Abstract: A beverage machine having a heater arranged to receive unheated liquid and deliver heated liquid to a dispensing station to form a beverage, and to receive unheated air and deliver heated air to the dispensing station to preheat portions of the dispensing station before forming a beverage. The machine may be arranged to deliver heated air to the dispensing station only if a temperature at the dispensing station is below a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for distributing capsules, including a container apt to receive in bulk a plurality of capsules and an ordering assembly placed inside the container, apt to arrange the capsules vertically for subsequent distribution; wherein the ordering assembly includes a rotating helical screw for mixing capsules, mounted on a basket rotating together with it, the basket having an inclined upper wall or slide, such that its height varies gradually from a minimum to a maximum along its periphery, and an open vertical seat apt to accommodate a capsule placed vertically and to distribute it through an opening formed on the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A beverage-making machine includes: a housing; a fluid reservoir mounted to the housing; a first pump fluidly connected with the water reservoir; a heating unit comprising a conduit having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the conduit fluidly connected with the first pump, the conduit configured and arranged to rise monotonically from lower end to upper end; and a brew station having a brew basket with an inlet fluidly connected with the upper end of the conduit and an outlet, and further having a receptacle platform positioned to receive fluid from the outlet.

Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (2) includes: a beverage outlet (3) that is located above a dispensing area (4); a machine body or frame (5) having a first connecting part (51) and bearing the beverage outlet (3); and a recipient support (6) having a second connecting part (61) and a support member (62) held by the second connecting part (61). The second connecting part (61) is disconnectably connectable to the first connecting part (51) so that the support member (62) extends into the dispensing area (4) to support a beverage user-recipient (7) under the beverage outlet (3). The first connecting part (51) and the second connecting part (61) have a connection member and a connection receiver arrangement for disconnectably connecting the parts (51,61) such that: the first connecting part forms a connection member and the second connecting part forms a connection receiver; and/or the first connecting part (51) forms a connection receiver and the second connecting part (61) forms a connection member.

Abstract: The beverage appliance of the present invention includes a venturi having a steam inlet and a milk inlet. The steam inlet and milk inlet each include a solenoid valve configurable between an open state and a closed state. The solenoid valves are electrically coupled to a processor and are controllable through first and second switches. In operation, upon activation of the first switch, the solenoid valves are controlled to their open states to deliver milk and steam to the venturi to produce frothed milk. When a desired amount of frothed milk has been dispensed, the user deactivates the first switch and the processor controls only the milk inlet solenoid valve to its closed state. The steam inlet solenoid valve remains in its open state for a predetermined amount of time such that a burst of steam only is forced through the venturi and distribution lines to purge them of milk.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system with a beverage server and a brewer. The beverage server includes an information device to store a beverage recipe. The brewer includes a communication device to wirelessly read the recipe from the beverage server. During the brewing process, the brewer reads the recipe from the beverage server and sends control signals to create a brewed beverage according to the beverage recipe.

Abstract: A system for beverage management. The system includes at least one receptacle for receiving a beverage, said receptacle comprising at least one identification means that is configured to identify the type of beverage provided in the at least one receptacle. The system further comprises a trolley comprising at least one identification reader that is configured to read the identification means to determine the beverage present in the at least one receptacle, said trolley further comprising a weight sensor configured to determine the weight of the at least one receptacle. The system further includes a central programming unit configured to determine if the beverage within the at least one receptacle is below a pre-determined volume threshold based on the identity of the beverage and the weight value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of extracting a beverage material including the steps of a) at least partially filling a first extraction chamber with an extractable beverage material; b) conveying at least one extraction fluid through at least said first extraction chamber to provide an extract; c) modifying said extraction fluid temperature before conveying extraction fluid through at least said first extraction chamber at a second extraction temperature to provide a secondary extract. The invention further provides an apparatus for preparing a beverage.

