Abstract: Grinding device, coffee machine and method for adjustment thereof. A grinding device (100) comprises a grinding housing (101) with mutually co-acting grinding bodies (110, 120). A lower of the two grinding bodies (110) is both driven and axially adjustable for the purpose of setting a grind size. An upper grinding body (120) is removable. A grind size of the grinding device can be adjusted in absolute manner between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, corresponding to a fixed setting range between a minimal clearance between the two grinding surfaces and a maximum clearance between the two grinding surfaces. An extreme position of the adjustable grinding body is imposed by a stop which is encountered by the adjusting means in the relevant extreme position. A coffee machine uses the absolute grind size and/or a fine-tuning for an optimal contact time between coffee and through-flowing water.

Abstract: A coffee machine equipped with a grinder that grinds coffee beans, and a blade that grinds the coffee beans can be replaced with a blade having a different pattern. A main body includes a drive source, first power transmission portions, and a gear portion (gear of a manual setting disc dial), a grinder unit is fitted into the main body, the grinder unit includes a second power transmission portion, and interlocking portions, and is detachable from the main body, and when the grinder unit is fitted into the main body, the second power transmission portion and the like are coupled to the first power transmission portions, and the interlocking portions are coupled to the gear portion (gear of the manual setting disc dial).

Abstract: A bean grinding machine with a quick detachable grinding base comprises: a casing; a box body installed within the casing; an upper side the box body having an inlet for receiving external objects to be ground; a lower side of the box body having a lower opening; a grinding disk installed within the box body and between inlet and the lower opening of the box body; the grinding disk being a circular structure with a hollow center portion; an installing unit installed at a lower opening of the box body; and a grinding base installed with a grinding head; the grinding head being positioned within the grinding disk; the grinding base and the grinding head do not rotate; and a gap being formed between grinding teeth of the grinding head and grinding teeth of the grinding disk; and an upper side of the gap is connected to the inlet.

Abstract: A presence sensor combined to a first storage carrier for detecting a presence of a second storage carrier. A load cell measures the weight of the material expelled from the first storage carrier. A scale controller in communication with the presence sensor responds to the presence of the second storage carrier by recording of the weight measurement from the load cell.

Abstract: A control unit, a pump for supplying infusion water, a boiler for heating the infusion water, an infusion unit, a coffee mill, and a user interface including a selector for a beverage and/or a ground coffee dose. The coffee mill has a hopper for coffee beans, a rotating and a non-rotating grinder, a motor for directly or indirectly driving the rotating grinder, all with capability to adjust the distance between the grinders. A first sensor detects a number of turns and/or speed of the motor and/or of the rotating grinder. A second sensor detects a distance between the grinders. The control unit stores an algorithm for calculating a correct dose of ground coffee, configured to receive the value of ground coffee selected and the distance between the grinders to automatically generate the number of motor turns necessary to obtain the correct dose of ground coffee.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing coffee beans, comprising a hopper defining a chamber adapted to contain the beans and provided, on the bottom, with an admission opening; a support base to support the hopper; a rotary dosing device rotatably mounted in a seat to rotate from and to a rest position, and provided with at least one cavity open on the outer surface of the rotary dosing device; and vacuum generating means to create and maintain the vacuum within the chamber. The dosing device has at least one annular groove engaged by a V-ring seal comprising a sealing lip, which, in said rest position, is compressed against an annular surface of the seat to seal the chamber and it is oriented relative to said seat, so as to be further compressed against said annular surface when subjected to a vacuum created in the chamber when air is sucked out therefrom.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing hot beverage while combining roasting the brewing in the same device. When non-roasted or semi roasted grinds or scrunched leaves are used, completion of the roasting is performed by the device to a desired level of roasting. Thereafter brewing is performed in a desired temperature and a controlled pressure. The grinds or scrunched leaves can be provided packed in a capsule.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage discharge disposition comprising a discharge casing (1) configured so that can be provided in the front region of a beverage preparation machine (20), including the option of supplying milk and frothed milk, whereby said discharge casing (1) presents a milk circulation disposition (2) adapted so as to provide an ergonomic use of a beverage preparation machine, in particular the possibility of dismounting and mounting said milk circulation disposition (2) for periodic cleaning thereof. The present invention further discloses a beverage preparation machine (20) and a process for operating said machine (20), in particular of a respective ergonomic beverage discharge disposition, according to the present invention.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing beverages comprising a machine casing (2) and discharge (7) including a discharge casing (71) with an opening (72) confined by a side wall (73) and a base wall (74) that includes at least one discharge passageway (75) disposed on a side opposite to the opening (72). The discharge casing (71) comprises retention elements (76) arranged in substantially mutually opposite positions on the perimeter region of the casing opening (72), whereby the retention elements (76) provide a removable retention along a vertical longitudinal plane of said discharge casing (71) on the machine casing (2). Thus, the opening (72) is confined above by a downwards oriented portion of said machine casing (2) when retained thereon by said retention elements (76). The retention elements (76) are adapted to provide retention on the machine casing (2) and release therefrom by manual actuation thereof without requiring the use of tools.

