Abstract: The device, known as an extraction basket, sits at the bottom of the brewing apparatus' brewing chamber. The basket is inserted into the chamber prior to the addition of the flavor base and water to the chamber. The basket is depressed to the bottom of the chamber. The flavor base is then added to the chamber along with hot water, following the French press process of brewing. With a standard French press brewing apparatus, once the flavor base and hot water is added, a filtration piston is then inserted into the brewing chamber. After the allotted brewing time has passed, the filtration piston is depressed into the chamber. This pushes the spent flavor base to the bottom of the chamber, filtering the brewed beverage from the solid flavor base. As the solid flavor base is pushed to the bottom, the spent flavor base is compacted in the extraction basket which is located at the bottom of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing.

Abstract: A portable vessel for fluids has an integrated filtration system. A pressing assembly fitted to the vessel includes a stopper, a rod having a top end and a filtration assembly. A vessel top receives the pressing assembly such that the rod of the pressing assembly is slidably attached to a bearing of the vessel top. A gasket attached to the filtration element maintains a seal between the inner surface of the vessel and an outer perimeter of the filtration assembly and the orientation of the rod is maintained by the gasket and the bearing. In use, pressure applied to the pressing assembly drives the filtration assembly through the vessel causing water to be filtered as it passes through the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing unit for a coffee machine. The brewing unit comprises a brewing chamber in which a dose of coffee powder can be put, an inlet for supplying water to the chamber for preparing a coffee beverage, a first piston providing a moveable wall for adjusting the chamber internal volume, which wall has an outlet connected to a spout for delivering the coffee beverage to the user, and a valve assembly for connecting said spout to the brewing chamber or the atmosphere according to the position of the supporting means. Advantageously a second piston is provided which moves the first piston and supports the valve assembly. The second piston is also moveable with respect to the first piston, for actuating the valve assembly.

Abstract: A beverage maker which has an open top container, a filter insert and a lid. The lid comprises a lid lower part having a lower lid wall in which an insertion opening is configured for inserting the filter insert. In order to prevent liquid from pouring or squirting out of the container and in order to reduce heat losses, the lid lower part is sealingly held on the container, a pouring spout is configured in the lower lid wall and the lid comprises a closure for the pouring spout. The closure has a lever which is mounted above the lower lid wall to be swivelable about a horizontal axis. The lever has an actuation region in order to swivel the lever from a first position in which the closure closes the pouring spout to a second position in which the closure releases the pouring spout.

Abstract: A device with an infusion chamber defined by at least two parts movable in relation to each other to close and open the infusion chamber; a duct to supply pressurized hot water to the infusion chamber; at least one pump to supply pressurized hot water to the infusion chamber; and a dispensing unit to dispense coffee from the infusion chamber. The dispensing unit has at least a first configuration and a second configuration, according to the type of coffee to be dispensed; the two parts defining the infusion chamber have at least a first reciprocal position to define a larger infusion volume and a second reciprocal position to define a smaller infusion volume and the dispensing unit is switched to one or other of said at least two configurations when said at least two parts are in the second reciprocal position.

Abstract: Provided is a brewing device which is portable and does not require the use of electricity, as well as a method of brewing using the portable brewing device. The device includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder that function together like a piston in a cylinder. The inner cylinder includes a filter for holding brewing solids at one end. The inner cylinder is dimensioned to slide within the outer cylinder and create a water tight frictional fit with the outer cylinder. Thus, when the inner cylinder is pushed into the outer cylinder filled with liquid, the liquid is force to pass through the filter and into the inner cylinder as brewed liquid.

Abstract: The system includes a vertically-oriented cylinder sized to receive a selected amount of water and a substance such as coffee to be brewed. A plunger is slidingly received within the cylinder. A filter assembly separates the grounds from the brewed drink. A heating element is wrapped around the cylinder to maintain a selected temperature within the cylinder.

