaining in the hot-water delivery piping during a stand-by time is kept warm at a temperature of the hot water inside the hot-water tank by the hot water inside the hot-water tank.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule. The machine comprises a positioner arranged to hold at least one capsule out of the ingredient processing module. It further comprises a sensing arrangement adapted to detect an event related to the insertion by a user of a capsule and/or the presence of the capsule on or into the positioner. The machine is configured, upon detection of the event, to transfer the capsule to the ingredient processing module by using transfer means, and then to start the preparation of the beverage. More particularly, the invention relates to a machine providing a convenient and safe solution to fully automate the preparation of a beverage.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispensing container comprises a housing and an internal beverage holding tank positioned in and contained within the housing. The internal beverage holding tank is configured to receive and store a beverage, and the internal beverage holding tank is constructed from a translucent material. The housing includes an opening through a rear surface thereof, such that light from a light source (which is installed at a brewing station) can be directed through the opening and through the internal beverage holding tank, such a light pattern is projected on a sight glass window on a front surface of the housing that provides a visual indication of the level of the beverage in the shuttle.

Abstract: A steam show apparatus is provided with a water boiler; a heater for heating water in the water boiler to hot water and steam; a dispenser for dispensing hot water fed from the water boiler; an electromagnetic valve for brewing configured to open to allow hot water to enter a cup via the dispenser so as to make a beverage by mixing with material in the cup; at least one steam line each including an outlet; a steam controller co-activates with the electromagnetic valve for brewing so that in a beverage making process, steam in the steam line flows out of the outlet as a steam show; and a CPU for controlling an amount of the steam sprayed out of the outlet. It has an effect similar to dancing fountain.

Abstract: A coffee machine for producing and dispensing coffee-based beverages is disclosed comprising a hydraulic pump, at least one dispensing device with a filter unit adapted to contain ground coffee, and a water supply unit. A hydraulic circuit brings the hydraulic pump into fluid communication with the supply unit of the dispensing device to supply hot water under pressure to the supply unit. A system for controlling the dispensing pressure comprises a control unit and a pressure sensor to transmit signals representative of the pressure detected to the control unit to detect the disposing pressure. The hydraulic pump supplies variable quantities of water and may be actuated by an electronic drive controlled electronically by the control unit in order to select the flow of water supplied by the pump. A method for controlling the dispensing pressure in a coffee machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber configured to brew a beverage, the device comprising: a valve assembly comprising: a housing including an inlet for receiving pressurized water into the housing, a two way passage coupling the housing to the brewing chamber, an outlet configured to remove the brewed beverage from the housing, and a pressure release valve configured to close the outlet to send the pressurized water out of the two way passage to the brewing chamber when the pressurized water is supplied to the inlet, and close the inlet to receive a brewed beverage from the brewing through the two way passage when the pressurized water is not provided to the inlet.

Abstract: A beverage machine that includes a brewing chamber; and a dispensing spout for dispensing liquid into the brewing chamber, wherein the dispensing spout includes a liquid inlet; a main body having a central axis and at least a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet, wherein the second liquid outlet has a larger distance from the central axis than the first liquid outlet; a liquid distributor fluidly connecting the liquid inlet selectively to the first liquid outlet or to the second liquid outlet, and an actuator for changing a position of the liquid distributor relative to the main body between at least a first position, wherein the liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the first liquid outlet and a second position, wherein the liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the second liquid outlet.

Abstract: A filter cup is revealed. The filter cup includes an outer cup, an inner cup mounted in the outer cup and a grip. The inner cup consists of a filter bottom surface on the bottom thereof, a plug-like member on the filter bottom surface, and at least two flanges on top of the inner cup. A discharge hole is disposed on bottom of the outer cup and sealed by the plug-like member. Two rotating members are pivotally connected to the outer cup and each includes a leaning portion projecting therefrom. The grip is connected to the rotating members. The rotating members are driven to move for pushing the flanges and moving the inner cup vertically by the leaning portions thereof when the grip is pulled. Thus a gap is formed between the plug-like member and the discharge hole, allowing liquid in the inner to flow out therethrough.

Abstract: The device for introducing a filter-holder into a coffee dispenser, comprising a cup-shaped container inside which is housed a perforated filter for containing the coffee powder and from which a handle projects, said cup-shaped container having two tabs arranged to engage in a connection element connected to the coffee machine, characterized in that said connection element comprises sliding means inside which said tabs of said cup-shaped container engage sliding along a straight path.

