For Dispensing Or Serving Patents (Class 426/115)
  • Patent number: 8550093
    Abstract: A package for tobacco material includes a portion of tobacco material, a wrapper enclosing the portion of tobacco material, a rigid base portion and at least one resealable adhesive label sealing the wrapper around the portion of tobacco material. The wrapper is formed of a flexible sheet material. The package may include an opening strip defined by one or more lines of weakness in the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sandrine Saint-Girons, Dan Brady, Steve Sayers
  • Patent number: 8551545
    Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. Another method for opening comprises heating the container such that the barrier film layer ruptures upon heating, thus providing for components of the food product to combine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Feldmeier, Metty Poei, Mary Amanda Lamp, Brian Patrick Lawless, David J. Smith, Edward L. Dickinson, Patsy Anthony Coppola, Stephen K. Guerrera, Robert Reid Andrews
  • Publication number: 20130259983
    Abstract: A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance, such as powdered coffee, for preparing a liquid product by means of liquid and/or steam introduced at a given temperature into the cartridge (10) comprises a casing (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12) with a side wall (140) and a bottom wall (142) through which the liquid product flows out from the cartridge (10). The aforesaid bottom wall (142) has a layered structure with: at least one layer (1420) made of a first compostable material designed to undergo softening and/or melting at a temperature ranging between 70° C. and 120° C.; and—at least one layer (1422) made of a second compostable material that does not undergo appreciable softening and/or melting at said temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Vanni, Alberto Cabilli, Marco Mandelli
  • Publication number: 20130259982
    Abstract: Capsule (1A, 1B, 1C) designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis (I) to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises:—a body (2) comprising containment walls (3), a main cavity (4) of central axis (I),—a lid (5, 5A, 5B, 5C) connected or connectable to said body and arranged for covering said cavity;—an annular flange (6) peripherally bordering and protruding outwards beyond the said cavity (4), wherein the flange is configured to ensure one passage or a plurality of passages (9, 46, 49) for providing flow of the centrifuged beverage in multiple radial directions from the cavity and through the flange or above the flange as a result of the centrifugation forces exerted when the capsule is rotated along said central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 8545914
    Abstract: A carrier for food products such as muffins and cupcakes includes a pan and a cover. The pan including multiple pan wells that project from an upper surface thereof. At least some of the pan wells each includes an opening in respective bottom surfaces thereof. The cover includes multiple cover wells or supports projecting from a surface thereof, each corresponding to one of the pan wells. At least some of the cover wells each includes a support extending from a bottom surface thereof. The cover secures to and substantially covers the pan in a first configuration. The pan nests on the cover in a second configuration such that the supports project through a respective one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Focus Products Group International, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Mastroianni
  • Publication number: 20130251861
    Abstract: The object of the invention concerns a coffee capsule, in particular a Nespresso™-compatible capsule that improves the yield of the product obtained through the use of a depression or concavity on the side where the water and/or steam enters the capsule, using a radial diversion of the flow of the water and/or steam that otherwise would enter along a axis parallel to the axis of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michele Scapuccin
  • Publication number: 20130247774
    Abstract: A system for preparing an amount of predetermined beverage starting from an extractable product. The system includes (a) an interchangeable capsule; and (b) a percolating machine for preparing infusions. A dispensing device of the percolating machine includes several perforation tips of the bottom intended to perforate the inlet area of a traditional capsule to create an inlet opening for the fluid. The system is characterized in that the inlet area includes a plurality of valves, and in that the perforating tips are in contact with the inlet area without performing any perforating action thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: MVP S.r.l.
