Abstract: An electric kettle may include a body made of a metal material and configured to form a space in which fluid, such as water is contained, a heating module provided in the body to heat the space, a handle mounted to protrude from an outer surface of the body, a handle cover made of a metal material and configured to form a protruding upper surface of the handle, and a handle printed circuit board (PCB) provided inside of the handle and including a touch sensor in close contact with a rear surface of the handle cover to sense a touch operation of the handle cover. An operation of the heating module may be controlled by the handle PCB.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, ruggedized, impact resistant appliance for brewing a beverage having a water tank system, a water delivery system, a brewing system, electronics capable of brewing a beverage, and a user interface for controlling said electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage includes a device for heating and conveying water. A brewing chamber is coupled to the device to introduce heated water into the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber has a lateral opening and a bottom side having an outlet. A positioning device positions at the lateral opening of the brewing chamber a capsule containing an ingredient for brewing the beverage. A drive device is arranged to move the brewing chamber relative to the capsule. A method of using the apparatus includes the step of ejecting the capsule from the lateral opening of the brewing chamber after each brewing process and carrying out an automatic rinsing of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: An infusion group for machines for the dispensing of beverages in the form of infusion is disclosed. The infusion group has a capsule-holder configured to receive a capsule for the preparation of an infusion beverage, a dispensing head adapted to cooperate with the capsule-holder to form a chamber for the infusion of the capsule. The dispensing head has a dispensing channel, a perforation disc and an associated supporting member mounted on the dispensing head. The dispensing head also has a discharge channel upstream of the dispensing channel. The configuration of the dispensing head is such that the discharge channel is closed when the perforation disc and the supporting member are in the dispensing position and open when they are in the rest position.

Abstract: The invention provides a supported body having a magnetic or ferromagnetic component to adhere the supported body to a magnetic or ferromagnetic support, such as a table top by magnetic attraction. A reusable adhering component, such as a stretch-releasable pressure sensitive adhesive tape is disposed on a top surface of the supported body to removably attach tableware or dishware to the supported body. The supported body can be in the form of a plate, a coaster, a placemat, or other known configuration. Alternatively, a support body can be releasably secured to a table top or other support surface by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup and a supported body can be releasably attached to a piece of tableware or dishware by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup, and the support body and the supported body can be magnetically attached to each other.

Abstract: A single or multi-level stirrer and dispenser having a base with a motor and preferably at least two beverage infusers, a first one placed on top of the base and the second placed on top of the first infuser, with any subsequent infusers stacked top of a lower infuser. Each infuser includes a receiving spindle affixed to its bottom. A stirrer with an axle and at least one blade extending from the axle is insertable into the receiving spindle so that the axle rotates within the receiving spindle. Each infuser includes a cover and a discharge valve for dispensing a beverage within the infuser. A lid is removably attached to top of the last infuser. The motor includes a rotor which is removably coupled to the axle in the first infuser, and each axle in each of the infusers is removably coupled to the axle in an adjacent infuser.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an infuser and an infusion-container lifting structure thereof. The infusion-container lifting structure is used in an infuser and comprises a cover body placed in a top opening of the infuser, a lifting button provided at an upper surface side of the cover body, an infusion container for accommodating an infusion and provided at a lower surface side of the cover body, a lifting shaft configured to extend through the cover body and have one end fixed to the infusion container and the other end fixed to the lifting button, and a clip assembly arranged in the cover body, with one end fixed to the cover body and the other end pressed against the lifting shaft elastically such that the lifting shaft is slidable under an external force and maintained at its position when the external force is released. With the disclosure, the user will feel comfortable when manually lifting and lowering the infusion container in use.

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: Systems and methods for an improved espresso coffee machine are described. In one aspect, the improved espresso coffee machine includes one or more operating units, each of which at least includes a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, and a unit for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters.

Abstract: A water/liquid bath system for cooking includes a conventional kitchen sink, a heating unit for heating water in the sink, a temperature sensor and control unit connected to the heating unit and responsive to the temperature of the liquid to maintain the liquid at a specific temperature for cooking food inside a cooking bag or container and immersed in the liquid bath.

