Abstract: Many kinds of dispensing devices for drinks or similar fluid foodstuffs, especially for coffee and/or milk are already known. Said devices comprise supply means for supplying at least two different hot drinks, filling outlets for dispensing hot drinks into at least one cup and valve means for stopping and releasing drink pipelines between the supply devices and the filling devices. According to the invention, in order to improve hygiene and product quality, the valve means are embodied in such a manner that additional pipelines for supplying and/or discharging flushing agents for cleaning, hot water or steam for preheating or other similar fluids, can be connected to the valve means instead of to the drinks pipelines in order to treat the valve means in the areas through which hot drinks flow. As a result, a rinsing process can be automatically controlled between two dispensing steps.

Abstract: The inventive coffee machine is provided with a housing (2) including a coffee output (9, 10), a steam generator and a steam output nozzle (20) which is movable with respect to the housing and is provided with a free end (22) immersible into a cup. The free end is introducible into a space under the coffee output (9, 10) and is translationally displaceable between an elevated position in which the free end (22) is placed at least substantially at the level of the coffee output (9, 10) and a lower position in which the free end (22) is immersible into a cup which is positioned in such a way that it receives espresso coffee.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet including a refrigeration compartment and a supply of water in the cabinet, with a door attached to the cabinet to selectively open and close access to the refrigeration compartment. A water conduit is located in the door to supply water from the cabinet supply of water to a point of utilization in the door. A water heater is located in the door arranged to heat water from the cabinet supply of water. A brew chamber is located in the door and arranged to receive a supply of ground coffee beans and water heated by the water heater to make brewed coffee. A dispensing outlet communicates with the brew chamber to allow for the dispensing of the brewed coffee at the door of the refrigerator, and a control is provided to control the heating of the water and the dispensing of the brewed coffee.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump and an eductor. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee maker and more specifically to a two cups automatic coffee maker with flow control in a precise manner, particular to a one cup coffee in desired volume, a two reservoirs type design to avoid overfill and able to have two different tastes, with a manual reset thermostat controls to turn off the heaters while brewing cycle is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.

Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device (300) that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster (200) may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device (400) 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 (800) 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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging and dispensing beverages.

Abstract: [Object] To enhance an effect for keeping warm and prevent oxidation deterioration of coffee, serving delicious coffee, and to save energy, suppressing generation of carbon dioxide. [Constitute] A coffee machine 100 for spraying hot water over powder of coffee beans to extract coffee, in which a coffee machine body 10 includes a nitrogen gas generation unit 30 for generating nitrogen gas, and a nitrogen gas supplying part 31 for supplying the nitrogen gas generated by the nitrogen gas generation unit 30 into a pot 60, and the pot 60 included a pot body 61 made of heat insulating material, a cover part 62 for sealing up the pot body 61 and a heater 72 provided in at least one of the pot body 61 and the cover part 62, for heating at least the pot body 61.

Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a containing element for heating an extracting fluid, a transferring arrangement for causing the passage of the fluid through a dose of coffee and a collecting arrangement for collecting a beverage produced with the extracting fluid during the passage: there being provided a separating arrangement arranged for separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid, the separating arrangement leading into distinct zones of the collecting arrangement.

Abstract: A steam unit, in particular for a machine for espresso beverages, includes a supporting island with external fastening, which connects removably to the machine; a tank for frothing milk, the base of which connects removably to the supporting island, which in turn comprises an electro/hydraulic circuit to deliver steam from the machine to the tank, by means of the connection at the base of the tank, said tank including an upper part for heating and emulsifying the beverages.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a coffee maker includes a housing, the housing structured to hold a carafe in a first position within a brewing area of the coffee maker. The coffee maker further includes a brewbasket adapted to connect to the housing and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is structured to engage the carafe and lock it into the first position in the brewing area, such that the carafe remains in the first position relative to the brewbasket, and the brew basket remains in first position locked directly to the housing by the locking mechanism as a second position of the brewbasket changes with respect to a reference point that is external to the coffee maker.

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: A coffee machine for preparing hot, milk-containing beverages and having a milk supply (15) and a discharge means (8). In order to achieve improved handling, the milk supply (15) is configured for accommodating concentrated milk, and a mixing device (17) is provided for mixing the concentrated milk with water.

Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages is disclosed, of the type provided with a hollow frame (1) comprising a water feed unit and an assembly for preparing beverages formed of a plurality of components. The components of the assembly are disposed in a compartment closed at the front by a supporting element (5) for at least one mixing chamber (6) and at least one dispensing nozzle (7) and are supported entirely or in part by the supporting element (5). The supporting element is removably mounted with respect to the compartment.

Abstract: A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient comprises a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient comprises a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.

