Improvements in or relating to a machine for the preparation of beverages

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in or related to a beverage preparation machine.

Beverage preparation systems for producing beverages such as coffee and tea are known in the art. An example is described in WO 2004/064585, which teaches a beverage preparation system suitable for producing a wide variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, espresso and cappuccino.

Attempts have been made to produce alternative beverage preparation systems capable of dispensing both hot and cold beverages. However, these systems are based on providing a relatively high-capacity custom-made cooler, such as an instant cooler, to cool relatively large volumes of water very quickly to a suitable temperature when a cold beverage is to be dispensed. Alternatively, the systems provide high capacity refrigerators to lower the water temperature in the total storage tank to the required cold beverage temperature. High capacity refrigerators are those capable of rapidly cooling both relatively large volumes of water in moderate quantities and producing a relatively large temperature change in smaller volumes of water. These systems have disadvantages, including the problem that high capacity refrigerators are large, noisy and contain a refrigerant as part of the refrigerant circuit. This makes systems bulky, expensive and difficult to recycle. As such, they are unsuitable for use in a home environment.

According to the present invention there is provided a beverage dispensing machine comprising:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said reservoir station;

an auxiliary module station to receive an auxiliary module.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 8/28

2/17 [0005] An auxiliary module may be provided which is connectable to said auxiliary module station.

Advantageously, the auxiliary module station is movable between first and second positions. The auxiliary module station may be movable from a storage position in which the auxiliary module station is substantially hidden from external view, and an operating position in which the auxiliary module is connectable to the auxiliary module station. The auxiliary module station can be rotated between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station may be moved between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station may be formed on a hinged panel that is rotatable between its first and second positions.

Optionally, the auxiliary module station is suitable for receiving a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium. Optionally, an auxiliary module is pluggable to the first reservoir station.

The machine may further comprise a second reservoir station and a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first and second reservoirs are interchangeably connectable to the first and second reservoir stations.

Optionally, an auxiliary module is connectable to the second reservoir station.

[0011] The auxiliary module may be a cooling module. The cooling module may comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or peltier heat pump. The cooling module may comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting the cooled aqueous medium through the cooling module back to the reservoir.

The first reservoir preferably contains aqueous medium at room temperature. Ambient temperature is understood to mean the ambient temperature of the location in which the machine is used and may vary as the temperature of the location changes over time.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 9/28

The second reservoir preferably contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The second reservoir may contain aqueous medium at an absolute temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the local ambient temperature level.

Alternatively, the auxiliary module may be an aqueous media filter unit, a preheat module, a telemetry unit, a disinfection module, or a reservoir for containing an aqueous medium.

[0015] The machine may comprise two or more auxiliary modules.

Where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module can be connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module can be connected to the first reservoir station.

Alternatively, where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module may be connected to a first auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module may be connected to a second auxiliary module station.

Alternatively, where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module may be connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module may be connected to a second reservoir station.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage dispensing machine comprising:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station;

an auxiliary module, wherein the auxiliary module comprises a first interface for connecting the auxiliary module to the first reservoir station and a second interface for connecting the first reservoir to the auxiliary module, so that upon assembly the auxiliary module is located between the first reservoir and

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 10/28

4/17 the first reservoir station.

The machine may further comprise a second reservoir station and a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module can be connected between the second reservoir and the second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module can be selected from a cooling module, a preheat module, an aqueous media filtration unit, a disinfection module and a telemetry unit.

A heater may be provided in fluid communication with the first reservoir station and / or the second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The ambient temperature will vary according to the local climate in which the machine is used. Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

The cooling module may comprise a recirculating mechanism for diverting the cooled aqueous medium by the cooling module back to the reservoir.

The second reservoir may be thermally insulated.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage system for dispensing hot and cold beverages comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages formed from one or more beverage ingredients by use of an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station;

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 11/28

A second reservoir station; and a heater in fluid communication with the first station for heating the aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station, so that it is in fluid communication with said heater; and

c) a second removable reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below that environment, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The second reservoir may contain aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated.

