Infusing Receptacles Patents (Class 99/323)
  • Patent number: 11786067
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of tea includes a housing; a brewing container; a water permeable, refillable infusing sieve receivable within the brewing container and adapted to receive one or more tea bags, tea leaves, or tea powder; a water container or a tap water connection; a pump adapted to pump water; a heating system adapted to heat the brewing container or the water being pumped; a drain adapted to discharge prepared tea from the brewing container into a beverage container, and an electrically actuatable drain valve moveable from an open state to a closed state, wherein in the closed state the drain valve prevents the flow of tea therethrough; a water outlet adapted to deliver water to the brewing container; a control panel configured to receive tea preparation information; and a control unit configured to control the pump, the heating system, and the drain valve so that the amount of water, the water temperature, and the amount of time the water is in the brewing container can be adjusted in respons
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Bogdan Krinitchko
  • Patent number: 11707076
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for storing and dispensing into a liquid a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, a body fuel, a nutritional supplement, a stimulant, a relaxant, an alcohol neutralizer, or a medical drug. A useful application of the subject invention includes a lime flavoring held by a gelatinous artificial lime wedge stored with a beer bottle or can, or attached to a 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime wedge may be retrieved from a protective covering and acted upon so it mixes the lime flavoring into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle or can. Rather than needing to buy and store a perishable natural lime, and cut it up, an artificial lime wedge may be stored for an extended period of time with a beer vessel and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: James F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 11707823
    Abstract: A tool adapted for use with a diffuser cartridge and a fluid container, wherein the tool is adapted to facilitate insertion and removal of the diffuser cartridge to and from the fluid container. The diffuser cartridge contains mineral agent beads or other materials which can enhance the quality of fluid contained within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: DYLN INC.
    Inventor: Dorian R. Ayres
  • Patent number: 11559479
    Abstract: Compositions and devices are described that provide controlled release of beneficial bacteria to the oral cavity. Such bacteria can subsequently colonize the oral cavity and displace or suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Described devices include a stabilized preparation of such beneficial bacteria and provide a consumable liquid, wet foam, or gel that includes such bacteria when used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ProBiora Health, LLC
    Inventor: Christine Koski
  • Patent number: 11553813
    Abstract: A containment vessel (1) with integrated infusion capability for infusing a solid substance with a liquid. The containment vessel (1) includes a main containment body (3), a dispensing assembly (5), an infusion assembly (9), a transmission assembly (15), and an actuating assembly (17), the actuating assembly (17) being operatively connectable to the transmission assembly (15) for displacing one of inner and outer infusion components (11,13) with respect to the other via the transmission assembly (15), so as to in turn selectively operate the infusion assembly (9) between active and inactive modes, the actuating assembly (17) being manually operated and having at least one actuating component (17a), such an actuating ring (27), for example, being provided about a peripheral surface of the containment vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MENNA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Orit Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 11458443
    Abstract: A water bottle system for adding an additive, which may be flavoring, to the line of flow without contaminating the main reservoir. The system may include a water bottle with a lid feature that may maintain a flavor that may be infused into the water within the water bottle. The infusion of the additive may be adjusted by a user to have the desired concentration of additive to a user's liking. The additive cartridge may be reusable or disposable depending on a user's preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Infuze, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Noall, Nathan Erickson, Shane McKenna
  • Patent number: 11412882
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Clark, Jason M. Banning, Jane Ann Harris, William E. Midden, Laurie A. Owen, Jeff T. Samson
  • Patent number: 11203472
    Abstract: A formulation dispensing device can include a cartridge receptacle to accommodate and/or secure a beverage ingredient cartridge and permit contents within the cartridge to flow into a bottle or beverage container. Additionally, a formulation dispensing device can include a drink through valve that can permit mixed contents from a beverage container to flow through the drink through valve and be consumed. For example, the formulation dispensing device can include ingredients that can be added to a range of different drinks, including sports drinks, dietary drinks, and as a critical life supporting drinks in humanitarian situations. The formulation dispensing device can also include a lid configured to pivot between open and closed positions and can seal the dispensing device which allows the beverage container to be inverted during consumption without leakage through the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: DISPENSA HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Mario Junior Irizarry, Daniel Howard