Abstract: A coffee maker allowing simultaneous brewing and frothing includes a steam boiler, a brewing unit, and a frothing unit. Steam from the steam boiler is respectively introduced into both the brewing unit and the frothing unit. The brewing unit contains a disk to accommodate a coffee pack. The frothing unit disposed on top of the steam boiler includes an inlet tube to introduce steam, a duct connecting to an inlet tube and an outlet, a suction tube connecting to one side of the duct close to the outlet. The suction tube has an opening located inside the frothing unit. A replaceable disk is movably inserted into a chamber of the brewing unit and is made in a size corresponding to that of a coffee pack.

Abstract: The built-in coffee machine (1) comprises an operation device (2) and a front panel (3) arranged on the front of the operation device and movable with respect to the cupboard (4) for containing the device from at least a first position closing the device inside the cupboard (4) to at least a second position for access to said device and vice-versa, with there also being an access opening (5) on the front panel at least to a dispenser of coffee drink and to a steam and/or water delivery group, the dispenser of the coffee drink and the steam and/or water delivery group (7) being directly connected to the operation device of the machine.

Abstract: A coffee making and music or movie playing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a water reservoir and a brewing station; a container for receiving the brewed coffee; a compact disc player and/or an MP3 player and/or a DVD, and at least one speaker; and a sensor that senses when the coffee starts to brew and activates said compact disc player to start playing music or movie.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a housing, the housing of the coffee maker shaped and configured to fit within a wall cavity inside a wall and attach to one or more wall structures, the housing including an integral mounting structure having engagement structures to engage the one or more wall structures. The coffee maker unit further includes an in-line water heater located within the housing to receive a supply of water from plumbing that is external to the housing and a brewing area located within the housing to contain a supply of coffee grounds and to receive water from the water heater. The coffee maker further includes a coffee pot receptacle configured to support a coffee pot at least partially within the wall cavity such that the coffee pot is located to receive coffee from the brewing area.

Abstract: An automatic coffeemaker having, at the interior of a housing: an infusion group that includes an infusion chamber arranged to receive a pressing piston and means for actuating a relative sliding movement, between the pressing piston and the infusion chamber, between a rest position in which the piston is outside of the infusion chamber and a working position in which the piston is inside the infusion chamber; and a ground coffee distributor having a distribution orifice that communicates with a chute arranged to channel ground coffee toward the infusion chamber, wherein a drawer for collecting ground coffee grains is disposed under the chute and covers the periphery of the infusion chamber, the drawer being mounted in a manner to allow it to be directly withdrawn from the machine.

Abstract: A coffeemaker that heats up water in water tanks and supplies the heated water into a coffee funnel that has ground coffee and further collects liquid coffee dripping from the coffee funnel; the coffeemaker including an iced coffee tank, which collects the liquid coffee that drips from the coffee funnel, and an ice water tank, which accommodates the iced coffee tank and contains ice water that cools the liquid coffee inside the iced coffee tank via the walls of the iced coffee tank; and a relative difference in rotational speed being given to the iced coffee tank and the ice water inside the ice water tank.

Abstract: A container positioner assembly for use in positioning a volume of material in a container relative to a dispensing apparatus. The container positioner assembly includes structures for engagement with the apparatus allowing relative movement of a container attached thereto. The container positioner assembly may include an assist system which facilitates biased movement of the container relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.

Abstract: An assembly for creating milk froth and/or for heating milk is disclosed. It comprises a foaming device and optionally a milk container and a valve assembly. The foaming device is provided with a steam supply channel, an air supply channel, a milk supply channel and a discharge opening. In order to provide for an easy cleaning of the assembly and its microbicity, at least the components and/or cavities coming into contact with milk are provided with a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface consisting of nano-particles which consist partially of silver or a silver compounds.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for preparing a plurality of different beverages, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle station for receiving a receptacle for the beverage; a capsule receiving station having walls defining a cavity for receiving a capsule containing a beverage making ingredient; an inlet for introducing water into a capsule in the station to produce a beverage; and a beverage outlet for directing an outflow of beverage from the cavity to the receptacle station; wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of different beverage outlets that are interchangeable for making different beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. The tea characteristic can include one or both the tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicated with the heater. The control circuit controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic or characteristics. It can further determine steep time based on the set tea strength. The tea leaves steep in the heated water until expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.

