Patent ID: 6971546

Claim:
A dispenser of single-use portions of preparations for beverages, comprising: a support structure that supports at least one storage assembly supported at said support structure, for storing single-use portions, said storage assembly being provided with a discharge outlet for said portions; at least one distribution assembly for distributing said portions; which is provided with a dispensing outlet for dispensing said portions; and transfer means for transferring the portions from said discharge outlet to said dispensing outlet, said transfer means being interposed between said storage assembly and said distribution assembly, said transfer means comprising: a first shutter for said discharge outlet; first actuation means for actuating said first shutter to move alternately from a closed configuration to an open configuration; a second shutter for said dispensing outlet; second actuation means for actuating said second shutter to move alternately from a closed configuration to an open configuration; and an electronic control and driving unit that controls said first and second actuation means, the dispenser assuming an inactive configuration, in which said first and second shutters are both in the closed configuration, and an active configuration, in which said first and second shutters are actuated alternately and selectively at different times between the respective closed and open configurations and vice versa, to dispense singled portions.