With Gas Treating Means Patents (Class 99/323.1)
  • Patent number: 8381635
    Abstract: A brewing device comprising a brewing system; a handle assembly coupled to the brewing system and containing a source of compressed fluid; and a valve system, coupled to the handle, to selectively place the source of compressed fluid in fluid communication with the brewing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Espressi, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. O'Brien, Jacques Gagne, Stephen Hooper, Benjamin Pei-Ming Chia, Yi-Chun Liao, Ray Gradwohl, Kenneth Robertson
  • Patent number: 8383181
    Abstract: A method for producing crema in a coffee vending machine that has a flow-through heater for heating water and that is charged with substrate capsules which include a Venturi nozzle for crema production. The method includes a) heating the water in the flow-through heater; b) brewing ground coffee using the heated water in a brewing chamber in order to produce a coffee drink; and c) producing crema by mixing the coffee drink with a gas in the Venturi nozzle. In step c), at least one of two volumetric flows of the coffee drink or the gas is increased in the Venturi nozzle during a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Daburger, Ulrike Gerl, Marijana Jerance Mitrovic
  • Patent number: 8367133
    Abstract: For the production from a liquid food of an at least partially foamed food, in particular at least partially foamed milk or a milk product, the liquid food, which is contained in a container (1) or a capsule-type formation, is expelled from the container or the capsule, and at least partially foamed and subsequently expelled by generating an at least partially turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Innostarter
    Inventor: Beat Keller
  • Publication number: 20130029016
    Abstract: The invention provides a beverage carbonator (1) for providing a carbonated beverage (2). The beverage carbonator (1) comprises (a) a CO2 generation unit (10) comprising a photo electrochemical cell (22) arranged to convert an organic compound (23) in a first liquid (21) comprising the organic compound (23) under influence of light (24) into at least CO2 and to produce a CO2 comprising gas (25), (b) a pressure regulator (30) arranged to pressurize the CO2 comprising gas (25), and (c) a mixing chamber (40) for mixing the CO2 comprising gas (25) under pressure into a second liquid (41) to provide the carbonated beverage (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Georg Greuel, Cornelis Reinder Ronda, Petrus Henricus Laurentius Notten
  • Publication number: 20130029022
    Abstract: An effervescent beverage containing a grain degradation product which contains creamy and tasty foam having a refreshing texture and a new texture of a prolonged creamy-foam retention is formed on the effervescent beverage upon drinking, a method for dispensing and a dispenser of such effervescent beverage are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KIRIN BEER KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norio Endo, Shinobu Ueno, Daiju Mizumoto, Takafumi Asakura, Hiroshi Shibata
  • Publication number: 20130019757
    Abstract: A selective hydrogen adding equipment is provided by which living organism applicable hydrogen-contained fluid is obtained without changing properties of the living organism applicable fluid. Living organism applicable hydrogen-contained fluid is obtained through storing a hydrogen generating system, which contains a hydrogen generating agent as an essential component, in a hydrogen bubble forming implement which has a gas/liquid separating section including a gas-permeable film or an open-close type valve, causing the hydrogen generating system and a generating-purpose water to react in the hydrogen bubble forming implement, and supplying hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen bubble forming implement into living organism applicable fluid via the gas/liquid separating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: MIZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumitake SATOH, Tomoki SEO, Ryosuke KUROKAWA, Bunpei SATOH
  • Patent number: 8356551
    Abstract: Apparatus for preparing and dispensing hot or cold milk, in the frothed or non-frothed state, in a coffee machine for preparing various types of beverages based on coffee with milk, said coffee machine comprising a coffee apparatus for producing coffee with an associated coffee dispensing device, a first water heater for producing steam, a second water heater for producing hot water for preparation of the coffee in said coffee apparatus, said first and second heaters being connected to a water source for replenishing them with water, a frothing device provided with an internal chamber for frothing the milk when required and at least one nozzle for dispensing the milk externally, said apparatus comprising a milk line for the milk, connecting a source of liquid milk to the frothing device, a steam line for the steam, connecting the first water heater to the frothing device, as well as an air line for the air, connecting a source of air to the said frothing device, a pump arranged along the milk line for supplyi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Coccia, Dario Sala
  • Patent number: 8348245
