Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: A method of processing a juice and/or soda product in a beverage processing plant, where the juice and/or soda product is obtained from one or several starting products, including determining the color and turbidity of at least one starting product of a juice and/or soda product, and/or the color and turbidity of the obtained juice and/or soda product by means of at least one sensor of the beverage processing plant, comparing the determined color and turbidity with a stored color and a stored turbidity of at least one starting product of a predetermined juice and/or soda product, and/or with a stored color and a stored turbidity of the predetermined juice and/or soda product, and operating the beverage processing plant based on the result of this comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plant material derived juice, comprising, substantially without a required pH modification, and substantially without a thermal antimicrobial process extracting a juice from plant material with a juice extractor, and filtering the juice through at least two tangential flow filter stages having a pore size of less than about 0.2 microns, to produce a substantially aseptic juice, which is substantially absent thermal decomposition products of sugars.

Abstract: An exchangeable capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption is disclosed. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom. The wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space comprising beverage ingredient for preparing the beverage. The bottom comprises an entrance area for supplying fluid to the ingredient, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining beverage from the capsule. The beverage ingredient comprises at least a soluble substance. The exit area comprises an exit filter that is adapted to substantially prevent non-dissolved soluble substance from leaving the capsule. A system for preparing a beverage comprising such a capsule and a method for preparing a beverage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a beverage product, including mixing at least two product flows, wherein at least one of the at least two product flows is sterilized before mixing without heating.

Abstract: A combination beverage and water dispenser includes a housing having a liquid-beverage-concentrate storage reservoir, a hot water storage tank and a cold water storage tank received therein. The cold water storage tank is in fluid communication with both a domestic water supply line and a dispensing cavity for receiving an inverted water bottle. Level sensors within the cold water storage tank communicate with a control valve on the domestic water supply line to control incoming domestic water supply. Alternatively, the domestic water supply may be disabled and a water bottle may be installed within the cavity to use bottled water in lieu of domestic water, if desired. The hot water tank, the cold water tank and the beverage concentrate reservoir are in selective communication with a mixing valve wherein hot or cold water and beverage concentrate are mixed to produce a desired hot or cold beverage.

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: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set amount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber (28) for mixing with water to form a beverage. A pump head (46) includes a piston opening that receives a piston (48) and a water port that defines a water flow path. A housing (62) includes an integral water port (40). Water from a water source flows along a water line and into the integral water port (40) of the housing (62). The water flows through the water port (40) of the pump head (46) and into the mixing chamber (28) to form the beverage.

Abstract: A flowmeter (1) comprises: an outermost casing (2,4) containing a measuring chamber (10); an outermost face (20) on the casing; a generator (3,36) for generating at the outermost face a signal representative of a flow through the measuring chamber; and a connection arrangement (28) for fastening the outermost casing against a PCB (50) which extends over and beyond the outermost casing and contains a sensor (51) that is located at the outermost face and that is configured to sense the signal from the generator upon connection. The connection arrangement is configured for connection against the PCB, which connection between the PCB and the casing is distinct from the sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved draining and venting systems for coffee makers and other water-using appliances used on board passenger transport vehicles.

Abstract: A device for treating perishable objects or liquids and a method of fabricating the device. The method comprising breaking a single piece of magnetic material into a plurality of pieces; inhibiting movement of the pieces with respect to each other during the breaking of the magnetic material; and forming a magnetic structure comprising the plurality of pieces of the magnetic material.

Abstract: A brewing system (100) includes a brew group (130) having a cylindrical brewing chamber (132), a first actuator (146) attached to an upper piston assembly (140) that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator (156) attached to a lower piston assembly (150) that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube (151) that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube (141) that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (100), hopper (112), water heater (11) and grinder assembly (120). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a fermentation arrangement for fermenting a brew including a vessel having an internal volume adapted to support fermentation of a brew therein, a settable energy device arranged to deliver and extract energy respectively to and from the internal volume of the vessel, and a temperature controller device for controlling the amount and period of energy delivery and extraction of the settable energy device to achieve a temperature within the vessel according to one or more modes of operation, wherein the modes of operation include at least a storage mode associated with the end of fermentation, and the setting of energy in the storage mode is such as to maintain the fermented brew in a stable state. End of fermentation may be detected by measuring for temperature stratification, using temperature sensors positioned at different heights of the brew.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing whole soy milk by sterilizing raw beans with the bean skins by heating in a heating chamber, transforming the starch into soluble dextrin, and then grinding the beans into an ultra-fine particle to be manufactured into whole soy milk. When the starch is transformed into dextrin by means of the above-described method, whole soy milk which is as smooth as bovine milk can be manufactured, said whole soy milk being easier to digest and having an excellent taste and flavor due to the removal of the inherent fishy taste and grassy flavor or “stink' of the beans. By using the entire bean the problem of waste generated in traditional soy milk manufacturing processes is resolved, and soy milk yield is greatly improved. Further, a method is provided for manufacturing whole black soybean milk utilizing the quality anticancer ingredients found in the black bean skins.

