Abstract: The invention relates to a carbonated coffee beverage which has been packaged under pressure in a pressure-resistant closed container, which beverage is based on coffee extract, the coffee beverage having been packaged in the closed container in the presence of CO.sub.2 and nitrogen, which beverage preferably contains sugar and/or sweetener.

Abstract: The assembly for use in a coffee machine comprises a container having a bowl-shaped inner space bounded by a bottom having at least one outlet opening and at least one vertical sidewall. The assembly further comprises a pill-shaped pouch manufactured from filtering paper and filled with ground coffee, accommodated in the inner space of the container. The pouch extends over the bottom to a position adjacent the vertical sidewall. In the bottom, a number of channel-shaped grooves are provided, extending in radial direction of the container to the outlet opening. The grooves extend from a position located at a distance from the sidewall in the direction of the outlet opening. This prevents bypass.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee, with a holder arranged for receiving a pouch made of filter material and filled with a product to be extracted. The holder has at least one outflow opening and an access opening for placing the pouch in the holder. The apparatus has a cover for closing and releasing the access opening and a clamping device for pressing the holder and the cover towards each other when the cover closes off the access opening of the holder. The clamping device engages at least a position of the cover located on an external surface of the cover. The apparatus has a housing to which the holder is detachably connected, the clamping device has a rotation element with a first and second opposite ends. The rotation element is connected adjacent its first end to the housing for rotation about a horizontally directed first rotation axis between a first and second rotational position for closing the access opening in the second rotational position and releasing it in the first rotational position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new cosmetic skin-care product for external use, which is based on UV-radiation-absorbing substances in combination with a free-radical scavenger system.

Abstract: A package for liquids, comprising a container and a tubular connecting piece connected to the container for dispensing liquid from the package in a dosed manner. The tubular connecting piece is composed of an outer tube and an inner tube which is concentrically included in the outer tube. For putting the package into use, the two tubes are located entirely within the contours of the package. For putting the package into use, the outer tube is pulled outwards and, accordingly, slides telescopically in the inner tube. The inner tube comprises a flexible portion, so that, while the flexible portion is folded inside out, it can likewise be pulled outwards.

Abstract: An emulsifier suitable for emulsifying steam, air and milk for preparing frothed milk for cappuccino and similar beverages. The emulsifier comprises a first steam inlet, an air inlet, a first milk inlet, a first suction chamber and a mixing chamber. The first steam inlet, the air inlet and the first milk inlet open into the first suction chamber. The first suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. The emulsifier further comprises a second steam inlet, a second milk inlet and a second suction chamber. The second steam inlet and the second milk inlet open into the second suction chamber. The second suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for preparing hot, non-frothed milk under supply of steam to the second steam inlet.

Abstract: A liquid flow path selection device comprises a feed channel and a housing having a first and a second continuation channel. The device further comprises a flexible, sheet-shaped selection element having a first and a second side, opposite each other, wherein at least a portion of the selection element forms a partition between the first and the second continuation channel. The selection element is connected to the housing along at least a portion of its circumferential edge. The selection element and the housing have such dimensions relative to each other that the selection element is movable between a first and a second extreme position in such a manner that in a first extreme position, the first side forms a concave surface guiding a flow of liquid from the feed channel into the first continuation channel and in a second extreme position, the second side forms a concave surface guiding a flow of liquid from the feed channel into the second continuation channel.

Abstract: A passive dispensing device for use in dosing a toilet bowl with water treatment material including a housing forming a chamber which is adapted to hold water treatment material. A reservoir is provided within the housing for holding water containing the water treatment material. A water flow path is provided between the chamber and the reservoir. A water flow passageway is provided extending upwardly away from the reservoir. The passageway has its lower end in communication with the reservoir at or adjacent its bottom wall, and its open upper end in flow communication with the toilet tank interior. The upper end of the passage way is located below the upper edge of the housing (and below the level of the water within the cistern when full). As a result, water, during the filling of the toilet tank will flow into the reservoir upwardly along the water flow path and into the chamber, via the passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for dispensing hot beverages suitable for consumption, comprising at least one beverage-dispensing device for dispensing a hot base beverage such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and at least one additive-dispensing device for dispensing an additive to be optionally added to the hot base beverage. The machine further comprises a main discharge channel having an inlet and at least one outlet for dispensing the hot beverage into a container, the inlet being connected to the beverage-dispensing device. The main discharge channel is composed of a number of series-connected modules which each comprise a subchannel having a main inlet and a main outlet, the main outlet of the first module of a first and a second series-connected module being connected to the main inlet of the second module in a liquid-tight manner, and the subchannels of the series-connected modules forming the main discharge channel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for evacuating a vacuum package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging material and filled with granular material. An open end of a filled package is folded in such a manner that a narrow gap is formed which constitutes an open communication between an interior and an exterior of the package. At least a part of the package is placed in a vacuum space and vacuumized for removing gasses from the package through the gap. Upon evacuation the package is sealed airtightly. Further, on at least a part of the packaging material defining the gap a force is exerted which reduces the gap width, so that the gap constitutes a filter for the granular material, whereby the granular material is retained inside the package during the evacuation of the package.

