Abstract: Valve assembly (8) for fine tuning the temperature of some fluid that has been heated or cooled in a heat exchanging section of a beverage making apparatus (1). The valve assembly (8) comprises a mixing valve (10), having a first inlet (21) for fluid communication with an outlet of the heat exchanging section (6), a second inlet (22) for fluid communication with a source of a hotter or colder version of aforementioned fluid, first and second closing means for altering a flow rate through the first and second inlet respectively, and control means arranged to control the first and second closing means in such way that an increase in flow rate through one of the inlets is matched by a substantially similar sized decrease in flow rate through the other inlet, so that the total flow rate through the mixing valve remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) for use with a beverage preparation capsule, comprising a machine main unit with a casing (3), a water reservoir (4), and a brewing head (5) comprising a dispensing outlet for dispensing said beverage into a container (12) placed below said outlet, characterized in that said machine further comprises a base element (2) supporting the main unit (3, 4, 5), and (i) the base element (2) comprises supporting stands with surfaces (11) for supporting said container (12), said stands having different heights, and (ii) the machine main unit (3, 4, 5) is pivotally mounted onto said base element (2) such that the brewing head (5) can be aligned above any of the supporting surfaces (11) by rotation of said machine main unit.

Abstract: A networking system, method and apparatus for real time management, operation, command and control of various intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for the preparation, storage and serving/dispensing of hot and cold beverages and food items. The intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for personalized/customized preparation, storage and dispensing of selected beverage/food items in accordance with user/customer preference profiles maintained within said intelligent appliances and or in conjunction with a central server, a mobile device, a stationary device or a combination thereof; including the maintenance of user/customer information in secure databases for evaluation and analysis by the customer, vendor and an authorized health care professional for personal health management and other utility.

Abstract: A coffee maker including a base, a filter basket positioned above the base, the filter basket including an outlet, and a drip stop assembly, and a method of using the coffee maker.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is electrically operated and has a control unit, at least one functional unit, and an electric circuit for supplying the functional unit and the control unit with current. The electric circuit has a switch for switching the current on or off, through respective first and second operations of an operating element. The switch has a first switch contact and a second switch contact, which are connected in parallel in the electric circuit. The first switch contact is brought into a closed state by the first operation of the operating element, and assumes an open state after the second operation. The control unit provides a control signal so that the second switch contact is closed after the first operation of the switch and opened after the second operation of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7;8) for producing hot beverages comprising: -heating means (40) for producing hot water; -first sensor means (50; 60) for measuring first temperature data of said hot water; -pumping means (200) of said hot water, operatively connected to said heating means (40), for producing pressurized hot water; -second sensor means (30) for measuring first pressure data of said pressurized hot water; -dispensing means (100) of said beverages,operatively connected to said heating means (40) and to said pumping means (200); said device (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8) also comprising control means (80), operatively connected to said first sensor means (50; 60) and to said second sensor means (30), for continuous monitoring of said first temperature data and of said first pressure data during the operating phase of said device (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8); said control means (80) being operatively connected to said heating means (40) and to said pumping means (200) for conti

Abstract: A brewing-type beverage production device comprising at least one water reservoir, at least two thermoblocks respectively being in fluid connection with the water reservoir, at least brewing chambers, each of the brewing chambers being supplied with heated water from one of the thermoblocks, being adapted to contain a beverage ingredient and being connected with an outlet for draining a brewed beverage, the device furthermore comprising a hot water outlet being adapted to be selectively in fluid connection with the at least two thermoblocks.

