Plural Infusors Patents (Class 99/291)
  • Patent number: 11478105
    Abstract: An automatic hot beverage preparation machine comprising a hydraulic water supply circuit having a first branch to connect a water source and a water boiler, a second branch to connect the water boiler and a hot beverage dispensing assembly, a third branch to connect the first branch and the second branch, and a valve device to selectively control supply of water in the third branch as a function of a signal from a water temperature sensor arranged to measure water temperature at an outlet of the water boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: EVOCA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Magno
  • Patent number: 11229312
    Abstract: A brewing device includes the discharging device, and a beverage maker. The beverage maker includes a container, a brewing device, and a discharging device positioned in the brewing device. The discharging device includes a vertical pipe assembly and a siphon cover sleeved on the vertical pipe assembly. The vertical pipe assembly penetrates through the bottom of the brewing device and includes a first high-position vertical pipe and a second low-position vertical pipe. The siphon cover includes a first high-position part and a second low-position part. When the siphon cover is sleeved on the vertical pipe assembly, the first high-position part covers on the first high-position vertical pipe, and the second low-position part covers on the second low-position vertical pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: KEYWAY INNOVATIONS (SHANGHAI) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Wan Kei Ricky Ha, Nicolas Philippe Roux, Karen Wai Wan
  • Patent number: 11045041
    Abstract: A multiple tank brewer having a rinsing system is disclosed which comprises a container having a first top and a first tank for receiving a first brewed beverage through the first top, the first tank having a first bottom outlet, and a second top and a second tank for receiving a second brewed beverage through the second top, the second tank having a second bottom outlet, a first tube connected between the first bottom outlet, a first pinch valve, and a first dispenser nozzle, a first drain tube connected between the first pinch valve and a drain line, a second tube connected between the second bottom outlet, a second pinch valve, and a second dispenser nozzle, a second drain tube connected between the second pinch valve and the drain line, a rinse tube, and a rinse spray head for delivering rinse water into the first tank through the first top, out through the first bottom outlet, through the first tube, the first pinch valve, the first drain tube, and the drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Webster
  • Patent number: 10376091
    Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Con Psarologos, David Davenport, Richard Hoare
  • Patent number: 10307009
    Abstract: A filter vessel for accommodating a filter insert made of water-permeable material and fillable with coffee grounds. The filter vessel includes a bottom; and side walls upwardly extending from the bottom and spreading outwardly. The bottom includes at least two openings through which a filtrate can pass. The bottom includes a separating element in a central region of the bottom. The separating element divides a region above the bottom into two approximately equal sized drainage chambers. Each drainage chamber includes at least one of the at least two openings for discharging the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MELITTA EUROPA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Sachtleben, Markus Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10219649
    Abstract: The coffee machine has at least one infusion unit and at least one filter holder that is manually connected to and disconnected from the infusion unit for preparation of coffee, and it comprises at least one added support element of the filter holder for keeping it attached to the coffee machine when the filter holder is not connected to the infusion unit, said added support element comprising heating means for heating said filter holder to a predetermined temperature. The additional support element can be implemented also as a standalone element and, therefore, not connected to the coffee machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: CMA MACCHINE PER CAFFE' S.R.L.