  • Patent number: 10834911
    Abstract: A container can dispense variable amounts of bait, for example, through holes in complementary sleeves. Different configurations can result in different hole sizes and different overlap in attachable sleeves. These differences can allow fishermen flexibility to better control the dispensing of bait and/or chum by varying the size of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Medway Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10687653
    Abstract: An apparatus for brewing kava beverage. Using the apparatus, kava beverage is brewed by filling a hollow two-piece spherical structure with extremely fine mesh screens with kava. The filled apparatus is placed in a shaker bottle filled with liquid and is shaken vigorously, extracting the kavalactones from the root into the liquid, creating the kava beverage. This using this apparatus for brewing kava beverage is quicker and simpler than traditional methods of brewing kava beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew Masifilo
  • Patent number: 10584669
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a fuel injector is provided. The filter assembly includes a first ring. The first ring includes a plurality of first apertures provided along a circumference thereof. The filter assembly also includes a second ring disposed concentrically with respect to the first ring. The second ring includes a plurality of second apertures provided along a circumference thereof. Each of the plurality of second apertures is disposed misaligned with respect to each of the plurality of first apertures respectively. The filter assembly further includes an actuation mechanism operably coupled to the second ring. The actuation mechanism is adapted to selectively rotate the second ring about an axis with respect to the first ring to, at least partially, align each of the plurality of first apertures with respect to each of the plurality of second apertures respectively to provide an unfiltered flow of a fluid through the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Caceres, Ramshankar Muthukumar
  • Patent number: 9021944
    Abstract: A treatment device for treating food products with conditioned air comprises a housing which delimits a treatment space and is provided with an entry and an exit, at least one conveying device for conveying the products from the entry throughout the treatment space to the exit, the conveying device between the entry and the exit following a conveying path with several windings which are situated one above the other, air-circulation device for circulating conditioned air throughout the treatment space via a hollow drum. According to a first aspect, air-conditioning device are provided upstream of the air-circulation device for conditioning the air. According to a second aspect, at least one winding of the conveying path near the entry has a pitch which is different to the pitch of the downstream windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Stork Titan B.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Wilhelmus Franciscus Leferink, Hendricus Franciscus Jacobus Maria Van Der Eerden, Jeroen Robert Willemsen, Jacobus Cornelus Maria Baltussen
  • Publication number: 20150114235
    Abstract: A brew basket is provided for use in a beverage brewing machine. The brew basket includes a body defining a brewing reservoir that extends along a longitudinal length from an open top to a bottom end having one or more openings. The brewing reservoir has an internally tapered multi-sided three-dimensional (3D) shape. The brewing reservoir having a first cross-sectional area at the open top that progressively narrows along the longitudinal length of the multi-sided 3D shape to a smaller second cross-sectional area proximate to the one or more openings at the bottom end. The open top is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine during a brewing operation with brewed beverage discharging from the one or more openings. The multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir configured to receive a filter pack having a generally tapered multi-sided 3D shape similar to the multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: MATTHEW SCHWARZ, Glenn Wells
  • Patent number: 9017749
    Abstract: A beverage flavoring apparatus comprising of an elongated tubular body, having at least three elongated hollow sections and a container for holding liquid flavor. The top hollow section is for suction and at least one of the hollow sections is adapted to receive liquid flavor and it has a smaller cross sectional area and shorter length which enables the flavoring liquid to be introduced into the beverage stream in minute quantity. The other hollow section is adapted to receive beverage. The container is mounted or loaded on the elongated tubular body so that the section adapted to receive liquid flavor is immersed in the liquid flavor while the other hollow section is dipped in a beverage. As oral suction is being applied, both the liquid flavor and the beverage are drawn up the tubular body and mixes at the hollow suction end before ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Babatope Sewande Ayeni
  • Patent number: 9003958
