Beverage (e.g., Coffee, Etc.) Patents (Class 219/689)
  • Patent number: 11312567
    Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage. The portion capsule has a capsule body including a cavity. A filter is located inside of the cavity. The filter is configured to stretch and/or yield upon contact with an external perforation means. A lid is attached to the capsule body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventor: Günter Empl
  • Patent number: 11040823
    Abstract: A capsule (1) for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages comprises a cup (2) suitable to contain the substance (11) to be infused or dissolved, and provided with a bottom (3) with an opening (31) for the outflow of the infused beverage. The base (33) is provided with a plurality of reliefs (310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360) having an upper surface devoid of cutting or puncture elements. The capsule (1) comprises a disc (5) suitable to seal the capsule (1) underneath, partially fixed to the base (33), in a releasable manner so as to be at least partially detached as a result of the increase of pressure inside the capsule (1). The opening of the capsule (1) for the release of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of the disc (5) by the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: BISIO PROGETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Tomasi
  • Patent number: 10531763
    Abstract: A compact brewing assembly and method is described. The compact brewing assembly includes a vessel, a filter component, an exterior sleeve and a cap. The vessel includes a vessel top and a vessel bottom, wherein the vessel top includes a fastening component. The filter component is removably coupled to the fastening component of the vessel top. The exterior sleeve includes a top exterior sleeve and a bottom exterior sleeve slidably coupled to the filter component. The cap is removably coupled to the top exterior sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Ralph William Backstrom
  • Patent number: 9737334
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for accessing a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing having at least one access or sealing port for receiving a surgical instrument, and a retractor removably coupled to the housing and having a working channel configured to extend into a body cavity. The housing can include releasably matable upper and lower portions, with the upper portion being configured to freely rotate 360° relative to the lower portion and to the retractor when the housing is mated thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Huey, Matthew D. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 9668496
    Abstract: A method of brewing a beverage, such as freshly brewed coffee, in an electrical, automatic beverage brewer (10) with a rotatable mixing chamber (12) for mixing water (109) from a hot water tank (28) with dry beverage ingredient (108) having a closed top (7) and an open bottom (3, 66) to which is releasably mounted a brew basket (14) with an open top (19) for fluid communication with the mixing chamber (12) through the open bottom (3, 66). Before mounting, the brew basket (14) is loaded with a filter (105) and dry beverage ingredient (109). The mixing chamber (12) with the brew basket (14) attached is then automatically turned upside down (FIG. 6) to dump the dry beverage ingredient (109) out of the filter (105) and onto the closed top (7) of the rotatable mixing chamber (12). A preselected amount of water (109) is then infused into the mixing chamber (12) to a level beneath the open bottom (3) and filter (105) and onto the dry beverage ingredient (109) for mixing therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technoloigies Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zbiniew G. Lassota
  • Patent number: 9573753
    Abstract: Capsule (1) designed in particular for preparing a beverage by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifugal preparation device, comprising:—a body (2) comprising a containment wall delimiting a main cavity (6) of central axis (I) and,—a lid (7) associated to the body for delimiting a compartment containing beverage ingredients; said capsule further comprising at least one breakable outlet area positioned at the body and/or lid; said at least one breakable area being positioned at a distance from the central axis (I) and being obtained by any of means (a) to (d): e) A breakable and dedicated membrane (9, 16) covering a predefined opening (8, 15) in the containment wall or lid and connected to the wall or lid, f) A dedicated membrane covering a predefined opening in the containment wall or lid and connected to the wall or lid by a breakable sealing joint or, g) A dedicated, breakable and localized reduction of thickness of the material of the containment wall or lid, h) Any possible combinations of a), b) or c)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes, Arnaud Gerbaulet
  • Patent number: 9532408
    Abstract: A casing, a heating chamber that is provided in the casing and that has an opening on a front face thereof, an exhaust tube for guiding exhaust from inside of the heating chamber to front face side of the casing, a cooling fan that is provided in the casing, and an exhaust duct having an exhaust inlet to which the other end of the exhaust tube is connected are provided. Position along height direction of a cooling air inlet into which cooling air flows from under the exhaust duct is lower than position along the height direction of the discharge ports of the exhaust duct, and the position along the height direction of the cooling air inlet of the exhaust duct is lower than position along the height direction of the exhaust inlet of the exhaust duct. A heating cooker is provided that prevents the exhaust from the inside of the heating chamber from flowing into a main body thereof even if a fan for supplying air that is to be mixed with the exhaust breaks down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Asami, Hiroyuki Katoh
  • Patent number: 9382119
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide, such as may be used for a carbonated beverage, is produced by microwave thermal decomposition of a starting material. An apparatus for the process includes a microwave generator, a microwave chamber, a capsule received in the chamber containing starting material(s) and one or more channel(s) for recovering CO2 generated in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SO SPARK LTD.