Abstract: A beverage making system that includes a plurality of packs containing different beverage making ingredients and having different infrared reflectance spectra in a region thereof. A beverage making apparatus includes a station for receiving at least one of the packs; a source of liquid adapted to supply liquid into the at least one pack while the pack is located at the station; a system controller for controlling the supply of liquid from the source according to a beverage making program; and an infrared pack recognition system comprising an infrared light source for illuminating the region of the pack while it is located at the station. The apparatus also includes a detector for measuring an intensity of infrared light reflected from the region and for supplying an output signal to the system controller, whereby the beverage-making program is selected by the system controller in response to the output of the infrared pack recognition system.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes an integrated capsule dispensing apparatus. The automatic vending machine comprises a first dispensing unit for delivering products that it withdraws from one or more first storage compartments, and is characterized in that it further comprises at least a second dispensing unit for delivering products packaged in the form of capsules that are stored loosely within second storage compartments.

Abstract: A hot beverage machine includes a heating unit having a fresh water intake. A fresh water line supplies fresh water to the fresh water intake of the heating unit. A residual fluid line is coupled to the fresh water intake of the heating unit through an on-off valve for conducting fluids to a collection container. A device for letting off residual steam and residual water from the heating unit includes a heat-exchanging and heat-storing condenser having a residual line section coupled to the residual fluid line, a fresh water line section coupled into the fresh water line and a heat storing medium that is connected for conducting heat between the residual line section and the fresh water line section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an espresso coffee machine designed for a low-voltage vehicle that includes a water tank connected to a pump for pumping the water to a heating element which is itself connected to a brewing head in which a cartridge of coffee is brewed, a moveable closure for closing the head with a mechanism for moving the closure from an open position to a closed position and vice versa, a coffee dispensing pipe associated with the closure and a connection for the electric power supply, in which machine the heating of the heating element is switched off or reduced when the pump is running.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electric automatic-drip coffee maker with grinder, including a casing, an automatic coffee grinding device, a coffee basket assembly, a carafe for collecting coffee, a water reservoir, a heater for heating the cold water inside the water reservoir, and a water supply tube for supplying hot water to said coffee basket assembly; wherein, said grinding device further includes a coffee grounds discharge passage with its outlet positioned right above said coffee basket assembly; a partition assembly is installed between said coffee grounds discharge passage and said coffee basket assembly, said partition assembly can be rotated relative to said coffee basket assembly around a vertical axis. The coffee maker of the present invention can be used to grind and brew coffee effectively, to reduce or eventually eliminate the need for displacing the filter basket, so as to be convenient for use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.

Abstract: A device for preparing a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand, comprising two reservoirs of water, a container containing a formula, a data processor and a controller for dispensing water of the correct temperature from each of the reservoirs and the formula from the container into a vessel. Also provided is a method to prepare a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand.

Abstract: Machine for brewing coffee or beverage having at lease one single-serving brewing module, and at least one multi-serving brewing module connected to a commonly shared pump, water reservoir, and boiler. A flow controller is connected to the boiler, pump, and water reservoir, and in one position, the flow controller is connected to the single-serving brewing module, and in another position, the flow controller is connected to the multi-serving brewing module. The water reservoir, pump, boiler and flow controller are connected in series with suitable piping. The flow rate, temperature, and the amount of water to distribute to brewing module(s) are controlled, monitored and adjusted by a control system. The single-brewing module can be adapted to brew prepackaged coffee pods.

Abstract: In the area of beverage distributors, document FR 1 564 088 is known that discloses an automatic dispenser device suitable for preparing beverages of various kind. The beverages may be hot or cold ones obtained from liquid or concentrated products, solid and powderly products contained in hermetically closed capsules of troncoconical shape, in turn contained, stacked one on the top of the other, in certain tubular containes. The dispenser is provided with a number of groups of containers each of which contains a certain number of capsules of a certain product so that the dispenser may be activated by a user for delivering a desired beverage. The dispenser is such that the content of any capsule falls into a mixing chamber where it mixes with hot or cold liquid poured therein and is certainly not adapted to brew an aspresso coffee.

Abstract: A hygiene device for a coffee or espresso machine comprises an upper surface for receiving hot water from the machine, a lower surface adapted to be contaminated by flavor-containing materials in a basket while preventing the flavor-containing materials from contaminating the machine, a sufficiently small opening for allowing hot water to pass through to the flavor-containing materials and preventing the flavor-containing materials from reaching the upper surface, and a handle for allowing a user to move the hygiene device to allow the flavor-containing materials contaminated on the lower surface to be washed away. The hygiene device may comprise a seal member for forming an airtight seal with the rim or side wall of basket to enable a vacuum building-up therein to prevent dripping when disposing the wet flavor-containing materials.

