Abstract: A brewing packet is provided for use in the preparation of hot or cold beverages. The brewing packet envelops a brewing ingredient chosen according to the tastes of a beverage drinker. The packet includes a machine interpretable feature that contains encoded data capable of being read by a beverage producing device. Furthermore, the data on the packet is capable of directing the beverage producing device to employ a specific brewing operation suited for the particular brewing packet. This allows for producing the optimal beverage from the brewing ingredient. The packet may be utilized with a variety of brewing ingredients to produce a variety of beverages. Similarly, the packet may be configured to produce single or multiple servings of a beverage.

Abstract: A cup holder is provided which is suited for attachment to a spout of a conventional beverage preparation machine so as to support a cup in a fluid-receiving orientation adjacent to such spout. The cup holder includes a base which is configured for securement to the spout, and a U-shaped cup-gripping member which includes a pair of space side walls separated by generally horizontal floor. One of the side walls extends from the base to the floor and the second side wall extends upwardly from the floor and terminates arcuately to provide a seat for a cup's lip. The arc of the second side wall is similar in shape to the side edge of a conventional lipped cup, accommodating angular placement of the cup on the second side wall during filling of the cup.

Abstract: A portable cabinet is provided for facilitating the operation of espresso and coffe-making machines and for the merchandising of espresso and coffee. The cabinet includes a counter top with at least two beverage preparation stations at different levels, one for preparing espresso and the other for preparing coffee. An internal fresh water supply and plumbing system enables the cabinet to be used at locations where a continuous supply of fresh water is unavailable. Filtered water from a holding tank is supplied to both beverage preparation stations on the top counter. A power distribution system built into the cabinet supplies electric power to both beverage preparation stations and to built-in lighting within the canopy which extends over the top counter. An internal waste water collection system drains waste water from the espresso-making machine to a waste water holding tank.

Abstract: The beverage and condiment dispensing server is disclosed. The server consists of a support framework having a base, a cup supporting surface and sidewalls extending generally vertically therebetween. The double-wide server's base is dimensioned to receive thereon two, laterally positioned, frusto-conically tapered beverage containers, each having a manually operable spigot near its top for dispensing a beverage into a cup, and further being dimensioned to receive two, laterally positioned, removable trays for receiving and organizing condiments and the like. The sidewalls of the framework form a through opening extending from the front of the framework to the rear of the framework, providing access to the condiment trays to remove their contents and to remove and install the trays themselves, and providing a rear access for installing and removing the containers.