Abstract: Shown herein are methods and systems for brewing coffee. In one example, a method of brewing coffee includes delivering a predetermined amount of water from a reservoir to a heater, heating the predetermined amount of water with the heater to form heated water, delivering the predetermined amount of the heated water from the heater to a brew basket containing ground coffee, and soaking the ground coffee with the predetermined amount of the heated water for a predetermined period of time to enable the heated water delivered to the brew basket to presoak the ground coffee contained in brew basket prior delivering a remaining amount of water from to the quantity of water to the brew basket to complete the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A brewer for brewing beverages in a brew basket, such as loose coffee or tea, is provided, where the flow of water to the brew basket alternates between water brewing phases and steam brewing phases during a single brew cycle, resulting in comparatively higher temperatures of water in the brew basket than conventional brewers. The frequency and duration of the water brewing phases and steam brewing phases during a brew cycle can be electronically controlled according to one or more predetermined programs. A reinforcing band is also provided for the lighted brew basket interior to strengthen the brewer head bowl in this area, and a single cup insert is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage, comprising a side wall and a bottom, which together define a space, a filter element being sealed to the bottom within said space.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with washing water containing an alkaline substance and an aromatic compound at 10° C. or more and less than 50° C.

Abstract: A water dispenser having beverage-making function is provided. The water dispenser can include a body defining a beverage making cavity with an open side therein; a beverage making assembly disposed in the beverage making cavity and including a beverage container for accommodating a beverage capsule, the beverage container having a first penetration member for penetrating a bottom of the beverage capsule; and a water injection mechanism for supplying water to the beverage capsule and having a second penetration member for penetrating a top of the beverage capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a drink, for example coffee, including a hollow element (1) for containing a metered amount (2) of e.g. ground coffee, said hollow element including a side wall, an upper surface, and a lower surface with at least one membrane (4), said membrane being rupturable under the pressure of a liquid placed into the capsule to enable the flow of liquid through the metered amount, said capsule also including a cover (5) with at least one hole, said hole enabling the membrane (4) to rupture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a beverage by centrifugation of a capsule, by: Recognizing the type of the capsule inserted in the centrifuging brewing device, and/or its ingredients; Selecting accordingly a recipe comprising at least two sets of target values for parameters of the centrifuging brewing device, each set being associated to a specific condition; Controlling the parameters of the centrifuging brewing device so as to reach the target values of the set associated to the specific condition that is currently met.

Abstract: A beverage filtering cartridge for obtaining beverages, such as coffee, tea or the like, is provided. The beverage filtering cartridge includes an impermeable cup-shaped container, a filtering element, an impermeable cover and a removable instrument. The container has a first opening and a second opening which is smaller than the first opening. The first opening is sealed with the impermeable cover and the second opening is blocked by the removable instrument. The filtering element is located in the container so as to divide the container into two chambers. The tea or coffee will be located between the filtering element and the impermeable cover. When the consumer uses the cartridge by a machine, the consumer must remove the removable instrument and then put the cartridge into the machine. The machine injects water into the cartridge so as to quickly brew the drink, i.e. tea or coffee.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel which heats the liquid of the corresponding vessel, a filter assembly disposed within the vessel operable to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered beverage from the base of the brew vessel. Some embodiments include one or more valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel, and a filter operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent flavor base from the system. Some embodiments include processor control of the system, allowing for operation tailored to individual user requirements that might be downloaded to the processor through various wired and non-wired interfaces.

Abstract: A method provides a rubber-elastic sealing member onto a capsule intended for producing a beverage in a beverage production device. The capsule has a body portion having a side wall and a flange-like rim portion. The rim portion extends from the side wall of the body portion. The method includes the steps of applying an uncured sealing composition in a liquid or viscous state onto the rim portion of the capsule, heating said applied sealing composition such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall until the sealing composition reaches the side wall, and curing the sealing composition after the migration towards the side wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) designed for insertion in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, the capsule comprising: —a body (2) comprising a bottom end and an open end; —an upper wall (3) for covering the body at its open end; —an enclosure (14) between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance; the capsule comprising a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body (2), wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular force ring (8) designed for being engaged by an enclosing member (49) of a dedicated beverage production device (23), wherein the force ring comprises at least one curved, folded part (16) forming of at least one ply of material.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: The disposable capsule for the production of an aromatic beverage comprises a container having a closed base which can be perforated for the inlet of water, and an open base closed by at least a filter through which the beverage can exit, said filter having a peripheral edge applied to a peripheral profile of said open base of the container, the peripheral profile of the open base to which the peripheral edge of said filter conforms having a peripheral development at a variable height with respect to the axis of the container.

Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which a wall member mounted to a frame of the system defines a first portion of a chamber, and a cartridge holder movably mounted relative to the frame and the wall member defines a second portion of the chamber. The cartridge holder may have an opening to receive a cartridge and be arranged to hold and move a cartridge between an open position and a closed position. A cover, which may be moveable relative to the wall member and/or the cartridge holder, may be arranged to cover the opening of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position. Thus, with the cartridge holder in the closed position and the cover covering the opening, the cartridge holder, the wall member and the cover define the chamber in a closed state in which a cartridge held by the cartridge holder is enclosed.

Abstract: Super-automatic coffee maker for the preparation of espresso coffee continuously and with the possibility of selecting the quantity and type of espresso coffee desired, thus obtaining an espresso coffee of high quality and flavor. Machine comprising a vertical piston (2) adapted to press the coffee, ground in a grinder, into collection and brewing means (3), applicable in a removable way in the lower part of the coffee maker, in an underlying position and coinciding with said piston (2), to determine the espresso coffee which is then supplied through said means. At the end of each brewing, said collection and brewing means (3) are removed and the used pod contained in them is then ejected, and they are cleaned manually, with subsequent application of said means in the lower part of the machine, to perform a subsequent operating cycle.

Abstract: Beverage production device for producing a beverage from a single-use capsule containing a beverage ingredient, comprising: a brewing unit that receives the capsule in a cavity defined by first and second engaging members that enclose the capsule and press it at a flange-like rim in a liquid seal-tight manner. At least one of the first and second engaging members comprises a substantially annular pressing portion for applying a sealing pressure on the flange-like rim of the capsule, the first and second engaging members being configured in relative closure at the nip to leak to a liquid injected in the cavity when a capsule is not present. One of at least the first or second engaging members comprises, at its annular pressing portion, at least one passage arranged for controlling liquid leakage only within a limited angular radial direction when the first and second engaging members are closed at the nip.

Abstract: Components are disclosed as part of a set which may be used to form containers. Components of the set may be interchangeably substituted for one another so that various different possible containers may be made from a set. A set may include an outer vessel having a first cavity, an inner vessel receivable in the first cavity and having a second cavity, a lid assembly removably attachable to the outer vessel, an accessory, a releasable attachment mechanism to removably attach the accessory to the lid assembly so the accessory is received in the first cavity when the lid assembly is attached to the outer vessel, and at least one variant component interchangeable with one of the inner vessel, the lid assembly and the accessory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine with ambience emulation functionality. A providing arrangement (11, 21, 17) provides data with visible 5 content for generating a predefined ambience when reproduced, wherein the provided data are linked to context information, said context information being indicative of a situation. An acquisition arrangement (11, 37, 60, 62, 63) acquires at least one actual context 10 information indicating an actual situation, and a display (10) reproduces data being associated to the acquired actual context information for generating an ambience related to the actual situation.

Abstract: Capsule designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises:—a body comprising containment walls, a main cavity of central axis,—a lid connected or connectable to said body and arranged for covering said cavity;—an annular flange peripherally bordering and protruding outwards beyond the said cavity, wherein the flange is configured to ensure one passage or a plurality of passages for providing flow of the centrifuged beverage in multiple radial directions from the cavity and through the flange or above the flange as a result of the centrifugation forces exerted when the capsule is rotated along said central axis.

Abstract: A sweet tea brewing product and system for brewing sweet tea is disclosed including making a concentrated sweet tea solution before mixing with water which comprises at least one water permeable mesh pouch wherein tea particles and sugar granules are contained. The tea particles and sugar granules are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a hot concentrated sweet tea solution. The concentrated tea solution is then mixed with a proportioned amount of water to make consistent sweet tea.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a rotatable filter element (30) having a closed bottomed with a grating disc (34). The filter element has an outer perimeter and a conical perforated wall (33) that extends from the outer perimeter to an upper edge defining an open upper part of the filter element. The kitchen appliance includes a drive motor for driving the filter element and a feeding tube (10) having a tubular wall extending from a first open distal end for receiving foodstuff to a second open distal end that opens near the grating disc. A cover member (60) extends from the upper edge of the perforated wall up to the tubular wall of the feeding tube (10). The cover member (60), the filter element (30) and the tubular wall define a substantially closed ring-shaped space.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Abstract: A method of brewing a coffee beverage by combining a dose of granulated coffee and water and maintaining the granulated coffee in the water for a brew time. The volume of water employed in practicing the method is a function of the dose of granulated coffee and the brew time is a function of the percent extraction of coffee from the dose of granulated coffee and a function of the percent of total dissolved solids derived from the dose of granulated coffee.

