Abstract: The present invention provides a nutrient infuser removably attached to a drinking water source to remineralize drinking water. The nutrient infuser comprises a pipe provided for the drinking water to flow therethrough, wherein flow rate of the drinking water is measured by a flow meter. The flow meter converts flow rate into electronic signals which will be received by a controller. The controller totalizes the electronic signals and uses it to further generate another electronic signal to activate an injector to operate accordingly. Upon activation, the injector draws a predetermined amount of consumable substances from a canister and injects the same to the drinking water flowing through the pipe, remineralizing the drinking water, making it healthier for consumption. The predetermined amount of consumable substances injected to the drinking water corresponds to the flow rate of the drinking water. The consumable substances may comprise essential minerals, vitamins or flavoring.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements in beverage/food product preparation systems and in particular to beverage/food product preparation systems having machines of the type which use pre-packaged cartridges containing beverage or food ingredients. The cartridge (30) contains one or more beverage or food ingredients for use in a machine for preparing a beverage or food product from said ingredients. The cartridge (30) includes a base (34), an outlet aperture (37) in the base (34), and a collar (38) extending from the cartridge base (34) around the outlet aperture (37). The cartridge (30) is inserted into a holding receptacle (14) of a machine the collar (38) interacts with an element (65) of the machine and the collar (38) is configured to determine the pressure in the cartridge (30) during the preparation process.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a resultant flow delivered by a pump coupled to an over pressure valve, the method comprising the steps of: measuring, using a first flow meter, feed flow to the pump; measuring, using a second flow meter, return flow from the over pressure valve; and calculating resultant flow, at least in part, by subtracting measured return flow from measured feed flow. A pump power modification module can further modifying the pump output pressure to enable pressure profiling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine comprising: a tank (10); a pump (20) which is connected to the tank (10); a cold water line (L1) which is connected to the pump (20); a heating container (30) which is connected to the cold water line (L1); a hot water line (L2) which is connected to the heating container (30); a capsule holder (40) which is connected to the hot water line (L2), and which has a coffee extraction hole (42); a cup support member (50) which is provided below the coffee extraction hole (42); a load cell (60) which is provided below the cup support member (50); and a control module (70) which is electrically connected to the load cell (60). Thus, since a fixed amount of coffee can be consistently extracted, it is possible to supply coffee having a uniform taste and flavor.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with a device (4,5) to filter hot, pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, a controlling unit (16) storing data, and two pistons operated independently by two motors to control the volume and/or the position of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A capsule and capsule machine are provided for preparing product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening. Ingredients are disposed within the interior space for preparing a desired product. A cover is disposed over the opening. A visual tag is disposed on at least one of the body and cover. The machine includes a brew chamber adapted to receive a capsule and a reader adapted for reading a visual tag disposed on a capsule when the capsule is disposed in the brew chamber. An injection system is provided for injecting a fluid into the capsule and a controller is provided for controlling the injection system based at least in part by information identified by the reader. A capsule identification system is also provided comprising a plurality of capsule machines and interested parties connected via a remote server.

Abstract: An appliance (1) which can be used for making a beverage in at least two different ways comprises at least two different types of removable accessories, a housing (43) having an internal space for receiving and accommodating one of the accessories at a time, and a liquid supplying system for supplying a liquid to the internal space. In a practical embodiment of both types of accessories, a substantial portion of the accessory is generally shaped like a dish, wherein the dish-shaped portion of a first type of accessory comprises at least one hole for allowing liquid to pass that portion and flow from one side of that portion to the other, and wherein the dish-shaped portion of a second type of accessory is free from holes. The second type of accessory can therefore be used for guiding liquid received from the supplying system directly to outside of the appliance (1).

