Abstract: A press for brewing hot coffee and hot tea by compressing tea leaves or coffee grinds to the bottom in the drink container or vessel with a structural filter that both has an improved sealing member from the filter to vessel and includes a filter screen and most importantly, a movable flapper valve which opens under pressure as the apparatus is pushed through the water towards the coffee grinds or tea leaves to expose a filter so that the coffee grinds or tea leaves at the bottom of the container seep into the water to create hot brewed coffee or tea. For coffee, the coffee beans are ground and coffee grinds are used. For tea, tea leaves are used.

Abstract: Enables a coffee making apparatus with a froth spoon and at least one impeller configured to enable users to make a cup of coffee, agitate the coffee grounds with the at least one impeller, for example before or after as the plunger is pushed to the bottom of the carafe. Embodiments thus enable a user to make additional froth, pour out the coffee into a cup, and after the cup is filled to the desired level, spoon out froth over the coffee with the froth spoon without pouring excess coffee into the cup.

Abstract: An anti-oxidation bulk product dispensing system for oxidation-sensitive bulk product includes a gravity-feed bin, an oxygen displacement substance, a supply source, and a control valve. A reservoir of the gravity feed bin is filled through an inlet with oxidation-sensitive bulk product. The product is stored in the reservoir and selectively dispensed through an outlet of the bin. The bin inadvertently receives oxygenated ambient air while receiving and dispensing the product. The supply source is configured to selectively provide the oxygen displacement substance to the bin. The control valve is in communication with the supply source and the bin and is configured to selectively deliver the oxygen displacement substance to the bin. The oxygen displacement substance displaces the oxygenated ambient air in the bin, thereby lessening oxidation of the stored product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation device comprising a cylindrical chamber with a jacket provided with a filling opening for receiving a powder-like or granular substance and an ejection opening for ejecting the substance, a first and a second compression element, positioned perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the chamber, a displacement member for relative displacement of the first compression element with respect to the jacket between a filling position, a compression position and an ejection position, wherein the compression elements in the filling position delimit a filling volume and the compression elements in the compression position delimit a preparation volume positioned along a longitudinal axis and at a distance from the filling volume, wherein the first compression element engages the inner wall of the jacket in a fluid-tight manner and a fluid supply channel and a fluid discharge channel that in the compression position is in fluid-communication with the preparatio

Abstract: A pre-packaged beverage brewer press is taught that incorporates a hollow cylinder (20) having a full diameter body (22), an open top (24) and a closed bottom (26) with a removable holder (36) engaging the cylinder bottom. The holder has a configuration suitable to retain a beverage cartridge (40), with the holder having at least one exit opening (46) therein. A removable manually operated piston (74) is configured to be engaged within the hollow cylinder and includes an air-tight seal and an outwardly extended top (76). A cup (98), having a wide flat bottom for standing evenly on a flat surface, is attached to the cylinder bottom. When heated water is placed within the cylinder and the piston is inserted into the cylinder and urged downwardly by a user, sufficient pressure is created to compress the water into the beverage cartridge permitting steeping therefore brewing a beverage which is discharged into the cup attached beneath.

Abstract: A brewer unit for a hot beverage dispensing machine includes an upper cylinder (30) for receiving and containing hot water and a brewing material and having an open lower end, a coaxial lower cylinder (40) having an open upper end, a filter unit (43) mounted over the upper end of said lower cylinder (40) preventing passage of the brewing material therethrough, and a reciprocal piston (41) fitted in the lower cylinder (40) for creating a vacuum therein to suck freshly made beverage through the filter unit (43). A drive shaft (14) makes the piston (41) reciprocate and also drives a first cam mechanism for lifting the upper cylinder (30) from the filter unit (43) and a second cam mechanism for moving a scraper unit (5) over the filter unit (43) to discharge spent brewing material therefrom.

