Abstract: A system and a method for making a beverage from a mixture of liquid and solid particles are disclosed. The liquid and solid particles are introduced into a chamber so as to allow the liquid to infuse with the flavour or quality of the solid particles. A piston having an integrated filter is in sealed contact with the chamber, and can be vertically displaced within the chamber. When the piston is displaced downward, air is forced from below the filter and into the mixture sitting above the filter, agitating the mixture. When the piston is displaced upward, the mixture is drawn from above the filter. This separates the spent solid particles from the infused liquid, which collects in the chamber, thereby making the beverage. Also described are a driving mechanism for displacing the piston, a dispensing mechanism for releasing the beverage, and a wiping mechanism for wiping spent solid particles.

Abstract: A spout, system, and method for producing a foam from a pressurized mixture of a liquid containing gas bubbles, e.g., air bubbles. The spout consists of a spout enclosure defining the body of the spout, and which receives the pressurized mixture and conveys the foam out of the spout enclosure. The spout enclosure houses a plurality of screens disposed in series that successively screen the pressurized mixture. Each screen is separated from a consecutive screen by a screen spacing. The screening of the pressurized mixture progressively transforms the gas bubbles in the liquid into foam bubbles of a smaller and generally uniform size. The system uses a manifold having a plurality of intakes which introduce under pressure into a chamber gas, and a solute, solvent or liquid, thereby generating the pressurized mixture containing gas bubbles. This mixture is conveyed out of the chamber via an outtake to the spout enclosure.

Abstract: A system and a method for making a beverage from a mixture of liquid and solid particles are disclosed. The liquid and solid particles are introduced into a chamber so as to allow the liquid to infuse with the flavour or quality of the solid particles. A piston having an integrated filter is in sealed contact with the chamber, and can be vertically displaced within the chamber. When the piston is displaced downward, air is forced from below the filter and into the mixture sitting above the filter, agitating the mixture. When the piston is displaced upward, the mixture is drawn from above the filter. This separates the spent solid particles from the infused liquid, which collects in the chamber, thereby making the beverage. Also described are a driving mechanism for displacing the piston, a dispensing mechanism for releasing the beverage, and a wiping mechanism for wiping spent solid particles.

Abstract: A spout, system, and method for producing a foam from a pressurized mixture of a liquid containing gas bubbles, e.g., air bubbles. The spout consists of a spout enclosure defining the body of the spout, and which receives the pressurized mixture and conveys the foam out of the spout enclosure. The spout enclosure houses a plurality of screens disposed in series that successively screen the pressurized mixture. Each screen is separated from a consecutive screen by a screen spacing. The screening of the pressurized mixture progressively transforms the gas bubbles in the liquid into foam bubbles of a smaller and generally uniform size. The system uses a manifold having a plurality of intakes which introduce under pressure into a chamber gas, and a solute, solvent or liquid, thereby generating the pressurized mixture containing gas bubbles. This mixture is conveyed out of the chamber via an outtake to the spout enclosure.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having an automatic brew cycle mode and a semi-automatic brew cycle mode.

Abstract: A coffee brewing machine which allows the coffee to be more rapidly removed from the lower brewing chamber by providing a vent opening which opens to relieve the vacuum and allows the coffee to be discharged. In one embodiment, the vent opening is opened and closed by a plug on the upper brewing chamber. On another embodiment the vent hole is opened and closed by an actuator. In a third embodiment, a portion of the coffee filter serves as the vent hole.

Abstract: An improved tea brewer which can be attached to a coffee brewer and has a tea wiper that connects to the coffee wiper for removing tea leaves from the machine.

Abstract: A hot water dispensing device which includes a flexible tube or a bellows which can be depressed by a solenoid such that hot water can pass into the tube or bellows and out an outlet when the solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is de-energized, the upper portion of the tube or bellows forms a seal to prevent water overflowing if the machine is moved or is jolted. By varying the time of energization of the solenoid, the quantity of water can be adjusted. Another modification has a pivoted tube controlled by a solenoid.

Abstract: A beverage extraction machine in which powdered material such as coffee is mixed with hot water in an extraction chamber which is mounted over a beverage receiver with a filter mounted between them. High pressure air is supplied into the beverage receiver and passes up through the filter to agitate the hot water and powdered material in the extraction chamber. Then air is sucked from the beverage receiver and drums the brewed coffee from the extraction chamber through the filter into the beverage receiver where it is discharged to a cup. A pressure sensor can be used to control the application of the high and low pressure air.

Abstract: An improved funnel for a beverage brewer which provides that the water supplied to the brewer enters into the funnel and passes into the brewer chamber to slots formed in the funnel and shaped so as to prevent air being expelled from the brewer chamber from below from causing the water to splash outside of the funnel during the brewing cycle. Ledges are formed on the lower edges of the slots which act as platforms for the water to rinse away coffee grounds during the short wash cycle of the coffee brewer.