    Inventors: Beppino Ceotto, Giovanni Rossetto
  • Patent number: 10143331
    Abstract: A coffee maker efficiently automates the process of pour-over coffee brewing by employing a computer system that controls how and when hot water is dispensed into a coffee filter. The computer system controls a mechanism that pulls a nozzle back and forth along a linear track, and rotates the linear track. A user generally puts a coffee filter in place and then pushes a button on the computer system once to allow the system to wet the coffee filter. Then the user could put coffee grounds into the coffee filter and push the button again to allow the system to lightly wet the surface of the coffee grounds. The user could then place the coffee cup underneath the filter and push the button a third time to allow coffee to be slowly brewed as spirals of hot water are dispensed on the coffee grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Steady Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Heys, Mark Sibenac, Stephan von Muehlen
  • Patent number: 10022010
    Abstract: The method comprises a first step during which with a capsule inserted into a percolation element and of the type presenting different chambers each of which containing a corresponding infuse, a water flow coming from a tank is caused to reach a predetermined temperature and a second step during which the water flow is directed towards a plurality of channels each of which is defined by a respective chamber and by a respective outlet area of said capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 9668610
    Abstract: A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is shown. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: Klaus D. Hoog, Eric P. Hoog, Rodney Queen
  • Patent number: 9629498
    Abstract: A professional coffee machine for bars, adapted to provide for the measured filling of cups according to the specific preference of the customer for a normal, a short or a long coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: NUOVA SIMONELLI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Merelli
  • Publication number: 20150027317
    Abstract: A brewing system for brewing a beverage is disclosed having an inlet for receiving fresh water for brewing, and a first solenoid for directing water to a water storage tank when a level in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined level. A pair of pumps direct water from the storage tank to a second solenoid. Two or more brew paths lead away from the second solenoid, each brew path including a heating element to heat the water flowing therethrough. The second prevents overpressurization in the brew paths by routing excess pressurized water from the respective brew path back through the second solenoid and out a drain line leading to a drain, where the path to the drain is not part of the brew path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Luke Kelly, Winston Fliess
  • Patent number: 8931398
    Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Overton, Ian Binder
  • Publication number: 20140338541
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a base (10) having a fluid circuit for conditioning and delivering a fluid via a base outlet (11), said fluid circuit being coupled to a fluid source and controlled by a control unit and comprising a pump; and, at least one module having a module inlet cooperating with the base outlet, said module having a unit for housing an ingredient to be mixed with such fluid. The pump is a membrane pump, the control unit being configured to control the flow and the pressure of the liquid delivered by the membrane pump to the module, during the preparation of a beverage, according to a command selected from a plurality of commands suitable for different types of ingredients and/or for different preparation processes of a given ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Alain Jaccard, Yousef Ait Bouziad, Renzo Moser
  • Publication number: 20140287104
    Abstract: A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MARS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Austin, Paul Fletcher, David Knowles, Sam Hyde
  • Patent number: 8813633
    Abstract: A system is described for delivering infusion beverages including at least one infusion capsule having an essence to be infused, at least one delivering manifold equipped with at least one housing seat of the capsule and at least one manifold for perforating and supplying water. The housing seat includes at least two different delivering ducts each one of which has a perforating end oriented towards an inside portion of the housing seat and a base of the capsule including at least one recess and one perforation portion. The recess and the perforation portion selectively correspond to the perforating end depending on a type of essence to be infused. An infusion capsule is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Babas, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Maddalena Ricotti
  • Patent number: 8696899
    Abstract: A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Anne Roulin, Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Matthew Steven
  • Patent number: 8671827
    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: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz Skalski, Tiemen Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20140020564
    Abstract: The invention concerns a set of differing beverage production machines (10a, 10b) presenting different sizes, the machines having a housing comprising:—one left, one right and one back side core housing panels (1, 2, 3),—one bottom housing, said bottom housing being selected in a plurality of bottom housings (5a, 5b) differing by their width sizes,—none or at least one back side extending housing panel (4) for laterally extending the housing,—none or at least a set of one left, one right and one back side extending housing panel (6, 7, 8) for vertically extending the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: 3/3Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alexis Reust, Yann Brunner