    Abstract: A single-use filtering capsule is provided for producing an alimentary infusion. The capsule includes a casing inside which is positioned a filtering sachet containing an aromatic essence. The sachet is perimetrally fixed to the casing in such a way as to separate two base extremities of the casing. A first perforable closure element allows the access of water to the aromatic essence. The first closure element is attached in closure of a first base extremity of the casing to which the sachet directs the inner side, a second closure element of a second base extremity of the casing to which the sachet directs the outer side. The capsule also includes dissociable member between the second closure element and the second base extremity of the casing, and gripping member for the second closure element for its dissociation from the second base extremity of the casing before the positioning of the capsule in an infusion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Azionaria Construzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Scrivani
  • Patent number: 8991302
    Abstract: A brew basket for a brewing apparatus includes a splash protection structure to protect against spilling when the brew basket is removed prematurely with hot brewing liquid therein. The structure is a splash reservoir formed near the handle of the brew basket, extending the interior surface of the brew basket radially outward at the site of the compartment where the basket is pulled out of the brewing apparatus. A well or reservoir attenuates a wave of liquid created by pulling the basket out by directing the wave to the reservoir rather than impact the side wall of the basket, where hot liquid would then tend to splash or spill out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wilbur Curtis Company
    Inventors: Lucian Hite Lyall, III, Christopher Milner Enright
  • Publication number: 20150082991
    Abstract: A system for making a personalized malt-based beverage may comprise at least one packaged base liquid and at least one separately packaged flavor ingredient. The at least one packaged base liquid may comprise at least about 0.1% wt ethyl alcohol, at least about 3% wt malt extract solids, and a carbon dioxide level between about zero grams per liter and about 1.5 grams per liter. The separately packaged flavor ingredient may comprise a dry ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome PELLAUD, Frank Z. HELLWIG, James P. KEANE, Wilfried LOSSIGNOL, Aaron PENN, Patrick O'RIORDAN
  • Patent number: 8986761
    Abstract: The disposable capsule for the production of an aromatic beverage comprises a container having a closed base which can be perforated for the inlet of water, and an open base closed by at least a filter through which the beverage can exit, said filter having a peripheral edge applied to a peripheral profile of said open base of the container, the peripheral profile of the open base to which the peripheral edge of said filter conforms having a peripheral development at a variable height with respect to the axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Azionaria Construzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Scrivani
  • Publication number: 20150068404
    Abstract: A reusable brewing cartridge includes a lid having a permanent injection nozzle passage and includes an extraction nozzle pocket permanently open at the top of the cartridge allowing use in a coffee maker configured to puncture a single use disposable cartridge lid with both the injection and extraction nozzles. The cartridge thus avoids puncturing contact with the extraction needle. The reusable brewing cartridge includes at least one passage in a cartridge base allowing brewed drink to escape the reusable brewing cartridge into a coffee container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Publication number: 20150072058
    Abstract: One embodiment: A portable insulated beverage brewing device 10 for liquids and gravity fed method for brewing. A device 10, with lid 14 and vessel 12, may house insulation 52A and 52B, liner reservoir 50A and 50B, and filter 28 to brew hot or cold liquids and contain hot or cold liquids for controlled dispensing 26. A large capacity filter 28 secures inside the vessel 12 accepting brew mixtures for gravity fed brewing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Fors Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150056330
    Abstract: Filtration unit (12) for use in a beverage preparation machine using a container for preparing the beverage; the unit being adapted to engage a container holder (3) intended to be inserted in the machine; said filtration unit comprising a filter (14) and a protective casing (12) encompassing the filter; said casing comprising an inlet wall with at least one liquid inlet (24) and an outlet wall with at least one liquid outlet (25) for delivering filtered liquid to a container lodged in the container holder wherein the filter (14) is arranged in a removable manner from the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Heinz Wyss, Daniel Roland Manser, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Patent number: 8960078
    Abstract: A reusable cartridge and method for forming a beverage using a beverage machine. The cartridge may include a bottom surface with inlet and outlet openings, e.g., arranged to receive an inlet or outlet needle, respectively, and an opening at a top end through which access to the interior space may be had. A filter basket may be inserted or removed into the interior space through the opening and a cover may engage at top to seal the opening closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Stoyan Hristov, Yoav Rabino, James E. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20150047510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (11) comprising a container (2) for liquid, particularly a cup and an insert (3) inside the container. The present invention further relates to a method to fix an insert to a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: HUHTAMÄKI OYJ
    Inventor: Neil Marshall
  • Publication number: 20150040772
