Abstract: A brewer for a vending machine has a brewing chamber, a capsule holder rotatably mounted in the brewing chamber and holding a capsule of the brewed beverage. The capsule holder is a sleeve open at both ends, and first and second closures have respective tools for penetrating the capsule in the capsule holder. The first closure is movable along a longitudinal axis of the brewing chamber and in a closure position can be pressed tightly against an insertion opening. The second closure in the brewing chamber is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the brewing chamber and can shift relative to the end of the capsule holder directed away from the insertion opening so that at least in the closure position it is tightly pressed against the end of the capsule holder.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.

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 supplement dispensing closure couplable to an outlet of a container, such as a water container. When the closure is coupled to the container, liquid exiting the container through the outlet flows through a supplement retention area that retains a dissolvable supplement body inside the closure as the liquid flows therethrough and dissolves the dissolvable supplement body. A user may select one or more dissolvable supplement bodies and insert them inside the supplement retention area for dissolution in the liquid as it flows through the supplement retention area. The closure may include a selectively openable and closable cap portion. The closure includes a selectively removable filter assembly configured to filter one or more components from the liquid before or after it flows through the supplement retention area.

Abstract: Ultrasonic Brew Technology Systems is a coffee brewing system with a brew ring having the capability of emitting ultrasonic waves for use in agitation of coffee grounds during a coffee brewing episode. Ultrasonic Brew Technology Systems utilizes low voltage direct current to power the circular brew ring which may be comprised of stainless steel. The brew ring may frictionally-fit about the periphery of a brewing basket of a coffee maker (on an outside circumference of the periphery of a brewing basket of a coffee maker or on/in the inside periphery.) Agitation of the coffee grounds by the ultrasonic circular waves creates an increased pulsated-distance between each of the coffee granules thereby creating a greater surface area contact between the water and the coffee grounds, creating higher efficiency and fuller flavored coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient has a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient has a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.

Abstract: Coffee machine, comprising at least one steam generator for producing steam and an apparatus for producing the coffee with associated dispensing device, a storage tank containing a ready prepared liquid chocolate product with a density suitable for being a conventional chocolate beverage, a heating device provided with an inlet and an outlet for the product to be heated and an inlet for introducing the steam, a line between said storage tank and the inlet of said heating device, a metering pump arranged along said line for conveying a predetermined amount of chocolate-based product from said storage tank to said heating device and for circulating it inside it, a line for the steam, connecting said steam generator to said inlet for the steam of the heating device, an intercept valve arranged along the said steam line as well as a beverage dispensing device connected to the outlet of the said heating device.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing hydraulic circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages in machines for automatically dispensing hot drinks and/or in machines for preparing and supplying espresso coffee, said circuits comprising at least one first hydraulic path which extends between a point for detachable connection to a milk storage vessel and the orifice of at least one pouring spout of a delivery device. A motor-driven pump is arranged along said first hydraulic path and valve means allow washing liquid, drawn from a source to reach said first hydraulic path. The apparatus envisages a hollow, detergent-containing, cartridge provided with unions which, when it is required to perform washing, allow connection of the orifice of said at least one pouring spout supplied by said first hydraulic path to the said connection point which can be detached from the milk source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that comprises a hot water tank; a brew basket; a sprayhead for spraying hot water from said water tank to said brew basket in order to brew said brewable substance; a container for storing said freshly brewed liquid concentrate drips from said brew basket; a heat exchanger immersed in hot water inside said water tank for reheating said freshly brewed liquid concentrate when pumped from said container; a source of flavor ingredients preferably packed in disposable bag-in-box; a mixer and whipper for mixing and whipping simultaneously all of the following items: said reheated freshly brewed concentrate discharged from said heat exchanger, said flavor ingredients and hot water from said hot water tank to form a hot freshly brewed beverage mixed with flavored ingredients, filled with air bubbles and with a foamy topping; and a control system for activating said beverage dispenser.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making coffee-based drinks and to an arrangement in an apparatus for making coffee-based drinks. In this process, coffee is made by means of a so-called expresso method using hot water. High pressure and a short boiling time. According to the method, a strong coffee concentrate is stored in a hermetically sealed heat vessel and the concentrate is either used as such or it is diluted so as to obtain a desired strength at the moment of serving by adding a suitable amount of water to the concentrate in a mixing tank. According to the invention, both expresso-based specialty coffees and ordinary coffee are made by means of the same equipment. The invention also makes it possible to quickly serve large amounts of coffee.