Abstract: A brewing assembly for a coffee machine, which brewing assembly includes a brewing module with a brewing head, an upper and lower closure element, and a drive module with at least one linear guide element. The brewing head has a cylindrical brewing chamber, which can be closed by the upper and lower closure elements and cooperates with the linear guide such that the brewing head is displaceable linearly in the brewing assembly. The drive unit also includes a motor drive for the linear guide element. The brewing head and at least one of the two closure elements with at least a brewing chamber are arranged in the brewing module in a linearly displaceable fashion. The brewing module is arranged detachably in or on the drive unit such that when it is in or on the drive unit at least the brewing head is linearly displaceable via the linear guide element.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vessel comprising an open top, an open bottom, and a wall. The vessel encompasses a volume of material and fluid. A bottom assembly removably engages the open bottom. A lid assembly removably engages the open top. A plunger unit comprises a top end and a bottom end. The plunger unit passes through the lid assembly to extend to at least the open bottom. A filter assembly is in engagement with the bottom end and the cylinder wall. The filter assembly substantially separates the material and fluid with a movement of the plunger unit towards the open bottom and compresses the material against the bottom assembly. The separated fluid is removable from the open top, and the compressed material is removable by a disengagement of the bottom assembly and continued movement of the filter assembly towards the open bottom.

Abstract: The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), and bears a movable receiving assembly (7) provided with a receptacle (9) capable of receiving a capsule (10) or similar, containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6); the movable assembly (7) being able to assume a closed position in which it is coupled with the cooperating assembly (6) to define a brewing chamber able to contain a capsule (10), and a separated open position. The cooperating assembly (6) is able to inject water and/or steam into the brewing chamber. An ejection device (20) is provided to eject a used capsule (10) from the region between said assemblies (6, 7) when, after the beverage has been prepared, the movable assembly (7) returns from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An infusion device for infusion capsules, particularly for espresso coffee machines, comprising a filter basket holder cylinder and a piston which can move with respect to each other from a configuration for loading and unloading at least one capsule for infusions into or from the filter basket holder cylinder to a dispensing configuration and vice versa, the device comprising first elements for movement of at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for their first relative movement from the loading and unloading configuration to an intermediate configuration that is comprised between the loading and unloading configuration and the dispensing configuration and vice versa, and second elements for moving at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for a second relative movement thereof from the intermediate configuration to the dispensing configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption includes an exchangeable holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid such as water under pressure to the exchangeable holder, while the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infant formula to be supplied to a bottle, and methods and circuits for operating the same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a shape for integrating together components of the apparatus. A fluid reservoir for holding fluid and configured to be coupling to the housing is provided. Further provided is a formula disc disposed at a first location of the housing. The first location defined above a dispense location of the bottle, and the formula disc having a top end and a dispense end, the formula disc further includes a plurality of slots for holding the infant formula in a powder state. The apparatus has an end plate that is coupled to the dispense end of the formula disc, and the end plate has a dispense hole, such that the end plate is rotatable relative to the formula disc.

Abstract: A system and a method for making a beverage from a mixture of liquid and solid particles are disclosed. The liquid and solid particles are introduced into a chamber so as to allow the liquid to infuse with the flavour or quality of the solid particles. A piston having an integrated filter is in sealed contact with the chamber, and can be vertically displaced within the chamber. When the piston is displaced downward, air is forced from below the filter and into the mixture sitting above the filter, agitating the mixture. When the piston is displaced upward, the mixture is drawn from above the filter. This separates the spent solid particles from the infused liquid, which collects in the chamber, thereby making the beverage. Also described are a driving mechanism for displacing the piston, a dispensing mechanism for releasing the beverage, and a wiping mechanism for wiping spent solid particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a hot beverage. The apparatus includes a hot steam source for supplying a flow of steam into a vessel, a rotary stirring device including a rotatable shaft which carries a stirring rotor; and a cleaning container. A control unit controls movement of the stirring device between its rest position and its working position; the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend inside a vessel; and the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend in the cleaning container.

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: 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 single serving brewing cartridge adapter fits into known single serving horizontal coffee makers and allows use of a common single serving cartridge made for a vertical coffee maker. The cartridge adapter includes a fixed extraction needle in the base of cartridge adapter and defines walls rising from the base to guide a cartridge into position. The extraction needle pierces a single use cartridge to release brewed beverage into the cartridge adapter. An injection needle in the horizontal coffee maker lid punctures a foil cover of single use cartridges and passes through a permanent opening in a lid of the cartridge adapter and an extraction needle in the horizontal coffee maker cooperates with the cartridge adapter to carry brewed drink from the cartridge adapter. Reusable cartridges including permanent openings to receive the injection needle and to release brewed beverage may also be used with the cartridge adapter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes at least a modular brewing mechanism. Also, the system includes a reservoir for retaining a volume of beverage produced by the brewing mechanism. The system includes controls for dispensing a single cup of beverage while producing multiple cycles of beverage for transfer to the reservoir. The system also includes controls for monitoring freshness of beverage, controllably disposing of beverage, and controlling production of single cup or batch production of beverage. The method and apparatus includes controllable pressurized brewing in a column or chamber using a controllable piston moving in the chamber and which may include controlling steep time, pressurization, extraction time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics.

