Abstract: A milk foaming structure adapted to a coffee maker includes a steam tube, an outer sleeve, and a leak-proof gasket, wherein, a first steam outlet at the lower end of the steam tube, a base plate to the outer sleeve, a second steam outlet on the base plate, a milk suction on the wall of the outer sleeve above the base plate and a cool air suction on the upper wall of the outer sleeve, and a leak-proof gasket in the steam tube to be inserted into the outer sleeve above the cool air suction characterized by providing a plurality of disturbance ribs on the base plate and the wall of the outer sleeve close to the milk suction to faster produce more foamed milk.

Abstract: The upper lid of a coffee includes an upper lid body, which is provided inside with a rotatable receiving unit having a female-threaded portion and a central through hole. A support post fitted with a prop member is inserted upward through the central through hole of the rotatable receiving unit and fitted around with a safety valve unit. Then, the rotatable receiving unit and the upper lid are combined together, and the top end of the support post is fitted with a warning member movably positioned in the central through hole of the upper lid. Thus, the steam produced by boiling water inside the coffee maker can push up the safety valve body to force the warning member to protrude out of the through hole of the upper lid, manifestly warning a user not to directly open the upper lid to avoid scalded.

Abstract: A safety device for a steam frothing machine to form a froth beverage, which machine has a steam pipe (3) that is connected to a steam generator 1′ and has a steam discharge opening (13), and a frothing head (4), which can be pushed onto the steam pipe and surrounds the steam discharge opening (13) in the mounted state. To protect an operator from steam in the event that the steam discharge is accidentally activated when the frothing head is removed, a hollow body is pushed onto the steam pipe (3) and enable the discharge of steam essentially downward in an enabling position. In a position other than the enabling position of the hollow body, the downward discharge of steam is essentially prevented.

Abstract: The steam generating device (1) is used to heat and/or froth liquids, especially milk. It includes an electrically driven pump (3) supplied with water from a water source (2), which pump delivers water in a controlled fashion to a continuous flow heater (6) heated by an electrically operated heating (22) by way of a conduit (13). The continuous flow heater (6) heats the water it receives in its steam pipe (18) to steam that is subsequently supplied to a steam tapping point, preferably a steam nozzle (7), where the steam exits under pressure. An intermediate tank (5) with an overflow chamber (53) which stores a defined quantity of water is provided in the conduit (13) between the pump (3) and the steam pipe (18).

Abstract: The present invention is a high-pressure tea steep device which is mounted with a base body, the said base body is disposed with a boiler therein, a container is inserted onto a predetermined position of the said base body, the said container is communicated with the boiler via a conduit, a filter basket is situated inside the said container, and a plurality of pores are disposed on the bottom plane of the said filter basket; when in use, the pressured hot water in the boiler is poured toward the container through the conduit at a certain speed such that the hot water can evenly and rapidly pass through the tea leaf powder inside the filter basket and then discharge from the container, thereby enabling not only the accomplishment of the steeping work in an extremely short time, but also the extraction of the essence of the tea leaves.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a water reservoir, a container for containing flavor-containing materials and a fluid delivery system for generating a plurality of pressure pulses, each including a water pulse and a steam pulse, and for delivering the pressure pulses through the flavor-containing materials. This extracts the useful compounds out of the flavor-containing materials under the pressure of the pressure pulses. The fluid delivery system includes a chamber, a heater in heat conducting relation with the chamber, a valve disposed between the reservoir and the chamber which opens to permit water to flow from the reservoir to the chamber when pressure in the chamber drops below a predetermined pressure. Method for making flavor-containing liquid with a plurality of pressure pulses includes generating and delivering a first pressure pulse in the form of a pressurized hot water pulse and a pulse of pressurized steam to and through the flavor-containing materials in a container.

Abstract: An electric automatic-drip coffee maker has a valve at a bottom of a water reservoir. In use, at turn ON, the valve remains initially closed so that a heater can heat up in a dry condition. When the valve is opened, steam is initially supplied to a brew basket and thereafter hot water is dripped into the brew basket in conventional fashion. The heater also supplies steam separately and continuously to a top of a carafe during brewing. A water supply for supplying this steam is drawn from the reservoir through a restricted outlet. The steam initially heats up the carafe and thereafter keeps the carafe warm.

Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a hot beverage prepared by extraction capable of serving the beverage kept at high temperature is provided. A plate for radiating far-infrared rays is provided facing the extraction chamber with a predetermined distance separating each other. The plate heated by a heater radiates far-infrared rays, whereby the extraction chamber is heated by the far-infrared rays, thereby serving of a hot extracted beverage is facilitated. In another embodiment, fans for exhaling steam are provided separately for a receiver for receiving the raw material and hot water and for a mixing bowl for mixing additives such as sugar, milk, etc., thereby serving of a hot extracted beverage is facilitated.

Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container on which Chinese herbs are to be contained, a heater received in the container so as not to contact the container, and a condenser installed on the opening of the container, for condensing important medicinal elements contained in vapor. The heater has a ray generation means for generating high temperature infrared rays toward the container, a main reflection means for reflecting the infrared rays to the container, and a follower member which has a lateral follower extending from the side of the heater for shielding the side of the condenser installed in the container, and an upper follower coupled to the top of the lateral follower for shielding the upper portion of the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milk frothing device with a steam pipe that extends through a base member and has at its end a nozzle, and with a container that can be placed underneath the nozzle. The base member along with the steam pipe and the nozzle is vertically displaceable within a longitudinal guide of a housing of the device. This permits immersing the nozzle into the container and frothing the milk disposed therein without needing the hand of a user to hold the container. This arrangement prevents scalds and improves ease of handling.

Abstract: A single unit milk dispenser for producing hot frothed milk or hot non-frothed milk uses milk and steam. A reservoir supplies milk via an adjustable valve to a first chamber. For supplying frothed milk, steam is issued from a first steam outlet nozzle and mixes and froths with the milk in the first chamber and in an expansion chamber before being dispensed out of a collection chamber. For non-frothed milk, steam supplied from a second steam outlet nozzle is released to mix and swirl around with cold milk fed from the reservoir into the collection chamber. The rate of flow of milk out of the reservoir is normally adjusted for the two mode of operation, which mode is simply otherwise determined by which nozzle supplies steam, by turning a steam supply selection knob.

Abstract: A coffee-making apparatus for making normal coffee has a steam boiler (7) for generating steam for making cappuccino. The coffee-making apparatus has only one water reservoir (1) for making the coffee and for filling the steam boiler. The boiler has a venting valve (12) for automatically venting the boiler when the boiler is filled with cold water from the water reservoir. The influx of cold water into the boiler causes a sensor (12) to cool down, thereby opening a vent opening. With this apparatus it is possible to make coffee and steam for a second time, directly after making a cup of coffee and steam for the first time.

Abstract: An automatic, household drip-type coffee making machine with a main housing for receiving and holding a carafe or decanter, and having an method and apparatus for rapidly heating water to form an infused beverage such as coffee. The speed brewing system has an automatic water level sensing system with a float box, a lever and a micro-switch, which detects the level of water in the water tank and when the water reaches a pre-selected level, activates a water heater located within a water bladder, heating the water bladder to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water passing into the water bladder. The water vapor condenses along a water outlet tube while still retaining sufficient heat to brew an infused beverage. The heated water (condensed water vapor) reaches a shower nozzle plate and is dispensed through the shower nozzle plate into a filter basket which contains a filter and material for making an infused beverage such as regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Abstract: An emulsifying assembly comprising a milk supply duct and a mixing device for mixing at least steam and milk for preparing hot milk for cappuccino and similar beverages. The mixing device comprises at least one steam inlet, at least one milk inlet and an outlet while a first end of the milk supply duct is connected to the at least one milk inlet, a second open end of the at least one milk supply duct is situated at a height lower than the highest point of the at least one milk supply duct, while further, in use, the second open end of the milk supply duct is in fluid communication with a milk-filled milk container. The emulsifying assembly further comprises an aeration valve which is connected to the at least one milk supply duct, and with which the at least one milk supply duct can be aerated when the aeration valve is in its opened position. The milk container is placed in a cooling unit. The milk supply duct extends substantially inside the cooling unit.