Abstract: An integrated beverage infuser and lid are adapted for use with an insulated drinking vessel for brewing a consumable product, such as tea, in an insulated travel mug, tumbler, or the like. The lid includes a main body adapted for movable receipt on a drinking vessel that forms a downwardly directed, open-ended cavity. A fluid-permeable brewing basket defines an enclosable receptacle for removable receipt of the brewing consumable product. The basket is movable between a stowed position, substantially within the cavity above the liquid level of the hot water in the tumbler, and a deployed position, below and substantially outside of the cavity for submersion in the hot water contained in the drinking vessel. A lever arm forms a part of the transfer mechanism and has a portion that penetrates the main body to the outside thereof so that the transfer mechanism can be operated by an individual without removing the lid from the insulated drinking vessel, tumbler, or the like.

Abstract: A device for performing a process of treating a liquid such as milk during which air is supplied to the liquid comprises a detachably arranged liquid treating unit and a basic part (3) which is suitable for receiving and accommodating the liquid treating unit. The liquid treating unit has an air restriction for taking in air to be used in the liquid treating processes, wherein the air restriction comprises a pin (11) and a hole for receiving the pin (11). In particular, the pin (11) is rotatably arranged in the hole, wherein means (15, 16, 17) are provided for causing a rotation of the pin (11) in case of a movement of the liquid treating unit in and/or out of the liquid treating device. In this way, an automated pin rotation mechanism is realized, whereby any blockage of the air restriction may be destroyed, and a reliable functioning of the air restriction is ensured.

Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.

Abstract: Device for producing liquid products, in particular drinks, includes an infusion module used to extract or dissolve a powder or granulate, which are contained in a disposable capsule, in a pressurized liquid. The disposable capsule has a dimensionally stable housing which forms a cavity for the powder or granulate and has a front wall on the inlet side and a front wall on the outlet side. The inlet-sided front wall includes an inlet closure which is actively connected to the infusion module and the outlet-sided front wall includes an outlet closure for the liquid product. The inlet closure and the outlet closure are open due to a hydraulic effect of the liquid which is guided from the infusion module under a defined pressure. As a result, no additional elements are required for piercing the disposable capsule which enables the inventive device to be constructed in a simple manner.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

Abstract: The invention presents a cold beverage dispenser which uses a heat exchanger to cool incoming water with a very cold closed loop of chilled coolant. Under control of a control system, the cooled water from the heat exchanger is mixed with uncooled in put water to regulate its temperature, then (if desired) carbonated. The regulated temperature water, optionally carbonated, is mixed with a liquid concentrate and dispensed at one or more dispensing stations. Preferably, the temperature, carbonation and strength of the dispensed beverage is controllable by the consumer.

Abstract: A device for preparing a beverage from a capsule containing an ingredient of the beverage, includes a housing with a cavity to which used capsules are evacuated; and a collection receptacle in the cavity of the housing. The receptacle has an opening for receiving the evacuated used capsules and collecting the capsules. The receptacle has a reception orientation in which the receptacle is arranged to be filled with capsules up to a maximum level of fill in the cavity which extends above the opening of the receptacle in the reception orientation of the receptacle. The receptacle being tiltable or pivotable in the cavity into a removal orientation for allowing removal of the collection receptacle filled with capsules from the cavity.

Abstract: The built-in coffee machine (1) comprises an operation device (2) and a front panel (3) arranged on the front of the operation device and movable with respect to the cupboard (4) for containing the device from at least a first position closing the device inside the cupboard (4) to at least a second position for access to said device and vice-versa, with there also being an access opening (5) on the front panel at least to a dispenser of coffee drink and to a steam and/or water delivery group, the dispenser of the coffee drink and the steam and/or water delivery group (7) being directly connected to the operation device of the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing hydraulic circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages in machines (1) for automatically dispensing hot drinks and/or in machines (1) for preparing and supplying espresso coffee, said circuits comprising at least one first hydraulic path (6) which extends between the milk storage vessel (8, 30) and the delivery device (2), at least one second hydraulic path (7) which extends between a steam source (9) and the same delivery device (2), a source (13) of washing liquid, means (14) for connecting and disconnecting said source (13) of washing liquid to/from a point (16, 26) along the said first hydraulic path (6). The apparatus provides means (21, 22) for connecting the said first hydraulic path (6) to the said second hydraulic path (7), producing a closed recirculating circuit for the washing liquid, as well as valve means (18) for connecting the resultant hydraulic circuit (6, 7, 15) to a discharge outlet (19).

Abstract: Beverage preparation machine comprising a body 2 having a facade, a beverage preparation area (10) delimited on one side by the facade 3, in its upper part by beverage outlets, and in its lower part by a cup rest 8, and a movable steam nozzle 7 connected to the body by a moving device. The body includes a housing 3c defining a cleaning area 25, in which is disposed a rinsing container 12 having a top opening 22 and including a draining device 23, and in which the movable nozzle 7 is driven in a vertical movement by the moving device so that its free end 7a enters the container 12 through its top opening.

