Abstract:
A dispensing apparatus (200) for dispensing a food product, the dispensing apparatus comprising a receptacle (210) for receiving a supply (510), a dispensing unit (220) configured to dispend portions of the food product, dispensing a portion of the food product consuming an amount of the supply, an electronic counting unit (232) configured to represent an amount of authorized supply, the counting unit is configured to decrease the amount of authorized supply when the dispensing unit dispenses a portion of the food product, the dispensing unit being configured to block dispensing of the food product if the amount of authorized supply is below a minimum authorized supply amount, a communication unit (240) configured to receive a digital authorization message from an authorization server (400) through mobile communication device (300), the authorization server being external to the dispensing apparatus, and a dispensing authorization unit (230) configured to obtain from the authorization message a supply authorization amount, and to increase the amount of authorized supply represented by the counting unit with the supply authorization amount.
Abstract:
A coffee machine (1) for providing coffee brew with reduced caffeine content is disclosed. The coffee machine (1) comprises a mixer (8) for mixing coffee grind (19) and a caffeine-reducing additive (20), the mixer having a coffee inlet (14) for receiving the coffee grind (19), an additive inlet (18) for receiving the caffeine-reducing additive (20), and a mixer outlet (21) for providing a mixture (22) of coffee grind and additive, and a brewing unit (5) for brewing the mixture (22) of coffee grind and additive, the brewing unit (5) having a brewing unit inlet (23) and a brewing unit outlet (24) for providing coffee brew, wherein the brewing unit inlet (23) of the brewing unit (5) is connected to the mixer outlet (21) of the mixer (8) for receiving the mixture (22) of coffee grind and additive. Furthermore, a corresponding method and a replaceable cartridge containing a caffeine-reducing additive are presented.
Abstract:
The infusion unit comprises a receptacle (25, 27) for receiving at least one ingredient in bulk form for the preparation of a beverage, as well as a brewing piston (33) arranged for insertion in the receptacle and forming a brewing chamber therewith. The brewing piston (33) is provided with a sealing arrangement (35) for sliding and sealing engagement with an inner wall of the receptacle when the brewing piston is in the receptacle. A hydraulic actuator (51) controls the movement of the brewing piston (33) so as to adjust the volume of the brewing chamber by moving the brewing piston in a brewing position inside the receptacle. A hot water delivery circuit (39) is further provided, for delivering hot water in the interior of the brewing chamber and performing a brewing cycle.