Abstract: A tied tea ball equipped with a serving string by which the tea ball can be lowered into and removed from a vessel of water.

Abstract: A beverage heating method includes the steps of: preheating a thermal storage heater unit in a predetermined temperature; dispensing a cool beverage from a beverage container via a dispensing conduit; heating the cool beverage by passing it through the thermal storage heater unit; and supplying the hot beverage from the thermal storage heater unit. A beverage heater apparatus includes a beverage container, a thermal storage heater unit, a liquid-dispensing valve, a control unit and a dispensing conduit. The beverage container connects with a heat-exchanging channel provided in the thermal storage heater unit. The thermal storage heater unit stores heat energy in a predetermined temperature by preheating. The control unit has a sensor to detect the temperature of the thermal storage heater unit. The liquid-dispensing valve is switched on or off to control the dispensing conduit which supplies cool beverage from the beverage container to the thermal storage heater unit.

Abstract: A coffee grinder assembly for a coffee machine comprises two coaxially arranged grinding wheels. One of the grinding wheels is driven by an electric motor, and the other one is stationary. For receiving the grinding wheels, two grinding wheel support members are provided. Each grinding wheel is provided with radially extending protrusions, and each grinding wheel support member is provided with corresponding recesses to form a bayonet closure. By such a design, the provision of connecting bores in the grinding wheels can be avoided, resulting in an enlarged effective grinding surface.

Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing coffee comprising a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water, a piston for compressing the ground coffee in the brewing chamber, and an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: The invention offers the equipment for an in-pipe running water activation method that is simple to operate and provides long-term stable performance while being beneficial to humans and to the environment. The invention relates to an in-pipe running water activation method and equipment characterized in that use is made of the action of the infrared radiation that is emitted from germanium-including biotite placed in the vicinity of a repulsive magnetic field generated by permanent magnet north poles arranged in mutually opposing positions.

Abstract: A blending station apparatus and method includes a foodstuffs storage location where a plurality of individual foodstuffs storage containers are held, a control panel for inputting information into the blending station so that the beverage size and one or more of the various types of foodstuffs, as well as other ingredients such as ice, water, supplements, etc., can be selected to make a drink, a blending container to hold the various ingredients, a mixing location for blending the ingredients to achieve a uniform drink consistency, and a cleaning location to clean the blending container after the blended contents have been dispensed into a container for consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for classifying wine in terms of fruit and non-fruit flavors. A first scale is provided for scoring wine in terms of fruit flavor, and a second scale is provided for scoring wine in terms of non-fruit flavor. The first and second scales may be displayed in a two-dimensional chart, and the fruit and non-fruit scores of particular wines may be displayed on the chart to visually communicate wine flavor information.

Abstract: A device for measuring out coffee in a coffee-maker with conical paper or synthetic fibre filter, characterised in that it comprises at least a slide (300) including at least a mark for measuring out an amount of coffee when the slide (300) is arranged inside a volume defined by a wall (2) of the filter, the slide (300) being arranged along the wall (2) when measuring out at least an amount of coffee.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of treating wine to improve the wine's taste. This is accomplished by treating the wine with a magnetic field formed by one or more magnets, preferably at least two magnets. These magnets are positioned with one magnet at the base of a container that is holding the wine and another magnet at the top of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to food and beverage products which are useful in control of obesity. The food or beverage comprises or is made by a transgenic plant or parts thereof comprising a nucleic acid molecule, the nucleic acid molecule encoding a C-terminal growth hormone fragment which has the ability to modulate lipid metabolism. The transgenic plant may be used in a production of a fermented food or beverage product, or may be a part of an edible plant, such as a fruit or vegetable, including but not limited to tomato, banana, and potato.

Abstract: A heating and emulsifying device (10), particularly for heating and optionally emulsifying air and milk in milk-based products and having the capability to regulate the air-flow and the milk-flow jointly and proportionally, comprises an emulsification chamber (12) having an opening (14) for the delivery of the product and a steam-inlet duct (20) which opens into the emulsification chamber (12). A milk-inlet duct (28) and an air-inlet duct (30) communicate with the steam inlet duct (20), the air and the milk being drawn in by the partial vacuum created by the flow of steam. An air-flow regulator (38) and a milk-flow regulator (40) are operatively associated with the air-inlet duct (30) and with the milk-inlet duct (28), respectively, the air-flow and milk-flow regulators being structurally connected and being suitable for varying the respective flow-rates in proportion with one another and the emulsion/milk ratio in the final product, without affecting its temperature.

