Dispensing module for a beverage preparation machine For providing a beverage with a proper consistency using a capsule-based brewing system wherein hot liquid is injected into the capsule under pressure, which capsule is placed against a brewing plate (210) with protrusion (212) arranged to cut the capsule cover under pressure, it has been found that a free flow of the prepared beverage can flow gradually from the brewing plate (210) towards an outlet nozzle (126). An open passage (206) from the brewing plate (210) via a collector chamber (204) downstream of the brewing plate, to the outlet nozzle (126) may be provided with an open and slanted gutter (222) to lead the beverage out of the collector chamber (204) to provide the best results. Due to the open nature of the conduit, jets of beverage form the brewing plate may the open gutter and soil the machine. This may be prevented by providing appropriate shielding (250) between the brewing plate and the gutter or an opening thereof.

An improved system for cold-brewing coffee is disclosed. The system includes a first container for containing and steeping ground coffee beans in water and a second container for collecting coffee bean extract. The improvement comprises a closure, a pump, a sleeve, and a tube. The closure includes a first housing configured to removably secure the first container to the first housing and a second housing configured to removably secure the second container to the second housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet. The sleeve, unitary with the first housing, defines an interior region into which the pump is received and an exterior surface extension in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The tube has opposite end portions. One of the end portions of the tube is removably secured to the sleeve exterior surface extension. The first and second housings are removably joined together.

In a method for dispensing a beverage in which a gas from a gas pressure vessel in which the gas is stored under pressure is mixed with the beverage, it is provided that the beverage is transported out of the storage container (2) by a pump (3) and that the pressure of the gas is lowered to less than 0.5 bar, more preferably less than 100 mbar, above ambient pressure and is fed to the aspirated beverage on the suction side of the pump (3).

Temperature control for extracted beverages, including coffee, via controlled vacuum, and associated systems and methods are shown. A representative system includes a brew chamber, a beverage chamber in fluid communication with the brew chamber, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the beverage chamber, and a flow control device positioned to vary the force applied by the vacuum chamber on the brew chamber via the beverage chamber.

An apparatus, system, and method for beverage dispensing, and control and management of a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can have an enclosure. The enclosure includes a base section, a control section, and a dispensing section. The base section can be configured to house one or more BIBs, and support one or more beverage containers. The control section can be configured to house a heating device, one or more pumps, control circuits, communication circuits, distribution circuits, and fluid management systems. The dispensing section can be configured to house a computing device, one or more fluid dispensers, and support a brewing or mixing container. The brewing or mixing container can allow for the brewing, mixing, or blending of a beverage that can be dispensed to one or more beverage containers. The beverage dispenser can communicate through a computer network to a management, maintenance, and support portal.

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 beverage making device for preparing a beverage suitable for human consumption with a fine-bubble top cream layer. The beverage making device includes a beverage unit for supplying the beverage, at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the beverage unit, a dispensing spout provided with a cavity with a bottom wall and side walls, a beverage collecting area in a bottom of the cavity, and a bubble-squeezing member provided between the beverage collecting area and a beverage dispensing aperture. The beverage flows from the beverage collecting area through the bubble squeezing member and towards the beverage dispensing aperture.

The present disclosure relates to a beverage making device, which includes a lid, a container, an infuser and a pump for pumping liquid. The pump pumps liquid in the container to the infuser through the riser tube. A protective flow-diversion cover is sleeved over a top end of the riser tube, and the protective flow-diversion cover is provided with a water outlet. The lid of the beverage making device is provided with a protruding member extending downward. Only when the lid is closed, the protective flow-diversion cover can open the water outlet by being triggered by the protruding part. This ensures that no liquid will be ejected from the beverage making device when the lid is opened.

A liquid dispensing system includes a reservoir, a spout above a receiving space, and a fluid channel. The fluid channel is configured to permit flow of liquid from the reservoir through the spout upon detection of contemporaneous presence of a first object in a user space other than the receiving space and presence of a second object within the receiving space. The system also includes a first sensor configured to detect the presence of the first object in the user space, and a second sensor discrete from the first sensor and configured to detect the presence of the second object in the receiving space.

An invention as provided is a method of preparing a beverage or beverage extract comprising steps of: a. providing an extraction chamber comprising an extractable beverage material, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and b. conveying a liquid into the chamber via the inlet and at least a portion of the liquid out of the chamber via the outlet, and c. conveying at least a portion of the liquid that has exited the chamber from step b) back into the chamber via the outlet and conveying at least a portion of the liquid out of the chamber via the inlet. wherein steps b) and c) are repeated at least twice, and wherein at least a portion of the liquid conveyed into the chamber in at least one subsequent step b), in addition to the first step b), is conveyed into the chamber for the first time.