  • Patent number: 8621983
    Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, Kevin G. Lowe
  • Patent number: 8621982
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages with a level of precision that can yield a uniform taste from cup to cup, and at a rapid rate. In one embodiment, a liquid is heated in a reservoir to a predetermined temperature. Prior to brewing a beverage with the liquid, the liquid may be passed through a temperature control unit to cool the liquid to a desired brewing temperature. By utilizing such a temperature control unit, the brewing temperature can be varied on a per-beverage basis. Moreover, utilization of a temperature control unit can enable the liquid to be brought to a desired brewing temperature relatively rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Patent number: 8613248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient comprises a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient comprises a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water. During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 8590443
    Abstract: A brewing unit of a drinks preparation device is provided with a first housing device with a coffee brewing chamber (4), having an outlet (5), for housing coffee powder and for preparation of a drink therefrom, provided with a second housing device (6) with a housing chamber (7) having a through opening (22) in the base thereof for an alternative or additional milk or foamed milk regeneration, said second device being suitable for housing a milk or milk powder portion unit (14) and for preparation of the milk or milk foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Publication number: 20130276636
    Abstract: A beverage preparation system (1,2,3) comprises:—a first machine (1) for preparing a first beverage (15??), the first machine having a first outlet (11) for dispensing a beverage, such as coffee, onto a beverage dispensing area (12) for positioning a cup or mug (4); and—a second machine (2) for preparing and dispensing a second beverage (25??) via a second beverage outlet (21), the second machine being disconnectably connected to the first machine and separable therefrom. The first and second machines (1,2), when connected, are configurable so that the second outlet (21) is positioned or positionable adjacent to the first outlet (11) to dispense the second beverage (25??) onto the beverage dispensing area (12) and into a cup or mug (4) in position for collecting the first beverage (15??) from the first beverage outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Blaise Rithener, Antoine Cahen
  • Publication number: 20130239819
    Abstract: An apparatus including a container (2); a removable cover (3); a rotating stirrer (6) which extends inside the container (2) and is provided with an end impeller (8); an electric motor (22), for driving the stirrer (6) via a coupling joint (9, 10, 23, 26); and a hot steam dispensing wand (13) extending inside the container (2) and connectable to the steam source (52) of a coffee machine (CM) via a connection union (12) associated with the cover (3). The electric motor (22) is contained in a housing (21) which is separate and distinct from the cover (3) and is connected or able to be connected to power supply terminals (49, 50) with which the coffee machine (CM) is provided. The cover (3) supports the stirrer (6) rotatably and the inlet fluid connector (12) thereof is directly connected to a steam dispensing fluid union (48) of the coffee machine (CM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Icardi, Maria Teresa Giaretto
  • Publication number: 20130192472
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Whirlpool Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130174743
    Abstract: The present invention is a beverage brewing apparatus for an aircraft galley that includes a stow away platen to support a coffee cup or mug during brewing and that can be withdrawn when not in use to eliminate the intrusion of space in the galley if the platen were not stowable. The platen can operate like a pull out drawer, extending from its designated cavity when needed and pushed back into a withdrawn position when finished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Luke E. Kelly, William D. Aronson, Sebastien A. Ramus, Keith R. DeBald
  • Publication number: 20130133520
    Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventor: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Co
  • Patent number: 8434401
    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: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8408118
    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: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20120251682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method with an accompanying brewing system for preparing a mixed drink from two or more drink components, wherein the mixed drink is made up in a collecting container and at least two drink components are prepared by means of electromagnetic radiation. The drink components are prepared in successive steps, and different drink components are on no account exposed simultaneously to electromagnetic radiation. In order to prepare each drink component, the same collecting container is always used for direct collection of the drink components and the drink components already prepared remain in the collecting container during preparation of subsequent drink components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Hendrik Sebastian Meyl
  • Publication number: 20120234183
    Abstract: A hot tea dispensing machine is disclosed. The hot tea dispensing machine has a tea brew basket with an urn situated below. Housing is provided for supporting the urn and the brew basket above the urn. Flow control circuits are provided that deposit hot water above the brew basket and makeup water and a concentrate directly into the urn. The makeup water and concentrate is pressurized and the flow directed from nozzles will direct a stream of the concentrate and the makeup water so they intersect within the interior of the urn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: WILLIAM EDWARDS, TERESA BRADLEY, A. A. JUD SCHROEDER
