Abstract: A device for production of a beverage by infusion of a ground substance for infusion includes an infusion chamber (2), for housing the ground product, a hot water circuit through the infusion chamber (2) and elements for circulating the hot water in the circuit. The device includes elements for reversing the flow of the hot water circuit through the infusion chamber (2).

Abstract: A cleaning module for machines for the production of liquid foods, particularly for coffee makers, including at least one reservoir for cleaning agents to accept cleaning agents, with at least one dosing device having a control connector and at least one discharge chamber, with the dosing device being connected to the cleaning reservoir and the discharge chamber such that cleaning agents can be fed by the dosing device from the reservoir for cleaning agents to the discharge chamber. The invention further relates to a device for the production of liquid foods and a method for its cleaning.

Abstract: A full-automatic drip coffee maker with coffee bean grinder which is totally electronic controlled, that is, the user just needs to select whether to brew coffee after grinding the coffee bean or directly brew coffee on the control panel, accordingly the coffer maker will carry out operations automatically and preserve the coffee bean aroma as much as possible in the process of brewing.

Abstract: A coffee maker having a housing having a brewing chamber in which coffee is produced, a water reservoir attached to the housing, a system to pump water from the reservoir, heat the water and then deliver the heated water to the brewing chamber, and an adjustable spout removably and movably secured to the housing for receiving the coffee produced in the brewing chamber wherein the adjustable spout is moveable upward and downward. The coffee maker also has a lid that is moveable attached to the housing. The lid is moveable between a closed position that provides a sealed brewing chamber and an open position that allows access to the coffee pod holder and the coffee pod therein. The coffee maker has a pressure valve that routes excess pressurized water back to the reservoir.

Abstract: To make a coffee beverage in a coffee percolator, hot water is fed, at relatively low pressure of about two atmospheres, into a sealed capsule defined by a cup-shaped body housing a measure of ground coffee and closed in fluidtight manner at an open end by a sealing wall connected integrally to the cup-shaped body; the beverage being extracted from the sealed capsule through hollow extraction needles, which have longitudinal inlet slits of substantially 0.3 mm in width, and are inserted into the sealed capsule through the sealing wall before the hot water is fed into the sealed capsule, and so that the relative longitudinal slits extend inside the sealed capsule by respective lengths at least equal to a third of the depth of the relative cup-shaped body.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a metered volume of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage dispenser. The system includes: a storage tank for containing a supply of unheated water, a dispensing tank, and a delivery line communicating with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of the dispensing tank into upper and lower compartments wherein the volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. The system also includes a vent valve communicating via a vent line with the upper compartment, and a supply line connecting the storage tank to the lower compartment. An air pump is arranged to deliver pressurized air to the upper compartment. A water pump in the supply line is arranged to deliver water from the storage tank to the lower compartment. A heater for heating water is received in the dispensing tank.

Abstract: A beverage forming system includes an actuator and first and second portions that are movable relative to each other between open and closed positions. The first and second portions include a cartridge receiving portion to accept a cartridge for forming a beverage, e.g., a disposable single serve cartridge. A first linkage member may be fixed to the actuator and physically contact a second linkage member that may be fixed to the first or second portion (or to a frame that supports the first and second portions). Movement of the actuator may cause movement of the first and second linkage members relative to each other, thereby causing relative movement of the first and second portions between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A percolator machine for making a beverage from a powdered material housed inside a container, wherein a gripper device is interposed between a pressurized hot water dispenser unit and a thrust unit, aligned with each other along a first axis, to define a first seat coaxial with the first axis; and wherein the thrust unit compresses in fluidtight manner against the dispenser unit a container housed inside the first seat; and the gripper device is independent of the thrust unit, and has two jaws mounted to oscillate, about respective second axes located above the first axis and parallel to each other and to the first axis, to and from a closed position, in which the two jaws define the first, and a second seat located between the second axes and above the first seat to receive a further container.

