The invention relates to a container (2) for receiving a liquid comprising a thin film capacitive sensor (100) comprising a level sensor for detecting the liquid filling level of the container (2) over time, wherein the sensor (100) further comprises a settable device allowing setting one or more desired liquid filling levels of the container (2), of the same or of different liquids. Preferably, the settable device is configured as a touch screen, arranged in the external layer of the sensor (100). The invention further relates to a beverage production system (S) comprising a beverage production machine (1) having a beverage production unit (10) for preparing and dispensing a beverage and a control unit (50) for controlling a beverage production of the beverage production unit (10), and a container (2) as the one described. Yet further, the invention relates to a method for setting one or a plurality of liquid filling levels of a container (2).

Systems and methods for brewing still beverages in commercial environments are provided. A brewing machine ordinarily used for brewing tea or coffee may be utilized to brew a still beverage. A pre-prepared still beverage mixture may be added to a brew basket or filter within the brewing machine. The brewing machine may then be activated. Water may flow through or be added to the pre-prepared still beverage mixture as it exits the brew basket or filter and enters a dispenser or reservoir. Sweeteners, flavorings and/or pulp may be added to the pre-prepared still beverage mixture as it enters the dispenser or reservoir. This may change the flavor, intensity, texture, and/or taste of the brewed still beverage according to the needs of the operator or the preferences of those who will drink the brewed still beverage.

Systems and methods for brewing still beverages in commercial environments are provided. A brewing machine ordinarily used for brewing tea or coffee may be utilized to brew a still beverage. A pre-prepared still beverage mixture may be added to a brew basket or filter within the brewing machine. The brewing machine may then be activated. Water may flow through or be added to the pre-prepared still beverage mixture as it exits the brew basket or filter and enters a dispenser or reservoir. Sweeteners, flavorings and/or pulp may be added to the pre-prepared still beverage mixture as it enters the dispenser or reservoir. This may change the flavor, intensity, texture, and/or taste of the brewed still beverage according to the needs of the operator or the preferences of those who will drink the brewed still beverage.

A method of operating a beverage preparation machine that permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.

A method of operating a beverage preparation machine that permits automated preparation of a variety of beverages. A plurality of stations add ingredients to a beverage container and process the contents directly in the container in some embodiments. Parallel preparation of more than one beverage may be performed in some embodiments. A robotic arm moves the beverage container to the stations. The robotic arm may include a weight sensor as part of controlling the addition of ingredients.

A touchless beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A touchless push bar and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.

A touchless beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A touchless push bar and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.

A method of brewing a beverage using a beverage maker having a brew container, a first cylindrical section having a first diameter and a second section attached to the first cylindrical section having a portion with a second greater diameter; a liquid reservoir; a liquid delivery system to deliver the liquid to the brew container; a plunger assembly having a filter portion to filter the substance to produce the beverage from the liquid and a gasket to form a seal between the plunger assembly and an inner wall of the brew container in the first cylindrical section. As the plunger assembly is raised through the liquid a vacuum is formed between the plunger assembly and the bottom of the brew container and the filter traps and separates the substance to produce the beverage from the beverage.

A method of brewing a beverage using a beverage maker having a brew container, a first cylindrical section having a first diameter and a second section attached to the first cylindrical section having a portion with a second greater diameter; a liquid reservoir; a liquid delivery system to deliver the liquid to the brew container; a plunger assembly having a filter portion to filter the substance to produce the beverage from the liquid and a gasket to form a seal between the plunger assembly and an inner wall of the brew container in the first cylindrical section. As the plunger assembly is raised through the liquid a vacuum is formed between the plunger assembly and the bottom of the brew container and the filter traps and separates the substance to produce the beverage from the beverage.

The invention relates to a single-portion package (1) for producing a beverage from a beverage concentrate, comprising a closable concentrate container (2) for holding the beverage concentrate. According to the invention, the single-portion package (1) has an extraction and mixing device (3), comprising: an extraction means (4a, 4b) for extracting the beverage concentrate from the concentrate container (2), a mixing chamber (5) for preparing the beverage from the beverage concentrate extracted from the concentrate container (2) and from a mixing liquid that can be supplied, an inlet (6) for letting the mixing liquid into the mixing chamber (5), and an outlet (7) for letting the beverage out of the mixing chamber (5).