Abstract: A device (1, 10) and method for the production of cooled coffee are provided. The device has a brewing unit (4) for the production of coffee, a cooling assembly (11) and a coffee cooler (14) formed as a heat exchanger. The coffee cooler (14) has at least one first and one second flow path that are connected thermally but not in a fluid-conducting manner. A coolant can flow through the first flow path and the second flow path is connected in a fluid-conducting manner with a coffee outlet (5) of the brewing unit (4). The device also has a fresh-water supply (2) and a fresh-water cooler (13) formed as an additional heat exchanger.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage liquid from beverage forming ingredients contained in a receptacle by passing water through the ingredients by centrifuging the receptacle. The apparatus includes a centrifugal driver for driving the receptacle around its central axis of rotation (I), a device for feeding water into the receptacle, a filter placed in the receptacle, and at least one beverage flow outlet of variable cross-section for enabling the beverage to flow out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A beverage filter cartridge having a cup, a filter, a lid and at least one beverage ingredient is provided where the cup and lid are sealed together to form an interior chamber which is separated into a first and second compartments by the filter, which is preferably basket or cone shaped, and a beverage ingredient such as coffee is contained inside first compartment, and at least one of the cup, lid and filter contains calcium carbonate in an amount effective to either improve the ability of beverage makers to pierce the cup or to provide a means for the cartridge to absorb CO2 emitted by the ingredient thereby reducing the hold time to packing and reducing the number of defective cartridges.

Abstract: This application describes a compact grinder that allows scooping particulate material to be ground (such as coffee beans), grinding the material to a controlled and consistent size, while concurrently emitting the stream of grinds directly into a receptacle, such as a coffee filter or the receptacle for an automatic coffee maker. The scoop portion of the grinder is sized to fit into the standard bags used for whole bean packaging, eliminating the need for a separate storage vessel or the need to pour the beans from their bag into the grinder. It has calibrated markings within the scoop, eliminating the need for a separate measuring device.

Abstract: A ground coffee extraction apparatus has a base to which a filter cup loaded with ground coffee is assembled from below. A delivery system pumps cool water from a cool water tank into the extraction apparatus. The cool water exerts a downward force greater than a resilient force of resilient elements of the extraction apparatus to drive a sliding element and a downward pressing element downward. Consequently, an O-ring seals a gap between the downward pressing element and the filter cup while the downward force is evenly applied to the ground coffee in the filter cup, thereby sealing and compacting the ground coffee hydraulically. After coffee is extracted, the cool water is drawn back into the cool water tank so that the sliding element and the downward pressing element are moved upward to unseal the filter cup. Hence, the automatic extraction apparatus enables rapid, uniform, and standardized sealing and compacting.

Abstract: A device for producing a hot drink, said device comprising an appliance unit which is arranged in a receiving cavity while the device is in use, and a residual water recipient which is arranged in the appliance unit while the device is in use.