Abstract: An infusion beverage making apparatus (100) comprises a liquid heater, an infuser (140) for receiving beverage solid and conveying means for conveying heated liquid from the liquid heater onto the beverage solids. The apparatus (100) is configured to operate in at least one phase in which heated liquid is passed from the liquid heater through the beverage solids and in another phase in which steam is passed through at least a portion of the conveying means. A quantity of water is heated to boiling by the liquid heater and a steam pressure allowed to develop as a result which is sufficient to force steam through at least a portion of the conveying means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage. A brewer may be operated so that when water or other beverage precursor is detected to be heated to a desired temperature, the liquid may be provided to a brew chamber to form a beverage. In one embodiment, detection of the water temperature may be performed by a temperature cut off switch (TCO) which is normally closed to provide power to a water heater, but opens when the water reaches a predetermined temperature. Opening of the TCO may cause delivery of the liquid to the brew chamber, e.g., by causing pressurization of a reservoir containing the liquid. In another embodiment, control of delivery of water from the reservoir may be made based on power interruption to the heater. For example, an air pump may be controlled to deliver air to the reservoir in response to power to the heater being cut off.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for brewing a hot beverage. A control system causes a heater that is integral with a beverage container to elevate the water temperature to a predetermined brewing temperature while infusible material in an infuser basket is isolated from the liquid. When the brewing temperature is achieved, the controller causes a positioner assembly to submerge the infuser basket in the heated liquid. The control system maintains the liquid at a predetermined brewing temperature. After a predetermined brewing interval, the control system causes the positioner assembly to raise the infuser basket thereby to isolate the infusible material from the brewed beverage. Thereafter the control system may maintain the beverage temperature at an optimal serving temperature.

Abstract: A brewing facility for a coffee machine comprises a brewing cylinder (6) and an upper plunger (3) and a lower plunger (4) by means of which a brewing chamber is formed. The brewing cylinder (6) and the plungers (3 and 4) are held in a frame (2) such that they can be shifted, and can be driven by means of a driving facility. For adding the coffee powder, a coffee powder feed facility is provided which in turn is provided with a swivel-type funnel (14), which can be moved against a spring force from a filling position into a swiveled-away position, and vice versa. The swivel-type funnel (14) can be swiveled further from the swiveled-away position to a fully swiveled-out position and, in said fully swiveled-out position, can be locked by locking means (29) and unlocked by unlocking means (30). In this way, the swivel-type funnel (14) can be held in the fully swiveled-out position during the cleaning of, in particular, the upper plunger (3).

Abstract: A system, device and method for preparing a beverage using a capsule. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body, a lid and an actuating member. The device comprises a capsule holder, a fluid supply unit, and a flow control unit arranged for controlling a parameter of the fluid to be supplied to the capsule. The flow control unit is arranged for selectively operating in one of at least a first mode and a second mode. The flow control unit comprises a switching member movable between a first and second position, and arranged for being engaged by the actuating member of the capsule. The system is arranged such that the flow control unit is in the first mode when the switching member is in the first position, and such that the flow control unit is in the second mode when the switching member is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler for heating water in a coffee or espresso machine, comprising a boiler housing (1), a cold water inlet (7), a hot water outlet (8) and an electric heating device (5). Said boiler housing (1) is cylindrical and comprises a boiler cover (2), a boiler top (4) and a boiler base (3) having a cylinder axis (A) that is horizontal when in operation. The cold water inlet (7) and the hot water outlet (8) and the electric heating device (5) are mounted on the boiler base (3) of the boiler housing (1), that extends vertically, and the heating device (5) is configured in such a manner that each point inside the container volume is at a normal distance from the heating device (5) that is less than 40% of the container diameter (D).

