Abstract: The present invention provides a steam generation and exertion mechanism that is incorporated within a water heating system and specifically attached to a kettle as an example. The steam is built from the water in the water heating system. The present invention allows the user to produce steam for purpose of creaming milk as an example. The present invention takes advantage of the regular features of a kettle in order to produce steam and use the kettle for additional purposes. The steam generation mechanism of the present invention can be an add-on device.

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: Provided is a drink preparation machine with an outer housing, which contains at least one ventilation element for ventilating an interior which is enclosed by the outer housing. In order to reduce the likelihood of penetration by dust, water and/or small objects, to allow simple and quick cleaning with reduced use of detergents and to achieve energy-saving operation of the drink preparation machine, the at least one ventilation element can be actuated to open and close.

Abstract: The invention proposes to dispense a substance from a container (1) filled with a single portion of a substance. The container comprises a preformed deformable body, preferably made of sheet material, defining a filling cavity which body has an opening (6) and an integral planar circumferential rim (5) surrounding said opening, which opening is closed by a cover sheet (7) which is sealed to the circumferential rim (5) by means of a circumferential sealing seam (10). The container with the substance is opened by making use of the deformability of the cover sheet (7). A support surface supports the cover sheet (7) except at the position of a recess (10b). The recess (10b) is positioned at least over a part of the circumferential sealing seam. Upon compression of the container body the substance is pressurized and the cover sheet (7) bulges out into the recess (10b) such that the sealing seam (10) is broken at the location where the bulge is formed resulting in the container being open.

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. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing drinks by supplying hot water for a hot drinks dispenser by means of a liquid transport circuit (2) comprising a heating element (8) provided with a heating resistance, and a pump (14). According to the invention, once a control means (7) has been actuated by a user, a liquid is heated by feeding the heating resistance at a pre-defined average electrical power, the heating of the liquid is maintained, and as soon as the measured temperature is higher than a first pre-determined temperature threshold, the liquid is circulated in the heating element (8), at a constant nominal rate of between 0.5 and 1.5 cl/second, and the average electrical power of the heating resistance (12) is such that the ratio of said power expressed in Watts divided by the nominal rate in centilitres per second is higher than 2000.

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, characterised 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: A beverage vending machine mixer for mixing a soluble product and hot water, wherein a first injection means injects water directly onto the bottom of a mixing chamber, a second injection means injects water tangentially into the top of the mixing chamber, and, mixing means being located between the bottom of the mixing chamber and an outflow chamber connected to outflow means, the beverage is pushed to the outflow point.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

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: The present invention provides a device for washing, sterilizing, dispensing metered doses of water and infant formula into, and closing baby bottles. A baby bottle includes a bottle body (124), a nipple (123), a nipple cap (122) and a bottle cap (121). The device is capable of automatically washing the baby bottle, nipple, nipple cap and bottle cap. The device also automatically sterilizes the bottle and its components, assembles the nipple, nipple cap and the bottle cap and dispenses water and metered doses of infant formula in the bottle. The device also automatically closes the baby bottle with the preassembled components, after filling it with the required amount of water and formula at the required temperature.

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: 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: An apparatus for preparing hot beverages, in particular soups, includes a frame (1) containing a heating system (2) for heating water drawn from a water main or, alternatively, from a tank, and for converting the water into pressurized steam. The steam is delivered to a heating chamber (3) having a discharge duct (4) that passes through the heating chamber. A beverage to be prepared is stored in an aseptic pack (61) placed in a removable receptacle (7) housed in the frame (1). The liquid beverage is delivered from the aseptic pack (61) to the discharge duct (4) by a sequential dispenser (6), and is then discharged to a container (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has an infusion device including a water container having a base and a lid and a filtration tank in the water container. The filtration tank includes a stopper on a bottom, an overflow outlet on a side wall, a filtration mesh having a hot-water duct of silicone rubber, and a lid pivotally connected to a top. When the hot beverage maker is activated to heat, cold water in the water container flows into heating tubes of a heating device via a first connective tube to be heated. Then, hot water flows upwards via a second connective tube into the filtration tank from the bottom of the filtration tank. Thus, the coffee powder/tea leaves inside of the filtration mesh is/are sufficiently infused. The stopper can be pressed upwards to be opened so as to cause the sufficiently infused coffee/tea to drip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine, for instance a coffee machine, provided with a brewing chamber and at least one valve for totally and/or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the chamber. Advantageously, the valve is an electrovalve, in particular a piezoelectric valve, which is continuously controllable to adjust the beverage flow rate being permitted to exit the chamber.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and method of operation, in which incoming water for beverage preparation is heated by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heated water may be mixed with cold water using controlled valves, to generate a selected temperature stream. This controlled-temperature stream may be mixed with beverage concentrate or sprayed over coffee grounds to brew fresh coffee.