Abstract: A combination water and coffee dispenser includes a hollow housing having an interior chamber. A water supply line extends from a domestic water source into the interior chamber for supplying fresh water to a cold water storage tank, a hot water storage tank and possibly to a raw water dispensing nozzle on the exterior of the housing. A liquid coffee concentrate storage container is received within the interior chamber and is in liquid communication with a pump. A discharge tube extends from the pump to a mixing chamber. Hot water is routed from the hot water storage tank to the mixing chamber wherein the hot water is mixed with liquid coffee concentrate to produce coffee having a predetermined concentration. The pump speed and thus the concentration of coffee produced in the mixing chamber is controlled by a potentiometer. The device is also equipped with a chilled compartment for storing refrigerated liquid coffee concentrate formulations.

Abstract: A multifunctional beverage machine designed for automatically making various kinds of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soups, and incorporates an advanced microprocessor control system such that multifunctional appliance operation can be easily be achieved via a one-touch button. The multifunctional beverage machine may include a removable water tank can hold a sufficient capacity of water so that the machine can make many cups of various drinks without refill. In addition, the multifunctional beverage machine has two or more independent brewing chambers installed in the machine allowing it to make different kinds or different combination of drinks in one operation.

Abstract: A unit for detecting an addition of a cleaning agent in a beverage dispenser, in particular in a coffee machine. In order to guarantee that a cleaning agent has been added when automatic cleaning is carried out, a measurement device is provided as well as a method of determining whether a cleaning agent has been added to the aqueous cleaning liquid. Whether a cleaning agent has been added to the aqueous cleaning liquid can be determined in dependence upon the measured conductivity and the measured electrical resistance of the cleaning liquid, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to brew coffee are described. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: releasing water from at least one water inlet onto ground coffee in a stationary coffee filter. The ground coffee is automatically agitated while the water is being released using an agitator that is connected to an agitator motor to aid flavor-enhancement during the brewing process by helping to assure that the coffee grounds are uniformly mixed, saturated and blended with hot water and to substantially maintain an evenness of depth of the ground coffee. The water, now containing extracted coffee chemicals, is collected in a coffee vessel.

Abstract: A capsule magazine unit having a holding device for capsule magazine unit, into which the capsule magazine unit can be releasably inserted, such as of an espresso machine. The capsule magazine unit can comprise at least one essentially vertical capsule magazine tube that is suitable for holding capsules of coffee or other beverage or food forming components stacked one above another and can have a lateral capsule removal opening at the bottom. A locking ring, which is arranged around the capsule magazine unit, can be displaced essentially vertically with respect to the capsule magazine unit. At least one locking-ring lifting element on a holding device for holding the capsule magazine unit can be provided that is suitable for acting on the locking ring.

Abstract: A grind and brew coffee making apparatus for providing freshly brewed coffee and having a number of features for easy cleaning, more efficient maintenance and improved safety. The coffee making apparatus has a housing assembly with an upper separable top cover, a grinding assembly with a removable grinding chamber and separable grinding chamber cover, a brewing assembly with a removable brew basket and separable brew basket cover, a control assembly with a safety lock mechanism and a control panel for providing a user with control over the various operations of the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: A combination grinder and brewer for grinding of coffee beans and delivering ground coffee to a brewing chamber for the brewing of a coffee beverage includes a fan for creating a positive pressure air blanket at the interface between the delivery system and the brewing chamber so as to minimize movement of moistened air from the brewing chamber into the delivery system.

Abstract: A delivery head for delivering a milk portion is connected via a connection line to a milk container in a refrigerator. A rinsing agent source is connected via a first line to a connection part in the connection line. A first on-off valve is inserted in the first line. The connection part is also connected via a second line and a second valve to a fresh air source. The container, the valves, and the connection part are installed in a refrigerator. Through this implementation, complete emptying of the connection line and the delivery head of rinse water after the rinsing procedure, as well as efficient rinsing during the rinsing procedure, are achieved.

Abstract: An automatic flavor-injected blending apparatus includes a base, a processor, and a user input in signal communication with the processor. A blending spindle is rotatably affixed at an upper end to the base and is rotatable under processor control. A container support is movably affixed to the base and is movable between a lower position for placing a container thereon and an upper position closer to the spindle's upper end. A selected flavor is injectable into the container. Software is resident in the processor that is adapted to receive the flavor selection and actuate the injection. The software is further adapted to actuate the spindle rotation. Since the blending process is automated, the server can start the apparatus, step away and attend to other duties while the apparatus is functioning, and return at a later time after a timer has turned off the spindle rotator.

Abstract: An in-wall coffee maker includes a coffee maker unit received in a mounting structure mounted within a wall cavity. The mounting structure includes engagement tabs to enable engagement of the mounting box to one or more wall structures and attachment flanges or tabs with apertures to receive fasteners from mating apertures in the coffee maker unit to attach the coffee maker unit in the mounting structure. The in-wall coffee maker unit can also include a metered water connection to facilitate a self-filling capability.