Abstract: The invention relates to an espresso machine, wherein water in the boiler (1) is superheated and kept at a temperature above 100.degree. C. for producing steam to be supplied to a dispenser nozzle (10), which superheated water is mixed with cold water at a mixing station (12), to obtain hot water having a temperature below 100.degree. C., supplied to the coffee brewing unit (13) and to the dispenser nozzle (10). According to the invention, the coffee brewing unit (13) is attached to the lower side of the boiler (1) and is connected to the mixing station (12) by means of a feed pipe (14), which is at least partly housed in the boiler (1). In the pipe (4) for feeding cold water to the boiler (1), a non return valve (16) is provided, which opens in the direction of flow into the boiler and is situated downstream from the branch point of the pipe (11) for feeding cold water to the mixing station (12).

Abstract: An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces a predetermined amount of liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of the predetermined amount of liquid from the metering chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for consecutively dispensing an equal volume of a liquid from a storage tank. The system includes a hermetically sealed metering chamber at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid contained in a storage tank. The metering chamber has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the tank. A one-way valve accommodates an inflow of liquid into the metering chamber from the tank via the inlet port, and blocks an outflow of liquid from the chamber to the tank. A discharge conduit protrudes into the interior of the chamber. A pump pneumatically pressurizes the metering chamber to exhaust a predetermined volume of liquid via the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A diffuser is provided on a beverage supply tube having a beverage supply valve. Air bubbles formed in the beverage in the final stage of filtration for extraction are removed from the beverage, and only the gas is passed through the beverage supply tube, whereby the tube is air-blown. Thereafter, the beverage remaining in the diffuser is drained through a drain tube. A pair of electrodes are provided on the beverage supply tube which leads the extracted beverage to the serving cup portion, in order to detect the presence and absence of the beverage based on the conduction caused by the beverage between the electrodes. An air pipe for supplying air to the extraction chamber from an air pump is provided with a branch, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure within the extraction chamber during the filtration is attached to the branch.

Abstract: A cup shaped holder is internally provided with an ejection mechanism which serves to automatically dislodge a spent beverage cartridge from an upwardly extending piercing member when the lid is opened at the end of a brewing cycle. In addition, the holder is mounted on externally protruding trunnions for pivotal movement between an upright brewing position and a partially inverted position to eject the dislodged cartridge from the holder into an underlying receptacle. The lid has a dependency arm that coacts with a pawl on the holder trunnions to automatically manipulate the holder to eject the cartridge.

Abstract: The filter holder (9) is fitted on its inner wall with a plurality of equiangularly arranged radial bolts (12), preferably three, whereas the fixed support (2) is in turn fitted with respective spiral slots (13) in which the bolts (12) play, wherein when the filter holder is turned, driven manually through the handle (10), the filter holder travels axially at the same time; specifically, the filter (7), along with its respective coffee measure (8), moves towards the hot water supply extension (1) just before infusion takes place, or away in order for the coffee measure (8) to be replaced. These combined angular-axial filter holder (9) travelling elements enable the filter (7) to be perfectly coupled to the water outlet extension (1) without any unwanted side leakage.

Abstract: The tension of a paper filter fed from a feed device is detected by a tension detection device. Based on the results of the detection, remainder detection device detects whether or not there is still paper filter remaining unused. Further, a guide device and drive device are provided. The guide device functions to guide a paper filter to be newly set to a nip between a delivery roller and a guide roller. The drive device, when the newly set paper filter has been guided to the nip between the delivery roller and the guide roller, functions to drive the delivery roller to nip the new paper filter between the delivery roller and the guide roller.