Abstract: A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber includes feeding water to the preparation chamber until a first pressure is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding the preparation chamber in a closed condition for a first time interval, opening the outlet of the preparation chamber and delivering the thus prepared beverage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dispensing of a substance from a capsule by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to: (1) a capsule, (2) a beverage dispenser for receiving the capsule, and (3) mechanisms within the beverage dispenser for automatically opening the capsule and rotating the capsule while mixing a beverage within the capsule to pour into a user beverage container or glass. The La Vit system for cracking and peeling open the capsule provides a more hygienic approach to capsule-based beverage systems.

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 invention relates to an apparatus (APP) for preparing a beverage from a solvent (S) and ingredients (IG). The apparatus comprises: a container (CO) for containing the solvent, an infuser (IF) for containing the ingredients, and said infuser being placed in the container (CO), a system (SYS) for carrying the solvent from the container (CO) into said infuser (IF) at a given flow rate (Rin), an arrangement (AR) for carrying the solvent from said infuser (IF) into the container (CO), and for regulating the output flow rate (Rout) of said solvent to an average value corresponding to the given input inflow rate (Rin). This apparatus allows the amount of solvent inside the infuser to remain constant in order to guarantee optimal brewing of the ingredients.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a base (10) having a fluid circuit for conditioning and delivering a fluid via a base outlet (11) and a base data interface (12,13); and a removable module (20) having a module inlet (21) and a module data interface (22,23) disconnectably connectable to the base outlet and the base data interface, respectively. The data base interface (12,13) and the module data interface (22,23) are mechanically connectable and disconnectable along a direction (2) of the connection and disconnection of the base outlet (11) and the module inlet (21).

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: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, comprises an openable infusion unit (3) comprising at least one part (4) able to move between a home position and an operating position, a first standby zone (8) for a cartridge (2) being formed when the mobile part (4) is in the home position, first retaining means for a cartridge (2) in the first standby zone (8), a motor (13) for moving the mobile part (4), means for expelling the cartridge (2) from the unit (3), and at least one device (1) operation check and control unit (35); there are also second retaining means (36) positioned between a cartridge insertion section (34) and the first standby zone (8), to selectively retain a cartridge (2) at a second standby zone (37), the check and control unit (35) being programmed to cause the dispensing of two beverages, one after another, using two cartridges.

Abstract: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, comprises an infusion unit (3) comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is able to move between a home position in which a cartridge (2) can be inserted in the unit (3) and an operating position, a motor (13) operatively connected to the mobile part (4) for moving it between the operating position and the home position, and a device (1) operation check and control unit (35), connected to a detection sensor (49, 50) combined with a cartridge (2) insertion section (34), for detecting respectively something approaching it from the outside of the unit (3) or the insertion of something in it; the check and control unit (35) being programmed to bring at least the mobile part (4) to the home position and/or to the operating position when it receives or, respectively, after having received from the detection sensor (50) a signal indicating the presence of something approaching or, respectively, inserted.

Abstract: A coffee machine (10), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, comprising a water tank (11), also a heating device (16) for heating up water, also a brewing unit (18) for subjecting ground coffee beans to extraction by means of the water heated by the heating device (16), also a water-line system (13) comprising at least one water line, and also a delivery pump (14) for delivering water out of the water tank (11) through the water-line system (13). According to the invention, it is provided that a chamber (25) is, or may be provided for a chemical active substance, in particular a decalcifying and/or cleaning agent, it being possible for this chamber to be connected and/or linked up to the water-line system (13), manually or automatically, such that water can be delivered out of the water tank (11), by means of the delivery pump (14), into the water-line system (13) through the chamber (25). The invention also concerns a method for operating a coffee machine (10).

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a base (10) having a fluid circuit for conditioning and delivering a fluid via a base outlet (11), said fluid circuit being coupled to a fluid source and controlled by a control unit and comprising a pump; and, at least one module having a module inlet cooperating with the base outlet, said module having a unit for housing an ingredient to be mixed with such fluid. The pump is a membrane pump, the control unit being configured to control the flow and the pressure of the liquid delivered by the membrane pump to the module, during the preparation of a beverage, according to a command selected from a plurality of commands suitable for different types of ingredients and/or for different preparation processes of a given ingredient.