The machine or system of the present invention may additionally comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting aqueous medium from the first or second reservoir back to the first or second reservoir or from the auxiliary module back to the auxiliary module, wherein the recirculation mechanism comprises a UV source to disinfect the aqueous medium as it circulates in the recirculation mechanism. Advantageously, using UV light to disinfect the aqueous medium as it recirculates allows a low energy UV emitter to be used as the total exposure time increases.

Preferably the UV source is UV LEDs. Preferably, the UV LEDs have wavelengths of emitted light between 250 and 320nm. The extended exposure time of the aqueous medium to UV light due to water recirculation, as well as the use of a small focus area for the LEDs, allows an exit

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 12/28

6/17 low energy be used to provide effective disinfection.

The recirculation mechanism may also comprise a cooling mechanism. However, UV disinfection can also be used on any or all of the aqueous media supplies that are part of the system.

In one embodiment, a recirculation mechanism and a UV source are provided as part of an auxiliary disinfection module.

In another embodiment, a recirculation mechanism, a cooling mechanism and a UV source are all provided as part of a cooling module.

Filtered UV light can be used to illuminate or fluoresce the reservoirs or media contained therein.

The machine and system described are suitable for dispensing a range of hot / cold, extracted / infused or diluted beverages including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, invigorating fruit drinks. , smoothies and frapes.

The present invention also provides a beverage system for dispensing hot and cold beverages comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages formed from one or more beverage ingredients by use of an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a first reservoir station; and a heater in fluid communication with the first station for heating the aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station, so that it is in fluid communication with said heater; and

c) a second removable reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below that environment, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 13/28

Using a single reservoir station and swapping in and out the interchangeable reservoirs containing aqueous medium such as water of different temperatures, a compact system is achieved which can efficiently dispense both hot and cold drinks. cold.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature.

Optionally, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated. Advantageously, the second reservoir may be stored in a refrigerator prior to attachment to the reservoir station to maintain the aqueous medium, such as water, at the required cooled temperature.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the machine of fig. 1;

fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the machine of fig. 1;

fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the machine of fig. 4;

fig. 6 shows a series of perspective views of the machine of fig. 4 illustrating the fitting of the two auxiliary modules;

fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the machine of fig. 4;

fig. 8 shows a series of perspective views of a third embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 14/28

Invention illustrating the fitting of water tanks and an auxiliary module;

fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a disinfection system for use with the above embodiments; and fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the beverage preparation system according to the present invention. Figs. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention. The beverage preparation machine is of the general type described and shown in WO 2004/064585, except for the modifications described below relating to the present invention as defined by the appended claims. WO 2004/064585 fully describes the basic design and operation of the beverage preparation machine and the design and function of the beverage cartridges used with the machine. Such aspects will not be described in detail herein except where relevant to the present invention. The contents of WO 2004/064585 are incorporated herein by reference.

It will be appreciated that the invention may find application with other types of beverage preparation machines and for the purposes of the present invention there is no requirement that beverage ingredients be derived from cartridges or shipped in a single dose format. .

As shown in figs. 1 and 2, beverage preparation machine 201 generally comprises a housing 210 containing a water heater 225, a water pump 230, a dispensing valve 235 with an air inlet 236, a control processor, a user interface 240 and a cartridge head 250. The cartridge head 250, in turn, generally comprises a cartridge holder for securing the beverage cartridge in use, cartridge recognition means and inlet and outlet punches, to form an inlet and an outlet in use. drink cartridge.

Front half 211 of housing 210 comprises a dispensing station 270 where beverage dispensing takes place.

Machine user interface 240 is located on the front of housing 210 and comprises a start / stop button 241.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 15/28

9/17 start / stop 241 controls the start of the duty cycle and is a manually operated push button, switch or the like. Button 241 can also be used to manually stop the duty cycle.

A rear half 212 of housing 210 provides a recess 214 for the attachment of the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

The first water tank 220 may be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a consumer to see the amount of water remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the first water tank 220 may be made of an opaque material, but have a viewing window provided therein. In addition to or in place of the above, the first water tank 220 may be provided with a low level sensor that prevents operation of the water pump 230 and optionally triggers an alert indicator, such as an LED, when the Water level in the tank drops to a preselected level. The first water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 liters.

