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.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tofu coagulant, comprising: a liquid food oil pumping pathway H1 from a liquid food oil tank T1 by a metering pump P1; a mineral salt solution pumping pathway H2 from a mineral salt solution tank T2 by another metering pump P2; an emulsion dispersion machine M1 for stirring the liquid food oil with the mineral salt solution to an emulsification phase; wherein the liquid food oil pumping pathway H1 is connected with the mineral salt solution pumping pathway H2, and the mineral salt solution is added predetermined ratio for producing the tofu coagulant, wherein the water phase and the oil phase are stirred and mixed to W/O type (water in oil type) emulsion (without emulsifier).

Abstract: A beverage preparation device is disclosed which comprises an insert that is inserted into a receptacle and can be interlocked with the receptacle. The beverage preparation device comprises a receptacle (1), a receptacle holder (2), and an insert, e.g. a lid (3) or a holding element. The receptacle holder (2) has at least one element (24) which protrudes from the receptacle (1) and on which at least one engaging structure (26) is provided that cooperates with a second engaging structure (34) on the insert (3) in such a way that the insert is releasably interlocked with the receptacle (1). Preferably, the two engaging structures represent a bayonet joint.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: An automatic cocktail maker, including a frame, multiple can bodies, a multi-channel switching device including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a measuring pump including an inlet hole and an outlet hole, a pipe system, and a programmable control unit. The can body is disposed on the frame, the pipe system operates to connect the can body with a liquor outlet, the can body is connected to the liquid inlet of the multi-channel switching device via a first honeycomb duct, the liquid outlet of the multi-channel switching device is connected to the inlet hole of the measuring pump via a second honeycomb duct, the outlet hole of the measuring pump is connected to a liquor outlet, and a drive portion of the multi-channel switching device and the measuring pump is electrically connected to the programmable control unit.

Abstract: A frozen drink maker is provided having an ice shaving unit with a rotatable ice chute. A plurality of blender units are positioned about the ice shaving unit, each having a removable blender jar for receiving shaved ice therein. A programmable controller is operably connected to the ice shaving unit and each of the blender units for controlling the operation of the ice shaving unit and the blender units. The programmable controller includes a plurality of preprogrammed routines to make a plurality of different frozen drink, wherein the programmable controller can be selectively set to make one of the plurality of frozen drink in each of the blender jars.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly which has one or more urns to which a manual, post-mix valve is engaged, on front walls thereof. The urn or urns do not contain fluid, rather, at least, a pair of fluid lines carrying pressurized fluid to the post-mix valve, which may be a “T” valve. The two fluid lines carry fluid from a first and a second fluid source, typically pressurized, which sources are remote from the urn or urns. The urns have walls defining an interior volume. The interior volume is adapted to receive lines carrying a pressurized concentrate and a pressurized base fluid, such as water. The lines are adapted to be contained at least partly within the inner volume of the urn or urns of the urn assembly and engage a near end of the post-mix “T” valve where the post-mix “T” valve engages the front wall of the urn. If the assembly is comprised of more than one urn, it may include a base, designed to hold the urns in side-by-side alignment.

Abstract: A heating device for cup-shaped receptacles such as coffee cups. The device includes a support for supporting a receptacle with the support including a heating mechanism and being designed to generate and guide heated air or radiating heat to the receptacles in order to heat a surface of the receptacle. The surface is preferably the whole inner or outer surface of the cup-shaped receptacle.

Abstract: A reduced fat beverage and a method of making the same is disclosed. A method for making a reduced-fat beverage includes destabilizing a base solution, the base solution comprising a fat component and non-fat components. The method also includes separating the fat component from the non-fat components and removing the fat component from the base solution.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: Mouthfeel can be improved by processing a beverage product having an insoluble food component with a static mixer. The beverage product can be a soy beverage containing insoluble protein components. The static mixer serves to reduce the average particulate size of the insoluble food component.

Abstract: A self-regulating FO system is disclosed comprising a container containing a source water supply, a forward osmosis membrane element located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, an osmotic pump element also located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, and an osmotic agent tank located above the container. The osmotic agent tank comprises a feed tube connected to an outlet located on the bottom of the osmotic agent tank. The feed tube communicates with the osmotic agent inlet of the forward osmosis membrane unit and the osmotic agent inlet of the osmotic pump element. A return tube communicates with the drink outlet of the osmotic pump element and a port near the top of the osmotic agent tank.

