With Cooking Or Heating Means Patents (Class 99/288)
  • Publication number: 20110100228
    Abstract: A multi-mode coffee maker facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. An upper edge of the carafe, and an arm reaching from the single cup adapter, engage a lever opening the drip valve. The hot plate may be manually turned on and off, or the single cup adapter may cooperate with a switch in the coffee maker to turn the hot plate off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Publication number: 20110094390
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved espresso coffee machine are described. In one aspect, the improved espresso coffee machine comprises one or more operating units, each of which at least comprises a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, and a unit for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: La Marzocco, Srl
    Inventors: Roberto Bianchi, Jacob Ellul-Blake
  • Publication number: 20110094392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved espresso coffee machine are described. In one aspect, the improved espresso coffee machine comprises one or more operating units, each of which at least comprises a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, and a unit for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: La Marzocco, Srl
    Inventors: Roberto Bianchi, Jacob Ellul-Blake
  • Publication number: 20110097466
    Abstract: The desired amount of coffee grounds, tea leaves, herbs or other beverage making material is placed in a chamber of glass vessel located on a moveable table top in its lowered position. The table top is then elevated until the upper edge of the vessel seals against a top seal. With the top sealed, the desired amount of water of about 185°-212° F. is introduced into the chamber through a port in the top. Thereafter, a vacuum is drawn in the chamber and is held within the range of about ?5 to ?20 Hg in. Using an external heat source, the brewing liquid is maintained at about 185°-212° F. Alternatively, the vacuum can be pulsed by turning it on and off several times during the brewing cycle. After the beverage has brewed for the desired amount of time, the heat and vacuum are removed, the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure and the table top is lowered to release the vessel. The contents of the chamber are then strained to remove solids from the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Dean J. Vastardis
  • Publication number: 20110072978
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calculating and displaying the cumulated degradation of taste in coffee or tea based on monitored temperature history are disclosed. The degradation of taste display apparatus includes an immersible or wall-mounted temperature sensor and a means for calculating TBDS (total burn damage score) based on formulae configured for predicting changes in flavor substances. Based on the same method of calculating taste loss during a thermal exposure, a heating method and improved apparatus for heating coffee or tea in a serving vessel is also disclosed. The heating method uses induction heating together with a timer or temperature control and is configured for desktop, table, or car uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Bogdan Popescu
  • Publication number: 20110072979
    Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Leslie William Fogg, IV
  • Publication number: 20110061534
    Abstract: The invention as claimed shows a beverage production device (1) comprising a beverage production chamber (20) designed to have a liquid interact with a beverage ingredient (T) contained in a capsule, liquid supply means (8) for supplying liquid to said beverage production chamber (20), heating means (7) provided in the liquid supply means (8) for heating the liquid, and an air separating compartment (30) provided in the liquid supply means (8) after the heating means (7) for separating any air or other gas contained in the liquid, wherein the air separating compartment (30) comprises an inlet (35) for introducing liquid into the air separating compartment (30), means for breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid introduced through the inlet (35), a liquid outlet (37), separated from the inlet by the means for breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid introduced through the inlet (35), for evacuating liquid from the air separating compartment (30), and an air outlet (39), also separated from the inlet by the m
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Matthieu Ozanne, Didier Vuagniaux, Jean-Luc Thuliez, Thierry Robert
  • Publication number: 20110048241
    Abstract: A brew through lid for a thermal carafe that has a pouring provision and an internal liquid reservoir. The brew through lid has a cap member with a cone shaped cap top wall, a brew inlet in a centre of the cap top wall at a lowest part of the cone shaped cap top wall, a substantially cylindrical connection wall having a top edge that is connected to the cap top wall and a lid connector that is an integral part of the connection wall. The brew through lid further has a pouring skirt wall that extends around an upper portion of the connection wall and defines a liquid space between the connection wall and the pouring skirt wall. A plurality of pouring passages is circumferentially spaced in the pouring skirt wall and that allow passage of brew liquid out of the liquid space. A plurality of connection wall passages that are circumferentially spaced in the cylindrical connection wall and is configured to allow passage of brew liquid from the internal liquid reservoir of the carafe to the liquid space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Smitdesign B.V.