Abstract: Tea maker (100) comprising a controller (332) operably connected to a heating element (222) for heating water in a water compartment, a temperature sensor (224), a tea filter presence sensor (226) for detecting the insertion of a tea filter into the water compartment, and user notification means, the controller being configured to heat water in the water compartment to an initial steeping temperature; to detect whether the water has been heated to the initial steeping temperature; to notify a user that the water has been heated to the initial steeping temperature, and that steeping may be initiated by insertion of the tea filter; and once the user has been notified to insert the filter, to maintain the temperature of the water within a certain range of the initial steeping temperature until either a certain waiting period lapses, or insertion of the tea filter is detected within said waiting period.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage substance cartridge, an identifying apparatus, a beverage producing equipment, a beverage producing system and a beverage producing method which could supply water automatically instead of manual work, identify information about beverage substance likewise such as variety and years of tea leaf, and furthermore, take different brewing methods targeting at different beverage substances (e.g. tea leaf) according to identified information in collaboration with pre-stored beverage brewing parameters to make sure every beverage substance could be brewed according to the perfect method, so the advantage of beverage substance will be given into full play. The beverage producing equipment which adopts the invention could yield brewing results accomplished by specialists and furthermore be widely used in offices and homes.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.

Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.

Abstract: A tea maker comprises a vessel in which is located a conveyor. The conveyor, preferably vertically, transports a carriage. The conveyor and a carriage are surrounded by a tube and are protected from the water in the vessel. An enclosed basket is coupled to the carriage. An external user interface allows a user to select brewing parameters such as the type of beverage brewed, the brewing temperature, and the steeping time. The selection is sent to a processor. The processor then encodes the selection into a control data for the heating assembly or the conveyor.

Abstract: A sealed capsule for use in apparatus including a capsule receiving station and a water delivery system for brewing a hot beverage in which a hot liquid under pressure infuses a material. A capsule base has a concave bottom floor with angularly spaced structural ribs that form channels for directing brewed beverage to a sharpened spout. A collar surrounds the dispensing spout. A foil attaches to the collar to overlie the spout. A filter lies on the structural ribs. Infusible material lies on the filter. A water distribution plate overlies the infusible material. A cover closes the base unit and includes a water inlet. As the capsule seats in the capsule receiving station, the foil seal is forced over the sharpened spout to rupture and enable brewed beverage to be dispersed. A probe of the water delivery system also penetrates the cover to direct water into the capsule without contacting the infusible material or the brewed beverage.

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: An apparatus for preparing a beverage from water and an instant product includes a water supply system for supplying water, a heating device for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device for cooling water heated in the heating device. The cooling device uses water from the water supply system as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device has preferably previously been used in the cooling device as cooling-water. The cooling device includes a counter flow heat exchanger.

Abstract: The system includes a vertically-oriented cylinder sized to receive a selected amount of water and a substance such as coffee to be brewed. A plunger is slidingly received within the cylinder. A filter assembly separates the grounds from the brewed drink. A heating element is wrapped around the cylinder to maintain a selected temperature within the cylinder.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.

Abstract: A machine for preparing coffee or the like. The machine includes a pump supplying water; a unit for preparing and dispensing of coffee, with a dispensing seating, and an upstream electric heater for heating the water passing through the heater; a hydraulic circuit which connects the pump to the inlet of the heater and which includes solenoid valves assuming a rest configuration in which the heater is substantially emptied of water, and a working configuration in which the heater is enabled to receive and be traversed by a flow of water sent by the pumping devices for the preparation of the coffee; and a control unit (ECU) arranged for activating the heater and causing the solenoid valves to change to the working configuration only when a command is issued for the preparation and dispensing of coffee.

Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B; 1C, 1D; 1E, 1F, 1G; 1H, 1I; 1J,1K, 1L); each one for selectively delivering a beverage having specific characteristics that differ from the other capsules of the set; each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) with a sidewall and a free rim (3), an upper wall (4) and an extractable or infusible ingredient; and an insertion diameter (D) of the body of the capsule for insertion in a rotary capsule holder (14) of the centrifuge brewing device (7) in a referential position, wherein the different capsules in the set having bodies (2) of different storage volumes obtained by a variable depth (d1, d2, d3) of the body in the set but the same insertion diameter (D) for all capsules of the set.