Abstract: A coffee machine, which operates with filter capsules, having a brewing unit with two brewing-chamber parts which can be displaced relative to one another and, in a closed position, form a brewing chamber for the filter capsules, one of the two brewing-chamber parts being connected to a brewing-water heater and being provided with a multiple nozzle. By virtue of the fact that the multiple nozzle in the brewing-chamber part is arranged in a movable manner and that, at least while the coffee is being prepared, is forced in the direction of the other brewing-chamber part or of the filter capsule accommodated in the brewing chamber, the extraction values are improved, the use of filter capsules of different thicknesses is possible, and the situation where the filter capsules swell up and explode when subjected to the action of superheated steam is avoided.

Abstract: Devices for holding and positioning capsules which have a cup, cover and lid structure and which contain a substance for preparation of a drink by extraction under pressure include a hollowed housing device, a hollowed holder device and an extraction plate for flow of the extracted drink from the capsule. The holder device includes an element member which extends from a holder wall into the interior at a position so that upon placement of a capsule in the holder device hollowed interior so that the cover and lip are adjacent the extraction plate, the lip passes by the retention element member and is retained between the member and extraction plate, and the housing and holder devices also are configured so that for pressure extraction, the housing has a periphery edge positionable for contacting the capsule lip so that a seal is formed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water is placed in a water reservoir constructed of plastic microwave-transparent, pressure-resistant material. A funnel positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment is supported on the upper edges of the water reservoir with the spout extending downwardly into the water reservoir. A lower filter is placed into the filter compartment, and coffee grounds or other espresso particulate substance is placed on upper surface of the lower filter. An upper filter is then positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment to restrain the coffee grounds or other particular substance during brewing. A filtrate reservoir is placed over the funnel, and twisted, thereby engaging threads to join the water reservoir and the filtrate reservoir. A filtrate splash cover is attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled espresso device is placed into a microwave oven.

Abstract: A filter holder including a scoop (1) provided with a handle (2) and designed to hold a filter (3) that consists of a housing (4) and a perforated bottom wall (5) and is movably mounted in the space defined by the housing (4) via a height adjustment device (6). This device (6) includes a stack consisting of at least one ring (8) adjacent to the bottom wall (5) and an opposed ring (9) coaxial with the ring. The respective side surfaces (10-11) of the rings include an alternated series of staggered angled (12) and horizontal (13B-13H) surfaces, and an alternated series of staggered opposed angled (14) and opposed horizontal (15B-15H) surfaces, as well as an actuating member (16) movably mounted on the cup (1) for causing relative movement of the ring (8) and the opposite ring (9).

Abstract: The assembly for use in a coffee machine comprises a container having a bowl-shaped inner space bounded by a bottom having at least one outlet opening and at least one vertical sidewall. The assembly further comprises a pill-shaped pouch manufactured from filtering paper and filled with ground coffee, accommodated in the inner space of the container. The pouch extends over the bottom to a position adjacent the vertical sidewall. In the bottom, a number of channel-shaped grooves are provided, extending in radial direction of the container to the outlet opening. The grooves extend from a position located at a distance from the sidewall in the direction of the outlet opening. This prevents bypass.

Abstract: Filter-holder comprising a cup (3) receiving a coffee filter (10) and having a perforated bottom, a body (25) arranged under the filter, an infusion collecting chamber (41) opening into a channel (43) of which the outlet (45) communicates with at least one distribution funnel (32), and a foam-forming device. According to the invention, the channel (43) extends annularly about a bossing (39) provided on the body, and the foam-forming device has an elastic annular seal (48) arranged about the bossing, closing the outlet (45) of the channel (43) and deformable by expansion in order to form at least one infusion flowing passage (51). Application particularly to a filter-holder for domestic coffee machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee, with a holder arranged for receiving a pouch made of filter material and filled with a product to be extracted. The holder has at least one outflow opening and an access opening for placing the pouch in the holder. The apparatus has a cover for closing and releasing the access opening and a clamping device for pressing the holder and the cover towards each other when the cover closes off the access opening of the holder. The clamping device engages at least a position of the cover located on an external surface of the cover. The apparatus has a housing to which the holder is detachably connected, the clamping device has a rotation element with a first and second opposite ends. The rotation element is connected adjacent its first end to the housing for rotation about a horizontally directed first rotation axis between a first and second rotational position for closing the access opening in the second rotational position and releasing it in the first rotational position.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at provision of a beverage extraction apparatus in which the cylinder for extraction is kept clean and, thus, the quality of the extracted beverage is maintained without periodical or frequent maintenance for cleanness. A portion of cleaning liquid overflowing from the upper chamber (mixing chamber) is drained by using a draining trough and a pipe. A valve is interposed between the upper chamber and the extraction chamber. When the valve is closed, the cleaning liquid supplied to the upper chamber in excessive amount overflows from the chamber and drained. When the valve is opened, the cleaning liquid flows from the upper chamber into the extraction chamber. Thereby, both chambers are cleaned efficiently.