    Abstract: An apparatus including a removable filter carrier and a beverage maker is disclosed with a receiver for the removable filter carrier, a showerhead, and sealing surface. The filter carrier is linearly inserted into the receiver via a front face of the beverage maker. The receiver may also include the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lever that is actuated to operate the locking mechanism. Actuation of the lever is translated to lift and clamp the filter carrier against the seal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: William D Starr, Mark K Romandy
  • Patent number: 8939065
    Abstract: A brew basket for a brewing apparatus is disclosed having a housing adapted to couple the brew basket to a brewing apparatus and a platform extending from the housing, the platform including a brewing chamber defined by a continuous peripheral wall and a perforated floor. The perforated floor is coupled to a vertically reciprocating member at a first end for raising and lowering the perforated floor of the brew basket with respect to the continuous peripheral wall, the vertically reciprocating member extending below a lowermost surface of the platform so that it can be raised by lowering the platform onto a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Kelly
  • Publication number: 20150020690
    Abstract: An infusion/dispersion device includes a handle, a tube, a rod, and a basket. The handle includes a first section and a second section. The first section is rotatable with respect to the second section. The tube is connected fast with the first section of the handle. The rod is received in the tube and is connected fast with the second section of the handle. The basket includes an outer shell and an inner shell that is receivable in the outer shell. The outer shell connects fast with the tube and the inner shell connects fast with the rod such that rotation of the first section of the handle with respect to the second section of the handle results in rotation of the inner shell with respect to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan Vernon, Timothy Jude Kennedy, Sherwood Forlee, Jens Johnson, Benjamin Jeffrey Stein
  • Patent number: 8935977
    Abstract: A device that includes a beverage unit for delivering a beverage under pressure, at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the beverage unit to generate a jet of beverage, a receiving unit with a chamber with at least one drain opening for delivering the beverage and a jet impact member within the chamber and having a top that lies free from an inner wall of the chamber. The nozzle and the jet impact member are oriented such that the jet hits against a portion of the top of the jet impact member to form a mist of the beverage that subsequently leaves the drain opening as a beverage with a foam layer. The device is constructed such that air can only be supplied to the chamber through the at least one drain opening and/or through an air supply channel which extends through the jet impact member into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Joeke Noordhuis, Jacob Willem Zijlstra
  • Publication number: 20150013548
    Abstract: A dual-chamber teapot configured for stovetop preparation. In one embodiment, the dual-chamber teapot includes an exterior body portion defining a cavity and an interior body portion housed in the cavity. The teapot also includes a spout projecting outward from the exterior body portion. An inner chamber is defined by the interior body portion and an outer chamber is defined between the exterior body portion and the interior body portion. The inner chamber is in fluid communication with the outer chamber and the outer chamber is in fluid communication with the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Parag S. Patel
  • Publication number: 20150013547
    Abstract: A dual-chamber teapot configured for stovetop preparation. In one embodiment, the dual-chamber teapot includes an exterior body portion defining a cavity and an interior body portion housed in the cavity. The teapot also includes a spout projecting outward from the exterior body portion. An inner chamber is defined by the interior body portion and an outer chamber is defined between the exterior body portion and the interior body portion. The inner chamber is in fluid communication with the outer chamber and the outer chamber is in fluid communication with the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Parag S. Patel
  • 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: 20150010680
    Abstract: The invention proposes a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element comprising a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Publication number: 20140360378
    Abstract: A tea infuser structure includes a main body and mount device, where the main body has an opening and crack. The opening is sunk inward to form an accepting space, a flange is disposed around the opening, and the crack is disposed on the rim of the opening. The mount device has a frame, and is mounted on the flange through the frame. A bearing plate is disposed inside the frame and defines a through portion. Whereby, a tea bag can be pulled away from the accepting space to the bearing plate conveniently by pulling a pull thread of the tea bag retained in the crack so as to preventing the tea bag from being dipped in tea too long, and further controlling the thickness of the tea. Furthermore, a spout can be prevented from damage due to collision by covering a protective cover on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Masakazu Fujii
  • Publication number: 20140360379
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic brewer. The extraction assembly includes controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The assembly facilitates improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improves the reliability of the extraction assembly. Generally, the brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. An alternative extraction assembly or structure for brewing beverage is provided which may include a larger brew volume, enhanced structures, and removable replacement components. Also provided is a heating element in close proximity to the brew chamber. Heat form the heating element can be brought directly to the area in which the coffee is brewed to help maintain a more consistent, tighter tolerance temperature and faster recovery between brew cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Suresh Radhakrishnan, Jason Ray Lieving, Daniel Hansen, Rex Allen Rogers, John Bodjack
