The present invention relates to a plumbing connection useful in the field of fluid transfer, including in many stages of beer brewing operations, to connect to a fluid inlet or outlet in which the plumbing connection includes a threaded, compressible bushing that compressibly grips a tube when tightened to make a plumbing connection.

The present invention concerns a process for producing a solid product and a liquid product, comprising the steps of a. heating by direct steam injection a finely divided starting material, b. separating the heated starting material in the solid product and an aqueous liquid, c. heating and pressurizing the aqueous liquid, and d. reducing the pressure of the aqueous liquid thereby generating steam and the liquid product, wherein the steam generated in step d is returned to step a for injection into the finely divided starting material. The process suggests a solution for extracting the additional water appearing in the aqueous liquid due to condensed steam.

A method, and related apparatus, for producing beer from any types of grains includes activating phenomena of controlled hydro-dynamic cavitation during all the steps of the process, from mashing to hopping, and possibly after yeast inoculation. The present method and apparatus provide a number of advantages over traditional techniques, for example, avoiding the pre-crushing of the malts or the grains, thereby increasing the efficiency of saccharification and of starch extraction, and avoiding the boiling at equal efficiency of the hopping. Another advantage is the opportunity of causing the concentration of gluten to fall in the final product simply with controlled hydraulic processes through electromechanics, and of possibly extending fermentation.

A method, and related apparatus, for producing beer from any types of grains includes activating phenomena of controlled hydro-dynamic cavitation during all the steps of the process, from mashing to hopping, and possibly after yeast inoculation. The present method and apparatus provide a number of advantages over traditional techniques, for example, avoiding the pre-crushing of the malts or the grains, thereby increasing the efficiency of saccharification and of starch extraction, and avoiding the boiling at equal efficiency of the hopping. Another advantage is the opportunity of causing the concentration of gluten to fall in the final product simply with controlled hydraulic processes through electromechanics, and of possibly extending fermentation.

A mixer (I) comprising a mixing container (2) having an internal volume, capable of rotation about a rotation axis (4), the mixer (I) being characterized in that it also comprises at least one ultrasound source (31, 32, 33, 34) capable of exposing at least one portion of said internal volume to ultrasound. The mixer preferably also has a heating system (II) and/or a grid (12) separating a portion of the internal volume of the mixing container (2). The mixer is usable in particular in the brewing of beer.

A beverage maker includes a water supply module configured to supply water used by the beverage maker, an ingredient supplier that is connected to the water supply module through a first main channel and that includes a plurality of ingredient holders, a fermentation module connected to the ingredient supplier through a second main channel and configured to receive ingredients from the ingredient supplier and water from the water supply module, a beverage dispenser connected to the second main channel, and a sub channel configured to connect the water supply module to the beverage dispenser.

A device, kit of parts, and method of connecting tools to a container or other object or surface are disclosed. The device may be attached to a side of a container or other surface or object. The device may include a riser which extends substantially up relative to an opening in the container. The device may also include a platform which may extend over or into the container. The platform may be substantially perpendicular to the riser. The riser, the platform, or both may include one or more openings configured to receive connectors, pipes, hose, lines, or other tools or instruments. One or more of the openings may be elongated so as to allow for selection of the height of the connected item or the amount of overhang into the container. One or more thumbscrews or optional washers may be included with the device.

A beverage maker may include a fermentation device including a fermentation tank assembly having an opening, and a fermentation lid that opens and closes the opening, a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator formed therein such that a refrigerant circulates in the compressor, the condenser, the expansion mechanism, and the evaporator, which may adjust a temperature inside the fermentation tank assembly; a blower that may dissipate heat emitted by the condenser; a gas discharger connected to the fermentation device that discharges gas inside the fermentation device; and a rear cover provided behind the fermentation device which may include a through-hole such that both air blown by the blower and gas discharged from the gas discharger may be discharged through the through-hole.

A beverage maker includes a fermentation tank having an inner space, a water tank that supplies water to the fermentation tank, and an ingredient supply assembly provided between the fermentation tank and the water tank and configured to accommodate a beverage ingredient. At least a portion of the fermentation tank or at least a portion of the water tank is recessed into the ingredient supply assembly.

A device for producing fermented liquor includes: a main body, including: a control board; a carbon dioxide container connection; and a container, including: an outer container; a container cap, wherein the device is configured to: close a gas discharge port based on a pressure in the container reaching a first pressure; measure a first time for the pressure to become a second pressure, and store the first time; open the gas discharge port; close the gas discharge port based on the pressure becoming the first pressure, and measure a second time for the pressure to become the second pressure; and repeatedly, based on the second time being smaller than the first time: open the gas discharge port; close the gas discharge port based on the pressure becoming the first pressure; and measure the second time for the pressure to become the second pressure.