A multi-mode coffee maker facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. A single cup adapter includes a swing-out platform which cooperates with a multi-mode coffee maker to allow switching from a small amount to a large amount of brewed drink when the platform is moved to provide space for a large cup. A slide may also be provided to select the mode.

A multi-purpose beverage pod holder for a beverage brewing apparatus is disclosed comprising a flange adapted to be received in a slot in the brewing apparatus, a screen disposed orthogonal with the flange for allowing fluid to pass therein through, a first cylindrical wall encircling the screen on a first surface of the pod holder, the first cylindrical wall having a first diameter and defining a first packet retainer, and a second cylindrical wall encircling the screen on an opposite surface of the pod holder, the second cylindrical wall having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter and defining a second packet retainer. The pod holder can be used to brew both espresso and coffee in the same machine depending upon the orientation of the pod holder.

A brewing unit for making espresso (ES) and fresh-brew (FB) coffee, wherein the brewing chamber of a brewing assembly is supplied with water by a constant-frequency pump, and communicates with a first ES coffee outlet conduit, controlled by a calibrated valve, and a second FB coffee outlet conduit via a three-way COV (contact-operated) switch valve, which is formed in a compression piston for closing the brewing chamber, and is designed to be set to a normal open position, in which the first and second outlet conduit and a delivery manifold communicate with one another, and to switch, in use and in opposition to a spring, to a closed position, in which the second outlet conduit is closed, and the first outlet conduit communicates with the delivery manifold.

A machine (1) comprises a frame (1) and a capsule handling device (1) mounted in and/or on the frame (1). The device (1) has a first part (10) and a second part (20) that is movable relatively to the frame (1) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa. The second part (20) comprising: a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber (21) with the first part (10); and a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension (21da,21db,21ha,21hb) of the cavity (21) and of the extraction chamber (21). The device (1) further comprises an actuator (30,300) connected to the second part (20) for driving the movable second part (20) between the transfer position and the extraction position. The actuator (30,300) is further connected to the first and/or second portions (21a,21b) of the second part (20) to relatively move the first and second portions (21a,21b) between their first and second relative positions.

A multi-cup drip coffee maker includes a displacing mechanism mounted inside a casing. The casing has a user interface mounted on a front panel of the casing. A first driving mechanism is mounted on an inner wall of one of two side panels of the casing, and a second driving mechanism and a control unit are mounted on an outer wall of the side panel. The first driving mechanism drives a coffee outlet seat on the displacing mechanism to move between the two side panels. The second driving mechanism drives the displacing mechanism to oscillate forward and backward. The control unit is electrically connected to the user interface and the first and second driving mechanisms, and drives the first and second driving mechanisms to individually or both operate according to a configuration signal from the user interface to fulfill time-efficient brewing of multiple cups of drip coffee with enhanced drip coffee quality.

A capsule housing is provided for use in a machine for preparing a desired product from capsules. The capsule housing includes a capsule containment portion, a product collection portion and a product dispensing portion. A dispensing system is disposed in the capsule housing for dispensing product prepared from the capsule. An adjustment system is disposed in the capsule housing for accommodating different sizes of capsules.

A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder. The opening may be adjustable in size and/or shape to allow the cartridge holder to receive and engage with cartridges of different size and/or shape. The cartridge holder may include one or more movable portions that are adjustable in position to effectively adjust a size and/or shape of the opening.

A beverage machine includes a brewing unit with a main body defining a hollow for receiving different types of portable pad and/or capsule holders, and a lid connected to the main body for opening and closing the hollow. The beverage machine further includes first and second holders for receiving first and second types of a pad or capsule, respectively. The shape of the hollow is configured such that it may either receive the first or second holder. The lid includes (i) a first sealing member configured to seal a first brewing chamber between the lid and the first holder, when the first holder is inserted into the hollow, and (ii) a second sealing member which is different from the first sealing member and is configured to seal a second brewing chamber between the lid and the second holder, when the second holder is inserted into the hollow.

Machines, devices, and methods for generating and dispensing mixed beverages are disclosed. An exemplary beverage machine includes a liquid storage container, an additive ingredient chamber, a mixing chamber, a piston for providing fluid movement into and/or out of the mixing chamber, and a cooling system. The cooling system may be configured to recycle heat rejected from the liquid storage container to provide a heat source for warming a mixed beverage contained in the mixing chamber, in addition to other functions and components.

A drip coffee maker includes a transformable filter support that is capable of transforming into a plurality of configurations to support different sizes and/or profiles of coffee filters and/or to support different types of coffee brewing operations. In some instances, for example, a transformable filter support may be configured to include one configuration suitable for supporting a narrow-profile cone filter when brewing a single cup and/or lower volume of coffee, as well as another configuration suitable for supporting a wide-profile basket filter when brewing a full pot and/or greater volume of coffee.