    Inventor: Pinchas Shalev
  • Patent number: 8953932
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Karl William Hughes
  • Patent number: 8901468
    Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
  • Patent number: 8759727
    Abstract: A roasting oven includes an enclosure coupled to a source of microwave RF energy, an operable door for sealing the enclosure for RF, the operable door having a viewing aperture which prevents the escape of RF from inside the chamber. A rotating support has an axis which is perpendicular to the viewing aperture such that the progress of roasting may be viewed through the viewing aperture and into a food container placed in the rotating support. The applied power of the microwave RF source and the rotational velocity of the rotating support are selected to provide uniform or wide spectrum roasting of the food item. A roasting profile may include a roasting interval during which the microwave RF source and rotating support are both energized, and subsequently a cool-down interval where the microwave RF source is disabled and the rotating support continues to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Coffee Technologies, International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Gard, Glen T. Poss, Robert Barker
  • Patent number: 8574651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogeneous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogeneous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aseptia, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Drozd, Josip Simunovic
  • Patent number: 8360279
    Abstract: An automatic home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing, and heating of infant formula bottles provides a reservoir on top that holds an amount of powdered formula. Connection to a household water supply provides a flow of water to an internal water heating reservoir. A central front opening is provided in which the infant bottle is placed. A digital display and a plurality of programming buttons are arranged upon a front panel to allow the user to select operating parameters. Once programmed, internal electronic controls perform dispensing and mixing of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratio and dispensing of mixed formula into the proper sized bottle. The mixture is also kept warm at the proper temperature by a hot plate. An indicator light then illuminates to communicate to a user that the bottle is ready to be removed and the mixture consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew L. Giles
  • Patent number: 7703379
    Abstract: A coffee maker and microwave oven includes: a room for mounting various electric parts on an inside thereof; a case at one side of the room; a water tank in an upper space of the case; a funnel under the water tank having a filter for extracting coffee; a water supply pipe having a first pipe connected to the water tank, and a second pipe for supplying water to the funnel directly; a water supply tube on a bottom of the case, having one end connected to the first pipe, and the other end connected to the second pipe; a heater tube in contact with the water supply tube, the heater tube having a heater for heating the water passing through the water supply tube; and a temperature sensing unit in the vicinity of the heater tube for measuring a temperature of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Wan Je Cho, Wang Lim Lee, Jung Ju Kwon
  • Patent number: 7652232
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven, in which a microwave function and a coffee maker function can be performed in succession; and a method for controlling the same. The coffee maker and microwave oven includes a coffee maker unit, a microwave oven unit, an input unit for applying a coffee extraction order for the coffee maker unit and a cooking order for the microwave oven unit, and a control unit for carrying out coffee extraction and cooking in succession according to an order of reception of the orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Wan Je Cho, Wang Lim Lee, Jung Ju Kwon
  • Patent number: 7595470
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for heating and dispensing a sterile product is disclosed herein. The apparatus (20) preferably includes a source of the sterile product (25), a flow containment means (30), a pumping means (35), a heating means (40) and a dispenser (45). Preferably, the sterile product is sterile milk which is pumped from an aseptic bag (25) through tubing (30) using a peristaltic pump (35). Then, the sterile milk is heated within tubing positioned within a microwave oven (40), and then flowed to a dispenser (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventors: Charles E. Sizer, Charles E. Sizer, IV
  • Patent number: 7501608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave oven and a method of operating a microwave oven, which minimises user involvement when heating a food item to a desired target temperature. According to the invention, the initial temperature of the food item is measured prior to the heating process, and the required heating time is determined automatically based on the initial temperature, the target temperature, and the amount of food as entered by the user. In order to heat a food item to a desired target temperature, the user only needs to position a container for temperature measurement and enter the amount of food. In particular, the present invention is preferably adapted for heating of baby food, such as baby milk contained in a baby bottle, and in such case the target temperature is preferably preset to about 37° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Fredrik Hallgren, Patrik Rydin, Per Torngren
  • Publication number: 20090050623
