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.

Abstract: In a device (1) for making a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, which comprises an openable and closeable chamber (50) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of the beverage extract, and heating/cooling means (30) for setting the temperature of the extracting fluid, arranged upstream of the chamber (50), a beverage making process can be performed with extracting fluid that is exactly at a desired temperature. During heat-up or cool-down phases of the heating/cooling means (30), the extracting fluid is transported to another position than the chamber (50) where the beverage making process is supposed to take place. For the purpose of determining an appropriate path of the extracting fluid in every possible situation, valve means (60) are applied, which are switchable under the influence of a change of the flow rate of the extracting fluid.

Abstract: The brewing device for creating a coffee beverage has a brewing unit having a brewing chamber, a crema unit having a crema chamber connected to the brewing chamber by means of a coffee passage and having a valve piston for opening and/or closing the coffee passage, which valve piston can be moved in the crema chamber relative to the coffee passage, and an outlet opening. The valve piston can be moved into a plurality of different specified movement positions relative to the coffee passage, wherein different consecutive brewing processes for creating different coffee beverages can be realized, and wherein the crema unit is designed in such a way that coffee brewed during a particular brewing process can be swirled through at different intensity than a different brewing process depending on the particular specified movement position of the valve piston.

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: A system, device and method for the brewing of a capsule. The device comprises a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion movable with respect to each other to be moved between an open position and a closed position. The device further comprises a capsule handler arranged to enable insertion therein of the capsule and to position said capsule in a brewing position, wherein the capsule handler retains the capsule in the brewing position when the capsule handler is in a ready position. When the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion are moved with respect to each other from the closed position to the open position, the capsule can fall freely from the brewing position under the influence of gravity when the capsule handler is in an ejection position.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage comprises: an ingredient processing module (10) for processing at least one ingredient, in particular an ingredient supplied within a capsule (2) into the module; a sensing arrangement (70, 70?) for sensing a user-request by a user-actuation of the sensing arrangement; and a control unit (60) containing different control programs for controlling the ingredient processing module executable on corresponding user-requests. The sensing arrangement (70, 70?) and the control unit (60) are so arranged that each of said different user-requestable control programs is executed on a generally identical user-actuation of the sensing arrangement (70, 70).

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 coffee machine, including a grinder, a stewing vessel, and a water supply mechanism, is disclosed. The stewing vessel is connected to the water supply mechanism and is positioned below a discharging outlet of the grinder. A filter mesh is provided in the stewing vessel, which is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine. A bean chamber is provided in the grinder, and under the bean chamber is provided a grinding unit, the grinding unit including a bean grinding chamber in which a rotating grinding plate and a stationary grinding plate are provided. The shaft of the grinding motor is connected to the rotating grinding plate, and a removable shaft coupling is provided between the shaft of the grinding motor and the rotating grinding plate.

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 present invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a liquid comestible from a portioned food substance contained in a sealed capsule. The device includes a centrifugal unit for receiving the sealed capsule, a driving mechanism connected to the centrifugal unit for enabling a rotational motion of the centrifugal unit, a liquid supply connected to the centrifugal unit, a flow rate or pressure measuring mechanism for the supplied liquid and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the driving mechanism dependent on the measured flow rate or the measured pressure of the liquid.

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

Abstract: An espresso coffee machine comprises a boiler and a pump for feeding hot water under pressure to one or more brew groups (1), each of which comprises a receptacle (24) for infusing a predetermined dose of ground coffee, a hot water feed pipe (38) and an outlet pipe (40). Manual operating means (30, 50) are provided at the inlet of each brew group for selectively putting the coffee powder receptacle (24) in communication with the water feed pipe (38), with the outlet pipe 40 or with both the pipes in order to preinfuse the coffee powder.

Abstract: A capsule, device, system and method for preparing a liquid food or beverage. The capsule comprises an enclosure containing one or more extractable or infusible ingredients and configured and dimensioned to have a perimeter and be radially symmetrical about a central axis to facilitate rotation; and an opening arrangement that allows liquid food to leave the capsule after passing through the ingredient(s), wherein the opening arrangement is configured and positioned near or upon the perimeter of the enclosure to allow the liquid food to leave the capsule radially due to the application of the centrifugal forces. The method and device introduce liquid into the capsule to form the liquid food while applying centrifugal forces to the capsule to urge the liquid to pass through the ingredient(s).

Abstract: A apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.

