A machine which contains a housing (14) having a placement surface for the beverage container (13), wherein a removable brewing container (8) having a drain stub (19) and having a drain valve (10) that can be electrically or electromagnetically opened and closed is arranged in the housing (14). The actual brewing process is automatically controlled by a control unit (11). The water is pumped by a vibrating armature pump (16) through a heating system (15) and through a water outlet in the cover (4) having an integrated temperature sensor (24) through the cover (5) into the brewing container (8). A pressure sensor (12) ensures that the water is not heated above the pressure-dependent current boiling point. The control unit (11) can be programmed by means of a control panel (7) on the housing, for at least the brewing temperature, the brewing duration, and the start of a brewing cycle. Furthermore, a radio interface and an associated antenna (9) are present, for the communication of the control unit (11) with a smartphone by means of an established communication standard such as WIFI or Bluetooth, or with a computer or laptop via the internet, such that the machine can be remotely operated.

A machine which contains a housing (14) having a placement surface for the beverage container (13), wherein a removable brewing container (8) having a drain stub (19) and having a drain valve (10) that can be electrically or electromagnetically opened and closed is arranged in the housing (14). The actual brewing process is automatically controlled by a control unit (11). The water is pumped by a vibrating armature pump (16) through a heating system (15) and through a water outlet in the cover (4) having an integrated temperature sensor (24) through the cover (5) into the brewing container (8). A pressure sensor (12) ensures that the water is not heated above the pressure-dependent current boiling point. The control unit (11) can be programmed by means of a control panel (7) on the housing, for at least the brewing temperature, the brewing duration, and the start of a brewing cycle. Furthermore, a radio interface and an associated antenna (9) are present, for the communication of the control unit (11) with a smartphone by means of an established communication standard such as WIFI or Bluetooth, or with a computer or laptop via the internet, such that the machine can be remotely operated.

A method for forming a dissolvable thermally reduced, solidified and dehydrated coffee is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of freezing a liquid coffee concentrate and thermally reducing, solidifying and dehydrating the frozen liquid coffee concentrate until a hard outer crust is formed which may have a hardness greater than or equal to an interior portion of the thermally reduced, solidified and dehydrated coffee.

A heating apparatus and method of heating. The embodiments of the invention relate to coffee machine heating apparatuses for providing heated brew water for passing through coffee grounds. The apparatus and method involves using low pressure steam (i.e. less than 1 bar absolute) at a saturation temperature that is substantially equal to the desired brew water temperature. Advantageously, improved temperature control of the brew water is achieved in a manner which is more convenient to an end user. The operating temperatures are more stable (the need for a “cooling flush” is removed) and the operating temperatures is reached in a quicker manner than with conventional machines.

A coffee machine has a container for coffee beans, a grinder to which coffee beans can be fed from the container, a filter holder into which ground coffee can be fed from the grinder via a shaft, and a supply device for hot water which can be introduced into the filter holder. In the shaft between the grinder and the filter holder a closing device is provided with a rotatable flap which is movable between an open and a closed position. The flap is rotatable about an axis which extends substantially parallel to a plane of the flap and has a seal arranged on the outer periphery. This allows the shaft to be effectively opened and closed.

A coffee machine has a container for coffee beans, a grinder to which coffee beans can be fed from the container, a filter holder into which ground coffee can be fed from the grinder via a shaft, and a supply device for hot water which can be introduced into the filter holder. In the shaft between the grinder and the filter holder a closing device is provided with a rotatable flap which is movable between an open and a closed position. The flap is rotatable about an axis which extends substantially parallel to a plane of the flap and has a seal arranged on the outer periphery. This allows the shaft to be effectively opened and closed.

A method of manufacturing a support element for beverage brewing material includes providing water-permeable material to form a concave holder configured to receive the material, with a rim formed around an upper periphery. The method can include providing the material with fold lines, forming the holder from a single piece of the material, and shaping the holder into an open state. Preparing a beverage includes unfolding the support element to form a receptacle, adding the brewing material to an interior, and providing a flow of fluid through the material. An empty container includes filter material formable as a receptacle having has a bottom and sidewalls with folds defining an interior, and a rim at a top edge. The receptacle has a circular cross-section and a diameter of between about 30 mm and about 50 mm and/or a depth of between about 1 mm and about 15 mm.

A method of manufacturing a support element for beverage brewing material includes providing water-permeable material to form a concave holder configured to receive the material, with a rim formed around an upper periphery. The method can include providing the material with fold lines, forming the holder from a single piece of the material, and shaping the holder into an open state. Preparing a beverage includes unfolding the support element to form a receptacle, adding the brewing material to an interior, and providing a flow of fluid through the material. An empty container includes filter material formable as a receptacle having has a bottom and sidewalls with folds defining an interior, and a rim at a top edge. The receptacle has a circular cross-section and a diameter of between about 30 mm and about 50 mm and/or a depth of between about 1 mm and about 15 mm.

A machine and method for preparing a hot beverage includes a device for producing and conveying hot water; a holding device into which a filter holder can be releasably inserted; a feed for the hot water, the feed having an outlet arranged above the filter holder in order to dispense hot water onto the filter holder from above into a receiving area which is open towards the top and comprises an extraction material; and a drive device in order to move the feed for the hot water relative to the filter holder. The filter holder has a chamber for water, the chamber being fillable via an opening, and the feed can be moved relative to the filter holder between a position substantially vertically above the opening and another position substantially vertically above the receiving area comprising the extraction material.

An automatic beverage maker having a water supply, a housing having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating system for controlling the heating of water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the water supply to the water tank inlet, a second water e connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the water supply to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line. A drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank may also be used.