Abstract: A coffee brewer that includes a brewing chamber, and a brewing cup filled with coffee that is removably received in the brewing chamber. The cup includes a bottom that acts as a tamping member, and this bottom is movable to vary the size of the cup reservoir. Once the cup is positioned in the brewer, the closing of the cup forces engagement of the tamping member and an engagement member positioner in the brewing chamber, resulting in the tamping member being moved to compress the coffee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule 102 containing dry infusible matter 101 for preparing infused beverages, and comprising: a front face 103 comprising a filter wall 114; a rim 105 surrounding said front face 103 and presenting a tapered outer edge 108; a back face 104, substantially opposed to said front face 103, and comprising a frangible region 116 for the injection of infusing liquid; and a solid envelope 106 between said rim 105 and said back face 104.

Abstract: A beverage maker to selectively brew hot or cold beverages employs both a heating unit and a cooling unit. The heating unit heats a liquid, typically water, and uses the heated liquid to hot brew a beverage. Using any of a number of touch sensitive buttons, a coolant can enter a cold brewing unit which subjects the hot brewed beverage to cooling via a helical structure. Further, there may be a resting plate for the container to receive the beverage that can be selectively cooled or heated. The end result is a quick and efficient way to brew either a hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a French press combination grinder, filter, and drinking vessel, and method of making coffee. The system has a motor base, a container body, and two selectively removable container bases. The first removable container base has a blade, and the second removable container base has a plunger and filtering unit. Coffee beans are placed in the container body and ground when the first selectively removable container base is attached to the container body. Then, after the coffee is ground, the first base is removed and hot water is poured into the container body. The user then attaches the second container base and depresses the filtering unit to separate the coffee slurry into a liquid portion on top and coffee grounds portion on the bottom. The user may then drink the coffee directly from the same container that ground and filtered the coffee beans.

Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform.

Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous coffee filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform. The system accommodates large and small cup- and cone-style filters and may be built-in to a coffee brewing machine.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid extract from food ingredients in a beverage producing device that has a brewing unit driven in centrifugation. The method includes providing food ingredients in the brewing unit, supplying heated liquid in the brewing unit, centrifuging the brewing unit thereby generating centrifugal forces forcing liquid to flow through the food ingredients, and dispensing the liquid, along with an operation for compensating the thermal losses of the liquid extract in the brewing unit or the collecting unit.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a device sensing a capsule inserted in a receptacle in machine and physical parameters of liquid supplied by a beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule in function of the type of capsule. The capsule containing beverage ingredient is inserted in a cylindrical or conical wide mouthed receptacle having an upper opening for inserting the capsule and a lower bottom closing the receptacle. The receptacle rotates around an axis of a hollow shaft attached at the center and perpendicularly to the external face of the bottom of the receptacle, said shaft forming a hole at the center of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle. The device comprises a rod sliding in the shaft and passing through the hole of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle, said rod being provided with a spring maintaining an end of the rod lifted inside the receptacle in contact with the capsule, the other end being inside the shaft.

Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage from a container (1) containing beverage ingredients by centrifugation of the container in a beverage preparation device; said container (1) having: an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3); each wall having a peripheral portion (4, 5) extending around a central axis (I) and a bottom portion (6, 7); a lid (18) covering said outer and inner walls (2, 3); and forming with said inner wall (3) an inner cavity (8) containing beverage ingredients (9), an outer collecting cavity (10) positioned between the outer and inner walls (2, 3), beverage outlets or outlet precursors (11) positioned on the peripheral portion (5) of the inner wall, wherein the method includes: supplying liquid in the inner cavity, rotating the container (1) around its central axis (I) to force liquid through beverage outlets from the inner cavity (8) to the outer cavity (10) under the effect of centrifugal pressure, maintaining an overpressure of supplied liquid in the container to enable the beverage to be

Abstract: An apparatus for extraction and recovery of components from biomass feedstocks with pressurized low polarity water. The apparatus is configured with two or more reaction columns, each separately communicating with sources of pressurized water, pressurized heated water, and pressurized cooling water. Components are extracted from the biomass by separately flooding the column with pressurized water, heating the column and its contents to the point where the water becomes pressurized low polarity (PLP) water, recovering the PLP water comprising the extracted components, cooling the column with PLP water, and removing the spent biomass material from the column.

Abstract: A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker includes a pump, a kettle, a pumped fluid conduit, and a brew basket assembly. The kettle includes a reservoir, a heating element in the kettle for heating water in the reservoir, a spout for pouring water from the reservoir, and a pump inlet opening for providing heated water from the reservoir to the pump inlet. The pumped fluid conduit is connected with the pump outlet and includes a pumped fluid outlet. The brew basket assembly includes a pumped fluid outlet receptacle and a brew basket. The reservoir is selectively fluidly connectable with the brew basket via the pump inlet opening in the kettle being selectively fluidly connected with the pump inlet or the pumped fluid conduit outlet being selectively fluidly connectable with the pumped fluid outlet receptacle to selectively provide heated water from the reservoir to the brew basket.