Abstract: An infusion press lid assembly is taught consisting of a lid body having a configuration capable of attaching to a straight walled beverage containing vessel. An actuator lever (44) pivotally engages a lid body (20) with a pouring valve (56) embraced by the actuator lever. A plunger rod (70) is disposed within the lid body and a plunger knob (76) is attached to the plunger rod for manually pushing the rod away from the lid body. A piston (82) is attached to the plunger rod, with the piston having bottom screen (84); a hub (86), an outer ring (88) and a number of reinforcing spokes (90). A seal retainer (92) is disposed within a groove (94) around the piston's periphery and a lip seal (96) is positioned within seal retainer. When an infusible media is placed within a beverage containing vessel and hot water is poured over the media and the lid body is attached, after steeping a brewed beverage is formed.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: A tea brewing apparatus includes a tea steeping assembly received in a vessel such as a kettle or tea pot, for raising and lowering tea leaves with respect to the brewing water without opening the lid. The tea steeping assembly includes an outer filter including a perforated container, and in which a tea strainer is slidingly received. A lid is mounted for rotation on the filter; and a telescopic coupling connects the lid and the tea strainer so they rotate together. A cam and a follower cooperate such that rotation of the lid engages the follower with the cam to raise and lower the strainer.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: There is an apparatus for brewing and making a personal beverage, which combines an independently sliding filter apparatus and a push button opening and closing mechanism, which coordinate vertically applied pressure and controlled rotational movement.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for use in a cup or other container can help prevent or minimize sloshing, splashing and other undesirable movement of fluids. In some embodiments, the device includes a main body portion having a plurality of openings. The device can also include one or more features that are configured to engage an interior wall of the cup or other container. In other embodiments, the anti-splash device can attach to the brim of a cup or to a lid. In other embodiments, an anti-splash device, a cup lid or any other components related to a beverage or food container comprises one or more finger guides that provide targeted points of contact when manipulating such a device.

Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.

Abstract: A pitcher includes a container body defining a liquid storage cavity therein and having an open end and a cover removably coupled to the container body. The cover extends along the open end, and the cover defining a fill opening configured to receive a liquid therein. The fill opening is in communication with the liquid storage cavity. The pitcher also includes a lid assembly having a lid closing access to the fill opening. A slide mechanism is coupled to the lid, and the slide mechanism is slidably coupled to the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic dispenser for infused beverages made from powdered coffee or from pre-packaged capsules comprising, inside a housing: an infusion group (1) containing an infusion chamber (2) having a bottom and an opening (3) and being able to receive a pressing plunger (5), actuating means (7) for effecting a sliding movement relative to the pressing plunger (5) and/or said infusion chamber (2) relative to one another, starting from a position of rest, in which the plunger is located outside the chamber, and up to a working position inside the infusion chamber, and an ejecting plate mounted inside the infusion chamber (2) in a manner that enables it to be displaced between the bottom and the opening (3) of the latter by means of a drive device, and; a device (20) for ejecting the cake consisting of coffee grounds or ejecting infused capsules when said ejecting plate is brought to the level of the opening (3) of the infusion chamber (2), this ejecting device comprising an ejecting arm (2

Abstract: The invention discloses a plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a lid which can be closed by a valve. The beverage-making machine has a vessel (2), a lid (3) and a filter piston (4) which can be vertically displaced in the vessel and has a piston rod (41). The lid (3) contains a pouring opening (37) which can be closed by means of an elongate lever (33) which extends transverse to the piston rod. To this end, the lever is mounted on the lid such that it can pivot about a horizontal axis. The lever has, in the region of its front end, a closure body (36) in order to close the pouring opening and, in the region of its rear end, an operating region (331) in order to pivot the lever by virtue of pressure exerted by a finger of a user.

Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting spent solids from a brewing apparatus such as a French press coffee maker. An insert optionally holds predetermined measures of solids such as coffee or tea prior to brewing and collects the spent solids as they are separated from the liquid by the straining device of the apparatus. The insert connects to the straining device and is thus easily removable from the apparatus. The insert may be flexible in order to facilitate disposal of the spent solids.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus, wherein an infusion body, defining an infusion chamber, oscillates, about a fixed axis and beneath a discharge doctor, between an infusion position and a discharge position on opposite sides of a brewing material loading position; and wherein a piston moves along the infusion chamber to expel, in the discharge position, a cake of brewed material through an end surface of the infusion chamber; and the discharge doctor has a follower device which, when activated, keeps the discharge doctor detached from the end surface.

