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: 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 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: 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.

Abstract: Coffee capsule for coupling with multiple group heads has a flange whose proximal end meets a bottom end of the side wall. A raised plateau adjacent a bottom end of the side wall may receive pressure from and form a fluid-tight seal against the group head together with the side wall. A proximal lip more radially distal than the first plateau higher than the first plateau may protrude from the top surface of the flange. The side wall may have a narrowed top section to avoid protrusions from the group head. A curved top may have a circumferential strip of reduced thickness for water inlet formation. A second plateau along the top surface of the flange more radially distal than the proximal lip may form a fluid-tight seal against a different group head. The capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to facilitate sealing.

Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using the centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifugation. The capsule has upper and bottom walls, a widening side wall connecting to the upper and lower walls and an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of a food substance. The upper wall has a peripheral outlet region which is perforable and dedicated for providing outlets for the release of the liquid.

Abstract: A beverage assembly includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, an inlet portion formed in the housing, a beverage container configured to be removably accommodated within the inlet portion and having a fracturable seal and containing a beverage ingredient of a first size, a grinding mechanism positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet portion, and a piercing assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the piercing assembly selectively pierces the fracturable seal thereby causing said beverage ingredient to enter the grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism selectively transforms the beverage ingredient from the first size to a second size, the second size being smaller than the first size. The beverage assembly further includes a brewing area disposed beneath the grinding assembly and configured to removably accommodate the beverage container after the beverage container has been pierced by the piercing assembly.

Abstract: The brewing unit comprises: a support (5); a drawer (7), presenting at least a seat for a single serving package (C), slidable with respect to the support and movable between a loading position of the single serving package and a brewing position; a dispensing member (23) to dispense pressurized water to the single serving package. A control lever (9) is provided to control the movement of the drawer (7). A mechanical connection is also provided between the lever and the drawer and between the lever and the dispensing member, so that operation of the lever causes the drawer to move from the loading position to the brewing position and the dispensing member to rest against the single serving package.

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 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: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.

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 sieve 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. An alternative embodiment may be employed whereby coffee is substituted for tea to make a sweetened coffee solution that may be brewed hot or over ice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for brewing by extraction from a portion capsule, having a first brewing-chamber element and a second brewing-chamber element, wherein the first brewing-chamber element can be moved between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing-chamber elements are spaced apart from one another in order for the portion capsule to be introduced, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing -chamber elements have been advanced towards one another in order to form a substantially closed brewing chamber for the portion capsule, wherein the brewing apparatus is designed such that the orientation of the portion capsule remains substantially constant as it is transferred from the loading position into the extraction position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes at least a modular brewing mechanism. Also, the system includes a reservoir for retaining a volume of beverage produced by the brewing mechanism. The system includes controls for dispensing a single cup of beverage while producing multiple cycles of beverage for transfer to the reservoir. The system also includes controls for monitoring freshness of beverage, controllably disposing of beverage, and controlling production of single cup or batch production of beverage. The method and apparatus includes controllable pressurized brewing in a column or chamber using a controllable piston moving in the chamber and which may include controlling steep time, pressurization, extraction time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics.

Abstract: A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2) having: —a first part (10); —a second part (20) that is movable towards the first part, in particular along a longitudinal axis (1?), into a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and relatively apart from the first part into an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; —a fastening device (11, 21) having a fastened configuration for fastening together the first and second parts (10, 20) in the closed position and an unfastened configuration such to enable movement of the first and second parts out of the closed configuration; and —an actuator (30) movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to drive the first part and the second part between the open and the closed positions.

Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.

Abstract: The invention proposes a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element comprising a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brew group for an infusion machine, in particular a machine for espresso coffee, having infusion means (43, 43b) designed for the preparation of infusions, a holding chamber (41) hydraulically connected to the said infusion means (43, 43b) and having at least two liquid inlets (411) allowing the delivery of liquids and heating means (46) capable of directly heating the liquids delivered to the holding chamber (41) through the inlets such as to hydraulically feed the infusion means (43, 43b) for the preparation of infusions. The invention also relates to a machine which includes the brew group and a method for operating the machine.

