The present invention is directed to a kit of at least two capsules (11) each for containing at least one specific food ingredient, the capsules being adapted to be alternatively functionally inserted in the brewing cavity of a food preparation machine (1) for the preparation of a multi-ingredient food product, characterized in that each capsule in the kit (11) comprises at least one deformable portion (17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 38) that is deformed when said capsule is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed, so that at least one machine operational parameter is set by detection of the reaction force on the machine cavity by the deformed deformable portion, said kit being further characterized in that different capsules in the kit comprise deformable portions with different predetermined mechanical properties so as to customize the machine brewing functional parameters to each capsule inserted therein.

A coffee pod is described with an improved sealing surface for a filter disposed within the pod. The improved sealing surface provides better adherence between the filter and a sidewall of the pod so that unadhered portions are minimized and operation is improved. A coffee pod is also described with an improved foot structure having a configuration and thickness designed to minimize buckling while also utilizing a cost-efficient amount of material.

The present invention relates to a coffee machine, more particularly to an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine according to the invention comprises at least one hot water generator (1, 3), at least one brewing group (5) for brewing coffee, and a thermosiphon circuit between said hot water generator and said brewing group including a hot water supply pipe (13) and a hot water return pipe (15). According to the invention, one or more additional hot water supply pipes (13), separate from said main hot water supply pipe (13), are provided between said hot water generator (1, 3) or another hot water source and said brewing group (5). Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to guarantee a greater steadiness in the water temperature during the steps of brewing coffee, and possibly the capability of quickly adjusting, even in real time, said temperature. Furthermore, if several brewing groups are provided, the water temperature during the brewing step can be advantageously controlled and adjusted in an autonomous and independent manner for each brewing group.

The present invention relates to a coffee machine, more particularly to an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine according to the invention comprises at least one hot water generator (1, 3), at least one brewing group (5) for brewing coffee, and a thermosiphon circuit between said hot water generator and said brewing group including a hot water supply pipe (13) and a hot water return pipe (15). According to the invention, one or more additional hot water supply pipes (13), separate from said main hot water supply pipe (13), are provided between said hot water generator (1, 3) or another hot water source and said brewing group (5). Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to guarantee a greater steadiness in the water temperature during the steps of brewing coffee, and possibly the capability of quickly adjusting, even in real time, said temperature. Furthermore, if several brewing groups are provided, the water temperature during the brewing step can be advantageously controlled and adjusted in an autonomous and independent manner for each brewing group.

Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials that form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. The varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials that form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. The varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.

Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials. One such apparatus may include an extraction column where it is a one column, one pass design capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, the extraction column may also be capable of containing a self-perpetuating energy cycle used to achieve the required solubilization and mass transfer temperatures necessary for optimal extraction. The apparatus may also include a first opening and a second opening to control the flow of incoming solvent and filter extraneous sediment trapped within the fully extracted effluent. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to create a self-perpetuating and self-sustaining energy cycle by manipulating the pressure and temperature generated within the apparatus. While the generated temperatures may help achieve a dynamic and efficient extraction process, a trailing cool layer of solvent is also present to effectively preserve the heat sensitive compounds extracted from the raw materials.

Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials. One such apparatus may include an extraction column where it is a one column, one pass design capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, the extraction column may also be capable of containing a self-perpetuating energy cycle used to achieve the required solubilization and mass transfer temperatures necessary for optimal extraction. The apparatus may also include a first opening and a second opening to control the flow of incoming solvent and filter extraneous sediment trapped within the fully extracted effluent. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to create a self-perpetuating and self-sustaining energy cycle by manipulating the pressure and temperature generated within the apparatus. While the generated temperatures may help achieve a dynamic and efficient extraction process, a trailing cool layer of solvent is also present to effectively preserve the heat sensitive compounds extracted from the raw materials.