Abstract: A rapid heating, highly efficient and reliable hot water drinking apparatus comprises: a water machine (1); a tank (2); a water boiler (3); a funnel (4); a liquid level switch (8); a salver (9); and a weight sensor mechanism (91). Said potable water heating device is characterized in that: three heating devices (31) are disposed inside said water boiler (3), said heating device (31) consists essentially of a hot-resistant chamber (32), whose one opening is connecting to the tank (2) and the other opening is connecting to the funnel (4); a cap (33) covering one opening of said chamber (32); a hyperthermal electric heating tube (34), disposed axially inside said chamber (32), whose one end is protruded through said cap (33); and a baffle (35), disposed helicoidally on the exterior of said heating tube (34).

Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.

Abstract: An appliance for producing hot drinks comprising a water heating device; a heating source; a seat adapted to receive a product for preparing the drink; a duct for feeding hot water from the water heating device to the seat; a control device operatively associated with the heating source for adjusting the temperature of the water contained in the water heating device; and a compensating device to dynamically compensate for temperature drop undergone by the water flowing along the duct from the water heating device to the seat.

Abstract: An automatic drip coffeemaker with an automatically measured water metering means is herein disclosed. The apparatus also comprises a small flexible plastic water line which connects to the water source system, an in-line replaceable water filter to ensure clean filtered water, and a control circuit with automatic water sensing level switches to allow the user to select the desired amounts of cups to be made. While the exact water levels can vary per model of invention, selectable levels of a minimum to a maximum of cups of coffee would be envisioned as readily available. In such a manner the user only has to place the correct amount of ground coffee inside of the invention, select the proper number of cups to be made, and the invention will do the rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the regulation of operation parameters, in particular pressure, in a coffee machine. The apparatus comprises a keyboard, arranged for activating the machine and setting operation parameters, and a plurality of light or sound emitting elements arranged to be selectively activated for highlight through a plurality of configurations the operation parameters of the machine set through the keyboard. Thanks to the invention it is possible to avoid on the machine the presence of a display that makes more complex and less reliable the machine. The invention relates also to a machine that comprises the apparatus and to the operating method of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hierarchical modular beverage production system that includes a docking station and a beverage production module adapted to be selectively in a connected state and a disconnected state, respectively, with the docking station. In this system, the module is provided with a fluid delivery mechanism for producing a beverage from ingredients contained in a capsule, the docking station and module are respectively provided with control circuitry with the control circuitry of the module being designed for an autonomous control of the module in the disconnected state, and the control circuitry of the docking station being designed to take over at least partially the control of the module in the connected state.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) comprises a water tank (20) for containing and supplying water during a beverage making process, and a pump (40) for pumping the water out of the water tank (20). In order to terminate a pumping action at a predetermined point, the beverage maker (1) comprises a switch (64) which is arranged in a pumping circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40), a float (70) which is located in the water tank (20), and a coupling arm (71) attached to the float (70). During a pumping action, when a water level (21) in the water tank (20) is above a predetermined minimum level, the coupling arm (71) couples the float (70) to the switch (64), and the switch (64) is held in a closed position. However, as soon as the water level (21) reaches the minimum level, the coupling of the float (70) to the switch (64) is lost, and the switch (64) switches back to an opened position, as a result of which the pumping action is terminated.

Abstract: A method brewing a beverage or coffee, and an associated system, include a water reservoir having a fixed capacity, an electric pump, a steel vessel with an inlet and an outlet for water and with a heater for heating the water, a container for holding coffee grounds having a removable insert for selectively optimizing coffee strength including but not limited to optimizing for amount of coffee brewed, and an optional heater to keep brewed coffee at a desired temperature until dispensed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine with a capsule comprising an enclosure containing tea leaves comprising the steps of: a) introducing water in the capsule to submerge the tea leaves in the capsule enclosure, then b) introducing water at a soaking flow of at most 80 ml/min, then c) introducing water in the capsule until the required volume of beverage is delivered, wherein during at least one period of step b), water is introduced in the capsule at least once at a stirring flow superior the soaking flow to stir tea leaves.