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 dispenser of frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee received from refrigerated milk and pre-made liquid coffee containers that selectively delivers cold and hot Italian-style coffees, such as, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and other. The refrigeration mechanism is based in Peltier effect and has a chamber to store the milk and pre-made liquid containers which are accessible to a user. The heating mechanism includes a hot water tank and cone-shaped heat exchanger assemblies to heat the frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee, respectively. The milk and pre-made liquid coffee are drawn by two separate pumps through fluid conduits from the refrigerated containers to the air valves to be frothed. If a user selects hot beverage, the flow is directed to the heat exchanger and then discharged through a nozzle to a cap. If a user selects cold beverage, the flow is directed to the nozzle to be discharged to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an espresso machine, wherein water in the boiler (1) is superheated and kept at a temperature above 100.degree. C. for producing steam to be supplied to a dispenser nozzle (10), which superheated water is mixed with cold water at a mixing station (12), to obtain hot water having a temperature below 100.degree. C., supplied to the coffee brewing unit (13) and to the dispenser nozzle (10). According to the invention, the coffee brewing unit (13) is attached to the lower side of the boiler (1) and is connected to the mixing station (12) by means of a feed pipe (14), which is at least partly housed in the boiler (1). In the pipe (4) for feeding cold water to the boiler (1), a non return valve (16) is provided, which opens in the direction of flow into the boiler and is situated downstream from the branch point of the pipe (11) for feeding cold water to the mixing station (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for making drinks such as cappuccino, latte, espresso, coffee or filtered water which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee, a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water, and/or an automatic milk frothier for frothing the milk. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water flow passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water flow passageway, a containing chamber for receiving filtered water, and a valve in the water flow passageway for automatically closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the chamber.

Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container for containing Chinese herbs, and a heater including a body provided with a predetermined space to prevent contact with the received container, for protecting the container, a ray generation member installed between the body and the container for generating high temperature rays, and a main reflection member installed on the inner surface of the body for reflecting the rays toward the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a hot beverage prepared by extraction capable of serving the beverage kept at high temperature is provided. A plate for radiating far-infrared rays is provided facing the extraction chamber with a predetermined distance separating each other. The plate heated by a heater radiates far-infrared rays, whereby the extraction chamber is heated by the far-infrared rays, thereby serving of a hot extracted beverage is facilitated. In another embodiment, fans for exhaling steam are provided separately for a receiver for receiving the raw material and hot water and for a mixing bowl for mixing additives such as sugar, milk, etc., thereby serving of a hot extracted beverage is facilitated.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preparing filter coffee, there is provided an autonomous assembly for generating steam, besides an assembly for generating hot water required for brewing the coffee powder. An essential element of that steam generating assembly is a separate container to be filled with fresh water, having an outlet that is connected to a heating element.

Abstract: A fully automatic, milk inclusive espresso coffee machine which includes coffee bean grinding and brewing apparatus and a milk aeration system which pumps a selection of milk from an internal refrigerator through a choice of aeration processes to a steaming apparatus for heating and further conditioning the milk for joining the brewed coffee liquor. With each beverage production cycle all milk is hygienically either served or returned to its refrigerated reservoir. A process is disclosed which includes pumping milk, all in a refrigerated environment, selectively along a plurality of milk lines one of which may inject air for foaming the milk to a steam delivery line for heating and steaming it and delivering it to a beverage cup. After the desired amount of milk has been delivered, the steam flow continues momentarily to cleanse the line of residual milk.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a frothed mixture of milk, air and steam has a mild reservoir, and a steam boiler. A pump draws milk from the milk reservoir and delivers it to an inlet of a Y-connector forming a mixing chamber. A second inlet of the Y-connector is fed with steam. The pump and the steam pressure are controlled such that the milk and steam are substantially of an equal pressure. The milk-steam mix is fed to a jet and exits from its outlet nozzle. The milk-steam mix expands as it exits from the nozzle. Furthermore, the flow of the milk-steam mix draws air into the mix by way of an air inlet conduit whereby a frothed product of milk, air and steam is produced at the nozzle.

Abstract: The coffee machine for different coffee types requires no preheating time and consumes no energy in the standby mode. It essentially comprises a water supply chamber (1), a pump (5), a continuous flow heater (8) for heating the water and a brewing chamber (10) for receiving the coffee (10'). The continuous flow heater (8) has a low heat capacity and can therefore perform large temperature changes within a short time. In order to obtain the desired water starting temperature, use is made of a control loop. The unheated parts (9-12) along the water path between the continuous flow heater (8) and the coffee (10') are so designed that a minimum amount of heat energy is abstracted from the hot water, but at the same time the parts have an adequate strength.

