Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing beverage concentrates and preventing concentrate from drying-up. In a beverage dispensing machine, an outlet nipple is provided having a first diameter bore portion and a second bore portion conically flared outward extending away from the first bore portion. The shape of the second bore retains a quantity of concentrate therein after dispensing which prevents ambient air from contacting concentrate in the smaller first bore portion and prevents the concentrate therein from drying-up.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing, in particular, a multiplicity of consumption units a hot drink, such as coffee. The apparatus comprises a combination of a filter pan and a disposable filter cartridge with cellulose web filters. According to the invention, the filter cartridge and the filter pan have parts cooperating to provide a circumferential seal, dimensioned so that when introduced the filter cartridge rests loosely in the filter pan without being clamped therein, and a seal is provided by means of capillary forces that occur during brewing in the gap between the cooperating parts. The filter cartridge may have an axially symmetrical body, and the parts of the filter pan and the filter cartridge co-operating to provide a seal may have a substantially equal axially symmetrical conicity.