Abstract: A blending station apparatus and method includes a foodstuffs storage location where a plurality of individual foodstuffs storage containers are held, a control panel for inputting information into the blending station so that the beverage size and one or more of the various types of foodstuffs, as well as other ingredients such as ice, water, supplements, etc., can be selected to make a drink, a blending container to hold the various ingredients, a mixing location for blending the ingredients to achieve a uniform drink consistency, and a cleaning location to clean the blending container after the blended contents have been dispensed into a container for consumption.

Abstract: A combination water and coffee dispenser includes a hollow housing having an interior chamber. A water supply line extends from a domestic water source into the interior chamber for supplying fresh water to a cold water storage tank, a hot water storage tank and possibly to a raw water dispensing nozzle on the exterior of the housing. A liquid coffee concentrate storage container is received within the interior chamber and is in liquid communication with a pump. A discharge tube extends from the pump to a mixing chamber. Hot water is routed from the hot water storage tank to the mixing chamber wherein the hot water is mixed with liquid coffee concentrate to produce coffee having a predetermined concentration. The pump speed and thus the concentration of coffee produced in the mixing chamber is controlled by a potentiometer. The device is also equipped with a chilled compartment for storing refrigerated liquid coffee concentrate formulations.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a liquid container. A handle assembly includes a seat placed on the container. A pan is placed in the seat. A spring-biased discharge control assembly and a check valve are mounted to the pan. A lid assembly is fitted on top of the seat. An elongate actuation assembly is hingedly connected to a rear of the lid assembly and includes a push button located intermediate the rear and a forward actuation member. Pressing the push button will lower the actuation member to press down the discharge control assembly and will form a gap for permitting coffee to flow out of the container by tilting the coffee maker. Releasing the push button will expand the spring to lift the discharge control assembly for closing the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to improve the appearance and texture of froth on a liquid food product. The liquid food product is prepared in a receptacle with a froth layer above a liquid layer. Droplets of a liquid are sprayed on the froth layer to increase the homogeneity thereof.

Abstract: An extraction device for extracting a beverage with cold or iced water has a tube, a fluid pressurization device and a connector. The connector has a holder with a bottom, a seat, an atomizer and a discharge pipe. The seat is mounted in the bottom of the holder and the atomizer is mounted through the holder and the seat. The extraction chamber is screwed into the seat and has a discharge orifice through which an extracted beverage passes. The fluid pressurization device is connected to the connector. The tube has an outlet end connected to the fluid pressurization device and inlet end connected to a water source. When the extraction device is used, a beverage can be extracted with cold water or iced water quickly, and the flavor of the extracted beverage can be maintained.

Abstract: The tea brewing system comprises a blending system, brewing system, bag squeezing system and cooling system to produce liquid tea for bottling and distribution. The blending system comprises a system for heating and blending water, sweetener and other flavorings in appropriate proportions. The brewing system comprises brewing and filtering mechanisms coupled with the blending system to brew liquid tea concentrate. A bag squeezing system provides apparatus and method for introducing tea bags into a brew tank and for squeezing tea from the bags into water for producing liquid tea concentrate.

Abstract: A device for magnetically treating materials includes a base, and at least one magnet carried by the base to generate a magnetic field within the material. In some embodiments, the material may be within a container, and the magnetic field may be generated within the container to magnetically treat the material. The material may be a beverage and the magnetic treatment may enhance the flavor of the beverage, or may be an emollient and the magnetic treatment may change a characteristic of the emollient. The device may include a base, a plurality of tubular members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in spaced-apart relation to receive the material, and at least one magnet within each of the tubular members to generate a magnetic field within the material.

Abstract: An automatic flavor-injected blending apparatus includes a base, a processor, and a user input in signal communication with the processor. A blending spindle is rotatably affixed at an upper end to the base and is rotatable under processor control. A container support is movably affixed to the base and is movable between a lower position for placing a container thereon and an upper position closer to the spindle's upper end. A selected flavor is injectable into the container. Software is resident in the processor that is adapted to receive the flavor selection and actuate the injection. The software is further adapted to actuate the spindle rotation. Since the blending process is automated, the server can start the apparatus, step away and attend to other duties while the apparatus is functioning, and return at a later time after a timer has turned off the spindle rotator.

