The invention relates to a device for metering an additive into a fluid, containing a valve body, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. A first channel system extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the valve body, and a second channel system extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the valve body such that in the operating state fluid can flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet either through the first channel system or through the second channel system. The valve body contains a docking element which is configured for docking a cartridge for the additive. A switchover device is provided which can be switched if the cartridge is docked such that the second channel system is fluidically connected to the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the docking element.

The invention relates to a device for metering an additive into a fluid, containing a valve body, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. A first channel system extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the valve body, and a second channel system extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in the valve body such that in the operating state fluid can flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet either through the first channel system or through the second channel system. The valve body contains a docking element which is configured for docking a cartridge for the additive. A switchover device is provided which can be switched if the cartridge is docked such that the second channel system is fluidically connected to the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the docking element.

Apparatus for producing a beverage, in particular coffee, includes brewing cylinders adjusted in the manner of a carousel about an axis of rotation, each with an extraction cell and an extraction piston, and beneath the brewing cylinder at least two pistons. The pistons are positioned to be pushed into a brewing cylinder or extracted from it. Provided above the brewing cylinders are at least two feed channels and, arranged at a distance therefrom, at least two extraction pistons. These feed channels can each be connected, in a specific position of the brewing cylinders, at least above a brewing cylinder for loading of beverage powder, into which a piston can in each case be inserted from below. The extraction pistons are each insertable into a brewing cylinder adjacent to the loaded brewing cylinder or removable from it.

Apparatus for producing a beverage, in particular coffee, includes brewing cylinders adjusted in the manner of a carousel about an axis of rotation, each with an extraction cell and an extraction piston, and beneath the brewing cylinder at least two pistons. The pistons are positioned to be pushed into a brewing cylinder or extracted from it. Provided above the brewing cylinders are at least two feed channels and, arranged at a distance therefrom, at least two extraction pistons. These feed channels can each be connected, in a specific position of the brewing cylinders, at least above a brewing cylinder for loading of beverage powder, into which a piston can in each case be inserted from below. The extraction pistons are each insertable into a brewing cylinder adjacent to the loaded brewing cylinder or removable from it.

A system including a tube for transferring fluid and a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a housing having an opening that is configured to receive the tube and one or more light sources configured to emit high intensity narrow spectrum light in a direction towards the tube when the tube is received by the opening.

A system including a tube for transferring fluid and a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a housing having an opening that is configured to receive the tube and one or more light sources configured to emit high intensity narrow spectrum light in a direction towards the tube when the tube is received by the opening.

Milk module for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine, is designed as an independent unit. The milk module includes a cooling chamber connected to a cooling assembly for receiving a milk container, a conveyor pump, a steam generating device, a device for heating milk or generating the milk foam, and a connection system. The heated milk or generated milk foam is conveyed through a discharge line to the coffee outlet in the coffee machine by the connection system. A cleaning container with a cleaning agent can be positioned into the cooling chamber instead of the milk container. A suction tube is mounted in the refrigerated box in a pivotal manner, which hangs freely at the bottom, and which in the forwards-pivoted position can be contactlessly inserted into the milk container or the cleaning container from the top when being installed.

Milk module for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine, is designed as an independent unit. The milk module includes a cooling chamber connected to a cooling assembly for receiving a milk container, a conveyor pump, a steam generating device, a device for heating milk or generating the milk foam, and a connection system. The heated milk or generated milk foam is conveyed through a discharge line to the coffee outlet in the coffee machine by the connection system. A cleaning container with a cleaning agent can be positioned into the cooling chamber instead of the milk container. A suction tube is mounted in the refrigerated box in a pivotal manner, which hangs freely at the bottom, and which in the forwards-pivoted position can be contactlessly inserted into the milk container or the cleaning container from the top when being installed.

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), and supplying means for supplying hot water inside the capsule (4) inserted in the infusion chamber (3), wherein, moreover, the hot water supplying means are configured to supply the hot water inside the capsule (4) at a reading surface (12) of the recognition element (11) towards which the lighting device (26) and the detecting device (13) are directed in order to execute a cleaning step for cleaning the recognition element (11) if the capsule is not recognised.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.