Abstract: A portable hot water dispensing machine, particularly suitable for dispensing espresso, that is compact, lightweight, requires minimal power to operate, and is readily transportable, and a method of dispensing hot water, such as espresso. Two-stage heating is utilized for reducing the boiler volume and power requirements. In addition, components are thermally insulated and are strategically spaced to maximize space and allow for portability.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus (30) having a plurality of dispensing modules (32) and a housing (34) that defines a chamber (36) containing water or liquid suitable for use in brewing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dispensing a selected volume of liquid. The system includes an apparatus that has a reservoir having an inlet tube and outlet tube coupled thereto, and a controller for controlling at least a portion of the apparatus. Two level sensors are positioned along the reservoir and are in communication with and controlled by the controller. The method includes steps for measuring a time a liquid level in the reservoir falls from an upper level to a lower level to calculate a flow rate. The calculation flow rate may then be used to determine and compare a dispensed volume versus the selected volume. Dispensing may then continue until the selected volume has been dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing hot water provided with a pressure pump with a supply pipe for supplying relatively cold water to the pressure pump and an outlet connected to a heating pipe which is in heat-exchanging contact with a heating body, with an outlet valve in the heating pipe and a coffee holder, connected to the heating pipe, for accommodating a bed of coffee, whereby the heating body comprises a reservoir that is openly connected to the environment, with a heating element and water in the reservoir as a heat-exchange medium. A by-pass pipe (54) connects the inlet (57) and outlet (35) of the pressure pump (34) to each other, with a pressure-operated valve (56) in the by-pass pipe.

Abstract: A two-in-one beverage mechanism includes a coffee machine and a tea machine mounted on a machine base. A main water inlet pipe is connected with a coffee boiler of the coffee machine and a tea boiler of the tea machine, respectively.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for the preparation of beverages within dispensing machines, has a sealing film (4) which is perforated at the time of the use when the pressurized infusion water is supplied to the capsule and deforms the film (4), bringing it into contact with underlying perforation means (6) fixed to the same capsule.

Abstract: Equipment for the preparation of a hot beverage comprising a boiler capable of containing a liquid component of the beverage, for example water, a collection container and means defining a delivery path for the liquid component from the boiler to the collection container. The equipment also comprises valve means located along the delivery path for the liquid component comprising a plug which can move between a position in which the delivery path is closed and one in which it is open and means to immobilise the plug in the open position. These means are arranged in such a way that they can be activated and deactivated by a force exerted in the direction of movement of the plug. The means for immobilising the plug comprise at least one pair of members capable of attracting each other through magnetic force.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage provided with a storage tank, a heater and a three-way valve. The three-way valve is provided with in inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The three-way valve is provided with a first member which is freely movable between a first and second extreme position wherein the first member can move under the influence of the liquid flow from the inlet to the first outlet and/or the second outlet from the first extreme position towards the second extreme position and in the second extreme position closes off the first outlet so that the liquid flow then extends from the inlet to the second outlet.

Abstract: An espresso maker and method of producing espresso, the espresso maker having a chamber to receive hot water and a coffee filter pod, the water and filter pod in the chamber being pressurized by an outside source of compressed gas to approximately 15 bar. The hot water is allowed to contact the filter pod for a short time prior to pressurization, and the chamber is maintained at the desired minimum pressure for a short time after pressurization prior to opening of a release valve to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod and into a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption such as coffee on the basis of a hot liquid such as water provided with a storage tank, a heater and a three-way valve. The three-way valve is provided with in inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The pump is in fluid communication with the storage tank and an inlet of the heater. There is a fluid communication between the outlet of the heater and the inlet of the three-way valve, between the first outlet and the storage tank and/or an inlet of the pump and between the second outlet and a beverage preparing unit for preparing the beverage suitable for consumption on the basis of the hot liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. The first part of the brew head comprises a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making a beverage or providing a liquid. First and second liquids may be mixed to form a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid may be passed through a frothing head and/or may be combined with a coffee product and optionally dispensed into a cup. Examples of first and second liquids can include, but are not limited to various dairy products, enzymes and flavoring liquids. According to one example implementation, a first liquid is a reduced fat milk, such as skim milk, and a second liquid is whole milk, thereby enabling the creation of dairy product varieties including one percent and two percent milk to be created by the appropriate mixture combination of the skim milk and whole milk.

Abstract: A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a metered volume of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage dispenser. The system includes a storage tank for containing a supply of unheated water and a dispensing tank. A delivery line communicates with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of dispensing tank into upper and lower compartment. The volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. A vent valve communicates via a vent line with the upper compartment. A supply line connects the storage tank to the lower compartment. An air pump is arranged to deliver pressurized air to the upper compartment. A water pump in the supply line is arranged to deliver water from the storage tank to the lower compartment. A heater for heating water received in the dispensing tank. A sensing mechanism for generating control signals indicative of the level and temperature of water in the dispensing tank.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a device for making a drink, for example coffee, suitable for housing a container for containing the drink. The device comprises a reservoir for containing water and a support frame. In a coupled configuration between frame and reservoir, the device exhibits a peripheral wall comprising a succession of jointed wall portions for making at least one portion of a polyhedral solid, suitable for recalling, for example, the shape of a moka.

