Abstract: Brewing chamber half (11, 12) for forming a brewing chamber (10) with a corresponding second brewing chamber half (12, 11) of a brewing unit (3) of a beverage preparation machine, the brewing chamber half (11, 12) having an inlet (23) for introducing a brewing liquid for preparing a beverage and/or an outlet (24) for discharging a prepared beverage. The brewing chamber half (11, 12) has at least one further access (25) for the introduction and/or discharge of a rinsing liquid.

Abstract: Brewing unit (3) for a beverage preparation machine with a first brewing chamber half (11) and a second brewing chamber half (12), which are arranged to be movable relative to one another from a closed position for forming a closed brewing chamber into an open position in which a capsule (60) can be inserted into the brewing chamber. The brewing unit (3) has at least one, preferably two, holding means (38) which hold a capsule (60) in an intermediate position in the open position between the first and second brewing chamber halves (11, 12) when the capsule (60) is inserted and release it when the brewing chamber is closed. Before release by the holding means (38), the first and second brewing chamber halves (11, 12) are spaced apart in such a way that the brewing chamber halves (11, 12) cannot grip a capsule (60).

Abstract: Brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine with a brewing chamber (10) and a brewing chamber surface (15), wherein the brewing chamber (10) is designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis (16) directed from a first brewing chamber half (11) to a second brewing chamber half (12). The brewing chamber (10) has a maximum axial extension (17) in the direction of the axis (16), which is smaller than the largest diameter (18) transverse to the axis (16). Furthermore, the brewing chamber (10) has a thickness (19) in the area of the axis (16) which is equal to or smaller than the axial expansion (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, comprising—a core material (3) having a pressed product and—a shell (2) enclosing the core material, the capsule (1) having in a breaking strength test a maximum percentage expansion of at least 15% in a direction transverse to a pressing direction.

Abstract: A mixing and kneading device comprises a mixing and kneading shaft mounted in a housing and driven to a rotating as well as to a reciprocating movement. For sealing the housing, there is provided a sealing assembly located between the housing and the mixing and kneading shaft. The sealing assembly includes a supporting assembly arranged between the housing and the mixing and kneading shaft and provided with first and second sealing means. The supporting assembly is locked against rotation, but coupled to the mixing and kneading shaft to perform therewith its reciprocating movement. The first sealing means serves for rotatively seal the mixing and kneading shaft and is located between the mixing and kneading shaft and the supporting assembly. The second sealing means provides for a translative sealing of the mixing and kneading shaft and is located between the supporting assembly and the housing.

Abstract: For cooling and/or heating a machine casing, a method and an arrangement is disclosed in which the machine casing is provided with cooling channels in which pipes are received. Between the pipes and the walls of the cooling channels, a cavity remains through which a cooling medium is circulated. A liquid heat exchange medium is circulated through the pipes. In order to vary the heat energy exchanged per time unit between the pipes and the machine casing, the kind of the medium circulating in the cavities is changed, or its composition is changed, or the flow velocity of the heat exchange medium is varied, or any desired combination of the above measures is realized. Thus, the heat flow, i.e. the exchange of heat energy per time unit, can easily be influenced by the provision of cavities between machine casing and heating or cooling medium by controlling its limiting heat exchange factors, i.e. thermal conductivity and heat transfer resistance.