Patent ID: 7487711

Claim:
A steam automatic dispensing device for preparing either or both hot and frothed drinks, comprising: a first duct ( 13 ) arranged to introduce steam from a steam source ( 27 ) into a drink within a container; a second duct ( 15 ) arranged to introduce air from an air source ( 35 ) or steam from a steam source into the drink; an electronic control unit configured to control the introduction of steam only through said first and second ducts ( 13 , 15 ), or steam alone through said first duct ( 13 ) and air alone through said second duct ( 15 ), said control unit including a microprocessor programmable to carry out a predetermined control cycle depending on a desired drink to be prepared; first and second three-way electrovalves ( 14 , 16 ) arranged to control the introduction of steam through both said first and second ducts ( 13 , 15 ), while enabling or preventing introduction of air through said second duct ( 15 ), wherein the operation of said electrovalves is controlled by said electronic control unit; a third duct ( 33 ) arranged to receive air from a source of air ( 35 ); a fourth duct ( 29 ) arranged to receive steam from a steam source; a fifth duct ( 31 , 37 ) arranged to receive steam from a steam source; said second electrovalve providing communication between said third duct ( 35 ) and said second duct ( 15 ) in a first valve position to thereby enable air to be drawn into said second duct ( 15 ) in its first valve position, and providing communication between said fifth duct ( 31 . 37 ) and said second duct ( 15 ) in a second valve position, to thereby enable steam to be supplied through both said first and second ducts ( 13 , 15 ) while air is excluded from being drawn into said second duct ( 15 ) when in its second valve position; and said first electrovalve providing communication between said fourth duct ( 29 ) and said first duct ( 13 ) in a first valve position, to thereby enable steam to be supplied to said first duct ( 13 ) in its first valve position.