Abstract: A beverage maker and a method for manufacturing a cover for a beverage maker are provided. The beverage maker may include a base, a tank case spaced upward from the base and in which a tank configured to contain a fluid for making a beverage may be accommodated, a machine room defined between the base and the tank case, a cover configured to cover the tank case and the machine room at one side, a sound absorption pad attached to an inner surface of the cover, the sound absorption pad being disposed within the machine room or facing the machine room, and at least one sound absorption member compressed between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the tank case.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for producing an ingredient foam such as milk foam for use with other products such as beverages. An ingredient dispensing assembly is included for receiving one or more ingredients from an ingredient dispensing apparatus, processing the ingredients and dispensing a general uniform, consistent foam. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes a whipping chamber, an output nozzle, and an insert retained within cavities defined by the whipping chamber and output nozzle. The internal surfaces of the chamber and nozzle cavities in combination with the insert provide passages defining a mixing zone, a shredding zone communicating with the mixing zone, and a deceleration zone communicating with the shredding zone. The assembly passes at least one ingredient through the zones to dispense foam from an exit port of the outlet nozzle. The system includes apparatus and methods for reducing the dissociation of foam dispensed form the exit port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing device having two separate brewing chambers, comprising two capsule receptacles and two closure elements for the two brewing chambers, and a gearing for the actuation of the two closure elements, the gearing comprising a common drive element, and two output elements for the two brewing chambers.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes: a first hydraulic circuit including a water source, a pump, a water heater, a brewing device selected from a brewing chamber and a capsule, the brewing device including an inlet and outlet, a beverage collector collecting brewed beverage leaving the brewing device and for dispensing the beverage to a container; and a second hydraulic circuit that includes a second pump and second water heater, the outlet of the second water heater being connected to the first circuit at a location that is downstream to the brewing device with respect to the water flow in the first circuit. The first circuit can maintain in the brewing device a pressure substantially constant for a pre-set time, the pressure being less that an opening pressure for the brewing device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispenser (1) comprising: —a housing (2) defining an internal space (3), —a beverage preparation unit housed in the internal space, said beverage preparation unit being connected to an electric supply, —a door (4) to get access to the internal space of the housing, said door being assembled to the housing (2) by means of at least one hinge (5), said door comprising one element erecting from the internal surface of the door, said door being configured for switching off the electric supply of the beverage preparation unit when it opens, the switching off being due to the release of a mechanical and electric contact by the at least one erecting element, wherein the dispenser comprises a slider (6), said slider comprising: —a first part (61) configured for switching on the electric supply of the beverage preparation unit when the slider is translated from a first rest position to a second operative position, and —a second part (62) configured for engaging with a locking device (7) when th

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 system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.

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

Abstract: Valve assembly (8) for fine tuning the temperature of some fluid that has been heated or cooled in a heat exchanging section of a beverage making apparatus (1). The valve assembly (8) comprises a mixing valve (10), having a first inlet (21) for fluid communication with an outlet of the heat exchanging section (6), a second inlet (22) for fluid communication with a source of a hotter or colder version of aforementioned fluid, first and second closing means for altering a flow rate through the first and second inlet respectively, and control means arranged to control the first and second closing means in such way that an increase in flow rate through one of the inlets is matched by a substantially similar sized decrease in flow rate through the other inlet, so that the total flow rate through the mixing valve remains substantially constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing baby milk from water and dry formula includes a formula supply system having a reservoir for holding formula and a feeder for feeding formula out off the reservoir through an outlet opening in the reservoir. The apparatus further includes a scraper for guiding formula towards and through the outlet opening into the feeder. The scraper is arranged to move closely along an inner wall portion of the reservoir that borders on the outlet opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.

Abstract: A baby formula maker includes a main body including a base, a housing, and a top cover; an electric motor; a gear assembly; a pivotal cover plate; a baby formula assembly including a baby formula reservoir, a reciprocating screw communicating with a bottom of the baby formula reservoir and operatively driven by the gear assembly, and a pivotal gate in front of the reciprocating screw; an outlet under the pivotal gate; two release mechanisms on both sides of the housing respectively for locking both the baby formula assembly and the cover plate; a hot water assembly including a water reservoir, a heating member, and a pump; a control assembly for controlling the hot water assembly, the motor, and the baby formula assembly, the control assembly including a display and an array of buttons for adjusting settings; and a magnetic assembly.

