Abstract: Several unique features for an improved espresso/cappuccino maker are disclosed. A method and apparatus for replenishing the steam tank for a cappuccino steam dispenser in which the cold replenishing water can only be added in stepped sequences, and only after the water in the tank has reached its desired operating temperature. The dispensing unit for holding the coffee filter is maintained in a constantly heated condition by direct thermal conductivity from the metal surface of the hot water tank which is nested and in direct contact with the metal of the dispensing assembly. The temperature probe for the steam wand is housed internally of the steam wand with only a tip protruding for ease of cleaning. Also, the entire steam wand assembly and solenoid control valve are pivotally mounted as a unit to eliminate the need for internal slip joints in the steam lines. A portafilter has an integral screen for holding a single, a double, or a double-double portion of ground coffee.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus (10) for combining into a uniform mixture at least two liquid components includes a reciprocating left positive displacement pump (18) and a reciprocating right positive displacement pump (20) isolated from the left pump (18). The left pump includes a first metering cylinder (22) associated with a first liquid component and a second metering cylinder (24) associated with a second liquid component. The right pump (20) includes a first metering cylinder (26) associated with the first liquid component and a second metering cylinder (28) associated with the second liquid component. While the left pump (18) is measuring a predetermined volume of the first and second liquid components, the right pump (20) is pumping a predetermined volume of the first and second liquid components to a receptacle (14), and vice versa for when the right pump (20) is measuring in order to provide a continuous flow of the first and second liquid components to the receptacle (14).

Abstract: A liguid separation system includes a first separator unit, a second separator unit and means including a pump for flowing a liquid mixture from a system inlet to the inlet of the first separator unit. A first outlet of the first separator unit is connected to the inlet of the second separator unit, a second outlet of said second separator unit is connected to the inlet of the first separator unit, a first outlet of the second separator unit is connected to a system outlet, and feedback means is adapted to provide continuous flow during system operation of at least about 0.01 gallon per minute from a second outlet of the second separator unit to the inlet of the first separator unit.

Abstract: A mixing and agitating device having an elongated container for holding liquid chemicals to be thoroughly mixed and dispensed has a pair of access holes for permitting entrance thereto, and a baffle structure midway within the container for separating same into two equal compartments. The baffle structure is provided with a plurality of six elongated apertures or slots, the upper three having the central one vertically mounted and the other two spaced on either side thereof at an angle of preferably 45.degree. from the vertical. The lower three slots have the central one mounted horizontally and the other two on either side thereof at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from the vertical. A modified embodiment is provided wherein the lower angled pair of slots are at an angle of 30.degree. from the vertical. However, the range of slot angles can be from 25.degree. to 55.degree. from the vertical.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for mixing fluid and/or granular substances, whereby greater mutual dispersion of at least two substances is achieved by attaining greater turbulence while minimizing the required amount of mechanical structure. Each of at least two substances is fed at a different angle in a belt-shaped stream to a nozzle, under pressures according to the viscosity of each substance. After initial mutual dispersion is achieved in the nozzle, the mixture passes to a mixing tube having a varying cross-section along its length, the varying cross-section creating further turbulence of the mixture passing through the mixing tube, causing further dispersion of the substances within the mixture.

Abstract: A coffee making machine comprising a thin-walled molded plastic shell-like housing with a two-piece molded core of heat insulating foam plastic slidably engaged in the housing; said machine includes a water supply unit including a tank with an electric heater means related to it, a hot water dispensing means communicating with the tank, a dehydrated granular coffee concentrate metering and dispensing unit and a coffee concentrate and hot water receiving and mixing unit with a coffee dispensing duct; said core has openings to cooperatively receive said water supply unit, water dispensing means and said concentrate metering and dispensing unit; said housing has openings to facilitate engagement of the core and means within the core therein and to provide access thereto; said housing has means to releasably receive and hold said mixing unit to receive water and concentrate from the water dispensing means and the dispensing unit and to deliver coffee into a drinking receptacle related to the machine.