The first water tank 220 is connected, in use, to a first water tank station 120. The first water tank 220 comprises a generally cylindrical body 221 which may be straight circular or a trunk as desired for reasons. aesthetic. The tank comprises an open upper end forming an inlet for filling the tank with water which is closed in use by means of a manually removable lid 222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end of the tank. The outlet contains a valve that is predisposed to a closed position when the first water tank is removed from the first water tank station 120. The outlet may also be provided with a filter to prevent solid particulates from entering the internal parts. of the machine. The first water tank station 120 comprises a base plate 121 formed to receive a lower end of the first water tank 220. The base plate 121 is provided with a valve connector 122 which mates with the first water tank 220 outlet valve 220 when the tank is placed over the base plate. Connecting tank 220 to station 120 opens the valve and allows water to flow through it.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 16/28

As shown in fig. 3, a conduit 123 extending internally from the valve connector 122 communicates with the water heater 225.

The beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with a second water tank station 180. The second water tank station 180 comprises a base plate 181 having a valve connector 182 in the same manner as the first water station. water tank 120. The second water tank 280 is locatable over the second water tank station 180. The second water tank 280 is provided with an outlet valve of the same type as that of the first water tank and connects to the valve connector in the same manner as described above. The construction and materials of the second water tank 280 are preferably the same as those of the first water tank 220.

The base plates 121 and 181 are preferably formed as a unitary part having recesses marking the locations of the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

A conduit 183 extends internally from the valve connector 182 of the second water tank station to the dispensing valve 235.

The water pump 230 is a volumetric displacement pump that creates sufficient suction head to pull water from the tanks through the heater and dispensing valve 250. Preferably, a peristaltic type pump is used to so that each revolution dispatches a known volume of water. The water pump 230 provides a maximum flow rate of 900ml / minute of water at a maximum pressure of 0.25MPa. Preferably in normal use the pressure will be limited to 0.2MPa. Water flow through the machine can be controlled by the control processor to be a percentage of the maximum pump flow through speed control. Preferably, the pump may be operated at any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum set flow. The accuracy of the volume of water pumped is preferably + or - 5% leading to an accuracy of + or - 5% on the final volume of the dispensed beverage. Where a peristaltic pump is used, the dispatched volume may be determined by the number of revolutions. Alternatively, for example,

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 17/28

Where a pump is not used, a volumetric flow sensor (not shown) may be provided in the flow line both upstream and downstream of the water pump 230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor would be a rotary sensor.

The dispensing valve 235 preferably comprises a set of two electrically operated solenoid conversion valves with associated non-return valves, as shown schematically in FIG. 3. In order to properly rotate water through the machine from the first and second water tanks to the cartridge head, the respective dispensing valve 250 solenoid valve is selected by the control processor before flow begins.

The water heater 225 has an energy rating of 1550W and is capable of heating the water received from the water pump 230 from a temperature of approximately 20 ° C to an operating temperature in the range of about 88 ° C. at 94 ° C in less than 1 minute. Preferably, the contact time between the end of an operating cycle and heater 225 being able to begin a subsequent operating cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature within + or - 2 ° C during the operating cycle. Preferably, the water for the duty cycle may be delivered to the cartridge head 250 at 88 ° C, 91 ° C or 94 ° C. The heater 225 is capable of rapidly adjusting the dispatch temperature within the range of 88 ° C or 94 ° C. Heater 225 comprises an over-temperature cutout that shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98 ° C.

Dispensing valve 235 receives water supply inlets from water heater 225 and second water tank 280, as shown in fig. 3. In addition, air inlet 236 allows air to be pumped to cartridge head 250. If required, a separate air compressor may be incorporated into the air supply route. Water / air outlet 237 from dispensing valve 235 connects to water pump 230. In turn, the water pump 230 connects to the cartridge head 250.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 18/28

The beverage preparation machine control processor comprises a processing module and a memory. The control processor is operatively connected to and controls the operation of water heater 225, water pump 230, dispensing valve 235, and user interface 240.

