An automated heating and/or foaming apparatus and a method for heating and/or foaming a liquid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a stage, a liquid sensor, a measuring sensor, and a steam pipe. The stage is configured to support a container holding a consumable liquid. The liquid sensor is configured to recognize a type of the consumable liquid. The measuring sensor is configured to detect a surface level of the consumable liquid. The steam pipe includes a nozzle configured to inject water vapor or compressed gas into the consumable liquid to heat and/or foam the consumable liquid. A position of the nozzle in the consumable liquid relative to the surface level of the consumable liquid is adjusted based on the type and/or volume of the consumable liquid detected by the consumable liquid sensor and/or measuring sensor.

A steam production system for professional coffee machines includes a nozzle; a boiler for producing steam in flow communication with a water source and the nozzle. The boiler is equipped with an independent heating device for the initial production of steam. The system further includes a heating assembly to instantaneously produce steam in flow communication with the boiler and/or the nozzle. The heating assembly includes an electric heating element; a heat exchanger associated with the electric heating element; and a water passage circuit associated with the heat exchanger which has an inlet joined to a water supply source or to a duct arriving from the latter and an outlet of the produced steam connected to the boiler and/or to the nozzle. The system also includes a programmable electronic unit operatively connected to the boiler and to the heating assembly to ensure the supply of steam to the nozzle.

A sensor assembly for determining a temperature and an orientation of a jug having a bottom surface to rest on the assembly, the sensor assembly comprising: a temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the bottom surface, the temperature sensor being urged to move in a first direction; a diaphragm, the diaphragm being sealingly engageable with the temperature sensor and a platform supporting the jug, such that the temperature sensor extends through the platform to engage the bottom surface; a retainer, the retainer being connected to the temperature sensor and limiting movement of the temperature sensor in the first direction; and a signal generator for producing a signal when the temperature sensor is moved against the urge to move in the first direction.

The present invention discloses a beverage discharge disposition comprising a discharge casing (1) configured so that can be provided in the front region of a beverage preparation machine (20), including the option of supplying milk and frothed milk, whereby said discharge casing (1) presents a milk circulation disposition (2) adapted so as to provide an ergonomic use of a beverage preparation machine, in particular the possibility of dismounting and mounting said milk circulation disposition (2) for periodic cleaning thereof. The present invention further discloses a beverage preparation machine (20) and a process for operating said machine (20), in particular of a respective ergonomic beverage discharge disposition, according to the present invention.

A temperature sensing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus. The assembly including: a temperature sensor element and a resilient support element that receives and biases the temperature sensor element towards thermal communication with the underside of a vessel; wherein the assembly is located towards the end of a protruding portion that extends from the body of the a milk frothing apparatus; and wherein an upper surface of the temperature sensor assembly is adapted to promote liquid movement into a drip tray reservoir. The apparatus may include: a steam source; an air source coupled to an air injector module for mixing the air and steam; a user interface for receiving input from a user; and wherein the apparatus is configurable by receiving input parameters through the user interface, whereby the parameters includes final milk temperature, and an indication of froth amount.

A method and a machine for emulsifying milk, of the kind having a steam wand in a professional coffee-making machine, having means of producing different technical characteristics of the emulsion depending on the taste of the consumer through the use of different nozzles and at least one control unit to adjust the parameters of temperature, air and steam flow rate, for an optimal degree of emulsification. It has an automatic internal cleaning system for the steam wand once the emulsion cycle is finished, operated by a unit that controls the steam coming from the boiler in order to guarantee proper aseptic conditions for the unit, as well as safety elements to prevent the risk of burns to the user upon detecting the position of the wand, allowing or preventing the issuance of steam from it. Intended for the industrial sector dedicated to the manufacture of coffee-making machines.

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.

A product container includes a product discharge device for releasing product from the container, the discharge device including a spout unit for discharge. The spout unit is rotatable, about a spout rotation axis, from a first position to an operational position. The spout unit preferably includes a handle for rotation from the first to the operational position, the handle preferably extending substantially radially outwardly from the axis; and a seal unit configured to enter an opened state, from a sealed state. In the latter, the seal unit is configured to substantially airtightly close off a flowthrough channel of the discharge device, and, in the former, the seal unit is configured to allow flow through the flowthrough channel. The discharge device is configured such that the seal unit can be brought from the sealed to the opened state by rotating the spout unit from the first to the operational position.

A beverage preparation machine includes a frame equipped with a cup holder, a coffee dispensing nozzle including an outlet orifice and a rotating stirring device including a tool rotating about an axis and intended to cooperate with a preparation contained in a container resting on the cup holder, the rotating stirring device including a conduit for conveying hot water and/or steam toward the rotating tool. The rotating stirring device is mobile in vertical translation parallel to the axis between a top standby position, in which the rotating tool is situated above the container, and a bottom working position, in which the rotating tool is situated in the container. The outlet orifice is separated from the rotating stirring device and arranged at a constant distance from the axis so that the outlet orifice and the rotating tool are arranged above an upper opening of the container arranged on the cup holder.

Device for heating and emulsifying beverages includes a pump (2), an air and water meeting zone (10), a device for producing steam, and a first conduit (5) for steam mixed with air that communicates with a steam wand (6) adapted to be immersed into a beverage (7) to be heated and emulsified. The device for producing steam includes an instant steam generator (4). The meeting zone (10) is positioned before the instant steam generator (4).