Abstract: A liquid dispenser device that is insertable into and removable from a main housing that can be used to dispense a liquid. The types of liquids that can be dispensed from this housing are for example, coffee, tea or other types of flavored drinks. This dispenser device can comprise a housing having a plurality of chambers disposed within this housing wherein each of the plurality of chambers are separated from each other by at least one partition. This device also includes a plurality of spouts coupled to the housing. This spout is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers to form a conduit for allowing a fluid to pass from each of the plurality of chambers through the plurality of spouts and out of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing a liquid with a flavoring or a scent. The method and apparatus may be used to produce soups and beverages, including tea-based beverages which use various flavoring agents, and also scented products. Further, the method and apparatus allow for fine adjustments to infusion conditions such as submersion time and temperature, and preparation (such as chopping or grinding) of the flavoring or scent agents, to allow for the consistent, repeatable preparation of a high quality flavored or scented liquid.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes an integrated capsule dispensing apparatus. The automatic vending machine comprises a first dispensing unit for delivering products that it withdraws from one or more first storage compartments, and is characterized in that it further comprises at least a second dispensing unit for delivering products packaged in the form of capsules that are stored loosely within second storage compartments.

Abstract: Machine for brewing coffee or beverage having at lease one single-serving brewing module, and at least one multi-serving brewing module connected to a commonly shared pump, water reservoir, and boiler. A flow controller is connected to the boiler, pump, and water reservoir, and in one position, the flow controller is connected to the single-serving brewing module, and in another position, the flow controller is connected to the multi-serving brewing module. The water reservoir, pump, boiler and flow controller are connected in series with suitable piping. The flow rate, temperature, and the amount of water to distribute to brewing module(s) are controlled, monitored and adjusted by a control system. The single-brewing module can be adapted to brew prepackaged coffee pods.

Abstract: A multifunctional beverage machine designed for automatically making various kinds of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soups, and incorporates an advanced microprocessor control system such that multifunctional appliance operation can be easily be achieved via a one-touch button. The multifunctional beverage machine may include a removable water tank can hold a sufficient capacity of water so that the machine can make many cups of various drinks without refill. In addition, the multifunctional beverage machine has two or more independent brewing chambers installed in the machine allowing it to make different kinds or different combination of drinks in one operation.

Abstract: Unit for making beverages by brewing of a dose of product to be brewed, includes several brewing chambers (1a, 1b), each provided with a receptacle for the dose and elements for injecting hot water into each of the brewing chambers. According to the invention, the brewing chambers (1a, 1b) are juxtaposed and topped by a mobile plate (4) provided with an orifice designed to be positioned opposite the brewing chambers (1a, 1b) for opening or closing the brewing chambers (1a, 1b) depending on its position. The invention also concerns a machine for making espresso coffee incorporating the unit.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of many different beverages simultaneously in one machine. The device comprises a housing containing a primary reservoir for holding a liquid that is used to make a beverage. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable tray and a motor for driving this tray. The rotatable tray contains a plurality of receptacles. These receptacles are for receiving a concentrate solution for flavoring the liquid. In addition, disposed within the housing is a conduit for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to the rotatable tray. In this case the conduit allows the reservoir to be in fluid connection with the tray.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of many different beverages simultaneously in one machine. The device comprises a housing containing a primary reservoir for holding a liquid that is used to make a beverage. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable tray and a motor for driving this tray. The rotatable tray contains a plurality of receptacles. These receptacles are for receiving a concentrate solution for flavoring the liquid. In addition, disposed within the housing is a conduit for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to the rotatable tray. In this case the conduit allows the reservoir to be in fluid connection with the tray.

Abstract: A distributor for a coffee machine and a method for making coffee with options for selected quantity and types of coffee to be served are disclosed. The distributor has three fluid passages and operable between first and second positions. In the first position a first passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a first hopper to be delivered to a first brewer or a second passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a second hopper to be delivered to a second brewer. In the second position a third passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from either selected one of the first and second hoppers to be distributed substantial-equally to the first and second brewers. The invention provides a simple distribution system for the coffee machine with options for selected quantities and types of coffee. The invention also advantageously makes it possible to quickly serve a freshly brewed coffee with a selected quantity and type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of multiple beverages. The device comprises a housing containing a primary reservoir for holding a liquid that is used to make a beverage. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable tray. The rotatable tray contains a plurality of receptacles. These receptacles are for receiving a concentrate solution for flavoring the liquid. In addition, disposed within the housing is a conduit for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to the rotatable tray. In this case the conduit allows the reservoir to be in fluid connection with the tray.