Abstract: A dispensing device for milk and/or milk foam is provided that includes a mixing device for mixing steam, milk and/or air. A mixing device may include a chamber, a first line for the supply of milk into the chamber, a second line for a supply of steam into the chamber, a third line for the supply of air into the chamber, at least one outlet for dispensing the milk and/or the milk foam from the chamber, a valve including an adjustable regulating shaft for regulating the supply of milk and/or air into the chamber. By adjusting the regulating shaft between different predetermined positions at least one flow of milk may be switched on and switched off and/or altered and a flow of air may be switched on and switched off and/or altered. A dispensing device may further include a drive motor for adjusting the regulating shaft of the valve and a control device for controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique process and system for brewing beverages for retail or commercial use where the key brewing parameters are independently controlled to produce multi-cup batches of brewed beverage of optimum taste. This invention is applicable to both retail and commercial applications and is scalable in quantities ranging from one cup to three gallons or more of brewed beverage. Since the extraction and solid-liquid separation are conducted separately and independently, the present invention decouples these two operations to avoid reduction in taste quality while still being able to provide large multi-cup batches.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing a plurality of beverages, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a plurality of beverage dispensing modules (32), each beverage module having a container (68) and a brewing assembly (30) for making a respective beverage and delivering the respective beverage to the container, and a housing (34) associated with the plurality of beverage dispensing modules and defining a chamber containing a liquid for supply to the beverage making assemblies to make respective beverages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing unit of a device for preparing beverages, comprising a first receiving device which is a coffee brewing chamber (9) having an outlet, suitable for receiving loose coffee powder or a coffee or cocoa portion unit (10) and suitable for the preparation of a beverage by using said unit. For a more economical preparation process, the brewing unit is enhanced such that the brewing unit is provided with a second receiving device, comprising a docking device (7) for receiving a removable encapsulated multi-portion container (41) for milk powder.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A coffee station includes a base with a vertical back plate for mounting flat against a vertical surface, and a horizontal bottom plate for supporting a coffee brewing machine at a convenient height. A series of reinforcing and stiffening ribs are run like stringers vertically inside the back plate and T-intersect with matching ribs that extend tangentially outward on the surfaces of the bottom plate. The tray section lays on surfaces of the horizontal ribs and bottom plate, and has two large pockets. One fits the footprint of the coffee brewing machine, and the other provides a rimmed area to place cups, saucers, and condiments. A front plate with several slots for racking coffee capsules is in front of the back plate on surfaces of the vertical ribs. Magnets, Velcro, or other quick fasteners are used to keep the front plate and tray in place.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: A galley unit comprising a plurality of mid-level modules and a plurality of high-level modules that are assembled together to form a modular galley unit, wherein at least one of the mid-level modules is a beverage maker unit. A combination comprising an aircraft and a modular galley unit, wherein at least one of the modules is a beverage maker unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank for holding the diluent and a dispensing assembly. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the tank and the dispensing assembly for supplying pressurized diluent to the dispensing assembly. An enclosure is provided having a sealable chamber for containing a concentrate container in fluid communication with the dispending assembly. An air pump pressurizes the sealable chamber and concentrate container to pressurize the liquid concentrate and supply the pressurized liquid concentrate to the dispensing assembly. The dispenser assembly is operable to permit and inhibit the flow of pressurized liquid concentrate and pressurized diluent to produce the beverage.

Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.

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 brewing device for beverages includes a brewing unit for the brewing of a beverage, a crema valve and an outlet, wherein the brewing unit, the crema valve and the outlet are connected with one another in such a manner that in the brewing unit brewed beverage can be directed through the crema valve to the outlet. The crema valve is designed in such a manner that the brewed beverage can be swirled through in a crema chamber of the crema valve so that a crema is created. Furthermore, the brewing device includes an injection device for injecting a gas into the crema chamber and a dosing device for dosing the quantity of the gas injected into the crema chamber which is designed in such a manner that with each injection of the gas a preset quantity of the gas is injected in each case, where the preset quantity of the gas is a parameter that can be changed.

Abstract: During a method for the production of milk foam or milk-based drinks, milk is sucked with a pump (1) out of a container (3, 3?) and conveyed to an outlet (11?), wherein air and/or a gas is added to the milk. The milk/air mixture is processed in a cold state into milk foam and conveyed as cold milk foam to the outlet (11?).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.

Abstract: A hot drinks machine is provided that is configured to perform a cleaning program and a descaling program, both of which require the use of a service function object. The hot drinks machine is formed with a holder for the service function object.

Abstract: A coffeemaker composed of: a plurality of infusion heads that can each receive a predetermined quantity of a product to be infused; a common hydraulic circuit including, connected in series: a water reservoir; a flow meter for measuring the rate of flow of water from said reservoir; a pump; a heater; and a plurality of parallel outlet tubes each connected to an outlet of the heater, the heater and the pump being operative to deliver water from the reservoir to the heater through the flow meter; a control unit connected to the flow meter and the pump being for controlling the operation of the coffeemaker; and distribution devices connected in series with each of the outlet tubes and connected to be controlled by the control unit for delivering water or steam to each of infusion head as a function of signals received from the flow meter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment (100) for a cup (200) having a body (210), a base (220) and a mouth (230) delimited by a rim (240). The attachment comprises a chamber (110) for holding an infusion bag (300) and comprising a wall (111) delimiting a cavity (112) for receiving the infusion bag (300) and a mouth (113) for allowing the infusion bag (300) to pass into the cavity (112). The attachment further comprises an element (120) for suspending the chamber (110) within the cup (200) such that at least a portion of the mouth (113) of the chamber (110) is below the rim (240) of the cup (200). The element (120) and chamber (110) are arranged such that when the chamber (110) is suspended in the cup (200), liquid (400) cannot pass between the cup and the chamber when the cup is substantially full.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid (100), in particular for a disposable cup. The lid comprises an infusion chamber (110) having at least one water-permeable wall (111) and comprising an infusible substance; a flange (120) for attaching the lid to the rim (210) of a cup (200); and a body section (130) comprising a moveable portion (135). The infusion chamber (110) is attached to the moveable portion (135) and with the lid (100) fitted to the cup (200), the moveable portion (135) is reversibly translatable between a raised and a lowered position in a direction (A) substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rim (210).

Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.