Abstract: The coffee machine for different coffee types requires no preheating time and consumes no energy in the standby mode. It essentially comprises a water supply chamber (1), a pump (5), a continuous flow heater (8) for heating the water and a brewing chamber (10) for receiving the coffee (10'). The continuous flow heater (8) has a low heat capacity and can therefore perform large temperature changes within a short time. In order to obtain the desired water starting temperature, use is made of a control loop. The unheated parts (9-12) along the water path between the continuous flow heater (8) and the coffee (10') are so designed that a minimum amount of heat energy is abstracted from the hot water, but at the same time the parts have an adequate strength.

Abstract: The espresso machine works with filter capsules and has a scalding unit (4) with two scalding chamber parts (2, 3) which can be moved relative to each other between an opening position and a closing position. The scalding chamber parts (2, 3) enclose between them in their opening position a gap (1). The gap (1) provided for throwing in the filter capsules can be closed by a swivel-type upper lever (15) and towards the bottom also by a swivel-type lower lever (18). Preferably the machine is equipped with a drain pipe (14) the angle of which can be adjusted. The adjustability of the drain pipe (14) permits the use of larger cups whereas spilling of espresso past the cup is avoided when smaller cups are used. Preferably the drain pipe is mounted in the base of a drain tub.

Abstract: In a coffee extracting apparatus for extracting coffee essence from the coffee material within an extracting device (10) with use of compressed air generated in an air compressor (11), use is made of an accumulator (23) for accumulating the compressed air. The accumulator is connected to an air passage (12) which connects the extracting device with the air compressor. An air control valve (22) is disposed in the air passage and is for controlling flow of the compressed air to make the accumulator accumulate the compressed air.

Abstract: Express-coffe-machine loadable with wafers (36) of coffee blend for family or professional use, includes a casing (2) containing one vessel (12) for the water to be heated, a boiler (16) in which the water is heated to a pre-established temperature and a unit (4) formed by one fixed lower head (5) and one movable upper head (6), which can be engaged one to the other so as to press a wafer (36) therebetween for delivering a beverage. The movable upper head (6) is carried by an arm (24) connected to a control lever (26), made integral with a fork (28) engaging the lower head (5), an is also provided with a spout (7) for distributing the beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an espresso brewing-head unit comprising locking member for detachable attachment to a brewing unit of an espresso machine. A filter for an espresso machine is meant to be improved in a general manner. To this end, the espresso brewing-head unit comprises a pot-shaped coffee receiving container consisting of a plastic material, whose bottom is provided with a filter plate having coffee exit openings and whose upper edge portion in the side wall has firmly embedded therein a substantially surrounding reinforcement ring of a stable material, preferably metal, the reinforcement ring comprising attachment portions which are part of the locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages comprises a liquid container and a drink medium container including a housing having a tubular member extending downward into the liquid container. The drink medium container includes a filter apparatus capable of containing a drink medium. A drink container includes a tubular liquid inlet in fluid flow communication with the drink medium container. The liquid container is in fluid communication with the drink container such that when liquid in the liquid container is heated, the liquid can flow upward from the liquid container through the tubular member, filter apparatus, and through the tubular liquid inlet into the drink container. The liquid container includes a double wall construction to maintain the temperature on an outer surface thereof at a relatively low level.

