Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an espresso or other coffee drink maker that is configured to accept a number of different forms of coffee grounds. It may accept powder/coffee grounds that are loose, coffee capsules, coffee pods, (e.g., “ESE” (easy serving espresso) pods), or any other format. The machine may also be provided with an optional built-in grinder, which allows the machine to accept fresh coffee beans, in order to grind and brew them on-site, in a single machine. Such espresso/coffee drink makers find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft, but may be useful in a number of other locations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a printer to control acceptance of data from an external source and to execute the operations associated with printing. The electronics comprises a microprocessor based control system in which both the program steps and the data to be printed are stored in the microprocessor memory and wherein the microprocessor accepts incoming data and processes such data in accordance with foreground and background programs, respectively, and wherein the system is provided with interrupt capabilities for jumping from one program to the other upon the occurence of predetermined criteria.A number of protective techniques and circuits are provided to prevent certain operations from being executed during power up or power down conditions.