Abstract: A baby formula maker including: a main body in which a water tub and a baby formula tub are installed; a heating portion installed in the main body and heating water contained in the water tub; a time controller controlling time at which the water is heated by the heating portion; a cooling portion including a radiator cooling the water heated by the heating portion and one or a plurality of Peltier cooling modules attached to the radiator so as to lower the temperature of the radiator; and a electric current controller controlling temperatures of the one or the plurality of Peltier cooling modules. The time required to make milk for nursing can be remarkably reduced, and if milk for nursing is needed, immediate nursing can be carried out, and speed and convenience can be provided to the user, and the baby formula maker is sanitary and compact and has a simple structure and thus can be economically manufactured on a mass scale.

Abstract: An Aromas kit uses containers of certain discrete molecules to provide odors suitable for an olfactory education of wine properties. The disclosed molecules may be found within certain wines and provide a useful olfactory reference when smelling a finished wine sample, even when the wine sample contains a myriad of other conflicting or competing molecule smells.

Abstract: A fluid aerator (1) comprising a fluid vessel (2) and a pipe (4) extending from the interior of the fluid vessel (2) to the exterior. The pipe (4) has inlet means for permitting liquid to flow into the pipe (4) from the vessel (2) and is closed at its lowermost end but has one or more outlet holes (8) arranged in the wall of the pipe where the fluid exists from the pipe (4). The pipe (4) is movable relative to the vessel (2) between a first position in which the outlet holes (8) are distant from the vessel and a second position in which the outlet holes (8) are closer to the vessel. By means of the movable fluid supply pipe (4) the same fluid aerator can be used both in relation to delivering aerated fluid into a large bottle and to delivering smaller amounts of aerated fluid to a smaller container, such as a wine glass.

Abstract: An infused beverage storage container to enable a person to create a fruit infused alcoholic beverage within the same container used for storage and dispensing. The infused beverage storage container includes a holding box with a plurality of sides, where the plurality of sides compose a peripheral edge of the holding box, a set of handle acceptors attached to a set of opposing sides, a top attached to an upper portion of the holding box, and a set of handlebars engaged within the set of handle acceptors to lift the infused beverage storage container. The infused beverage storage container further includes an infusion jar resting within the holding box, a lid fastened to the infusion jar and extending from an opening within the top, and a combination of ingredients to create an infused beverage wherein the infused beverage is housed within the infusion jar and dispensed after removing the lid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule designed to be used in an automatic beverage preparation and dispensing machine. The capsule includes a compacted aggregate of a substance to be infused; and a packaging envelope impermeable to air and water. The packaging envelope is configured to hold the compacted aggregate of the substance in the interior of the capsule so that infusion is carried out in the interior of the capsule. Also disclosed is a method comprising piercing the packaging envelope of the capsule, using a piercing device of an automatic beverage preparation and dispensing machine.

Abstract: A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage.

Abstract: An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors.

Abstract: A flowmeter that includes a moulded housing delimiting a measuring chamber; a rotatable measuring body having a rotatable shaft extending across the measuring chamber; and point bearings for mounting and positioning opposite extremities of the rotatable shaft in the housing. Each point bearing is formed of a protruding part and a cooperating facing counter-part part, in particular a recessed part, associated, respectively, with the housing and an extremity of the rotatable shaft, or vice versa. This protruding part and its counter-part are integrally formed with their associated moulded housing and rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a powder such as powdered infant formula into a container, and pasteurizing and reconstituting the powdered formula while completely mixing the formula in the container. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly for storing powder, a dosing assembly for measuring and dispensing powder from a receptacle into the container, a dilution assembly and a mixing assembly for obtaining accurately and completely mixed formula from the dispensed powder. The hopper is shaped to promote powder bridging, and the resulting powder bridge is used in combination with the dosing assembly to provide a predetermined amount of powder using a single mechanical valve that is isolated from the powder. The mixing assembly mixes the contents of the container while holding the bottle at a fixed angle relative to the vertical. A method of providing pasteurized infant formula from an infant formula powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a beverage using a soluble preparation, comprising a container for the soluble preparation, a mixer provided with a mixing chamber, said chamber having a filling inlet for the soluble preparation, at least one opening for supplying a liquid for solubilizing the preparation and forming the beverage, a duct for evacuating any vapour and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage, said duct comprising a suction fan, as well as an opening for dispensing the prepared beverage, a centrifuging device housed inside said mixing chamber and rotationally operated by an associated electric motor positioned outside said chamber, means for conveying a predetermined quantity of soluble preparation from the said container to the filling mouth of said mixing chamber, as well as means for conveying the solubilization liquid from the associated source to the respective opening of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: In order to provide an electrical household appliance, in particular comprising an electronic control device for different control functions by activation of respective switching elements, as well as comprising an acoustic signal generator, wherein different acoustic signals being pleasant for the user can be generated, it is proposed that the signal generator is an electronic sound generator, by means of which sounds with different sound frequencies and/or amplitudes can be generated.

