Abstract:
A beverage dispenser comprises: a housing (1), at least two refillable containers (2) for storing bulk beverage ingredients, at least a beverage preparation unit (3) operatively linked to the containers for preparing a beverage from at least one of the stored bulk beverage ingredients, a sub-housing (4) in which the containers are placed, the sub-housing being removable from the housing.
Abstract:
A vending machine for producing beverages. The vending machine presents a user with a number of beverage options and receives the user selection. A plurality of refrigerated containers house various comestibles. An ejection mechanism is disposed within each container for expelling comestibles from the container. Control module selectively actuates the ejection mechanisms to expel comestibles required to make the user-selected beverage. The expelled comestibles slide down along a ramp into a blender pitcher. A liquid is dispensed onto the ramp facilitating movement of the comestibles. The control module actuates the blender apparatus to blend the comestibles and the liquid into a homogenous beverage. The beverage is dispensed into a cup. The ramp and the blender pitcher are automatically rinsed after preparation of each beverage.
Abstract:
Accordingly, there is provided a portafilter having an internal compartment that is adapted to receive a capsule. In one embodiment, an upper compartment has a puncturing component that is free to rotate.
Abstract:
The device for extemporaneously preparing a hot beverage anywhere and anytime from a soluble powder comprises a container which is divided into an upper hollow space and a lower hollow space by a baffle. The lower hollow space contains a quantity of drinkable liquid and the upper hollow space a quantity of soluble powder able to produce said beverage. An elongated hollow element is provided, which is open at its two ends and which connects the lower and the upper hollow spaces, sealing membranes are provided for sealing the connection between the upper and the lower hollow spaces through the elongated element. The sealing membranes can be made ineffective by intervention of the user or once a predetermined pressure inside the liquid has been reached.
Abstract:
A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system. There is also provided a coffee beverage system that includes the coffee bean packaging cartridge as defined above and at least a dosing device and a grinding mechanism. The dosing device may includes a metering chamber for receiving a portion of coffee beans corresponding to an amount necessary for preparing a single serving of coffee beverage.
Abstract:
A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage.
Abstract:
A system for preparing a beverage includes an exchangeable capsule, an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The receptacle includes bottom piercing means for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating an entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule includes an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough. The filter is a multi-layer filter including at least a first layer and a second layer bonded together. The first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a filter cap (1) for filtering liquid and dispensing an aqueous nutritional composition to a human, the filter cap (1) comprising a liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from external liquid dispensing means (20), an adaptor (2) for connecting the filter cap (1) to the liquid dispensing means (20), connection means (2) designed for selectively connecting an opening (10) of the filter cap (1) to a container (3) designed to hold a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, and a filter assembly (7) in the flow path of the liquid from the inlet means (6) to the opening (10), the filter assembly (7) being configured to remove contaminants from liquid fed into the container through the inlet means (6).
Abstract:
A method for the automated production of a coffee preparation with a coffee preparation device (1) comprising a brewing unit, the method comprising the following steps: insertion of a pre-filled cartridge (3) with a powder supply (4) comprising a plurality of, preferably compressed, powder portions (11) of ground coffee beans into a cartridge receptacle (2) of a preparation device (1); automatic or at least partially manual metering of a powder portion (11) from the powder supply (4), wherein the entire powder supply (4) is moved for this purpose, preferably displaced axially, with the assistance of metering unit (10), and then the powder portion (11) is separated from the powder supply (4); transfer of the powder portion (11) to a brewing unit of a preparation device (16); automatic preparation of the coffee in the brewing unit, using the powder portion (11) and a heated, potable fluid flowing through the powder portion in the brewing unit, more particularly under pressure; closure of the cartridge (3) in the cartridge outlet opening area (5) of the preparation device.
Abstract:
A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.