[0063] In use, the first water tank 220 is used to provide hot drink water and the water passes through the water heater 225 over the path of the cartridge head 250. The second water tank 280 is used to provide water for cold drinks or beverages served at room temperature and water does not pass through the water heater 225. Water in the second water tank 280 may be cooled before being poured into the tank. Preferably, however, the tank containing the water may be cooled in a refrigerator. Preferably, the water in the second water tank 280, when connected to the secondary water tank station, is between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, more preferably between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below ambient. The shape and size of the tank allows the tank to be fitted into the door of a household refrigerator when disconnected from the beverage preparation machine.

The first and second water tanks 220, 280 may be interchangeable over the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. In other words, a tank design may be used to fit the first and second water stations. water tank 120, 180.

Figs. 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 201 according to the present invention. As with the first embodiment, the machine comprises first and second water tanks 220, 280 and first and second water tank stations 120, 180. As shown in fig. 4, the housing design 210 is of a different form, but the function of the machine components is the same as that of the first embodiment described above except where noted differently below.

As shown in fig. 6, the beverage preparation machine is provided with one or more auxiliary modules. In the illustrated embodiment, two modules

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 19/28

Auxiliary 13/17 are shown mounted at the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. A preheat module 320 is mounted over the first water tank station 120 between the first water tank 220 and the baseplate. 121. A cooling module 380 is mounted on the second water tank station 180 between the second water tank 280 and the baseplate 180. It should also be noted that fig. 6th shows an optional arrangement, wherein the beverage preparation machine is provided with a single dual capacity water tank 290 which is located over both the first and second water tank stations.

Auxiliary modules 320, 380 are mounted in line with the first and second water tanks. A lower face of each auxiliary module houses the interface of the water tank stations, while an upper face of the auxiliary modules is formed to receive the first and second water tanks. Both upper and lower faces of the auxiliary module are provided with valve connectors suitable for matching the valve connectors of water tank and water tank stations. This arrangement is particularly suitable where the auxiliary module comprises a cooling unit or a preheat unit. A filtering unit can also be used in this configuration.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates the internal configuration of the second embodiment. The arrangements of the pump, water heater and dispensing valve are the same as in the first embodiment. As shown, the preheat module 320 comprises a heater 321. Cooling module 380 comprises a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 381 which receives water from the second tank 280 via a tank outlet 383, cools the water and then recirculates the water back to the second tank 280 via a tank inlet. tank 384. The driving force for recirculation is provided by a dedicated pump 382 within the cooling module 380. When required, water exits the cooling module 380 via valve 385. Other types of peltier heat pump or similar device may be used instead of TEC 381.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 20/28

In use, when a cold drink is required, water is pumped from the second water tank 280 by the pump 230 to the cartridge head 250. Due to the presence of the cooling module 380, the water in the Second tank 280 is kept in a cooled state.

The cooling module 380 can be used to cool the water in the second tank 280, which is initially at room temperature, or it can be used to maintain the water temperature in the second tank 280 that was previously cooled in a refrigerator. .

The preheat module 320 may be used to heat the water received from the first tank 220 to room temperature by an adjusted amount before passing the water to the main heater 225 in the machine housing.

Alternatively, the second tank may itself comprise a cooling mechanism, such as a TEC, as an integral part of the tank.

Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with an auxiliary module station 300, as well as with the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. The auxiliary module station 300 is used to mount the auxiliary modules in parallel with the first and second water tanks instead of in line with the tanks.

The auxiliary module station 300 comprises power and fluid connections. Auxiliary module station 300 may be rotated between a storage position in which the station is hidden from view below the first and second water tank stations, and an operating position as shown in FIG. 8, in which the station is accessible and positioned behind the first and second tank stations. In alternative non-illustrated versions, the auxiliary module station 300 may be moved between storage and operational positions by a translational movement, such as a sliding motion, or being located over a downward folding panel that is lowered when the auxiliary module has to be used.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 21/28

The auxiliary module 300 may be any one of a cooling module, a preheat module, a water filtration unit, a disinfection module, a telemetry device or the like as described above.