Abstract: An attachment for a container for the preparation of an extraction beverage comprises a base plate mounted horizontally on the container, having an aperture for an extraction product container to pass through, and a lifting apparatus which comprises a sleeve. The lifting apparatus has a guide fixed to the base plate for guiding the sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the base plate. The lower position defines a brewing position of the sleeve and the upper position defines an inoperative position. A locking apparatus locks the sleeve in the brewing position. A timer is also provided for operating the locking apparatus so that after a predefinable time period the sleeve is unlocked when it is locked in the brewing position. The sleeve is acted on by a restoring force to move from the brewing position to the inoperative position when the sleeve is unlocked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for infusing a substance to be infused having an infusion chamber for receiving the substance to be infused and for passing a pressurised water flow through the substance to be infused, the infusion chamber having an inlet portion (4) for feeding water into the infusion chamber and an outlet portion (2) for the infused beverage, the injection channel in fluid communication via an injection end with the inlet portion (4) and adapted for connection via an intake end (39) to a pressurised water circuit, characterised in that it comprises adjustable means for varying the water pressure in the injection channel, adapted for generating a water pressure difference between the intake end (39) and the injection end (40) and controlled by control means outside the infusion chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for brewing or making individual servings of a brewed beverage with a manual pump brewer. The manual pump brewer can include a pump assembly and a brew chamber assembly, whereby user manipulation of the pump assembly directs a heated liquid through a brewing media to form a serving of a freshly brewed beverage. The manual pump brewer can include a filter assembly for directly brewing a beverage from a brewing media provided by a user. Alternatively, the manual pump brewer can receive individual pods having a single serving of a brewing media such that the pump assembly directs the heated liquid through the individual pod to brew each serving of the brewed beverage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for brewing coffee in conjunction with an electro-conductivity sensor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

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 machine has a single serve function that utilises a reservoir level sensing mechanism so that a single serve dose of water can be dispensed into the grounds regardless of the water level in the machine's reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a coffer maker. A beverage preparation apparatus includes a coffee link chamber for receiving coffee grounds and water, a coffee receiving chamber for receiving prepared coffee, the heating source operative check heat for coffee brewing chamber, at least one biasing element formed of a shape memory materials, and at least one piston element couples to the biasing element, whereby when the coffee brewing chamber reaches a transition temperature of the shape memory material, a biasing element deforms, releasing a spring force urging the piston element into the coffee brewing chamber to decrease the volume and increase the pressure within the coffee brewing chamber, and forcing heated water through the coffee grounds through a filter and into a coffee collection container situated in the coffee receiving chamber.

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 kettle and related methods for preparing an optimally flavored hot tea. The tea kettle is capable of heating water for steeping tea leaves and steeping the packaged or loose leaf tea leaves within the tea kettle. The tea kettle can include an integrated heating element for heating the water. The tea kettle includes an integrated thermometer and can include an integrated timer for tracking the water temperature and steep time respectively so as to insure that the tea leaves steep at the proper temperature and duration of time. The tea kettle can include a detachable mesh infuser that attaches to a lid of the tea kettle for holding tea leaves during steeping.

Abstract: A method for producing crema in a coffee vending machine that has a flow-through heater for heating water and that is charged with substrate capsules which include a Venturi nozzle for crema production. The method includes a) heating the water in the flow-through heater; b) brewing ground coffee using the heated water in a brewing chamber in order to produce a coffee drink; and c) producing crema by mixing the coffee drink with a gas in the Venturi nozzle. In step c), at least one of two volumetric flows of the coffee drink or the gas is increased in the Venturi nozzle during a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber includes the steps of feeding water to the preparation chamber (2) until a first pressure (P1) of at least 3 bar is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding said preparation chamber (2) in a closed condition for a first time interval (t1), opening said outlet (3) of the preparation chamber (2) and delivering the thus prepared beverage whereas the pressure is decreased at least once during said time interval (t1).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing coffee in varying amounts are disclosed herein. A coffee machine configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a coffee brewing unit that can brew a predetermined volume of coffee during a brewing cycle. A holding container can be configured to receive coffee from the brewing unit and a delivery valve can be positioned on a delivery tube extending from the holding container. The delivery valve can be operable from a closed position to an open position to dispense coffee, and one or more brewing cycles can be completed and delivered to the holding container prior to the coffee being dispensed.

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 beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine, for instance a coffee machine, provided with a brewing chamber and at least one valve for totally and/or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the chamber. Advantageously, the valve is an electrovalve, in particular a piezoelectric valve, which is continuously controllable to adjust the beverage flow rate being permitted to exit the chamber.

Abstract: An electrical beverage brewer (10) having a controller (26) responsive to a start switch (72) to operate a brew cycle by dispensing hot water from a tank (42) to beverage ingredient within a brew basket (38) through a bent tube (78) mounted to the water tank (42) for rotation about an axis aligned with an external horizontal rotary section (90) of the bent tube (78) between a closed position in which an inlet (80) of a swinging tubular section (79) is in a relatively elevated, closed position and an open position at a lower elevation relative to the closed position.

