Patents by Inventor Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
Enrico Raffaele Cafaro 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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Patent number: 11975892Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Patent number: 11643269Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A beverage container includes an enclosure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can also be moveable to permit pressurized gas entry into the container and through the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the enclosure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Bedford Systems, LLCInventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Patent number: 11603304Abstract: A beverage pod for a beverage machine is provided. The beverage pod can include a container having an internal space and a container flange defining an opening to the internal space, a plug sealing the opening of the container, and a cap secured to the container flange. A beverage medium can be located within the internal space of the container. The cap can be operable to selectively engage a portion of the plug to release the beverage medium through the plug and the cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Bedford Systems LLCInventors: Ian Scott Rice, Catherine Fox, Daniel J. Place, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20230069225Abstract: A gas dispensing system for a beverage system is disclosed herein. The gas dispensing system can releasably secure a gas canister or other gas source for release of pressurized gas therein to the beverage system. In an embodiment, the gas dispensing system includes a distribution body that can articulate between a loading position and a dispensing position. In the loading position, a gas canister can be releasably secured within the system. As the distribution body is moved into the dispensing position, a puncture mechanism can be moved further into the distribution body, puncturing the gas canister for release of pressurized gas. The distribution body can be fluidically coupled with a valve or other flow control element of the beverage machine, allowing for controlled entry of the pressurized gas into the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Barry Wood, Travis Nevers, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Patent number: 11503945Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Bedford Systems LLCInventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
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Patent number: 11479456Abstract: A gas dispensing system for a beverage system is disclosed herein. The gas dispensing system can releasably secure a gas canister or other gas source for release of pressurized gas therein to the beverage system. In an embodiment, the gas dispensing system includes a distribution body that can articulate between a loading position and a dispensing position. In the loading position, a gas canister can be releasably secured within the system. As the distribution body is moved into the dispensing position, a puncture mechanism can be moved further into the distribution body, puncturing the gas canister for release of pressurized gas. The distribution body can be fluidically coupled with a valve or other flow control element of the beverage machine, allowing for controlled entry of the pressurized gas into the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Bedford Systems, LLCInventors: Barry Wood, Travis Nevers, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20210229874Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Patent number: 10988287Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Patent number: 10843866Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Ralph K. Maider, Jr., Michael Sack, Steven Raphaelson, J. Corey Michal, Kevin Sweeney, Brian B. Johnson, James Passemato, Peter Rae Peterson, Richard M. Estabrook, Thomas Fedorka, Scott Grubb, Wai Ting Chan, Christopher Covey, Gary Stacey, Raymond Carroll
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Publication number: 20200146501Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
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Patent number: 10531762Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
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Publication number: 20190292034Abstract: A gas dispensing system for a beverage system is disclosed herein. The gas dispensing system can releasably secure a gas canister or other gas source for release of pressurized gas therein to the beverage system. In an embodiment, the gas dispensing system includes a distribution body that can articulate between a loading position and a dispensing position. In the loading position, a gas canister can be releasably secured within the system. As the distribution body is moved into the dispensing position, a puncture mechanism can be moved further into the distribution body, puncturing the gas canister for release of pressurized gas. The distribution body can be fluidically coupled with a valve or other flow control element of the beverage machine, allowing for controlled entry of the pressurized gas into the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Barry Wood, Travis Nevers, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20190292036Abstract: A beverage pod for a beverage machine is provided. The beverage pod can include a container having an internal space and a container flange defining an opening to the internal space, a plug sealing the opening of the container, and a cap secured to the container flange. A beverage medium can be located within the internal space of the container. The cap can be operable to selectively engage a portion of the plug to release the beverage medium through the plug and the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Ian Scott Rice, Catherine Fox, Daniel J. Place, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20190166886Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. Carbonating gas can be provided to a tank via the tank outlet, thereby purging at least a portion of a dispense line leading from the tank to a dispensing station. A single pump may be used to deliver liquid to the tank, e.g., for carbonation, and to pump pressurized air to dispense liquid from the tank. A water trap may help remove moisture from carbonating gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Jeremy B. Gordon, Brian B. Johnson, Steven Raphaelson, Mario Liuzza, Scott Grubb, Trevor Beckett, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Thomas J. Novak, Peter Rae Peterson, Miles Hember, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20190077586Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A beverage container includes an enclosure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can also be moveable to permit pressurized gas entry into the container and through the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the enclosure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Patent number: 10201171Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. Carbonating gas can be provided to a tank via the tank outlet, thereby purging at least a portion of a dispense line leading from the tank to a dispensing station. A single pump may be used to deliver liquid to the tank, e.g., for carbonation, and to pump pressurized air to dispense liquid from the tank. A water trap may help remove moisture from carbonating gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Jeremy B. Gordon, Brian B. Johnson, Steven Raphaelson, Mario Liuzza, Scott Grubb, Trevor Beckett, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Thomas J. Novak, Peter Rae Peterson, Miles Hember, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
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Publication number: 20180155091Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: Bedford Systems LLCInventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Michael Sack, Ian Scott Rice
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Publication number: 20160235242Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Applicant: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
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Patent number: D769710Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.Inventors: Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Ralph K. Maider, Jr.
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Patent number: D843204Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Bedford Systems LLCInventors: Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Ralph K. Maider