Fig. 9 illustrates a modification of the system that can be used in any of the above embodiments. An ultraviolet (UV) chamber 501 is provided as part of a water recirculation system. As shown, water is recirculated from the second tank 280 via pump 382 and three-way valve 500 back to tank 280 via the UV 501 chamber. This recirculation continues when water is not required to be transferred to the cartridge head 250. When water is required to dispense a beverage then it is diverted to the cartridge head 250 by using the three-way valve 500.

The UV chamber 501 comprises a housing 503 and a plurality of UV-emitting elements 502 that are focused to illuminate water passing through the chamber 501 with light in the UV range. Preferably, the tubing used to transport water through chamber 501 is formed from fluorethylene polymer (FEP) to allow good UV transmission through the tubing. UV-emitting elements 502 comprise UV-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs emit UV at a wavelength of between 250 and 320 nanometers (nm). LEDs can have a relatively low energy output compared to low pressure mercury discharge UV lamps, as water recirculation through chamber 501 often increases the total UV exposure time of water. In addition, the LEDs can be arranged to have a small focus area by using a suitable lens arrangement to enhance the disinfecting effect. This allows for less expensive and smaller UV LEDs to be used.

Preferably, the tank 280, or the water contained therein, may be illuminated by a portion of the UV output of the LEDs that has been filtered. The tank 280 may be formed, or contain, a material that produces fluorescence upon exposure.

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 22/28

16/17 UV light.

The use of UV light to disinfect water used in the system can be used for water recirculation in the first tank 220 and / or the second water tank 280, regardless of whether the water is also subjected to cooling, heating or discharged at room temperature. The UV 501 chamber may be formed as part of the recirculation tubing of a cooling module formed as part of the machine, or as part of another auxiliary module connectable to one of the auxiliary module or water stations. Each reservoir station may be provided with an in-line 501 UV chamber if required.

The UV chamber 501 may be formed as part of the machine's main housing or as part of a separate pluggable auxiliary module. The UV 501 chamber and recirculation mechanism can be formed as part of a disinfection module by itself, or as part of a cooling module.

Fig. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the system. In this system, beverage preparation machine 201 comprises a single reservoir station and two water tanks. The first water tank 220 contains water at room temperature and is used to prepare hot drinks. The second tank 280 contains water 400 below room temperature and is used to prepare cold drinks. Tanks 220, 280 are interchangeable and switched on and off from the reservoir station if required. Advantageously, the second tank, when not mounted to the beverage preparation machine 201, is preferably stored in a refrigerator in order to create and maintain a cooled water volume. Thus, the system can be used quickly to make both hot and cold drinks without the need for a cooling apparatus within the beverage preparation machine housing.

Preferably, the second water tank 280 is thermally insulated and may be provided with a carrying cable. It can also be properly formed to fit within standard compartments of a refrigerator, such as a door pouch.

[0083] In use of any of the first and third embodiments

Petition 870180153081, 11/21/2018, p. 23/28

17/17 described above, an auxiliary module as required is mounted to the auxiliary module station, or to the first or second water tank station as appropriate. In addition, either or both of the first and second water tanks are positioned over their respective first and second water tank stations, as appropriate.

Water for the beverage originates from the first or second water tank, depending on the type of beverage to be dispensed. For example, where a chilled beverage is required, water originates from the second tank, which may contain pre-chilled water in a chiller, or contain chilled water through an integrated cooling module or TEC. Where a hot drink is required, water originates from the first tank and water is passed to heater 225, optionally via a preheat module.

The basic operating behavior of machine 201 thereafter for any of the embodiments set forth above is fully described in WO 2004/064585.

From the foregoing it will be understood that in the present invention the auxiliary modules, where present, may be positioned in line with or parallel to one or more water-containing tanks first forming beverages. One, two or more auxiliary modules may be used in combination with one, two or more water tanks, depending on the desired combination of functions. It will also be understood that the various types of auxiliary module described are given as examples only and may be used with one or more embodiments of the beverage machine described above. Auxiliary modules and water tanks of the above embodiments may be used with beverage preparation machines having one, two or more reservoir stations.