Abstract: A coffee maker for use in a vehicle such as a commercial aircraft. The coffee make accepts a sealed can of ground coffee. The can is pierced from the side by a pair of can-piercing spikes by actuating the can against the spikes. The can is drawn by a hydraulically operated cylinder mechanism powered by the water pressure of the aircraft's potable water supply. Hot water is injected into the can through a passage within at least one of the spikes and the hot water is circulated within the can thereby brewing the coffee. Brewed coffee exits the can along the sides of one or both of the spikes and is channeled down into a reservoir located below the can. The brewed coffee may be filtered before and/or after the flowing into the reservoir. A desired volume of coffee may then be drawn from the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing and pouring coffee or tea in unit doses has an upwardly and downwardly moveable extraction chamber, a filter unit with an exchangeable filter, and a collection chamber. The collection chamber is covered at the top by a grating, which abuts the filter paper, and is closed at the bottom by an impermeable membrane, which is coupled to a displacement mechanism that moves the membrane up and down. A pouring-out tube is connected to the underside, and it is closed by a valve. During a working cycle, in a first phase, hot water and coffee or tea are introduced in the extraction chamber; in a second phase, the membrane moves up, pressing air through the filter into the extraction chamber; in a third phase, the membrane moves downwardly, suctioning extract brewed in the extraction chamber through the filter into the collection chamber; and in a fourth phase, the valve is opened and the brewed coffee or tea is poured through the tube.

Abstract: In a coffee extracting apparatus in which an extracting container (51) extracts coffee essence from coffee powder with being supplied with hot water of substantially normal pressure and elevated temperature, a water control valve (48) controls a feed of the hot water to the extracting container. The hot water is fed to the extracting container with being pressed in a water feeding device (43). The coffee essence is taken out from the extracting container together with the hot water through a filter member (53, 54) supported by a support member (52).

Abstract: A filter ladle is provided with twoside projections with a helical contact surface consisting of two portions with different pitches and engaging a shoulder on the end of bearing pins mounted under the ladle holder of a coffee machine. The device is useful for coffee machines.

Abstract: A ladle holder (20) comprises either a releasable spray packing member for ground coffee or a spray recess for pre-packaged coffee blocks, and a filter ladle (10) may be provided as required with either a ground coffee filter or a filter adaptor (70) for coffee blocks. In the latter case, the filter ladle (10) fits into a holder with an upper ejector pin (83) for ejecting used coffee blocks. The holder is hinged to one bearing pin (30) and, when fully inserted, engages an abutment under the other bearing pin (40) by means of a tab. The two bearing pins (30, 40) engage helical projections (11, 12) on the filter ladle (10) to form a bayonet-like attachment and position the filter ladle (10) in engagement with a ladle seal.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus has a first cylinder for containing hot water having a top opening, a vertically extending shaft fixedly connected to the first cylinder, the shaft having a hot water release channel vertically therethrough and a pressure-operated hot water release valve disposed in the channel, a vertically movable piston, a vertically movable second cylinder for holding ground coffee therein having top and bottom openings and disposed below the first cylinder coaxially therewith, and a vertically movable plunger sealingly and slidingly connected with the shaft. The plunger has an internal cylindrical chamber and a shallow hot water spreading chamber in a bottom section thereof. When the plunger is lowered, the bottom section thereof enters the second cylinder and compacts the ground coffee therein.