    Inventors: Davide Macchiavelli, Raffaele Rondelli
  • Publication number: 20130251860
    Abstract: A package for use in holding, dispensing, and spreading a viscous substance, such as a condiment. The package may include a thin-walled rigid planar member with at least one centrally-located opening, a flexible membrane forming a sealed reservoir on one surface and a flexible membrane forming a removable cover over the opening on the opposing surface. The reservoir membrane may be permanently sealed to the rigid planar member about a perimeter that surrounds the perforation. The cover, reservoir membrane and the rigid planar member form a sealed cavity with which to safely store and transport the contents, with the cover being removed for dispensing and spreading purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Dale Johannaber
  • Patent number: 8541038
    Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Feldmeier, Metty Poei, Mary Amanda Lamp, Brian Patrick Lawless, Paul Edward Doll, Edward L. Dickinson, Patsy Anthony Coppola, Stephen K. Guerrera, David J. Smith, Gregorio Ramon Maramba Abesames
  • Patent number: 8540119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Click Candy AB
    Inventors: Frida Gunstad, Mikael Gunstad, Fredrik Junkell
  • Patent number: 8541037
    Abstract: A packaged bottle beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container wider vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Crown Distributing Co.
    Inventor: James Clayton Bell
  • Publication number: 20130243911
    Abstract: Capsule (1A) designed in particular for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis (I) to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises: a body (2) comprising containment walls (3,4), a main opening (6) of central axis (I) closed by a closing wall (8) forming a compartment (7) including beverage ingredients and a flange (5) peripherally bordering the said opening (6), wherein it comprises a perforating wall (9) placed close to the closing wall (8) and comprising perforating means (10-15) for perforating the closing wall (8) when applying a pressure on the transversal closing wall (8) or perforating wall (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes
  • Publication number: 20130243910
    Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage has a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side. A cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base is formed between the capsule base and the filling side, and a filter element is arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base The filter element includes an open-pore felt and/or nonwoven. The felt and/or the nonwoven have/has an average first pore size in a first region which faces the beverage base and an average second pore size in a second region which faces the capsule base, wherein the first pore size is smaller than the second pore size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventors: Marc KRÜGER, Günter EMPL
  • Patent number: 8535744
    Abstract: A device and method for creating fruit juice utilizing a flexible bag having an upper fruit receiving portion for receiving a piece of fruit therein and a lower juice receiving portion, such portions separated by a mesh screen. There is a resealable closure member at the top of the fruit receiving portion. The flexible bag with fruit therein is then frozen and later thawed. The fruit receiving portion with fruit therein is squeezed to release juice from the fruit which passes through the mesh screen into the juice receiving portion which is accessible through a channel defined in the fruit receiving portion and mesh screen through which a straw can be passed into the juice receiving portion for drinking the juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Hamid Taghaddos
  • Patent number: 8529974
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes an outer cup, an inner cup located inside the outer cup, and a seal covering the container. The inner cup includes a base and a plurality of concentric sections that are configured to collapse toward an opening in the container, when a force is exerted toward the opening on the base. The plurality of concentric sections may include three concentric sections: a base section, a middle section, and a top section, wherein the base section perimeter is smaller than the middle section perimeter, and the middle section perimeter is smaller than the top section perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Ortiz, Jason Billig, Stuart Leslie
  • Publication number: 20130230625
    Abstract: A pad with a covering filled with product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, wherein, in use, a fluid such as water is supplied under pressure to the pad, so that the fluid is pressed through the pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the pad. The pad is provided with a spout opening for generating, with the spout opening, a jet of the beverage which leaves the pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage with the aid of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Patent number: 8524300
    Abstract: A covered retracted confectionery including a housing with covers hinged adjacent the top for movement between closed and open positions. The lower part of each of the covers being contacted by a part of a shaft moveable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing to keep the covers closed against the force of gravity. A confectionery carried adjacent the top of the shaft is enclosed by the covers until they are manually moved to the open position by operation of an actuator slideably mounted on the exterior of the housing against a bias. Upon release of the actuator, the bias will automatically retract the shaft and confectionery as well as close the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Imaginings 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Diamond, David Lisowski