Abstract: An automated mixing drink dispenser (10) establishes a preselected feed rate of concentrate from a concentrate hopper (42) and ratio of concentrate to mixing water fed into a mixing chamber (42) through the Venturi effect created by swirling water fed into a mixing chamber (42) at a preselected water pressure (66) and preselected regulated flow rate (68) associated with the preselected feed rate of the concentrate. Concentrate is fed to a mixing chamber (42) from a concentrate hopper (42) having an open drain hole (50) openly connected to the mixing chamber (42). A stirring mechanism (106, 100, 101, 102, 104) mechanically mixes the concentrate within the concentrate hopper (42) to maintain a uniform density and viscosity and a gas pressure mechanism (92, 94, 96, 86) maintains a uniform head pressure of concentrate to facilitate maintenance of the preselected concentrate flow rate over time.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing either a hot or cold beverage, for example tea, from a common mixing chamber and a method for making and/or operating the same is disclosed. The dispense has a source of hot water, usually a heater, and a source of water, a refrigeration system to cool the water and one or more sources of flavor. The hot or cold water, or both can be provided to the common or same, mixing chamber and mixed assisted with a static and/or dynamic mixer and then dispensed. The last portion of the water is used to rinse for the next beverage. Flavor or syrup pump current is sensed to provide the appropriate amount of flavor concentrate to a known quantity of water to form a beverage of appropriate strength or syrup.

Abstract: A container containing a substance includes a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity. The container body has an opening and an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding the opening, which opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam. The circumferential rim has a dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet. The cover sheet is sealed to an upper surface of the dispensing part by at least one rupturable sealing seam and outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, such that, when the rupturable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine has at least one pinch valve (1) in the fluid line system, wherein the pinch valve (1) has at least two fluid passage lines (20, 21) and is designed to execute valve and/or control functions on the fluid passage lines (20, 21). The operating mechanism of the pinch valve (1) is set up for coupled activation of the valve and/or control functions and a drive with a stepper motor (25) is provided.

Abstract: A coffee grinder-dispenser comprising a base housing an electric motor, with a vertically extending rotatable shaft which is connected to a grinder located in a grinding chamber. A vessel located above the grinding chamber receives coffee beans to be ground. A closure plate allows the coffee beans to enter the grinding chamber. A conduit allows the coffee, after grinding, to be delivered to a funnel; the ground coffee passes downwardly through the funnel into a filter holder. One cooling fan faces the grinding chamber, is activated by a keypad on the funnel, and delivers air transversely across the interior of the housing. A second cooling fan is located on the vertical shaft of the electric motor. The fans are operated by a controller, located within the housing, and provide sufficient cooling air to the grinding chamber to maintain the desired qualities of taste and aroma in the ground coffee.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dissolving instant powder, particularly milk powder, in hot water and particularly for frothing up, including a flow generation device for generating a flow of the hot water impinging onto the instant powder with a circular component, wherein a frothing chamber (6) is provided into which opens a nozzle (10) tangentially directed to the internal wall (11a) of a frothing chamber (6), the nozzle (10) being connected with a hot water pressure duct (13), and the frothing chamber has a powder inlet opening (9) into which opens an inlet funnel (5), and in addition the frothing chamber (6) has an outlet opening (8).

Abstract: A holder includes a grid and a tray below to collect any liquids flowing through the grid. The grid and the tray are mutually constrained magnetically.

Abstract: A hot beverage making device includes a boiler for heating water; a housing for accommodating the boiler and connecting element for connecting the boiler to the housing. During operation of the boiler, water is heated and water vapor bubbles are created inside the boiler. Formation of the bubbles causes varying moments about the center of mass of the boiler. The connecting element is adapted to prevent transmittal to the housing of at least a portion of the moment variations. This keeps the noise produced as a result of vibrations of the housing at an acceptable level. In particular, the connecting element is adapted to let the boiler have at least one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage dispenser comprising: a housing (1), at least one refillable container (2) for storing bulk beverage ingredient, said container comprising a tank (22), a discharge port (5) at the outlet (23) of the tank, at least a beverage preparation unit (3) operatively linked to the container for preparing a beverage from the stored bulk beverage ingredient, a door, wherein the discharge port (6) of the container (2) is configured for being automatically closed due to the opening movement of the door.

Abstract: A beverage cup lid and a system and method incorporating such a lid is provided. The lid holds an individual serving dose of a beverage to be brewed. Hot water is poured into a chamber of the lid to brew the beverage. The brewed beverage is fed into an underlying cup through an outlet in the lid. The beverage can be consumed through an opening in the lid without removing the spent grounds contained in the lid, from which the beverage was brewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot water supplying device for coffee machines comprising a condensation chamber having at least one output duct for supplying the hot water, a first duct having a first flow rate and arranged for injecting water or steam at a first temperature into the chamber, a second duct having a second flow rate and arranged for injecting water at a second temperature into the chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.