Abstract: A beverage filter cartridge includes an impermeable yieldably pierceable base having a predetermined shape and an access opening at one end. A self-supporting wettable filter element is disposed in the base and is permanently sealed to an interior surface of the base. The filter element subdivides the base into first and second chambers, a first chamber for storing an extract of the beverage to be made, and a second empty chamber for accessing the beverage after the beverage outflow from the filter has been made by combining a liquid with the extract. An impermeable, yieldably pierceable, imperforate cover is sealingly engaged with the top of the base to form an impermeable cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a substance contained in a sachet for preparation of a beverage has a first member having raised and hollow portions for forming a flow zone and a second member for cooperating with the first member to form a chamber to contain the sachet for extraction of the substance and to grip the edge of the sachet to ensure fluid-tightness upon being tightened, each member being configured for forming substantially half of the chamber for containing and ensuring a specific sachet shape. In one embodiment, the second member has provision for perforating an upper surface of a sachet for introducing water into the sachet. In another embodiment, the first member has an injector member which projects beyond the raised portions for perforating and introducing water into the sachet.

Abstract: A brewing head includes a lower brewing head part having a first recess and a coffee discharge conduit formed therein. An upper brewing head part has a second recess and a hot water conduit formed therein. The upper brewing head part is pivotable to a closed position in which the first recess and the second recess form a receptacle that receives a coffee portion capsule. A plurality of hollow needles are attached to the upper brewing head part, and are in fluid communication with the hot water conduit. The needles project into the receptacle and are penetratable into a top side of the coffee portion capsule for delivering hot water from the hot water conduit into an interior of the coffee portion capsule when the upper brewing head part is in the closed position. A pyramid plate is located within the first recess and has a plurality of projections formed thereon, and a plurality of discharge holes formed therethrough that communicate the receptacle with the coffee discharge conduit.

Abstract: In the method for preparing metered amounts of a drink in situ such as coffee, from soluble powder, a concentrate of a drink is produced by dissolving determined quantities of soluble powder with water. Then part or all of the concentrate is diluted in hot or cold water in order to produce a metered amount of a drink. The device for the implementation of the method includes an enclosure using a defined large volume of soluble powder and a relatively small defined quantity of liquid such as water, for dissolving the powder in the liquid so as to produce a concentrate in situ, and device for diluting part or all of the concentrate in a liquid in order to rapidly produce individual metered amounts of a drink.

Abstract: A substance for preparation of a beverage contained in a sealed flexible sachet is extracted with a device which provides a chamber formed by two members configured so that they each form a cavity which is substantially one-half of the chamber and so that when brought and fastened together, they form the chamber containing the sachet and provide for penetrating the sachet for subsequent injection of water for extraction of the substance. One member has a base which has a surface from which raised portions project and holes for flow of extract therethrough, and this member and the sachet are configured so that upon placing the sachet on the member, one sachet sheet is supported by the raised portions and a sealed peripheral sachet edge extends onto a rim of the member. Upon bringing and fastening the two members together, the members grip the sachet edge for fluid-tight sealing and shape the sachet uniformly and confine the substance within the sachet within the cavities, and the sachet is penetrated.

Abstract: A coffee machine for use with shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate which includes a built-in storage reservoir that doubles as a hydraulic cylinder to deliver the requisite amount of shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate into the brewing chamber. The machine allows heated water to mix with the concentrate in both the brewing chamber and the mixing chamber and then collect in a carafe. The machine allows for the fast and economical brewing of coffee in the home or office using shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate that does not require the use of coffee filters and coffee grounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pot-shaped permanent filter insert for use in an espresso machine, the insert comprising a filter base plate which substantially forms the bottom of the pot and is penetrated by a plurality of filter openings substantially in the flow direction of the medium to be filtered and comprises a frame surrounding the filter base plate, and a pot wall which is substantially arranged on the edge of the filter base plate and transversely extends away from the filter base plate to form a coffee receiving portion, the permanent filter insert being made of a plurality of parts in that the lower edge portion of the pot wall is substantially secured to the outer edge of the filter base plate. Furthermore, the lower edge portion of the pot wall and the filter base plate are interconnected by an injection-molded plastic connection, a frame being injection-molded substantially around the outer edge of the filter base plate, interconnecting the frame and the filter base plate and the pot wall.