  • Publication number: 20130224343
    Abstract: A beverage container for a brewing machine comprising a filter cup having a frame including an upper peripheral member and a lower peripheral member and filter material extending thereabout, a cover formed of a flexible material, the cover having a circular recess formed on a lower side of the cover to receive an upper wall of the upper peripheral member, the circular recess having an enlarged portion to receive a guide rib such that the cover is placed on the container in a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Christian Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20130224344
    Abstract: A method of filling a baby bottle is provided which comprises providing a baby bottle containing a hermetically sealed bottle liner, which contains a measured amount of powdered infant formula. The bottle liner comprises a lip retainer for preventing the bottle liner from falling into the bottle. The hermetic seal on the bottle liner may be opened. The method includes disposing filtered, heated water into the liner to mix with the powdered infant formula. A cap and nipple assembly is applied to the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: IDEAZ, LLC
    Inventor: David Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20130224345
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. To that end, the assembly is provided with at least a first covering and a first ingredient included in the at least first covering, the first ingredient comprising a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and like additives soluble or extractable in a liquid such as water. The assembly is further provided with a second ingredient, the second ingredient comprising a soluble or extractable substance such as ground coffee or tea while the second ingredient forms part of a substantially rigid body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130224347
    Abstract: A system, device and method for preparing a beverage using a capsule. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body, a lid and an actuating member. The device comprises a capsule holder, a fluid supply unit, and a flow control unit arranged for controlling a parameter of the fluid to be supplied to the capsule. The flow control unit is arranged for selectively operating in one of at least a first mode and a second mode. The flow control unit comprises a switching member movable between a first and second position, and arranged for being engaged by the actuating member of the capsule. The system is arranged such that the flow control unit is in the first mode when the switching member is in the first position, and such that the flow control unit is in the second mode when the switching member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V., Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
  • Publication number: 20130216663
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule (1) for delivering a drink by injecting a pressurized fluid into the capsule comprising: a hollow body and an injection wall (4) which is impermeable to liquids and to gas and which is attached to the body and adapted to be punctured by an injection means (2) foreign to the capsule, a chamber (5) containing a bed of at least one food substance to be extracted, means (7, 9, 10) for retaining the internal pressure in the said chamber, said means comprising a pierceable membrane (7), characterized in that said capsule (1) further comprises a secondary means (12) for maintaining the bed of substance at a distance d from said pierceable membrane (7), said distance d being at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, and in that the pressure retaining means comprise: the pierceable membrane (7), raised elements (9) which open the said membrane (7) in order to create punctures and allow the liquid extract to pass through the punctures; the pun
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Samuel Goux
  • Publication number: 20130209619
    Abstract: Main claim: Cup-like portion capsule (1) which consists of an electrically non-conductive material and has a cup base side (2) and a filling side (3) closed by an electrically non-conductive or electrically conductive lid element (5), which is filled with pulverulent or liquid beverage base materials, and which can have its contents extracted in a brewing or preparation chamber of a beverage-making machine for preparing a beverage, characterized in that the cup-like portion capsule (1) is provided, on its cup base side (2), with at least one electrically conductive zone (6; 7; 8; 9; 10) which is connected to it and is designed and arranged such that, with the portion capsule (1) located in the brewing or preparation chamber and the latter being closed, it is in electrically conductive contact with electrically conductive contacts of a control device which are arranged in the brewing or preparation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: David Mahlich
  • Publication number: 20130209620
    Abstract: A beverage ingredient capsule (1) provided with an identification member (6) designed for being physically contacted from outside in order to control operation parameters of an associated beverage production machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: NESTEC S.A.
