Abstract: A ceramic valve unit for a beverage machine including a housing, a water inlet pipe for receiving hot water, an outflow opening, and first and second ceramic elements within the housing. The first and second ceramic elements each have mutually abutting surfaces and are relatively movable in a plane common to the abutting surfaces. The plane common to the abutting surfaces is downstream of the water inlet pipe and the first ceramic element, but upstream of the second ceramic element and the outflow opening. The first ceramic element has at least differently sized first and second openings for allowing a liquid flow there through. The second ceramic element has only a single liquid flow opening permanently aligned with the outflow opening. The first ceramic element is selectively slidable between at least first and second different positions preferably in a path of movement about a centre of rotation beyond the boundaries of the first ceramic element.

Abstract: A method of preparing a beverage, wherein the method comprises the step of heating a beverage in a cup by means of injecting steam into the beverage through a wand and the step of measuring the temperature of the beverage in the cup, wherein the step of measuring the temperature of the beverage comprises during the step of heating the step of continuously recording an audio signal from the beverage and the step of deriving the temperature of the beverage from the recorded audio signal. A device for preparing a beverage, said device being provided with a beverage temperature sensor comprising at least one microphone and a controller which is loaded with a computer program for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: In a capsule containing a substance constituted by a mass of loose, solid particles, for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, a screen, permeable to water and impermeable to a predominant portion of particles of the substance is positioned between the substance and the bottom. The screen is attached to the capsule body in such a manner that the screen releases from the capsule body during brewing. A beverage brewing system comprising such a capsule and a method of use of such a capsule are described as well.

Abstract: In a capsule containing a substance constituted by a mass of loose, solid particles, for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, a screen, permeable to water and impermeable to a predominant portion of particles of the substance is positioned between the substance and the bottom. The screen is provided with a plurality of passages dimensioned so that at least a fraction of the substance can pass through the passages in solid form. A beverage brewing system comprising such a capsule and a method of use of such a capsule are described as well.

Abstract: Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage, the capsule having an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises a projection. An annular trough between the inner projection foot and the side wall has a bottom axially spaced from the outer projection foot towards the bottom of the capsule body.

Abstract: Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage, the capsule having an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises a projection. The sealing member comprises a single annular projection comprising a projection top projecting from an inner projection foot radially outside of a flat inner flange portion extending between the capsule body side wall and the projection and an outer projection foot radially inside of a flat outer flange portion extending between the projection and the curled outer edge.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: Drainage connector unit and assembly for the drainage of liquid waste of beverage dispensing devices A dispensing and drainage assembly (1) and a drainage connector unit (13) for drainage of liquid waste of beverage dispensing devices. The assembly (1) comprises a beverage dispensing device (3) with a leak receptacle (5), a drain container (17), and the drain connector unit (13). The drain connector unit (13) comprises a housing (23) for cooperating with an opening to the drain container (17) for collecting liquid waste from a dispensing device. Additionally the drain connector unit (13) comprises a drain channel (15). The drain channel (15) extends through the housing (23) for guiding liquid waste there through from a leak receptacle (5) of the dispensing device (3), to the drain container (17). The drain connector unit (13) further also comprises at least a first aroma barrier (29) interposed between a first opening (25) and a second opening (27) in the housing (23).

Abstract: A capsule, a system and a use of the system for preparing double beverages like a double espresso, a double lungo and a double ristretto are provided. With the capsule, system and use, a high quality double espresso, double lungo and double ristretto can be brewed in an on demand apparatus. The capsule has a shape and configuration which is easily acceptable for the average user whereas the brew which is obtainable with the capsule meets high quality standards. To that effect, the capsule has a frusto-conical capsule body with a radial flange at one end, a foil lid closing off the body and connected to the flange, and a coffee bed which is accommodated in the internal space bounded by the capsule body and the foil lid and which has a weight of 9-13 g and a (height)/(maximum width) ratio within the range of 0.9-1.2.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a consumable beverage. The system comprises an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity for selectively holding an exchangeable first or second capsule. An exit area of the second capsule has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of an first exit area of the first capsule. The apparatus includes a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part around the first or second capsule. The second brew chamber part has an extraction plate for abutting against the first or second exit area. The extraction plate includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion is movable relative to the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage, including first and second capsules, and an apparatus including a first and a second brew chamber part, wherein at least a portion of the second brew chamber part is movable into a first and a second brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part is movable between a loading position and a brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part in the brewing position together with the at least one portion of the second brew chamber part in the first brewing position and in the second position define respective closed positions in which the first exchangeable capsule and the second capsule fit in the brew chamber, respectively. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a method and a capsule.

