Abstract: The device for emulsifying steam and milk particularly for cappuccinos and the like includes a first duct and a second duct for conveying milk and steam respectively and a device for mixing and emulsifying the milk with the steam; the mixing and emulsifying device is formed by a single chamber which is connected to the atmosphere and is provided with an element for conveying the first duct into the second duct for the simultaneous delivery, from a single outlet of the conveyance element, of milk and steam at a preset distance from the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the preparation of milk froth for cappuccino (milk-coffee beverage) to be employed as an accessory to coffee or espresso makers or steam preparation machines equipped with a superheated steam generator and a steam pipe. A venturi is disposed at the outlet end of the steam pipe and has an associated air intake conduit and a milk intake conduit that are arranged in such a way that the outlet opening of the air intake conduit and the outlet opening of the milk intake conduit open in the venturi in the zone of greatest subatmospheric pressure. Due to the subatmospheric pressure created in the venturi by the flowing steam, air and milk are sucked in and mixed with the superheated steam in the diffusion path of the venturi. Thus the three-component mixture of steam, air and milk required for the generation of milk froth is created already in the venturi and the desired milk froth is available at the outlet of the venturi.

Abstract: A cappuccino attachment for an espresso machine, the attachment comprising an upper frother body having a threaded upper opening, a threaded lower opening, and an aperture formed adjacent the upper opening; an extension having a first end coupled with the upper frother body, and a second end opposite the first end, a first aperture formed within the second end, a second aperture formed through the extension; an internal passage providing a fluid interconnection between the upper opening, the lower opening, the first aperture, and the second aperture, the passage being threaded adjacent the lower opening; an air intake adjustment mechanism having a cylindrical member with a hollow interior, the cylindrical member having a first end connected with the second end of the extension, the air intake adjustment mechanism operatively engaged with the hollow interior of the cylindrical member and functioning to control the amount of air passing into the internal passage; a hollow frothing tunnel having a threaded upper

Abstract: An accessory for the preparation of a creamy air-milk-steam emulsion to produce Italian cappuccino, is mounted at the end of a steam outlet pipe (2) of an espresso coffee machine. The accessory comprises an aspiration chamber (3) communicating with the steam outlet pipe, a first lateral opening (4) which communicates with a receptacle containing milk, a second lateral opening (5) in communication with the atmosphere, and a third opening (6) through which leaves a first mixture which flows into an emulsion chamber (7) having a first outlet (8). The accessory comprises a first rigid tubular member (9) having the first opening (4) and the first outlet (8) and receiving partially a second flexible tubular member (10) connected at its upper end to the steam outlet pipe (2) and comprising the aspiration chamber (3). The invention is applicable to all coffee machines with a steam outlet pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically brewing coffee, tea, or the like comprises a cell for automatically drawing a predetermined amount of water from a water reservoir. A heating unit heats the water in the cell up to boiling and subsequently generates pressurized steam in the cell. The heated water in the cell is forced out of the outlet, which is positioned at the lowest portion of the cell, and delivered under the pressure of the pressurized steam to and through the coffee grounds, tea, or the like in a container. The pressurized steam is released into atmosphere by a valve means before it reaches the coffee grounds, tea, or the like in the container in one embodiment of the present invention and it passes through and drys the wet coffee grounds, tea, or the like in the container in the other embodiment.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing black coffee and white coffee of the cappuccino type, comprises a single housing containing both a coffee dispenser and a steam generator. A milk dispensing device having an emulsifier is connected in cantilever fashion to the housing. The milk dispensing device is connected to the steam generator, to a supply of milk and to an air inlet for producing either emulsified or simply pre-heated milk. A spout for the coffee dispenser is positioned immediately adjacent a spout for the milk dispenser and both are above a deck or platform for supporting a cup which can receive coffee with emulsified milk, coffee with pre-heated milk and coffee alone.