Abstract: A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: An infusion press lid assembly is taught consisting of a lid body having a configuration capable of attaching to a straight walled beverage containing vessel. An actuator lever (44) pivotally engages a lid body (20) with a pouring valve (56) embraced by the actuator lever. A plunger rod (70) is disposed within the lid body and a plunger knob (76) is attached to the plunger rod for manually pushing the rod away from the lid body. A piston (82) is attached to the plunger rod, with the piston having bottom screen (84); a hub (86), an outer ring (88) and a number of reinforcing spokes (90). A seal retainer (92) is disposed within a groove (94) around the piston's periphery and a lip seal (96) is positioned within seal retainer. When an infusible media is placed within a beverage containing vessel and hot water is poured over the media and the lid body is attached, after steeping a brewed beverage is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: Muddler machines and methods for muddling ingredients of a beverage in a container. The machine includes a muddler having at least one head. A drive assembly is attached to the upper end of the muddler for rotating reciprocatively and moving the muddler extensively away from the drive assembly to advance the muddler head within the container and into engagement with the ingredients therein. The drive assembly rotates the muddler about its axis through a given rotation for mashing the ingredients. The drive assembly then rotates reciprocatively and retracts the muddler.

Abstract: A foamed beverage system for creating foamed beverages from a powder, a liquid, and air. The foamed beverage system may include a mixing chamber having a mixing zone and a pressurized zone. An impeller is positioned between the mixing zone and the pressurized zone. The powder and the liquid are added to the mixing chamber and the air is entrained within the mixture of the powder and the liquid within the pressurized zone.

Abstract: An infuser having a non-porous region to selectively stop infusion. The infuser may be used in a vessel, such as a portable beverage mug suitable for preparing and drinking tea and other beverages. Methods for infusing contents (such as coffee or tea) into a beverage with the ability to stop the infusion process on command, and without having to remove the contents from the container or vessel holding the infuser. Once the beverage has reached a desired flavor, the flavoring ingredients can be pushed into the non-porous section of the infuser by pushing a press head to move the infusing contents into the non-porous region.

Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A frozen drink dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing station supported by the housing and configured to dispense a precise quantity of a flavored fluid from a variety of flavored fluids into a blender cup. The dispensing station includes a first support configured to support the blender cup and weigh contents within the blender cup. The frozen drink dispenser further includes a shaved ice and blend station supported by the housing and configured to dispense a precise quantity of shaved ice within the blender cup and to mix the contents within the blender cup. The shaved ice and blend station includes a second support configured to support the blender cup. The frozen drink dispenser further includes a rinse station configured to rinse and clean the blender cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing device (1) for a coffee machine, including a brewing cylinder (6) having a cylindrical bore and pistons, such that the brewing cylinder (6) can be closed off to form a brewing chamber. The brewing cylinder (6) and the pistons are held in a frame, and can be displaced relative to each other and driven by a spindle (9). A threaded part (7a) acts together with the spindle, and is disposed on a carrier (7) attached to the brewing cylinder (6). A ground coffee feed device is provided for filling the brewing chamber with ground coffee, and a stripping element (19) serves to strip off the residual coffee grounds remaining on the lower piston (4) after the brewing process. A supporting structure can prevent the spindle from being able to bend under load during the brewing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing unit (1) for a coffee maker for brewing a ground coffee portion (10), comprising a brewing unit housing (2), an upper plunger (3) firmly connected to the brewing unit housing (2), a holder (4) for receiving the ground coffee portion (10), said holder being open at the top and closed at the bottom by a base (7), and a brewing plunger (6) for compressing the ground coffee portion (10) in a brewing chamber (5). The holder (4) and the brewing plunger (6) are disposed movably and pivotally in the brewing unit housing (2). Mechanical operating elements are provided in the brewing unit housing (2) for raising, lowering, and pivoting the holder (4) and the plunger (3). The brewing plunger (6) is hydraulically guided displaceably in the holder (4) relative to the holder (4). Between the brewing plunger bottom side (14) and the base (7) of the holder (4) a lower chamber space (13) is provided, into which the hot water supply (8) opens.