Abstract: A system for preparing beverage, including a second exchangeable capsule, and arranged for optionally including a first exchangeable capsule. The second capsule is larger than the first capsule. The system also includes an apparatus with a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of the capsules and a fluid dispensing device for supplying fluid under pressure to the first brew chamber part. The first brew chamber part has a cavity for selectively holding the first or second capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a first volume not occupied by the first exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a second volume not occupied by the second exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The invention further relates to a brew chamber assembly, an apparatus, a set of capsules, a method of preparing a beverage, a capsule, and several adapters.

Abstract: A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system. There is also provided a coffee beverage system that includes the coffee bean packaging cartridge as defined above and at least a dosing device and a grinding mechanism.

Abstract: A beverage preparation device is provided comprising a preparation unit for preparing a beverage. The preparation unit is arranged for controllably blending a plurality of ingredients incorporable in the beverage. The device further comprises a control unit for enabling a user to control the preparation unit and that comprises a graphical user interface and a processing unit. The graphical user interface has an operational mode enabling the user to indicate a position in an at least two-dimensional space. Therein a respective value of said at least a first and a second parameter is set in accordance with respective components of the indicated position in respective directions in said space, the respective value of said at least a first and second parameter being dependent on the components of said position in said respective directions in a monotonic manner. Subsequently the processing unit drives the preparation unit in accordance with the formulation specified by the user.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, including an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity bounded by a chamber inner wall and a chamber bottom of the first brew chamber part wherein the cavity is arranged for selectively holding one of a first and second exchangeable capsules, wherein the first brew chamber part is further provided with an alignment cap which is movable in an axial direction of the first brew chamber part.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption includes a second exchangeable capsule having a second body with a second flange-like rim and a second exit face attached to the second flange-like rim. The system further includes an apparatus for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption having a first brew chamber part having a cavity for holding the second exchangeable capsule and a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part around the second exchangeable capsule. The first brew chamber part has a first substantially annular abutment surface in the cavity and further has a second substantially annular abutment surface. A diameter of the second annular abutment surface is larger than a diameter of the first annular abutment surface. The second abutment surface is arranged for abutting the second flange-like rim there against when the cavity holds the second exchangeable capsule.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system comprises a first exchangeable capsule with a first exit face and a second exchangeable capsule with a second exit face, the second exit face having a larger diameter than the first exit face. The system further comprises an apparatus including an extraction plate having a plurality of relief elements for selectively engaging one of the first and second exit faces, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid under pressure to a selected one of the exchangeable capsules, so as to press its exit face onto the relief elements, for opening the exit face. The extraction plate and the second exit face are adapted to each other such that a flow resistance of the second exit face when opened is less than a flow resistance of the first exit face when opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, includes a first and a second brew chamber part to form a brew chamber for holding an exchangeable capsule as well as a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule. The first and the second brew chamber part are movable relative to each other between a first relative position, and a second relative position. The first relative position defines an open state in which the capsule can be inserted into the brew chamber. The second relative position defines a closed state allowing the brew chamber to enclose the capsule. A first biasing member biases the capsule towards the second brew chamber part. A second biasing biases the first brew chamber part and the second brew chamber part towards each other. The first biasing member has a higher stiffness than the second biasing member.

Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, including an apparatus including a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of a first and second exchangeable capsules, the second exchangeable capsule having a larger diameter than the first exchangeable capsule, wherein the second brew chamber part includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion includes a second sealing member arranged for providing a fluid sealing engagement between the peripheral portion and the first brew chamber part when forming the brew chamber for holding the second exchangeable capsule.