Abstract: A beverage brewing device has an integral server locking mechanism. The beverage server (10) has top and bottom portions, (16) and (18), having first and second lips, (12) and (14), respectively. An opening in a lower server support plate (20) has a first retaining face (22) which contacts the first lip. The server support plate is preferably pivotably mounted about a pivot point (26) and biased to apply an upward force to the first end of the server. An upper server support plate (30) is positioned at the other end of the beverage server. The second support plate pivots about a second pivot point (36) and is biased downwardly, toward the first base plate. Thus, the support plates cooperate in a clamshell-like manner to secure the beverage brewing device therebetween.

Abstract: A brewing system with a brewer (30) and urn support member (64A) for movement of the urn (66) between a first position (FIG. 4B) in which the urn is aligned beneath the brewer (30) for receipt of beverage from the brewer (30) and a second position (FIG. 4C) in which the urn (66) in a position removed from alignment beneath the brewer (30) to facilitate removal of the urn (66) away from the support by the support member (64A). The filled urn (66) is moved to the removal position (FIG. 4C) before being removed from the urn support member (64A).

Abstract: A modular beverage brewing apparatus includes a frame having at least a first pair of inwardly directed flanges. A joiner plate is connected to the frame. The joiner plate and the pair of inwardly directed flanges define a first channel and a second channel therebetween so that the modular brewing apparatus is selectively engageable with a pair of inwardly directed flanges of a companion modular unit. An electrical connection is made between the modular beverage brewing apparatus and the companion modular unit. The electrical connection includes a first electrical power connection comprising an electrical output receptacle on the modular beverage brewing apparatus coupled to an electrical input receptacle on the companion modular unit for delivering electrical power from the modular brewing apparatus to the companion modular unit.

Abstract: A machine (10) for dispensing beverages of substantially uniform consistency containing shaved ice is provided and includes a housing (14), a blending assembly (12, 13), a plurality of receptacles 20 disposed within an upper housing portion (15), and a plurality of valves (39) and a manifold (22) in fluid communication with the plurality of receptacles (20) for delivering a measured volume of a selected drink mix to the blending assembly (12, 13). The machine also includes an ice shaver (21) located in the housing for delivering a precise amount of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13). The ice shaver includes the rotating ice shaving blade (36) that is controlled to rotate through a predetermined number of revolutions, to thereby consistently deliver a predetermined quantity of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13) irrespective of a hardness of the ice (19) being shaved.

Abstract: A device for making patterns or images having predetermined shape uses powder substances introduced into a container disposed inside a cylindrical body. The container has an open bottom and features at top a recess with a related hole. A bottom mask, with a perforated pattern or image, closes the bottom of the container and is kept by retention means engaging with the cylindrical body. A driving device, set into the recess, has a shaft passing through the hole and fastened to a scraper member disposed inside the container for facilitating passage of the powder substance through holes of the perforated pattern or image of the bottom mask.

Abstract: A kettle has a bottom provided with a heating surface for making a direct contact with a heat source. The heating surface has a plurality of protuberances for increasing the overall heating area of the heating surface, so as to enhance the energy efficiency of the kettle.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a device for purifying potable water. A fountain pen shaped body 1 is made of ceramic. In an inner space 2 of the body a magnet 3 is inserted and on an outer lid 6 a hanger 5 is formed, so that the potable water is purified by infrared ray emitted from the bio-ceramic and the potable water is magnetized by magnetic force to obtain effects which promote and improve human health.

Abstract: A vessel provided with an emulsifying-foaming device for making cappuccino's, whipped cream and the like comprises a vessel body with a cover element and a circulating pump mounted on the cover element and so arranged as to draw a liquid from a bottom portion of the vessel body and jet discharge the drawn liquid on the top free surface of the liquid in said vessel, in order to provide a forced mixing and aeration of the product.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating water intended for the preparation of hot beverages, comprising a cold-water reservoir (2) for storing unheated water and a hot-water reservoir (3) for storing heated water, wherein a heat-maintaining element (4) is accommodated in the hot-water reservoir (3), wherein the hot-water reservoir (3) comprises a draw-off tap (5), and wherein a conduit (6) is connected to the cold-water reservoir (2) which conduit opens into the hot-water reservoir (3), wherein a through-flow heating element (7) is accommodated in this conduit (6).