Abstract: A tea pot includes a first chamber having a first entrance for access into a first reception space for receiving liquid tea and an outlet opposite to the first entrance; a sieve disposed in the first reception space in order to shield the outlet of the first chamber; a valve unit including a counter, a valve structure electrically coupled with the counter and a valve body, wherein the counter and the valve structure are mounted within the valve body, the valve structure having a valve opening aligned with the outlet; a second chamber coupled to the first chamber via the valve body, the second chamber defining a second reception space and having a second entrance coupled spatially to the valve body. The counter is adapted to activate the valve structure to move between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

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 beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe is positionable at a carafe receiving area of a beverage forming machine with a lid of the carafe in an open position or a closed position. The carafe may be positioned at the carafe receiving area in any one of multiple rotational positions within a range of 45 to 180 degrees, and the machine may detect whether the lid is open or not for any of the rotational positions. Beverage forming is prevented if the lid is detected to be closed, allowing the carafe to be safely stored on the machine regardless of lid position.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device includes a pump that delivers water at a controlled rate to a heater via a conduit, and subsequently to a dispensing outlet for brewing a beverage. The heater heats the water to a target temperature designated by a user via a control interface. A thermal sensor measures the temperature of the heated water, and logic circuitry of a controller determines the presence of a deviation relative to a user-designated temperature. If a difference is detected, the controller affects the pump, correspondingly affecting a flow rate of water through the heater, until a water temperature measurement attains the designated temperature. A display device displays water temperature, flow rate, or user-selectable operational settings. Additionally, a bypass conduit having a user-adjustable flow control device diverts a portion of the heated water past a flavoring medium and into a brewed beverage reservoir at a controlled, user-variable flow rate.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.

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 invention relates to a method for producing a coffee beverage in a brewing chamber (36) of a coffee machine (10) and to a coffee machine (10) for performing a method for producing a coffee beverage. The aim of the invention is to improve the dispensing of coffee, especially in its first phase, in order to avoid undesired splashing due to increased pressure of the coffee beverage at the coffee beverage outlet (47), According to the method of the invention, the brewing water is supplied to the brewing water inlet (35-1) of the brewing chamber (36) at a first volume flow rate during a first period of time (T1) of a first brewing phase (a), and during a second period of time (T2) of the first brewing phase (a), the brewing water is supplied to the brewing water inlet (35-1) of the brewing chamber (36) at a second volume flow rate, wherein the first volume flow rate and the second volume flow rate are both different from zero and wherein the second volume flow rate is lower than the first volume flow rate.

Abstract: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, containing at least one food substance, comprising an infusion unit (3) comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is able to move between a home position and an operating position, at least one insertion section (34) for inserting the cartridge (2) in the device (1), from which the cartridge (2) can then be fed to a first standby zone (8), at least one check and control unit (35) for device (1) operation, and second retaining means (36) positioned between the insertion section (34) and the first standby zone (8), the second retaining means in turn being able to move between a first position in which they can retain a cartridge (2) and a second position in which they allow the cartridge (2) to advance, the second retaining means (36) being able to move as one with the mobile part (4) and comprising at least one mobile element (38) removably coupled to the mobile part (4) of the unit (3), and means for uncoupling the

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A second reservoir is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. The second reservoir includes a discharge port, a gas vent and a skirt extending from a wall of the second reservoir further than the gas vent. The skirt at least partially surrounds the gas vent. At least a portion of the skirt is spaced laterally inwardly from an outer sidewall of the second reservoir.

