Abstract: A mixing apparatus is described. The mixing apparatus has a first port for receiving milk, a second port for receiving steam, and a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, the steam, and air. A channel arrangement connects the first port and the second port, and defines an air intake channel which leads to a frothing section. The mixing apparatus is designed such that, in use, the frothing section fills sufficiently with steamed milk that has a direct path from the second port to the mixing chamber is interrupted by the steamed milk. This provides a noise reduction during use of the mixing apparatus. A flow reducing means, such as a barrier, may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is described. The mixing apparatus has a first port for receiving milk, a second port for receiving steam, and a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, the steam, and air. A channel arrangement connects the first port and the second port, and defines an air intake channel which leads to a frothing section. The mixing apparatus is designed such that, in use, the frothing section fills sufficiently with steamed milk that has a direct path from the second port to the mixing chamber is interrupted by the steamed milk. This provides a noise reduction during use of the mixing apparatus. A flow reducing means, such as a barrier, may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: Coffee mill hopper assembly (1), comprising a hopper (10) with multiple compartments (18a, 18b) for storing coffee beans and at least one outlet (22) through which coffee beans may be released from the respective compartments, and a compartment selector (30) comprising a rotatable control knob for adjusting the position of a closure member (36) that cooperates with the at least one outlet (22) to provide for at least one outflow aperture that, depending on the rotational position of the closure member, selectively enables a release of coffee beans. The compartment selector (30) further comprises two toothed members that are rotationally locked to the control knob (34) and the hopper (10), respectively, wherein at least one of said toothed members (50a, 50b) is movably arranged and spring-biased to force the teeth (54a, 54b) of the toothed members towards each other in a meshing relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier and a method of monitoring the water level in the humidifier, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the temperature at the air outlet of the humidifier and generating temperature signals indicating the temperature thereof (310, 410); determining the water level in the humidifier according to the generated temperature signals (330, 430). The water level in the humidifier can be monitored using a rather simple structure yielding a high accuracy.

Abstract: Coffee mill hopper assembly (1), comprising a hopper (10) with multiple compartments (18a, 18b) for storing coffee beans and at least one outlet (22) through which coffee beans may be released from the respective compartments, and a compartment selector (30) comprising a rotatable control knob for adjusting the position of a closure member (36) that cooperates with the at least one outlet (22) to provide for at least one outflow aperture that, depending on the rotational position of the closure member, selectively enables a release of coffee beans. The compartment selector (30) further comprises two toothed members that are rotationally locked to the control knob (34) and the hopper (10), respectively, wherein at least one of said toothed members (50a, 50b) is movably arranged and spring-biased to force the teeth (54a, 54b) of the toothed members towards each other in a meshing relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier and a method of monitoring the water level in the humidifier, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the temperature at the air outlet of the humidifier and generating temperature signals indicating the temperature thereof (310, 410); determining the water level in the humidifier according to the generated temperature signals (330, 430). The water level in the humidifier can be monitored using a rather simple structure yielding a high accuracy.