Abstract: A brewing device includes a brewing cylinder and a piston received in and reciprocally movable inside the brewing cylinder. The brewing device is connected to a water supply device that supplies a liquid to the brewing cylinder. The piston includes a piston head that is hollow and includes a bar mounted to an inside wall thereof and a piston rod that forms a pivot hole rotatably jointed to the bar to allow the bar to do movement. The piston rod forms a lid at a location close to the pivot hole that selectively sets the piston in a closed condition, whereby through change of position of the lid by the piston rod, the piston is switchably set in an open configuration and a closed configuration for readily controlling amount of water contained in the brewing cylinder to meet various conditions for different quantities of brewing water.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker is provided for making latte by frothing milk in a carafe before and/or while brewing coffee and directing the brewed coffee into the carafe for mixing with the frothed milk. An agitating element, extends downwardly from a frothing motor attached to the cover of a carafe into the carafe for frothing milk while coffee is being brewed in a brew head of the beverage maker. Brewed coffee is directed into the milk as it is being frothed and is mixed with the milk by the frothing elements to make latte. A lever assembly is selectively movable between an “On” and “Off” position. In the “On” position, terminal pins are moved into contact with terminal plates on the carafe cover to provide electricity to the frothing motor. In the ‘Off position, the terminal pins are moved away from contact with the terminal plates.

Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a heat exchanger (24) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from a receptacle (14), and through the heat exchanger (24), for combining with water via a dispenser (28) to form a finished beverage.

Abstract: The present device concerns a boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages including a diffuser (32) with a first wall (33) destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall (34) opposite first wall (33), heating element (11) consisting of at least one thick film or photo-etching resistor (31) arranged on second wall (34) of diffuser (32), a body which, with first wall (33) of diffuser (32), defines a heating volume (11) inside which the liquid is to be heated, characterized in that it is arranged so that heating volume (11) is positioned on either side of heating element (30). Also described is the fabrication of machines for preparing hot beverages such as coffee.

Abstract: The baby formula preparation device includes a powder hopper and a distributor operably associated with the powder hopper for dispensing powdered baby formula into a baby bottle. The device also includes a water dispensing system having a water storage tank and a water heater that dispenses heated water into the baby bottle. A load cell measures the weight of the bottle and a controller coupled to the load cell regulates the quantity by weight of heated water and powdered baby formula dispensed into the baby bottle.

Abstract: A technique for preparing baby formula includes containing an amount of powdered formula, premeasured to provide a single serving of baby formula, containing an amount of water, premeasured to provide at least a single serving of baby formula, heating the water, and dispensing both the premeasured formula and the water for providing a single serving into a bottle or other vessel when the water reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing coffee, milk, and/or milk foam includes a first fluid duct for supplying coffee and a second fluid duct for supplying steam. The first fluid duct opens into one coffee discharge pipe. The second fluid duct has an outlet opening for steam. The dispensing device includes a mixing arrangement for mixing milk with steam and/or air, and a housing. The mixing arrangement includes a milk duct, air duct, inlet opening, and a discharge pipe. The housing partially surrounds the fluid ducts, discharge pipe, and mixing arrangement, and includes a first and second housing part. The first housing part houses the fluid ducts, and the second housing part includes a recess for the mixing arrangement. The mixing arrangement may be positioned relative to the second fluid duct to produce a fluid connection between the second fluid duct outlet opening and the mixing arrangement inlet opening.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to a thermal sensor and a controlled heating system, in a beverage preparation machine. In particular, the invention relates to a thermal sensor comprising: connectors; an electrical coupling circuit; a sensing element having at least one measurable electrical quantity varying with the temperature of the sensing element; The sensing element is electrically coupled with the connectors through the electrical coupling circuit so as to allow measuring said electrical quantity at the level of the connectors. The sensor comprises a support having a first surface and a second surface thermally coupled and electrically isolated. The sensing element is thermally coupled with the first surface. The second surface is adapted to be thermally coupled with an area which temperature is to be measured.