  • Publication number: 20130209621
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage extraction filter that can extract in a plurality of extraction machine types. The beverage extraction filter comprises a filter unit (40) where coffee powder is housed and a planar lid unit (41) mounted to the top section of the filter unit (40). The lid unit (41) is formed in a layer structure created by a non-permeable first sheet member (42) positioned on the filter unit side (40) and a permeable second sheet member (43) layered on top of the first sheet member (42), and a hole section (42a) through which hot water is made to pass is formed in the center of the first sheet member (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Osamu Nakagiri, Akira Okada, Tomokazu Kimura
  • Publication number: 20130209622
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming at least a portion of a beverage from a co-milled powdered composition. An amount of a co-milled powdered composition is combined with a fluid to produce at least a portion of a beverage. The co-milled powdered composition is obtained from co-milling together at least one powdered ingredient having a difficult to disperse or dissolve portion with one or more dispersion facilitator components to form a co-milled powder effective to enhance the dispersion or dissolving of the powder when forming a food or beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald O. Fountain, Philip James Oxford, Amy Lynn Penner
  • Publication number: 20130209618
    Abstract: A multilayered material and a container (such as a beverage capsule) formed of at least one multilayered material is provided. A method for making a beverage container is also provided. The multilayered material comprises a barrier layer formed of a material adapted for deterring one or more undesired elements from passing through the barrier layer and a sealing layer formed of a material adapted for forming a seal with another surface. The multilayered material or container also comprise a gasket layer or gasket strips formed of a material having a plurality of channels adapted for receiving at least a portion of the material for said sealing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Liberatore A. Trombetta, YuCheng Fu, Dennis Dwight Paynter, Daud Ahmed Khan
  • Publication number: 20130199378
    Abstract: A capsule, device, system and method for preparing a liquid food or beverage. The capsule comprises an enclosure containing one or more extractable or infusible ingredients and configured and dimensioned to have a perimeter and be radially symmetrical about a central axis to facilitate rotation; and an opening arrangement that allows liquid food to leave the capsule after passing through the ingredient(s), wherein the opening arrangement is configured and positioned near or upon the perimeter of the enclosure to allow the liquid food to leave the capsule radially due to the application of the centrifugal forces. The method and device introduce liquid into the capsule to form the liquid food while applying centrifugal forces to the capsule to urge the liquid to pass through the ingredient(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Nestec S.A.
  • Publication number: 20130202749
    Abstract: Improvements in containers are provided, and in particular improvements in containers for preparing and dispensing foamable beverage and food products. The package may contain at least a liquid primary ingredient and a secondary ingredient and comprises at least one wall defining a chamber at least partially filled with the primary ingredient, an outlet for dispensing the prepared product, and a capsule surrounding the primary ingredient separating the secondary ingredient from the primary ingredient. The capsule may be attached to insides of opposing walls of the package such that as the opposing walls are moved further apart the capsule breaks. At least one of the ingredients may include a foaming agent such that the foamed product is produced when the capsule is broken and the primary and secondary ingredients mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kate Aurial Yauk, Jo-Ann Clark, Ayse Tulay Massey, Sian Henson, Leonard S. Scarola
  • Publication number: 20130202750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumer-friendly, ready-to-bake food item containment product (100) containing a food item (104) disposed on a planar sheet (102) of ovenable material, wherein the sheet has a compact configuration for shipping and storage that is capable of being transformed to an expanded configuration in which the food item portions are arranged in spaced locations on the sheet in position for baking into the individual baked food item products. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing individual food item portions for baking wherein a plurality of food item portions are disposed on a planar sheet of ovenable material capable of being transformed from the compact configuration to a flat planar configuration and changing the sheet from the compact configuration to the flat planar configuration to arrange the food item portions on the sheet for baking. The food items may include appetizers, entrees, or dessert type items, including sweet doughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Geoffrey Radley, Samuel Huffman, Deborah Belser
  • Publication number: 20130202748
    Abstract: A coffee milling process comprising the steps of: a) introducing particles of a roasted coffee precursor into a milling chamber; b) introducing particles of soluble coffee into the milling chamber; c) jetting a gas into the milling chamber to mobilise the particles of the roasted coffee precursor and soluble coffee; d) thereby producing a milled and blended coffee product by comminuting the particles of the roasted coffee precursor by self-collision of the particles of the roasted coffee precursor and by collision of the particles of soluble coffee with the particles of the roasted coffee precursor within the milling chamber. Processes and products incorporating milled and blended coffee products are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald Olean Fountain, Alan Gundle, Won Cheal Kang
  • Publication number: 20130202747
    Abstract: A capsule for storing a fixed amount of syrup. The capsule includes a housing to store the fixed amount of syrup and is shaped to sit on an opening of a bottle of liquid. The capsule also includes a release mechanism to release the syrup in a controlled manner into the bottle. The invention includes a method for releasing syrup from a capsule into a bottle of carbonated water. The method includes the capsule being placed on a rim of the bottle and the capsule receiving a downward force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SODASTREAM INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: SODASTREAM INDUSTRIES LTD
  • Publication number: 20130196036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for a beverage preparation system, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, an outlet downstream of the inlet for the discharge of a beverage from the cartridge and a flow path connecting the inlet to the outlet, wherein the flow path includes within it a non-gelled beverage liquid concentrate containing about 0.01 to about 5 weight % in total of one or more thickeners. The cartridge may comprise an aperture having a cross-sectional area of 2 mm2 or less downstream of a chamber in which the beverage liquid concentrate is loaded. The beverage concentrate may comprise methyl cellulose and at least one alginate in a weight ratio of 1:5 to 5:1 to provide improved the organoleptic properties such as mouthfeel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Adrian Harold Massey, Ayse Tulay Massey, Clemence Michaut, Helen Blangy
  • Patent number: 8496983
    Abstract: A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Guateplast S.A.
