Abstract: The present invention is a coffee brewer that uses a one time use, prepackaged, disposable gas propellant capsule to force hot water through ground coffee to create brewed coffee or espresso.

Abstract: A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage has an outermost housing that includes a top part and downwardly extending sidewalls which cover and shield at least part of a liquid food or beverage module. The downwardly extending sidewalls have a portion that forms, optionally together with a portion of the top part, a grip seizable by a human hand such that the machine can be carried and displaced single handed by seizure of the grip.

Abstract: A delivery head for espresso coffee machines comprises a top supporting element pivoted to a bottom supporting element in turn made rigid with the machine body, said bottom supporting element comprising an infusion recess provided for receiving a coffee holding capsule, said delivery head further comprising an operating lever operating at least one of the support elements to define at least an open position for loading and unloading the coffee capsule, and a coffee delivery closed position, said head including perforating means for progressively perforating the capsule and capsule ejecting means.

Abstract: A beverage marker comprises a water reservoir (1) and a beverage extract holder (2) which is adapted to accommodate an amount of beverage extract, whether contained in a filter or not, which is suitable for containing an amount of fluid, which has at least one outlet opening (4) for letting out beverage, and which is arranged at a position for receiving water from an outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). Furthermore, the beverage maker comprises a movably arranged water flow restriction member (6) which is mechanically connected to the beverage extract holder (2), such that an increasing weight of the beverage extract holder (2) causes an increasing restriction of the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). If so required, the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1) may be completely blocked in order to prevent the beverage extract holder (2) from overflowing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frothing device for the frothing of milk, comprising a steam supply channel which opens into a mixing chamber, a milk supply channel which opens into the mixing chamber and comprising an air supply channel, wherein the mixing chamber is connected in communication with a froth chamber. It is essential to the invention that the air supply channel opens into the froth chamber, with the result that an almost identical dispensing temperature of milk froth and milk can be achieved.

Abstract: A beverage maker can comprise a liquid director configured to channel liquid toward a lowermost surface thereof, into and though an opening in the beverage maker, and to a fluid container of the beverage maker. The liquid director can be engaged with a lid of the beverage maker and/or at least one side wall of the container. The lid can be moved between a first position where the lid at least partially covers the opening and a second position where the lid does not cover at least a portion of the opening. The liquid director can be in a deployed, fluid receiving position when the lid is in the first position and can be in an undeployed position when the lid is in the second position.

Abstract: A machine for filtered coffee, having an upper body, inside which a filter-carrier for the coffee and a tank for the water are housed, both accessible through a window. The machine comprises a shutter able to be moved slidingly with respect to said upper body between an open condition and a closed condition of said window and vice versa, so as to selectively allow complete frontal access to said filter-carrier and to said tank, through said window, leaving free frontal access to the filter-carrier and to the water tank. The machine further comprises a pivoting opening which opens frontally with respect to a user and allows access to said tank, when said shutter is in the open condition, for conveying water to the tank without moving said tank from the machine.

Abstract: A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening.

Abstract: The coffee machine according to the invention for the automatic preparation of coffee or espresso comprises a housing (1) with the components arranged therein for the preparation and dispensing of coffee as well as the components (10, 11, 12) for the supply of hot water and the supply of steam. The housing (1) is subdivided by means of a partition (6) into two compartments (8, 9), namely a front compartment (8), which is intended to accommodate the components for the preparation and dispensing of coffee, and a rear compartment (9) which is intended to contain the carrier element (7). The components (10, 11, 12) for the supply of hot water and the supply of steam are arranged in the carrier element (7). By virtue of the partition (6) there is a thermal separation and shielding between the two compartments (8, 9) on the one hand and, on the other hand, to a great extent, also a dry-moist separation. This modular structure substantially eases and simplifies the assembly and service tasks on the coffee machine.

Abstract: An automatic beverage maker is provided. The automatic beverage maker is configured for storing raw materials of various hot drinks in vacuum, grinding the raw material of a hot drink to be made into powder with a grinding module, displacing an inlet cover at an upper end of a steeping chamber with a translational transport module so as to introduce the powder of the raw material of the hot drink to be made into the steeping chamber, and guiding hot boiled water in an internal water tank to drip into the steeping chamber, thus forming a convenient hot drink making mechanism.

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

Abstract: A coffee maker is disclosed. The coffee maker includes a grinding device, a brewing device and a driving device, wherein the grinding device is used to grind coffee beans into ground coffee. The brewing device is used to receive the ground coffee transmitted from the outlet of the grinding device. The driving device is used to move the outlet of the grinding device, thereby letting an opening of the outlet selectively locate on a brewing chamber of the brewing device.

