Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.

Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising a movable first part, a fixed second part and a cartridge guide; the first part being movable between an open position and a clamping position; the cartridge guide being operatively engaged with the first part and slidably movable relative to the second part between a loading position and a dispensing position; the cartridge guide being located in the loading position when the first part is in the open position so as to enable loading of a cartridge into the cartridge guide; wherein on movement of the first part into the clamping position the cartridge guide is slidable into the dispensing position due to the operative engagement of the cartridge guide with the first part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system including a base station including a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity, and an autonomous beverage preparation module including an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode. The autonomous module includes a water inlet connection member. The autonomous module and the base station respectively include matching positioning members which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station in the docked position, and the system includes alternative water supply members and water outlet connection members adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection member of the module for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.

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: An improved single-serve cartridge with a one-way gas pressure relief valve for beverage brewing, preferably in an automatic single-serve beverage brewer device such as the Keurig® Single Cup Brewing System, and cartridge components are described. In embodiments, the improved cartridge contains ground coffee or other particulate beverage medium. A one-way gas pressure relief valve permits gas produced by the ground coffee to escape from the cartridge before use of the cartridge in a brewer, thereby avoiding certain disadvantages associated with excessive pressure within the cartridge. The one-way gas pressure relief valve is also essentially liquid-tight to liquid injected into the cartridge by the brewer avoiding problems associated with liquid leakage and allowing the cartridge to function in the brewer in the same manner as an unmodified cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that can dispense both cold and hot drinks from either cold drink capsules or hot drink capsules. The cold or hot drink capsule is inserted into the system, and the lid is manually closed. If a cold drink capsule has been inserted, a mechanism cracks the capsule along a predetermined seam, injects cold mixing fluid into the capsule, and then rotates the capsule to pour the mixed contents into a cup. As the contents are poured, additional cold fluid can be added to the cup. If a hot drink capsule has been inserted, closing the lid pushed it down on a bottom needle that punctures it. An injection needle rotates and punctures the top. Hot fluid is injected under pressure forcing a brewed or mixed drink out the bottom into a cup.

Abstract: A filter holder for an espresso coffee machine comprising a handle (1) and an outer holder (2), which outer holder is adapted to receive a filter plate (8). The filter plate (8) comprises a plurality of upstanding elements such as truncated pyramids adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule. Between the pyramids a plurality of perforations allow passage of coffee from a capsule to a cup. The holder further comprising a retaining member, which retaining member is adapted to retain the capsule in position and to permit water or steam to be applied under pressure to a surface of the capsule remote from the surface adjacent to the filter plate, the water or steam penetrating the capsule surface to reach the coffee in the capsule.

Abstract: Device for producing a frothed liquid comprising a chamber opened to atmosphere with a transverse bottom wall and a longitudinal upward wall, at least one diluent inlet, at least one liquid delivery outlet. The at least one diluent inlet comprises a first diluent inlet provided through the upward wall and dimensioned and oriented for directing a thin jet of diluent in the chamber. The at least one liquid delivery outlet is configured in the bottom wall for liquid to rise up along the side of the upward wall by the jet of diluent entering the chamber as a result of the direction and dimension of the diluent inlet in the chamber.

Abstract: A device (12) for the preparation of a beverage comprises a beverage supply duct (14) and a closure element (16). The closure element (16) comprises a closing surface (18) suitable for closing at least partially an end of the supply duct (14). The device (12) is characterized in that the closure element (16) is made of elastomer material suitable for undergoing an elastic deformation under the thrust of the beverage being supplied. The deformation causes an at least partial movement of the closing surface (18) away from the end of the supply duct (14).

Abstract: A device (1) for extracting an ingredient in a cartridge (9) by supplying an extraction liquid such as heated water into such cartridge, includes upstream and downstream cartridge enclosing parts (7,8) relatively movable between an open position for inserting and/or removing such cartridge and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (11) enclosing such cartridge during extraction; and a cartridge handling arrangement including a cartridge holder (10), in particular a holder fixed to or integral with the upstream part or the downstream part, for receiving and holding such cartridge against gravity when inserted and descending under gravity between the enclosing parts in the open position prior to forming the extraction chamber (11).

Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and/or tea, is disclosed. The system comprises an apparatus for dispensing beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which is placeable or is placed downstream of this nozzle. During use, the nozzle spouts a jet of the beverage with relatively high velocity to and/or into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in this chamber. The system is at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent formation of foam of this beverage, in particular when the beverage is spouted to and/or into the receiving chamber. Further disclosed is an assembly at least provided with a holder, to a holder, a receiving body, the use of a said system and to a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using the detector of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is preferably disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A holder and method for obtaining a holder, wherein the holder is provided with a first and a second wall part. The first and second wall part are interconnected such that therebetween at least a first storage space, at least a first fluid connection and at least a first seal removable through fluid pressure and defining an opening are formed. The at least first removable connection is communication with the first storage space and seals a communication to or from the at least first fluid connection. With the method for obtaining the holder, prior to forming the connection of the first and second wall parts, a lacquer is locally applied to one of the first and second wall parts, which after connection results in a controlled reduced adhesion for obtaining the at least first removable seal. Here in the proximity of the removable seal, an additional connection of the first wall part to the second wall part is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage extraction filter that can extract in a plurality of extraction machine types. The beverage extraction filter comprises a filter unit (40) where coffee powder is housed and a planar lid unit (41) mounted to the top section of the filter unit (40). The lid unit (41) is formed in a layer structure created by a non-permeable first sheet member (42) positioned on the filter unit side (40) and a permeable second sheet member (43) layered on top of the first sheet member (42), and a hole section (42a) through which hot water is made to pass is formed in the center of the first sheet member (42).

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for mechanically dispensing flavor from a flavor pod, the apparatus including: a casing; a pod delivery and retaining unit, and a flavor extraction unit.

Abstract: A brew basket is provided for use in a beverage brewing machine. The brew basket includes a body defining a brewing reservoir that extends along a longitudinal length from an open top to a bottom end having one or more openings. The brewing reservoir has an internally tapered multi-sided three-dimensional (3D) shape. The brewing reservoir having a first cross-sectional area at the open top that progressively narrows along the longitudinal length of the multi-sided 3D shape to a smaller second cross-sectional area proximate to the one or more openings at the bottom end. The open top is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine during a brewing operation with brewed beverage discharging from the one or more openings. The multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir configured to receive a filter pack having a generally tapered multi-sided 3D shape similar to the multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with single serve dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber for receiving food or beverage items for storage, the cabinet defining an opening for accessing the chilled chamber, and a door mounted to the cabinet at the opening of the cabinet, the door defining a dispenser recess. The refrigerator appliance further includes a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes an outlet conduit configured for flowing a liquid therefrom, the outlet conduit disposed in the dispenser recess, and a housing for supporting the single serve dispenser, the housing disposed in the dispenser recess. One of the outlet conduit and the housing is movable along a direction towards the other of the outlet conduit and the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable single serving coffee pod brewing device that includes upper and lower brew chambers, forming a pod holding chamber therein, a diffuser device that disseminates the incoming hot water to the outer periphery of any located beverage pod, and a kicker assembly formed in the bottom brew chamber, that supports the beverage pod during a brewing cycle, and then achieves its discharge into a waste or other bin following a brew cycle.

Abstract: A capsule includes a casing provided with a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity that is suitable for containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid for making a final product. The base wall is provided with an outlet for dispensing the final product. The base wall is deformable and transitions from an initial configuration to a final configuration following a pressure increase inside the cavity. The capsule includes a closing element positioned inside the cavity, facing and adjacent to the base wall and provided with a closing portion arranged for engaging and closing the outlet in the initial configuration of the base wall, and for disengaging and opening the outlet in the final configuration so as to enable the final product to exit and be dispensed through the outlet of the base wall when it is in the final configuration.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with fragrance dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A method includes providing a fragrance dispenser in a housing, the housing disposed in a dispenser recess defined in the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes flowing a gas from an outlet conduit into the fragrance dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: A machine for supplying beverages such as coffee and the like starting from a substantially granular preparation contained in single-dose capsules (C), which machine comprises an infusion group (100) which in turn has: an infusion seat (102), which is apt to receive the capsule during the beverage extraction performed by means for feeding hot water through the capsule itself; a lever for moving the capsule (2), apt to move the latter from an inlet position in the infusion group to an infusion position wherein the capsule is received in the infusion seat (102); and a perforating lever (1) of the capsule, distinct from the means for feeding an infusion liquid, wherein the whole configuration is so that the perforating means (1) perforates the capsule in a position of the latter previous to the infusion position (102), in particular in an inlet position in the machine (FIG. 3A).