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: The machine includes a first hydraulic circuit (2) with a tank for a liquid to be dispensed and a device for heating the liquid. The first hydraulic circuit (2) includes a removable tank (5) for containing the liquid to be dispensed and at least one delivery pipe (12), the first hydraulic circuit (2) being operative by command between an open configuration, in which the liquid is dispensed outside of the machine, and a closed position, in which liquid is circulated inside the machine. The device for heating the liquid includes a closed second hydraulic circuit (3) for a heating liquid and a heat exchanger (4) internally of which at least one tract of the delivery pipe (12) and at least one tract of the closed second hydraulic system (3) pass.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus (10) having a liquid holding member (12,14,16) with an operating apparatus (42) for performing a particular function, such as heating water to make a beverage, is selectively connected through an electronic switching device (36) to a source of electrical power (40) that is mounted to the liquid holding member (12,14, 16) to convey heat away from the electronic switching device (36) and into the liquid. A radiating heat sink with radiating member (45,47) protects the switching device against potential damaging physical contact is also connected to the switching device (36) and radiates heat generated by the device into the atmosphere for additional cooling of the switching device (36).

Abstract: A mechanism (15) for the controlled closure of a lid (13), in particular for an iced-beverage and water-ice making machine (10), comprises a bolt (16) slidable between a locked position and a position of free opening of the door. The bolt is movable to the open position both by means of a button to be manually pushed (21) and by introduction of a thrust tool through an appropriate passage (22). The mechanism further comprises selector means (23) manually operable from the inside of the lid to be moved between a position at which the button action is locked and a position at which the button can be freely operated.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface heated by a heating mechanism and divided into two cooking surfaces by a center seam. A mechanism for preventing grease from draining through the center seam may include either a center grease drain, a ridge along the center seam, or a seal. The cooking apparatus is folded using a hinge, along the center seam, such that the cooking surfaces are separated and disposed on external opposite and parallel sides. A control assembly, which may control the griddle surfaces separately, is removably attached to the cooking apparatus and stored at an underside thereof. The control assembly includes a cover to prevent damage to the control elements. At least one channel with a drain hole therein is disposed at each of the cooking surfaces for receiving cooking fluids, and a removable grease tray disposed beneath the drain hole collects the fluids.

Abstract: A beverage container attachment is provided that includes a cup portion having an inner surface that forms a reservoir for receiving a food substance and a connector having an opening, wherein the connector is for attaching the cup portion to a beverage container. The beverage container attachment also includes a beverage regulator attached to a wall that defines the connector opening to allow a beverage to enter the reservoir through the connector opening while preventing the beverage from exiting through the connector opening.

Abstract: In order to provide a method or apparatus whereby oxygen can be inhaled to produce an enhanced feeling of euphoria, oxygen enriched air is fed through an alcoholic drink in a container 6 so that alcohol vapour and flavours enter the oxygen enriched air. This air comprising oxygen and alcohol vapour can be inhaled at 7.

Abstract: A self-heating beverage dispenser assembly (10) with an insulated hollow body (18) with an interior space (16) for receipt of hot beverage (14) at an initial beverage temperature is provided with a beverage submersible passive heating element (12) submersed in the beverage and having a body with an interior core (48) made of heat retentive material, such a phase change material or ceramic material or the like, and surrounded by a protective outer shell (46) made of material substantially impervious to contact with hot beverage (14). The core (48) is preheated to an initial internal temperature significantly greater than the initial beverage temperature to transfer heat from the core (48) to the beverage (13) within the container, said self-contained passive heating element being contained within the interior of the hollow body. A passive heating unit energizer (44) selectively heats the passive heating unit (12) to the desired initial internal temperature.

Abstract: The offered engineering solution (technology) belongs to the food industry —particularly, to the wine industry —and can be used for riddling (dead yeast cells are accumulated in the neck of the bottle) during champagne production (wine production according to the champagne method). The Equipment allows maintaining the equal slant angle for the large number of wine bottles during their repeated revolving. The Equipment has a frame and at least one revolving platform for bottles; moreover, the platform is designed in the form of a disc with holes. Every hole holds a case for a bottle. The Equipment production and exploitation are not difficult, it is reliable, has a great productivity, and guarantees the control of riddling in every bottle at any process stage.

Abstract: The ‘Cookie Dipper’ is a hand held utensil which may be used by adults or juveniles, to insert onto or into a creme filled cookie followed by, dipping the cookie into a beverage of their choice such as milk, coffee or other beverage. While using the ‘Cookie Dipper’ the user reduces the likihood of having their hands or fingers come into contact with the beverage they are dipping the cookie into.