Abstract: A device for automatically brewing and holding tea has a water reservoir and a combined water reservoir inlet and heated water distributor attached to and extending forward from the water reservoir, a base for holding a hot tea receptacle under the combined water reservoir inlet and heated water distributor. A hot tea receptacle especially adapted for use with the device has a flat bottom surface for optimal heat transfer from the base to the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and system for brewing a desired volume of coffee at a selected brew time, in which a volume of water corresponding to the desired volume of coffee is heated and directed into contact with coffee grounds in a brewing chamber. Contact between at least a portion of the heated water and the coffee grounds is maintained for approximately the selected brew time to form brewed coffee. The brewing time, however, is substantially independent of the desired volume of coffee to be brewed and is controlled by control of the rate at which heated liquid flows into or out of the brewing chamber. At the expiration of the brewing time, brewed coffee is released through an opening in the brewing chamber and into an underlying receptacle.

Abstract: A substance for preparation of a beverage contained in a sealed flexible sachet is extracted with a device which has two members which are configured to each form a cavity which is substantially one-half of a chamber so that upon being tightened together for holding the sachet for extraction of the substance, the sachet is provided with a desired shape and is perforated to enable injection of water for extraction of the substance. Upon perforation, water is injected which deforms a surface against raised portions of one of the members and then tears the sachet to allow flow of beverage from the sachet through holes of the member containing the raised portions.

Abstract: An espresso machine having a filter holder which holds a filter strainer and which can, with the assistance of a handel, be detachably locked to the housing of the espresso machine by way of a bayonet coupling or the like. The espresso machine has a discharge section having a water conduit, there being a chamber in the water conduit and a locking member in the chamber. The locking member locks the filter holder on the housing of the espresso machine when there is a predetermined pressure in the chamber and releases the filter holder as soon as the pressure in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A pod group module adapted for attachment to a coffee machine operable for receiving and sealably containing a prefabricated coffee pod and directing the flow of heated water therethrough. A coffee pod consists of a measure of pre-ground coffee beans contained within and enveloped by a water permeable membrane such as a filter paper. The pod group module includes attachment means adapted to mount a pod group module onto a coffee machine. The attachment means includes a flow channel having an intake port which is positioned to receive hot water from a hot water output port on the coffee machine. The pod group module includes a coffee pod receptacle adapted to receive a coffee pod. Activation of a lever-type handle on the pod group module doses and seals the pod receptacle providing a fluid-tight chamber containing the coffee pod.

Abstract: An espresso coffee machine wherein a percolator cup is fitted removably to a fixed tubular support and beneath a pressurized-hot-water supply conduit; the fixed tubular support housing a sealing element which is movable by the pressurized hot water towards the cup for connecting the conduit to the cup in fluidtight manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for making tea which includes a tea cup having two stepped flow guide ribs raised from the inside wall and two swivel locking plates pivoted to the flow guide ribs, an infusion container supported on steps on the stepped flow guide ribs and retained in place by the swivel locking plates and having a bottom drain hole, a filter mounted inside the infusion container and covered over the drain hole and having an axle housing at the center, a ball forced by a return spring into engagement with the drain hole to stop its passage, a pull rod sliding in the axle housing of the filter and pulled to lift the ball from the drain hole for permitting prepared tea to flow out of the infusion container into the tea cup.

Abstract: Filter holder having a dish (1) designed to be mounted on an "espresso" coffee machine and having a cup (2) whose bottom wall forms a filtering surface (3) and which is designed to receive a quantity of coffee, the fineness of whose grounds may vary. The dish also has a collection chamber for froth (4) provided between its bottom (10) and the filtering surface (3), and communicating via an exit passage (5) with distribution funnels (6) enabling the infusion to flow out of the dish (1). The cup (2) has structure for partially blocking the filtering surface (3) of the bottom wall of the cup (2), this structure being formed by at least one blocking area (9) arranged in the bottom (10) of the dish (1) and distant from the bottom (10) at a certain level (A).

