A machine for dispensing a beverage (5) includes a beverage processing module (2) that has an outlet (20). The module (2) further has a first part (25) and a second part (26) that can be relatively moved between: a transfer configuration for introducing a beverage ingredient (4) between the first and second parts (25, 26) and/or removing the ingredient from therebetween; and a processing configuration for forming said beverage (5) from said ingredient (4) between the first and second parts (25, 26). The machine also includes:a liquid driver (31) for driving a liquid along a liquid line (30) from a liquid source (32) via the processing module (2) to the outlet (20);a drop collector (1) having a beverage guide (10) and a motor (11) for moving the guide (10) relatively to the outlet (20) into either a dispensing position for dispensing beverage (5) from the outlet (20) into a dispensing area (6) or a collecting position for dispensing residual beverage (5) from the outlet (20) into a service area (7);a control unit (3) for controlling the liquid driver (31) and the motor (11, 11a, 11b); and a user-interface (3) for providing user-instructions to the control unit (3). The module (2) comprises a module actuator (21) for driving the first and second parts (25, 26) from the transfer configuration to the processing configuration and vice-versa, the actuator (21) being independent of the motor (11). The control unit (3) is arranged to activate the liquid driver (31) and the motor (11) upon receiving a user-instruction from the user-interface (32) independently of a presence or an absence of a receptacle (60) in the dispensing area (6).

An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.

An infuser includes a base having a cylindrical mounting base mounted on the base, a rotating ring surrounding the mounting base, a tubular structure with perforated top and bottom axially mounted on the top surface of the mounting base by liquid seal and a spring axially mounted between the base and rotating ring by precompression. The spring underprops the rotating ring permanently. A through flow channel is formed axially in the mounting base. The rotating ring is provided with a waterstop block. The waterstop block closes the flow channel by liquid seal. When the rotating ring rotates against the mounting base, it performs axially reciprocating motion against the mounting base at the same time. The waterstop block opens the flow channel optionally, the liquid in the tubular structure flows down through the flow channel.

A coffee brewing device, such as a cold coffee brewing device and related methods are disclosed. The device includes a container, a supported horizontal plate that holds filter paper in place, and a spigot below the horizontal plate. Coffee grounds are placed on the filter, then water is added to the container such that minimal disturbance of the coffee ground bed occurs. When the spigot is opened, liquid is removed in a north/south (up/down) direction through the coffee ground bed. The coffee ground bed serves as a first filter, the filter serves as a second filter, and the chamber below the horizontal plate serves as a coalescing chamber where sediment drops out thus serving as a third filter. The resulting liquid dispensed from the spigot is amber in color and clear.

An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.

Systems and methods for submerging coffee within water in a chamber directly below a filter, creating a vacuum within the chamber, removing carbon dioxide through the filter while preventing the formation of carbonic acid, and creating another vacuum within the chamber.

An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.

A filter holder including a housing with a bottom and an aperture through the bottom; a valve with a stopper for opening and closing the aperture, the stopper supported by a pivoting arm and biased towards a closed position; a cam arranged between the bottom and the pivoting arm, and having a cam profile co-acting with the pivoting arm, and being biased towards a first position wherein the cam profile prevents closing of the stopper and having a second position wherein the cam profile allows closing of the stopper; a slider which co-acts with the cam to move the cam from the first position towards the second position. The slider is biased in an inactive position and is moved towards an active position by co-action with a locking ring whereto the filter holder is attached. The slider when moved towards the active position pushes the cam towards the second position.

The present invention is directed to a device for brewing beverages in which the rate of flow of brew liquid through a brewing media and filtration media is precisely and consistently controlled in an analog fashion.

An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.