Abstract: A beverage preparation machine includes a fluid system comprising a fluid source, a pump, a heating element, at least two container holders adapted for receiving ingredient containers, and a control unit for controlling the fluid system to prepare a beverage by mixing fluid with the beverage ingredient contained in the containers to produce a mixed beverage component in each of the containers. The control unit is further arranged to dispense part or whole of the mixed components sequentially or simultaneously to produce the beverage. The container holders differ from one another for holding containers of different sizes and/or types. Separate fluid injection interfaces have different structural and kinematic configurations and are arranged for independently delivering fluid in one of the corresponding ingredient containers. Each interface is connected to the fluid system and adapted to a different container.

Abstract: A solid ion conductor material is made from branched polyethylene imine and a lithium cation salt in such a manner that the ratio of the number of nitrogen atoms contained in the polymer to the number of lithium cations originating from the salt is optimized. The branched polyethylene imine can be plasticized within a certain proportionate range of plasticizer. This type of material is used as electrolyte, notably in electrochromic systems.