Abstract: An improved coffee maker is disclosed. The coffee maker shuts off automatically when the level of coffee in the decanter drops below a certain point, or when the decanter is removed. A housing is provided with the conventional elements used to brew coffee. The invention further comprises a decanter platform biased upward by a helical spring, the platform engaging switches which control the flow of electrical current to the brewing and heating elements of the coffee maker. When the decanter is at least partially full, the decanter platform is depressed and the switches are biased to the "on" position. When the decanter is almost empty, the upward travel of the decanter platform shuts off the heating element switch. When the decanter is removed from the platform, the brewing mechanism is shut off.

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.

Abstract: A device (10) for producing a heated milk-air emulsion comprises, at the inside thereof, circulation paths for steam, milk and air towards a delivery outlet (11). A blocking means (20) is drivingly slidable to close the delivery outlet (11) and thereby enable execution of an inner-cleaning cycle in the device on activation of steam circulation. Advantageously, the delivery outlet (11) is formed of a duct (25) the free end (26) of which is of tapered shape. Axially disposed inside duct (25) is a dispenser (27) at which the circulation paths arrive and which has radial passageways (28) opening into the duct (25). For accomplishment of the blocking means, the duct and dispenser are axially slidable relative to each other to bring the dispenser (27) to a sealing contact position against the duct (25) thereby closing passage of same to the the outside.

Abstract: A coffee machine for use with shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate which includes a built-in storage reservoir that doubles as a hydraulic cylinder to deliver the requisite amount of shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate into the brewing chamber. The machine allows heated water to mix with the concentrate in both the brewing chamber and the mixing chamber and then collect in a carafe. The machine allows for the fast and economical brewing of coffee in the home or office using shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate that does not require the use of coffee filters and coffee grounds.

Abstract: A sanitary nozzle mount for use with a filling apparatus for flowing food product includes elongated, hollow, slidably engageable inner and outer filling tubes and a spacer coupling adapted to secure the inner and outer tubes in axially spaced relation with one another. The tubes are adapted to secure therebetween a removable filling nozzle having a mounting portion having a generally circular cross-section and including an inwardly extending, circumferential mounting ring. The inner and outer filling tubes each include a mounting element extending outwardly therefrom, configured for engagement with the spacer coupling. The inner filling tube has a length dimension greater than the length dimension of the outer filling tube. The inner tube includes a nozzle receiving end which has a circumferential locking element and a guide element which are adapted to engage the nozzle mounting ring therebetween.

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine assures precise portion control of the respective drink mixes being dispensed, and the precise amount is adjustable within certain limits. The drink mixes are in respective beverage receptacles (or drink tubes) arranged in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other, and a plurality of selection buttons are disposed directly below the receptacles in substantial vertical alignment therewith. A counter and a interrupt button, respectively, are also provided on the control panel. The level of the drink mixes, as well as the ice in the reservoir, are readily visible at all times. Upon initiation of the blending cycle, the blender motor is started, and after a first time delay, the drink mix is discharged into the blender for a first time period. Upon a second time delay following initiation of the discharge of the mix, the ice shaver motor continues for a second time period; and the blender motor continues after discharge of the mix and delivery of the shaved ice.

Abstract: A bottom pouring pot comprising a cartridge for accommodating liquid, and a separate mounting base for detachably mounting the cartridge thereto, wherein an inner container having an opening at a lower end thereof is placed in the cartridge, the opening being closed with a detachable plug body, a discharge port for discharging the liquid being formed in the plug body and is closed with first opening means for opening the discharge port when the cartridge is mounted on the base, and a flow passage is formed in the base which communicates with the discharge port when the cartridge is mounted on the base so as to enable the liquid to be poured out, whereby a bottom pouring pot is formed having an insulated inner container with only one opening and which has excellent handling characteristics and can be readily manufacted at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A health beverage is provided from plant, animal or mineral material that includes an ingredient beneficial to human health. The effective ingredient is extracted from the material by atomizing water in an ultrasonic tank. A blower is used to suck the atomized droplets through a canister containing the plant, animal or mineral material. The atomized droplets are then condensed in a cooling tank to a liquid form containing the healthful ingredient extracted from the plant, animal or mineral material.