Abstract: A boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages includes a heat diffuser with a first wall destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall opposite first wall, heating element consisting of at least one serigraphed or photo-engraved resistance arranged on second wall of heat diffuser and defining a pattern formed of at least on resistive track, a body which with first wall of heat diffuser defines a heating chamber inside which the liquid is to be heated. It also includes a bearing element shaped to bear on second wall of heat diffuser on at least one zone, the resistive track(s) being arranged on either side of the zone so that the bearing element receives at least part of the force transmitted by the liquid to heat diffuser and resulting from the pressurizing of liquid in the heating chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus 110 for increasing extracts 100E taken from cellular plant tissue 100 has a preparation container 114 for holding the cellular plant tissue 100, the container 114 having an inlet or opening 112 to receive a fluid 101 to wet the cellular plant tissue 100 and take extracts 100E from the cellular plant tissue 100 to create a fluid with extracts mixture 101E, and an outlet to pass the fluid with extracts mixture, a lower portion of the container is a holding vessel 111 to receive the fluid with extracts 101E; and an acoustic shock wave device 43 for transmitting shock waves 200 to the wet cellular plant tissue 100 to enhance release of extracts 100E into the fluid 101.

Abstract: An Espresso making device includes a brew chamber for enclosing a quantity of coffee grind, and a tube for supplying pressurized hot water to the brew chamber. Espresso is obtained by conducting the hot water through the coffee grind, where the water and the coffee grind are forced to interact. During an Espresso making process, a pressure of the water in the water supplying tube is monitored and compared to a predetermined pressure. In case the measured pressure appears to deviate from the predetermined pressure, a size of an internal volume of the brewing chamber is adjusted, so that an extent to which the coffee grind is compressed and a flow through resistance of the coffee grind are adjusted. Due to this, it is possible to adjust the pressure in such a way that the predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.

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: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.

Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a heat exchanger (24) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from a receptacle (14), and through the heat exchanger (24), for combining with water via a dispenser (28) to form a finished beverage.

Abstract: The present device concerns a boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages including a diffuser (32) with a first wall (33) destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall (34) opposite first wall (33), heating element (11) consisting of at least one thick film or photo-etching resistor (31) arranged on second wall (34) of diffuser (32), a body which, with first wall (33) of diffuser (32), defines a heating volume (11) inside which the liquid is to be heated, characterized in that it is arranged so that heating volume (11) is positioned on either side of heating element (30). Also described is the fabrication of machines for preparing hot beverages such as coffee.

Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.

Abstract: An in-line heating device for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine in which liquid is circulated through the heating device and then guided into a brewing chamber. This heating device includes a thermoblock with a metal mass that incorporates an inlet, an outlet and a heating chamber extending therebetween to form a passage for guiding the liquid circulating through the mass, with the mass arranged to accumulate heat and to supply heat to the liquid; and one or more electric components that are rigidly secured onto or into the thermoblock and that are connected to a printed circuit board or a flex-print arranged to control the thermoblock. The electric components are rigidly connected to the printed circuit board or flex-print, in particular via rigid connector pins or blades or rigid plug and socket members.

Abstract: A brewing system uses a pressurizing apparatus for providing pressure to the system to controllably dispense heated water from the system for brewing. A method of brewing in which a pressurizing apparatus is associated with a water source, controllably pressurizing the water source, controllably dispensing by way of the pressurizing apparatus, water from the water source to use in a brewing process.

Abstract: Dispensing device for preparing and dispensing food and/or nutritional composition comprising: a water circuit for transporting water, a water heater, an injection head (4) comprising an injection intruding part (25, 38) for injecting water in a capsule comprising the food and/or nutritional ingredient; a capsule holder (17) for holding the capsule during injection of water in the capsule, wherein the injection head and capsule holder are moveable relatively one another for approaching the capsule surface to the injection head and injecting water in the capsule, wherein it also comprises a cleaning and/or sanitizing means (13) which can be associated to the injection system for enabling hot water and/or steam to clean and/or sanitize the external surface of the injection intruding part.

