Abstract: A mixing head for producing heated milk in the form of a froth or water-milk mixture. The mixing head includes a steam feed, a milk inlet, a mixing area where the steam feed and milk inlet join and the steam and milk combine, an outlet nozzle for draining the resulting mixture from the mixing head, a rinsing medium supply, a milk supply and a transfer mechanism that provides relative movement between the milk inlet and the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply for selectively bringing the milk inlet into fluid connection with the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply, such that milk or a rinsing medium, as desired, can enter the mixing head at the milk inlet.

Abstract: Appliance for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage by injection of water through a capsule containing a substance to be dissolved and/or to be extracted. The device comprises at least one water-injection system for introducing water inside the capsule. The injection system can be switched in order for a selection to be made between at least two different modes of wetting the substance so as to adapt wetting in accordance with the type of capsule and/or with the nature of the substance contained in the capsule. The invention aims to propose a device suitable for the preparation of a wider range of beverages, foaming or non-foaming, from substances to be extracted and/or soluble substances.

Abstract: Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.

Abstract: A capsule (1) contains beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients and is configured for insertion in a beverage production device (2) in order to have a liquid under pressure have enter the capsule (1) and to interact with the ingredients (3) in the capsule (11). The capsule (1) comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) closing the base body (4) by being attached to a flange-like rim (6) extending from the side wall (7) of the base body (4) of the capsule (1). The base body (4) of the capsule (1) comprises a resilient sealing member (8), the sealing member (8) being designed to be in sealing engagement with a bell member (9) of the beverage production device (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage that is designed to be extracted by injection of a fluid under pressure. The capsule comprises a closed chamber containing the substance with at least part of the closed chamber including a retaining part made of a flexible membrane. One or more raised elements that face the membrane are associated with and forming part of the capsule. These element(s) are used to open the capsule due to a buildup of pressure therein. This rise in pressure causes relative engagement of the raised element(s) with the membrane until the membrane ruptures or is torn to release the formed beverage from the chamber. As the liquid of the beverage does not come into contact with the machine, hygiene is improved and cross-contamination is reduced when preparing a beverage from the capsule.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising means for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a means for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. Said means for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

Abstract: Percolating device, for example intended to equip a coffee machine, having a percolating chamber mounted in such a way that it can carry out a displacement in the vertical direction when a control handle is operated. A cap receiving a capsule of product to be infused is also displaced, when the handle is operated, towards the inside of the percolating chamber. A percolating head sliding freely inside the percolating chamber can occupy different relative positions inside the percolating chamber according to the size of the capsule loaded into the cap. A stop device makes it possible to lock the percolating head in a definite position in order to inject steam and/or water through the percolating head.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising a device for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a device for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. The device for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

Abstract: A beverage production machine that includes a functional block including a beverage extraction module and a beverage delivery outlet, and a support base on which the functional block is arranged and which is designed to supply the functional block electrically, wherein at least the beverage delivery outlet is mounted free in rotation around a vertical axis relative to the support base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising means for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a means for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. Said means for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

Abstract: A method for producing a beverage from an ingredient-containing capsule by inserting a sealed capsule into a capsule enclosure space of a beverage production device, enclosing the capsule by a relative displacement of at least two enclosing members which define the capsule enclosure space, and opening an inlet face of the capsule and injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule in order to open an outlet face of the capsule. The capsule is provided at its outer surface with sealing material which is exposed to the fluid pressure in the capsule enclosure space. After enclosing the capsule, the fluid pressure in the capsule at least partially acts on the sealing material, such that in turn the sealing material is pressed against one of the enclosing members thus constituting a flow resistance that is sufficient to guarantee a pressure build-up inside the capsule sufficient for the pressure-assisted opening of the outlet face of the capsule.

Abstract: A nozzle adaptable to the steam outlet of a coffee machine is designed to froth a liquid such as e.g. milk. Said nozzle comprises in the direction of the steam flow path: a steam inlet opening, a restriction with limited cross-section adapted to accelerate the velocity of the steam flow, and at least one cavity having a cross-section larger than the restriction and from which the frothed liquid can be drained. The nozzle further comprises an outer casing comprising a smoothening reservoir and a jet breaking surface facing the opening and at least one outlet opening radially offset relatively to the opening of the portion of the enlarged mixing cavity. The outer casing is arranged at least partially around the tubular portion of mixing cavity.

Abstract: Device for preparation of a drink from a food substance contained in a capsule (6) comprising a fluid supply unit (5) comprising fluid supply means (50); a capsule holder (4) configured to receive a capsule (6). The capsule holder is removable from the fluid supply unit and can comprise a fluid injector (70) for inserting fluid into the capsule.

Abstract: Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and dispensing drinks by extraction under pressure of a food substance contained in a capsule which can function in a standalone mode in order to deliver several drinks successively. The machine includes an extraction module for receiving a capsule, a heat insulated water reservoir for supplying the extraction module, a pump and an electrical power supply that includes a low voltage electrical accumulator configured to supply the pump. The reservoir has a heating device that includes an electrical element powered by the accumulator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing foam from a milk-based alimentary liquid, including the successive steps of: a) spacing a quantity of alimentary liquid in a container associated with stirring members; b) heating said quantity of alimentary liquid to bring it in proximity to a first desired temperature level while mechanically stirring it at a first stirring speed, lower than the Foam creating speed, and c) stirring said quantity of liquid at a second stirring speed, sufficient to make said liquid foam.

Abstract: Device for preparation of a drink from a food substance contained in a capsule (6) comprising a fluid supply unit (5) comprising fluid supply means (50); a capsule holder (4) configured to receive a capsule (6). The capsule holder is removable from the fluid supply unit and can comprise a fluid injector (70) for inserting fluid into the capsule.

Abstract: Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube (2) containing stacked capsules (8) furnished with an opening (24) for the capsules to pass through the tube, means (4) of aligning the tube allowing the tube (2) to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone (5) for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means (5) comprise means (6) for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube (2) is moved with its opening (24) oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone (5).

Abstract: Capsule-dispensing cabinet intended for supplying machines with the aim of preparing drinks or other food preparations, comprising: a body, a plurality of buffer storage housings (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) forming a capsule buffer store, intended to be supplied by a plurality of removable tubes (2) containing stacked capsules, each tube and buffer storage housing (3) being arranged relative to one another so as to form an aligned stack of capsules. Each buffer storage housing (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises individual selection means (5) enabling a capsule contained in the stack to be released and collection means (6, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) enabling the capsule thus released to be collected.