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing a beverage includes a brewing unit through which hot water can flow through an extraction substance to produce a brewed beverage. A collecting container is arranged to receive the brewed beverage from the brewing unit. A beverage dispenser is arranged to receive a prepared beverage from the collecting unit and to fill a container with the prepared beverage. A device is arranged to supply ice to the collecting container. The brewed beverage is permitted to flow through the collecting container with the ice therein as the prepared beverage to the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for preparing liquid from solid materials such as medicinal materials. It includes liquid and materials for preparing the liquid at the beginning and the end of the process. The device uses a steam generator, an intermediate switch valve and a material chamber, which are connected sequentially with pipes, and further includes an outlet pipe, which is at the bottom of the material chamber. The method involves the steps of: distillation and absorption; immersion; and repetition. The device and method for preparing liquid alternates the distillation and immersion steps, which reduces harmful substance in the prepared liquid that would otherwise occur by conventional methods. The method not only extracts soluble effective matter, but also reduces loss of volatile effective matter. Ultimately, the method makes the steps for preparing liquid simple and clear, and it can prepare liquid quantitatively, effectively and without pasty and shrinkable characteristics.

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

Abstract: A galley drink preparation device (252) for the preparation of drinks on board an aircraft comprises a water supply device (360, 364) and at least one pot (10). In the pot (10) there is provided an inlet opening (40) for supplying water from the water supply device (360, 364) into the pot (10). Furthermore, the pot (10) has a receiving region (12) for receiving the drink to be prepared in the galley drink preparation device (252). Additionally present in the pot (10) is a holding device (22) which is arranged, in relation to a flow direction of the water supplied to the pot (10) by the water supply device (360, 364), downstream of the inlet opening (40) and is adapted to receive a coffee pad (32).

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

Abstract: Improvements to machines for the production of espresso-like infusions characterized by the fact that they are based on a combination of devices (B, P, R, S, T) that detect, control, regulate and modulate the instant value variations of the technological, thermometric, hydrodynamic and cinematic and chronology parameters that optimize the preset quality of the resulting customized espresso.

Abstract: A multi-path valve arrangement in a beverage making unit by which, optionally, various beverages can be prepared. The multi-path valve arrangement includes a multi-path valve with a housing provided with a cold milk inlet, a cold water inlet, a valve outlet and an air opening. A valve body in the housing is suited to connect the cold milk inlet having an adjustable throttling with the valve outlet. The valve body is set by a step motor which is connected with a programmable control of the valve body position.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and consuming soluble drinks includes a dispensing device for dispensing a solvent liquid for dissolving doses of powdered soluble drinks; a container for the doses of soluble drinks to be dissolved, the container having connection means with the dispensing device and collection means for collecting a dissolved drink accessible from the outside, such to enable a user to consume the dissolved drink directly from the container.

Abstract: A brewing unit of a drinks preparation device is provided with a first housing device with a coffee brewing chamber (4), having an outlet (5), for housing coffee powder and for preparation of a drink therefrom, provided with a second housing device (6) with a housing chamber (7) having a through opening (22) in the base thereof for an alternative or additional milk or foamed milk regeneration, said second device being suitable for housing a milk or milk powder portion unit (14) and for preparation of the milk or milk foam.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.

Abstract: A liquid flow through heater for heating a liquid (10) comprises a channel (4) and an electric heater element (50) for heating at least a portion of the channel (4). A temperature sense unit (6, 60) senses a temperature (ST1; ST1, ST2) indicative of the temperature of the liquid. A flow control means (3) controls a flow of the liquid (10) through the channel (4). A controller (7) controls in a first phase (PH1), (i) the electric heater element (50) to pre-heat at least the portion of the channel (4), and (ii) the flow control means (3) to obtain a rate of flow of the liquid (10) through the channel (4) which is zero or relatively small with respect to a rate of flow during a second and/or third phase.

Abstract: The device comprises a first portion (3) of an infusion chamber and a second portion (5) of an infusion chamber, movable with respect to each other according to an opening and closing direction; a first duct (49) to feed an infusion fluid into said infusion chamber; a second duct (31) for delivery of the food product from the infusion chamber; a pair of guide channels (17) to insert a capsule (C) into a space between the first portion of the infusion chamber and the second portion of the infusion chamber. The guide channels are each produced on a respective movable element (15); and the movable elements are positioned substantially opposite each other and can be opened to release the capsule into the infusion chamber.