Abstract: An accessory for the preparation of a creamy air-milk-steam emulsion to produce Italian cappuccino, is mounted at the end of a steam outlet pipe (2) of an espresso coffee machine. The accessory comprises an aspiration chamber (3) communicating with the steam outlet pipe, a first lateral opening (4) which communicates with a receptacle containing milk, a second lateral opening (5) in communication with the atmosphere, and a third opening (6) through which leaves a first mixture which flows into an emulsion chamber (7) having a first outlet (8). The receptacle containing the milk is integral with the accessory. The invention is applicable to a cappuccino accessory fixed on a steam outlet pipe of a coffee-making machine.

Abstract: The steam ejection nozzle comprises an elongated body which internally defines a chamber. One end of the body is open for coupling to a steam delivery duct and the other end has a plurality of steam discharge outlets. The steam ejection nozzle furthermore comprises a lamination cone which can be partially immersed within a fluid to be emulsified. The lamination cone is skimmed by the flow of steam discharged from the outlets in order to facilitate penetration of the steam into the liquid and create a vortex which increases the inclusion of air.

Abstract: Apparatuses for the preparation of different hot drinks, such as in particular espresso machines, conventionally have a multiway valve (2), which is used for supplying hot water or superheated steam produced in a water heater to different means, such as coffee filters, frothing nozzle and/or collecting vessels. As a result of high temperatures and pressures the multiway valve is exposed to considerable stresses, which in the long term cannot be withstood by known valves or only when a complicated and costly construction is adopted. In the novel apparatus the multiway valve is provided with a perforated disk (8) and a rotary control dial (9). Rods (14) for closing the distributing passages (5) are passed through the holes in the perforated disk. The distributing passages are provided in a distributing block (1) to which the multiway valve is flanged. The position of the rods is determined by the rotary position of the control dial provided with a guide link for the rods.

Abstract: A device for obtaining hot drinks in solution, especially hot drinks made from a freeze-dried product. The freeze-dried product is dispensed in a predetermined dose into a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber is closed and air, liquid, and steam are injected into the treatment chamber in order to dissolve the predetermined dose and to create the hot drink. The predetermined dose is substantially mixed and dissolved in the liquid, steam and air and removed from the treatment chamber through an outlet in a cover of the treatment chamber and through a valve in the bottom of the treatment chamber. The supply of air to the treatment chamber can be interrupted if the hot drink is desired without froth.

Abstract: An espresso/cappuccino machine includes an upper container defining an upper chamber therein, a lower container defining a lower chamber therein, and a selector valve. A first pipet extends from nearly a bottom of the upper chamber to outside of the upper chamber. A first heating element with a first thermal control element is disposed in the bottom of the upper chamber. A second heating element with a second thermal control element is disposed in the bottom of the lower chamber. A second pipet communicates the upper chamber and the lower chamber. A check valve is provided in the second pipet such that fluid is only flowable from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: A coffee machine having a flow heater in the hot water line that effects additional heating of a residual amount of hot water left in the line after termination of the coffee-making process to convert it to steam and press out any water remaining in the used grounds to dry them for easy removal.

Abstract: A coffee brewing machine wherein a riser conveys heated liquid into the chamber of a liquid collecting receptacle above a filter holder containing a supply of flavoring agent, such as comminuted coffee beans. The bottom wall of the receptacle has one or more openings which admit heated liquid into the filter holder, and one or more apertures which discharge steam in such a way that the outflowing steam can or must bypass the filter holder. To this end, each aperture defines for steam a path which is inclined with reference to the bottom wall of the receptacle. An aperture can be provided in a hollow flow divider which is installed in the chamber to break up the flow of heated liquid from the riser toward the liquid discharging opening or openings. If the receptacle has a single aperture, the latter is preferably located in or at the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the housing of the machine and causes the steam to leave the receptacle by flowing in such plane.

Abstract: An automatic electric kettle of improved design comprises a water vessel (1) closed by a lid (2), an electric heating resistor (3) fixed on the bottom wall (4) of the vessel, and a steam flow duct (14) which extends to the full height of the vessel. The lower end of the duct has its opening opposite to the temperature-sensitive element (15) of the temperature limiter (12).