Abstract: A system and a method for making a beverage from a mixture of liquid and solid particles are disclosed. The liquid and solid particles are introduced into a chamber so as to allow the liquid to infuse with the flavour or quality of the solid particles. A piston having an integrated filter is in sealed contact with the chamber, and can be vertically displaced within the chamber. When the piston is displaced downward, air is forced from below the filter and into the mixture sitting above the filter, agitating the mixture. When the piston is displaced upward, the mixture is drawn from above the filter. This separates the spent solid particles from the infused liquid, which collects in the chamber, thereby making the beverage. Also described are a driving mechanism for displacing the piston, a dispensing mechanism for releasing the beverage, and a wiping mechanism for wiping spent solid particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot beverage preparation device for household- or gastronomic needs, comprising a heating device (3; 403) for the liquid, a control device (4) for actuating the heating device (3; 403), and a beverage container (5; 305; 405) which is configured for accommodating the heated liquid, wherein a stiffing unit (6; 106; 406) is disposed in the beverage container (5; 305; 405), the stirring unit is configured for a stirring movement of the heated liquid in order to facilitate a homogeneous distribution of a beverage substrate that can be introduced in the heated liquid, In accordance with the invention, it is provided that a storage container (2) for a liquid is provided, particularly disposed in a housing (28), and/or that the stirring device (6; 106) comprises a filtering device (206; 486) for accommodating the beverage substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: An Espresso making device includes a brew chamber for enclosing a quantity of coffee grind, and a tube for supplying pressurized hot water to the brew chamber. Espresso is obtained by conducting the hot water through the coffee grind, where the water and the coffee grind are forced to interact. During an Espresso making process, a pressure of the water in the water supplying tube is monitored and compared to a predetermined pressure. In case the measured pressure appears to deviate from the predetermined pressure, a size of an internal volume of the brewing chamber is adjusted, so that an extent to which the coffee grind is compressed and a flow through resistance of the coffee grind are adjusted. Due to this, it is possible to adjust the pressure in such a way that the predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: Provided is a brewing device for an espresso maker having a brewing chamber for receiving grounds, a pressing ram mounted movably on a path of travel extending between a top position and a bottom compaction position in which it penetrates into said brewing chamber to form a cake of compacted grounds, a hydraulic drive mechanism for the pressing ram having a hydraulic pump and means for measuring the volume of hydraulic fluid injected into the drive mechanism. The brewing device has a control circuit that determines the height of the cake of compacted grounds from signals delivered by the volume measurement means during the travel of the pressing ram.

Abstract: A brewing unit for a coffee machine has a brewing cylinder on a second end of which an end plate is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. A piston is axially movable in the cylinder away from the first end of the cylinder past the fill opening to compact coffee introduced through a fill opening at the second end in a brewing position and from the brewing position toward the second end in the open position of the end plate into an eject position to eject the used ground coffee from the brewing chamber. A pair of gear wheels flank the cylinder at the second end. Respective coupling plates each having an inner end pivoted on a respective one of the wheels and an outer end pivoted on the end plate about an actuating axis. A drive synchronously rotates both wheels.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker is provided for making latte by frothing milk in a carafe before and/or while brewing coffee and directing the brewed coffee into the carafe for mixing with the frothed milk. An agitating element, extends downwardly from a frothing motor attached to the cover of a carafe into the carafe for frothing milk while coffee is being brewed in a brew head of the beverage maker. Brewed coffee is directed into the milk as it is being frothed and is mixed with the milk by the frothing elements to make latte. A lever assembly is selectively movable between an “On” and “Off” position. In the “On” position, terminal pins are moved into contact with terminal plates on the carafe cover to provide electricity to the frothing motor. In the ‘Off position, the terminal pins are moved away from contact with the terminal plates.