Abstract: A coffee or tea filtering press includes a hollow cylinder having top and bottom openings, a perforated removable cap which encloses the bottom opening, a removable piston which is inserted into said top opening and pressed downward to force liquid in the cylinder through the perforated cap, and a support to hold the press above the mouth of an open vessel.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a plunger-filter beverage preparation device of the French press coffee maker variety, incorporating a glass vessel (10). In order to prevent glass splinters from flying about in an uncontrolled manner in the event of a breakage of the glass, the glass 23 vessel is surrounded by a retainer (2). Said retainer (2) consists of a bottom section (21) with a lower ring (26), an upper ring (22), and a narrow-mesh (24) extending between them. The retainer preferably expands in diameter from top to bottom.

Abstract: The coffee machine comprises an infusion group having a main body formed by a shell delimiting a space for the movement of an infusion cylinder between a position of engagement with a closure piston for the creation of an infusion chamber and a position of disengagement from the closure piston for the loading of a coffee powder load, the infusion cylinder being rigidly supported by a rotatable carrier, a removable reciprocal engagement member between the infusion cylinder and the carrier being provided for the extraction of said infusion cylinder from a window of the shell, outside said shell, a translation member being further provided for translation of the carrier.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: Provided is a brewing device which is portable and does not require the use of electricity, as well as a method of brewing using the portable brewing device. The device includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder that function together like a piston in a cylinder. The inner cylinder includes a filter for holding brewing solids at one end. The inner cylinder is dimensioned to slide within the outer cylinder and create a water tight frictional fit with the outer cylinder. Thus, when the inner cylinder is pushed into the outer cylinder filled with liquid, the liquid is force to pass through the filter and into the inner cylinder as brewed liquid.

Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: A piston (11) of an automatic machine for infusion of beverages, such as coffee and the like, the piston having a piston head (13a, 13b) divided into two parts connected together and axially movable relative to each other, an annular gasket (15) being housed between those parts and radially expanding when an axially directed thrust such as to make said two piston parts (13a, 13b) approach each other is applied onto said piston (11), wherein the elastic resistance of said gasket (15) keeps said two piston parts (13a, 13b) spaced apart when no axial thrust is applied onto the piston.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining beverages by infusion comprises an indicating device arranged for indicating that a preset infusion time interval has passed; a method for obtaining beverages by infusion comprises imbibing with water at a desired temperature a dose of a substance or of a mixture of substances from which beverages have to be obtained, and indicating the duration of the infusion through a suitable indicating device indicating that a preset infusion time interval has passed; a timing device is provided with a hooking element arranged for hooking said timing device to an apparatus for preparing beverages by infusion.

Abstract: A plunger device for use with a beverage press having a screen for filtering fines from an infused beverage. A flexible seal is provided that is compressible to function properly in different sized containers. The seal may be made of a material such as rubber or rubberized plastics or the like and may have a width that is greater than its thickness. Various seal embodiments including ascending, descending and non-circular embodiments are disclosed. Brew control and multiple access openings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage making device for making a beverage from a liquid and a beverage making material includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a filter member. The outer housing is configured to hold a mixture of the liquid and the beverage making material. The inner housing is configured to be received within the outer housing and is configured to slide within the outer housing. The filter member has at least an outer peripheral edge coupled to the inner housing, and the filter member is configured to filter the mixture to provide the beverage as the inner housing slides within the outer housing. The beverage making device may further include a wiper gasket coupled to an outer peripheral edge of the inner housing that wipes an inner surface of the outer housing as the inner housing slides within the outer housing.

Abstract: A method of removing coffee grounds or solid materials from a French press coffee maker by inserting an apparatus consisting of a woven material creating a basket that fits the bottom of the coffee maker and is supported by four vertical evenly spaced bars, held together by a band at the top. The apparatus fits snuggly inside a French press and when removed from the French press it removes all solid materials inside the French press and leaves the liquid within the press.