Abstract: Device for frothing and heating milk for beverages, consisting of a substantially tubular cylindrical body (1) connected to the steam outlet tube (3) of a machine for preparing hot beverages, the cylindrical body having within it a first nozzle (8), outside which nozzle there is, within the cylindrical body, a chamber (12) into which opens a milk intake tube (12a) from a vessel (4), the nozzle (8) being located above a constriction (10) followed by a second nozzle (11, 111) outside which, within the cylindrical body, is formed a chamber (16, 116) having one or more apertures (17) communicating with the outside and at least one aperture (18, 118) communicating with the inside of the nozzle (11, 111), beneath which there is an outlet duct (23, 22) leading to the outside, where a vessel may be placed to receive the frothed milk.

Abstract: Apparatus of this type, for instance Espresso machines, comprising a plurality of preparation devices such as a coffee filter, a foaming nozzle or the like, are equipped with a multiple-way valve operable to supply hot water or hot steam to the various preparation devices. Conventional valves of this type are not sufficiently resistant against the corrosive action of the hot and frequently also aggressive water.In the apparatus according to the invention, the multiple-way valve (5) is formed as a ceramic valve comprising a number of ceramic discs (11 to 13) provided with distributor passages (14, 15, 16, 17, 23) and mounted in sealing surface contact for displacement relative to one another.The apparatus is suitable for the preparation of hot beverages, particularly Espresso.

Abstract: An adapter having an elastic body with a first inlet for the discharge end of a steam-supplying conduit, a second inlet for the discharge end of an air-supplying pipe, a mixing chamber into which air drawn by pressurized steam which is supplied by the conduit, and an outlet which discharges the mixture of air and steam into a supply of milk to thereby foam the milk so that foamed milk can be used as a topping for regular coffee or espresso coffee. The discharge end of the pipe and/or the discharge end of the conduit is held in the respective inlet exclusively by friction to facilitate ready separation of the body of the adapter. The intake end of the air-supplying pipe carries an elastic cap with one or more channels which supply atmospheric air into the pipe when the conduit supplies pressurized steam. The cap is removed prior to cleaning of the pipe and of the body of the adapter if the body is cleaned jointly with the pipe.

Abstract: An automatic device for obtaining frothy milk comprises a first mixing assembly (30) which feeds a second frothing assembly (40), comprising an expansion chamber (17), a milk feeding duct (31) being provided in the first assembly (30) inside a nozzle (13) for the pressurized steam, this nozzle being coaxial to the milk duct (31), the outlet of this duct slightly projecting over the steam outlet. The milk-steam mixture which is formed, tangentially flows to the expansion chamber, which has a circular section. Preferably the diameter of the nozzle (12) of the outflowing milk is about 1.1-1.2 mm, while the clear radial span of the annular section nozzle (13) of the outflowing steam is about 0.2 mm, the milk outlet projecting about 0.2 mm with respect to the steam outlet.

Abstract: A bubble-forming container has a venturi-tube type inlet unit which can rapidly draw a beverage into the body of the container. A blocking plate is disposed in the container body in alignment with the inlet of the container so that the liquid forming the beverage can pound against the blocking plate, thereby splashing to the inner wall of container body. A cylinder stands on the lower end wall of the container body. The liquid whirls around the cylinder and flows out of the container through an opening which is formed in the cylinder.

Abstract: A water vapor relief device for domestic coffee makers includes one tube connected to a vapor generator of the coffee maker and terminating at a free end thereof with an outlet hole and another tube which surrounds the first tube and forms therewith a chamber. The first tube at the end thereof carries an expanded head for a nozzle. A conduit formed between the nozzle and the head is inclined to produce the Venturi effect so that in the liquid such as milk in which the device is submerged the bubbling is produced which generates a foam.

Abstract: An espresso machine wherein a steam supplying first conduit is separably coupled to a second conduit having an air admitting inlet and an air discharging outlet. When the first conduit admits steam into the second conduit between the inlet and the outlet, such steam draws atmospheric air by way of the inlet and the resulting steam-air mixture is discharged by way of the outlet to frothe milk in a vessel into which the outlet of the second conduit extends. The rate of admission of air into the inlet of the second conduit is regulated by a valving element which is mounted on the second conduit and can be rotated by a handle so as to move a hole of the valving element relative to the inlet and to thus alter the cross-sectional area of the path for the flow of air into the second conduit. If the inlet of the second conduit is completely sealed from the atmosphere, the outlet discharges only steam which can be used to heat cups prior to pouring of espresso coffee.