Abstract: A device and a method are described, which are used for precipitating beverage sediment from the rinsing mixture of beverage production machines and which comprise a rinsing conduit, a sediment receptacle and a filtering means. In order to design a device of this type in a structurally simple manner such that it can be serviced more easily, it is suggested that the filtering means should comprise a first and a second filter which are arranged one after the other when seen in the direction of flow of the rinsing mixture and which are each provided with filtrate discharge means and that a flow connection for the rinsing mixture discharged from the rinsing conduit and for the filter cake precipitated on the first filter should be provided, said flow connection bypassing said first filter and leading into the sediment receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparer (11), in particular a coffee machine, with a first beverage region for the preparation of first and second beverages, with a second beverage region for the preparation of third beverages, and with a pressure-raising stage (M11) to generate a first liquid pressure, such that in a first operating mode in the first beverage region the first beverages, in particular pressurized coffee, can be prepared at the first liquid pressure and such that in a second operating mode in the first beverage region second beverages, in particular brewed coffee, can be prepared at a second, lower liquid pressure. The pressure-raising stage (M11) on its output side is connected to the input (I2) of the second beverage region by way of a pressure reducer (D11).

Abstract: An automatic beverage brewing apparatus is described. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a controllable brewing device and a controllable brewing substance dispenser communicating with the brewing device. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a housing in which at least one receptacle is retained proximate the brewing device for receiving brewed beverage from the brewing device. A plurality of controllable dispense valves are provided for controlling the flow of brewed beverage from the brewing device to the receptacles. Each receptacle includes a controllable outlet valve for automatically dispensing brewed beverage from the receptacle and a controllable disposal valve for automatically emptying the receptacle of brewed beverage. Each receptacle is supported on a weight sensing device which generates a weight control signal relating to the weight of brewed beverage retained in the receptacle.

Abstract: A coffee machine has a low overall height and allows an attractive aesthetic design to be achieved in its execution. A brewing block comprising brewing chambers is guided over a circular path, the chambers adopting three different operating positions. Brewing plungers and straining/expelling plungers move axially in the brewing chambers. Drive and control of the brewing assembly is effected by way of spur gears and cam discs which are housed in two cam disc housings located opposite one another. In accordance with a method according to the invention, the rotation to the three positions takes place in steps of 30 degrees, with resetting taking place through 60 degrees.

Abstract: A new dual reservoir coffee machine for making two different types of coffee in two separate pots. The inventive device includes a dual system coffee maker comprised of a housing. The housing has an upper water dispensing portion and a lower burner portion. A control panel is disposed within the housing of the dual system coffee maker. A coffee filter attachment couples with the water dispensing portion of the dual system coffee maker. A pair of semi-cylindrical pots are positionable on the lower burner portion of the dual system coffee maker. Each of the pots have a cover with an opening therethrough. The openings align with the coffee filter attachment. Each of the pots have a handle extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A twin brewer system (30) with a pair of brewers (30A, 30B) each with a controller (158) for controlling the application of electrical power to a hot water heater, disables the application of electrical power to the heater (154) of one brewer (30A, 30B) in response to actuation of a start brew switch of the one brewer (30A, 30B) while electrical power is being applied to the heater (154) of the other brewer (30A, 30B). The controllers also respond to a hot water quantity sensor (164, 168) and a responsive delay circuit for disabling dispensing of hot water in response to actuation of the brew start switch (50) until a sufficient quantity of hot water is in a hot water dispenser tank (152) needed for the brew cycle. Indication lamps indicate when the brew cycle is being delayed and when brewing is not being performed. Actuation of a single emergency stop switch (138) stops hot water dispensing of both brewers (30A, 30B).

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a selected quantity of a brewed beverage comprises a water heater tank having a heating element, a water supply line having an inlet valve and an outlet disposed within the water heater tank adjacent the bottom, a water level sensor mounted within the water heater tank to activate the inlet valve when the level of water within the tank is below a controlled water level, and a temperature control to maintain water in a region adjacent the controlled water level within a predetermined temperature range. A brew chamber retains product therein. Heated brew water passes through the product in order to extract flavor therefrom. The heated brew water passes from the brew chamber into the brewed beverage container. A heated brew water outlet is disposed in water dispensing relation to the brew chamber and has a brew water valve to control the flow of heated brew water therefrom.