    Abstract: Apparatus for brewing a brew substance with a liquid comprises: a container for storing the liquid, the container including at least one aperture for dispensing liquid therefrom; a sealed packet of filter paper containing the brew substance; and a layer of heat sensitive film encapsulating the sealed packet, the encapsulated packet disposed within the container at a position covering the at least one aperture, the container configured to sit on top of a drinking container to permit liquid to drain into the drinking container from the at least one aperture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, John Spirk, Marc L. Vitantonio, Jeffrey Kalman, Kenneth Wulff
  • Patent number: 7446290
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven and method for controlling the same are provided. The coffee maker and microwave oven includes an outfit room for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room, a water tank in the case, a funnel having a filter placed thereon for extraction of coffee, a jug under the funnel for storage of extracted coffee, a water supply pipe having one end connected to the water tank, the other end position over the funnel, and a portion on a bottom of the case, and a heater assembly on the bottom of the case, the heater assembly having a heating heater for heating potable water passing through the water supply pipe, and a heat conservation heater for heating coffee in the jug to maintain a temperature of the coffee constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee, Dae Sik Kim, Wan Je Cho, Seong Soo Choi, Dong Wan Seo
  • Publication number: 20080190914
    Abstract: An apparatus for portable food storage and preparation is shown. The apparatus has an impact resistant housing. An insulated portion is contained within the housing and is configured for storage of chilled food and beverage items. A lid covers the insulated portion. A microwave oven is contained within a portion of the housing below the insulated portion and is configured for heating food and beverage items to a desired serving temperature. A control panel is mounted to the housing for controlling the microwave oven. A vent is mounted to the housing for venting excess heat from the microwave oven. An internal power source is provided for operating the microwave oven. A handle is provided for easy transportation of the housing by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Danielle B. A. Gibson Revocable Trust
    Inventor: Danielle B. Gibson
  • Patent number: 7387063
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system is adapted to have a brewing configuration, in which, a brewing chamber has a brewing substance therein, a bottle initially has a fluid therein, a lid is located over a cup, the bottle is removably attached to the lid and located over the lid, the brewing chamber is located between the bottle and the cup, and a blow-out valve is located between the bottle and the brewing chamber so that the blow-out valve initially hinders a flow of the fluid from the bottle to the brewing chamber. The blow-out valve is adapted to be breached at a predetermined pressure when the fluid is heated to allow the fluid to pass through the brewing chamber into the cup to form a brewed fluid. The entire system is preferably disposable and microwavable. Preferably, the system has a compact storage configuration and a portable drinking configuration as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: JavaVoo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Vu, Jacqueline Y. Vu, Tuan “Peter” Anh Dieu
  • Patent number: 7361871
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven, and method for controlling the same, the coffee maker and microwave oven including a cabinet forming an exterior, a cooking chamber in the cabinet, an outfit room in the cabinet for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room for mounting a water tank, a heater, a funnel, a water supply pipe, and a water supply tube on an inside thereof for extraction of coffee, a fan for preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the electric components, and a control unit for putting the fan into operation after the extraction of coffee is completed, thereby preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the outfit room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wan Je Cho, Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee
  • Patent number: 7291818
    Abstract: An all-in-one microwave beverage brewing and storage container and a method of using such container for quickly and conveniently brewing and storing beverages such as coffee and/or tea. The device comprises a receptacle having an interior portion capable of holding a first predetermined amount of liquid. The receptacle has a sidewall having a flat surface to enable the receptacle to rest on its side while placed within a microwave energy source. A top portion is provided on the receptacle that is capable of preventing the first predetermined amount of liquid from leaking out of the receptacle while the receptacle is resting on its side. A venting member is provided for venting the liquid during brewing of the beverage within the microwave. Upon the completion of brewing, the receptacle may be turned upright and a second predetermined amount of water and/or ice may be added to finish preparing the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen J. Ritmiller
  • Patent number: 7235764
    Abstract: A device and process to roast green coffee beans using a combination of microwave, conduction, convection, infrared, and latent steam heating. The device is a sealed cartridge that is semi porous and is used in a conventional or purpose built microwave oven. The resultant coffee is more flavorful and uses ½ the energy that conventional roasters use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Coffee Technologies International Inc.