Abstract: An assembly, for providing a passage for liquid between a first member comprising a liquid reservoir such as a concentrate container or storage vessel and a second member such as a liquid outlet, includes a first connector which is adapted to be mounted on the second member and comprises a piercing assembly by which an opening can be provided in the first member, and a second connector which is undetachably connected to the first member. While in use, the first and second connectors are connected to each other, and the first connector is moved relative to the second connector in such a manner that the piercing assembly forces an opening in the first member, whereby the passage is effected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved mouth care products comprising an amount of at least one copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid, in a weight ratio of 60-95 to 40-5, suitable additives and carrier material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a vacuum package filled with granular material. A package made from a flexible film is filled with granular product. The filled package is compressed, so that the contents form a compact whole. Then the compressed package is evacuated by means of a vacuum element which is connected to a small suction opening in the wall of the package, while the rest of the package is not subjected to vacuum.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, of the type wherein an electric motor drives a piston in a filling chamber. In accordance with the invention, the motor power is controlled with a closed loop control, so that the rotational speed can be held constant and the attainment of an end position of the piston can be detected from the increase of the motor power required, without requiring elements mounted on parts which are to be cleaned regularly.Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to slightly press the coffee powder by means of the piston, and to slightly squeeze out the residual dregs, after the coffee-making process has ended, by means of the piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, soup or the like through extraction, in which the product to be extracted is accommodated in a chamber and is confined by a piston, whereafter liquid is supplied to the chamber via a liquid supply duct provided in the piston, the product to be extracted being extracted and the extract being discharged from the chamber. During the supply of liquid the flow rate is measured and, depending on these measurements, the supply of liquid is regulated in such a manner that for a specified desired total amount of extract the time of contact between the liquid and the product to be extracted has a predetermined desired duration.The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, this apparatus comprising chambers of equal dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) comprising a container (2) which is to be partly filled with liquid active substance and has a wall that is at least locally resiliently deformable. The dispenser further comprises two immersion tube channels (9, 10) extending from a point adjacent the bottom of the container up to the top of the container (2), one channel terminating in a spray nozzle (8) and the other channel containing a wick (4) or similar absorbent material and terminating in an evaporation space that communicates with the atmosphere. In further elaboration of the invention, the spray nozzle (8), the evaporation space and at least one of the immersion tube channels (9, 10) can be formed as a single moulding which can be click-fitted in the mouth of the container (2) so as to seal it.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for closing a filled vacuum pack package. The open end of the package, which is made from a thin-wall, flexible foil, is folded above the height of the product in the package. The package is placed in a vacuum chamber, a vacuum is drawn on the contents of the package, and the open end of the packaged is closed airtightly by a closing mechanism. While in the vacuum chamber, the open end of the package, which is not yet completely folded, is folded by a flexible part of the vacuum chamber wall facing the open end of the package. The flexible part of the vacuum chamber is folded inwardly by applying a pressure on its exterior which is greater than the vacuum pressure therein.

Abstract: A package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil is filled with granular material and the filled package, placed in a holder with flat sidewalls, is vacuumized internally and closed. According to the invention, a relief element is mounted in a wall of a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls of the holder. The relief element is pressed against the filled package supported by the sidewalls of the holder for the purpose of providing the package with a relief. The relief element depresses the filling locally without essentially changing the shape of the package. The formation of the relief occurs at a time when the pressure difference between the exterior and the interior of the package is less than the pressure difference prevailing when the closed vacuum package is arranged in an atmospheric environment. Thus, at that time, the filling is softer than the hardness of the filling when it is subject to the pressure difference mentioned last.