Abstract: The invention presents a cold beverage dispenser which uses a heat exchanger to cool incoming water with a very cold closed loop of chilled coolant. Under control of a control system, the cooled water from the heat exchanger is mixed with uncooled in put water to regulate its temperature, then (if desired) carbonated. The regulated temperature water, optionally carbonated, is mixed with a liquid concentrate and dispensed at one or more dispensing stations. Preferably, the temperature, carbonation and strength of the dispensed beverage is controllable by the consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid heating device, in particular for household application, mainly, for preparing hot beverages comprising a body provided with a liquid flow channel which comprises a liquid inlet and outlet and is connected to at least one electrical heating body whose feeding is controlled by switching means connected to control means.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for use with beverages and beverage making and dispensing equipment. The apparatus, system, and method of use monitors characteristics of the beverage, reports characteristics, or both and selectively affects the beverage and beverage making and dispensing equipment, a server containing the beverage, or both. The apparatus, system, and method of use employs an information vehicle device associated with each beverage server or dispenser and a reader which reads the information device. The reader communicates the information from the information device to a controller for use to individually or collectively display information, collect information, and/or selectively affect the condition of the beverage in response to the information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of wetting and/or dissolving a substance contained in a capsule for producing a beverage consisting, by means of a piercing and injection element, in piercing the capsule and injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule to wet and/or dissolve the substance; the piercing and injection element being arranged so as to inject the liquid into the capsule in the form of at least one thin layer extending in a continuous, divergent and multidirectional manner, covering a spray surface in an arc of a circle inside the capsule. The invention also relates to a device comprising a flow channel and a valve designed to close off the channel in a first position, called the rest position, and to open under the effect of the pressure from the liquid against an elastic element so as to free a passage as a function of the pressure and thus create the thin layer of liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a coffee maker having a structure for preventing water from leaking while a water storage container is unloaded, and a microwave oven having the same. The coffee maker includes: a water storage container storing water for extracting coffee and having a drainage hole formed at one sided portion thereof; a tube guiding water drained through the drainage hole of the water storage container so as to extract coffee; and a connection unit having a first connector of which one end is connected to the water storage container, and a second connector of which one end is connected to the tube and the other end is separatably connected to the first connector. The connection unit communicates the water storage container with the tube and prevents water from leaking from at least one of the water storage container and the tube when the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other.

Abstract: A frozen beverage freezer machine is provided with two side-by-side freezer cylinders containing different flowable frozen beverage products. Draw valves are provided to draw the beverages separately for dispensing separately from the two beverage freezer cylinders. An additional draw valve, generally centered relative to the freezer cylinders, is provided to draw beverages from the two cylinders simultaneously for dispensing a mix of the two beverages. Clog breaker blades are coupled to the center draw valve assembly to inhibit clogging of passageways from the frozen beverage cylinders to the center valve, to facilitate reliable flow and mixing of the two beverages when the center valve is opened to dispense the mix into a user's receiver cup.

Abstract: A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained.

Abstract: An easy-open can end including an inclined surface formed in a direction of a tab tail of a pull-tab from a center of a panel such that the center of the panel becomes a maximum concave portion, a lower surface of the pull-tab abuts on the inclined surface or is brought close to the inclined surface along the inclined surface, the pull-tab has a pit S formed by pressing-down forming, and the pull-tab is bent by the pit S. A method for manufacturing an easy-open can end including a process for pressing down part of an outer rim of the pull-tab after or at the same time as a process for fixing the pull-tab to the panel.

Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually. A beverage apparatus has a rigid rod, a first manipulator connected to the rigid rod near the top of the rigid rod, and a second manipulator connected to the rigid rod near a bottom end of the rigid rod, a porous enclosure material, and beverage brewing contents within the enclosure. The second manipulator is a bottom cup and may be made as one unit with the rigid rod, serve as a stand, or serve as a caddy for a tea bag.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage container for holding a decoction beverage, preferably a disposable tea container with a base plate and a covering arranged at a distance from the base plate in which case between the base plate and the covering a holding space bounded on the sides by a surrounding side wall is formed, a first opening being provided in the base plate through which a decoction unit holding decoction materials can be guided and a second opening smaller than the first opening being formed in the covering or in the region of the covering through which a section of the decoction unit can be guided, the holding space being of dimensions such as to hold at least part of the decoction unit. This lid is especially suitable for covering beverage containers in which decoction beverages, especially for “sale on the street” are to be prepared. The decoction unit may be used without having to remove the lid from the beverage container.

Abstract: The support (3) comprises a first resting surface (13) and a second resting surface (7), which can be set on top of one another at different heights.

Abstract: A liquid infusing and flavouring device for the infusing and/or flavouring of liquids. The liquid infusing and flavouring device includes an inlet passage connectable to a liquid (typically beer) to allow liquid to flow into the liquid infusing and flavouring device. An outlet passage allows the liquid to flow out of the liquid infusing and flavouring device and which the outlet passage is connectable to the inlet portion of a liquid dispensing tap. The liquid infusing and flavouring device has a container that houses the infusing and/or flavouring substance. The container is in selective fluid communication with the with the inlet and outlet passages. In order to allow the liquid to pass through the liquid infusing and flavouring device, there is situated between the inlet and outlet passages a three way valve operable between a non-infusing-flavouring mode and an infusing-flavouring mode.