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 French press-like quality high volume, electrical, automatic beverage brewer (10) with a rotatable mixing chamber (12) for mixing water (109) from a hot water tank (28) with dry beverage ingredient (108) having a closed top (7) and an open bottom (3, 66) to which is releasably mounted a brew basket (14) with an open top (19) for fluid communication with the mixing chamber (12) through the open bottom (3, 66). Before mounting, the brew basket (14) is loaded with a filter (105) and dry beverage ingredient (109). The mixing chamber (12) with the brew basket (14) attached is then automatically turned upside down (FIG. 6) to dump the dry beverage ingredient (109) out of the filter (105) and onto the closed top (7) of the rotatable mixing chamber (12). A preselected amount of water (109) is then infused into the mixing chamber (12) to a level beneath the open bottom (3) and filter (105) and onto the dry beverage ingredient (109) for mixing therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule (1) in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a centrifuging brewing device comprising control means (25) capable of operating the device in centrifugation by controlling the beverage flow rate and/or the volume of the beverage, and a capsule to be inserted in the brewing device wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a flow restriction or flow restriction valve which provides a backpressure for the centrifuged liquid, wherein the control means (25) of the device selectively adjusts the rotational centrifugation speeds of the inserted capsule (1) and/or the volume of injected liquid in the capsule as a function of the exerted backpressure by the restriction or restriction valve.

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 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: Steeping loose leaf tea necessitates that one utilize some sort of filtration device. All current devices that seek to fulfill this requirement are either manual, such as empty tea bags and stainless steel mesh filters, or very expensive electronic automatic steepers. In addition to a filtration device one must use a timer to determine how long to steep the tea leaves. Ordinarily, when the timer goes off, one must remove the tea leaves and filter from the water; otherwise, the tea will over-steep and become bitter or over-caffeinated. Current timers do not stop the tea from steeping, but only signal that it is done, leaving the removal of the tea leaves up to the individual.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a drip filter coffee maker that includes features to improve the taste of the brewed coffee and to enhance to ease of use. In one embodiment, an integral plate burr grinder sends coffee ground down a coffee chute that feeds the filter cone. A chute door at the end of the coffee chute prevents vapours or condensation from entering the coffee chute. In another embodiment, the eject tray that carries the filter cone may be coupled with a dampened spring biasing mechanism which moderates the eject motion. Further, a pivot float may be provided within the carafe so that the user may read the carafe fill level easily.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for supplying a magnesium enriched drinking water, including circulating water through a bed of magnesium compound. The health-promoting water contains magnesium between 10 and 500 mg/liter, and further it may contain additional health promoting salts, while being sodium free.

Abstract: Brewing unit (1) for use in a beverage maker which is adapted to make a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, the brewing unit (1) comprising a chamber (2) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of beverage extract, a lid movable between an open and closed state for opening and closing the chamber (2), and outlet means (5) for letting out fluid from the chamber (2), wherein the outlet means (5) comprise a first outlet passage (6) and means (7) for restricting an outlet flow in the first outlet passage (6), wherein the outlet means (5) furthermore comprise a second outlet passage (8), and wherein the brewing unit (1) further comprises means interacting with the lid so as to block the outlet flow to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in a closed state and to allow a free outlet flow from the chamber (2) to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in an open state.

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

Abstract: 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: The present invention relates to a beverage vending machine, particularly a coffee vending machine. According to the invention, a control device is provided for reducing a power consumption in a standby mode (energy saving mode) by reducing a temperature of a water heater, particularly a boiler temperature, such as that of a pass-through heater or a bare-wire heating system, and the control device is implemented such that it controls or regulates the reduction of the temperature of the water heater, that is, the boiler temperature and/or a waiting period before beginning the reduction, as a function of a beverage dispensing process in a preceding period of time.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a boiler for containing and heating water and a normally opened thermostat having a sensing member for sensing a temperature of the water, wherein the sensing member is located at a certain distance with respect to a water inlet of the boiler. When the water is heated, and the temperature of the water exceeds a set point of the thermostat, the thermostat closes. As a result, a pumping action is started, where hot water is forced to flow out of the boiler, and where cold water is forced to flow into the boiler. When a front of the cold water reaches the sensing member of the thermostat, the thermostat is triggered to open again, and the pumping action is terminated. By means of the thermostat, the quantity of hot water that is used for the purpose of making a beverage is accurately controlled.

Abstract: A beverage making appliance uses a specialized beverage container and a related method of brewing a beverage. The container includes a cup-shaped body having a floor, a circumferential wall, and a top opening, a filter element positioned above the floor, at least one aperture formed in the floor, and a cover releasably attached to the cup body and covering the top opening. The appliance includes a base adapted to receive a beverage receptacle, a reservoir, a housing, a brewing tray in mechanical communication with the housing and dimensioned to receive a container containing at least one drink ingredient having particles of a first size, a grinding mechanism and a water delivery mechanism to selectively deliver water from the reservoir to one of a brewed beverage outlet in fluid communication with the receptacle, and a hot-water outlet.

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: 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 computer controlled coffee maker includes a filter basket for holding coffee grinds above a water filled carafe. A motorized dunking mechanism controls the movement of said filter basket into and out of the water in said carafe for steeping and draining said coffee grinds. The dunking cycles and water temperature are determined by a preprogrammed computer and user selected inputs to provide coffee brewed with minimal exposure of the grinds to high temperatures. A breakaway connection is provided between the dunking mechanism and the filter basket.