A coffee maker includes an extractor configured to receive ground coffee and water and to extract coffee from the ground coffee, and a dispenser configured to supply water to the ground coffee in the extractor. The dispenser includes an arm that is rotatably disposed vertically above an inlet of the extractor and includes a nozzle configured to supply water to the ground coffee in the extractor, a first actuator configured to rotatably support the arm and to rotate the arm about a center of the inlet along an edge of the inlet, and a second actuator connected to the arm and configured to rotate the arm relative to the first actuator.

A method and apparatus for venting a liquid supply of a beverage machine, e.g., by permanently open orifice and/or pressure relief valve. The orifice may always vent a heater tank, even while liquid is delivered to the tank by a liquid pump and/or while the tank is pressurized by an air pump to deliver liquid from the tank. A filter may be positioned between a heater tank and orifice and/or air pump. The pressure relief valve may be positioned between the liquid pump and the inlet side of the heater tank, e.g., so relatively cool water is released by the pressure relief valve when open.

A system and method is provided for real time automatic scoring of physical and operational properties of automatic espresso coffee machines applicable both for a single machine and a network of machines. The scoring scheme includes semantic context based on automatic monitoring of operation process variables and end-user annotations and scoring criteria. The method is decoupled from the coffee machine's controlling apparatus and utilizes a sensory reading device that is able to communicate over standard and proprietary network protocols with sensors and with other devices of the same type over direct, peer to peer or standard network, and Internet connections.

A system and method is provided for real time automatic scoring of physical and operational properties of automatic espresso coffee machines applicable both for a single machine and a network of machines. The scoring scheme includes semantic context based on automatic monitoring of operation process variables and end-user annotations and scoring criteria. The method is decoupled from the coffee machine's controlling apparatus and utilizes a sensory reading device that is able to communicate over standard and proprietary network protocols with sensors and with other devices of the same type over direct, peer to peer or standard network, and Internet connections.

Devices and methods for infusing liquids and/or brewing beverages are described. The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages having a vessel, said vessel having a sealable chamber for holding a brewing material and a liquid, and a filter assembly connected to the sealable chamber; a liquid supply and conduit for introducing at least a portion of said liquid supply into said sealable chamber; and a vacuum source and conduit for reducing pressure in said sealable 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.

An infuser unit (1) includes a closing piston (3) and an infusion cylinder (2) which are axially movable selectively or in combination for reciprocal engagement and disengagement to close and open an infusion chamber inside the infusion cylinder (2). An ejection piston (5), engaged in the infusion cylinder (2) and axially movable to expel spent coffee grounds, can also be included. A first radial hydraulic sealing means may be located between the closing piston (3) and the infusion cylinder (2), and a second radial hydraulic sealing means may be located between the infusion cylinder (2) and the ejection piston (5), where at least one of the first and the second hydraulic sealing means has at least one seal (100, 101) having an anti-friction surface coating made of a material free of grease and lubricating oils and compatible with use in contact with foodstuffs and drinking water.

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.