Abstract: Espresso coffee machine provided with a device for whipping milk. It includes at least a coffee dispenser (5) and a whipping device (19) inserted in the stream supplying duct (9). The stream supplying is integral with a member rotatory about a vertical shaft surrounding an annular chamber of the steam distributing body (18) fixed on the housing (1) and connected to the steam supply (2a) from the drum (32) and to the stream (9), this latter being horizontally rotatable to locate itself close to the coffee pouring peak (4) on the tray (31) or outside the tray. In the drum (32) there are two hot water (3a) and stream (2a) intake ducts with electrically operated valves (2), (3) which converges at the distributor (8). The electrically operated valves are related with an electronic circuit, several timers and push buttons to select: coffee plus steam according to two different doses, steam in a timed way, steam in a continuous way and hot water in a continuous way for cleaning.

Abstract: A double boiler for domestic use includes a heating vessel for receiving water and a filtering device containing food, the vessel having a lid on the top; a main case having a reception hollow and a heater at one side so that the heating vessel is mounted and heated; a steam condenser incorporated in the top end of the main case so that steam produced from the heating vessel is collected; steam cooling device for circulating cooling water along the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the steam condenser so that the steam collected in the steam condenser becomes cooled; and a condensed water collecting device for receiving the heating vessel to the hollow of the main case and at the same time connecting the heating vessel and steam condenser so that the condensed water condensed in the steam condenser is gathered into the heating vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an espresso brewing-head unit comprising locking member for detachable attachment to a brewing unit of an espresso machine. A filter for an espresso machine is meant to be improved in a general manner. To this end, the espresso brewing-head unit comprises a pot-shaped coffee receiving container consisting of a plastic material, whose bottom is provided with a filter plate having coffee exit openings and whose upper edge portion in the side wall has firmly embedded therein a substantially surrounding reinforcement ring of a stable material, preferably metal, the reinforcement ring comprising attachment portions which are part of the locking member.

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 machine for preparing coffee, white coffee or similar infused beverages, on single or multiple doses thereof, utilizes waffles (40) packed in advance, applied in a continuous band (41), in a number sufficient to prepare various coffees or other infused beverages. The machine has guide and feeding device (43) associated to the infusion units (35), (36) and the filters (97), (98) thereof, to determine the advancement of the band (41) through the infusion units (35), (36), by stopping each waffle in correspondence thereto for performing the related infusion operation. The machine may contain also a mixer-emulsifier (52) with conduits (105) communicating or not communicating with the infusion units (35), (36) through a switching valve member (106), for preparing the white coffee or other infused beverages mixed with milk.

Abstract: An emulsifier suitable for emulsifying steam, air and milk for preparing frothed milk for cappuccino and similar beverages. The emulsifier comprises a first steam inlet, an air inlet, a first milk inlet, a first suction chamber and a mixing chamber. The first steam inlet, the air inlet and the first milk inlet open into the first suction chamber. The first suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. The emulsifier further comprises a second steam inlet, a second milk inlet and a second suction chamber. The second steam inlet and the second milk inlet open into the second suction chamber. The second suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for preparing hot, non-frothed milk under supply of steam to the second steam inlet.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water reservoir, a heater coupled to the water reservoir, a conduit coupled to the heater, a coffee filter holder, a condensate chamber for channeling steam condensate to the water reservoir, and a fluid distributor operatively connected between the conduit, filter holder and condensate chamber. The fluid distributor channels hot water from the conduit to the filter holder and collects and condenses steam produced from the filter holder and conduit, thus preventing escape of steam into the interior of the coffee maker.