Abstract: A novel system for producing a high quality tea extract using espresso technology is provided as well as novel tea compositions for use in such system and a process for preparing a tea extract of consistently high quality using a coffee brewing device, and particularly, an espresso machine.

Abstract: A beverage maker comprises a frame which has an upper panel with one or more circular or oval apertures into which may be inserted metal or plastic holders for paper beverage filters. A middle panel comprises an adjustable drip shelf. The drip shelf is placed at a distance below the upper panel, which spacing is large enough to admit cups of typical size and small enough to prevent excessive spillage when fluid drains down from the filter holders into the cups. What spillage does occur passes through perforations in the drip shelf and is collected in a removable drip pan. Hot water is poured into individual filter holders by hand, which produces a plurality of small portions of beverage simultaneously or in rapid succession for beverage service in a commercial environment. Alternatively, fixed members for dispensing water into the filter holders can be added above the top panel, such as push-button fixed-volume fluid dispensers or manual spigots.

Abstract: A control system for a coffee brewer having a microprocessor in which the water heated in the heater tank must be a predetermined temperature before brewing. A double brewing cycle is prevented. Upon the system not being activated for a period of time, i.e., the water temperature is allowed to drop a greater magnitude for energy saving and component protection.

Abstract: A single unit coffee brewer for simultaneous brewing of two different types of coffee which utilizes carafes that in appearance resemble a single carafe but in actuality are constructed of two separate carafes. Each carafe receives brewed coffee from a separate filter basket with each filter basket to receive water from its own separate water tank. The water of each water tank is to be moved through a water supply conduit that is unique to that water tank to which it is affixed. The conduits and water of both water tanks and the warming plate assembly are to be heated by a heater assembly mounted within the base of the coffee brewer. There is a separate heater unit of the heater assembly for each separate warming plate with there being multiple separate warming plates within the warming plate assembly.

Abstract: The coffee preparation unit comprises a simplified injection group consisting of an assemblage of plastic elements attached to the lower plate (12) of its front portion (11). This group consists of a crosspiece (70) covered by an injection element (60) on an upper distribution chamber (63), which is traversed by a plurality of longitudinal channels communicating with a spray (51) which is attached to the front portion of the injection piece (60). The container holder (55) is attached directly to the lower plate (12) of the front portion (11). The coffee preparation unit also comprises an individual heater (46) for each coffee preparation post, with a flexible tube serving as a hydraulic inlet (47). The invention is of interest to manufacturers of professional "espresso" coffee machines.

Abstract: A control system for a coffee brewer having a microprocessor in which the water heated in the heater tank must be a predetermined temperature before brewing. A double brewing cycle is prevented. Upon the system not being activated for a period of time, i.e., the water temperature is allowed to drop a greater magnitude for energy saving and component protection.

Abstract: The machine is paired as concerns the receptacle (8-8') for the batched coffee and the piston (5) and (5') pressing such batches, and the ejector (12-12') in such a way that the pairing allows the machine to make one or two coffees at the same time and indeed three if one of the receptacles (8) or (8') has a double capacity and a double distribution outlet. Each seat or support (4) mounted also to turn with the main shaft (1) has a cavity in which a support (18) is positioned for a filter (19) through which the coffee infusion passes in each case. The angular separation in positioning the receptacles (8-8') is the same as for the pressing pistons (5-5') in order to allow the same to face the receptacles (8-8') simultaneously, the ejectors (12-12') for the cake (13) of used coffee being mounted with the same separation or spacing.

Abstract: An improved tea brewer which can be attached to a coffee brewer and has a tea wiper that connects to the coffee wiper for removing tea leaves from the machine.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a tank for containing heated water. Partitions are positioned in the heated water tank to define holding sections and a brewing section. Water is introduced into the holding sections of the tank and heated therein to a temperature of 180.degree.. Water retained in the heated water tank may pass from the holding sections around the partitions to the brewing section. A beverage holding reservoir is disposed in each of the holding sections of the tank so that heat from the water in the holding sections maintains a beverage disposed in the holding reservoirs at a desired temperature. A brewing assembly is associated with the holding reservoir and a dispensing head on a swing arm communicates with the brewing section and is positionable in relation to each of the brewing assemblies. A sensor and heater in the brewing section maintain the water retained therein at a temperature of 200.degree..