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a fixed seat defining an accommodation space, a sliding seat slidable relative to the fixed seat, a dispensing frame mounted pivotally on the sliding seat, and a pivot seat pivoted to the fixed seat and having at least one push-pull rod and at least one control member. When the dispensing device is shifted from a brewing to a dispensing position, the pivot seat pivots relative to the fixed seat, the dispensing frame is driven to an inclined position by the control member so that a coffee capsule supported on the dispensing frame can slide out of the dispensing frame, and the sliding seat is driven by the push-pull rod to slide out of the accommodation space.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lower main body having at least one first engaging portion, an upper cover pivotally connected to and openably covering the lower main body, and a locking mechanism including first and second locking members pivotally mounted on the upper cover, a locking spring urging the locking members to move toward a locking position, and a handle to control pivoting of the first locking member. The first locking member includes a first retaining portion, and a second engaging portion releasably engageable with the first engaging portion. The second locking member has a second retaining portion releasably engageable with the first retaining portion.

Abstract: A single-use filtering capsule is provided for producing an alimentary infusion. The capsule includes a casing inside which is positioned a filtering sachet containing an aromatic essence. The sachet is perimetrally fixed to the casing in such a way as to separate two base extremities of the casing. A first perforable closure element allows the access of water to the aromatic essence. The first closure element is attached in closure of a first base extremity of the casing to which the sachet directs the inner side, a second closure element of a second base extremity of the casing to which the sachet directs the outer side. The capsule also includes dissociable member between the second closure element and the second base extremity of the casing, and gripping member for the second closure element for its dissociation from the second base extremity of the casing before the positioning of the capsule in an infusion apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements in beverage/food product preparation systems and in particular to beverage/food product preparation systems having machines of the type which use pre-packaged cartridges containing beverage or food ingredients. The cartridge (30) contains one or more beverage or food ingredients for use in a machine for preparing a beverage or food product from said ingredients. The cartridge (30) includes a base (34), an outlet aperture (37) in the base (34), and a collar (38) extending from the cartridge base (34) around the outlet aperture (37). The cartridge (30) is inserted into a holding receptacle (14) of a machine the collar (38) interacts with an element (65) of the machine and the collar (38) is configured to determine the pressure in the cartridge (30) during the preparation process.

Abstract: A cartridge retaining device is disclosed for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The device includes a base with a cover. A beverage making cartridge is placed within the base and the cover is positioned over the cartridge. Engagement of the cover over the cartridge in the base causes at least two probes, one above carried on the cover and one below generally carried on or proximate to the base to penetrate or otherwise open the cartridge. The device is structured to operate so that the cover probe penetrates the cartridge before the base probe opens a corresponding portion of the cartridge. The device is adapted for separate engagement with a brewer whereby heated water is dispensed from the brewer into the device for brewing a beverage retained within the cartridge and dispensing the brewed beverage from a lower section of the body of the device.

Abstract: A system, method and capsule are usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system includes an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The receptacle includes bottom piercing means intended for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule includes an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through. In use, the entrance filter is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) for admixture of a material in powder or liquid form into a fluid stream comprising a container (5) enclosing the material (8). The container cooperates with an outlet (3) of a fluid dispensing unit (4) such as a spigot or faucet and at least a part of the container (5) is permeable for the fluid (9) dispensed from the fluid dispensing unit (4). Further the system (1) comprises a device (2) configured to cooperate with the outlet and the container(5), and the device (2) is made in a material non-permeable for the fluid (9) and said system comprises position means (6) configured to position and to sustain the container(5) in a defined relation to said device (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected at a peripheral seam for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, and a contactless element for identifying the capsule by detecting means of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is oriented along its longer dimension substantially orthogonally relative to the transversal plane passing along the seam of the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage mixing and dispersing apparatus comprising: —a metering device, —a mixing chamber, —at least one diluent feeding means, —means for moving the mixing chamber, characterized in that the mixing chamber is movable between: —a metering position, where the metering device outlet emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and —a mixing position, where the diluent feeding means are able to inject the diluent in the mixing chamber and the metering device outlet does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet.

Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using the centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifugation. The capsule has upper and bottom walls, a widening side wall connecting to the upper and lower walls and an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of a food substance. The upper wall has a peripheral outlet region which is perforable and dedicated for providing outlets for the release of the liquid.

Abstract: Coffee capsule for coupling with multiple group heads has a flange whose proximal end meets a bottom end of the side wall. A raised plateau adjacent a bottom end of the side wall may receive pressure from and form a fluid-tight seal against the group head together with the side wall. A proximal lip more radially distal than the first plateau higher than the first plateau may protrude from the top surface of the flange. The side wall may have a narrowed top section to avoid protrusions from the group head. A curved top may have a circumferential strip of reduced thickness for water inlet formation. A second plateau along the top surface of the flange more radially distal than the proximal lip may form a fluid-tight seal against a different group head. The capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to facilitate sealing.

Abstract: A sealed capsule contains a beverage ingredient in powder form, in particular, ground coffee. The capsule comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) tightly attached to the base body (4), the foil member (5) being made from a material allowing the production of a multitude of perforations in the foil member (5) when the foil member (5) is thrust, via the pressure caused by injecting a liquid or a liquid/gas mix into the capsule, against a relief plate of a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is provided with a flow control porous member (80), the flow control porous member (80) being positioned between at least a portion of ingredients (3) and the foil member (5). The flow control porous member provides a faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.

Abstract: The disposable capsule for the production of an aromatic beverage comprises a container having a closed base which can be perforated for the inlet of water, and an open base closed by at least a filter through which the beverage can exit, said filter having a peripheral edge applied to a peripheral profile of said open base of the container, the peripheral profile of the open base to which the peripheral edge of said filter conforms having a peripheral development at a variable height with respect to the axis of the container.

Abstract: A water dispenser having beverage-making function is provided. The water dispenser can include a body defining a beverage making cavity with an open side therein; a beverage making assembly disposed in the beverage making cavity and including a beverage container for accommodating a beverage capsule, the beverage container having a first penetration member for penetrating a bottom of the beverage capsule; and a water injection mechanism for supplying water to the beverage capsule and having a second penetration member for penetrating a top of the beverage capsule.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station (1) comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity (12), an autonomous beverage preparation module (2) comprising an extraction head (4) and being removably connectable to the base station (1) from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module (2) comprises a water inlet connection means (27, 27a), wherein the autonomous module (2) and the base station (1) respectively comprise matching positioning means (5a, 5b) which engage when the beverage preparation module (2) is connected to the base station (1) in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means (11, 29, 36) and water outlet connection means (28, 32, 36a) adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means (27) of the module (2) for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for providing a rubber-elastic sealing member onto a capsule (1) intended for producing a beverage in a beverage production device, wherein the capsule has a body portion (3) having a side wall (3a) and a flange-like rim portion (2), wherein the rim portion (2) extends from the side wall (3a) of the body portion (3), the method comprising the steps of: —applying an uncured sealing composition (4) in a liquid or viscous state onto the rim portion (2) of the capsule (1), —heating said applied sealing composition (4) such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall (3a) until it reaches the side wall, and—curing the sealing composition (4) after the migration towards the side wall (3a).

Abstract: An infusion unit includes a support and a drawer having at least one seat for a single-serving sachet, the seat sliding relative to the support and movable between a charging position of the single-serving sachet and an infusion position. The infusion unit further includes a dispensing member for dispensing water under pressure to the single-serving sachet. A lever controls the movement of the drawer and a mechanical connection between the lever and the drawer and between the lever and the dispensing member. A stopping element locks the single-serving sachet into the infusion position after the dispensing. The seat, partly delimited by a pair of arms oscillating relative to the drawer, is interchangeable for seating capsules of various shapes or dimensions.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (24) by injection of a liquid into the capsule (24), wherein said liquid is provided by a pump (70) of the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule-holder (30) providing the capsule (24) to a capsule-holder receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule (24) in the capsule-holder receiving chamber (25), at least one injection member (11) to supply a liquid received from the pump (70) to the inside of the capsule (24), a control unit (80) for controlling at least the pump (70) of the device, and decoding means (1) connected to the control unit (80) and designed to read information from the capsule-holder (30).