  • Publication number: 20140352127
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a lid is used on a refillable and/or reusable brewing cup for brewing coffee or other (hot) drinks in a single or multi-cup brewing machine. Such a brewing cup allows one to add any coffee of one's choice, yet to use all the features of an automated single-cup brewing machine. The lid may be generally circular; having a circular top and circular bottom. The lid may have a central portal adapted for passage there-through of liquid. The lid may further have a partially-circumferential lip adapted to abut a corresponding partially-circumferential portion of a lip of the cup. The lid may be caused to slide over, and/or be removed from, the fillable portion of the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Louis Dakis
  • Patent number: 8900648
    Abstract: Processes for controlling strength of an extracted beverage including providing a pseudo packed bed of an extractable beverage material and contacting at least one liquid extraction stream with the pseudo packed bed of beverage material at a selected depth to obtain at least one zone of minimum extraction and at least one zone of maximum extraction. As the depth at which the liquid extraction stream is introduced into the packed bed increases, the zone of minimum extraction increases and the zone of maximum extraction decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Folger Coffee Company
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Alisa Anne Bolinger, Jianjun Justin Li, Athula Ekanayake
  • Publication number: 20140345473
    Abstract: The Self Fill Disposable Coffee Pod provides a solution to neatly and easily prepare customized single serve coffee pods for use in single serve coffee makers. Freshly ground and customized coffee grounds mixtures can be used in the Self Fill Disposable Coffee Pod without the need to clean after use as it is designed to have an option to be disposable and or compostable. The invention can be manufactured without plastic or non biodegradable components and can be completely biodegradable and yet strong enough to be used as a scoop to fill its cavity with grounds of user's choice utilizing the quantity desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Buck Albritton
  • Publication number: 20140311354
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a multi-chamber cup is used to brew coffee or other (hot) drink in a brewing machine. Such a device allows one to add any coffee, but use all the features of an automated single-cup or multi-cup brewing machine. The multi-chamber cup has an inner cup, an intermediate cup, and an outer cup each having sides with circular cross-sections between a top side and bottom side, defining an inner cavity there-between, each with a lip at a top side of the respective cup, extending outwards from a respective inner cavity of each cup. This allows water to enter and flow through multiple cups (at least three) before exiting the multi-chamber cup, such that the liquid becomes homogenized with dissolved particulate solid matter to produce a flavorful, high-quality drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Louis Dakis
  • Publication number: 20140308414
    Abstract: The brewing container and lid of the present invention is used for drinking and controllably brewing a beverage. The brewing container and lid includes a container, a lid attachable to the container, and a brewing bag. The container has V-like shaped base, and an upper edge defining an opened end. The lid has an upper side, an opening defined through the upper side for drinking the beverage, and a cup extending away from the upper side. The cup is configured to receive the brewing bag allowing a liquid in the container too steep with a brewing material in the brewing bag. The V-like shaped base enables the container and the lid attached thereto to be placed in at least two separate standing positions being a brewing position when the container is standing on one of first and second angled sides, and a non-brewing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Laura Bougdanos
  • Publication number: 20140299000
    Abstract: A machine is provided for preparing a desired product from a capsule containing desired ingredients. The machine includes a brew chamber that is adapted to hold the capsule at a downward angle relative to a horizontal plane. A cover for the brew chamber is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. A loading mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the brew chamber. An injection system is provided for injecting a fluid into the capsule. A fluid transfer system is provided for transferring a desired fluid from a fluid source to the injection system. A dispensing system is provided for dispensing product to a receptacle. A reusable capsule is also provided for use with the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Jeffrey Hanneson, Thomas Joseph Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20140272048
    Abstract: A reusable cartridge and method for forming a beverage using a beverage machine. The cartridge may include a bottom surface with inlet and outlet openings, e.g., arranged to receive an inlet or outlet needle, respectively, and an opening at a top end through which access to the interior space may be had. A filter basket may be inserted or removed into the interior space through the opening and a cover may engage at top to seal the opening closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stoyan Hristov, Yoav Rabino, James E. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20140261004