Abstract: The handheld herb grinder and vacuum is a tool. The handheld herb grinder and vacuum is configured for use in grinding plant-based materials presented to the handheld herb grinder and vacuum in a bulk solid form. The handheld herb grinder and vacuum comprises a housing, a vacuum device, a grinding device, and a control circuit. The housing contains the vacuum device, the grinding device, and a control circuit. The grinding device grinds the plant-based material. The vacuum device creates a pressure differential that draws spilled plant-based material into the housing. The control circuit controls the operation of the grinding device and the vacuum device.

Abstract: A blender system includes a base and a steamer basket. The basket is inserted into a container. The container has interior pillars. The basket contacts and rests on the pillars. The pillars keep the basket above blades disposed in the container. The basket receives foodstuff. The base includes a motor and a housing. The container is attached to the housing. The motor drives the blades to interact with contents within the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage system (100) for providing beverage recipes comprising a foamable fluid unit (10) and one or more beverage units (200, 202), wherein the foamable fluid unit (10) is configured to provide a fluid and/or a foamed fluid directly into a container (12), the fluid system in the fluid unit (10) being continuously refrigerated up to the fluid delivery outlet during the preparation and during stand-by of the system (100); and wherein the beverage units (200, 202) are configured to dispense a beverage over the fluid and/or foamed fluid dispensed, without this beverage passing through any refrigerated area of the foamable fluid unit (10). The foamable fluid unit (10) comprises one or more fluid outlets (13, 13?) delivering the fluid and/or foamed fluid directly into the container (12), the beverage units (200, 202) comprising one or more separate beverage outlets (14, 14?) delivering the beverage over the fluid and/or foamed fluid into the container (12).

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a fermentation tank having an inner space, a water tank that supplies water to the fermentation tank, and an ingredient supply assembly provided between the fermentation tank and the water tank and configured to accommodate a beverage ingredient. At least a portion of the fermentation tank or at least a portion of the water tank is recessed into the ingredient supply assembly.

Abstract: A coffee machine with a leak preventing device includes a main body, a chamber for containing liquid and coffee particles, a grinding assembly for grinding coffee particles, and a driving mechanism for driving the grinding assembly. The chamber is provided in the main body and the grinding assembly is provided in the chamber. The driving mechanism is provided with a driving shaft. A driving shaft hole is provided in a bottom of the chamber. The driving shaft is detachably connected to the grinding assembly through the driving shaft hole. The leak preventing device is provided at a position corresponding to the driving shaft hole and the leak preventing device is arranged to close the driving shaft hole when the driving shaft is detached from the driving shaft hole. In addition, a working method for the coffee machine with the leak preventing device is also provided.

Abstract: The jug (11) comprises jug body (15) and a beverage frothing device (13) arranged on the jug. The beverage frothing device comprises a steam inlet (23, 25, 27), a beverage inlet (35, 35C), and a frothed beverage outlet (14). The frothing device is slidingly arranged in a seat (19) and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the frothed beverage outlet (14) projects beyond a side wall of the jug body.

Abstract: A capsule is designed for insertion in a centrifugal beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing the liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces. The capsule includes a body having a bottom end and an open end spaced apart in the axial direction, an upper wall for covering the body at the open end along a direction transverse to the axial direction, and an enclosure between the body and the upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance. The capsule further includes an annular pressure-setting ring configured for adjusting the backpressure in the beverage production device. The pressure-setting ring provides an improved coffee in-cup quality. A set of capsules can have pressure-setting rings of different dimensions for setting different backpressure when engaged in a centrifuging beverage production device.

Abstract: A device for grinding coffee beans (12) includes a grinding member (14) configured to grind coffee beans (12) and produce a ground coffee powder (15). A transit chamber (16) receives the ground coffee powder (15). A discharge member (18) is configured to discharge the ground coffee powder (15) arriving from the transit chamber (16) toward the outside of the device. An air-powered powder removal member (20) removes the ground coffee powder (15) from the grinding member (14) and from the transit chamber (16).