    Inventors: Susan Rybar Michaeli, Roberto Tomas Rybar
  • Publication number: 20130189400
    Abstract: A single serve beverage dispensing device having a water reservoir from which water is drawn and ionized to produce alkaline water, which is returned to the water reservoir, and acidic water, which is routed to a waste water reservoir. The dispensing device includes a capsule holder for holding a beverage capsule including a powdered beverage media. The device includes a dispensing arm which punctures through the beverage capsule to and delivers the alkaline water into the capsule to mix with the beverage media. The beverage flows upward to exit the beverage capsule, and is then dispensed into a beverage receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: PROVIDENCE ENTERPRISE, LLC
    Inventor: Providence Enterprise, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130189391
    Abstract: A composition and method of use applicable to mitigate the effects of human fatigue that includes a base composition of at least one finely powdered simple sugar and at least one finely powdered polysaccharide, a flavoring, a hinder and a single dose packaging. The powdered composition is made available in a variety of flavors within a tubular package that aids in pouring the dry contents directly into the mouth without waste, where it is easily dissolved and assimilated by the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Cole Alexander Egger
  • Publication number: 20130180408
    Abstract: Capsules for use in a beverage production machine. One capsule includes a base body having a flange-like rim and containing beverage-forming ingredients therein, the ingredients being sealed in the base body by a foil member attached to the flange-like rim, and at least one flow control porous member arranged between at least a portion of ingredients in the capsule and the foil member. Another capsule includes a first wall member for supporting beverage-forming ingredients, a second perforable wall member attached to the first wall member, and at least one porous layer located between the beverage-forming ingredients in the capsule and the second wall member, with the porous layer forming a multilayer laminate with the perforable non-porous foil member. These flow control porous members provide faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Nestec S.A.
  • Publication number: 20130180409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule (1) for insertion in a beverage production machine adapted to supply pressurized liquid into the capsule (1), the capsule (1) comprising at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients (14) for the preparation of a nutritional composition in combination with the supplied liquid, the capsule (1) further comprising a product delivery system (15) arranged at an outlet face (8) of the capsule (1) and designed for delivery of the nutritional composition, the product delivery system (15) comprising one or several plurality of perforating elements (16) designed to perforate a membrane (17) arranged between the compartment (13) and the outlet face (8) of the capsule (1) as a result of the pressure of liquid exerted in the compartment, wherein the perforating elements (16) each comprise three blade members (21) extending from a common axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Sophie Abraham, Heinz Wyss, Peter Monkewitz
  • Publication number: 20130177677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage through a capsule (2) inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule (2) comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure (20) to brew said one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that: a discharge wall (3, 3B, 300, 310, 320, 330) is placed in association with the enclosure (20), wherein the discharge wall (3, 300, 310, 320, 330) comprises discharge means (100, 301, 311, 321, 331) which restrain the brewed liquid from being discharged from the capsule (2) or limit the liquid flow in case the pressure inside the enclosure (20) is below a predetermined value, and the discharge means (100, 301, 311, 321, 331) enable the delivery of the brewed liquid in case the pressure exceeds said predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Matthieu Ozanne, Didier Vuagniaux, Alexandre Kollep, Gilles Gerber
  • Patent number: 8481097
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Timen T Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8475854
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8475856
    Abstract: A multi-beverage container and mixing system to increase the convenience of mixing and transporting a variety of powder-based beverages in a single unit. The multi-beverage container employs a lid equipped with compartments designed to house multiple powder drink mixes and a container housing designed to accommodate water for mixing. At user activation, powder drink mix is released from a compartment and is mixed with the water to create the desired beverage for instant consumption by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Sheehan
  • Publication number: 20130164416
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar, Geoff Rendle, Maria Gomez
  • Patent number: 8469186