Abstract: A press and sip device including a straw and sieve coupled together to permit pressing solid particles to infuse flavor into a freshly brewed beverage consumable from the container in which it was prepared. The straw and sieve unit can be used in containers of various sizes through the use of gasket attachments. The sieve is provided with openings that allow the beverage to receive flavor from the solid particles while maintaining the particles separate from the beverage when the beverage is consumed. The straw is provided with apertures in the side wall of the straw that limit intake of beverage to the liquid above the sieve separated from the solid particles. The device is contemplated as having detachable elements to facilitate cleaning and storage.

Abstract: An all-in-one beverage container for providing a mixed beverage product. The container includes a cup for holding a liquid, and a percolating mechanism for holding a beverage mix at a predetermined location within the cup, the beverage mix being provided in a solid, granular, gel and/or packaged form. A filter may be coupled to the percolating mechanism for separating the beverage mix from liquid disposable in the cup, and a stem may be coupled to the percolating mechanism for enabling axial movement of the percolating mechanism relative to a longitudinal axis of the cup. The stem may enable mixing of the beverage mix with the liquid and enable removal of the percolating mechanism from the cup upon mixing of the beverage mix with the liquid for thereby providing the mixed beverage product. The invention thus provides an all-in-one beverage container which is easy to use, hygienic and disposable.

Abstract: A press assembly is adapted to be used with a disposable stackable cup. According to the preferred embodiment, the press includes a filter. A resilient radially compressible support forms a seal is formed between the filter and the interior of the cup. A detachable rod is mounted to the support. The support is sized to accommodate all radii of the cup. As the user presses down the rod, the press assembly is pushed downward to the bottom of the vessel. The seal maintains continual and firm pressure on the inside surface of the vessel so that the pressurized liquid passes through the filter and the infusion substance is trapped.

Abstract: A press assembly is adapted to be used with a disposable stackable cup. According to the preferred embodiment, the press includes a filter. A resilient radially compressible support forms a seal is formed between the filter and the interior of the cup. A detachable rod is mounted to the support. The support is sized to accommodate all radii of the cup. As the user presses down the rod, the press assembly is pushed downward to the bottom of the vessel. The seal maintains continual and firm pressure on the inside surface of the vessel so that the pressurized liquid passes through the filter and the infusion substance is trapped.

Abstract: A press and sip device including a straw and sieve coupled together to permit pressing solid particles to infuse flavor into a freshly brewed beverage consumable from the container in which it was prepared. The straw and sieve unit can be used in containers of various sizes through the use of gasket attachments. The sieve is provided with openings that allow the beverage to receive flavor from the solid particles while maintaining the particles separate from the beverage when the beverage is consumed. The straw is provided with apertures in the side wall of the straw that limit intake of beverage to the liquid above the sieve separated from the solid particles. The device is contemplated as having detachable elements to facilitate cleaning and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing coffee has a base and housing supporting a filtercup and a pressing cylinder. The pressing cylinder has a forked end engaging a cylindrical body and attached to a rocker arm. A counterweight is attached to an end of the rocker arm. The cylindrical body has a rack engaging a ring gear activated by a lever. Movement of the lever causes movement of the cylindrical body and pressing cylinder. A pinion attached to the cylindrical body moves along a second rack. Movement of the pinion is translated to a bevel gear pair and a pin between the prongs of the forked end.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for infusing compacted ground coffee in a grounds cup at a brewing station with heated water under pressure. At a brewing station, a piston head with an active seal that is spaced from the grounds cup wall during motion, extends into the grounds cup. When the piston head begins to compact the ground coffee it activates the seal to form a sealed upper end of a brewing chamber. Hot water is admitted to the brewing chamber to produce the coffee. When the brewing cycle is completed, the piston head displaces further to force additional coffee from the grounds. Then the piston head retracts to allow the infusion chamber assembly to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: An infusion beverage brewing system includes a container and an infuser. The infuser is positioned in a liquid, such as hot water, and has an infusing chamber for containing infusible materials, such as tea leaves. A plunger includes a piston with a peripheral seal and flap valves. After a brewing time has elapsed, an individual pushes on an operator to move the piston past a perforated wall portion of the infusing chamber. When the piston reaches a solid wall portion at the bottom of the infusing chamber, the flap valves open to allow liquid to escape. However, small apertures aligned with the flap valves prevent the passage of the infusible material. Consequently the infusible material is isolated from the liquid when the piston reaches a solid bottom wall portion of the infusing chamber.