    Inventor: Gerard Clement SMIT
  • Publication number: 20110041696
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a beverage preparation machine by providing a group of components a) to f), with the components including a brewing unit for receiving an ingredient of the beverage and for guiding an incoming flow of liquid, through the ingredient to a beverage outlet; b) an in-line heater for heating the flow of liquid to be supplied to the brewing unit; c) a pump for pumping the liquid through the heater; d) one or more fluid connecting members for guiding the liquid from a source of liquid to the beverage outlet; e) an electric control unit for receiving instructions from a user via an interface and for controlling the heater and pump; and f) one or more electric sensors for sensing at least one operational characteristic of the brewing unit, the heater, the pump, a liquid reservoir, an ingredient collector, a flow of the liquid, a pressure of the liquid and a temperature of the liquid, and for communicating the characteristic(s) to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Steve Aemisegger, Leo Bühler, Stefan Etter, Urs Gaudenz, Gilles Gavillet, Thomas Hodel, Alexandre Kollep, Markus Lang, Michael Meier, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Peter Preisig, Rudolf Schenk, Robin Schwab
  • Publication number: 20110030732
    Abstract: Beverage preparation machine comprising: a fluid circuit (2) comprising a water reservoir (4), a water pump (5), a heating means (7), a beverage producing module (9), which are fluidically connected for circulating water from the reservoir to the beverage producing module, wherein an inlinedescaling system (3) is provided in the fluid circuit (2)comprising a dedicated compartment (15) intended for receiving a predetermined dose of a water soluble/dispersible descaling agent (19). The invention also relates to a method for automatically descaling and rinsing the fluid circuit (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe S. Boussemart
  • Publication number: 20110017071
    Abstract: A machine 1 for dispensing infusions, such as coffee, tea and the like from a pod/cartridge (C) preparation and the like, comprising: an infusion head unit 2 for heating and dispensing a fluid that transits through the cartridge (C) for dispensing the infusion; a housing 3 for the cartridge (C), such as to assume a first ‘set’ configuration of loading the cartridge (C) and extracting the infusion and a second ‘unset’ configuration of ejecting the cartridge (C); and moving means 4 of said infusion head unit 2 and/or of said housing 3, apt to control a step of dispensing the infusion and a subsequent step of ejecting and resetting (FIG. 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: IDES LTD
    Inventor: Roberto Stefanoni
  • Publication number: 20110014338
    Abstract: A machine for preparing a hot beverage includes a water tank having a reservoir which contains water to be heated. Disposed downstream of the reservoir in a flow direction of the water is a lead container from which water is discharged into a pipe which is heated by a heating unit, thereby partly evaporating water to produce steam for further transport of water. In order to maintain a constant brew temperature, the water level is maintained in the lead container at a desired value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Caspar Cloer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: ACHIM CLOER
  • Publication number: 20110008504
    Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a heat exchanger (24) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from a receptacle (14), and through the heat exchanger (24), for combining with water via a dispenser (28) to form a finished beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: John E. Wells
  • Patent number: 7856919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cense D'Almez S.A.
    Inventor: Luc Van Belleghem
  • Patent number: 7856170
    Abstract: A heatable housing and a device such as a cooking appliance including a heatable housing for producing steam includes at least one wall that delimits an interior space, which is enclosed by the housing at least in areas and which serves to hold a liquid to be vaporized. The wall has at least one hollow for accommodating at least one heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Rational AG
    Inventors: Stefan Rusche, Thomas Schreiner, Thomas Garner, Manfred Bucher, Paul Linseisen, Bruno Maas, Peter Kohlstrung
  • Publication number: 20100313765
    Abstract: A water heating system for use in a hot beverage dispensing machine. The water heating system comprises a water reservoir enabled to store a volume of water suitable for use in the hot beverage dispenser, a water pump enabled to receive water from the water reservoir and pump the water through the system, and a water heater enabled to receive water from the water pump, the water heater being configured to heat water passing therethrough. The water heating system also provides a water directing device enabled to receive water from the water heater, the water directing device being capable of selecting between a recirculation mode, and a dispensing mode. During the recirculation mode, the water heater is activated, and the water directing device directs water back to the water reservoir, so as to heat and maintain the water in the water reservoir at a predetermined set temperature intermediate that of room temperature and a predetermined brew temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Hale
  • Publication number: 20100300299