Abstract: Device for frothing and heating liquids such as milk (3) and the like, comprising a substantially cylindrical intermediate body (10) which has sealingly engaged on it an upper body (20) connected to the steam supply pipe (22a) of a machine for preparing hot drinks and provided at the bottom with a nozzle (23), the nozzle (23) being arranged above an internal constriction (10b) which is followed by a coaxial cylindrical duct (12d) in which there emerge radial holes (12a) supplying air for frothing the milk (3), wherein the intermediate body (10) has fixed to it at the bottom a cylindrical body (30) onto which there is coaxially fitted a tubular element (40), wherein said cylindrical body (30) has projections (31) extending longitudinally from its external surface and designed to be engaged with corresponding seats (41) of the tubular element (40) in order to retain the latter, and wherein the tubular element (40) has recesses (51) extending longitudinally and forming longitudinal ducts supplying the frothing a

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: There is described a coffee machine comprising a coffee outlet (9) and a milk outlet (10), which machine is of simple construction, can be cleaned easily and is improved with respect to operability and functional performance. To this end the present invention suggests that the coffee outlet (9) should be constructionally combined with the milk outlet (10) to obtain an outlet unit (8).

Abstract: In order to generate steam in an apparatus for preparing filter coffee, a design is proposed which comprises a water storage container and a device for separating water and steam. A heating element is provided for heating water and for generating steam. The separating device comprises an inlet connected to the outlet of the heating element and an outlet connected to a steam nozzle. The water storage container comprises an inlet connected to a fresh water tank and an outlet connected to the inlet of the heating element. Moreover, a throttle member is provided close to the outlet of the water storage container; the throttle member restricts, during the generation of steam, the amount of water fed to the heating element per unit of time. By such a design, dry steam, particularly suitable to prepare a cappuccino beverage, can be generated in a simple manner.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a main body, a bottle connected to the main body which has a base seat, a hollow frame disposed on the base seat, a curved groove formed in the hollow frame, a steering device disposed in the hollow frame, and an upper cover device disposed on the main body. The upper cover device has a yoke, a first cap disposed on a first end of the yoke, a second cap disposed on a second end of the yoke, and a swivel button disposed on the yoke. The base seat has a first round plate and a second round plate. The steering device has a steam outlet disk disposed beneath the first cap, and a water outlet disk disposed beneath the second cap. A coffee container receives a filter device. The filter device receives a dish. The coffee container is disposed beneath the steam outlet disk. A cup is disposed beneath the second cap.

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 device (10) for producing a heated milk-air emulsion comprises, at the inside thereof, circulation paths for steam, milk and air towards a delivery outlet (11). A blocking means (20) is drivingly slidable to close the delivery outlet (11) and thereby enable execution of an inner-cleaning cycle in the device on activation of steam circulation. Advantageously, the delivery outlet (11) is formed of a duct (25) the free end (26) of which is of tapered shape. Axially disposed inside duct (25) is a dispenser (27) at which the circulation paths arrive and which has radial passageways (28) opening into the duct (25). For accomplishment of the blocking means, the duct and dispenser are axially slidable relative to each other to bring the dispenser (27) to a sealing contact position against the duct (25) thereby closing passage of same to the the outside.

Abstract: A steam outlet tube assembly for preparing beverages includes a steam tube having a terminal length portion including an outlet end. The outlet end of the first conduit is located at the terminal length portion of the steam tube. There is further provided a second conduit having an outlet end communicating with the steam tube at the terminal length portion thereof; and a mechanism for selectively placing the second conduit into an unblocked position and into a blocked position. In the unblocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit and draws air through the second conduit to effect a discharge of a steam/liquid/air mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube. In the blocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit, to effect a discharge of solely a steam/liquid mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube.

Abstract: An attachment for combining steam, milk and air which comprises an upper frother body having an upper end defining an inlet and a lower frother body having a lower end defining a discharge outlet. The upper and lower frother bodies are attached to each other so as to establish a fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet. A frother nozzle is interdisposed in fluid passageway between the inlet and discharge outlet. A manifold attaches to the upper frother body for introducing milk and air into the fluid passageway. A pressure cap, a rigid bushing and a resilient bushing allow releasably attaching of the inlet to a steam supply of an espresso machine. A flush cap releasably attaches to the lower end of the lower frother body to close the discharge outlet so that the steam supply from the espresso machine is directed through the manifold in a reverse flow-like flushing manner whereby the attachment is cleaned without requiring disassembly or disconnection from an espresso machine.

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: An expresso coffee maker includes a steam outlet valve for supplying steam to froth milk for making cappuccino coffee. A valve member automatically closes off a tube when a water level in a water compartment falls below a low level. This closing off completes each expresso making cycle and ensures that sufficient water is retained, and sealed off, inside the compartment to sustain a supply of steam for frothing the milk.