Abstract: A vacuum chambered beverage producer with an upper hopper and a lower hopper stacked together to create separate sealed chambers. The upper hopper has a flavor adjustment valve and the lower hopper has a flavor adjustment valve attached near drain holes which can be adjusted to open or close to any size of diameter to increase or decrease the strength and flavor of a finished flavored beverage produced therein. The lower hopper has a breather trough, a recessed area generally located on the bottom of the lower hopper, so that it can fit onto various sizes of receptacles making it universal to many applications. The stackable beverage producer further having a removable lid with a hole generally located in the middle of the lid with a lid hole cover that opens or closes the hole to any size of diameter, and a removable base used in the storage mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal coffee brewing device, including: a spinning assembly which is rotatable about a main axis, the spinning assembly including: a chamber element including a bottom wall, a cylinder element including a filter, wherein the chamber element and the cylinder element form a brewing chamber, a main drive for rotating the spinning assembly about the main axis for centrifuging the coffee, wherein the cylinder element including the filter is movable between a first, lower position in which the filter forms the circumference of the brewing chamber and in which the spinning assembly has a brewing configuration, and a second, upper position in which the circumference of the brewing chamber is open, and in which second position coffee residue can be ejected by spinning the chamber element.

Abstract: A modular brewing system is described for providing hot water and managing power to multiple brew tower modules using a single centralized boiler and power management module so as to limit the number of high-power circuits required in a coffeehouse or store. The boiler and power management module manages power of components of the centralized boiler assembly and any brew tower modules connected thereto, including the boiler heaters, the grinder motors, and the brew chamber heaters.

Abstract: A beverage making machine may include a cartridge holder to hold a cartridge used to form a beverage. The cartridge holder may include a lower portion arranged to receive and hold the cartridge and a movable upper portion arranged to clamp the cartridge in place. The cartridge holder may be arranged to hold upper and lower compartments of the cartridge in spaces having a different pressure, e.g., an upper compartment of the cartridge may be held under relatively high pressure, and a lower compartment may be held in a space at ambient pressure. The cartridge holder may pierce upper and/or lower compartments of the cartridge to introduce activating fluid and/or receive carbonating gas from the upper compartment, and/or to introduced pressurized air into the lower compartment to force beverage medium to exit.

Abstract: A coffee bean container configured to store green and/or partially roasted coffee beans includes an inner volume where the beans are stored, roasting means allowing beans to roast at a certain required degree depending on the original roasting level of the stored beans, and at least part of a grinder to allow for grinding of the beans, once roasted, to a certain grinding size. The roasting means may be a roasting hollow tube through which pressurized hot air circulates such that coffee beans circulate inside the tube and within the internal volume, creating a fountain effect.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage portion from a volume of water and a mass of coffee beans. The apparatus includes a brewing chamber for containing the ground coffee. The chamber admits water via an inlet. The water contacts the ground coffee contained within the chamber, and exits the chamber via an outlet. A ground coffee supplier dispenses coffee beans to the chamber, and a water supply supplies water to the chamber. A controller controls the ground coffee supplier and the water supply such that the coffee beverage portion is brewed in a plurality of brewing steps. Each brewing step includes passing a fraction of the water volume through the chamber so as to contact a further fraction of the coffee beans mass during a time period equal to the desired brewing time. Further provided is a method of preparing a coffee beverage portion.

Abstract: A coffee brewing system includes a brew vessel adapted to receive water and ground coffee to produce and store a brewed beverage and to provide for a cleaning system. The brew vessel includes a filter and a magnet stirrer in the lower portion of the brew vessel. The magnet stirrer creates a water vortex for brewing the coffee. The used coffee grounds are allowed to settle on the filter creating a bed of used coffee grounds and the coffee is then filtered through both the bed of used coffee grounds and the filter and collected in a coffee storage container. A cleaning system is used to remove unsightly coffee stains and oil films in the system after a brewing cycle.

Abstract: A coffee machine including a controller, a boiler for heating a flow of infusion water, a movable infusion unit having an open infusion chamber connected to a dispensing line for dispensing the coffee infusion and having an ejection piston slidably supported therein in the infusion chamber, a supply line for supplying said flow of infusion water to the infusion unit, a closing piston engageable for closure of the infusion chamber. The controller can subject the infusion unit, prior to execution of the infusion process, to a first course of translational movement for closure of the infusion chamber by the closing piston, and to subject the infusion chamber and/or the ejection piston, following execution of the infusion process, to a second course of translational movement, for compression of the load of spent coffee grounds against the closing piston and for drainage of the liquid contained therein.