Abstract: A structure of universal coffee maker comprising a water tank, a water pump, a heating element and an extractor, which is provided with at least one one-way water way communicating with the above components in turn, wherein said water pump is connected to a controller which can set the pumping power of the water pump. Different pumping power can be set by the water pump with controller to get different water pressure, so that the pressure conditions of different kinds of universal coffee maker can be satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot beverage preparation device for household- or gastronomic needs, comprising a heating device (3; 403) for the liquid, a control device (4) for actuating the heating device (3; 403), and a beverage container (5; 305; 405) which is configured for accommodating the heated liquid, wherein a stiffing unit (6; 106; 406) is disposed in the beverage container (5; 305; 405), the stirring unit is configured for a stirring movement of the heated liquid in order to facilitate a homogeneous distribution of a beverage substrate that can be introduced in the heated liquid, In accordance with the invention, it is provided that a storage container (2) for a liquid is provided, particularly disposed in a housing (28), and/or that the stirring device (6; 106) comprises a filtering device (206; 486) for accommodating the beverage substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a device and a system for preparing a beverage from an extractable product, such as ground coffee. Said device is provided with a receptacle (2) having an inlet for the extractable product and an outlet (3) for the extracted beverage. The method comprises the steps of: providing said extractable product into the receptacle (2); closing off completely the outlet of the receptacle (2); providing a pressurized fluid, such as water and/or water vapor, through the inlet on and/or in the extractable product, thereby pre-extracting the extractable product in the closed receptacle; and opening the outlet (3) when a predetermined threshold, such as a volume, pressure or time related threshold, is reached, thereby obtaining the extracted beverage.

Abstract: Provided is a brewing device for an espresso maker having a brewing chamber for receiving grounds, a pressing ram mounted movably on a path of travel extending between a top position and a bottom compaction position in which it penetrates into said brewing chamber to form a cake of compacted grounds, a hydraulic drive mechanism for the pressing ram having a hydraulic pump and means for measuring the volume of hydraulic fluid injected into the drive mechanism. The brewing device has a control circuit that determines the height of the cake of compacted grounds from signals delivered by the volume measurement means during the travel of the pressing ram.

Abstract: A brewing unit for making espresso (ES) and fresh-brew (FB) coffee, wherein the brewing chamber of a brewing assembly is supplied with water by a constant-frequency pump, and communicates with a first ES coffee outlet conduit, controlled by a calibrated valve, and a second FB coffee outlet conduit via a three-way COV (contact-operated) switch valve, which is formed in a compression piston for closing the brewing chamber, and is designed to be set to a normal open position, in which the first and second outlet conduit and a delivery manifold communicate with one another, and to switch, in use and in opposition to a spring, to a closed position, in which the second outlet conduit is closed, and the first outlet conduit communicates with the delivery manifold.

Abstract: A device for brewing coffee. The device includes a microprocessor, a user actuated controller for interfacing with the microprocessor, a tank for retaining water and a heating element for selectively heating the water. The device further includes a brewing basket for receipt of water from the tank, and a cone valve located in a dispersing end of the brewing basket. The microprocessor dictates a measured quantity of water to be delivered to the brewing basket in conjunction with a measured amount of ground coffee for brewing. In a preferred embodiment, a multichannel valve is employed together with a suitable pump for controlling fluid flow as dictated by the microprocessor.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic espresso brewer. The extraction assembly includes components and methods for controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The components, assemblies, and methods facilitate improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improve the reliability of the extraction assembly. The brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. Compacting force is monitored through at least one sensor carried on the extraction assembly to provide a signal to a controller. A predetermined compacting force may be programmed into the system for all brewing cycles or dependent upon the brewing substance used. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. The pistons provide compacting force and boundaries within the chamber and facilitate removal of a spent brewing substance puck at the end of the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A system as disclosed herein uses a cold or unheated water source such as a reservoir or a pressurized inlet feed line, and a heated water reservoir. The unheated water reservoir is pressurized with a pressurizing apparatus communicating with the unheated water reservoir. Such a pressurizing apparatus may include an air pump, bladder or piston arrangement as well as other pressurizing apparatus. The pressurizing apparatus is controllable to push water from the unheated water reservoir to the heated water reservoir. As a result of the pressurization and displacement of the unheated water, heated water is then displaced and forced from the heated water reservoir. Heated water from the heated water reservoir is dispensed to the spray head and over the beverage brewing substance such as coffee for brewing.

