A beverage preparation system is disclosed that includes a capsule dispenser and a beverage preparation machine that are operatively linked by a control system. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation system. In addition, a capsule dispenser, a beverage preparation machine, a computer program for a processing unit of a control system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising the computer program are also disclosed.

A capsule dispenser to dispense a capsule to a user as a dispensing operation is disclosed, along with a beverage preparation machine to extract an ingredient of a beverage from a capsule supplied thereto by a user as a beverage preparation operation. Also disclosed is a beverage preparation system in which the capsule dispenser and beverage preparation machine are operatively linked by a control system. Methods of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation system are also disclosed. Further disclosed are a computer program for a processing unit of the control system, along with a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes the computer program.

At least two consumables of a set for use in a beverage dispenser wherein each consumable includes a filtering body defining a space containing a food substance, from which the beverage is obtained by use of liquid, and a recognition element representing a surface of the filtering body configured to face a plurality of nozzles of the beverage dispenser that provide a flow of liquid through the consumable. The recognition element has a mechanical property, which is recognizable and/or interpretable by the beverage dispenser when said beverage dispenser obtains a sensor signal by sensing a flow characteristic of the flow of liquid, when the flow of liquid through the consumable is started by the plurality of nozzles. Said mechanical property is different for each type of consumable of the set of consumables so that a characteristic of said sensor signal depends on the mechanical property of the recognition element.

The invention relates to a portion dispenser (2) for dispensing beverage items (8) from an exchangeable cartridge (3) comprising: a frame (4) with a receiving portion (5) for receiving the exchangeable cartridge, a discharge opening (6) next to the receiving portion (5) and sized for allowing a beverage item to be individually discharged by gravity from the 5 exchangeable cartridge, a moving means assembly (16) comprising a moving means (19) and a moving means housing (20) in which the moving means are arranged for moving therein, wherein the moving means (19) are arranged for providing a discharge chamber (23) for discharge of at least one beverage item therein and for transporting to a dispensing area (17) and wherein the moving means assembly (16) is arranged for sealingly 10 connecting with the exchangeable cartridge (3) and comprises means for opening the exchangeable cartridge to allow the discharge of the beverage item in the discharge chamber and for re-closing the exchangeable cartridge.

The present disclosure concerns a multiple dosing device and magazine for releasing one or more doses of additive. The multiple dosing device comprises a magazine having a number of through openings, each receiving a tube, containing a dose of additive. The through openings and tubes extended axially between two opposite ends of the magazine. The tubes are arranged moveable in an axial direction inside respective through opening. Each tube has a pointed lower end. An upper foil and a lower foil are placed adhered to the opposite ends of the magazine. The ends of the tubes are placed abutting or adjacent the upper and lower foils, respectively. The multiple dosing device further comprises an activation part with push buttons, which push buttons are placed for controlling the axial position of one tube each.

The present invention refers to systems of distribution and preparation of edible products, that include cartridges (1, 1) adapted for collection of single portions (2) of edible substances devoid of single packages, and apparatus (10) for preparation of edible products, such as aromatic beverages, for example espresso type coffee, adapted for operating single portions (2) in product preparation devices (12), for example extraction devices, whereby these systems present retention means (7) and, optionally, a respective connection disposition (8), adapted so that provide a simpler and more reliable regulation of delivery of single portions (2) one-by-one to said product preparation device (12), as well as present a simpler construction and provider enhanced ergonomics.

The present invention further refers to processes of operation of systems of the type of the present invention.

An intelligent hot beverage maker is provided including: a beverage machine; a series of mutually stacked magazines, for the storage of multiple beverage pods, the magazine being dimensioned and configured to fasten releasably to the beverage machine; a slot, through which a pod passes from the magazine into the beverage machine; an actuator, for forcing a pod through the slot selectively; selection means, for selecting between beverages on a given menu; and identification means, for identifying which pod in the magazine is appropriate for a given beverage selection; and intelligent software for controlling the operation of the maker, wherein selection means may be manipulated remotely, and by multiple users simultaneously.

The present invention refers to systems of distribution and preparation of edible products, that include cartridges (1, 1) adapted for collection of single portions (2) of edible substances devoid of single packages, and apparatus (10) for preparation of edible products, such as aromatic beverages, for example espresso type coffee, adapted for operating single portions (2) in product preparation devices (12), for example extraction devices, whereby the systems and processes are adapted so that provide a simpler and more reliable handling of the cartridges (1, 1) and/or single portions (2), as well as present a simpler construction and provider better ergonomics.

The present invention further refers to processes of operation of systems of the type of the present invention.

An apparatus for making beverages comprising; an extraction chamber (6) formed between a first part (12) and a second part (13), which are movable; an insertion duct (18) for insertion of a capsule (2), (3) in the extraction chamber (6), the insertion duct extending from an infeed section (19) equipped with a closing element (20) that is movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber (6) is closed; and at least one first supporting element (21) positioned upstream of the infeed section (19), for supporting a second capsule (3) outside the extraction unit (5) while a first capsule (2) is positioned at the extraction chamber (6); the first supporting element (21) being mechanically switchable, by one of either the first part (12) or the second part (13) or the closing element (20), from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule (2), (3), to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first part (12) and the second part (13) are in the extraction position.

A device (1) handles selectively a first capsule (2a) having a first flange (2a) and a second capsule (2b) having a second flange (2b) greater than the first flange (2a). The device comprises: a first part (10) and a second part (20) that are relatively movable from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing such capsule (2a, 2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule (2a, 2b); and a third part (30) for guiding such capsule (2a, 2b) to inbetween the first and second parts (10, 20) when in the transfer position. The third part (30) has: a first portion (31a) for engaging with and guiding the first flange (2a) of the first capsule (2a); and a second portion (31b) for engaging with and guiding the second flange (2b) of the second capsule (2b). The third part (30) is so configured that: the first portion (31a) is bypassed by the second flange (2b) when the second capsule (2b) is guided to in-between the first and second parts (10, 20) in the transfer position; and the second portion (31b) is bypassed by the first flange (2a) when the first capsule (2a) is guided to inbetween the first and second parts (10, 20) in the transfer position.