Abstract: A brewing device includes a base portion with a support surface. A carafe is configured to be selectively supported on the support surface. A filter basket is removeably supported on an upper portion of the carafe. An immersion chamber is fluidically coupled to an outlet disposed over the filter basket. A water reservoir is fluidically coupled to both the immersion chamber and the outlet disposed over the filter basket. A pump is in fluid communication with the water reservoir and operable to selectively advance water to one of the outlet disposed over the filter basket and the immersion chamber from the water reservoir. The brewing device is configured to brew a beverage using a pour-over brewing method, an immersion brewing method, or a filtered immersion brewing method.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage. The apparatus comprises a holder for receiving a coffee container. The holder comprising at least one outlet opening having at least one orifice for generating a coffee beverage flow when coffee beverage is fed to the outlet opening. A liquid flow path extends between the orifice and at least one outflow opening for discharging coffee beverage from the apparatus, a coffee outlet chamber being included in the liquid flow path. The apparatus further comprises an air flow generator for during operation- generating a flow of air in the coffee outlet chamber for entraining in the flow of air an aroma of the coffee beverage; said coffee outlet chamber comprising at least one dispenser opening for dispensing coffee beverage aroma in a direction away from the apparatus, in particular into the direction of the user. The at least one dispenser opening is separate from the at least one outflow opening.

Abstract: A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system. There is also provided a coffee beverage system that includes the coffee bean packaging cartridge as defined above and at least a dosing device and a grinding mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic machine for preparing coffee, comprising an infusion assembly, a water tank, a heat exchanger with associated pump, and a grinder for grinding coffee beans, the grinder being arranged in line with the infusion assembly and horizontally with respect to a resting surface of the machine, a container adapted to contain coffee beans being connected, in an upper region, to the grinder, the grinder being connected to a chamber adapted to contain a scraper, the ground coffee being adapted to pass horizontally from the grinder to the scraper, in order to accommodate within the scraper a preset dose of ground coffee.

Abstract: A steam cooking apparatus with improved water supply and drainage structures. The apparatus includes a body, a cooking compartment, a steam generator to supply steam into the cooking compartment, a water vessel to store water and supply the water into the steam generator, a water supply device including a holder and a slider slidably mounted in the holder so as to be withdrawn from the body, a first water supply tube connecting the slider and the water vessel, a second water supply tube connecting the water vessel and the steam generator, and a drain tube to drain water in the steam generator to the outside of the body. The drain tube includes an end fixed to the slider so that the end of the drain tube is withdrawn with the slider from the body when water in the steam generator is drained to the outside.

Abstract: Devices and methods for infusing liquids and/or brewing beverages are described. The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages comprising a vessel, said vessel comprising a sealable chamber for holding a brewing material and a liquid, and a filter assembly connected to the sealable chamber; a liquid supply and conduit for introducing at least a portion of said liquid supply into said sealable chamber; and a vacuum source and conduit for reducing pressure in said sealable chamber.

Abstract: A device for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient contained in a receptacle by driving the receptacle in centrifugation is disclosed, along with methods for using same.

Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.

Abstract: A beverage producing system includes a beverage producing machine and a jug. The machine is provided with a steam nozzle and the jug is provided with a steam duct having a steam inlet end configured to connect to the steam nozzle to establish a connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct. The steam nozzle is housed in a recess having an entry aperture, a bottom wall and an upper ceiling. The steam nozzle is arranged at the bottom wall of the recess and is oriented towards the upper ceiling. The steam inlet end projects from the jug, where the connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct is configured to be established by introducing the steam inlet end in the recess and by lowering the jug until a fluid connection is established between the steam nozzle and the steam inlet end of the steam duct.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described, including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus comprising a grinder wherein the coffee bean packaging cartridge is removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus. The coffee bean packaging cartridge is arranged for holding and supplying of coffee beans and includes a transportation component adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans. The coffee brewing apparatus comprises a motor for driving the transportation component of the first coffee bean packaging cartridge. The system further comprises a ground coffee packaging cartridge, preferably having a transportation component for enabling transportation of ground coffee which transportation component is also removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee from ground coffee obtained by the grinder. A metering chamber holds a predetermined amount of coffee beans and comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion rotates around an axis extending in a vertical direction. A second coffee bean packaging cartridge includes a second dosing device separate from the first dosing device for preparing and/or supplying a dose of coffee beans to the entrance opening of the coffee brewing apparatus independent of the coffee brewing apparatus.