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing liquids product by means of cartridges includes: an injector device, to let water and/or steam under pressure in the cartridge, an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and capable of receiving one said cartridge, retention element, capable of maintaining the cartridge in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and the injector device. The retention elements comprise: a support element of the cartridge, sustained in a displaceable way by the injector device in a part thereof that generally faces towards the outlet passage; and guiding elements mounted in a fixed position at generally opposite side parts of the injector device, that frontally protrude from the injector device and are capable of laterally constraining the cartridge to guide it until a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber.

Abstract: A capsule includes a first container provided with a first closed cavity containing a first product and a second container provided with a second closed cavity containing a second product. The first container and the second container include a first interface element facing the first cavity and a second interface element facing the second cavity, respectively. The first interface element is provided with a first connecting device having a first conduit and the second interface element is provided with a second connecting device having a second conduit. In an assembled configuration of the capsule, in which the first container is associated with the second container, the first connecting device is engaged with the second connecting device so as to couple the first conduit with the second conduit to make a flow connection between the first cavity and the second cavity and enable at least the first product to pass into the second cavity and join the second product to make a final product.

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: A device (1) for receiving an ingredient cartridge (2) and extracting the ingredient by passing heated liquid through the cartridge, has a cartridge seat (10) and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) for injecting heated liquid into the cartridge seat. The cartridge seat comprises a first cartridge support (20) and a second cartridge support (30) facing the first support. The first and second cartridge supports are arranged to be movable relative to one another from an open position for insertion or removal of a cartridge into the seat to a closed position for passing heated liquid through such a cartridge. At least one support (20) of the cartridge supports (20, 30) is hydraulically actuatable and movable into the closed position by the liquid injection arrangement.

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 brewing assembly, which has a brewing chamber having a first axis and for receiving a sealed capsule of brewing material; a sealing piston mounted to move along a second axis to and from a sealing position sealing the brewing chamber; a first unloading device movable along the brewing chamber to at least partly expel the capsule from the brewing chamber; a second unloading device movable with respect to the brewing chamber to engage the at least partly expelled capsule and unload it to the outside; and a brewing body, which defines the brewing chamber, supports the first unloading device, and is mounted to oscillate, about a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes, between a first position, in which the first and second axis coincide, and a second position, in which the first and second axis extend on opposite sides of the second unloading device.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a head assembly for a brewing apparatus is described. The head assembly includes a lid portion coupled to a fixed base portion and moveable between open and closed positions; a lock coupled to the lid portion and slideable between locked and unlocked positions; a lever with a first end connected to the lock, an axis point connected to the lid portion, and a second end; and a cover movably coupled to the lid portion and abutting the second end of the lever, such that pressure on the cover rotates the lid portion to the closed position, and rotates the lever so as to slide the lock into the locked position.

Abstract: A capsule adapter (1) is described, for use in a beverage producing machine. The capsule adapter comprises: a capsule receptacle (3) for housing a capsule (C) and having an apertured bottom wall (3B); a first piercer (19) arranged in the capsule receptacle (3); a cover (5) for closing the capsule receptacle (3), the cover having at least one water-inlet port (37); a second piercer (27) arranged on the cover (5). The capsule adapter is configured for being introduced in a brewing chamber of a beverage producing machine, with a capsule housed therein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a heating unit (100) for a beverage preparation machine (1) said machine (1) being suitable for preparing a beverage by mixing a beverage ingredient with a fluid, said machine comprising a pump for circulating said beverage preparation fluid through said machine at least from a fluid source to said heating unit, the heating unit (100) being suitable for heating said fluid and comprising: a housing (103) defining a fluid heating chamber (108), and a heating element (104) located inside said housing (103) and being adapted to heat said fluid therein, wherein the heating unit (100) further comprises a pre-heating tube (101) for conveying said fluid received from said pump through said heating unit (100), the pre-heating tube (101) comprising a tube inlet (102) and a tube outlet (107), the tube outlet (107) connecting with the heating chamber (108), and wherein the pre-heating tube (101) is located at least partly within the housing (103) in such a way that the heating element (104)