    Inventor: Glen T. Poss
  • Patent number: 7217908
    Abstract: A removable filter/pod compartment is filled with coffee grounds, tea, or other espresso particulate brewing substance and mounted within a water reservoir. Water is placed in the water reservoir. A bottom cover is connected to upper cup assembly to hold the filter/pod compartment in place. A resilient gasket or valve is positioned between the filter/pod compartment and a filtrate passage. A filtrate splash cover may be attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled beverage maker is placed into a microwave oven. As water in the water reservoir begins to heat up, steam is generated, and hot water is displaced upwards through the filter/pod compartment and particulate brewing substance. The heated beverage is automatically emptied into the filtrate reservoir, which is designed to function as a drinking cup for individually-sized portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Lungo, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Orrico, Stuart Kofard, Rudy Avramovich
  • Patent number: 7202452
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven and method for controlling the same are disclosed. The coffee maker and microwave oven includes an outfit room for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room, a water tank in the case, a funnel having a filter placed thereon for extraction of coffee, a jug under the funnel for storage of extracted coffee, a water supply pipe having one end connected to the water tank, the other end position over the funnel, and a portion on a bottom of the case, and a heater assembly on the bottom of the case, the heater assembly having a heating heater for heating potable water passing through the water supply pipe, and a heat conservation heater for heating coffee in the jug to maintain a temperature of the coffee constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee, Dae Sik Kim, Wan Je Cho, Seong Soo Choi, Dong Wan Seo
  • Patent number: 7186960
    Abstract: Coffee maker and microwave oven, and method for controlling the same, the coffee maker and microwave oven including a cabinet forming an exterior, a cooking chamber in the cabinet, an outfit room in the cabinet for mounting various electric components on an inside thereof, a case at one side of the outfit room for mounting a water tank, a heater, a funnel, a water supply pipe, and a water supply tube on an inside thereof for extraction of coffee, a fan for preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the electric components, and a control unit for putting the fan into operation after the extraction of coffee is completed, thereby preventing transmission of heat from the heater to the outfit room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wan Je Cho, Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Jung Ju Kwon, Wang Lim Lee
  • Patent number: 7038181
    Abstract: A microwave beverage and food preparation apparatus that, in one embodiment, converts a common fluid vessel such as a cup, mug, or bowl into a whistling kettle. A user places a lid having an alarm on a vessel containing liquid to be heated in a microwave. A member made of, or containing, nucleation-site-rich material on the underside of the lid extends into the liquid to activate boiling, thereby assuring a safe transition of the liquid to a normal boiling state. Steam escapes through an integrated whistle in the lid, alerting the user to the boiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Megadex Corporation
    Inventor: John Thomas Edmark
  • Patent number: 6973870
    Abstract: The invention consists of a microwave oven driven milk boiling device, which serves to boil natural milk, powdered milk, or similar beverages, or to make chocolate milk, cappuccino or coffee with powdered milk, or even to boil water, all under pressure. In addition, it is useful to serve directly to the table. The milk is boiled in the lower container, which has a safety valve, and conveyed to another container above the boiling container. The milk or other beverage may be boiled within a period of 2 minutes, depending on the microwave oven used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Helio Vieira Alves
  • Patent number: 6889599
    Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for brewing a beverage. A brewing liquid, generally water, and in some cases brewing ingredients, are placed in a container having a bottom with openings that, due to surface tension of the liquid, do not allow the liquid to pass through the openings until the liquid approaches or reaches its boiling point. The liquid is heated to approach its boiling point by placing the apparatus in a microwave oven or by the use of an electrical resistance heater associated with the container. The brewed beverage is captured in a second, temporary container from which it may be consumed or served.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Koslow Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
  • Publication number: 20040188429
    Abstract: A distributed microwave system comprising a single microwave source that can be used to supply one or more microwave-using devices. The microwave source is located remotely from the microwave-using devices and connected thereto by a microwave conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Hakan Carlsson, Ulf Erik Nordh, Wilhelm Elkhart Braunisch, Carolyn L. Slone
  • Publication number: 20040188428
    Abstract: A system for preparing, cooking, and treating expandable products in a microwave oven. Under pressure of the microwaves, pressure of one or more components acts to break one or more seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages and meals and create other products. Creating or decreasing pressure on the components causes expansion of a plastic or other material located between the non-shrinkable member and the shrinkable member. Expansion of the components under microwaves acts to aid the forcing of liquid through the divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Patent number: 6737620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a coffee maker installed in an electronic device chamber. A cavity door is provided in front of a cavity. The electronic device chamber in which electrical elements are installed is provided adjacent to the cavity. A casing of the coffee maker is provided in front of the electronic device chamber. A water tank is provided within the casing. A funnel is provided so that the funnel can enter and go out of the interior of the casing. A container is comprised of a jug or cup. A heater is provided in a lower portion of the casing. A water supply tube has one end connected with the water tank, body portion passing through the lower portion of the casing so as to contact with the heater, and the other end arranged at the upper portion of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6727484
    Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking. The system contains a substantially non-shrinkable and selectively at least partly opaque member about at least the one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Publication number: 20040056023
    Abstract: A space saving cooking appliance having a shape that conserves counter space and/or room space with either a prism shaped outer case that has an apex in the rear to match a corner, or a flat back that can be pushed up against a wall. The front of the appliance can be curved or arcuate forming a part of an ellipse or circle. The cooking space inside the appliance can be cylindrical or spherical, and in the case where the appliance is a microwave oven, can form a cylindrical or spherical cavity where a uniform cavity mode field can be excited to promote uniform cooking. On the front of the arcuate surface there can be a door that completes the arcuate surface when it closes, and on its inner side is shaped so that it completes the cylindrical or spheroidal cooking space when it is closed. One embodiment is a partial spheroid appliance with a flat bottom. The cooking space in this case is a partial spheroid. In all embodiments, auxiliary side appliances can be located left and right of the main cooking area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Zenon Rypan
  • Publication number: 20030178419
    Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking. The system contains a substantially non-shrinkable and selectively at least partly opaque member about at least the one component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Publication number: 20030168446
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a coffee maker installed in an electronic device chamber. A cavity door is provided in front of a cavity. The electronic device chamber in which electrical elements are installed is provided adjacent to the cavity. A casing of the coffee maker is provided in front of the electronic device chamber. A water tank is provided within the casing. A funnel is provided so that the funnel can enter and go out of the interior of the casing. A container is comprised of a jug or cup. A heater is provided in a lower portion of the casing. A water supply tube has one end connected with the water tank, body portion passing through the lower portion of the casing so as to contact with the heater, and the other end arranged at the upper portion of the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dae Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6571564
    Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to a warmer and cooler for a container that is programmably timed to engage a heating and/or cooling unit. The invention may be adapted for use with a baby bottle to facilitate nighttime feedings by programming when the unit should be turned on to heat the bottle or cool the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Shashank Upadhye, Shilpa Upadhye
  • Patent number: 6410896
    Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
  • Patent number: 6403938
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating microwave heating of a liquid includes the use of a generally cylindrical holder for receiving the liquid to be heated. A shielding sleeve at least partially composed of high microwave reflectivity material, blocks microwave energy from entering a selected interior portion only of the holder to prevent direct microwave heating of the liquid in the selected portion. As a result, there are shielded and unshielded portions of the liquid being heated to cause the liquid to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid being heated. A mechanism enables the sleeve to be positioned such that the blocking portion of the sleeve is positioned at or above the level of the liquid disposed within the interior of the holder so that the top layer of the liquid is shielded from direct microwave heating to prevent unwanted super heating of a portion of the liquid and thus causing hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino, John C. Estill, Ronald M. Benincasa, Robert A. Barish
  • Publication number: 20010042748
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating microwave heating of a liquid includes the use of a generally cylindrical holder for receiving the liquid to be heated. A shielding sleeve at least partially composed of high microwave reflectivity material, blocks microwave energy from entering a selected interior portion only of the holder to prevent direct microwave heating of the liquid in the selected portion. As a result, there are shielded and unshielded portions of the liquid being heated to cause the liquid to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid being heated. A mechanism enables the sleeve to be positioned such that the blocking portion of the sleeve is positioned at or above the level of the liquid disposed within the interior of the holder so that the top layer of the liquid is shielded from direct microwave heating to prevent unwanted super heating of a portion of the liquid and thus causing hot spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino, John C. Estill, Ronald M. Benincasa, Robert A. Barish
  • Patent number: 6229128
    Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Nini Policappelli
  • Patent number: 5942143
    Abstract: A beverage-brewing apparatus is provided which includes an outer cup member and an inner cup member. The outer cup member includes an open top, a sidewall and a bottom. The inner cup member has a sidewall, a first seal and a basket portion, with the sidewall of the inner cup member dimensioned to fit within the sidewall of the outer cup member. The first seal is disposed along an outer surface of the inner cup member for engaging the inner sidewall of the outer cup member to form a seal while still permitting the inner cup member to move within the outer cup member. The basket portion of the inner cup member is disposed at the bottom of the inner cup member. The basket portion includes a base with at least one aperture and a first filter medium, a sidewall, and a cap member having at least one aperture and a second filter medium. The cap member is releasably connected to the sidewall of the basket portion so that brewing material can be securely retained within the basket portion between the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Hartman, John A. Comerford