Abstract: A method of treating consumable liquids, the liquids so produced, and an assembly for practicing the method. Consumable liquid is passed through a magnetic field having properties effective to enhance the flavor of the liquid, the field preferably being established by a permanent magnet establishing a continuous polarity on opposite sides of the liquid with a minimum magnetic field strength of about 3000 Gauss. The assembly for treating the liquids may include first and second tubular permanent magnets having opposite radially spaced first and second pole portion of opposite polarity, a pair of pole pieces received between the pole portions, and in encasement for maintaining the magnets and pole pieces together so that a fluid flow path is defined through the magnets and a predetermined gap established by the pole pieces, and so that the pole portions of the same polarity for each magnet are on the same side of the flow path.

Abstract: A portable lightweight gas generation device which can be attached to a container to generate a quantity of gas from a mixture of two chemically reactive materials and to inject the gas into the container. The device is especially useful as an apparatus for rapidly carbonating liquid beverages with chemically generated carbon dioxide produced in a gas generation chamber located inside a pressure vessel attached to a liquid container which serves as a carbonation chamber containing the liquid to be carbonated. The generated carbon dioxide is passed from the gas generation chamber to the carbonation chamber to carbonate the liquid. This device can also be used as a means of injecting pressurized gas into a pressurized spray can for dispensing liquids such as paint, hair spray or other sprayable products.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decaffeinating a liquid, especially brewed coffee in which caffeine is removed by imposing an electrostatic field in counteracting relationship to the flow of the coffee and drawing the caffeine to and retaining the caffeine on an ionic resin.

Abstract: A milk foaming device for emulsifying steam, milk and air to produce foamed milk. The milk foaming device includes an ingredient combining assembly for combining the steam, milk and air connected to a swirl chamber for blending the ingredients. A discharge tube is attached to the swirl chamber for dispensing foamed milk therethrough. A concave notch is formed in the walls of the discharge extending from a dispensing port of the tube upwardly along the walls. The notch retards or prevents formation of bubble surfaces over the dispensing port of the discharge tube and thereby prevent splattering of milk. A laminator is provided in the tube and extending therefrom for inducing a columnar flow of foamed milk from the discharge tube.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for wetting and dissolving finely divided dry particles, including hygroscopic particles such as coffee fines, in a liquid, including viscous liquids such as concentrated coffee liquor, in a manner in which foaming, the presence of wet lumps and liquor degradation are minimized. The apparatus includes a dissolving tank containing at least one pair of counter-rotating drums partially submerged in a body of the dissolving liquid. The tank includes a liquid inlet and a discharge conduit which maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the tank. A powder feeding device mounted above the tank discharges a falling curtain of particles onto a thin layer of liquid on the surface of one of the drums in each counter-rotating pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing blended beverages, particular frozen drinks, in which an ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and blender unit are combined in a single unit. A programmable timing mechanism regulates the period of time the ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and the blender unit operate, so that an operator needs to only push momentary push buttons to effect operation of the apparatus. The apparatus will automatically deliver an appropriate amount of ice and liquid to the blender unit and will turn on the blender at the appropriate time and for the appropriate amount of time to prepare a frozen drink of desired size.

Abstract: In a process for the mixing of beverage components, in particular syrup and water, in which a first component is introduced from a storage chamber into a measuring chamber with a specific volume and a second component is metered in accordance with the volume and the desired mixing ratio and both components are then discharged into a collecting chamber, when the measuring chamber can only partly be filled upon the introduction of the first component from an insufficiently filled storage chamber, the amount of the first component introduced into the measuring chamber is measured and the second component is subsequently metered according to the measured amount of the first component. In this fashion, small residual amounts of syrup can be conveniently processed with a consistently high mixing accuracy.

Abstract: There are disclosed two types of apparatus using membrane extractions of citrus juice bittering agents, both using extraction fluids. In one type, a membrane contactor facilitates contact between bittering agents present in a citrus juice feed and a hydrophobic bittering agents extraction fluid; a second membrane contactor may be used to extract bittering agents from the hydrophobic extraction fluid by use of a basic stripping fluid on the permeate side. In a second type, an immobilized liquid membrane containing hydrophobic extraction fluid supported within the pores of a microporous hydrophobic polymeric membrane is used to facilitate transport of bittering agents across the membrane.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for wetting and dissolving finely divided dry particles, including hygroscopic particles such as coffee fines, in a liquid, including viscous liquids such as concentrated coffee liquor, in a manner in which foaming, the presence of wet lumps and liquor degradation are minimized. The apparatus includes a dissolving tank containing at least one pair of counter-rotating drums partially submerged in a body of the dissolving liquid. The tank includes a liquid inlet and a discharge conduit which maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the tank. A powder feeding device mounted above the tank discharges a falling curtain of particles onto a thin layer of liquid on the surface of one of the drums in each counter-rotating pair.