Abstract: A hot beverage making container having a main body that includes a water tank and a heating chamber separated by a first valve. A removable brewing cup is connected to the main body and is separated from the heating chamber by a second valve. A tube extends from the brewing cup, through the main body, and out of the main body.

Abstract: A beverage production device comprises a beverage production chamber designed to have a liquid interact with a beverage ingredient contained in a capsule, a liquid supply member for supplying liquid to the beverage production chamber, a heating member provided in the liquid supply member for heating the liquid, and an air separating compartment provided in the liquid supply member after the heating member for separating any air or other gas contained in the liquid. The air separating compartment comprises an inlet for introducing liquid into the air separating compartment, a member for breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid introduced through the inlet, a liquid outlet for evacuating liquid from the air separating compartment, and an air outlet for evacuating air from the air separating compartment.

Abstract: An automatic home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing, and heating of infant formula bottles provides a reservoir on top that holds an amount of powdered formula. Connection to a household water supply provides a flow of water to an internal water heating reservoir. A central front opening is provided in which the infant bottle is placed. A digital display and a plurality of programming buttons are arranged upon a front panel to allow the user to select operating parameters. Once programmed, internal electronic controls perform dispensing and mixing of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratio and dispensing of mixed formula into the proper sized bottle. The mixture is also kept warm at the proper temperature by a hot plate. An indicator light then illuminates to communicate to a user that the bottle is ready to be removed and the mixture consumed.

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 hot-beverage machine includes a water-storage tank, a heating device and a brewing chamber, which are connected to one another by a conduit system. A valve arrangement is disposed in a conduit segment of the conduit system and includes a gas-permeable membrane which includes a material made of PTFE and can be coated with a water-repellent coating.

Abstract: A steam mechanism of a beverage making device includes a barrel, a steam pipe and a check valve. The barrel has a chamber therein. The steam pipe is straightly disposed in the chamber of the barrel and eccentric with respect to the barrel. The steam pipe has a room therein. The room has an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The check valve is located at the inlet of the steam pipe to control steam which enters the room in one-way direction through the inlet of the steam pipe. The present invention provides an eddy effect to the beverage in the barrel.

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

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: A vessel for preparing heated water or other liquid includes a container, an electric heater and a temperature sensing probe mounted through a wall of the container. The probe includes an efficient heat transferring structure in direct thermal contact with and wet by the liquid. An electrical sensor within the probe is in intimate thermal contact with the transferring structure and has electrical properties directly correlating with the temperature of the transferring structure. The transferring structure is attached to a supporting structure mounted to the wall by an elastomeric efficient thermal insulating material held in compression providing physical support for the probe and sealing the wall from leaking and insuring that the sensor is primarily thermally responsive to the temperature of the transferring surface and to the liquid but is thermally insulated from variations in the temperature of the supporting wall.

Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.

Abstract: An improved coffee making machine is shown which includes a coffee brewing base having a central warmer and a tower portion for dispensing brewed coffee through a filter and into a decanter located on the central warmer. A power source provides electrical power to the base and to the tower portion and to the central warmer. One or more retractable cup/decanter warmers are movable between a closed position totally concealed within the base and a warming position which is visible and extended from the base. Each retractable cup/decanter warmer can be securely locked into position in the warming position, which then allows a heating element located on the warmer to engage with the power source to provide heating to a cup or decanter of coffee.

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

Abstract: An electric infusion beverage maker comprises a liquid heating chamber having electric heating means associated therewith for heating liquid in the chamber. An infusion chamber receives in use a beverage to be infused. A pump transfers heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the infusion chamber at a transfer rate. The infusion chamber has outlet means arranged such that beverage-infused liquid drains out of the infusion chamber and into the liquid heating chamber at a drainage rate which is lower than the transfer rate. This means that liquid cannot pass straight through the infusion chamber.