    Abstract: Dispensing device for preparing and dispensing food and/or nutritional composition comprising: a water circuit for transporting water, a water heater, an injection head (4) comprising an injection intruding part (25, 38) for injecting water in a capsule comprising the food and/or nutritional ingredient; a capsule holder (17) for holding the capsule during injection of water in the capsule, wherein the injection head and capsule holder are moveable relatively one another for approaching the capsule surface to the injection head and injecting water in the capsule, wherein it also comprises a cleaning and/or sanitizing means (13) which can be associated to the injection system for enabling hot water and/or steam to clean and/or sanitize the external surface of the injection intruding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20100282089
    Abstract: A device for preparing hot beverages which includes an arrangement for circulating a liquid to a beverage supply exit and a combustion heater, such as a burner, for supplying combustion heat to the liquid that is circulated to the supply exit. The combustion heater can be associated with an electric heater for additionally or alternatively supplying electric heat to the liquid that is circulated to the supply exit or with a heat regulator for controlling the amount of heat supplied to the liquid from the combustion heater, the electric heater or both heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Alexandre Kollep, Thomas Hodel, Peter Preisig
  • Publication number: 20100282090
    Abstract: An integrated in-line heater for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine, in which liquid is circulated through the heater and then guided into a brewing chamber for brewing a food or beverage ingredient, for instance within a pod or capsule, supplied into the brewing chamber. An upstream part of the brewing chamber may be formed by the heater. One or more electric components may be incorporated into the heater and rigidly connected to a printed circuit board. The heater may have a tubular inner core that is eccentric with respect to a tubular or prismatic outer member which form together a helicoidal heating chamber of variable cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Etter, Gilles Gavillet, Thomas Hodel, Alexandre Kollep, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Peter Preisig, Robin Schwab
  • Publication number: 20100282088
    Abstract: A device for brewing a beverage, such as for example a coffee machine, has a brewing chamber for receiving a substance to be brewed or a portion pack containing this substance. The device is also provided with an electric pump for passing liquid through the brewing chamber and with a heat-insulated electric flow heater for heating up the liquid. After a predeterminable time following the end of a brewing operation or following the actuation of an operating element has elapsed, the device can be switched over by an electrical switching module into a very energy-efficient standby mode, in which at least the flow heater, and preferably also other loads, do not consume any electrical energy and are turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: DELICA AG
    Inventors: Louis Deuber, Andreas Luzzi, Erwin Brändle, Heiner Prechtl, Marco Pfister, Claudio Foscan
  • Publication number: 20100282087
    Abstract: An electrically powered device for preparing beverages, in particular hot beverages, that includes means for conditioning a liquid to prepare one or more batches of beverage after such a beverage preparation device has been switched on; and a power management arrangement for shutting down the beverage preparation device automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Fabien Ludovic Agon
  • Publication number: 20100269703
    Abstract: A water feeding device of a hot drink maker, particularly of a coffeemaker, is provided wherein a water feeding operation and a water heating time are controlled by a water temperature sensor, a computer circuit board, and a motor, all of which are installed in the hot drink maker. The motor is driven according to a sensing result obtained by sensing water temperature at a predetermined position, so as to push heated water smoothly and completely into an inlet of a brewing chamber. Thus, ground coffee in the brewing chamber is infused by the liquid-state heated water of a predetermined temperature to make a hot drink with a desirable taste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20100272870
    Abstract: A preparation method for caffeine control and device thereof, mainly consisting of: a. mixing coffee powder and water in a container; b. applying a vibration force to the container for an acting time, and maintaining the operating temperature during this stage within a first working temperature range; c. compressing the space within the container to cause specific components in the coffee powder to be extracted and form coffee liquid; d. heating the coffee liquid obtained from step c to a second working temperature. Accordingly, vibration extraction and compression process at the first working temperature and the further heating process at the second working temperature are used to control the caffeine content of hot coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Far East University
    Inventors: Hsien-Jung Hsu, Ming-Chi Chung
  • Publication number: 20100263544
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single serve beverage machine for brewing beverages, comprising liquid supply means; a heater (18) for heating liquid; a brewing chamber (20) capable of receiving liquid and capable of accommodating ingredients in the form of single serve portions (22), wherein the ingredients are to he brewed or mixed with liquid in order to extract a beverage; and cooling means adapted for selectively cooling the beverage. This single serve beverage machine can produce iced beverages made based on freshly brewed concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hermanus Joseph Kodden, Taru Talvikki Hannikainen
  • Publication number: 20100260907
    Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Jens Schmalkuche, Peter Tintelnot
  • Publication number: 20100229729
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jorge B. GARCIA, Charles Brian Gross
