Abstract: A device for identification of a filter holder (4, 13) of an espresso coffee machine, comprising a support (3, 17, 18) on which the filter holder to be identified is removably placed, at least one thermopile radiation sensor (6, 6a) having a plurality of heat radiation-sensitive elements, an optical apparatus (8, 8a) that focuses radiations on said sensitive elements and circuit means, which receive electric signals transmitted by said sensitive elements and process a corresponding output signal. Said radiation sensor (6, 6a) is placed, relative to the support (3, 17, 18) for the filter holder to be identified, such that at least one portion thereof (10, 11, 15), when it is placed on the support, falls within the field of view (9, 9a) of the optical apparatus (8, 8a) of said sensor, such that said circuit means can determine a signal representative of the radiations of the filter holder portion detected by said optical apparatus of the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for refilling the filter-holders of a machine for the preparation of espresso coffee with selected doses of ground coffee. The machine has a plurality of dispensing units for the preparation of coffee beverages, each dispensing unit having a detachable filter-holder and a plurality of keys for selecting the beverage to be dispensed and a coffee bean grinder and metering device provided with a hopper for supplying beans of a desired grain size. The grinder and metering device has a hopper for supplying ground coffee and supporting means for the filter-holder. An identification unit generates information for recognizing the filter-holder of a selected dispensing unit and information related to the dose with which the filter-holder is to be refilled. A detection unit detects the information generated by the identification unit. A wireless device transmits the information generated by the identification unit to the detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for refilling the filter-holders of a machine for the preparation of espresso coffee with selected doses of ground coffee to order, comprising at least one machine for the preparation of espresso coffee the machine being provided with a plurality of dispensing units for the preparation of respective coffee beverages, each dispensing unit comprising a respective detachable filter-holder and a plurality of keys for selecting the beverage to be dispensed by the relative dispensing unit and at least one coffee bean grinder and metering device provided with a hopper for supplying the beans with adjustable grinding adapted to provide a desired grain size for the ground coffee. The grinder and metering device is provided with a hopper for supplying the ground coffee and with supporting means for maintaining the filter-holder of the coffee machine with respect to the supply outlet when it is being refilled with the dose of ground coffee.