Abstract: A high efficiency coffee maker is disclosed. An exemplary high efficiency coffee maker includes a heating element; and a passageway operable to conduct a liquid therethrough. The passageway has at least two overlapping portions, each of the overlapping portions being in thermal contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A beverage preparing apparatus mixes hot water from a hot water pipe with cold water from a cold water pipe to produce a mixed water flow with an appropriate temperature to be delivered to a liquid dispenser. When a brewing solenoid valve is opened, the liquid dispenser delivers the mixed water flow to a preparing container that contains a beverage composition to prepare a beverage. When the brewing solenoid valve is shut, the liquid dispenser delivers the mixed water flow into a hot water inlet pipe. When a hot water inlet solenoid valve is opened, the mixed water flow is added into the beverage directly. When the brewing solenoid valve and hot water inlet solenoid valve are shut, the hot water in the heat exchanger is vaporized and passed through a pre-heating circulation pipeline to pre-heat the liquid dispenser and returned to a heat exchanger to constitute a pre-heating circulation.

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: 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 beverage apparatus has a portable liquid container having a ledge detail within a top open end; a removable infuser with an annular support flange; and a gasket about the infuser below the annular support flange, where in use the gasket forms a seal with the container ledge detail and the infuser body, and further spaces the infuser annular support flange from the container ledge detail to define a liquid access gap. At least one vertical channel is defined through the gasket to communicate liquid through the gasket between the liquid container and the liquid access gap. A support base has an opening to receive and hold a bottom end of the portable liquid container and a heating element to heat liquid within the portable container when the container bottom end is inserted within the opening.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages comprising a heat diffuser (32) with a first wall (33) destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall (34) opposite first wall (33), heating means (30) consisting of at least one serigraphed or photo-engraved resistance (31) arranged on second wall (34) of heat diffuser (32) and defining a pattern formed of at least one resistive track, a body which with first wall (33) of heat diffuser (32) defines a heating chamber (11) inside which the liquid is to be heated. It also includes a bearing means shaped to bear on second wall (34) of heat diffuser (32) on at least one zone, the resistive track(s) being arranged on either side of the said zone so that the bearing means receives at least part of the force transmitted by the liquid to heat diffuser (32) and resulting from the pressurizing of the liquid in the heating chamber (11).

Abstract: A delivering system for infusion-type beverages is described, including at least one water heating unit and at least one beverage infusion and delivering unit. The heating unit includes at least one first water supply line, at least one circuit for heating and recirculating hot water and at least one second supply line for heated water from the circuit for heating and recirculating hot water to the beverage infusion and delivering unit.

Abstract: A coffee machine (1) is described, comprising a boiler (23), a pump (21), and an infusion unit (27) for producing coffee, which is further provided with an auxiliary circuit (31), which can be connected to the output of the infusion unit (27), for the production of cold coffee.

Abstract: A heat chamber for machines for infusions and the like, particularly for heating water for preparing espresso coffee comprising a main body constituted by one or more parts, made of a heat-conducting material and provided with at least one first portion which is associated with heating elements and is interposed between at least two second end portions of the main body, at least two faces of the first portion, each of which adjoins at least one of the second end portions, there are at least two mutually connected channels for the internal flow of water.

Abstract: A machine for preparing a beverage having a main body containing a brewing unit and a handle movable relative to the main body, so as to act on the brewing unit to open the brewing unit for introduction or removal of an ingredient into and from the unit, and act to close the brewing unit for extraction of such ingredient within the unit. The movable handle has a gripping part and is arranged to be drivable by a human hand. The main body and the movable handle are so connected and configured that the gripping part has a carrying position in which the gripping part is seizable by the human hand for safe lifting and single-handed displacing of the machine.

Abstract: A multiple brewing and dispensing decanter being separated, internally, into a pair or more of a plurality of compartments, so that beverage can be dispensed from one compartment, while freshly brewing beverage may be deposited into an adjacent compartment. The compartmentalized decanter incorporates an access inlet through or proximate top wall, to allow deposit of a freshly brewed beverage therein, and each compartment, proximate its bottom wall, has a spigot to provide for dispensing of the contained brewed beverage.

Abstract: A multi-mode coffee maker facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. An upper edge of the carafe, and an arm reaching from the single cup adapter, engage a lever opening the drip valve. The hot plate may be manually turned on and off, or the single cup adapter may cooperate with a switch in the coffee maker to turn the hot plate off.