  • Patent number: 8225708
    Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Lassota, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Patent number: 8166867
    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: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8166868
    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: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8087346
    Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, Jody G. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8071147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient has a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient has a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 7987768
    Abstract: A dispensing system for injecting a fluid into a number of containers. The dispensing system may include a turret plate for holding the containers and an injection system positioned about the turret plate. The injection system may include a piston for contacting a container. The piston may include an injection surface in communication with an internal spring such that the internal spring forces the injection surface against the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Charles Bradley Green, Paul A. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110088559
    Abstract: A coffee brewing system comprises: a housing defining an interior cavity for storing a volume of water; a fill valve for controlling flow of water into the interior cavity through an inlet pipe; a plurality of liners housed within the interior cavity and surrounded by the water in the interior cavity; one or more heating elements positioned within the interior cavity to heat and maintain the temperature of the water; a plurality of brew baskets, each of which is received in one of the plurality of liners and configured for holding a quantity of coffee grounds; a plurality of pivoting spray arm assemblies, each said pivoting spray arm assembly configured for pivotal movement relative to the housing; one or more pumps, each said pump for conveying water from the interior cavity of the housing to a respective pivoting spray arm assembly, which then delivers the water to a selected brew basket for making brewed coffee; and a control system for controlling operation of each said pump, each said heating element, an
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: GRINDMASTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Alexis Dahmen, Thomas J. Pfeifer, Timothy D. Gantt
  • Publication number: 20100224075
    Abstract: The coffee machine (1) according to the invention comprises at least two brewing groups (4, 5) and a hot water device (2, 2?) which supplies the brewing groups (4, 5) with hot water. The brewing groups (4, 5) have a coffee dispenser (11) almost at the same location. Each brewing group (4, 5) is individually actuatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: EGRO COFFEE SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Markus Anliker
  • Patent number: 7770510
    Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing a plurality of beverages, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a plurality of beverage dispensing modules (32), each beverage module having a container (68) and a brewing assembly (30) for making a respective beverage and delivering the respective beverage to the container, and a housing (34) associated with the plurality of beverage dispensing modules and defining a chamber containing a liquid for supply to the beverage making assemblies to make respective beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knapler, Kevin G. Lowe, David W. Wurtzler
  • Patent number: 7743695
    Abstract: In an espresso coffee maker having an espresso brew unit (1) and a coffee outflow duct (18) in fluid-conductive connection with the espresso brew unit via a crema valve (15) and having an end sided coffee outflow (19), no brewed residual coffee should remain in the coffee outflow duct nor leak out, for instance as leakage, through the coffee outflow. In order to avoid this, a return-flow suction unit (21), which is preferably independent except for a drive means, is in fluid-conductive connection with the coffee outflow duct (18) between crema valve (15) and coffee outflow (19), which is automatically activated when a brewing process is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Max Oehninger
  • Patent number: 7673557
    Abstract: A coffeemaker composed of: a plurality of infusion heads that can each receive a predetermined quantity of a product to be infused; a common hydraulic circuit including, connected in series: a water reservoir; a flow meter for measuring the rate of flow of water from said reservoir; a pump; a heater; and a plurality of parallel outlet tubes each connected to an outlet of the heater, the heater and the pump being operative to deliver water from the reservoir to the heater through the flow meter; a control unit connected to the flow meter and the pump being for controlling the operation of the coffeemaker; and distribution devices connected in series with each of the outlet tubes and connected to be controlled by the control unit for delivering water or steam to each of infusion head as a function of signals received from the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SEB, S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Bienvenu, Frédéric Hiron
  • Patent number: 7637205