Abstract: Frothing device (40) for the use in a machine (100) for foaming and/or heating a fluid, comprising at least a first body (15) and a second body (16) assembled together to configure the frothing device (40); at least one of the first or second bodies (15, 16) comprising cavities to configure fluid conduits when the bodies (15, 16) are assembled together; the fluid conduits comprising a steam conduit (21) through which steam flows and heats the fluid; a fluid conduit (28) though which fluid flows by the under-pressure created when steam circulates through the steam conduit (28); and an air conduit (22) configured to be able to add air to the fluid conduit (28); the fluid conduits further comprising an expansion chamber (18) having an internal restriction in section allowing the fluid to be frothed when air has been added to the fluid conduit (28).

Abstract: In certain examples, a beverage dispenser includes a gas system configured to collect ambient air, pressurize the ambient air, and dispense the pressurized ambient air, a valve configured to dispense a base fluid, and a concentrate system configured to dispense a concentrate. A manifold is configured to form a gas-injected mixed beverage comprising the base fluid, the concentrate, and the pressurized ambient air, and a nozzle is configured to apply a back-pressure upstream on the gas-injected mixed beverage and dispense the gas-injected mixed beverage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for sequentially toggling a peristaltic pump disposed within a thermal cubicle for order-specific mixing of ingredients in a intermediary reservoir based on a recipe flow logic, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data input from a user via the user interface; based on the received input data, controlling at least one thermoelectric element disposed within an outer shell and inner conductive lining of at least one thermal cubicle to heat or cool said thermal cubicle; and based on the received input data, sequentially pumping a heated or cooled ingredient into the at least one tubular piping in fluid communication with any one of, or combination of, an intermediary reservoir for order-sensitive mixing of at least one other ingredient and, or directly to the pour outlet for dispensing.

Abstract: A milk-frothing device may be provided that comprises a mixing chamber which is constructed such that, when the milk flows through the mixing chamber, shear forces act on the milk and lead to mechanical lysis of the proteins contained in the milk and hence effect improved frothing-up of the milk. A drinks preparer may be provided that includes this milk-frothing device. A method may be provided for frothing-up of milk using this milk-frothing device.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing frothed milk includes a container for receiving milk, and an electrically operated drive for delivering and/or frothing the milk. The appliance includes a docking element for connection to a drinks preparation machine. The docking element includes a connection for steam delivered by the drinks preparation machine, —an interface for electrical current supplied by the drinks preparation machine, and a milk froth outlet for the frothed milk.

Abstract: An appliance that is dockable onto a drinks preparation machine, for preparing frothed milk and, for this purpose, includes at least one connection for steam produced by the drinks preparation machine, as well as an interface for electrical current delivered from the drinks preparation machine. The appliance also includes a milk frothing unit with a gear pump. The gear pump at an inlet side is connected to a milk feed conduit and to an air feed. A mixing nozzle is provided on a path of milk delivered by the gear pump, to which mixing nozzle this milk, the steam as well as the air can be fed.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system (1,2,3) comprises: —a first machine (1) for preparing a first beverage (15??), the first machine having a first outlet (11) for dispensing a beverage, such as coffee, onto a beverage dispensing area (12) for positioning a cup or mug (4); and—a second machine (2) for preparing and dispensing a second beverage (25??) via a second beverage outlet (21), the second machine being disconnectably connected to the first machine and separable therefrom. The first and second machines (1,2), when connected, are configurable so that the second outlet (21) is positioned or positionable adjacent to the first outlet (11) to dispense the second beverage (25??) onto the beverage dispensing area (12) and into a cup or mug (4) in position for collecting the first beverage (15??) from the first beverage outlet.