Abstract: A device (1) for extracting an ingredient in a cartridge (9) by supplying an extraction liquid such as heated water into such cartridge, includes upstream and downstream cartridge enclosing parts (7,8) relatively movable between an open position for inserting and/or removing such cartridge and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (11) enclosing such cartridge during extraction; and a cartridge handling arrangement including a cartridge holder (10), in particular a holder fixed to or integral with the upstream part or the downstream part, for receiving and holding such cartridge against gravity when inserted and descending under gravity between the enclosing parts in the open position prior to forming the extraction chamber (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage. Movement of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid into a reservoir in a brewer, which is then used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, closing of the brew chamber may cause a lid for a water reservoir to be fully opened or otherwise permit movement of the lid to allow access to the reservoir, allowing a user to provide water into the reservoir. The reservoir lid may open with an abrupt action, causing attention to be drawn to the reservoir lid. In another arrangement, closure of the brew chamber may cause actuation of a baffle, pump, valve or other device to provide a suitable amount of water to a reservoir for beverage formation. In another arrangement, opening of the brew chamber may cause the reservoir lid to be automatically and simultaneously opened with the brew chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a carbonated coffee beverage that has both the features of coffee beverages and those of carbonated beverages and is characterized in that bubbling-over is suppressed upon the filling of the beverage in a package or the opening of the package. The ratio of the chlorogenic acid concentration (unit: ppm) of the beverage to its coffee solids concentration (unit: wt. %) is adjusted to 300 or higher.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a first coffee bean packaging cartridge, a second coffee bean cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. After a first predetermined number of servings of coffee, transportation component of the first cartridge for transporting coffee beans of the first cartridge to a metering chamber of the system are disabled. The transportation component of the second coffee bean cartridge are not disabled or only disabled after a second predetermined number of servings of coffee which is larger than the first predetermined number of servings of coffee.

Abstract: A beverage flavoring apparatus comprising of an elongated tubular body, having at least three elongated hollow sections and a container for holding liquid flavor. The top hollow section is for suction and at least one of the hollow sections is adapted to receive liquid flavor and it has a smaller cross sectional area and shorter length which enables the flavoring liquid to be introduced into the beverage stream in minute quantity. The other hollow section is adapted to receive beverage. The container is mounted or loaded on the elongated tubular body so that the section adapted to receive liquid flavor is immersed in the liquid flavor while the other hollow section is dipped in a beverage. As oral suction is being applied, both the liquid flavor and the beverage are drawn up the tubular body and mixes at the hollow suction end before ingestion.

Abstract: Device for producing a frothed liquid comprising a chamber opened to atmosphere with a transverse bottom wall and a longitudinal upward wall, at least one diluent inlet, at least one liquid delivery outlet. The diluent inlet is provided through the upward wall and is dimensioned and oriented for directing a thin jet of diluent in the chamber. The at least one liquid delivery outlet is configured in the bottom wall for liquid to rise up along the side of the upward wall by the jet of diluent entering the chamber as a result of the direction and dimension of the diluent inlet in the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: A cartridge retaining device is disclosed for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The device includes a base with a cover. A beverage making cartridge is placed within the base and the cover is positioned over the cartridge. Engagement of the cover over the cartridge in the base causes at least two probes, one above carried on the cover and one below generally carried on or proximate to the base to penetrate or otherwise open the cartridge. The device is structured to operate so that the cover probe penetrates the cartridge before the base probe opens a corresponding portion of the cartridge. The device is adapted for separate engagement with a brewer whereby heated water is dispensed from the brewer into the device for brewing a beverage retained within the cartridge and dispensing the brewed beverage from a lower section of the body of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements in beverage/food product preparation systems and in particular to beverage/food product preparation systems having machines of the type which use pre-packaged cartridges containing beverage or food ingredients. The cartridge (30) contains one or more beverage or food ingredients for use in a machine for preparing a beverage or food product from said ingredients. The cartridge (30) includes a base (34), an outlet aperture (37) in the base (34), and a collar (38) extending from the cartridge base (34) around the outlet aperture (37). The cartridge (30) is inserted into a holding receptacle (14) of a machine the collar (38) interacts with an element (65) of the machine and the collar (38) is configured to determine the pressure in the cartridge (30) during the preparation process.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is electrically operated and has a control unit, at least one functional unit, and an electric circuit for supplying the functional unit and the control unit with current. The electric circuit has a switch for switching the current on or off, through respective first and second operations of an operating element. The switch has a first switch contact and a second switch contact, which are connected in parallel in the electric circuit. The first switch contact is brought into a closed state by the first operation of the operating element, and assumes an open state after the second operation. The control unit provides a control signal so that the second switch contact is closed after the first operation of the switch and opened after the second operation of the switch.

Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.