Abstract: A percolating machine for producing a beverage using a sealed capsule containing anhydrous powdered material, the machine having a pressurized-hot-water dispenser assembly extending along a vertical axis, and in turn having a sprinkler having an end wall substantially crosswise to the aforementioned axis; a removable percolating cup positioned, in use, with its inlet facing the end wall, and for housing a sealed capsule positioned with a sealing wall facing the end wall; and a piercing device integral with the sprinkler and having a number of substantially rectangular-based projections, which extend downwards from the end wall of the sprinkler, are equally spaced about the aforementioned axis along a peripheral portion of the end wall, and pierce the sealing wall of the sealed capsule when the percolating cup is set to a work position contacting the sprinkler.

Abstract: Taught herein is a coffee maker (10) comprising a water tank (20) a heater device (40), a brewing station (50) and a jug or carafe (60) positioned to receive coffee brewed at the station (50), wherein the water tank (20) and the brewing station (50) are interconnected by a water pipe (70), part of which is heated by the heater device (40); the tank (20) is fitted with a flow control valve (30) containing a piston (32) arranged to respond to the head of water in the tank (20) and to heater-induced suction in the pipe (70) by moving within a housing (31) to block or to allow the passage of water from the tank (20) into the pipe (70), thereby to control the flow of water from the tank (20) through the heater (40) to the brewing station (50) so as to ensure that, however much water the tank (20) contains; and the heater (40) is able to transfer sufficient heat to water delivered to the brewing station (50) by way of the pipe (70) to provide brewed coffee at a palatable temperature.

Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.

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 carafe including a main section having a first liquid dispensing system comprising a pouring spout, and a handle connected to the main section for tilting the main section. The beverage carafe can be tilted to pour liquid from the pouring spout. The carafe also includes a second liquid dispensing system extending through the handle from the main section. The second liquid dispensing system is adapted to be actuated to dispense liquid from the main section out of the handle.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker for preparing a coffee drink from ground coffee and water, a reservoir adapted to store water for preparing coffee, and a protective housing which encloses a device for preparing the coffee drink. The reservoir defines a free volume in which water for preparing coffee may be stored and is also of a size and configured so as to accommodate a bottle in which water for preparing the coffee is stored. A temporary connection device is provided to conduct water from the reservoir or bottle to the device preparing the coffee drink.

Abstract: A flow control assembly (20) for use in conjunction with a funnel assembly (22) of a brewing system. The flow control assembly comprises a body (28) which has a magnetic portion (26) and a stopper (24). The body is desirably attached to a portion of the funnel assembly such as a basket (48) contained within the funnel assembly by a couple (42). The flow control assembly further includes a magnetic actuator (90) and a controller (104) connected to the brewing system for controllably displacing the stopper relative to an outlet aperture in a wall of the funnel assembly.

Abstract: An espresso machine provided with a rotating ceramic disk valve (1) as a selective water-steam distributor that is in a driving connection with a drive motor (2), and a control device (3) for controlling the drive motor (2). To increase the precision of the rotational-angle setting, a Geneva gear (4) is incorporated into the driving connection between the drive motor (2) and the rotating ceramic disk valve (1), with the gear setting the rotating ceramic disk valve (1) in make-and-break cycles. The control device (3) shuts off the drive motor (2) after at least one make-and-break cycle of the Geneva gear (4).

Abstract: A top-loading coffeemaker comprises a housing having an open top and two covers pivotable between opened and closed positions. A filter basket can be inserted through a front portion of the open top to be supported above a carafe. A reservoir is located in a rear portion of the top-loading coffeemaker. A conduit extends from an inlet at the front portion of the top-loading coffeemaker to the reservoir. Water poured into the inlet flows through the conduit to the reservoir. A linkage connecting the two covers causes the rear cover to be opened when the front cover is opened, and enables the rear cover to be opened alone.

Abstract: A method for preparing beverages, includes supplying water from a water source to a tapping point, supplying powder for beverages from a container to the tapping point, characterized in that the supplying of powder for beverages is performed without the influence of gravitational force. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A drawer and latching mechanism for a beverage brewer, and preferably, a brewer that utilizes a pod of coffee grounds or another beverage component, has a housing of the brewer including a pivotable cover and a drawer for retaining a pod of a beverage component below the brew head. In an open position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted away from the drawer to allow access to the pod, while in a closed position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted toward and locked relative to the drawer to secure the pod below the brew head for brewing.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus including a housing having a movable lid; a water heater connected to the housing; and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid for delivering hot water from the hot water heater in a downward direction. The hot water discharge head includes at least two arrays of water discharge holes including a first center array of smaller holes and a second surrounding array of larger holes.

