Abstract: A machine (1) operating with capsules for the preparation of coffee and other hot beverages is designed to be equipped selectively with a first motorized actuator module (44), which comprises a support (43) and a first electro-mechanical locking assembly (22) mounted on the support (43) so as to form a preassembled interchangeable module, and with a second manually operated actuator module (70), which comprises a second mechanical locking assembly (72) able to be releasably connected to a lever (5) which can be operated by a user so as to be manually actuated by means of the lever (5).

Abstract: The machine (1) comprises: a support structure (3) carrying a hot-water dispensing head (5), a capsule-carrying assembly (6), mounted so as to be movable in a first plane in the support structure (3), guide means (9-12) suitable for allowing the capsule-carrying assembly (6) to move between a working position in which the assembly is coupled with the dispensing head (5) and an intermediate position in which the assembly (6) can pivot about a first axis (B-B) perpendicular to the first plane, towards an angular loading position in which it can receive a capsule (2), and an actuating device (14-19) including: an actuator member (14) which is rotatable about a second fixed axis (A-A), parallel to the first axis (B-B), is coupled with the capsule-carrying assembly (6), and can bring about the movement thereof between the working position and the loading position; and at least one arm (16) which is controlled by the actuator member (14) and is provided with a revolving roller (17) which is engaged in a correspo

Abstract: The cartridge-holder assembly (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) in which there are formed an upper receptacle (3) adapted to receive a cartridge or pod (C) containing a substance (S) for the preparation of the beverage, and a lower duct (7) in communication with said receptacle (3) and intended to convey the beverage towards an underlying collecting container. In said duct (7) there is provided a control valve device (9-15) including a valve seat (11), an associated section-throttling member (12), and a control device (13-15) capable of causing a relative movement of the section-throttling member (12) with respect to the seat (11), between a first and a second working position, to correspondingly vary the cross section of said duct (7) and the rate of the flow of said beverage between a minimum and a maximum value, respectively.

Abstract: A device (1) for loading and ejecting pods/cartridges (C) and the like containing a substantially granular preparation for use in machines for infusions such as coffee and the like. The device includes: a support (2); a housing (3) for a cartridge (C), rotatably connected to the support (2); an element (4) for extracting the infusion, connected to the housing (3); and an element (5, 6) for locking and supporting the housing (3). The device (1) further comprises an ejector (31) apt to eject the cartridge (C) from the housing (3); and an element (21) for actuating the ejector (31).

Abstract: The machine (M) comprises electric heaters (15, 42) suitable to heat an amount of water for preparing hot beverages to a preset temperature; a first unit (1) for preparing and delivering a first hot beverage, particularly coffee, including a bearing structure (3) wherein at least one extraction assembly (4) is mounted which is suitable to accommodate a capsule or pod containing a substance for preparing the first beverage, particularly roasted ground coffee, and an underlying movable dispenser (21, 22) which is capable of taking at least first and second delivery positions, and a second unit (2) for preparing a beverage by means of centrifugation, which is arranged adjacent the first unit (1) and including a vessel (26) to receive an amount of the first beverage from the dispenser (21, 22) of the first unit (1), when this dispenser (21, 22) is in a preset delivery position, and optional further substances, and a motor-driven centrifuge assembly (28) including a stirring member (36) suitable to be introdu

Abstract: The capsule (1) is sealed without an internal filter. It comprises a cup-shaped body (2) with an outwardly projecting flange (2a), and a flexible lid (3) welded to the flange (2a) of the cup-shaped body (2) so as to define with the latter a sealed chamber (4) which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and contains a quantity of granular material (5). The granular material (5) is first compressed inside the chamber (4) in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the flange (2a), with a compressive load preferably of between 2 and 50 Kg per cm2 of the average cross-sectional area of the chamber (4), so as to form a compact tablet (5) of said material. A vacuum is formed inside the chamber (4) to a degree such that the lid (3) adheres to the upper surface of the tablet (5).

Abstract: For the purposes of preparing a food product, a foam including coffee as main ingredient is distributed in a mold and subsequently solidified through freeze-drying. The foam is obtained starting from a respective liquid precursor, which is emulsified through a gas. The liquid precursor also preferably includes a milk product and one or more additives, such as a gelling agent and a sweetener.