Abstract: A beverage preparation material comprising a substantially insoluble and water-permeable filter matrix having a beverage ingredient dispersed therein, wherein a plurality of layers, cells, or individual particles of said beverage ingredient are held in a spaced-apart relationship within said material by regions of said filter matrix. Also provided are beverage preparation pods and capsules containing a beverage preparation material according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: A method for brewing beverages in a machine, which comprises: (a) providing a machine comprising a clamp which is adapted to hold a beverage brewing sachet and a liquid injector tube for injecting liquid into a sachet held in the clamp, wherein the injector tube has a tip and an outlet hole in said tip; (b) providing a beverage brewing sachet containing a beverage brewing ingredient and having at least one side wall region formed of flexible film; (c) inserting the sachet into the clamp; (d) piercing the flexible film in the side wall region of the sachet with the liquid injector tube; and (e) injecting liquid into the sachet through the injector tube to brew the beverage in the sachet, wherein, following step (d), a flap of the flexible film material extends inwardly from said side wall and over the outlet hole of the injector to form a valve that allows liquid to flow into the sachet from the injector tube, but that blocks or restricts the flow of liquid or solid materials into the injector tube from inside

Abstract: An apparatus for the brewing of a beverage by transmission of an aqueous fluid through a sachet containing a beverage brewing ingredient. The apparatus includes one or more injectors to inject the aqueous fluid into the sachet during the brewing and a clamp for the sachet. The clamp has one or more members that are movable to open and close the clamp, the members having inner surfaces which in a closed position of the clamp define a cavity adapted to substantially enclose and support the sachet during the brewing. The members further define a beverage exit pathway in a lower part of the cavity wherein the inner surface of at least one clamp member includes at least one deformable region mounted on a support that is movable while the clamp is in the closed position. The shape of the cavity or of the exit pathway can be changed while the clamp is in the closed position to provide a desired brewing configuration of the sachet.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a housing and a dispense valve mounted to the housing. The water dispenser further includes a removable reservoir disposed within the housing. The removable reservoir connects to the dispense valve to deliver water thereto. Upon removal from the housing, the removable reservoir is disposable. The housing is adapted to support a water container that delivers water into the removable reservoir.