Abstract: A coffee maker and microwave oven includes: a room for mounting various electric parts on an inside thereof; a case at one side of the room; a water tank in an upper space of the case; a funnel under the water tank having a filter for extracting coffee; a water supply pipe having a first pipe connected to the water tank, and a second pipe for supplying water to the funnel directly; a water supply tube on a bottom of the case, having one end connected to the first pipe, and the other end connected to the second pipe; a heater tube in contact with the water supply tube, the heater tube having a heater for heating the water passing through the water supply tube; and a temperature sensing unit in the vicinity of the heater tube for measuring a temperature of the heater.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus comprises a frame and a liquid injector. The frame includes a receiving station for receiving therein a steeped liquid container including a steeping chamber and a securing mechanism displaceable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, the securing mechanism being engaged with the steeped liquid container, received in the receiving station, in the engaged configuration and securing the steeped liquid container in a predetermined position therein and disengaged from the steeped liquid container received in the receiving station in the disengaged configuration. The liquid injector is displaceable between an injection position wherein the liquid injector is inserted through the steeped liquid container into the steeping chamber, secured in the predetermined position in the receiving station and a disengaged position wherein the liquid injector is disengaged from the steeped liquid container.

Abstract: The instant application describes a programmable apparatus for making coffee that includes a hopper for holding coffee beans; a grinding element for receiving the coffee beans and grinding them to produce ground coffee; and a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water. The programmable apparatus for making coffee also includes a piston for compressing the ground coffee, the piston being arranged to enter the brewing chamber at an open end thereof; an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber; and a programming element for selectively determining a quantity C of ground coffee to be combined with a quantity W of water in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber being capable of accommodating more than 14 grams of ground coffee.

Abstract: A machine for preparing brewed drinks is provided and includes a brewing compartment for receiving drink substrate portions and a water supply for supplying a pressurized supply of water into the brewing compartment. The water supply is oriented in the brewing compartment in such that it would spray into a user region of the machine if the brewing compartment opens prematurely. However, a safety valve prevents the supplied water from entering into the brewing compartment when the brewing compartment is open.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine has at least one pinch valve (1) in the fluid line system, wherein the pinch valve (1) has at least two fluid passage lines (20, 21) and is designed to execute valve and/or control functions on the fluid passage lines (20, 21). The operating mechanism of the pinch valve (1) is set up for coupled activation of the valve and/or control functions and a drive with a stepper motor (25) is provided.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot water supplying device for coffee machines comprising a condensation chamber having at least one output duct for supplying the hot water, a first duct having a first flow rate and arranged for injecting water or steam at a first temperature into the chamber, a second duct having a second flow rate and arranged for injecting water at a second temperature into the chamber According to the invention, the device further comprises first interception means (21) applied to the first duct (12) and arranged for supplying a first certain amount of water on the basis of the first flow rate by intercepting or not intercepting water injection by respective first time periods of interception or not interception in a certain time interval and second interception means (31) applied to the second duct (13) and arranged for supplying a second amount of water, calculated on the basis of the second flow rate, by intercepting or not intercepting the water injection by respective second time

Abstract: Liquid food dispensing device (1) for dispensing hot or cold beverages or other liquid foods without using any mixing or whipping chambers comprising at least one liquid component source (30, 31) and a diluent source (18), a delivery device and at least one diluent nozzle and one food component nozzle wherein the delivery device and diluent and food component nozzles are configured for ejecting at least one stream (6a, 6b) of diluent at a predetermined spatial configuration inside a container (10) and within a velocity range effective to create turbulence and mix the food component so to produce the food product such as the hot or cold beverage.

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

Abstract: A device for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, including a reservoir containing a fluid, an outlet opening through which the fluid is pumped from the reservoir to a brewing chamber, and a valve to close off the outlet opening and to adjust a brewing pressure of the brewing chamber in dependence of the beverage to be prepared. The valve is coupled to a leaf spring having an adjustable spring force in order to close off the valve.

Abstract: A brewing mechanism has a pump, a pipe assembly, a boiler, a supply pipe, a heat exchanger, a feed pipe, a hot water pipe, a brewing group, thermoregulating group and a filling group. The pipe assembly and the supply pipe both connect to the pump. The boiler is connected to the supply pipe. The heat exchanger is mounted through the boiler. The feed pipe is mounted between the heat exchanger and pipe assembly. The hot water pipe connects to the heat exchanger and the brewing group. The thermoregulating group is mounted between the brewing group and the pipe assembly. The filling group connects to the pipe assembly and has an outlet to allow water from pipe assembly flow out. The brewing mechanism is convenient to obtain a beverage thermostatically and to adjust volume or concentration of the beverage.