Abstract: The steam ejection nozzle comprises an elongated body which internally defines a chamber. One end of the body is open for coupling to a steam delivery duct and the other end has a plurality of steam discharge outlets. The steam ejection nozzle furthermore comprises a lamination cone which can be partially immersed within a fluid to be emulsified. The lamination cone is skimmed by the flow of steam discharged from the outlets in order to facilitate penetration of the steam into the liquid and create a vortex which increases the inclusion of air.

Abstract: A pressure processing method and processing apparatus for sterilization, denaturation, etc. of food materials include a free piston fitted in a pressure container so that the free piston is slidable in an axial direction of the container, the pressure container being partitioned by the free piston into two chambers to prevent mixing and contact between a material to be processed and a pressure medium. The material to be processed filled in and supplied to one chamber is pressure-processed by the sliding movement of the piston caused by supplying the pressure medium to the other chamber. Three or more pressure containers, in each of which is fitted a free piston, are provided, and a series of processing operations including pressurizing and holding, discharge and supply of the material to be processed are carried out in a batch continuous manner in the same time zone.

Abstract: A food material which is hermetically accommodated in a heating unit is heated and a generated aroma component is delivered by a carrier gas supply unit together with a carrier gas through connection pipe to an aroma component dissolving and capturing unit including a hermetically sealed container in which an aroma dissolving solution is stored.

Abstract: A mixing device and overflow evacuation system for a vending machine which is capable of mixing a predetermined portion of dry ingredients with a liquid and vending the resultant mixture. The mixing bowl is generally conically shaped and open at its upper end with an annular cap covering the upper end with a central opening which permits the dry ingredient to be dispensed into the mixing bowl therethrough. The liquid is injected so as to cause the liquid to move in a generally spiral path around the mixing bowl and the dry ingredient is injected into the path of the liquid so that the two are mixed. The mixing bowl is provided with baffles in the lower portion thereof which break up the flow and cause the mixture to pass through an outlet spout. The evacuation system includes a vacuum tube connected to the upper portions of each of the mixing bowls to remove steam therefrom when hot liquids are being used.

Abstract: A continuous pressurizing apparatus for liquid comprises a plurality of cylinders arranged in parallel and having liquid chambers, of which maximum effective volumes are slightly different from each other, each of the cylinders being provided with a rod and a pair of pistons which are provided at opposite ends of the rod and are slidably fitted into the cylinder to form the liquid chamber; an inlet passage connected to an inlet/outlet path which is in communication with one of the liquid chambers of each cylinder; and outlet passage connected to the inlet/outlet path which is in communication with the other liquid chamber of each cylinder; selector valves disposed at each of the inlet passage and the outlet passage, which are formed on both sides of the connecting portion of the inlet/outlet path, the rods in the cylinders being operated in accordance with procedure of selection by the selector valves such that the pressure of the liquid is increased by sequentially transferring supplied liquid through the in

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for reconstituting beverages wherein superheated reconstituting liquid and beverage concentrate are delivered into a mixing chamber having an adjustable volume. The mixing chamber is the volume between two coaxially arranged tapered elements which are disposed one inside of the other. Final beverage product emanates from an aperture in the tip of the outer tapered element. At least one tapered element can be displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the volume of the mixing chamber decreases and approaches zero as the tapered elements are moved closer together. Thus, when the system is shutdown the volume of the mixing chamber is allowed to approach zero so that very little product is susceptible to degradation in the mixing chamber due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures during a shutdown. The reduced volume mixing chamber may be flushed with reconstituting liquid.

