Abstract: A device(2)for heating and frothing a liquid such as milk comprises means (32) for generating steam which is to be used for heating the liquid, and an intake (27) of air which is to be used for frothing the liquid. Other than in conventional devices, the air intake (27) is arranged in the steam generating means (32), so that it is possible to supply air directly into the steam generating means (32), namely through the air intake (27), and to realize a combined flow of steam and air, which is very well suitable to be used in the heating and frothing processes to be performed. As a consequence, a heating/frothing unit (40) which is part of the device (2) only needs to have one connection to a supply line (60) besides a connection to a supply line (10) for supplying the liquid.

Abstract: Brewing unit (1) for use in a beverage maker which is adapted to make a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, the brewing unit (1) comprising a chamber (2) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of beverage extract, a lid movable between an open and closed state for opening and closing the chamber (2), and outlet means (5) for letting out fluid from the chamber (2), wherein the outlet means (5) comprise a first outlet passage (6) and means (7) for restricting an outlet flow in the first outlet passage (6), wherein the outlet means (5) furthermore comprise a second outlet passage (8), and wherein the brewing unit (1) further comprises means interacting with the lid so as to block the outlet flow to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in a closed state and to allow a free outlet flow from the chamber (2) to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in an open state.

Abstract: A device for producing froth comprises means (1) which are adapted to perform a pumping function and to perform a mixing process of at least one liquid and a gas at the same time. Furthermore, the device comprises suitable means (2) for supplying the liquid and the gas to the pumping means (1), and suitable means (3) for discharging froth from the pumping means (1). In order for the device to be capable of producing hot froth, means (4) for supplying steam are provided, and arranged such as to supply the steam directly to the pumping means (1), in particular to an outlet side of the pumping means (1). This way of attributing a heating functionality to the pumping means (1) has many advantages, including the option of a most compact design. Furthermore, the steam may be used for cleaning the pumping means (1).

Abstract: A device (1) comprises an intake duct (11) for taking in milk, an intake duct (16) for taking in a cleaning fluid, a central duct (13) in which both intake ducts (11, 16) are merging, and a pump (31) which is arranged in the central duct (13). Cleaning the device (1) involves filling both the central duct (13) and the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid. In particular, the device (1) also comprises a pump (32) which is arranged in the cleaning fluid intake duct (16), wherein filling the central duct (13) with the cleaning fluid is realized by operating both pumps (31, 32) while blocking the milk intake duct (11), and wherein filling the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid is realized by opening the milk intake duct (11) and only operating the pump (32) which is arranged in the cleaning fluid intake duct (16).

Abstract: A beverage maker for making a beverage on the basis of at least one fluid beverage ingredient comprises a duct system having at least one duct for conveying the fluid beverage ingredient, and at least two elements (1, 2) for defining the duct system, which are adapted to be fitted closely together. Recesses are arranged in a surface of at least one of these two elements (1, 2), and serve for defining the ducts of the duct system. The duct system is easy to clean, wherein a cleaning action simply involves taking the elements (1, 2) apart and cleaning their surfaces. Preferably, the duct system is adapted to convey steam besides the fluid beverage ingredient, wherein the steam serves for heating and pumping the fluid beverage ingredient. Furthermore, the duct system may also comprise at least one duct for supplying air to the fluid beverage ingredient, so that a frothed beverage may be obtained.

Abstract: An Espresso making device comprises a brew chamber (10) for enclosing a quantity of coffee grind (30), and a tube (20) for supplying pressurized hot water to the brew chamber (10). Espresso is obtained by conducting the hot water through the coffee grind (30), wherein the water and the coffee grind (30) are forced to interact. During an Espresso making process, a pressure of the water in the water supplying tube (20) is monitored and compared to a predetermined pressure. In case the measured pressure appears to deviate from the predetermined pressure, a size of an internal volume (12) of the brewing chamber (10) is adjusted, so that an extent to which the coffee grind (30) is compressed and a flow through resistance of the coffee grind (30) are adjusted. Due to this, it is possible to adjust the pressure in such a way that the predetermined pressure is reached.