Abstract: A device for preparing drinks that incorporate a capsule selection function connected to a system for brewing the contents of the capsules to enable brewing to take place under optimal conditions. The device includes a storage system comprising capsules arranged in several sets, a mechanism for capturing a capsule individually from a set and releasing the capsule into a brewing system. The capture mechanism is able to move between the storage system and the brewing system and is designed in such a way as to adopt at least two positions, a first or reception position in which the capsule is held and is able to be transferred by the capture means and a second or release position in which the capture means can be opened to release the capsule from the capture mechanism. The device provides advantages in the handling of the capsule after its selection, in particular, its transfer, the brewing of its contents, and, optionally, the ejection of the spent capsule in a reliable, rapid and automated manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the extraction of a substance for preparing a beverage from a capsule, comprising a chassis (11) with a horizontal flat part (22) and a vertical part (14) at the rear of the said chassis; a drawer (5) which can be moved in horizontal translation over the flat part of the chassis between an open position and a closed position and which comprises, in the said drawer, a capsules (10) housing unit (6) with at least one housing (21) for the capsule which is to be extracted and a pin (18) for holding on each side of the housing unit and secured thereto; a fixed capsule-extraction head (4) mounted on the chassis with at least one capsule cage (20), the said cage facing the housing for the capsule when the drawer is in the closed position; and holding means ABCD making it possible, when the drawer is in the closed position, to raise the capsule housing unit using the holding pin so as to bring the capsule that is to be extracted into the capsule cage.

Abstract: An arrangement for infusing a consumable infusable product into a customer-use container enclosing a first consumable product. The arrangement comprises a static whipping device having an internal chamber containing a pressurized gas and an amount of the first consumable product. An elongated discharge conduit is arranged in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the whipping device. The discharge conduit has a distal end with a control valve thereon. The control valve has an adaptor member to slidably receive a single-product discharge tubular member for discharge of an infusable edible product into the first consumable product. A single-product tubular member is slidably engaged onto the adaptor member for use as a straw by a consumer after the tubular member has discharged the infusable edible product into the first consumable product.

Abstract: (Problem to be Solved) The purpose of present invention is that in standardizing while adding the reduced food and drink on carrying path, the food and drink managing device in circulation type carrying path will be offered, which enables to ease management and conduct, hold down the cost of whole device, and further achieve the precise identification information reading.

Abstract: The machine comprises a first hydraulic circuit (2) with a tank for a liquid to be dispensed and means for heating the liquid. The first hydraulic circuit (2) comprises a removable tank (5) for containing the liquid to be dispensed and at least one delivery pipe (12), the first hydraulic circuit (2) being operative by command between an open configuration, in which the liquid is dispensed outside of the machine, and a closed position, in which liquid is circulated inside the machine. The means for heating the liquid comprise a closed second hydraulic circuit (3) for a heating liquid and a heat exchanger (4) internally of which at least one tract of the delivery pipe (12) and at least one tract of the closed second hydraulic system (3) pass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage in which difructose dianhydride III is added as prebiotic dietary fibers, wherein the DFA III shows, even at a pH value of <3.9, sufficient storage stability during the entire shelf life of the beverage.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a coffee extract with a fine-bubble froth layer, provided with at least one inlet (2) to which coffee extract is supplied, at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2) for dispensing the coffee extract with the fine-bubble froth layer and at least one liquid flow path (6) extending from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet (2) and along which, in use, the coffee extract flows from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2), while in the at least one liquid flow path a buffer reservoir is included with an upright sidewall and a bottom, the at least one inlet being provided with at least one spout opening for generating at least one coffee extract is supplied to the at least one inlet. According to the invention, in the buffer reservoir, a liquid flow decelerating barrier located at a distance from the upright sidewalls is included.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drink preparation machine (1) for preparing a multiple number of different drink units on a hot water basis, including withdrawing the multiple number of drink units from the same hot water source (8), and, so as to design the withdrawal in a way that provides a higher capacity, monitoring the performance status of the hot water source (8), and controlling the hot water withdrawal in such a way that the hot water withdrawal is released for all drink units at a predetermined full performance status (I), blocked for all drink units at a predetermined zero performance status and, at a predetermined partial performance status (II), blocked for predetermined drink units and released for other predetermined drink units.

Abstract: A pod holder for pressure-brewing coffee comprises a bowl-shaped inner space for receiving a coffee pod, a peripheral edge for sealing to the brew head of a coffee machine, a collection chamber for receiving the coffee from the pod, and at least one of a crema device for generating a fine golden crema layer on coffee, a crema modulator for allowing a consumer to switch on or off the crema, a cup modulator connected to the collection chamber for allowing a consumer to adjust the amount of the coffee to be brewed and a pressure modulator connected to the collection chamber for allowing a consumer to adjust the strength of the coffee to be brewed.