Abstract: An emulsifying device (10) for liquids, in particular milk, comprises a container (11) containing the liquid to be emulsified and to which is connected near the bottom a first horizontal duct (14) connected to a steam source. The first duct (14) has a constriction (15) downstream from which is connected a second duct (17) with an opening at the top flowing into said container (11) in a position near the level of its edge so as to draw in air and emulsified liquid reaching the upper opening level as the steam passes into the first duct (14). Container (11) comprises a drain (12) with a closing plug (13) removable to take away the emulsified liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the control of a pasteurizing process, designed to be applied to the middle area of a pasteurizer, located downstream of a heating area from which bottles (1) of product carried by a conveyor (2) come, and upstream of a bottle cooling area. In said middle area of the pasteurizer, provision is made for four tanks (7, 8, 9, 10) containing water at differentiated temperatures which feed an equal number of sprayers (3, 4, 5, 6) located above the bottles (1) in movement. The two middle tanks (8, 9) are each divided into two chambers (12, 13; 24, 25) separated by an upright partition (11; 23). In the event that the conveyor (2) should undergo an emergency stop, the bottles (1) that at the moment are in the area having the highest temperature are automatically sprayed with water at a lower temperature coming from the corresponding tanks whereas the high temperature is maintained in the tanks having the highest temperature until the emergency state is over.

Abstract: There is disclosed a syrup delivery system for carbonated beverages which provides delivery of beverage syrup from a syrup container to a beverage mixer. The syrup delivery system comprises a source of pressurized gas, conveniently the CO.sub.2 gas source which is also used to carbonate the water used to mix the carbonated beverage, and a syrup container. The syrup container comprises a rigid drum having an opening with a closure and a pressurizing fitting for connection to the source of presurized gas. A collapsible bag for holding the syrup is fitted inside of the rigid drum and is connected by means of a double ended connector through the closure to the beverage mixer. In operation, the CO.sub.2 pressurized gas is introduced into the rigid tank between the inside of the tank and the outside of the collapsible bag thereby forcing the syrup out of the bag and to the beverage mixer at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A hybrid postmix beverage mixing and dispensing system wherein a beverage is mixed at an account from carbonated water and syrup, the brix ratio of which is precisely controlled by the use of a ratio proportioning pump. The mixed beverage is then delivered to a stabilizing tank, to stabilize the beverage and minimize problems with foaming thereof during dispensing. A single product delivery line then extends from the stabilizing tank to a relatively simple two way valve at the dispensing counter or station. The system is repeated for each different flavor available at the account.

Abstract: An automatic device for obtaining frothy milk comprises a first mixing assembly (30) which feeds a second frothing assembly (40), comprising an expansion chamber (17), a milk feeding duct (31) being provided in the first assembly (30) inside a nozzle (13) for the pressurized steam, this nozzle being coaxial to the milk duct (31), the outlet of this duct slightly projecting over the steam outlet. The milk-steam mixture which is formed, tangentially flows to the expansion chamber, which has a circular section. Preferably the diameter of the nozzle (12) of the outflowing milk is about 1.1-1.2 mm, while the clear radial span of the annular section nozzle (13) of the outflowing steam is about 0.2 mm, the milk outlet projecting about 0.2 mm with respect to the steam outlet.

Abstract: A device for continuously decaffeinating raw coffee includes a first extractor having at least one cell for use in a first treatment stage where raw coffee is preswollen by a swelling fluid that is added to the raw coffee. The at least one cell receives the raw coffee that is to be preswollen and is defined by a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls that extend towards one another to define a wedge-shaped cell. Additional similarly shaped cells and receiving chambers positioned below the cells may also be provided with a perforated bottom separating each cell from its respective receiving chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing a reconstituted coffee beverage having a thick layer of foamed coffee on its surface, similar in appearance to cappuccino coffee beverage. A measured amount of dehydrated coffee concentrate, such as spray dried instant coffee, and a small amount of cold water are combined, with vigorous agitation in a cooled mixing chamber to form a cold, foamed coffee concentrate. Upon formation of the foamed concentrate, a controlled amount of hot water is introduced into the mixing chamber to dilute the foamed concentrate while substantially retaining the foamed structure to thereby provide a liquid reconstituted coffee fraction of a desired concentration, and a foamed coffee fraction of similar concentration. The resulting beverage is then discharged from the mixing chamber into a cup, with the foamed coffee fraction resting on the surface of the liquid coffee fraction to provide a hot coffee beverage having a thick layer of stable foam on the surface of the beverage.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a head intended to be permanently installed in a fluid dispensing machine and a disposable canister therefor. A central chamber is formed in the head which chamber is in communication with an inlet port and an outlet port for receiving an unfiltered liquid and supplying a filtered liquid, respectively. The disposable canister has a flask shaped main body with a flat top and a neck of substantially uniform diameter on the top. The neck fits in the central chamber. A tube extending through the neck defines an annular clearance between the tube and the interior of the neck which annular clearance is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The opening into the tube located at the top of the neck is in fluid communication with the outlet port in the head. A pair of tab receptacles on the head and a complementary pair of tabs on the canister are engageable with one another by 1/4 rotation of the canister to lock the canister to the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the flavor of and removing the flavor of a fermented substance such as wine, sauce, tobacco or the like which includes a container including a surrounding side wall, and a plurality of elongated magnetic members mounted on an inner side of the surrounding side wall. Like poles of the magnetic pieces are placed adjacently so as to induce a high density magnetic field inside the container.