Abstract: An improved espresso/cappuccino machine and methods which comprise a crema device downstream of the coffee filter for producing consistent and rich crema on top of the espresso and an automatic milk frothier for producing a predetermined amount of visually appealing foamy head for the milk, both in a manner that is independent of the operators' skill. The crema device comprises an expandable opening for forming a stream or jet of espresso, a crema chamber having keeping means for maintaining an amount of espresso in the chamber during the brewing process, and an arrangement that allows the jet of espresso to plunge directly into the espresso maintained in the chamber thereby producing the crema.

Abstract: An emulsifying unit, particularly for emulsifying steam, air, and milk to prepare cappuccino and the like, comprising an acceleration duct into which a steam injection nozzle leads, the acceleration duct ending with an emulsifying chamber. The acceleration duct is connected to a milk injection duct that draws from a milk container and is provided with an air injection port in a point that is spaced from the acceleration duct.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coffee maker for the preheating and keeping warm of cups, including a support surface (3) for cups (7, 8) and a heat source (2) delivering heat also to the cups (7, 8) resting on the support surface (3), wherein water held in a water reservoir (1) is heatable by means of the heat source (2) to a temperature such that vapors and/or steam are formed. Discharge orifices (9, 10) are provided in the support surface (3) for passage of the vapors and/or steam therethrough to circulate around the cups (7, 8) resting on the support surface (3), thereby heating them. In this manner, the cups are preheated readily and kept warm durably. In addition, the discharge orifices (9, 10) in the support surface may be closable by a spring-loaded flap structure (19) or a valve, a flap structure (19) or a valve being movable to an open position by the weight of a cup (7, 8).

Abstract: A separate, removable milk container is provided which can be attached to and detached from a cappucino coffee maker. Alternatively, it can be attached to a modified espresso maker, converting it to making cappucino. The container has make and break connections for a milk delivery tube, so that, when the unit is not in use, the milk container can be removed from the unit and stored in a refrigerator to prevent spoiling of the milk. The cappucino maker includes a steam line to heat the coffee and milk. This line runs through a venturi, drawing milk into it, and then forces the steamed and frothed milk to a steamed milk outlet proximate to the coffee dispensing spout. The separate milk container includes means for attaching it to the unit and a milk tube which runs to the venturi. Thus, in use, the venturi draws milk from the container into the steam line and to the frothed milk outlet.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of frothed milk includes an a steam pipe arrangement including an inner pipe having one end adapted for connecting to a superheated steam generator of a coffee or espresso maker with superheated steam flowing through the inner pipe during operation, and an outer pipe arranged coaxially with the inner pipe and defining at least one air flow channel between the inner and outer pipes. The pipe arrangement includes an outlet configuration for outputting a mixture of steam and air. The outlet configuration includes at least two outlets arranged for opening directly into a container of milk, with at least one of the outlets being substantially radially-oriented with respect to a longitudinal direction of the steam pipe arrangement and being formed by approximately radial openings in the inner and outer pipes that are aligned with one another.

Abstract: Several unique features for an improved espresso/cappuccino maker are disclosed. A method and apparatus for replenishing the steam tank for a cappuccino steam dispenser in which the cold replenishing water can only be added in stepped sequences, and only after the water in the tank has reached its desired operating temperature. The dispensing unit for holding the coffee filter is maintained in a constantly heated condition by direct thermal conductivity from the metal surface of the hot water tank which is nested and in direct contact with the metal of the dispensing assembly. The temperature probe for the steam wand is housed internally of the steam wand with only a tip protruding for ease of cleaning. Also, the entire steam wand assembly and solenoid control valve are pivotally mounted as a unit to eliminate the need for internal slip joints in the steam lines. A portafilter has an integral screen for holding a single, a double, or a double-double portion of ground coffee.

Abstract: A coffee machine comprises a fresh water reservoir. A heating block, having a first flow heater pipe, is in fluid communication with the reservoir via a first connection line and a second connection line. The first connection line has a check valve disposed therein, the second connection line has a pump disposed therein. A coffee-making head is in fluid communication with the heating block via a pipe. The pipe ascends from the heating block to the coffee-making head. A steam nozzle is in fluid communication with the heating block via a steam line. A device fluidly connects the reservoir with the steam outlet when the pump is operating.