Abstract: Beverage device (1) comprising an upper sub-assembly (2) comprising a brewing interface head (4) and a lower sub-assembly (3) comprising a capsule receiver (5) for being engaged by the brewing interface head (4) between a capsule handling position and a closure head position, wherein the upper sub-assembly (2) is hinged on the lower sub-assembly (3) to be pivotally movable between said two positions and the brewing interface head (4) comprises a frame (7) and a brewing interface member (8); said interface member (8) being arranged to be movable relative to the frame (7) between a disengaging-to-capsule position and an engaging-to-capsule position, wherein it further comprises latch means (9), associated to the brewing interface head (4) and the capsule receiver (5), which are arranged for latching the brewing interface head (4) to the receiver (5) in the closure head position.

Abstract: A device for frothing a liquid includes a tube-shaped housing with an inner surface having a curved periphery. At least one inlet is arranged in a lateral area of the housing for letting in the liquid and a frothing gas, and may have a tangential orientation with respect to the curved periphery of the inner surface of the housing. End faces of the housing are open and function as outlets of the device, where a longitudinal axis of the housing may extend in a horizontal direction. Rings may be provided inside the housing for keeping a rotating flow inside the housing during a period of time which is sufficiently long for a frothing process to take place in an effective manner.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a beverage preparation module (2) comprising a module interface (21?, 25, 26) and an auxiliary device (10) comprising a device interface (15, 16). The module and device interfaces being arranged for assembling the module (2) and the device (10) together. At least one of the module and device interfaces (15, 16, 21?, 25, 26) comprises one or more dampening members (21?) so arranged that the module (2) and the device (10) are in direct contact only via the dampening member(s) (21?) when the module (2) and device (10) are assembled together via the interfaces (15, 16, 21?, 25, 26).

Abstract: A milk container that can be associated with a coffee machine having in turn an external coffee dispenser that includes a containment body for containing milk; a mixing unit at least having a mixing chamber, a channel for supplying milk to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying steam to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and an outlet channel for milk mixed with air and steam from the mixing chamber; an external milk dispenser having hooking means to the external coffee dispenser; and at least one flexible pipe for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser of the mixed milk to the outlet channel.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe is positionable at a carafe receiving area of a beverage forming machine with a lid of the carafe in an open position or a closed position. The carafe may be positioned at the carafe receiving area in any one of multiple rotational positions within a range of 45 to 180 degrees, and the machine may detect whether the lid is open or not for any of the rotational positions. A drip tray may receive waste liquid into two different waste liquid receiving areas, and may detect the presence of liquid for different volumes received into the respective areas. Holes or other opening in the drip tray may be configured to receive liquid flowing down a side surface of a carafe when the liquid reaches a periphery of the carafe base.

Abstract: According to a method of producing a drink, a cold drink, in particular iced coffee is produced from a hot drink, in particular a coffee/espresso, which is produced in a drinks machine by means of a hot-drinks-preparing device (2-6). In order for optionally the hot drink or the cold drink to be produced in portions with a high taste quality, as are typical for catering and domestic use, in the case of the cold drink desired the latter is produced on a continuous basis directly after the hot drink has been prepared, without the direct addition of cooling agents, in particular ice, iced water or cooling bodies, in the same drinks machine using a cooling device (16, 23, 23?, 37, 39).

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a coffee supply module, a support surface for a cup placed beneath the coffee supply module and a steam supply nozzle. The steam supply nozzle can be connected to a milk container which is equipped with an emulsifying module. The emulsifying module has a connection seat in which the steam supply nozzle is inserted when the milk container is connected to the steam supply nozzle. Further, the emulsifying module has a pipe for sucking up milk from the milk container and a nozzle for supplying hot or emulsified milk to the cup. The steam supply nozzle is oriented toward the support surface and the connection seat of the milk container is oriented upwardly when the milk container is placed on the support surface with the steam supply nozzle inserted in the connection seat.

Abstract: A system with a beverage maker for making single serving customized beverages is provided herein. An example beverage maker includes a carbonation chamber for mixing a selected volume of fluid with carbon dioxide. The beverage maker also includes a pressurized carbon dioxide source in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber. The beverage maker is configured to receive an individually packed, single use disposable flavor cup containing a flavor and having a sealed cover that covers and seals the flavor cup. Additionally, the beverage maker includes a piercing mechanism for piercing the flavor cup and mixing the selected volume of fluid therein, and for discharging a blended fluid. The carbonation chamber comprises a pressure vessel assembly of a fixed volume such that carbon dioxide absorption can be performed and controlled. The system may also include a water dispenser fluidly connected to the beverage maker.