  • Publication number: 20100218684
    Abstract: An in-line heating device for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine in which liquid is circulated through the heating device and then guided into a brewing chamber. This heating device includes a thermoblock with a metal mass that incorporates an inlet, an outlet and a heating chamber extending therebetween to form a passage for guiding the liquid circulating through the mass, with the mass arranged to accumulate heat and to supply heat to the liquid; and one or more electric components that are rigidly secured onto or into the thermoblock and that are connected to a printed circuit board or a flex-print arranged to control the thermoblock. The electric components are rigidly connected to the printed circuit board or flex-print, in particular via rigid connector pins or blades or rigid plug and socket members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Etter, Urs Gaudenz, Gilles Gavillet, Thomas Hodel, Alexandre Kollep, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Peter Preisig, Robin Schwab
  • Publication number: 20100218685
    Abstract: A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Doug Whitner, Brian Sokol, Brian Catlett
  • Publication number: 20100199847
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coffee machine, comprising a grinder, a stewing vessel and a water supply mechanism, the stewing vessel is connected to the water supply mechanism, and is positioned below a discharging outlet of the grinder; a filter mesh is provided in the stewing vessel which is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine; a bean chamber is provided in the grinder, and under the bean chamber is provided a grinding unit, the grinding unit comprises a bean grinding chamber in which a rotating grinding plate and a stationary grinding plate are provided, the shaft of grinding motor is connected to the rotating grinding plate, and a removable shaft coupling is provided between the shaft of grinding motor and rotating grinding plate. Since the stewing vessel is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine through a removable structure, the stewing vessel may be taken off to spill out coffee grounds after the coffee is stewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Hang Li
  • Publication number: 20100203207
    Abstract: A brewing system uses a pressurizing apparatus for providing pressure to the system to controllably dispense heated water from the system for brewing. A method of brewing in which a pressurizing apparatus is associated with a water source, controllably pressurizing the water source, controllably dispensing by way of the pressurizing apparatus, water from the water source to use in a brewing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Clark, Jamie D. Schroetlin
  • Publication number: 20100175560
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a machine for preparing beverages by infusion of a liquid, that includes a holder (10), a boiler (20) for heating the liquid for producing beverages, assembling element (21 a,21 b, 25) provided so as to selectively allow the connection and removable disconnection of the boiler on the holder (10), a first fluid communication element connected to the boiler (20) and a second fluid communication element connected to a fluid inlet circuit and/or a fluid outlet circuit, the first and second fluid communication element being adapted to interact in order to provide fluid communication between the boiler and a fluid inlet circuit and/or fluid outlet circuit, characterised in that it is adapted so that the connection and the disconnection between the boiler (20) and the holder (10) respectively enables and disables the interaction between the first and second fluid communication element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE MEDITERRANEENNE DES CAFES (SA)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Blanc, Alain Goering
  • Publication number: 20100166928
    Abstract: A method and device for preparing a hot or cold drink by infusion of a product in water such as tea leaves for example, comprising a step of heating water to a determined temperature, then a step of mixing the leaves with the hot water, and finally a step of removing the infused leaves, comprising at least one step of immersing at least one element made of a porous material during the infusion; determining the temperature to which a predetermined volume of water must be heated; and determining the infusion time of the leaves in said volume of heated water; said infusion time in said volume of water is determined according to the characteristics of the infusions prepared with said leaves, the information relating to said leaves being recorded in a memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Francis Stamm, Wei Cui Mo, Thierry Engel
  • Publication number: 20100162897
    Abstract: A hierarchical modular beverage production system that includes a docking station and a beverage production module adapted to be selectively in a connected state and a disconnected state, respectively, with the docking station. In this system, the module is provided with a fluid delivery mechanism for producing a beverage from ingredients contained in a capsule, the docking station and module are respectively provided with control circuitry with the control circuitry of the module being designed for an autonomous control of the module in the disconnected state, and the control circuitry of the docking station being designed to take over at least partially the control of the module in the connected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Matthieu Ozanne, Fabien Ludovie Agon
  • Publication number: 20100154645
    Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Mike Baum, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
  • Publication number: 20100139494