Abstract: Apparatus apt to heat, emulsify, whip, harden, liquids of different types, particularly milk, chocolate, punch and the like, comprising:a turbulence tube to be immersed in the liquid to be treated the wall of which is provided with a calibrated hole, being able to act as an air inlet; anda securing block to be hermetically mounted on the top of said turbulence tube and terminating at its lower portion with a calibrated hole, said block being able to be coupled to a source of steam through coupling means.

Abstract: An espresso machine with an attachment for the making of cappuccino wherein the attachment has a pipe with an open air admitting inlet at its upper end and an open air discharging outlet at its lower end. The steam conduit of the espresso machine has an orifice for steam at its lower end, and the outlet of the pipe is positioned in such a way that steam issuing from the orifice draws air into the pipe and out by way of the outlet to mix with steam and to froth a quantity of milk when the resulting mixture is admitted into a body of milk in a cup or another vessel. The pipe can be a separately produced part which is separably and adjustably or integrally connected to the conduit. It is also possible to provide the conduit with an integral portion which serves as an air supplying pipe and to provide a coupling to separably connect the upper end of the conduit to the source of steam.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved type of "Espresso" coffee machine where the means (22) for the production and distribution of hot water and steam are independent from the means (5) used for the production of the espresso coffee itself.In this way the construction of the "espresso" coffee machines is very simplified and is possible to easily assemble various type of machines to meet whatever customer's requirements.

Abstract: A safety lock in a steam pressure coffee maker is disclosed. The safety lock comprises a piston fitted in an orifice of the coffee maker body. When the pressure in the coffee maker chamber is sufficiently high, the piston is moved causing the piston rod to enter recesses provided along the periphery of a threaded plug which closes the main aperture. With the piston rod in this position, the threaded plug cannot be turned, thereby ensuring that the main aperture remains closed until the high pressure conditions no longer prevail.

Abstract: An electrical cooking apparatus for cooking natural substances such as rice, herbs, soups, and the like, the cooking device being divided into a lower cooking chamber and an upper cooling chamber, which includes a cooking container disposed within the lower cooking chamber, a valve member providing communication between the upper cooling chamber and the lower cooking container whereby the cooking steam rising from the cooking container and introduced through the valve member into the cooling chamber is condensed and returned as a liquid to the cooking container, a downwardly inclined baffle member disposed beneath the valve member for interrupting the flow of condensed liquid through the valve member and directing it to the side walls of the cooking chamber, and a heating member for the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which may be utilized with prepackaged water. The apparatus is provided with a puncturing means for puncturing the container. The water is heated to steam so that it is possible to utilize non-potable water in the brewing of a beverage.

Abstract: A coffee kettle of this invention comprises a filter case (8, 80), a water tank (7, 79) having a heater (6, 78), power supply and control means for supplying power to the heater (6, 78), a steam sensing element (52, 128) to operate upon sensing steam generated from water heated to boiling in the water tank (7, 79), wherein hot water in the water tank (7, 79) is supplied to the filter case (8, 80) by operating the hot water supply valve (38, 100) in association with the movement of the steam sensing element (52, 128).

Abstract: Coffee machine on which a boiler, heated by an electric heating source, is connected by a top and bottom pipe respectively to two inlets on a distribution chamber, the latter having an exhaust outlet, a water outlet connected to a ground coffee filtering cup, and a steam outlet. A selecting device is mounted in mobile manner inside the said distribution chamber for enabling selective communication between the water and exhaust outlets, while at the same time disabling the said heating source, between the bottom pipe and the water outlet, and between the top pipe and the steam outlet.