Abstract: Many kinds of dispensing devices for drinks or similar fluid foodstuffs, especially for coffee and/or milk are already known. Said devices comprise supply means for supplying at least two different hot drinks, filling outlets for dispensing hot drinks into at least one cup and valve means for stopping and releasing drink pipelines between the supply devices and the filling devices. According to the invention, in order to improve hygiene and product quality, the valve means are embodied in such a manner that additional pipelines for supplying and/or discharging flushing agents for cleaning, hot water or steam for preheating or other similar fluids, can be connected to the valve means instead of to the drinks pipelines in order to treat the valve means in the areas through which hot drinks flow. As a result, a rinsing process can be automatically controlled between two dispensing steps.

Abstract: A single piece of chocolate, wherein at least one portion of the piece of chocolate is capable of being hangingly attached to a cup of a hot drink, such as coffee. The rest of the chocolate piece is hovering over the hot coffee and/or hot foam, whereas the heat exerting onto the hovering chocolate melts the chocolate into the steaming coffee.

Abstract: A hot water kettle has an on/off switch, which is adapted to automatically switch from a closed position to an opened position when water which is present inside the kettle has been boiling for a while. The on/off switch is operable through a button element (6), a position of which is determined by the position of the switch. Inside a space (61) of the button element (6), a vibratory member (20) comprising a flexible bar (21) is arranged. When the on/off switch is in the closed position, a free end (25) of the bar (21) is retained by an actuator (10). As soon as the on/off switch switches to the opened position, this end (25) of the bar (21) is eventually released, as a result of which the bar (21) starts to vibrate and the button element (6) starts to resonate. In this way, an acoustic signal is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: A freshness indicator for a coffee maker having a controller is adapted to initiate the brewing of a quantity of beverage upon receiving a brewing command signal. A timer is adapted to output the time since activation of the timer upon a timer start command signal, and a display is adapted to display the output of the timer. The controller is adapted to output the timer start command signal to the timer at a predetermined time before, during or after brewing.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) for making a hot beverage comprises a boiler (30) for heating a quantity of water, and a pump (40). When the beverage maker (1) is operated, a heating element (32) of the boiler (30) is activated, and the water inside the boiler (30) is heated. When the temperature of the water has reached a predetermined value, a thermostat (63) which is arranged in an electronics circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40) is closed, and a pumping action is started. As a result, water exits the boiler (30), and passes a thermostat (62) which is arranged downstream of the boiler (30), and which is arranged in an electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32). Under the influence of the hot water, a set point of this thermostat (62) is reached, and this thermostat (62) opens, so that the electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32) is interrupted, and the heating element (32) is deactivated.

Abstract: The inventive infusion machine comprises a housing, a pressurised cold water generator arranged therein, a first infusion chamber (11) delimited by the first and second housing parts and a locking device (40) of said first infusion chamber (11), which comprises a locking control (42), a first locking element (20) rotatably mounted on an axis (VI) and a second locking element (16), wherein said first locking element (20) is arranged in such a way that it is rotatably movable between locked and unlocked positions. A locking lever (50) is mounted in such a way that it is pivotable about an axis (51) which is fixed with respect to the first housing part and is connected to the first locking element (20).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump and an eductor. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: Methods and device for frothing milk. The device includes a main body forming a container for the milk, a cover fitting onto the main body, agitation means and drive means for driving the agitation means. The drive means are received at least partially in the cover. The device further includes a base plate provided with a first electric contact. The main body is provided with a second electric contact, which makes electrical contact with the first electric contact when the main body is placed on the base plate. The drive means are provided with a third electric contact. The main body is provided with a fourth electric contact, which makes electrical contact with the third electric contact when the cover is placed on the main body. The main body is provided with an electric conductor which forms an electrical connection between the second electric contact and the fourth electric contact.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously brewing and dispensing multiple beverages from a single substantially unitary structure includes a rigid, thermally conductive substantially cylindrically dispensing container having internally fluid discreet compartments each, in horizontal cross-section, defining a polar segment of the cross-section of the container, each of the compartments including pouring spouts at a corresponding mouth of the container, and handles each corresponding to a spout of the structure. The system also includes a circular planar cover selectably securable and rotatable upon or within the mouth of the container. The cover includes a polar opening sufficient in area and geometry to permit flow of a beverage from a selected on of the compartments when a corresponding handle is engaged.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) comprises a water tank (20) for containing and supplying water during a beverage making process, and a pump (40) for pumping the water out of the water tank (20). In order to terminate a pumping action at a predetermined point, the beverage maker (1) comprises a switch (64) which is arranged in a pumping circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40), a float (70) which is located in the water tank (20), and a coupling arm (71) attached to the float (70). During a pumping action, when a water level (21) in the water tank (20) is above a predetermined minimum level, the coupling arm (71) couples the float (70) to the switch (64), and the switch (64) is held in a closed position. However, as soon as the water level (21) reaches the minimum level, the coupling of the float (70) to the switch (64) is lost, and the switch (64) switches back to an opened position, as a result of which the pumping action is terminated.