Abstract: The method involves preceding the infusion of the coffee with a stage in which the coffee powder is soaked (preinfused) with a gradual increase in the pressure. The improvement located on the delivery pipe of an espresso coffee machine, immediately upstream of the infusion group, is a pressure damping device. This allows improved imbibition by the coffee powder during the "infusion" stage, i.e. the stage that precedes the actual dispensing of the espresso coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly kit for a filter coffee maker as an attachment to an electrical espresso machine, which is adapted to make filter coffee of good taste in simple manner.

Abstract: A cappuccino making apparatus having a coffee making unit and a separate milk preparation unit. The two units are housed within individual and separate cabinets and are connected by a set of liquid conduits that deliver milk from the milk unit to the coffee unit, this configuration thus allowing the units to be stored in different locations so as to maximize counter space. The coffee making unit can operate independently of the milk preparation unit, and when no milk is being dispensed by the coffee unit, the milk in the conduits is recirculated back to the milk unit so that stale milk is never dispensed by the coffee unit.

Abstract: In a method for preparing coffee drinks with the help of a plurality of coffee powder portions arranged along a transporting tape, a single coffee powder portion is removed from a storage container by pulling out the transporting tape to such an extent that the following coffee powder portions remain in the container. Then, the tape is cut behind the first coffee powder portion, and the new initial portion of the transporting tape is fixed in the region of the outlet opening of the container. In this way, the unused coffee powder portions remain fresh and keep their full flavor, even during an extended storage period.The coffee machine suitable for performing this method comprises a two part brewing chamber. One portion of the brewing chamber is not only movable to and fro the other portion, but also rotatable and furthermore equipped with a catch member for grasping the initial portion of the transporting tape.

Abstract: An automatic espresso and cappuccino machine comprises a number of individual filter units movable with respect to a coffee filling station, a coffee dispensing station, a filter cleaning station and a filter washing station. Ground coffee is introduced into each filter unit at the coffee filling station and then the filter units are selectively rotated by a filter indexing device to the coffee dispensing station where they are moved into engagement with a water nozzle which first compacts the coffee and then directs heated water through the ground coffee to form espresso. An emulisifier is also located at the coffee dispensing station, which is effective to produce foamed milk for combination with the espresso to form cappuccino.

Abstract: The invention includes a brewing apparatus which makes coffee, tea or the like by the drip method within a microwave oven. The brewing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water for heating which is positioned on a carafe for receiving a quantity of brewed coffee, tea or the like therein. A basket supported on the reservoir retains coffee grounds, tea leave or the like while permitting brewed material to pass therethrough. A pump tube is attached to the reservoir and extends into the cavity formed thereby to a position below the water line. The reservoir is formed such that the application of microwave energy heats the water within the cavity, causing a pressure increase. The pressure forces liquid through the inlet of the pump tube. The pump tube direct the heated water through the outlet onto the coffee grounds, tea leaves or the like within the basket. The brewed material then passes from the basket into the carafe.

Abstract: A percolator cup for espresso coffee machines, wherein a cup-shaped casing defines a compartment for ground coffee, and an outlet separated from the compartment by a calibrated valve element which only connects the compartment to the outlet when the pressure inside the compartment exceeds a given value.

Abstract: An espresso machine has an underside provided with a brewing head into which a strainer holder having a handle can be inserted from below with a strainer inserted in the holder. The brewing head has slots and the strainer holder includes corresponding lugs that fit through the slots so that the strainer holder can be released from or locked to the brewing head by a pivoting movement of the strainer holder around an axis of the brewing head which places the lugs in or out of alignment with the slots, respectively. A positioning ring has a top end rotatably secured to the brewing head and a cutout that is open toward the bottom end of the positioning ring for receiving the handle of the strainer holder.