Abstract: An espresso-coffee-making machine, particularly for domestic use, comprises a boiler with electrical heating resistors and a filter cup releasably attached beneath the boiler and connected thereto. The boiler is connected to the filter cup by an upwardly-extending pipe which communicates at its lower end with a lower zone of the boiler for discharging water therefrom, and at its upper end with an upper zone of the boiler located above the maximum level reachable by the water in the boiler, for the subsequent discharge of steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infusions such as coffee in different forms includes a sealed container in which water is heated so that it can be used either as hot water or steam, a water tank and a heating element for heating the contents of the container. Water in the tank can flow into the container through a conduit containing a check valve. Four conduits have outlets at the top of the container. One of them is connected to an infuser and is adapted to transport hot water. Another conduit is adapted to transport steam which may be used for preparing a cappuccino-like drink or for preheating a receptacle. The other two conduits are for removing high pressure steam from inside the container, one of them having an outlet near the bottom of a subtank which is built as a part of the water tank.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing hot beverages, such as a coffee maker, comprises a boiling chamber heated by an external or internal source, a vessel adjoining the boiling chamber in which water is indirectly heated to form an infusion, and a cup removably seated on that vessel for holding a liquid--e.g. milk--to be separately heated. A tube with a restricted outlet, which may be designed as a gooseneck, rises from the boiling chamber to discharge steam into the liquid contained in the cup. The boiling chamber may form a platform for the infusion-bearing vessel or may spacedly surround same, the steam tube passing axially through the vessel in the latter instance.

Abstract: An espresso coffee machine having a boiler provided with an electric resistance heater is fitted with a temperature transducer of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistance type producing an output signal indicative of the boiler temperature. A comparator unit is fed the output signal and compares the signal with the extreme values of a temperature range to control activation and deactivation of the heater. A first display device fed by the output signal continuously displays the boiler water temperature. The output signal is also continuously fed to a memory and processing unit having stored therein the Mollier diagram curve relating to saturated vapor. The memory and processing unit continuously outputs the value of the corresponding water vapor pressure in the boiler, which value is displayed by a second display device.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing hot beverages, such as a coffee maker, comprises a boiling chamber heated by an external or internal source, a vessel adjoining the boiling chamber in which water is indirectly heated to form an infusion, and a cup removably seated on that vessel for holding a liquid--e.g. milk--to be separately heated. A tube with a restricted outlet, which may be designed as a gooseneck, rises from the boiling chamber to discharge steam into the liquid contained in the cup. The boiling chamber may form a platform for the infusion-brewing vessel or may spacedly surround same, the steam tube passing axially through the vessel in the latter instance.

Abstract: The coffee percolator is of the type including a bottom container acting as a boiler and support for a removable coffee-holder funnel and is characterised in that it further comprises a top element which can be sealingly mounted on said bottom container and is provided with a spout for outside delivery of coffee infusion or steam, as well as valve means associated with said spout for maintainment at a open position of said spout for coffee infusion delivery and at a controlled closed position of the same spout for steam delivery.More particularly, the valve means comprises a shutter associated with a control lever for maintainment at a first position corresponding to a constant opening of the spout and moved to a second position corresponding to a constant closure of the same spout, and then to a third position controlling the opening and the closing of the spout for the delivery of the steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee-brew percolator. The percolator comprises an outer vessel, a bottomless boiler slidably and removably arranged in the vessel, and one or more filters designed to confine in the vessel a space above the boiler for accommodating coffee powder. The boiler has one or more calibrated openings or holes through which steam or vapor can be discharged in use. The boiler is free to slightly move towards and away from the space containing coffee powder so that the latter is packed and amounts of water calibrated in accordance with the pressure level in the boiler are released from the bottom of the boiler towards the coffee powder in the space.