Abstract: An electric kettle includes a kettle body, a base, a heating element and a wireless signal transmission device. The wireless signal transmission device includes a controller circuitry, a first wireless transceiver, a second wireless transceiver, and a light reflection arrangement. The light reflection arrangement includes a first reflective mechanism provided on the kettle body, and a second reflective mechanism provided on the base, wherein when the kettle body is rotatably and detachably coupled with the base through a lower and an upper connector, wherein when one of the first and the second wireless transceiver is activated to generate a wireless signal toward another of the wireless transceiver, the wireless signal is subject to multiple reflections by the first and the second reflective mechanism until the wireless signal reaches the corresponding first and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a beverage mixture comprising protein is disclosed. The method comprises heating the beverage in a heat exchanger, transferring the beverage to a hold loop located outside of the heat exchanger, and denaturizing the protein within the hold loop for a residence time, after the beverage is heated in the heat exchanger such that the denaturizing occurs outside of the heat exchanger to prevent fouling of the heat exchanger. The system comprises a beverage forming tank, a heat exchanger for heating the beverage, and a first hold loop separate from the heat exchanger, which is configured to hold the beverage for a residence time to denaturize a protein in the beverage.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the milk system of a drink machine for milk-containing hot beverages includes a feed line that feeds milk from a storage container, a central unit in which the milk is heated and processed, and an output unit via which the milk-containing hot beverage prepared in the central unit is dispensed, wherein the feed line is coupled to a cleaning device including an electrolytic cell, a cleaning solution is fed into the milk system from the cleaning device, which solution passes the electrolytic cell and an electrical current is applied to the cleaning solution by the electrolytic cell until electrolysis products having a disinfectant effect are forming and/or the electrical conductivity of the cleaning solution is monitored by the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: Beverage preparation machine comprising a body (2), a movable steam nozzle (7) connected to the body by a moving device (13), a beverage preparation area (10) in which a cup can be placed, and a cleaning area in which is disposed a rinsing container (12). The moving device (13) moves the nozzle (7) between the preparation and cleaning areas. The machine also includes a cleaning product outlet (56) that can be moved between a dispensing position located in the cleaning area for dispensing product into the container (12), and a storage position located outside the cleaning area. The cleaning product outlet (56) is connected to the moving device (13) so as to place this outlet in the storage position when the nozzle (7) is in the cleaning area.

Abstract: A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also disposed within the cup unit. The brewing element is constructed in a shape which retains its integrity without any external support even under pressure such as needed for espresso drink preparation. The beverage preparation device operates by extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit, processing it in a heating/cooling chamber, and returning the processed liquid at a predetermined pressure and time duration to the cup unit. The operation is performed in accordance with preprogrammed instructions associated with an instruction source provided on a sealed cover of the cup unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for quickly preparing infant formula and beverage comprising: a powder container for storing dry formula or beverage powder, a powder dispenser for dispensing controllable amount of formula or beverage powder into a milk bottle or a cup, a water container for storing water, a heat-exchanging reservoir for heating up or cooling down water to an ideal temperature, a water delivery system for delivering controllable amount of water from the water container to the heat-exchanging reservoir and then from the heat-exchanging reservoir to the milk bottle once the water is adjusted to the ideal temperature. The device has a main setting and controlling system to set up parameters of powder dispensing amount, water dispensing temperature and water dispensing volume prior to a formula or beverage preparation, so that the apparatus can prepare infant formula or beverage with ideal volume, concentration and temperature.

Abstract: Hot or Cold soup made fresh from scratch, can or concentrate is prepared in a suitable container and after its preparation is kept cool, blended and re-circulated for long term shelf life until a serving is requested. This serving volume of soup is automatically pumped and heated to serving temperature (hot soup) and served in a suitable container like a cup or a bowl. The entire system where the soup resides is always kept refrigerated. The only portion of the soup that is heated after its preparation is the one dispensed. If it is a soup that is served cold the heating prior to dispensing is by-passed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinks dispenser with a heating device for the heating of a liquid and with at least one electric accumulator for the energy supply of the drinks dispenser, more preferably of its heating device, which compared with the charge power has a higher discharge power which is greater than 500 watt.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus has a portable liquid container having a ledge detail within a top open end; a removable infuser with an annular support flange; and a gasket about the infuser below the annular support flange, where in use the gasket forms a seal with the container ledge detail and the infuser body, and further spaces the infuser annular support flange from the container ledge detail to define a liquid access gap. At least one vertical channel is defined through the gasket to communicate liquid through the gasket between the liquid container and the liquid access gap. A support base has an opening to receive and hold a bottom end of the portable liquid container and a heating element to heat liquid within the portable container when the container bottom end is inserted within the opening.

Abstract: An intelligent electric kettle includes a heating element for heating water contained in the intelligent electric kettle, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the water, and a control unit being configured to collect data during the operation of the intelligent electric kettle. The control unit is also configured to execute a predetermined program and calculate a cut-off temperature based on the data and a predetermined target temperature. The control unit is further configured to turn off the electric power provided to the heating element when the temperature of the water sensed by the sensor is equal to or greater than the calculated cut-off temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may comprise a brew system, at least one sensor, a display and a control circuit. The brew system may comprise a heater, a reservoir and a container for receiving a brewed beverage. The at least one sensor may be positioned to sense an end of a brew cycle. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the end of the brew cycle. Upon detecting the end of the brew cycle, the control circuit may be configured to initiate a timer and cause a current value of the timer to be shown on the display.