Abstract: Method for heat treatment of human milk, wherein the milk is kept at an elevated temperature in a pasteurising step. Removal of bacterial constituents and/or viral constituents can be effected if an elevated temperature in the narrow range of 57-61° C. is applied during a time span in the range of 5-60 minutes, with the proviso that for temperatures above 60° C. the milk is kept at this temperature for less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for human consumption and having a fine-bubble foam layer. The device is provided with a beverage unit (2) for delivering the beverage under pressure and at least one nozzle (4) which is in fluid communication with the beverage unit for supplying the beverage to the nozzle such that the nozzle can generate a jet (12) of beverage. The device further comprises a receiving unit (14) into which the jet is directed for obtaining the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer. The receiving unit is provided with a chamber (16) with at least one drain opening (18) for delivering the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer and a jet impact member (20) accommodated in the chamber and having a top (22) that lies free from an inner wall (24) of the chamber.

Abstract: A beverage mixing vessel or drink shaker has internal features effective for breaking up ice as the beverage mixing vessel or drink shaker is shaken. One or more protrusions disposed near the bottom of a container have apexes aligned in the direction of shaking motion. The impact of ice cubes upon the apexes of the protrusions facilitates breaking the ice cubes into smaller pieces, thereby having the effect of cooling a mixed beverage more quickly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder assembly (1) for a powdered ingredient (4) for preparing an instant drink. The assembly comprises a holder, a conveyor screw (6), an outflow channel (7) provided on the holder for dispensing ingredient (1), a threshold plate (9) extending into the outflow channel (7), and also a shut-off valve (10) for shutting off the outflow channel (7). The shut-off valve (10) comprises a shut-off body (11) which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw (6) between a release position and a shut-off position. In the release position the shut-off body (11) is located downstream of the threshold plate (9), set apart therefrom. In the shut-off position the shut-off body (11) is located next to the threshold plate (9) in such a way that the shut-off body (11) and the threshold plate (9) together shut off the shut-off channel (7). The invention further relates to a drink preparation means comprising a holder assembly (1) according to the invention.

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing a beverage includes a housing, an outlet for dispensing a prepared beverage disposed on one side of the housing, a first support arranged below the outlet onto which a container can be placed for filling, and at least one second support securable on the housing above the first support. The second support is mounted so that it is displaceable along a horizontal plane into an opening on the one side of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a port system (1) for fastening a container (3) comprising a vessel (2) and an outlet (6) to a connection system (14) presenting an inlet, said port system comprising: —a main skirt (4) connectable to the outlet (6) of the container presenting a connecting end and a discharge end (7), —a hopper (8) attached to the internal wall of the skirt and tapering to a discharge outlet (9) in direction of the main skirt discharge end (7), —a tearable membrane (10) closing the skirt discharge end and the hopper.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

Abstract: A water intake amount management device includes a cup body and a cup cover. The cup body is used to store water, and includes at least one communicating tube and at least one float. The communicating tube is in communication with the stored water. The float is disposed in the communicating tube, and floats on a surface of the stored water. The cup cover is combined with the cup body, and includes a man-machine control interface. When driven, the man-machine control interface senses a distance between the cup cover and the float, converts the distance to a plurality of water amount values, calculates a water intake amount according to the plurality of water amount values, and prompts a user according to the water intake amount.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 10 for preparing a ready to use liquid product from a semi-finished product, said semi-finished arranged in a first container 1, the device comprising an injector for supplying an amount of liquid in the first container thereby providing the ready to use liquid product, wherein the injector is arranged for evacuating the ready to use liquid product from the first container 1 into a second container 9.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the blender module initiates a cleaning mode.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient capsule (1) is provided with an identification member (6) designed for being physically contacted from outside in order to control operation parameters of an associated beverage production machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a beverage mixing apparatus which may be used to prepare alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage combination cocktails. In one embodiment, the beverage mixing apparatus includes an upper assembly capable of supporting a plurality of tapered vessels having a first size and a lower assembly capable of supporting a plurality of tapered vessels having a second size. The upper assembly includes a handle assembly which functions like a plunger to submerge and release the plurality of tapered vessels having a first size into the plurality of tapered vessels having a second size when force is applied thereto.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage fit for consumption with a fine-bubble froth layer, such as coffee or milk with a fine-bubble froth layer, provided with a beverage unit for dispensing under pressure a beverage to be processed, at least one nozzle, which is in fluid communication with the beverage unit for feeding the beverage to the nozzle to generate a jet of the beverage by means of the nozzle, and a collecting unit, into which the jet squirts to obtain the beverage with the fine-bubble froth layer. The collecting unit is then provided with a tubular chamber with at least one open end for dispensing the beverage with the fine-bubble froth layer, the nozzle and the collecting unit being in fluid communication with each other such that the jet squirts against an inner wall of the tubular chamber for beating, in the tubular chamber, air into the beverage to obtain the beverage with the fine-bubble froth layer, which, in use, leaves the tubular chamber via the at least one open end.