    Abstract: The invention relates to dispensing devices for drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, e.g. coffee, milk or soft drinks, comprising manually actuatable selector switches for determining the type and quantity of the foodstuff to be dispensed. The aim of the invention is to simplify the use of one such dispensing device. To this end, said device is provided with an identification device for identifying different types of containers for receiving the foodstuff with subsequent consumption from the container, and for emitting an identification signal describing the container. The dispensing device is also provided with a valve device which, on the basis of the identification signal, connects at least one of a plurality of supply devices for supplying a defined foodstuff or a mixture of defined foodstuffs by means of a filling device, and fills the container with a predetermined quantity of the defined foodstuff or the mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Niro-Plan AG
    Inventors: Hansdieter Greiwe, Rainer Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7607386
    Abstract: A system for simultaneously brewing and dispensing multiple beverages from a single substantially unitary structure includes a rigid, thermally conductive substantially cylindrically dispensing container having internally fluid discreet compartments each, in horizontal cross-section, defining a polar segment of the cross-section of the container, each of the compartments including pouring spouts at a corresponding mouth of the container, and handles each corresponding to a spout of the structure. The system also includes a circular planar cover selectably securable and rotatable upon or within the mouth of the container. The cover includes a polar opening sufficient in area and geometry to permit flow of a beverage from a selected on of the compartments when a corresponding handle is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Lorielle Wise
  • Patent number: 7565860
    Abstract: A device includes an obliquely shaped base member that has planar top and bottom surfaces. Decanters are removably positional on the top surface and each decanter includes a removable lid. A mechanism is included for simultaneously brewing a plurality of hot decanted beverages that is directly attached to the top surface of the base member and includes a housing that has a central region and a handle connected to a top surface thereof. The simultaneous brewing mechanism further includes a pair of isolated reservoirs monolithically formed with the central region. Each reservoir includes a spout positioned along a bottom edge thereof. Another mechanism is included for abutting another decanter against the simultaneous brewing mechanism. Such another decanter is firmly maintained in a vertical manner so that the hot beverage stored therein will not spill out of the one decanter. The securely abutting mechanism is removably connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Donald C. Liu
  • Patent number: 7559273
    Abstract: A device used to extract a substance in order to produce drinks, includes a plurality of brewing chambers (7, 8). The device has an interface (6) which is used to connect to a hot water supply inlet and element for distributing the hot water between the brewing chambers (7, 8) containing a substance that is to be infused. For each brewing chamber (7, 8), the aforementioned distribution elements include elements for detecting the presence of the substance to be infused and elements for opening the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber (7, 8) upon detection of the substance. A machine including such a device is also disclosed. The invention is particularly suitable for making espresso coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Unic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Levi, Mario Levi
  • Patent number: 7484454
    Abstract: Based on an outflow distributor for espresso coffee makers comprising one common coffee inlet (2) and at least two partial outflow openings (19, 20) connected to it in a flow conducting manner, and flow dampening means disposed upstream of the partial outflow openings, brewed coffee is to be equally distributed over two cups while avoiding considerably differently-sized air bubbles. To this end, two partial outflow ducts (3, 4) branched off from the common coffee inlet (2) include an open end section (5, 6) each, which is directed in a baffle chamber (11, 12) each against a baffle wall (9, 10). One of the baffle chambers (11, 12) each is formed in one outflow body (7, 8) each which includes, in spaced relationship below said baffle wall (9, 10), one of the partial outflow openings (19, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Max Oehninger
  • Patent number: 7472641
    Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages is disclosed, of the type provided with a hollow frame (1) comprising a water feed unit and an assembly for preparing beverages formed of a plurality of components. The components of the assembly are disposed in a compartment closed at the front by a supporting element (5) for at least one mixing chamber (6) and at least one dispensing nozzle (7) and are supported entirely or in part by the supporting element (5). The supporting element is removably mounted with respect to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rheavendors S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20080260927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient comprises a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient comprises a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 7363852
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser device that is insertable into and removable from a main housing that can be used to dispense a liquid. The types of liquids that can be dispensed from this housing are for example, coffee, tea or other types of flavored drinks. This dispenser device can comprise a housing having a plurality of chambers disposed within this housing wherein each of the plurality of chambers are separated from each other by at least one partition. This device also includes a plurality of spouts coupled to the housing. This spout is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers to form a conduit for allowing a fluid to pass from each of the plurality of chambers through the plurality of spouts and out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Mangiapane