Abstract: A sensor head/brew cup with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into the server to avoid damage to the probes by the server. The sensor head/brew cup moves as a unit, thereby eliminating any gap between the brew cup and the sensor head through which the brewed liquid must pour, thereby preventing spillage. The moveable sensor head/brew allows beverage brewing devices to use servers of various heights. Raising the sensor head/brew cup causes the level sensor probes to rotate upward out of the server, thereby protecting the probes from impact by the server when it is removed from the brewing device. When the level sensor probes are in the upward position they touch electrical contacts completing a self-test circuit confirming electrical continuity through the level sensor probes.

Abstract: Beverage making apparatus which controllably produces a beverage from a brewing substance by combining heated water with a brewing substance. The beverage making apparatus includes a volume adjustment assembly (22) which can be controlled by a user to increase or decrease the volume of water which is controllably dispensed to the beverage making substance. The apparatus and method for using the apparatus includes controllably dispensing water from a water source such as a water reservoir (34) or pressurized water line to a controllable heated water reservoir (53). The heated water reservoir communicates with the spray head (40). A flow meter (46) is provided and communicates with a water dispensing line (38) between the water source and the heated water reservoir for monitoring the volume of water flowing through the dispensing line.

Abstract: A hot drink maker is provided. The hot drink maker includes a heating device for making various hot drinks. The heating device can be set in advance with a desired temperature and time for making a hot drink so that the heating device heats water to the desired temperature and pumps the heated water into a steeping space in which a bag containing a raw material of the hot drink is placed. When the set time is up, a cam is driven to rotate, thereby pushing a pushing rod upward. Consequently, a seesaw element resiliently engaged with a plug rod at an end of an outlet of a steeping chamber is tilted so as to discharge a finished hot drink prepared by steeping into an adjacent pitcher along the lowered plug rod, and thus the hot drink is made conveniently.

Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device. The system includes a set of different capsules each one for selectively delivering a beverage having specific characteristics that differ from the other capsules of the set. The capsules have a body with a sidewall and a free rim, an upper wall and an extractable or infusible ingredient therein. The capsules are configured with an insertion diameter of the body of the capsule designed for insertion in a rotary capsule holder of the centrifuge brewing device in a referential position, wherein the different capsules in the set having bodies of different storage volumes obtained by a variable depths of the body in the set but the same insertion diameter for all capsules of the set.

Abstract: A coffee maker assembly particularly suitable for aircraft use delivers hot coffee into a decanter that can be removed from the assembly to serve the coffee to passengers and crew inside an aircraft cabin. The assembly includes an electronically controlled solenoid valve that controls the delivery of water from a reservoir into a coil heater. Electronic circuitry in the system controls the assembly's operation and provides various indications to a user of the system. Various automatic valves, couplings, and other features ensure safe and reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

Abstract: In the method as claimed in the invention savory substances which can be perceived by gustatory, olfactory and/or haptic means are extracted from the precursor product (24) by an automatic machine (30) and transferred into the food product (27). In doing so the extraction of the savory substances is influenced by way of user-controlled setting of at least two technical parameters of the automatic device (30) in order to produce the desired quality of the food product (27). The technical parameters (17) are set by a user-controlled electronic transmission circuit which proceeding from user-selected values of human sensory attributes (12) and based on a predetermined sensory profile (7) of the precursor product (24) controls the technical parameters (17) in production. The transmission circuit works especially according to the principle of an artificial neural network (15).

Abstract: A method for making ice coffee comprises the following steps: extracting coffee by using water at a temperature that is in a range of 35° C. to 55° C., at a normal brewing pressure that is in a range of ambient pressure to 1.5 bar, and at an extraction time that is shorter than 60 seconds, and supplying a quantity of ice to the beverage which is obtained as a result of this extraction process, in order to get the ice coffee at a temperature at which it is ready to drink. An appliance for carrying out the method may also be adapted to make hot coffee, so that a user may choose which type of coffee he/she would like to receive from the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine, whose dispensing unit has a heat generator which is independent of the boiler of the machine, valves for opening and cutting off the cold water pipe and hot water pipe which supply the dispensing unit, a temperature sensor which is arranged in the dispensing unit and control means which are connected to the valves, the temperature sensor and the heat generator in order to allow the preparation of different types of coffee, even in succession. The present invention also relates to a method for making coffee.

