Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container assembly configured to receive beverage, such as a milk. The container assembly can be removably engaged with a base. The container assembly can be temporarily removed from the base to facilitate transport of the beverage residing therein. The container assembly can be configured to receive a flow of steam, air, or additional gasses and vapors when the container assembly is mounted on the base.

The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may including a coffee concentrate fluid line which intersects with a water fluid line at a junction to allow mixing of coffee concentrate with water as the respective fluids flow through the coffee dispenser.

The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may including a coffee concentrate fluid line which intersects with a water fluid line at a junction to allow mixing of coffee concentrate with water as the respective fluids flow through the coffee dispenser.

The beverage mixing and dispensing system is a system for producing beverages having a variety of different consistencies, such as those which may be used in the evaluation and treatment of patients with swallowing disorders. The beverage mixing and dispensing system automatically mixes a thickening agent in desired quantities with either water and/or an infused beverage. The beverage mixing and dispensing system may further automatically add beverage modifying agents, such as flavor additives and/or dyes. The resultant mixed beverages are automatically dispensed.

The beverage mixing and dispensing system is a system for producing beverages having a variety of different consistencies, such as those which may be used in the evaluation and treatment of patients with swallowing disorders. The beverage mixing and dispensing system automatically mixes a thickening agent in desired quantities with either water and/or an infused beverage. The beverage mixing and dispensing system may further automatically add beverage modifying agents, such as flavor additives and/or dyes. The resultant mixed beverages are automatically dispensed.

The invention provides a beverage preparation system (1) for the preparation of hot and cold beverages, which system comprises a hot beverage ingredient cartridge (2′), a cold beverage ingredient cartridge (2), and a beverage preparation device (4) adapted to prepare hot and cold beverages. According to the invention, the beverage preparation device (4) comprises a water dispensing manifold (10) for directing hot water and cold water to a dispensing location, the water dispensing manifold (10) comprising a feed lace (11), a cold water conduit (14) and a hot water conduit (16) that ends in a port (20) provided in a wall of the cold water conduit (14). The hot water conduit (16) has a cross section that is smaller than the cross section of the feed lance (11), such that a flow of hot water fed from the hot water conduit (16) into the feed lance (11) via the port (20) passes through part of the cold water conduit (14) and through the feed lance (11) without contacting them.

The invention provides a beverage preparation system (1) for the preparation of hot and cold beverages, which system comprises a hot beverage ingredient cartridge (2′), a cold beverage ingredient cartridge (2), and a beverage preparation device (4) adapted to prepare hot and cold beverages. According to the invention, the beverage preparation device (4) comprises a water dispensing manifold (10) for directing hot water and cold water to a dispensing location, the water dispensing manifold (10) comprising a feed lace (11), a cold water conduit (14) and a hot water conduit (16) that ends in a port (20) provided in a wall of the cold water conduit (14). The hot water conduit (16) has a cross section that is smaller than the cross section of the feed lance (11), such that a flow of hot water fed from the hot water conduit (16) into the feed lance (11) via the port (20) passes through part of the cold water conduit (14) and through the feed lance (11) without contacting them.

An appliance for making a drink individually. The appliance includes a storage rack defining a plurality of housings configured to each receive a container containing an ingredient of the drink, and being provided with a housing outlet. The appliance includes a funnel including an outlet orifice. The appliance includes structure for transferring, into the funnel, through the housing outlets of the housings, ingredients contained in the containers. The appliance includes an emulsifier including an emulsifier shaft that is movable between positions in which it closes and leaves free the outlet orifice of the funnel.

An appliance for making a drink individually. The appliance includes a storage rack defining a plurality of housings configured to each receive a container containing an ingredient of the drink, and being provided with a housing outlet. The appliance includes a funnel including an outlet orifice. The appliance includes structure for transferring, into the funnel, through the housing outlets of the housings, ingredients contained in the containers. The appliance includes an emulsifier including an emulsifier shaft that is movable between positions in which it closes and leaves free the outlet orifice of the funnel.

A 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 handle 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.