    Abstract: The present invention describes a beverage container that is configured to dispense an additive into a beverage. The beverage container includes a vessel configured to hold a beverage and a lid that includes a flap configured to expose the beverage in the vessel after the flap is triggered. This beverage container also includes a chamber configured to hold an additive that can be exposed to the beverage after the flap is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Anantha Pradeep
  • Publication number: 20130156897
    Abstract: A beverage filter cartridge for use in a single serve beverage brewing machine, the cartridge including a sleeve with a cup-shaped filter pouch containing a beverage material sealed to the inside thereof proximate to a top end. The top end includes a flange to which a cover is sealed. A bottom cover of the sleeve seals the cartridge and to prevent spoilage of the beverage material by atmospheric oxygen. The cartridge includes a filter bag with a dry beverage material. The inner surface of the sleeve has a series of vertically oriented channels which allow for the brewed beverage to flow out of the sides of the filter hag and down the channels before exiting the cartridge at the bottom. The brewed beverage can flow out of the bottom of the cartridge either via the side of the filter bag through the channels or through the bottom of the filter bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: David Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20130156898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the preparation of beverages and, in particular, to an improved cartridge for preparing beverages in brewing machines. The cartridges can also be used for preparing liquid food products. The cartridge comprises a continuous elongate tubular chamber containing the at least one ingredient providing a fluid flow path linking an inlet for the introduction of the liquid at one end of the chamber to an outlet for discharge of the beverage or food product at an opposite end of the chamber. The chamber has an internal width to length ratio in the range of 1:4 to 1:200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Ian Denis Fisk, Ayse Tulay Massey, Nick Andrew Hansen
  • Publication number: 20130156899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for brewing a beverage in a brewing apparatus, wherein a cartridge containing infusible material is connected to a brew chamber and will form the bottom of the brew chamber. By the introduction of air through the filter of the cartridge, water and infusible material are mixed, and an effective brewing process is conducted. After brewing the beverage is discharged into a receptacle through the filter of the cartridge, leaving infusible material behind in the cartridge. The invention also provides a cartridge for use in the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Quinn, Osvaldo Maffei, Robert Wim Bronwasser, Raffaele Zandona
  • Patent number: 8464633
    Abstract: A supplement dispensing closure couplable to an outlet of a container, such as a water container. When the closure is coupled to the container, liquid exiting the container through the outlet flows through a supplement retention area that retains a dissolvable supplement body inside the closure as the liquid flows therethrough and dissolves the dissolvable supplement body. A user may select one or more dissolvable supplement bodies and insert them inside the supplement retention area for dissolution in the liquid as it flows through the supplement retention area. The closure may include a selectively openable and closable cap portion. Optionally, the closure includes a filter configured to filter one or more components from the liquid before or after it flows through the supplement retention area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Nutra-Life, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky L. Anson, Rebecca Anson
  • Patent number: 8460732
    Abstract: A method of preparing a single serving of a nutritional composition comprising introducing water into a disposable capsule (30) containing a unit dose of the composition in concentrated form so as to reconstitute the concentrated composition and operate opening means contained within the capsule to permit draining of the resulting liquid directly from the capsule (30) into a receiving vessel. The method allows individual servings of nutritional compositions such as infant formulas to be prepared with substantially reduced or even eliminated risk of cross contamination from previously prepared servings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Stalder, Zenon Ioannis Mandralis
  • Publication number: 20130142915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge being formed from substantially water-impermeable materials and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the aqueous medium and one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients includes one or more discrete edible components which are substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium and which, in use, are dispensed from the cartridge with the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Tulay Massey, Ian Denis Fisk, Sian Henson