Abstract: An extraction enclosure is connected by a pipe in its upper region to a source of steam. A drawer having a grill base for containing vegetable materials to be extracted permits the introduction of vegetable materials into the extraction enclosure. The base of this latter enclosure communicates with a subjacent refrigerated or cooling enclosure, provided with discharge means.There is thus avoided or minimized risk of overheating and/or of the hydrolysis of the essential oil in the course of extraction and there is eliminated or minimized all obstacles of flux of vapors and of liquid at the refrigerant level. The charging and discharging of the extraction enclosure are also simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infusions such as any of several forms of the beverage coffee can be constructed so as to include an enclosed container in which water is adapted to be heated so as to be utilized either as hot water or as steam. An electric heating element is associated with the container for heating the contents of the container. A bottom outlet from the container is adapted to convey hot water and is connected to a line or conduit to the inlet of an infuser or brewing basket, the outlet of which is adapted to convey a complete beverage or infusion to an appropriate container. A top outlet from the container is adapted to convey steam from the container through an appropriate conduit or line containing at least one valve to another container where such steam may be used in preparing a beverage such as cappuccino or may be employed for generalized heating purposes.

Abstract: A steam and hot liquid dispensing device has a pressure sealable container in which liquid under pressure is heated to produce steam and/or super-heated liquid. A dispensing mechanism includes a valve device which selectively delivers steam or super-heated liquid through separate outlets from the heated container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of an aroma flavor concentrate from aroma- and flavor-bearing substrates, especially roasted and ground coffee. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a process for continuously de-aromatizing and desorbing aroma and flavor constituents from said substrates by passing wet steam counter-currently through a continuous columnar bed of said substrate, said bed flowing upwardly through a substantially upright vacuum-tight desorption column. Wet steam is applied in an amount and manner to form and maintain a substantially stationary desorption zone in said flowing columnar bed at a finite distance above a bottom inlet of said upright desorption column. The stationary desorption zone is formed by the condensation of the wet steam as it passes into a progressively cooler temperature gradient in said flowing columnar bed.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprising a main or external tank for containing water and steam under pressure, a secondary or internal tank in the main tank for containing water under pressure to be used in making espresso, and a heating element in the main tank adjacent to the secondary tank for heating the water in the main tank and maintaining the water in the secondary tank at a substantially constant temperature. An aromatic coffee water supply is also maintained in a separate tank to feed a shower arrangement for making aromatic coffee. Alternatively, the shower can be fed directly from the main or external tank of the espresso-making arrangement. Once heated to a constant temperature, the water in the secondary or interior tank can be supplied to a group unit through a valve arrangement for injection through a quantity of ground espresso coffee to form the espresso coffee drink.

Abstract: An automatic coffee maker for rapid, convenient, drip-free brewing of single cups of coffee has a "flow fuse" acting in the space above a brew basket into which the output of a hot water generator passes: the fuse allows passage of small quantities of steam, but is closed by larger steam flow to force the steam to pass downward through the ground coffee, terminating the brewing process and drying the spent grounds thereafter to permit their removal and discard without drippage.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning articles in volatile solvent is provided wherein the article to be cleaned is situated in a solvent collector with siphon tube attached above a reservoir of solvent and below a water-cooled vapor condenser, the solvent being heated to boiling to generate solvent vapors to bathe the article in solvent vapors and condensate which forms on the condenser and drips into the collector below to wash impurities from the article, the condensed solvent also boiling and rising in the collector until the siphon height is reached, whereupon solvent and impurities siphon from the collector and the cleaning cycle recommences.

Abstract: A coffee making apparatus is disclosed for automatically mixing instant coffee and for maintaining the coffee hot during dispensing thereof. The coffee is housed within an urn similar to that utilized for drip coffee although simpler in construction and designed specifically for instant or freeze-dried applications. Provisions are also made for dispensing hot water.

Abstract: A coffee brewer comprising an upper and lower receptacle joined together and including a means intermediate the upper and lower receptacle for captivating a charge of coffee and water, whereby when water is heated in the lower chamber it will be caused to flow through the captivated charge in a vapor form to rise to the upper chamber to be cooled and form a well brewed cup of coffee.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONIn the past there have been numerous types of coffee brewers and this invention relates to an improved coffee brewing device for small amounts of coffee particularly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAs is perhaps well known in a strong brew of coffee, often known as Expresso coffee, it is often desired to utilize sugar. There is a variance in the amount of sugar that is desired; however, it has been found that if the sugar is applied to the water before it is formed into the coffee brew, it has a more uniform and pleasing taste.