Abstract: Cartridge for holding and supplying coffee bean material. The cartridge includes a housing enclosing an interior volume. The housing has an outlet for releasing the coffee bean material from the interior volume and for supplying the coffee bean material to an external apparatus. The cartridge further includes a conveyor for transporting the coffee bean material towards the outlet. The conveyor include a moveable structure for contacting the coffee bean material. The moveable structure is, at least partly, present in the interior volume. The conveyor further include manually operable actuation component for manually actuating the moveable structure. The manually operable actuation component is, at least partly, provided outside of the interior volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing foamed milk. The method comprises passing milk from a bag-in-box container 1 through a conduit 3 by means of a pump 4 and heating the milk by passing it through a continuous-flow heater 5. At the end of the conduit 3, the milk is whipped to foam by an impeller in a mixer bowl. The invention also relates to a system for producing foamed milk. The system comprises a conduit 3, a heater 5, a pump 4 and a mixer bowl 7 with an impeller 8.

Abstract: An animal feed mechanism includes a manually operated slide valve interposed between a set of upper agitators and a set of lower screw conveyors. In some examples, two upper agitators are installed within a plastic funnel, and two lower screw conveyors are disposed within a metal auger housing. Each screw conveyor includes an auger driven by its own separate motor. Thus, there are two motors for rotating the two augers. The two motors can be energized individually to selectively rotate either auger or to rotate them concurrently. In some examples, a transmission coupling the two augers to the two agitators conveys power to rotate both agitators regardless of whether either one or both motor driven augers are operating.

Abstract: A coffee machine has a single serve function that utilizes 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: 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 vapors 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: In a method for grinding coffee beans (5), the beans (5) are ground off bit by bit by applying a device (1) comprising two tools (20; 40, 42), wherein one of the tools (20; 40, 42) is a grinding tool (20) having an abrasive surface (21), wherein the beans (5) and the abrasive surface (21) are made to contact each other and to perform a relative movement with respect to each other, and wherein another of the tools (20; 40, 42) is a bean delimiting tool (40, 42) having a surface (44) against which the beans (5) are retained during the time that they are in contact with the abrasive surface (21). By grinding off coffee beans (5) instead of crushing coffee beans (5) in a conventional manner, it is achieved that the grinding process can be performed at a relatively high speed and a relatively low torque.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a first coffee bean packaging cartridge, a second coffee bean cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. After a first predetermined number of servings of coffee, transportation component of the first cartridge for transporting coffee beans of the first cartridge to a metering chamber of the system are disabled. The transportation component of the second coffee bean cartridge are not disabled or only disabled after a second predetermined number of servings of coffee which is larger than the first predetermined number of servings of coffee.

Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage assembly includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, an inlet portion formed in the housing, a beverage container configured to be removably accommodated within the inlet portion and having a fracturable seal and containing a beverage ingredient of a first size, a grinding mechanism positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet portion, and a piercing assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the piercing assembly selectively pierces the fracturable seal thereby causing said beverage ingredient to enter the grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism selectively transforms the beverage ingredient from the first size to a second size, the second size being smaller than the first size. The beverage assembly further includes a brewing area disposed beneath the grinding assembly and configured to removably accommodate the beverage container after the beverage container has been pierced by the piercing assembly.

Abstract: A beverage appliance includes a housing having a liquid reservoir and a receptacle in the housing dimensioned to receive a container containing at least one drink ingredient having particles of a first size. The receptacle is pivotable from a first position in which the receptacle is angled towards a front of the appliance and a second position in which the receptacle is aligned with a brew head and contacts the brew head. The beverage appliance further includes a mechanism for transforming the particles of the drink ingredient from the first size to a second size within the container, the second size being smaller than the first size.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a beverage preparation module intended for installation in a self-service beverage vending machine. According to the disclosure, a water connection and a preparation device for preparing a beverage by means of water provided at the water connection are provided. Beverage preparation parameters can be transmitted to a control unit via a communication interface. The control unit is configured to control the preparation device in order to prepare a beverage based on the beverage preparation parameters. A beverage outlet for discharging the beverage prepared by the preparation device is provided. In one embodiment, at least one additional module interface is provided for connecting the control unit to at least one additional module.