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: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device includes at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing milk for a coffee maker comprises a milk container having a base container for receiving the milk and a lid disposed on the base container, and at least one tube element, wherein the respective tube element protrudes into the base container and has an inlet opening for the milk, said inlet opening being in fluid connection with an outlet opening for the milk disposed on an upper side of the lid. An elastic sealing collar surrounding the outlet opening is disposed at the outlet opening. A docking system for docking to the milk container comprises a docking piece, which can be brought into a top position and a bottom position, wherein the docking piece has at least one opening for receiving the milk on an underside. If the docking piece is in the top position, the docking piece has no contact with the sealing collar and the sealing collar is shaped such that at least one section of the sealing collar protrudes upward above the respective outlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a hot beverage. The apparatus includes a hot steam source for supplying a flow of steam into a vessel, a rotary stirring device including a rotatable shaft which carries a stirring rotor; and a cleaning container. A control unit controls movement of the stirring device between its rest position and its working position; the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend inside a vessel; and the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend in the cleaning container.

Abstract: A device (1) has: a cartridge seat (10) arranged to receive an ingredient cartridge (2) for extraction; a beverage outlet (35) connected to this cartridge seat for dispensing beverage during extraction; and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) comprising a pump (60) for pressurizing and circulating liquid from a source (50) via the cartridge seat into the beverage outlet. The liquid injection arrangement further comprises a valve (80?) between the pump and the cartridge seat. The liquid injection arrangement is configured to release via the valve (80?) pressure from this pressurized liquid in the injection arrangement and maintain liquid in the injection arrangement from the pump (60) to the cartridge seat (10) after the pump is stopped, so as to inhibit dripping from the beverage outlet (35).

Abstract: A system for preparing a nutritional liquid for ingestion by a neonate is disclosed. The system includes a receptacle for sterilizing water for use in warming the nutritional liquid. A sterilizer having an ultraviolet (UV) light source is engaged with the receptacle, and a fluid pump is provided to pump sterilized water from the receptacle and into a sleeve compartment of a warming bag. The sleeve compartment surrounds an interior pocket that is dimensioned to receive a container that is filled with the nutritional liquid. The system also includes a heater/vibrator having a reservoir and a heating element. The reservoir is dimensioned to receive the warming bag and liquid-filled container. When the heating element is activated, heat is conducted from the heating element to the reservoir, from the reservoir to the water, and from the water to the nutritional liquid in the liquid-filled container.

Abstract: A device (1) for orienting capsules (C) is described. The device comprises a container (9) for receiving randomly oriented capsules (C), which has bottom wall (11), provided with at least two apertures (17A, 17B). A rotor (13) is rotatingly arranged in the container and above the bottom wall (11). The rotor is provided with capsule receiving pockets (15). Under the apertures of the bottom wall (11), a capsule collector (19) is arranged, for receiving capsules discharged from the capsule receiving pockets (15) through either one or the other of the two apertures (17A 17B). The capsule receiving pocket (15), the two apertures (17A, 17B) and the capsule collector (19) are shaped and arranged such that the capsules (C) randomly contained in the container (9) exit the capsule collector (19) with a pre-determined orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a claimed device (1) for producing milk foam and/or warmed milk, comprising a steam supply line (2) that has a steam supply opening (3), said steam supply (2) comprising a tapering first nozzle (4) for obtaining a suction effect in order to suck in milk at a suction opening (5) which is arranged in said first nozzle (4). The device (1) additionally comprises an air supply device (8) for supplying air into the steam supply line (2) through an air supply opening (9). Said steam supply line (2) comprises a tapering second nozzle (10) to obtain a suction effect at the air supply opening (9) which is arranged in the second nozzle (10), and the first nozzle (4) is arranged downstream of the second nozzle (10) with regard to the steam flow direction.