Abstract: A cold brew coffee filtration assembly having a closure. The closure includes a first side and a second side. The first side has a first coupling member configured to couple the closure to a first container. The second side has a second coupling member configured to couple the closure to a second container. A filter is between the first and the second coupling members. A support member supports the filter and defines an air channel extending through the support member and across the filter. A tube is configured to be connected to the support member and extend from the first side of the closure to a bottom of the first container when the first container is coupled to the first side of the closure, the tube further defining the air channel.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a single cup coffee brewer comprised of a dripper component, a drip rate control component, and a plunger assembly. The dripper component has a cylindrical brewing container and a removable cylindrical tube that enables an appropriately sized standard basket filter to be inserted snugly in the cylindrical brewing container. The drip rate control component, attached to the dripper component, has a lever that controls the drip control rate of the dripper component from a zero drip rate to a maximum value. The coffee brewer may therefore be used similar to a cone dripper, but with a user controlling the drip rate, or as an infuser perhaps followed by a dripper. The plunger assembly converts the dripper component and the drip rate control component into an Espresso plunger by allowing the user to force brewing coffee through the basket filter into a cup. Various embodiments are presented.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (24) by injection of a liquid into the capsule (24), wherein said liquid is provided by a pump (70) of the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule-holder (30) providing the capsule (24) to a capsule-holder receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule (24) in the capsule-holder receiving chamber (25), at least one injection member (11) to supply a liquid received from the pump (70) to the inside of the capsule (24), a control unit (80) for controlling at least the pump (70) of the device, and decoding means (1) connected to the control unit (80) and designed to read information from the capsule-holder (30).

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (24) by injection of a liquid into the capsule (24), wherein said liquid is provided by a pump (70) of the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule-holder (30) providing the capsule (24) to a capsule-holder receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule (24) in the capsule-holder receiving chamber (25), at least one injection member (11) to supply a liquid received from the pump (70) to the inside of the capsule (24), a control unit (80) for controlling at least the pump (70) of the device, and decoding means (1) connected to the control unit (80) and designed to read information from the capsule-holder (30).

Abstract: A compacting auger for ground coffee has an automatic cut off that responds to either timing signals or to the torque resistance to the augur offered by the coffee that has been compacted. The automation of the cut off increases the consistency of compaction and reduces the amount of skill required to compact ground coffee for making espresso.

Abstract: A heightening device (10) is arranged for heightening a short cup (3?) under a beverage outlet (20) of a beverage preparation module (2) configured to dispense beverage into a tall cup (3). The device (10) comprises: a bottom (12) for resting on a support surface (5); a platform (14) that is supported by the bottom and that is configured for receiving said short cup (3?) and heightening thereof over the bottom (12); and a means (15,16) for assembling the bottom and the platform as a unit (12, 14) to a corresponding assembling means (25, 26) of said beverage preparation module under said outlet. The assembling means (15, 16; 25, 26) of such device (10) and of the module (2) are disassemblable for separating the unit (12, 14) from the module and removing the unit from under such beverage outlet (20) to allow placement of the tall cup (3) on said support surface (5) under the outlet (20).

Abstract: A low DC and/or AC voltage machine for preparing espresso coffee or other beverages, having a support structure provided with a heat exchanger, one or more heating elements with low energy consumption for heating water in a container, a water circulation pump, thermostats for adjusting the water temperature, a solenoid valve and a filtering and delivering unit, provided with a fixed portion communicating with the heat exchanger and a movable portion formed by a filter supporting body shaped for housing a cup, supporting the capsule containing the metered powder of the beverage, or a filter for receiving the loose powder, or a filter for receiving a paper waffle. The filter supporting body may be displaced from a lowered position for loading the element for preparing the beverage, to a raised position for the infusion of the beverage, and again in the lower position for discharging the exhausted element.

Abstract: An adjustable percolation device and a pressure percolation device including the same are provided to overcome the inconveniences of usage in conventional technologies. The adjustable percolation device includes a first container, configured with an adjusting plate; a second container, configured with a filter and movably connected to the first container; and an inner cup, having a cup wall and a cup bottom configured with a plurality of second slits corresponding to a plurality of first slits. The pressure percolation device including the adjustable percolation device further includes a pressure unit having a sealing portion, wherein an edge of the sealing portion attaches to an inner edge of the cup wall.

Abstract: An adapter for single serving cartridges includes a coffee maker readable identification feature. The identification feature may be visual (for example any feature which may be read or a bar code), a readable magnetic strip, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or any feature able to contain information and provide that information to a reader. The adapter may be configured for known disposable single serving cartridges, and may include one or more needles to puncture the cartridges for use. The identification feature may inform the coffee maker that an adapter carrying a disposable single serving cartridge is in use, and adjust the coffee maker accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sensing fluid level in reservoir for calculating fluid flow there from. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of fluid level signals each indicative of respective fluid level state at a predetermined location within the reservoir; identifying change of a first fluid level state; recording a relative first time, with respect to fluid flow duration, at which the first fluid level state changed; and calculating fluid dispensed from the reservoir using the fluid flow duration and an average fluid flow rate associated with the respective fluid level location within the reservoir. The apparatus comprising: a plurality of fluid level probe elements located within the reservoir, each adapted to provide a respective fluid level signal; and a processor module adapted to receive receiving a plurality of fluid level signals.

Abstract: A container alert system may include an actuator with a generator that creates electrical energy upon activation of the actuator. The system may utilize the electrical energy to transmit a signal to a receiver based on characteristics of the container, such as use of the container, volume of the material in the container, available capacity of the container, material being added to the container, and location of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure recites a beverage brewing system having beverage brewing machine and a collapsible brew basket. The beverage brewing machine has a housing with a water reservoir and an electrical heating element for heating water. An output system is provided for dispensing the heated water to the brew basket. The brew basket is a collapsible brew basket, positionable between a collapsed position and an expanded portion. The brew basket included and upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion slidingly engaging the upper portion between the collapsed and the exposed position.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end. A steam chamber is disposed below the brew chamber. The steam chamber has a steam chamber upper end, a steam chamber lower end in fluid communication with the brew chamber, and a fluid inlet. A filtering base is removably inserted into the brew chamber. A boiler has a first steam outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. A fresh water supply conduit is in fluid communication with boiler and with the fluid inlet. A method of brewing a beverage is also included.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tea brewer, which includes a container main body having a top side concavely provided with a receiving space for receiving liquid and coffee powder (or tea leaves) and a bottom side formed with a through hole in communication with the receiving space, at least one engaging element each provided on the bottom side and having at least one groove, a water-stopping plate having a post which extends into the receiving space through the through hole and peripherally provided with at least one guide rail each of which is movably received in the corresponding groove, and a water-stopping block detachably connected to the post and located in the receiving space. Since each guide rail extends into the corresponding groove with ease and without being compressed or deformed, it is easy for a user to remove the water-stopping plate from the tea brewer for cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that can dispense both cold and hot drinks from either cold drink capsules or hot drink capsules. The cold or hot drink capsule is inserted into the system, and the lid is manually closed. If a cold drink capsule has been inserted, a mechanism cracks the capsule along a predetermined seam, injects cold mixing fluid into the capsule, and then rotates the capsule to pour the mixed contents into a cup. As the contents are poured, additional cold fluid can be added to the cup. If a hot drink capsule has been inserted, closing the lid pushed it down on a bottom needle that punctures it. An injection needle rotates and punctures the top. Hot fluid is injected under pressure forcing a brewed or mixed drink out the bottom into a cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to regulate the level of a liquid inside a boiler of a coffee machine, having a transparent duct connected to the boiler and designed to visibly display the level of the liquid inside the boiler, a capacitive sensor that can be positioned outside the transparent duct in determined positions and designed to generate electric signals representing the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor along the transparent duct. The sensor of the device has first measuring elements and second measuring elements, both of capacitive type; the second measuring elements are positioned at a predetermined distance from the first measuring elements, and a measuring device designed to measure the impedance between the first and second measuring elements and to generate signals indicating the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor. The invention also relates to the machine that includes this device.

Abstract: The two-piece electric coffee maker includes a Dallah (a traditional Arabian coffee pot for making Arabian coffee) and an electric stove. The coffee pot has a temperature sensor that extends from the base of the coffee pot handle into the pot. The base of the handle also has an electrical connector extending downward from the handle. The electric stove has a housing, a ceramic heating element or plate, a display console, and a mating electrical connector facing upward so that the connectors engage each other when the pot is placed on the heating element. An electronic control unit in the stove housing regulates boiling water for the coffee, reducing the heat after the water has started to boil, annunciating an alarm signal when the temperature of the water is suitable to add coffee grounds to the pot, and monitors brewing time for the coffee.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein include individual-use beverage containers including sensors and methods of their use. Beverage containers include: a vessel body configured to hold a beverage; and at least one sensor associated with the vessel body, the at least one sensor including a sensor configured to detect one or more substance in a fluid. Systems include: at least one beverage container including at least one sensor configured to detect one or more substance in fluid; and at least one external device including at least one port configured for communication with the at least one sensor. Methods include: detecting one or more substance within fluid with at least one sensor integral to a beverage container; and interfacing one or more of the at least one sensor with an external device.