Abstract: A complex high-density soybean grinder comprises a first filter unit and a second filter unit; a suction unit having a feeding tube for supplying soybeans; a lateral side of the suction unit being installed with a blower and a sound canceller so that soybean can enter into the suction unit; a feeding unit connected to the suction unit and the first filter unit; an electric controller serving to control the feeding unit; a regeneration barrel set connected to the first filter unit and the second filter unit for mixing and agitating soybean dregs from the first filter unit with water; and then the mixed dregs and water being fed into the second filter unit; a reuse barrel set connected to the first filter unit for feeding liquid from the second filter unit to the regeneration barrel set and then to the first filter unit through a pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage, for instance baby milk, from an instant product, such as formula, and water, which has been sterilized and cooled down to a temperature suitable for consumption. The apparatus comprises a water supply system for supplying water, a heating system for sterilizing the water, a cooling system for cooling down the sterilized water and a bypass, which allows sterilized water from the heating system to bypass the cooling system. Thanks to such configuration, hot water from the bypass can be added to cool water from the cooling system so as to bring the temperature of the cool water to a desired consumption temperature.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: In a coffee preparation device having at least one preparation material container, at least one container wall, particularly on a container front side, includes at least one filling level dependent activable luminous section as filling level indication.

Abstract: A method and a device for leading media in a thermal treatment system for a liquid product where, determining the led-in volume of the expelling medium while a medium is being expelled from the treatment system and by setting the determined volume of the expelling medium in a ratio to a nominal capacity of the treatment system, the shutting off of a product pipe on the outlet side following a medium change on the inlet side can be accomplished independent in time of the performance of the medium change on the inlet side. This reduces product losses and permits the treatment of residual amounts remaining in the treatment system.

Abstract: Machine for preparing a drink, which comprises a body (20) and a head (21) fitted with a liquid-injection assembly (6), which comprises a support (7) to accommodate a portion of food ingredients and comprising a passage (10) through which the said drink can flow, the said head (21) being mounted on the said body (20) such that it can move in order to move from a retracted stowage position, in which the space occupied by the machine is minimal and the passage (10) is covered, into a deployed service position in which the space occupied by the machine is greater than the space occupied in the retracted position. In the retracted position, a housing (33) is provided in the head to accommodate the support (7) and, in the deployed position, the passage (10) is uncovered in order to allow the drink to flow over an empty space intended for the insertion of a container.

Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a product within a diffuser during a continuous lixiviation process. The apparatus comprises at least one screen deck for the continuous lixiviation process and at least one longitudinal transport zone, the longitudinal transport zone extending between an inlet and outlet of the diffuser. The transport zone may include a plurality of transport zones. A drive means is arranged to move the longitudinal transport zone at a first speed towards the outlet end of the diffuser and to retract the longitudinal transport zone at a second speed which is substantially faster than the first speed towards the inlet end of the diffuser, so that the transport zone drive the product towards the outlet of the diffuser.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine that includes a housing, a pump which vibrates during use and which is mounted in the housing, and a dampener for preventing or reducing the transmission of vibrations from the pump to other machine parts. The damper includes a spring on which the pump is mounted in the housing.

Abstract: Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.

Abstract: An automated apparatus that sterilizes and refills beverage containers with filtered water and any number of additives or ingredients such as nutrients, health supplements, caffeine, flavorings, vitamins, sweeteners, coloring agents, medicines, etc. The apparatus allows consumers, including home consumers, to produce, customize and “bottle” their own flavored and fortified filtered water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk foaming device with a mixing chamber, which is arranged downstream of a steam supply pipe and which is connected to a milk and/or milk/air supply pipe, and a discharge device for the mixture arranged downstream of the mixing chamber, which has a number of discharge channels. The emitted milk foam flow is to be improved. To achieve this the discharge openings of the discharge channels are sloped at an angle to the cross-sectional plane of the discharge channel and the slope angles of the discharge openings of the discharge channels have the same vertex.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for the reconstitution of dehydrated drinking products for use in a domestic setting. A captive magnetic mixing impeller is described. Furthermore, a dehydrated drinking product preparation system is described comprising a magnetic stir plate, a multipurpose mixing, storing, serving and drinking vessel with a captive magnetic mixing impeller and cap. Furthermore, methods for preparing dehydrated drinking products for human consumption are described using the apparatus and system.