Abstract: A percolating device includes a tank operable to hold liquid and having a top portion, a side wall, and a bottom portion. A strainer basket is positioned near the top portion of the tank and is operable to contain coffee grounds. A heating element is operable to heat a liquid contained in the tank and a tube directs heated liquid from the heating element to the strainer basket such that the heated liquid enters the strainer basket. A partition sealably engages the side wall of the tank and is operable to substantially separate liquid that has entered and fallen through the strainer basket from liquid that has not entered and fallen through the strainer basket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining a component of a beverage forming system such as a coffee brewer. A tank used for holding and/or heating a beverage precursor liquid may be automatically drained. A beverage forming machine including a drain system may be self-contained in that the liquid drained from the tank is held by another tank that is part of the beverage forming machine. The tank into which the drained liquid is deposited may be removable from the beverage forming machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: A brewing device for the brewing of a capsule containing beverage ingredients. This device includes a frame, first and second capsule enclosing members for at least partially enclosing the capsule during brewing, wherein the first enclosing member is mobile along the frame in relation to the second enclosing member, a closing mechanism to actuate the first enclosing member, the closing mechanism including an actuation member; a capsule holding member for receiving the capsule during insertion of the capsule between the first and second enclosing members and for holding it in place during closing of the enclosing members.

Abstract: A pad holder (16) of a coffee maker for making coffee having a foam layer on top comprises a stud plate (17) having studs for supporting a coffee pad containing ground coffee beans and an outlet opening (20) for delivering coffee extract. A number of studs (18a) in the direct vicinity of the outlet opening (20) are arranged in a circle, surfaces (24) of the studs (18a) forming a circular directing surface. During operation of the coffee maker, a flow of coffee extract enters a space (27) encompassed by the studs (18a) via channels (23) between the studs (18a) and is put into rotation as a result of interaction with the directing surface. Consequently, the coffee flow enters the outlet opening (20) in a rotating condition, causing the outlet opening (20) to deliver the coffee as a spray of fine droplets, from which the foam is created.

Abstract: A method of brewing a fresh, hot beverage in a beverage brewer (10) having a brew basket (18) for holding ingredient to be brewed and a dispensing spray head (12) for passing water onto a top surface of a layer of ingredient supported within the brew basket (18) during a dispense period of a brew cycle uses a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle. An electrical heating element (98) of sufficient power quickly and substantially alters the temperature of the water in the chamber during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42) to control the heating element (98) to selectively change the temperature of the hot water dispensed to the brew basket (18) during a single brew cycle.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee maker and more specifically to a two cups automatic coffee maker with flow control in a precise manner, particular to a one cup coffee in desired volume, a two reservoirs type design to avoid overfill and able to have two different tastes, with a manual reset thermostat controls to turn off the heaters while brewing cycle is completed.

Abstract: A drink making machine (10) includes an ice shaving and dispensing unit (11) which provides a predetermined amount of ice, by weight, through a chute (21) to the pitcher (17) of a blending unit (12). A nozzle (30) is carried by the chute (12) and provides water through a nozzle opening (41) until a predetermined amount of water, by weight, is received by the pitcher (14). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17) so that it does not adversely affect the weight measurements being taken.

Abstract: Equipment (10) for the preparation of a hot beverage comprising a boiler (10) capable of containing a liquid component of the beverage, for example water, a collection container (14) and means (22, 20, 28) defining a delivery path for the liquid component from the boiler to the collection container. The equipment also comprises valve means (40) located along the delivery path for the liquid component comprising a plug (44) which can move between a position in which the delivery path is closed and one in which it is open and means (70, 72; 74, 76; 78) to immobilise the plug in the open position. These means are arranged in such a way that they can be activated and deactivated by a force exerted in the direction of movement of the plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for delivering a drink by injecting a pressurized fluid comprising a body (2), an injection wall (3), a chamber (4) containing a bed of food substance to be extracted, means for retaining the internal pressure (5) in the said chamber. The improvement consists in the provision of an injection space (7) allowing a means of injecting fluid in the form of at least one jet of fluid to be introduced through the injection wall and in providing a means (6) for breaking the jet of fluid and distributing the distribution of fluid at a reduced speed across the surface of the bed of substance. These means may adopt various forms such as that of a rigid or flexible perforated wall, or a layer of discrete elements or a spongy layer. Such a capsule improves the flow of liquid extract through the pressure retaining means (5) and improves the extraction conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for penetrating portion packaging, especially a capsule (2), which contains and extractable material. Said means comprises perforation elements (7, 8) that are provided with a plurality of openings (9) and allow a shell of the capsule (2) to be pierced. The openings (9) are disposed in such a way on a lead-through surface which extends at an angle to the direction of perforation that the openings (9) form a punched screen structure. The perforation elements (7, 8) are embodied as a member that has several faces, one of which is a lead-through surface. Preferably, the lead-through surface on the extraction side is formed by a foil section that is provided with the openings (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing baby milk from water and dry formula. The apparatus comprises a formula supply system (3), which comprises a reservoir (6) for holding formula and feeding means (7) for feeding formula out off the reservoir through an outlet opening (9) in said reservoir. The apparatus furthermore comprises scraping means (10) for guiding formula towards and through said outlet opening (9) into the feeding means (7). The scraping means (10) are arranged to move closely along an inner wall portion (15) of the reservoir that borders on said outlet opening (9).