    Abstract: A coffee brewing pot designed to brew coffee without a filter. More specifically, designed for use to brew coffee that is grounded to an extra-fine powder and brewed without the use of a filter, as is commonly done in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Armenia. The present invention has a coffee holder into which the grounded coffee and other ingredients are placed and an overflow trap designed to catch any coffee foam and/or coffee that overflows due to the heat as it is brewed. Additionally, a heat trap is attached around the bottom section of the coffee holder so as to trap heat that is then dissipated to the coffee through the sidewall of the coffee holder. Thus, with heat dissipated from the bottom and the sidewalls for a faster and more consistent brew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Oganes Kalpakchyan
  • Patent number: 8833235
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an injection-molded capsule for use in a food preparation machine, said capsule for use in a food preparation machine comprising: (i) a structure (1) with a lower side (2), at least three pillars (3) extending from the lower side and linked to a circular upper frame (4) which defines the surroundings of the capsule top side, the pillars (3) having cross-sections S1, S2 and S3, the lower side (2) being a solid wall that comprises a dispensing opening (5) and is centered across the vertical symmetry axis VSA of said capsule, and (ii) a label (6) attached to the outer surface of the lower side (2), pillars (3) and upper circular frame (4), thus forming an envelope that defines capsule side walls, characterized in that the injection point IP of the capsule is off-centered in the vicinity of said dispensing opening (5), opposed the pillar (3) having a cross-section S3 relatively to the axis VSA, and in that S1=S2 and S3>S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Stephane Hentzel
  • Publication number: 20140245895
    Abstract: The beverage brewing device, which is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe, includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Eko Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. DeMiglio, Mark J. Staudacher, Randall C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8820216
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system comprising a beverage preparation device (10) and a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a compartment (2) of the capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule, the beverage preparation device (10) having opening means (3) which are designed to interact with a wall member (4) provided at an outlet face (6b) of the capsule (1), wherein the opening means (3) comprise an opening member (7) having a hook-like shape designed to shear and move away at least a portion of a cover (11) sealed to the outlet face (6b) of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Didier Vuagniaux, Matthieu Ozanne, Gilles Gerber, Remo Dunki
  • Publication number: 20140230659
    Abstract: A compact filtering and additive delivery system which is readily adaptable to a portable container, such as a sports bottle, and receives a modular additive container for the metered delivery of additive, such as flavor concentrate, to a stream of base liquid as the base liquid is drawn or dispensed from the container. The modular additive container configuration on the delivery system allows a consumer/user to experience different additives, such as different flavors or supplement compositions, for a given supply of base liquid, such as water, stored in the container. The system may be readily used with off-the-shelf containers, such as disposable water bottles. An additive container configuration provides modular additive delivery system as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: GARRETT S. WAGGONER, ANDREW GAY, Christopher Jasperse
  • Publication number: 20140212546
    Abstract: A beverage brewing package includes a cup and a filter bag. The filter bag is supported in an interior region formed in the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Darin C. Koestring, Ryan Dewig, Milan C. Maravich
  • Publication number: 20140205725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing coffee or the like uses a cartridge having filters on two opposed sides that is filled with ground coffee and then pressed through a container of heated liquid. The pressing forces the liquid Into one filter, through the ground coffee, and out the other filter to produce the brewed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander Elijah Albanese
  • Patent number: 8783166
    Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: James F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8771768
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium and an outlet for the beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, the cartridge incorporating within a beverage flow path between the inlet and the outlet an eductor for entraining air into the beverage, the eductor comprising an aperture for producing a low pressure jet of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey York, Andrew Charles Bentley
  • Publication number: 20140182458
    Abstract: This microwave beverage cartridge holder is designed with the intention of facilitating the process of making a single cup of any hot beverage. This invention overcomes the necessity of specific or more complex machines in order to produce a single cup of hot beverage. In addition to saving energy and money as part of its benefits, this invention is made with eco friendly materials as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Obed Fernandez