  • Patent number: 5902620
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages comprises a liquid container and a drink medium container including a housing having a tubular member extending downward into the liquid container. The drink medium container includes a filter apparatus capable of containing a drink medium. A drink container includes a tubular liquid inlet in fluid flow communication with the drink medium container. The liquid container is in fluid communication with the drink container such that when liquid in the liquid container is heated, the liquid can flow upward from the liquid container through the tubular member, filter apparatus, and through the tubular liquid inlet into the drink container. The liquid container includes a double wall construction to maintain the temperature on an outer surface thereof at a relatively low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Patrick B Nolan
  • Patent number: 5884551
    Abstract: A removable filter compartment is filled with coffee grounds, tea, or other espresso particulate substance and mounted within a water reservoir. Water is placed in the water reservoir. A bottom cover is connected to the water reservoir to hold the filter compartment in place. Lower and upper filters are formed into the filter compartment. The lower filter may include a slotted flow distribution port extending into the interior of the filter compartment to improve the distribution of water flow. A cup-like filtrate reservoir is integrally molded to the water reservoir. A filtrate passage forms a fluid path between the filter compartment and the filtrate reservoir. A resilient gasket or valve is positioned between the filter compartment and filtrate passage. A filtrate splash cover may be attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled beverage maker is placed into a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Micro Lungo, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Orrico, Rou Farhadieh, Rudy Avramovich, Stuart Koford, Robert Riddell
  • Patent number: 5880441
    Abstract: A beverage-brewing apparatus is provided which includes an outer cup member and an inner cup member. The outer cup member includes an open top, a sidewall and a bottom. The inner cup member has a sidewall, a first seal and a basket portion, with the sidewall of the inner cup member dimensioned to fit within the sidewall of the outer cup member. The first seal is disposed along an outer surface of the inner cup member for engaging the inner sidewall of the outer cup member to form a seal while still permitting the inner cup member to move within the outer cup member. The basket portion of the inner cup member is disposed at the bottom of the inner cup member. The basket portion includes a base with at least one aperture and a first filter medium, a sidewall, and a cap member having at least one aperture and a second filter medium. The cap member is releasably connected to the sidewall of the basket portion so that brewing material can be securely retained within the basket portion between the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Hartman, John A. Comerford
  • Patent number: 5832809
    Abstract: A coffee maker to be used in conjunction with a field of microwave radiation. An upper tubular reservoir is removably mounted to a lower tubular reservoir through the use of a connecting member that holds a valve assembly centrally therein. A coffee filter basket assembly is mounted within lower tubular reservoir below the valve assembly. A cap with an opening prevents spillage of hot water and the build up of pressure in the upper tubular reservoir member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Marlene Gras
  • Patent number: 5747782
    Abstract: According to the present invention, water is placed in a water reservoir constructed of plastic microwave-transparent, pressure-resistant material. A funnel positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment is supported on the upper edges of the water reservoir with the spout extending downwardly into the water reservoir. A lower filter is placed into the filter compartment, and coffee grounds or other espresso particulate substance is placed on upper surface of the lower filter. An upper filter is then positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment to restrain the coffee grounds or other particular substance during brewing. A filtrate reservoir is placed over the funnel, and twisted, thereby engaging threads to join the water reservoir and the filtrate reservoir. A filtrate splash cover is attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled espresso device is placed into a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventors: Mario Orrico, Rou Farhadieh, Rudy Avramovich, Stuart Koford
  • Patent number: 5605710
    Abstract: A single cup disposable coffee brewing device foldable from a generally flat position to an unfolded position. The device has a coffee filter on the interior and a cardboard main body portion on the exterior and can be placed on top of a cup or mug. Coffee grounds are disposed in the filter and hot or cold water is poured into the unfolded device. The main body portion has a hole at bottom normally closed by a sealing element which dissolves after a predetermined period of time and allows brewed coffee to drip out into the mug or cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Marathon Partners
    Inventors: Carl Pridonoff, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5601744
    Abstract: A beverage cup includes an inner vessel having walls defining a fluid retaining volume. An outer wall surrounds the inner vessel and cooperates with the inner vessel to define an enclosed chamber. A microwave receptive material is disposed within the enclosed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vesture Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne D. Baldwin