Abstract: A hot drink maker is provided. The hot drink maker includes a heating device for making various hot drinks. The heating device can be set in advance with a desired temperature and time for making a hot drink so that the heating device heats Water to the desired temperature and pumps the heated water into a steeping space in which a bag containing a raw material of the hot drink is placed. When the set time is up, a cam is driven to rotate, thereby pushing a pushing rod upward. Consequently, a seesaw element resiliently engaged with a plug rod at an end of an outlet of a steeping chamber is tilted so as to discharge a finished hot drink prepared by steeping into an adjacent pitcher along the lowered plug rod, and thus the hot drinkis made conveniently.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing a hot or cold drink by infusion of a product in water such as tea leaves for example, comprising a step of heating water to a determined temperature, then a step of mixing the leaves with the hot water, and finally a step of removing the infused leaves, comprising at least one step of immersing at least one element made of a porous material during the infusion; determining the temperature to which a predetermined volume of water must be heated; and determining the infusion time of the leaves in said volume of heated water; said infusion time in said volume of water is determined according to the characteristics of the infusions prepared with said leaves, the information relating to said leaves being recorded in a memory unit.

Abstract: A liquid flow through heater for heating a liquid (10) comprises a channel (4) and an electric heater element (50) for heating at least a portion of the channel (4). A temperature sense unit (6, 60) senses a temperature (ST1; ST1, ST2) indicative of the temperature of the liquid. A flow control means (3) controls a flow of the liquid (10) through the channel (4). A controller (7) controls in a first phase (PH1), (i) the electric heater element (50) to pre-heat at least the portion of the channel (4), and (ii) the flow control means (3) to obtain a rate of flow of the liquid (10) through the channel (4) which is zero or relatively small with respect to a rate of flow during a second and/or third phase.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for brewing coffee, tea and espresso is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a method for brewing coffee, tea and espresso is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention may utilize a “pod” in which the coffee, tea and espresso is disposed for brewing. In one example, a pod of a single diameter may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using appropriate pods of essentially the same diameter). In another example, a single water pressure may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using essentially the same water pressure). In another example, a single water pump may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using the same pump). In another example, a single water temperature may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using essentially the same water temperature).

Abstract: A low pressure beverage preparation system for automatically preparing a range of beverage types from a range of beverage cartridges, the system comprising: a beverage preparation machine; and a plurality of beverage cartridges, each beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients associated with a specific beverage type, wherein the beverage preparation system comprises: a. means for receiving one of said plurality of beverage cartridges in said beverage preparation machine and means for supplying, in use, to said beverage cartridge an aqueous medium at a pressure of less than 2 bar to produce a beverage from the one or more beverage ingredients contained therein; b. a reader in said beverage preparation machine for automatically interpreting a code written on said beverage cartridge; c. processing means for creating a specific brewing cycle based on said code; d.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) having a brew basket (18) for holding ingredient to be brewed and a dispensing spray head (12) for passing water onto a top surface of a layer of ingredient supported within the brew basket (18) during a dispense period of a brew cycle is provided with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, an electrical heating element (98) of sufficient power to quickly and substantially alter the temperature of the water in the chamber during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42) to control the heating element (98) to selectively change the temperature of the hot water dispensed to the brew basket (18) during a single brew cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. The tea characteristic can include one or both of tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicates with the heater. The control circuit controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic or characteristics. It can further determine steep time based on the set tea strength. The tea leaves steep in the heated water until the expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.