Abstract: A device for dispensing into a liquid at least one hydrophilic substance deposited thereon including a body having at least one surface area enhancer and at least one hydrophilic substance deposited on the at least one surface area enhancer, to form a coated surface enhancer, and the body. The hydrophilic substance deposited includes a high intensity sweetener, a nutritive sweetener, a flavoring agent, a drug substance, a vitamin, a mineral, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A beverage filter assembly, including a frame having a plurality of openings passing therethrough; and a wire cloth filter disposed within the frame.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing hot beverages includes a brewing chamber having an essentially cylindrical outside and at least two chamber parts. One of the chamber parts is movable relative to the other chamber part between a closed position and an opened position. The chamber parts holding a portion container in the closed position. A sleeve having an inside wall is adapted to the essentially cylindrical outside of the brewing chamber. At least two sealing rings for sealing the brewing chamber, encircle a respective one of the chamber parts. The sleeve is pushable over the outside of the brewing chamber in the closed position. Each sealing ring provides a seal between the inside wall of the sleeve and the outside of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A brewing machine suitable to deliver beverage enhancing component to a beverage precursor is described. The brewing machine may be used to dispense a ready-to-drink tea beverage having superior aroma, flavor and color characteristics.

Abstract: A hot beverage machine includes a heating unit having a fresh water intake. A fresh water line supplies fresh water to the fresh water intake of the heating unit. A residual fluid line is coupled to the fresh water intake of the heating unit through an on-off valve for conducting fluids to a collection container. A device for letting off residual steam and residual water from the heating unit includes a heat-exchanging and heat-storing condenser having a residual line section coupled to the residual fluid line, a fresh water line section coupled into the fresh water line and a heat storing medium that is connected for conducting heat between the residual line section and the fresh water line section.

Abstract: A coffee bean container for an automatic coffee maker comprising a receptacle 2 for storing coffee beans, with an output shaft 4 via which coffee beans in the receptacle 2 can be supplied to a grinding mill. The coffee bean container has a coupling ring 7 disposed coaxially to the output shaft 4 for connecting the coffee bean container 1 to an automatic coffee maker. The coffee bean container 1 has a closure unit 12 for closing the output shaft 4 which has at least one closure element 13, 14. The at least one closure element 13, 14 is supported about a pivot axis parallel to the axis of the output shaft 4 and pivotable between an open and a closed position. The closure unit 12 includes a mechanical drive which mechanically couples the closure element(s) 13, 14 to a rotational movement of the receptacle 2 which moves the closure element(s) to the open position or closed position.

Abstract: A capsule magazine unit having a holding device for capsule magazine unit, into which the capsule magazine unit can be releasably inserted, such as of an espresso machine. The capsule magazine unit can comprise at least one essentially vertical capsule magazine tube that is suitable for holding capsules of coffee or other beverage or food forming components stacked one above another and can have a lateral capsule removal opening at the bottom. A locking ring, which is arranged around the capsule magazine unit, can be displaced essentially vertically with respect to the capsule magazine unit. At least one locking-ring lifting element on a holding device for holding the capsule magazine unit can be provided that is suitable for acting on the locking ring.

Abstract: A unit having a collecting device with a seat arranged to receive a disposable capsule containing a soluble product, such as a beverage-forming powder. The capsule contains at least one inlet port for a diluting fluid introduced into the capsule, at least one outlet port for delivery of a beverage provided by thorough mixing of the soluble product and the diluting fluid, and a bottom wall. The unit also includes a throttling arrangement provided by an engaging surface of a plunger that is operatively associated with the outlet port of the capsule. The engaging surface of the plunger is positioned and arranged outside of the capsule before the diluting fluid enters into the capsule, with the throttling arrangement created as diluting fluid is urged to enter the capsule by expansion of the capsule bottom wall and by forcing the engaging surface of the plunger to snugly fit through the outlet port.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage (12) contained within an outer shell (10). This Alcoholic Beverage Device is a single product with multiple characteristic possibilities. The device can specifically be used for the unique purpose of containing individual serving quantities of a gelatinous-alcoholic beverage. The outer shell may be edible or non-edible. The device may also contain a dissolvable outer shell and, when placed in beverages, release alcohol as it dissolves. This device can also contain shots, mixed shooters, and other variations of individually consumable liquid alcoholic beverages. This device can further be refrigerated, and used to cool beverages.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus having a temperature sensor disposed on a warming deck that receives a brewed beverage decanter provides temperature information used to select a heating profile for maintaining the brewed beverage at a proper serving temperature without overheating. An intermittent heating profile based on the temperature difference between the actual brewed beverage temperature and the desired temperature is recalled from memory storage and applied to a heating element below the warming deck.