Abstract: A milk warmer comprising an open tray for holding hot water and containers of milk, and a closed chamber under and contiguous with the tray, there being a common heat-conducting wall between the tray and the chamber. There is a first means for controllably introducing steam into the chamber; for example from a coffee-making machine. There is a second means for controllably transferring steam and condensate from the chamber into the tray and impinging the transferred steam against a shield attached inside the tray.

Abstract: A method of beverage processing is disclosed wherein unwanted gases are stripped from ingredient water to form treated ingredient water. Formulating syrup to be utilized in mixing a beverage product is combined with the treated ingredient water as a water portion of the syrup, and the formulated syrup is mixed with one or more other constituents of the beverage product including water, using only the treated ingredient water.

Abstract: Equipment for supplying a quantity of hot water, for example for preparing hot drinks, provided with a heating unit for bringing the quantity of water to a predetermined temperature, the inlet of which is connected via an intake pipe and via an intake valve to a cold water pipe and the outlet of which is connected to a discharge pipe, means for supplying a further quantity of water which is not brought to the predetermined temperature by the heating unit, which further quantity is dependent on the desired temperature of the total quantity of water to be supplied, temperature-selection means for selecting the desired temperature, which temperature-selection means supply a temperature-selection signal to a control unit, said control unit furthermore receiving a quantity-selection signal from quantity-selection means and supplying control signals to the intake valve and to the heating unit.

Abstract: An emulsifier assembly for emulsifying air, steam, and milk in preparing cappuccino and like beverages, particularly for use with bar-size espresso coffee makers, being also adapted for heating up milk in preparing cafe au lait, comprises a body, a steam delivery channel opening into a suction chamber of the body, an air intake line and a milk intake line. Both lines are in communication with the suction chamber, and a flow rate adjuster is connected in the air intake line. A before shutter member is opertive in the air intake line, and a restrictor member is operative in an end section of the milk intake line. Both of these members are hand-actuatable.

Abstract: The conventional home brewing apparatus for beer includes a container with some form of heater therein and a bag for suspending grain in the container. A more efficient home brewing apparatus includes a container with a pump for withdrawing liquid from the bottom of the container and re-introducing the liquid into the container at the top thereof, separate heater and heater control elements, a liquid level indicator, a separate cooling coil for removable mounting in the container, and a multi-level grid structure for supporting the grain bag at a location spaced apart from the heater. The circulating of the liquid ensures that the temperature throughout the brewing liquid is uniform, and that there is consistency from batch to batch.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a carbonated liquid is disclosed wherein a liquid is exposed to an atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas as ultrathin liquid sheets. The extremely high surface areas so exposed, coupled with turbulence within the liquid sheets, allow for high carbonation levels in just a few milliseconds. Since the carbonation of the liquid occurs on a scale of microns of liquid thickness, the carbonation is extremely uniform and subsequent liquid mixing or stabilization time is usually not required. Further, since the carbonation occurs on a time scale of milliseconds, the carbonator pressure vessel is very compact compared to its liquid throughput.

Abstract: A proportioner apparatus for mixing together at least two fluids in controlled, preselected proportions, comprises first and second fluid inlet reservoirs, first and second fluid inlets coupled respectively for delivering fluids to the first and second reservoirs, first and second outlets coupled respectively with the reservoirs for receiving a flow of fluid therefrom, each said inlet having a control valve for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough in response to predetermined control signals, and each said reservoir having level sensor therein for producing the control signals in accordance with the level of fluid therein.

Abstract: A device for heating and emulsifying milk, especially to prepare a white coffee drink known as "cappuccino" with the assistance of a steam jet, which has a vacuum chamber surrounding a nozzle and formed with an emulsion discharge port, a passageway for admitting sucked-in air, and at least one passageway for the milk which enters the chamber on account of the negative pressure prevailing therein, thereby milk, air, and steam are mixed together in said chamber and then made to flow out through said discharge port.