Abstract: A timed brewing device includes a container (1) combined with a base (2) with which the former communicates via a first passage (1c) provided in the bottom wall (1e) thereof. The base (2) includes a brewing compartment (3) receiving a removable chamber wall which is pervious to water and which is capable of receiving a material to be brewed. A transversely movable valve (4) enables the brewing chamber to be selectively placed in contact (3) with the inner space of the container (1) via the first passage (1c). The valve (4) is actuated by an actuating device, which moves the valve into the closed position after a predetermined amount of time. During brewing, a pump (21) intermittently circulates the brewed liquid between the bottom of the brewing compartment (3) and a second passage (1d) of the container (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage dispenser (10) in which the beverage is prepared by introducing at least one jet of diluent in a recipient comprising a soluble food ingredient, wherein said dispenser comprises at least one removable rotating jet(s) module (M) comprising: a motor (1) connectable to an energy supply, a diluent nozzle (2) able to deliver at least one jet of diluent and connectable to a diluent supply, a gearing device (3) configured for making the motor rotate the diluent nozzle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements in beverage/food product preparation systems and in particular to beverage/food product preparation systems comprising machines of the type which use pre-packaged cartridges containing beverage or food ingredients. The cartridge (30) contains one or more beverage or food ingredients for use in a machine for preparing a beverage or food product from said ingredients. The cartridge (30) comprises a base (34), an outlet aperture (37) in the base (34), and a collar (38) extending from the cartridge base (34) around the outlet aperture (37). The cartridge (30) is inserted into a holding receptacle (14) of a machine the collar (38) interacts with an element (65) of the machine and the collar (38) is configured to determine the pressure in the cartridge (30) during the preparation process.

Abstract: A beverage maker for brewing a beverage utilizing a brewing material pod that includes an interior portion having a filter and a brewing material. The beverage maker includes a container having a bottom portion and a sidewall forming a cavity, and a top-opening mouth for receiving a quantity of a liquid into the cavity. The beverage maker also includes a cap sized to fit over the mouth of the container. A plunger assembly is coupled to the cap and includes a cavity configured for selective receipt of the brewing material pod. The plunger assembly includes punches that puncture the brewing material pod to provide a flow path therethrough. A user may brew a beverage by filling the container with hot liquid, and pressing the plunger assembly including the brewing material pod downward through the hot liquid.

Abstract: A coffee making device has a body with a drip tray and a removeable water tank that supplies water to a heat system of the device. The water tank is internal to the device and removeable by a user. The body has a fluid refill opening that leads to the tank. The tank includes a overflow channel or conduit that dispenses into the drip tray.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved heating methods for use in coffee makers and other beverage makers that use hot water for various beverages and other purposes. These improvements find particular use on-board aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles, where quick heating and reduced power consumption are particularly desirable and beneficial. Further embodiments also relate to improved water level sensing, improved water reservoirs, and improved carafe features.

Abstract: An espresso making machine has a short wave heating element, selected from a halogen lamp and an infra red lamp, that is semi-external. The heating element is inside the water tank yet not exposed to water since it is encased in a heat conducting sleeve that crosses the water tank.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule. The machine comprises a positioner arranged to hold at least one capsule out of the ingredient processing module. It further comprises a sensing arrangement adapted to detect an event related to the insertion by a user of a capsule and/or the presence of the capsule on or into the positioner. The machine is configured, upon detection of the event, to transfer the capsule to the ingredient processing module by using transfer means, and then to start the preparation of the beverage. More particularly, the invention relates to a machine providing a convenient and safe solution to fully automate the preparation of a beverage.

Abstract: A coffee brewer (10, 10? and 10?) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40?), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration.

Abstract: An espresso coffee dispensing system including at least one espresso coffee production machine including at least one espresso coffee dispensing unit, the unit comprising a filter for containing ground coffee powder and hot water feeder; a coffee grinder having an exit port for coffee powder and a temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the exit port to measure the temperature value of the ground coffee powder leaving the port; electronic controller associated with the coffee grinder to determine the water temperature value.