Patents by Inventor Dan Apone
Dan Apone has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240057807Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 11779150Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Publication number: 20230225546Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 11089901Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20210235920Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 11051650Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 11013362Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Publication number: 20200121118Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 10531761Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 10362896Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are shown. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20190223654Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 10258191Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20180199750Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 9930987Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 9820603Abstract: A cooking environment is described for allocating power between multiple cooking systems and providing a calculated amount of energy to a cooking system. The cooking systems can each include a receptacle and a heating/cooling element to heat a product within the receptacle. A controller can receive requests for power from the cooking systems. Based on the requests for power, the controller allocates an amount of time within a time period in which the heating/cooling elements of each cooking system receive electrical energy. The controller can also allocate specific intervals within the time period in which the heating/cooling elements receive electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATIONInventors: Marc Singer, Chris Doughty, Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Frank Roth
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Publication number: 20170079469Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20170079464Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20170079468Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20160145038Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, beverage pods, and beverage preparation machines are described. In some embodiments, a beverage pod for the preparation of a single serving of a beverage includes a body portion containing whole coffee beans. The pod can include a movable grinding element positioned in the body portion. The movable grinding element can be configured to move relative to the body portion and to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds inside the beverage pod. The pod can include an inlet configured to receive an introduction of liquid. The liquid can mix with the coffee grounds to prepare the beverage inside the pod. The beverage can be dispensed through an outlet, such as directly to a cup.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer
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Publication number: 20150148980Abstract: A cooking environment is described for allocating power between multiple cooking systems and providing a calculated amount of energy to a cooking system. The cooking systems can each include a receptacle and a heating/cooling element to heat a product within the receptacle. A controller can receive requests for power from the cooking systems. Based on the requests for power, the controller allocates an amount of time within a time period in which the heating/cooling elements of each cooking system receive electrical energy. The controller can also allocate specific intervals within the time period in which the heating/cooling elements receive electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Marc Singer, Chris Doughty, Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Frank Roth