Presented is an automatic portafilter clamping device for clamping a portafilter to a coffee machine. The automatic portafilter clamping device includes a support ring connected to the group head assembly of the coffee machine, and a compression ring configured to rotate relative to the support ring. The compression ring could be rotated relative to the support ring to bring the compression ring in either a locked position or an unlocked position. A rotation assembly is configured to rotate the compression ring relative to the support ring. The automatic portafilter clamping device effectively and efficiently seals a portafilter against the group head gasket with minimal friction related wear.

The coffee machine has at least one infusion unit and at least one filter holder that is manually connected to and disconnected from the infusion unit for preparation of coffee, and it comprises at least one added support element of the filter holder for keeping it attached to the coffee machine when the filter holder is not connected to the infusion unit, said added support element comprising heating means for heating said filter holder to a predetermined temperature. The additional support element can be implemented also as a standalone element and, therefore, not connected to the coffee machine.

A filtration system is adapted for use and integration with cartridge-based beverage dispensing systems that mix an additive (flavor) with a base liquid (water) as the base liquid is dispensed from a container and through the cartridge. A support frame may support an annular charcoal fabric filter element secured with an end cap and defining an inner cavity to house and surround a portion of the cartridge. A filter cage may enclose the filter element. The support frame may include a bayonet-type connector to secure the filter assembly to a container lid. Base liquid flowing from the container and through the cartridge necessarily flows first through the filter element as a user drinks from the container. Related methods for assembling the filter assembly and installing the filter assembly on a cartridge/lid assembly are also disclosed.

A tamping augur may be controlled in various ways to obtain a consistent fill height and uniformity in the distribution of coffee grinds in a portafilter.

A filter holder for espresso machines comprising a basket-shaped body with a closed bottom and an open upper end, delimited by a frustoconical side wall, made of a metal material, a filter, which is suitable for containing a predetermined dose of coffee grounds, placed within the basket-shaped body, at least one channel extending out of the bottom of the basket-shaped body, for discharging the beverage formed in the filter, the side wall of said basket-shaped body having coupling means for the filter holder to be positioned at the hot water delivery point of the machine for forming the beverage, as well as a rod-shaped handle, radially connected to a point of the side wall of the basket-shaped body.

An intermediate element is provided between said handle and the side wall of the basket-shaped body, for accommodating angular deflection of said rod-shaped handle relative to the side wall of the basket-shaped body.

A system for detecting the presence of a filter holder in a dispensing assembly of a coffee machine includes: a ring with an internal groove, a filter holder with a tab coupled with the groove and a proximity sensor. The groove has a semi-annular shape and is configured in such a way to receive the tab of the filter holder in bayonet coupling mode, wherein the filter holder is translated and rotated. The ring has a rotation stopper suitable for stopping the rotation of the filter holder in the ring in a stop point. The proximity sensor passes through the ring and finishes in the stop point of the groove of the ring.

An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.

The device for processing loose coffee comprises an electronic controller, a support, at least one first filter holder that is engageable with the support, at least one first filter, wherein the first filter holder comprises a cup where the first filter is housed, wherein the cup has at least two wings engaging the first filter holder with the support, means for the automatic recognition of the first filter being provided positioned in the first filter holder engaged with the support, the recognition means being connected to the electronic controller to program an operation with at least one parameter depending on the first recognized filter.

A device to grind and tamp including a receptacle for receiving coffee grinds from a grinder that is drivable by a first electric motor, an auger for tamping coffee grinds in the receptacle, and a processor adapted to receive a feedback signal indicating whether the coffee grinds in the receptacle have reached a level threshold value. The auger is drivable by a second electric motor. The processor is further adapted to control the first electric motor and the second electric motor according to a tamp and grind sequence. The tamp and grind sequence includes, for a first time period, operating the first electric motor and the second electric motor and subsequently receiving the level feedback signal.

An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.