Abstract: A device includes an obliquely shaped base member that has planar top and bottom surfaces. Decanters are removably positional on the top surface and each decanter includes a removable lid. A mechanism is included for simultaneously brewing a plurality of hot decanted beverages that is directly attached to the top surface of the base member and includes a housing that has a central region and a handle connected to a top surface thereof. The simultaneous brewing mechanism further includes a pair of isolated reservoirs monolithically formed with the central region. Each reservoir includes a spout positioned along a bottom edge thereof. Another mechanism is included for abutting another decanter against the simultaneous brewing mechanism. Such another decanter is firmly maintained in a vertical manner so that the hot beverage stored therein will not spill out of the one decanter. The securely abutting mechanism is removably connected to the housing.

Abstract: Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with suction means, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapour and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing, as well as an extraction duct.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a beverage from concentrate. A mixing chamber is included. A water tank and a concentrate container provide water and concentrate. A water conduit is horizontally oriented and is connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity. A concentrate conduit extends from the concentrate container and at an acute angle to the water conduit and then extends generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit. The mixing chamber is connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit. Both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end. Each outlet end is remote from the water tank and the concentrate container. The outlet end of the concentrate conduit is adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the mixing chamber.

Abstract: [Object] To enhance an effect for keeping warm and prevent oxidation deterioration of coffee, serving delicious coffee, and to save energy, suppressing generation of carbon dioxide. [Constitute] A coffee machine 100 for spraying hot water over powder of coffee beans to extract coffee, in which a coffee machine body 10 includes a nitrogen gas generation unit 30 for generating nitrogen gas, and a nitrogen gas supplying part 31 for supplying the nitrogen gas generated by the nitrogen gas generation unit 30 into a pot 60, and the pot 60 included a pot body 61 made of heat insulating material, a cover part 62 for sealing up the pot body 61 and a heater 72 provided in at least one of the pot body 61 and the cover part 62, for heating at least the pot body 61.

Abstract: A portable beverage preparation device and system for making brews, mixes, and potions on demand by selectively introducing and mixing predetermined quantities of at least one stored, edible, beverage preparation confined in at least one sealed chamber into a portable beverage container containing a predetermined volume of a potable base liquid and having a dispenser means for introducing the at least one beverage preparation into the potable base liquid; wherein the drink container and the at least one sealed chamber are in close physical proximity to each other and separated by at least one thin membrane which, when inwardly perforated by the dispenser means, introduces the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid. The system of the invention further provides a brewing element and a portable heating unit, the heater element of which fits into the beverage container for heating the liquid.

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 foamed milk system for creating foamed milk from a source of condensed milk, a source of water, and a source of pressurized air. The foamed milk system may include a milk inlet system for the condensed milk, a water inlet system for the water, an air inlet system for the pressurized air, and a mixing area to mix the condensed milk, the water, and the pressurized air.

Abstract: Hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines comprising a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in said tank, a flow-meter connected to said extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, a recovery tank.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand and a brewed beverage tank. The brewed beverage tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion of the brewed beverage tank holds a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in the bottom of the reservoir. A dispenser actuator may be connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but it may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage. The stand further includes a recess under the brewed beverage tank. The outlet port may be positioned in the recess, and the brewed beverage tank may be removably mounted on the stand.

Abstract: Coffee machine, comprising at least one steam generator for producing steam and an apparatus for producing the coffee with associated dispensing device, a storage tank containing a ready prepared liquid chocolate product with a density suitable for being a conventional chocolate beverage, a heating device provided with an inlet and an outlet for the product to be heated and an inlet for introducing the steam, a line between said storage tank and the inlet of said heating device, a metering pump arranged along said line for conveying a predetermined amount of chocolate-based product from said storage tank to said heating device and for circulating it inside it, a line for the steam, connecting said steam generator to said inlet for the steam of the heating device, an intercept valve arranged along the said steam line as well as a beverage dispensing device connected to the outlet of the said heating device.