Abstract: A method for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in a single-use capsule. The method includes passing water through the substance, driving the capsule in centrifugal rotation while introducing water into the center of capsule, passing water through the substance to form a food liquid, and piercing at least one liquid delivery outlet in the capsule at least partially by the effect of the pressure rising in the capsule as a result of the centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage production device (10) comprising a first dissolution chamber (1), said first dissolution chamber being configured for producing a beverage by mixing a beverage concentrate and a diluent and comprising:—at least one diluent inlet (11a, 11b) and—at least one liquid delivery outlet (12),—a bottom wall (13), the at least one liquid delivery outlet (12) being set in said bottom wall, wherein the device comprises a second dilution chamber (2), said second dilution chamber comprising a top wall (21), and—at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall, said liquid inlet being the liquid delivery outlet (12) of the first dissolution chamber, and—at least one diluent inlet (23) configured for introducing a diluent in the second dilution chamber and mixing said diluent with the liquid flowing from the at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall.

Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: A coffee maker and method of operating the same is shown. The method includes deactivating a heating plate of the coffee maker when a drip pan is positioned thereon, soliciting a user-selection of a serving size from a plurality of serving sizes when the drip pan is positioned on the base, and operating a pump of the coffee maker to advance fluid to a filter basket in accordance with the selected serving size.

Abstract: A coffee filter basket includes a filter retainer having an outer shell with an upper end having open top and a bottom including an opening, an insert having an upper collar of a less than the diameter than the upper end of the retainer to fit therein and having a lower extension which when a filter is disposed within the retainer and the insert is disposed within the filter, the insert press-fits within the retainer to retain the filter adjacent the retainer shell, and a removable top having an outer perimeter lip portion of at least that of the diameter of the upper end of the retainer and a lower collar portion of a diameter less than the diameter of the upper collar and configured to press-fit therein to secure the insert in the retainer, wherein the removable top has an opening. A method of use is provided.

Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage includes an exchangeable capsule, an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The receptacle includes bottom piercing means for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating an entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule includes an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough. The filter is a multi-layer filter including at least a first layer and a second layer bonded together. The first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer.

Abstract: A coffee maker (10) has at least one removable portafilter (11) that can be inserted into a holder (12) on the coffee machine to carry out brewing. The coffee maker has a hot water maker (28) for producing and dispensing hot water under pressure and at least one coffee mill (19). A filter element (33) is provided for repeated pressure-tight closing and opening of the portafilter (11) inserted into the holder (12) and a chute (23) is provided for introducing coffee powder (16) from the coffee mill (19) into the open portafilter (11) that has been inserted into the holder (12).

Abstract: A brewing apparatus including a fluid reservoir having a first end and a second end. The brewing apparatus can include a lid portion configured to removably engage the first end of the fluid reservoir and a cartridge holder configured to removably engage the second end of the fluid reservoir. A spring-loaded plunger can slidably connect to the lid portion.

Abstract: Processes for controlling strength of an extracted beverage including providing a pseudo packed bed of an extractable beverage material and contacting at least one liquid extraction stream with the pseudo packed bed of beverage material at a selected depth to obtain at least one zone of minimum extraction and at least one zone of maximum extraction. As the depth at which the liquid extraction stream is introduced into the packed bed increases, the zone of minimum extraction increases and the zone of maximum extraction decreases.

Abstract: A coffee machine (10), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, comprising a water tank (11), also a heating device (16) for heating up water, also a brewing unit (18) for subjecting ground coffee beans to extraction by means of the water heated by the heating device (16), also a water-line system (13) comprising at least one water line, and also a delivery pump (14) for delivering water out of the water tank (11) through the water-line system (13). According to the invention, it is provided that a chamber (25) is, or may be provided for a chemical active substance, in particular a decalcifying and/or cleaning agent, it being possible for this chamber to be connected and/or linked up to the water-line system (13), manually or automatically, such that water can be delivered out of the water tank (11), by means of the delivery pump (14), into the water-line system (13) through the chamber (25). The invention also concerns a method for operating a coffee machine (10).

Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: Described is a device for establishing desired proportions of water and coffee beans. The device includes a fluid vessel and a laterally attached coffee solid vessel. The fluid vessel has vertical height and a fluid volume capacity, with the fluid vessel being formed to hold water therein. The coffee solid vessel has vertical height and an interior that defines a coffee solid volume capacity, with the coffee solid vessel being formed to hold a solid coffee product therein. Importantly, each of the fluid vessel and coffee solid vessel are formed such that a desired solid-to-fluid ratio exists between the fluid volume capacity and the coffee solid volume capacity when laterally attached with one another, with the desired solid-to-fluid ratio being maintained along the vertical height of each of the vessels (which can be readily verified through a visual inspection of the horizontal equality of contents).

Abstract: A method for preparing hot beverages in a hot beverage machine by possibly repeatedly pumping a specific quantity of water from a water tank into a heating device, heating the quantity of water, pumping the heated quantity of water out of the heating device into a brewing chamber and possibly at the same time pumping a further quantity of water out of the water tank into the heating device, brewing a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber to produce a hot beverage, and finally converting the quantity of water last pumped into the heating device completely into steam in a controlled manner for forcing liquid out of the entire line system downstream of the heating device.

Abstract: A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system employing the introduction of air into the heater tank and/or an expansion chamber after liquid delivery is complete. An expansion chamber may be provided at the top of the heater tank and provide a tortuous flow path from an air inlet to the tank outlet.

Abstract: A method of extracting a coffee liquid includes the step of extracting crashed coffee beans using an extraction aqueous solution containing a fruit sugar condensation compound formed of a plurality of fructose molecules through condensation.

Abstract: To make espresso, a plunger forces heated liquid from a plunger cylinder to a coffee container. The resulting brewed liquid is allowed to pass through an expansion pressure relief valve. The expansion pressure relief value maintains a pressure sufficient for brewing espresso as force on the plunger forces the liquid to flow through the coffee container and through the expansion pressure relief valve.

Abstract: One variation of a method for brewing a cup of coffee at a coffee brewing machine includes: receiving a coffee source identifier; retrieving a recipe for a brewing coffee bean based on the coffee source identifier; initiating a brew cycle; heating water in a boiler to a target temperature specified by the recipe; metering a volume of water from the boiler into a brew chamber; heating the brew chamber to maintain the volume of water near the target temperature; according to the recipe, displaying an agitation instruction at a first time during the brew cycle; according to the recipe, triggering a first alarm to cease agitation at a second time during the brew cycle; and according to the recipe, triggering a second alarm to dispense fluid from the brew chamber at a third time during the brew cycle.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.

Abstract: A method for operating a hot beverage maker includes the steps of infusing fresh water and storing the resulting beverage in a removable brewed beverage tank. An actuator is engaged for dispensing the brewed beverage from the tank. The tank is placed on a platform in a relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. Accordingly, the hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank until it is dispensed by a user.

Abstract: A reusable cartridge and method for forming a beverage using a beverage machine. The cartridge may include a bottom surface with inlet and outlet openings, e.g., arranged to receive an inlet or outlet needle, respectively, and an opening at a top end through which access to the interior space may be had. A filter basket may be inserted or removed into the interior space through the opening and a cover may engage at top to seal the opening closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for brewing coffee and producing other hot beverages are disclosed herein. An automated coffee vending kiosk configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a coffee brewing unit for brewing coffee and a cup dispensing portion. The cup dispensing portion can include a motor and a door operably coupled to the motor. The door can be moveable between a closed position and an open position to provide access to a cup storage area having a plurality of cups. A coffee dispensing portion can be positioned to dispense the coffee into an individual cup.

Abstract: A device (1) for extracting an ingredient in a cartridge (9) by supplying an extraction liquid such as heated water into such cartridge, comprises: 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 removal arrangement (36, 37) for assisting removal of such cartridge when the enclosing parts (7, 8) are brought from the closed to the open position. The upstream part (7) bears an upstream piercing arrangement (34) for opening an upstream portion of such cartridge. The downstream part (8) bears a downstream piercing arrangement (30), such as a piercing member, for opening a downstream portion of such cartridge.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for decocting ingredients in a solvent. The apparatus including a container for containing the solvent, a recipient for containing the ingredients, the recipient being placed inside the container, a pipe connecting a bottom part of the container and a bottom part of the recipient, a pump placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the bottom part of the container to the bottom part of the recipient.