Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming both carafe quantities and smaller (e.g., cup) quantities of a beverage using a cartridge-based beverage machine. A beverage forming machine accommodates cartridges having different sizes and/or shapes, including different rim sizes/shapes. The outlet used for receiving a beverage from a standard cartridge differs from the outlet used for receiving the beverage from a carafe cartridge inserted in a same cartridge holder. Beverage may exit the cartridge in an upward direction in some embodiments.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 29, 2016
Date of Patent:
September 3, 2019
Assignee:
Keurig Green Mountian, Inc.
Inventors:
Ian Tinkler, James E. Shepard, Geoffrey Y. Smith, Peter Thomas Launie, Jr., Jonathan Alexander Brodie, Stuart Jay Foster, Stoyan Plamenov Hristov, Jianming Huang
Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A carbon dioxide source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate carbon dioxide gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the carbon dioxide source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the carbon dioxide source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making carbonated beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 16, 2014
Publication date:
November 6, 2014
Applicant:
Keurig Green Mountian, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas J. Novak, Ross Packard, Peter Peterson, Shawn Gulla