Abstract: A mug (10), specifically a vessel (20) incorporating a plunger assembly (30), that includes a number of fingers (42), is improved by positioning the fingers downwardly to contact the side wall of the vessel. The improvement also includes the following; a minor diameter portion (58) of the vessel sized to fit a motor vehicle cup holder. An open distal ended liner (62) intimately embracing a storage container compartment (60) formed on an inside surface of the outer shell minor diameter portion of the vessel. A closure base (66) removably engages the liner and encloses the bottom of the vessels storage container compartment. The closure base includes a number of inwardly facing spacer legs (68) that removably retain a storage container (72) including a detachable lid (74). The storage container provides a receptacle for such items as coffee grinds, tea leaves, sugar and creamer etc. such that the items may be conveniently available with the mug.

Abstract: Device having a cover to be positioned on a vessel with an interior wall. A shaft extends through a transverse passageway in the cover. A basket for holding a flavoring substance is mounted to the end of the shaft. The basket can thus be raised and lowered within the vessel through action of the shaft. A continuous lip of flexible polymer surrounds the periphery of the basket, for engagement with the interior wall of the vessel. With flavoring substance in the basket, liquid is poured into the vessel in such a way as to retain air in the space between the basket and the bottom of the vessel. The basket is pushed downwards, causing at least part of the air retained in the space between the basket and the bottom portion of the vessel to displace the flavoring substance while the air rises within the vessel, resulting in improved infusion of the flavoring substance.

Abstract: An automatic coffee machine (1) includes a sliding block (28) fixedly connected to a housing (2). A brewing unit (5) includes an upper and a lower locking element (7, 8) and a vertical tube section (4). The upper locking element (7) is alternately moved in a brewing position, a stand-by position and a parking position. The upper locking element (7) in the brewing position protrudes into the tube section (4) to attain a brewing chamber (6). The upper locking element (7) in the stand-by position does not protrude into the tube section (4) and the axis of the upper locking element (7) is aligned with the axis (9) of the tube section (4). The upper locking element (7) in the parking position does not protrude into the tube section (4) and the axis of the upper locking element (7) is not aligned with the axis (9) of the tube section (4). A pivot column (15) connected to the upper locking element (7) is moved in an axial direction, and it is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: A stirring coffee press for brewing beverage grounds, such coffee or tea, while simultaneously compressing and agitating the grounds in a single container. The stirring coffee press includes a container with a fitted lid, a plunger assembly slidably and rotatably received within the container and being attached to a hollow shaft which extends out through an opening in the lid, and a blade assembly attached to a shaft that extends and exits through the hollow shaft of the plunger assembly. The hollow shaft of the plunger assembly has a handle attached to the end of the hollow shaft, wherein the plunger handle is adapted to be received and retained into the aperture in the lid, thereby preventing the plunger assembly from rotating. The blade assembly shaft has a knob attached to its open end allowing the blade assembly to be freely rotated.

Abstract: A steeping apparatus is for steeping a solid food material in a liquid to impart a flavor of the solid food material to the liquid to produce a flavored beverage. A container is provided to hold the solid food material and the liquid. The container forms an opening, through which the solid food material and the liquid are inserted into the container, and a spout at a peripheral of the opening, through which the flavored beverage is poured out of the container. A plunger is movable with respect to the container between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. A plunger moving element coupled to the plunger such that the plunger moves from the first plunger position to the second plunger position as the plunger moving element is moved. The plunger includes a filter element that, as the plunger moves from the first plunger position to the second plunger position, permits the flow of liquid therethrough but that substantially inhibits the passage of solid food material therethrough.