Abstract: A brewing device (1) for a coffee machine comprises a brewing cylinder (6) with a cylindrical hole and two pistons (3, 4) by means of which the brewing cylinder (6) can be closed off in order to form a brewing chamber (12). The brewing cylinder (6) and the pistons (3 and 4) are held in a frame (2), in a way displaceable relative to one another, and are drivable via a drive device (9, 10). This drive device (9, 10) comprises a spindle (9), the two ends of which are designed as bearing pins (25), and are mounted such that they are rotatable in a sliding way in bearing rings (26, 27) fitted in the frame (2). At least one supporting element (28) is inserted in at least one of the bearing rings (26), and is pressible substantially radially against the bearing pin (25) by means of a spring element (37). The bearing play between bearing ring (26) and bearing pin (25) is thereby compensated; a silent operation of the spindle in the brewing device results.

Abstract: The composite compressible drink mix bag receives a drink mix therein. The composite compressible drink mix bag includes a water permeable, hollow compressible body defining a deformation axis, a first cap and a second cap. The compressible body has folding lines and is formed with two openings over each end thereof. The first and second caps are coupled to two ends of the compressible body and cover the openings respectively such that the compressible body is retractable along the deformation axis while maintains an overall shape. The two ends of the compressible body are retractable along the deformation axis to a storage state according to the volume of the drink mix before water is added or expandable to a relax state by the folding lines after water is added.

Abstract: An improved portable essence extractor in combination with a liquid container for the direct blending of freshly extracted edible and aromatic oils and such is provided. A portable essence extractor and liquid container combination is provided in which an essence extraction assembly may be removably connected to, and in fluid communication with, a liquid dispensing container. The container is operatively connected to the essence extraction assembly such that it is removably connects to the liquid dispensing container, as well as in fluid communication with the liquid volume. Placement of the essence extraction assembly at the top, bottom, middle, or any specific orientation or configuration should be equivalent, given the fluid communication between the comminuted foodstuff and the liquid volume such that the extraction of edible and aromatic oils can directly blend with any liquid contents of the volume.

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: The present invention relates to a preparing device (1) for preparing an aqueous beverage by means of a beverage ingredient. The preparing device (1) comprises: an outflow nozzle (33) for dispensing prepared beverage; a preparation chamber (13, 16, 14) for at least partially preparing the beverage; a supply (12) line ending in the preparation chamber for the supply of water to the preparation chamber; an ingredient-dispensing system (7) for delivering the beverage ingredient to the preparation chamber; and an outflow path (36, 33) which extends from the preparation chamber to the outflow nozzle. The outflow nozzle (33) and/or the preparation chamber (13, 16, 14) and/or the outflow path (33, 36) are entirely or partly made from a polymer mixture which comprises (a) a self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer having a moisture absorption, determined in accordance with ASTM D 570 at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 23° C.

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: 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 mug body has an open top. A lid is fitted to the open top. The lid has first and second top to bottom holes formed therein. An arm extends down from the bottom of the lid into the mug body. An actuator handle extends out from the top of the lid, through the second hole. The actuator handle is coupled to the arm to move the arm relative to the mug body. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel which heats the liquid of the corresponding vessel, a filter assembly disposed within the vessel operable to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered beverage from the base of the brew vessel. Some embodiments include one or more valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel, and a filter operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent flavor base from the system. Some embodiments include processor control of the system, allowing for operation tailored to individual user requirements that might be downloaded to the processor through various wired and non-wired interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percolation device (1) that comprises a percolation chamber, as well as a base (2) in which the following are provided: an axial discharge outlet (8); a sleeve (3) that is axially movable and which has an axial ejection outlet (16); an axially movable compression surface (18) which, with a packing head (10) axially defining the discharge outlet (8), axially defines the percolation chamber; and a lever (5) for driving, in a differentiated manner, the sleeve (3) and the compression surface (18) such that, when the sleeve (3) is in a position in which it releases from the discharge outlet (8), the grounds, driven out of the sleeve (3) by means of the ejection outlet (16) through the compression surface (18), are in line with the discharge outlet (8).

Abstract: A coffee brewer for making coffee may include a receiving container for receiving the brewed coffee, an exterior container being detachably mounted on the receiving container, and an interior container to cooperate with the exterior container. The interior container may rotates with respect to the exterior container. The interior container may include an exterior surface having a male thread. The exterior container may include an interior surface having a female thread to cooperate with the male thread of the interior container. The exterior container may include substantially a cylinder. The interior container may include substantially a cylinder.

Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket may incorporate a window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.