Abstract: A dual brewing system for a vending machine in which a pair of separate brewers are mounted for simultaneous movement through a brewing and dumping cycle even though only one of the brewers is actually used to brew a beverage, such as tea or coffee, at a time. A filter paper feed mechanism is provided for one of the brewers used primarily for coffee. The paper feed mechanism is controlled so that it is only advance after the brewer which it is associated with is used and not when the other brewer is used.

Abstract: A professional espresso coffee maker for preparation of espresso coffee comprises a plurality of dispensing bodies (5) each adapted to receive a percolator holding handle (6) . A water heater (22) is connected to each respective dispensing body (5) for instantaneously heating water supplied to the heater and to be supplied from the heater to a percolator holding handle received in the dispensing body. A plurality of steam and hot delivery devices (7, 8, 9, 10) are used with the dispensing body. An electronic control apparatus (2) is connected to the heater for controlling the heater. The water heater (22) is mounted to and over the dispensing body (5) and comprises a solid block (27) of good heat conductive material. The solid block comprises an upper plate (28) and a lower plate (27) connected to the upper plate. The upper plate has an upper surface (28a), a first channel (30) defined in the upper surface of the upper plate, and a resistor (23) in the channel for heating the solid block.

Abstract: The coffee brewing machine can be used to prepare alternatively normal coffee or espresso coffee and comprises a boiler having a temperature control. The cold water is fed to the boiler by a water pump with adjustable feed rate. Two different brewing members are used for the preparation of the two kind of coffees, namely a sieve holder and a filter support which are connectable via a mounting and supporting flange to the boiler. A mode switch is assigned to the mounting and supporting flange which automatically changes the mode of operation of the coffee brewing machine upon exchanging the brewing member. Thereby, the feed rate of the water pump and the temperature of the hot water are adapted to optimize the conditions for preparing either normal coffee or espresso coffee.

Abstract: A plurality of carafes on a coffee machine primarily for restaurant and institution use can be filled selectively with decaffeinated or normal coffee via a distributor between a brewing chamber and the outlets to the carafes. The microprocessor controller operates the device selecting the coffee for delivery to the brewing chamber in response to signals received from the carafes if they are placed at respective stations on the machine so that a decaffeinated carafe at any station will receive only decaf and a normal carafe will receive only normal coffee regardless of the station at which it is placed.

Abstract: A plurality of carafes on a coffee machine primarily for restaurant and institution use can be filled selectively with decaffeinated or normal coffee via a distributor between a brewing chamber and the outlets to the carafes. The microprocessor controller operates the device selecting the coffee for delivery to the brewing chamber in response to signals received from the carafes if they are placed at respective stations on the machine so that a decaffeinated carafe at any station will receive only decaf and a normal carafe will receive only normal coffee regardless of the station at which it is placed.

Abstract: A method and system for brewing one or more hot beverages, such as gourmet coffees. The gourmet coffee is brewed, at a brewing temperature, in the liners of a brewing urn. After brewing, the coffee can be transferred to any one of three storage tanks by means of manual or solenoid valves, and, if desired, a gravity-assist pump. The shelf-life of the brewed coffee is increased substantially when stored at a serving temperature which is lower than the brewing temperature. Coffee contained in feed lines leading from each of the storage tanks passes through a pressurizing line to a tap tower located to provide efficient service to the coffee-purchasing customers. Hot water from the water jacket of the brewing urn is circulated in hot water lines retained in close proximity to the feed lines between storage tanks and the tap tower, thereby keeping the coffee in the feed lines at a desirable serving temperature.

Abstract: A combined beverage (coffee and tea) brewer and hot water dispenser wherein the hot water for both brewing and dispensing is supplied from the upper portion of the same hot water reservoir tank. The cold water supply to the bottom portion of the reservoir tank for displacing and replacing hot water for brewing is separate from that for displacing and replacing hot water for dispensing whereby hot water may be dispensed and replaced at anytime, including during the brew cycle, without interference with brewing.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing coffee comprising an inlet and outlet valve attached to a conduit for flowing water, a pump means interposed between said valves. A heating element comprising a coil and a burner plate. Connected to the outlet valve is a reducing nipple and water distributor.

Abstract: A dual compartment urn for providing heated beverages, comprising:A. a cylindrical body defining an interior space;B. a single continuous partition member disposed in said space and dividing said space into first and second compartments, said partition member and said cylindrical body comprising an integral structure whereby the respective contents of said compartments are confined thereto;C. separate spout means on said cylindrical body; and communicating with said first and second compartments, respectively; andD. heating means disposed at said cylindrical body so as to be in heat transfer relationship with said respective contents of said first and second compartments.