    Abstract: A multifunctional soybean milk maker is provided. The soybean milk maker comprises: a head, a motor, a cup body, a cutter shaft, a cutting tool and a control circuit board. The head caps on the cup body. The motor is fastened and arranged in the head. The head includes an upper cover of the head and a lower cover of the head. The cutter shaft extends downwards to the cup body. The cutting tool is fastened at the front end of the cutter shaft. A connector is set on the lower part of the lower cover of the head. The connector extends into the cup body. A flow-disturbing curved body is set at the lower part of the connector. The flow-disturbing curved body is positioned above the cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: JOYOUNG COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xuning Wang, Fenghui Zuo
  • Publication number: 20100140398
    Abstract: A galley unit comprising a plurality of mid-level modules and a plurality of high-level modules that are assembled together to form a modular galley unit, wherein at least one of the mid-level modules is a beverage maker unit. A combination comprising an aircraft and a modular galley unit, wherein at least one of the modules is a beverage maker unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Cunningham, Mark De Tisi, Peter Burd, Jenny Wilson, Sebastien Ramus, Geraldine Arnold, Glenn Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100132565
    Abstract: Single-dose pod coffee machine comprising a casing, an external manoeuvring lever (1), a coffee dispensing spout, a pod-holder body comprising, in turn, an upper portion (11) and a lower portion (13), a heat-exchanger (10), controlling and adjusting means, actuating means, supporting means, fixing means, sealing means and characterised in that the movement of the lever (1) drives into rotation an accelerator (19) which prevents lime build-up in the water circuit and heating of water inside the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Giovanni Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20100128556
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank for holding the diluent and a dispensing assembly. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the tank and the dispensing assembly for supplying pressurized diluent to the dispensing assembly. An enclosure is provided having a sealable chamber for containing a concentrate container in fluid communication with the dispending assembly. An air pump pressurizes the sealable chamber and concentrate container to pressurize the liquid concentrate and supply the pressurized liquid concentrate to the dispensing assembly. The dispenser assembly is operable to permit and inhibit the flow of pressurized liquid concentrate and pressurized diluent to produce the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Emil Shultis
  • Publication number: 20100112152
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Anke Sinnema, Martijn Oversteegen, Peter Sofrides Viet, Bernardus Lubbertus Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20100107887
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS R & D, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Bentley, Adam Martyn Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20100086654
    Abstract: An Espresso making device comprises a brew chamber (10) for enclosing a quantity of coffee grind (30), and a tube (20) for supplying pressurized hot water to the brew chamber (10). Espresso is obtained by conducting the hot water through the coffee grind (30), wherein the water and the coffee grind (30) are forced to interact. During an Espresso making process, a pressure of the water in the water supplying tube (20) is monitored and compared to a predetermined pressure. In case the measured pressure appears to deviate from the predetermined pressure, a size of an internal volume (12) of the brewing chamber (10) is adjusted, so that an extent to which the coffee grind (30) is compressed and a flow through resistance of the coffee grind (30) are adjusted. Due to this, it is possible to adjust the pressure in such a way that the predetermined pressure is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Sipke Theo Douma
  • Publication number: 20100080886
    Abstract: The instant application describes a programmable apparatus for making coffee that includes a hopper for holding coffee beans; a grinding element for receiving the coffee beans and grinding them to produce ground coffee; and a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water. The programmable apparatus for making coffee also includes a piston for compressing the ground coffee, the piston being arranged to enter the brewing chamber at an open end thereof; an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber; and a programming element for selectively determining a quantity C of ground coffee to be combined with a quantity W of water in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber being capable of accommodating more than 14 grams of ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard HOURIZADEH
  • Publication number: 20100058931
    Abstract: The vending machine including a housing (3) provided with an openable wall (8). In said housing devices for the preparation of at least one beverage are arranged. At least some of said devices are supported by a supporting structure (11), which is pivotally arranged in said housing. Access to said devices through said openable wall is facilitated by pivoting said supporting structure around a pivoting axis (A-A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Marco Righetti
