Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system to distribute or compact coffee grounds, such as to form a puck in a portafilter. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to compact coffee grounds wherein a resulting puck of coffee grounds in the portafilter has an even level, a uniform and or continuous density distribution, results in no or reduced formation of channels, no or reduced squirting of extracted coffee, and results in consistent and repeatable results. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to form multiple layers in a puck, for use in preparing layered espresso.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system to distribute or compact coffee grounds, such as to form a puck in a portafilter. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to compact coffee grounds wherein a resulting puck of coffee grounds in the portafilter has an even level, a uniform and or continuous density distribution, results in no or reduced formation of channels, no or reduced squirting of extracted coffee, and results in consistent and repeatable results. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to form multiple layers in a puck, for use in preparing layered espresso.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system to distribute or compact coffee grounds, such as to form a puck in a portafilter. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to compact coffee grounds wherein a resulting puck of coffee grounds in the portafilter has an even level, a uniform and or continuous density distribution, results in no or reduced formation of channels, no or reduced squirting of extracted coffee, and results in consistent and repeatable results. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to form multiple layers in a puck, for use in preparing layered espresso.

Abstract: Computer-implemented processes, computer storage products, and machines are provided for managing planned expenditures within a budget. Servers store, in association with a set of item(s) of potential expenditure by a user: an item specification that describes at least one item, and an amount of funds that has been designated by the user for the set. The amount might not initially cover a price of the item, but the amount or the item price may be updated such that the amount does cover the price. The servers detect that the amount covers the price, and, in response, generate and send an electronic message that identifies the item and the price. A vendor may change the price such that the price is covered by the designated amount of funds, or additional funds may be added to the amount such that the amount covers the price. Example items goods, services, and/or activities.