Abstract: Injection assembly (6) for the preparation of a drink from consumable ingredients and a liquid, comprising a frame (50) in which the following are mounted: —an injection chamber (100), intended to accommodate a portion of ingredients, having a lower part (7) and an upper part (52, 101), at least one of said lower (7) and upper (52, 101) parts being mounted so as to move; and—a cam (51) and a cam follower (52) which are mounted so as to move rotationally and translationally respectively, these cooperating via inclined surfaces (61, 62) in order to close said injection chamber (100). According to the invention, the upper part (52, 101) is mounted so as to move translationally inside said frame (50) and in that said cam (51) and said cam follower (52) are movably joined to said upper part (101) so as to be able to open and close said injection chamber (100).

Abstract: Machine for preparing a drink, which comprises a casing (1) defining an internal volume in which internal means for circulating a liquid intended for preparing said drink are housed, said means comprising: -means (2) for piping the liquid inside said casing; and -a pump (3) for delivering the liquid into said liquid-piping means (2). According to the invention, the machine further includes intake means (11, 90, 93) for bringing the liquid from outside said casing (1) into the latter, which means are deployable at least partly on the casing (1) from a position in which they occupy a small space to a position in which they occupy a larger space, and are connected to said liquid circulation means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1, 21) for the production of a sparkling beverage comprising a container (2) for containing the sparkling beverage having inlet and outlet openings (9, 13) respectively, detection means (3) of the level or of the weight of the sparkling beverage contained in the container (2), a displacement pump (4) located upstream of the container (2) for feeding a given liquid ingredient or mixture of liquid ingredients therein, means apt to permit the inflation of at least one given food-grade gas or mixture of food-grade gases in the container (2), at least one suction duct (7) in communication with the displacement pump (4), a delivery duct (8) extending between the displacement pump and the container (2), and injection means (6) for the injection of the liquid ingredient or of the mixture of liquid ingredients in the container (2).

Abstract: A container for containing food and/or beverage ingredients is described. The container is of a type which may be supported in a support while the ingredients inside the container are processed, such as by a rotating blade or other mechanism. The container includes anti-rotation elements positionable in anti-rotational contact with a corresponding protruding portion in a container support in a manner which restricts rotational movement of the vessel relative to the container support.

Abstract: A method of treating an orally ingestible item having an original taste to be enhanced or reduced without imparting bitterness to the item, includes exposing the item to a magnetic field and oxygen.

Abstract: A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.

Abstract: A magnetic treatment device for liquid within at least one liquid container may include a figurine having a body portion and at least one limb extending outwardly therefrom. The at least one limb may be positioned adjacent the at least one liquid container. At least one permanent magnet may be carried by the at least one limb to expose the liquid within the at least one liquid container to a magnetic field.

Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a cooking kettle apparatus having special features to make food canning a single step process. The apparatus comprises a large diameter pour spout on the upper portion of the kettle that allows even the thickest food to flow through, and a series of interchangeable spout attachments. One spout attachment is a strainer to hold back solids as the cooked product is poured into containers. Another attachment is a straight pour spout with an air induction vent to improve the flow or liquids. The kettle has three handles about the upper portion to allow easy pouring by one person, or for two people when there is a particularly heavy batch of cooked food. The method of use provides a means by which a person can cook jams, jellies, and similar foods in the most efficient manner and with less specialized cooking items.

Abstract: A treatment device is for magnetically treating liquid in a liquid container including a plurality of figurines configured to define a container holder to receive the liquid container. At least one permanent magnet is associated with the plurality of figurines to generate a magnetic field within the liquid in the liquid container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an associated device for intermittently enriching and dispersing drinking water with gases, particularly CO2 and/or O2, wherein the water is supplied to a mixing device (5) by means of a miniature pump (3), particularly an electromagnetic oscillating piston pump with a low supply volume and the greater throughput volume required for the tap process is realized by the gas flowing into the mixing device (5).

Abstract: Hot liquid dispenser includes a housing including first and second liquid-retaining chambers, the first chamber being accessible to enable liquid to be placed therein and the second chamber being situated within a closed interior space of the housing. A heating system heats liquid in the first chamber without directly heating liquid in the second chamber. A conduit system allows only a one-way flow of liquid from the first to the second chamber and also prevents formation of a fluid connection between liquid in the first and second chambers. The dispenser includes a dispensing system having an outlet from which liquid placed into the first chamber is dispensed without continuous fluid movement of the liquid from the first chamber through the second chamber to the outlet such that liquid is retained in the second chamber without a fluid connection to the first chamber and without flowing toward the outlet.