Abstract: A machine for preparing hot beverages, including a beverage outlet for dispensing a prepared hot beverage, an instantaneous water heater for heating water during preparation of the hot beverage, a flow meter for determining the volume flow of water flowing through the instantaneous water heater, and a drainage valve arranged downstream of the instantaneous water heater in the direction of flow formed as a controlled directional control valve via which water flowing through the instantaneous water heater can be conducted to a waste water line or collection container instead towards the beverage outlet. A control device is provided having a scale detection function for analyzing a scaling level of the instantaneous water heater using measured values of the flow meter. This control device, during scaling level analysis, switches the drainage valve to a switched position in which the fluid flow is conducted from the instantaneous water heater directly to the waste water line or collection container.

Abstract: In a method and an associated brewing apparatus for preparing a hot beverage, in particular a coffee beverage, a quantity of a flavoring source, in particular coffee powder, is introduced into a brewing chamber and then, in a brewing operation, a predeterminable overall quantity of brewing water is passed through the brewing chamber under pressure, in order to enhance the taste quality of the freshly brewed coffee beverages or at least to increase the consistency of the taste. During the brewing operation, a value for the volume flow of the brewing water upstream or downstream of the brewing chamber, and/or for the quantity of the brewing water which has already been passed through, or is still to be passed through, is determined continuously, or at least a number of times, and a controllable backpressure valve downstream of the brewing chamber is activated in accordance with the value determined.

Abstract: A machine for preparing hot beverages, including a beverage outlet for dispensing a prepared hot beverage, an instantaneous water heater for heating water during preparation of the hot beverage, a flow meter for determining the volume flow of water flowing through the instantaneous water heater, and a drainage valve arranged downstream of the instantaneous water heater in the direction of flow formed as a controlled directional control valve via which water flowing through the instantaneous water heater can be conducted to a waste water line or collection container instead towards the beverage outlet. A control device is provided having a scale detection function for analyzing a scaling level of the instantaneous water heater using measured values of the flow meter. This control device, during scaling level analysis, switches the drainage valve to a switched position in which the fluid flow is conducted from the instantaneous water heater directly to the waste water line or collection container.

Abstract: A method for preparing a coffee drink is provided in which, in a brewing process, a pre-specifiable total amount of brewing water is conducted through an amount of powdered coffee. In order to improve the tasting quality of freshly-brewed coffee drinks while, at least, increasing the uniformity of taste characteristics in successively prepared coffee drinks, a total through-flow time for the brewing process is or can be predefined in which the total amount of brewing water is conducted through an amount of powdered coffee.

Abstract: In a method and an associated brewing apparatus for preparing a hot beverage, in particular a coffee beverage, a quantity of a flavoring source, in particular coffee powder, is introduced into a brewing chamber and then, in a brewing operation, a predeterminable overall quantity of brewing water is passed through the brewing chamber under pressure, in order to enhance the taste quality of the freshly brewed coffee beverages or at least to increase the consistency of the taste. During the brewing operation, a value for the volume flow of the brewing water upstream or downstream of the brewing chamber, and/or for the quantity of the brewing water which has already been passed through, or is still to be passed through, is determined continuously, or at least a number of times, and a controllable backpressure valve downstream of the brewing chamber is activated in accordance with the value determined.

Abstract: The low-power relaxation oscillator comprises a first module (21) having a ramp generator formed by a reference current source (31) and a storage capacitor (32) defining a ramp voltage (Vramp1), and a voltage comparator (m1, m2) for comparing the ramp voltage with a reference voltage, a second module (22, 41, 42, Vramp2, m3, m4) similar to the first module and an asynchronous flip-flop (23) receiving the output signal of the comparator of the first module at a first input (s) and the output signal of the comparator of the second module at a second input (r). For each module a generator of said reference voltage is configured by adding a reference resistance (33, 43) between the reference current source and the storage capacitor. Thus, the generation of the reference voltage and the ramp voltage is conducted on the very same current branch. This enables the electrical power consumption of the oscillator to be reduced.

Abstract: The low-power relaxation oscillator comprises a first module (21) having a ramp generator formed by a reference current source (31) and a storage capacitor (32) defining a ramp voltage (Vramp1), and a voltage comparator (m1, m2) for comparing the ramp voltage with a reference voltage, a second module (22, 41, 42, Vramp2, m3, m4) similar to the first module and an asynchronous flip-flop (23) receiving the output signal of the comparator of the first module at a first input (s) and the output signal of the comparator of the second module at a second input (r). For each module a generator of said reference voltage is configured by adding a reference resistance (33, 43) between the reference current source and the storage capacitor. Thus, the generation of the reference voltage and the ramp voltage is conducted on the very same current branch. This enables the electrical power consumption of the oscillator to be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for the training of athletes in running-type activities and especially for determining peak performance characteristics comprises a horizontal bar which responds to the leg movements of the athlete and is mounted on a pivotal bar running to a support. The latter is provided with a spring which bears upon the pivotal bar and the assembly comprises a switch device responsive to the movement of the actuatable bar for producing signals which are evaluated in an electronic evaluation unit. A fabric loop suspended from above the actuatable bar passes around the latter and can be changed readily for hygienic purposes.