Abstract: A boiler assembly for a hot beverage dispensing machine is characterized by a baffle that separates a cold water refill chamber of the boiler from a water heating and dispensing chamber of the boiler in a manner that provides for non-turbulent flow of cold water from the water refill chamber into the water heating chamber without substantial mixing of the cold refill water with the already heated water and, thereby, without lowering the overall temperature of the already existing heated water.

Abstract: An insulated pot (10) is taught that is used for brewing coffee or tea which incorporates a container (20) with a handle (22) and a top opening (20?). A top covering member (30), including a pouring spout (32), is removably affixed within the top opening of the container. The top covering member is formed with a crescent shaped opening (34) leaving a double circular segment gap (36) adjacent to crescent shaped opening. A pivotal lid (44) is attached to the top covering member and a removable crescent shaped basket (56) is disposed within the crescent shaped opening. The invention the lid to be hinged open and coffee grounds or tea leafs may be placed in the basket with hot water poured over thereby infusing into a beverage. The brewed coffee or tea accumulates beneath the basket in the pot and when poured from the spout the beverage flows through the double circular segment gap without touching the spent grounds or leafs in the basket.

Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven and method for controlling the same are provided. The coffee maker and microwave oven includes an outfit room for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room, a water tank in the case, a funnel having a filter placed thereon for extraction of coffee, a jug under the funnel for storage of extracted coffee, a water supply pipe having one end connected to the water tank, the other end position over the funnel, and a portion on a bottom of the case, and a heater assembly on the bottom of the case, the heater assembly having a heating heater for heating potable water passing through the water supply pipe, and a heat conservation heater for heating coffee in the jug to maintain a temperature of the coffee constant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable infusion product for making a beverage including a filter cup composed of a water permeable material and having on the base of the cup a plurality of perforations as a time control mechanism for flow of liquid. The invention also relates to a method of preparing an individual serving of a solid beverage flavorant, such as coffee or tea being immersed in the filter cup. The assembly includes four concave vents being set on the lower part of the outer side wall of the filter cup to provide relief for hot steam build up that occurs and which could slow down the drip down process when two cups are telescopically engaged in a liquid receiving container. A supporting sit-on-ring telescopically engages above the liquid receiving container.

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

Abstract: A device for making a predetermined quantity of a hot beverage comprising a boiler chamber (5) for heating water and a tubular heating element (6) inside the boiler chamber (5) near the bottom (16) of the boiler chamber (5). A main portion (7) of the tubular heating (6) element extends along a substantial helical line around a substantial horizontal axis. The bottom of the boiler chamber (5) comprises a wall (16) substantially having the shape of a part of cylindrical surface around said horizontal axis.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage (2), preferably with a froth layer (4), comprising a liquid storage tank (6), a valve device (8) and a heating device (9). The valve device is arranged to receive unheated liquid (U) from said liquid storage tank and to provide said unheated liquid to said heating system to obtain heated liquid for preparing said beverage. By rearranging the various components of the apparatus (1) such that the valve device (8) is at least partly arranged in the cold water circuit of the apparatus, the deposit of calcium in the valve device is reduced or eliminated. The invention further relates to a valve device (8) and a method for preparing a beverage.

Abstract: An appliance for producing hot drinks comprising a water heating device; a heat source; a seat adapted to receive a product for preparing the drink; a duct for feeding hot water from the water heating device to the seat; a first temperature sensor associated with the water heating device; a control unit operatively associated with the temperature sensor and with the heat source said control unit the temperature of the water contained in the device, by switching on/switching off the heat source based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor associated with the hot water feeding duct; and said control unit is being adapted to control the temperature of the water contained in the device by switching on/switching off the heat source also based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

Abstract: A control panel (10) for automatic beverage machines comprises a touch screen that visually represents icons (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) saved in a memory unit as the displayed basic setting as a first selector mechanism (2) used for choosing a desired beverage and by means of which a predetermined preparation process is triggered. The steps of the selected beverage preparation process may be visually represented on the touch screen. Alternatively, the touch screen is used as a second selector mechanism (21) for choosing a desired preparation setting after a beverage is chosen by actuating the first selector mechanism (2). When a preparation setting is selected, the touch screen displays the icon (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) for the selected beverage in addition to setting key icons (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that allow an operator to select and save a desired setting.