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: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.

Abstract: A device (1) has: a cartridge seat (10) arranged to receive an ingredient cartridge (2) for extraction; a beverage outlet (35) connected to this cartridge seat for dispensing beverage during extraction; and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) comprising a pump (60) for pressurizing and circulating liquid from a source (50) via the cartridge seat into the beverage outlet. The liquid injection arrangement further comprises a valve (80?) between the pump and the cartridge seat. The liquid injection arrangement is configured to release via the valve (80?) pressure from this pressurized liquid in the injection arrangement and maintain liquid in the injection arrangement from the pump (60) to the cartridge seat (10) after the pump is stopped, so as to inhibit dripping from the beverage outlet (35).

Abstract: A beverage machine turntable pad includes a housing having a first wall for supporting a beverage machine, a support rotatably coupled to the housing below the first wall, such that the support is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the housing, and a plurality of adjacent drawers mounted on the support, each of the drawers being capable of extending and retracting relative to the support and radially relative to the rotational axis and through a housing opening formed through the housing.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker is provided with a removable pump for cleaning a brewing needle. The pump fits into a brewing chamber which normally receives a pod of an infusible beverage material. A pod receptacle and a lid pivotally connected to the housing form the brewing chamber, After a brewing cycle or when cleaning of the brewing needle is desired, an interior chamber of the pump is filled with cleaning fluid and the pump inserted into the pod receptacle. When the lid is closed, the brewing needle is inserted into the interior chamber. The lid is closed and released repeatedly to operate the pump. This creates a pumping action of the cleaning fluid through the brewing needle to dislodge a buildup of minerals or residual deposits. The used cleaning fluid and dislodged deposits are discarded after the cleaning operation is completed.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.

Abstract: An automated mixing drink dispenser (10) establishes a preselected feed rate of concentrate from a concentrate hopper (42) and ratio of concentrate to mixing water fed into a mixing chamber (42) through the Venturi effect created by swirling water fed into a mixing chamber (42) at a preselected water pressure (66) and preselected regulated flow rate (68) associated with the preselected feed rate of the concentrate. Concentrate is fed to a mixing chamber (42) from a concentrate hopper (42) having an open drain hole (50) openly connected to the mixing chamber (42). A stirring mechanism (106, 100, 101, 102, 104) mechanically mixes the concentrate within the concentrate hopper (42) to maintain a uniform density and viscosity and a gas pressure mechanism (92, 94, 96, 86) maintains a uniform head pressure of concentrate to facilitate maintenance of the preselected concentrate flow rate over time.

Abstract: An infusion unit includes a moving element with a seat for ingredients for making beverages. The moving element is configured to shift from a position for charging the ingredients to an infusion position, where the seat is between a hot water dispensing device and a beverage outlet nozzle opposite one another. A washing member is integral to the moving element where, through the movement of the moving element, the washing member may be positioned between the hot water dispensing device and the beverage outlet nozzle for forming a washing channel. Through the washing channel, the water dispensed by the hot water dispensing device flows towards the beverage outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A cup rack includes a cup rack body for receiving multiple cups in a stack, and a base for supporting the storage cups in the cup rack body and defining an access port for finger access to pick up the cups individually.

Abstract: A modular beverage brewing apparatus comprising a removable hot water producing module, a removable pressurized hot water producing module, and a removable steam producing module all connected to a remote dispensing liquid beverage dispensing unit.

Abstract: A beverage vending system includes a vending machine with a housing having a plurality of racks therein, each rack storing vending items. One of the vending items is a kit cup. Each kit cup includes a cup, a lid and a beverage pod. The racks are directly inaccessible by a user of the vending machine, and the housing includes an access area, accessible to a user for retrieving a dispensed kit cup. A control panel includes a user interface for selecting a vending item and a currency exchange system for receiving currency from a user. A dispensing mechanism is operatively connected between the control panel and the plurality of racks. In response to the user selecting a vending item and paying of the associated purchase value, the dispensing mechanism actuates a rack storing the selected vending item, to, in turn, dispense one such selected item to the access area.