Abstract: A beverage vending machine has a housing, in which first means for brewing and dispensing a coffee beverage prepared using freshly ground coffee are housed. Flexible configuration is made possible in that the first means have a modular construction and comprise at least one base module for brewing the coffee beverage and a separate outflow module for dispensing the coffee beverage, which are in fluid connection with one another by means of one or more fluid interfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method and apparatus for controllably grinding coffee beans for use in an espresso machine. The disclosure includes a system, method and apparatus for controllably adjusting the grinder to maintain a desired tolerance for the espresso produced by the espresso machine. The system, method and apparatus include monitoring of at least one of several espresso related parameters to monitor whether the espresso is being brewed within a desired tolerance or set of tolerances. The system, method and apparatus provide feedback to an automatically adjustable grinder to at least one of increase or decrease the grinding time so as to produce more or less ground coffee.

Abstract: A coffee maker (10) has at least one removable portafilter (11) that can be inserted into a holder (12) on the coffee machine to carry out brewing. The coffee maker has a hot water maker (28) for producing and dispensing hot water under pressure and at least one coffee mill (19). A filter element (33) is provided for repeated pressure-tight closing and opening of the portafilter (11) inserted into the holder (12) and a chute (23) is provided for introducing coffee powder (16) from the coffee mill (19) into the open portafilter (11) that has been inserted into the holder (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing coffee or other beverages has two brewing cylinders and brewing pistons which are movable in the brewing cylinders and which form a brewing chamber. A loading station is provided for loading the brewing chambers with ground coffee or the other media. One brewing cylinder can be moved in each case together with the associated brewing piston from a brewing position to the loading station and back again, wherein the associated brewing piston can be removed for the disposal of the used coffee or medium from the brewing cylinder. The second brewing cylinder can therefore be moved to the same loading station as the first, and this therefore results in a simplification of the design of the apparatus.

Abstract: A coffee machine (1) having a coffee grinding device (9), a brewing device (5), a brewing water source (7) and a flowmeter (8), which for the user offers a particularly simple setting of the extract content of a coffee beverage. A display device (16) is provided for displaying the flow rate acquired on the flowmeter (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coffee machine (1) including a ground coffee dispensing device (3), a percolating device (4) and a tray for recovering coffee grounds (5). According to the invention, shown in a section along the horizontal plane, the ground coffee dispensing device (3), the percolating device (4) and the recovery tray (5) are arranged in three areas (22, 23, 24) with a substantially rectangular shape and contiguous to one another, a first area with a vessel (22) for the recovery tray (5) and a second vessel (15), a second percolation area (23) for the percolating device (4), and a third adjoining area (24) for the ground coffee dispensing device (3).

Abstract: A device for separating a first space (C) and a second space (9A) from one another is disclosed. The device comprises a partition wall (29), arranged such that the first space and the second space are located on opposite sides of said partition wall (29). The partition wall (29) is provided with a through aperture, which connects the first space and the second space and allows a bulk material to move from the first space (C) into the second space (9A). A shutter (39) is provided, slidingly movable with respect to the partition wall (29), for selectively opening and closing the through aperture (37). The shutter has a port (41), which can be selectively brought in an alignment position and in an out-of-alignment position with respect to the through aperture (37).

Abstract: Grinding methods and systems for filling single serve filter cups. A slideably removable cartridge securely holds a single serve filter cup in place to allow the grinder discharge to fill the single serve filter cup. Conversions of grinders to allow filling of single serve filter cups is provided by interchanging the usual grinder discharge bin with the removable cartridge filter holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for refilling the filter-holders of a machine for the preparation of espresso coffee with selected doses of ground coffee. The machine has a plurality of dispensing units for the preparation of coffee beverages, each dispensing unit having a detachable filter-holder and a plurality of keys for selecting the beverage to be dispensed and a coffee bean grinder and metering device provided with a hopper for supplying beans of a desired grain size. The grinder and metering device has a hopper for supplying ground coffee and supporting means for the filter-holder. An identification unit generates information for recognizing the filter-holder of a selected dispensing unit and information related to the dose with which the filter-holder is to be refilled. A detection unit detects the information generated by the identification unit. A wireless device transmits the information generated by the identification unit to the detection unit.

Abstract: A percolating machine for producing a beverage using a sealed capsule containing anhydrous powdered material, the machine having a pressurized-hot-water dispenser assembly extending along a vertical axis, and in turn having a sprinkler having an end wall substantially crosswise to the aforementioned axis; a removable percolating cup positioned, in use, with its inlet facing the end wall, and for housing a sealed capsule positioned with a sealing wall facing the end wall; and a piercing device integral with the sprinkler and having a number of substantially rectangular-based projections, which extend downwards from the end wall of the sprinkler, are equally spaced about the aforementioned axis along a peripheral portion of the end wall, and pierce the sealing wall of the sealed capsule when the percolating cup is set to a work position contacting the sprinkler.