  • Publication number: 20100047407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating and/or frothing a beverage (19), including: a first duct (21) connectable to an upstream steam source and having a first valve (31) configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct; a second duct (22) connectable to the upstream steam source and having a second valve (32) configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct; mixing means (14), which are connected to a common point of the first and second ducts (21, 22), are located downstream of the first duct (21) and the first valve (31) and downstream of the second duct (22) and the second valve (32) and are arranged to introduce and mix at least steam into the beverage. The device further comprises a Venturi assembly (22a) configured to operate by Venturi effect in order to mix air with steam in one the two ducts when the other of the two ducts is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: RANCILIO MACCHINE PER CAFFE' S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Carbonini
  • Publication number: 20100018404
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying hot water to at least one brewing unit (1) operating with pre-packaged pods or capsules (23) containing one or more doses of ground coffee for the preparation of coffee-based beverages, the brewing unit being provided with a brewing chamber (22) and a discharge duct (36) from the brewing chamber for the supply of the prepared beverage, the apparatus comprising a water heat exchanger (4) with a first opening (5) for the introduction of cold water, a second opening (6) for the supply of heated water, a third opening (7) in the vicinity of the first opening (5), and a cold water supply pump (8) connected between a source (9) of cold water and the first opening (5) of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Gruppo Cimbali S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ettore VILLA, Giuseppe MATURO
  • Publication number: 20090314165
    Abstract: A device for supplying milk from a storage tank to a dispensing element, having a supply line with an inlet end which is detachably connected to the storage tank, to improve the cleaning of such a device. A cleaning device is provided for the supply line, the cleaning device containing a hot water and/or water vapor outlet having a connection device for the detachable connection of the inlet end of the supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Blockwoldt, Armin Startz
  • Publication number: 20090288562
    Abstract: The water heating flow detection system for a beverage maker includes a heater control logic circuit that controls heating in response to temperature and flow conditions in the beverage maker. A heater control logic circuit receives a temperature detection signal and a flow detection signal, and generates a water heater control signal for controlling operation of one or more water heaters. A flow detection device may be connected to the hot water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit, and may include a magnetic flow detection device. A faucet lever position detection device may also be used to indicate flow through a faucet outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: B/E Intellectual Property
    Inventor: Sebastien Ramus
  • Publication number: 20090282987
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, pod and method for preparing a beverage containing extract from a water infusible ingredient and, in one preferred embodiment, provides: a system for preparing a beverage comprising: at least one compartment defining a storage volume for containing, or for receiving a pod containing, an extraction ingredient of roast and ground coffee for forming a beverage; and one or more jetting apertures arranged for jetting in use a liquid into the at least one compartment, wherein: the system operates in use at a pressure of less than 8.5×105 Pa (8.5 bar); at least one of the one or more jetting apertures delivers in use a jet of liquid which impacts the extraction ingredient of roast and ground coffee at a speed in the range of 15 to 500×10?2 m/s (15 to 500 cm/s); and the one or more jetting apertures comprise a total cross sectional area less than 16×10?6 m2 (16 mm2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Alistair John MacMahon, Mark Norton, Paul James Harpley, Audrey Virginie Trouillot, Amy Jane Stockwell, Richard James Walker
  • Publication number: 20090255408
    Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) having a brew basket (18) for holding ingredient to be brewed and a dispensing spray head (12) for passing water onto a top surface of a layer of ingredient supported within the brew basket (18) during a dispense period of a brew cycle is provided with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, an electrical heating element (98) of sufficient power to quickly and substantially alter the temperature of the water in the chamber during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42) to control the heating element (98) to selectively change the temperature of the hot water dispensed to the brew basket (18) during a single brew cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael W. Lassota, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20090249960
    Abstract: A beverage brewer (104), a method for installation of an electrically powered beverage brewer having an electrical heating element, at an installation site with a single-phase, AC, electrical, power connector providing single-phase, AC, electrical power, a method of making a multi-component electrical beverage brewer with electrically powered heating elements, and a method of inventorying electrically powered beverage brewers, all employ an electrical power connection adapter (112) having an electrically insulating body (114) with a pair of connective sides (116, 118), three electrical connection elements (120,122,124) mounted to the body (114) and accessible for connection at one of the pair of connective sides (116), two electrical connection elements (126, 128) mounted to the body (114) and accessible for connection at another one of the pair of connective sides (118), and two conductive leads (132, 134) mounted within the body (114) and respectively directly interconnecting without interruption the two el
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota