Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A coffee-maker is disclosed. It comprises a lid (30) which closes an upper part (10) with an upper chamber. A rising pipe (14) extends into the upper chamber. This pipe has at least one lateral opening (15) in an upper end region. In order to avoid splashing of liquid coming out of the rising pipe (14), a downwardly extending splash guard (34) is present on the lid (30), which guard covers the at least one opening (15) of the rising pipe (14) laterally when the lid (30) is closed.

Abstract: A brew basket is provided that is dimensioned to be received within the brew basket support member of an associated brewing machine such as a coffee maker. The brew basket includes an anti-drip valve mounted within a lower cavity and to the lower surface of the bottom wall. The brew basket is provided with an overflow return for diverting brewing water from the brew basket to the brewing machine carafe or other beverage receptacle if the brewing water reaches a level presenting potential overflow from the brew basket.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a low acid food product. The low acid food product is first acidified to produce an acidified food product and then packaged as the acidified food product. The acidifying step comprises addition of a GRAS acid to adjust the pH to below about 4.5. The acidified food product is then deacidified to return the acidified food product to the low acid food product having a pH above 4.6. The deacidification is accomplished through the addition of an alkaline substance in an amount sufficient to deacidify the acidified food product to a pH of from about 5.8 to about 7.5.

Abstract: An infusion maker comprising, similarly to an espresso maker, a lower container or boiler (11) and an lapper container (12). The bottom (12') of the upper container (12) is provided with an outlet (16) which connects said upper container (12) with the intermediate cup (14), and the chimney conduit (15) conveying the liquid from the lower container to the upper container is provided with a movable sleeve (17) which may be moved from a position associated with the closing of said outlet (16) and the opening of said chimney conduit (15), thus permitting the passage of the liquid from the lower container into the upper container, to a position associated with the opening of said outlet (16) and the closing of said chimney conduit, thus causing the liquid in the upper container to pour into the lower container.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus wherein a brewing cartridge is adjustably mounted in the apparatus for selectively positioning a portion thereof for holding a bagged charge of coffee in contact with a force distributing surface of a water supply delivery element. The structure provided for supporting the cartridge is arranged to support the cartridge at any one of a plurality of different levels to accommodate corresponding different size bags to have optimum association with the hot water delivery element. The supporting structure provides preselected discrete positioning of the cartridge and permits facilitated installation and removal of the cartridge in the servicing of the brewing apparatus.