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: 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: Electric coffee maker includes a housing (1) comprising a base (5) on which rests a support (3) for an infusion receptacle (5), an upright (4) secured to the base (2) enclosing an infusion group and carrying at its upper region an infusion head (6) overlying the support, and a water reservoir (7) formed by a tubular body comprising a base (8) and a sidewall (9) and adapted to supply the infusion group. The water reservoir (7) is pivotally mounted on the base about a vertical axis (X–X?) to occupy at least one closed position and at least one extended position.

Abstract: The tea brewing system comprises a blending system, brewing system, bag squeezing system and cooling system to produce liquid tea for bottling and distribution. The blending system comprises a system for heating and blending water, sweetener and other flavorings in appropriate proportions. The brewing system comprises brewing and filtering mechanisms coupled with the blending system to brew liquid tea concentrate. A bag squeezing system provides apparatus and method for introducing tea bags into a brew tank and for squeezing tea from the bags into water for producing liquid tea concentrate.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system and expansion chamber. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

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: A beverage brewing system (10) having a controller (52) responsive to a comparison of preselected values of total brew water and total diluent water stored in a program memory (62) and to actual quantities measured by one or two flow meter (36, 36?) to control operation of a brew valve (46) passing water to a hot water tank (14) and a diluent valve (50) for passing water directly to a mixing chamber (28). The controller is also responsive to a level sensor (20) to control the brew valve (46) to keep the hot water tank filled with water. The preselected amounts may be changed for different brewing conditions to obtain different total quantities of beverage or different ratios of hot brew water passed through the brew basket (24) to cold diluent water passed directly to the mixing chamber, or serving urn (28).

Abstract: An improved coffee brewer is provided for rapid and consistent high quality brewing of coffee. The coffee brewer includes a control panel for initiating a brew cycle wherein a metered volume of hot water is delivered from an insulated water reservoir via a spray head to mix with coffee grounds contained within a filter-lined brew basket, with the resultant brewed coffee draining into an underlying pot preferably such as an insulated carafe. The control panel is further operable for precision calibration of the metered water volume delivered to the brew basket for each brew cycle. In addition, the coffee brewer incorporates a removable rail unit for supporting the brew basket, wherein the rail unit and spray head are removable quickly and easily disassembled for periodic cleaning.

Abstract: The construction has been created such that the hot water is flowing from a closed secured container without danger of scalding and dripping over to the drinking cup, which is also secured.

Abstract: A steam structure for an electric coffee maker includes a throttle valve, a steam pipe, an enclosing valve, a valve seat and a backflow pipe, wherein the steam pipe is connected to one side of the throttle valve. The throttle valve is connected to the valve seat at the bottom thereof, and the valve seat then is connected to the backflow pipe. The enclosing valve is placed in the valve seat. The enclosing valve is made of flexible material and includes a valve, a thin film surrounding the valve, and a skirt with holes thereon. The outer edge of the skirt is in touch with the valve seat. The outer diameter of the valve corresponds to the inner diameter of the backflow pipe. When the skirt is pressed downward by the valve due to the steam pressure, the valve encloses the backflow pipe.

Abstract: Frozen beverage mixing unit has a hollow housing with an open bottom. A shaving disc with a cutting knife is rotationally mounted inside the housing, the shaving disc being connected to a motor. A piston moves above the shaving disc pushing a frozen product into a contact with the cutting blades of the shaving disc. A plurality of pumps deliver a pre-determined amount of a selected additive, such as alcohol, syrup, carbonated water or water, on top of the shaving disc to mix with the ice crystals created by the shaved frozen product. The additive is mixed with the shaved frozen product in a mixing container placed below the shaving disc.

Abstract: A beverage brewer with two modes of operation, an automatic mode in which water automatically flows into a reservoir for heating the water and is dispensed over beverage concentrate during a brewing cycle and a manual mode in which water is manually added to the brewer and dispensed over the beverage concentrate during the brewing cycle. The beverage brewer has a water level sensor system signaling the water level for auto-fill from an external water supply or fill by manual pour-over operations.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.

Abstract: A drip coffee maker having a horizontal spray of heated water into a brew basket. Much of the effect of gravity is removed and the spread of heated water may be increased. The horizontal spray shower head may be used to expose the top layer of coffee grinds in the brew basket to an equal amount of hot water within a few seconds of brewing start time. By immersing the coffee grinds in hot water at the same level, the coffee grinds are all subjected to the same water pressure. The water then filters down evenly over the coffee grinds in the brew basket. Thus, the coffee grinds within the brew basket are given maximum exposure to the heated water. This exposure allows more coffee to be extracted from fewer grinds, thus conserving coffee and avoiding overcooking of the grinds.