Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

A system (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and similar, comprising at least one type of brewing device (2), at least one beverage discharge disposition (3) that provides beverage discharge in a direction opposite that of the gravity force, and at least one type of beverage recipient (4), for example of the type glass, cup or similar. The system (1) presents at least one introduction opening (8) configured for the introduction of portions (7) of edible substance, arranged next to said beverage discharge disposition (3), so that both are accessible on a common exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5). Also, a process for preparing beverages having a step of confirmation the correct placement of a beverage recipient (4) engaged in said beverage discharge disposition (3) and display of corresponding information.

A system (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and similar, comprising at least one type of brewing device (2), at least one beverage discharge disposition (3) that provides beverage discharge in a direction opposite that of the gravity force, and at least one type of beverage recipient (4), for example of the type glass, cup or similar. The system (1) presents at least one introduction opening (8) configured for the introduction of portions (7) of edible substance, arranged next to said beverage discharge disposition (3), so that both are accessible on a common exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5). Also, a process for preparing beverages having a step of confirmation the correct placement of a beverage recipient (4) engaged in said beverage discharge disposition (3) and display of corresponding information.

Brewing assemblies/machines and related brewing methods for brewed beverages, such as coffee and tea. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a brew chamber and a steam chamber, which is configured for fluid communication with the brew chamber and may be positioned below the brew chamber. The assembly may further comprise one or more valve assemblies, such as a valve assembly configured to operate between an open position in which fluid may pass between the brew chamber and the steam chamber and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from passing between the brew chamber and the steam chamber. In some embodiments, the valve assembly may be configured such that steam pressure within the steam chamber causes the valve assembly to enter the open position.

Brewing assemblies/machines and related brewing methods for brewed beverages, such as coffee and tea. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a brew chamber and a steam chamber, which is configured for fluid communication with the brew chamber and may be positioned below the brew chamber. The assembly may further comprise one or more valve assemblies, such as a valve assembly configured to operate between an open position in which fluid may pass between the brew chamber and the steam chamber and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from passing between the brew chamber and the steam chamber. In some embodiments, the valve assembly may be configured such that steam pressure within the steam chamber causes the valve assembly to enter the open position.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a beverage brewing system, including: a brewing chamber configured to hold a brewing fluid; a brew material filter within the brewing chamber; a vacuum source and a vent valve each coupled to the brewing chamber, the vacuum source and the vent valve being configured to be actuated consecutively; and a drain valve coupled to the brewing chamber.

An infused beverage brewing assembly and system operably configured to receive a desired dispensed infused solution mass and a total infusion time utilized in an infusion algorithm to generate an infused solution. The system includes an electronic controller operably configured to initiate a time counter associated with an inducement of the flow of the solvent to generate a running infusion time and a first and second portions separated by a triggering condition, and to generate, in the second portion and dynamically, a remaining infusion time and a remaining dispensed infused solution mass, The electronic controller is also operable to execute the infusion algorithm in the second portion of the running infusion time to generate the solvent flow rate change sufficient to provide the remaining dispensed infused solution mass in the remaining infusion time based on the running infusion time, the desired dispensed infused solution mass, and the total infusion time.

An infused beverage brewing assembly and system operably configured to receive a desired dispensed infused solution mass and a total infusion time utilized in an infusion algorithm to generate an infused solution. The system includes an electronic controller operably configured to initiate a time counter associated with an inducement of the flow of the solvent to generate a running infusion time and a first and second portions separated by a triggering condition, and to generate, in the second portion and dynamically, a remaining infusion time and a remaining dispensed infused solution mass, The electronic controller is also operable to execute the infusion algorithm in the second portion of the running infusion time to generate the solvent flow rate change sufficient to provide the remaining dispensed infused solution mass in the remaining infusion time based on the running infusion time, the desired dispensed infused solution mass, and the total infusion time.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials that form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. The varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials that form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. The varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.