    Abstract: An impregnator for mixing a nonaerated or only slightly aerated liquid (F) with gas (G), in particular for mixing a noneffervescent or only slightly effervescent beer precursor product, or a beer precursor product containing CO2, with CO2, includes a mixing cell, in particular tubular, which except for an incoming liquid inlet, an incoming gas inlet, and an outlet, is partitioned off from the surrounding, and at least one Impregnator body is disposed in the mixing cell in such a way that the flow through the mixing cell of the liquid (F) and gas (G) must necessarily take place through the impregnator body. Disposed in the mixing cell is at least one impregnator body, which includes a porous solid body, namely of a foam material, a sponge, a follow fiber module, or a sintered material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Carbotek Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Fischer
  • Patent number: 8347780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating air from a fluid, such as syrup, as the fluid enters a first chamber of a system; passing the fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber via a first device; passing the air from the first chamber to the second chamber via a second device so as to reintroduce the air back into the fluid and form a new fluid mixture having more uniform air bubbles; and discharging the new fluid out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John Fong, Peter Wright, Chris H. McDonald, Gerard K. Caldwell, David L. Phillips, David Allen, Thang Dang, Daniel Gudalj
  • Publication number: 20130000490
    Abstract: The device (1) associable to a steam dispenser (2) for making an aromatic beverage comprises a container (5) to which a closing cover (6) is removably applied, supporting either directly or indirectly both at least a tube (7) for conveying the steam, sealingly connectable to the steam dispenser (2) and configured such as to exhibit at least a steam outlet (8) below a minimum liquid level (9) provided in the container (5) for making the aromatic beverage, and at least a stirrer (10) positioned adjacent to the inside wall of the container (5) below the minimum level (9) and exhibiting at least a permanent magnet (11, 12) for receiving rotary motion from a motor (13) having permanent magnets (14, 15) and being located externally of the container (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DE'LONGHI APPLIANCES S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Patent number: 8337925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component configured to be associated with a pipe arranged to supply a pressurized fluid into a beverage in order to admix the fluid to the beverage. The component includes a venturi having a first, upstream region at high pressure and low kinetic energy, and a second, downstream region at low pressure and high kinetic energy for said fluid. In the component, a first plurality of throughholes forms the venturi and puts the first region into communication with the second region, and a second plurality of throughholes is arranged so as to converge towards the second region. The present invention also relates to a device including the component and to a method of admixing a fluid to a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rancilio Macchine per Caffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Carbonini, Stefano Raimondi
  • Patent number: 8336448
    Abstract: A dispensing device for milk and/or milk foam is provided that includes a mixing device for mixing steam, milk and/or air. A mixing device may include a chamber, a first line for the supply of milk into the chamber, a second line for a supply of steam into the chamber, a third line for the supply of air into the chamber, at least one outlet for dispensing the milk and/or the milk foam from the chamber, a valve including an adjustable regulating shaft for regulating the supply of milk and/or air into the chamber. By adjusting the regulating shaft between different predetermined positions at least one flow of milk may be switched on and switched off and/or altered and a flow of air may be switched on and switched off and/or altered. A dispensing device may further include a drive motor for adjusting the regulating shaft of the valve and a control device for controlling the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Publication number: 20120297988
    Abstract: A device(2)for heating and frothing a liquid such as milk comprises means (32) for generating steam which is to be used for heating the liquid, and an intake (27) of air which is to be used for frothing the liquid. Other than in conventional devices, the air intake (27) is arranged in the steam generating means (32), so that it is possible to supply air directly into the steam generating means (32), namely through the air intake (27), and to realize a combined flow of steam and air, which is very well suitable to be used in the heating and frothing processes to be performed. As a consequence, a heating/frothing unit (40) which is part of the device (2) only needs to have one connection to a supply line (60) besides a connection to a supply line (10) for supplying the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Sipke Theo Douma
  • Publication number: 20120285335
    Abstract: An aircraft galley includes a beverage center including one or more hot beverage makers, and one or more combination oven-chiller units for multiple replaceable meal carrier rotables. The beverage center may also include an espresso maker, a milk frothing device, a hot water dispenser, a pull out drip tray, drain pan or sink, and a control panel. The aircraft galley also includes a main work deck with a sliding, pull-out work deck portion, and may include one or more pull-out combination drain-sink drawers including one or more individual drain-sinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig CUNNINGHAM, Sebastien A. RAMUS, Sebastian PETRY, Christopher I. PIRIE, Michiel BLAAUWHOF
  • Publication number: 20120272831
    Abstract: A bottle top regulator/aerator for controlling the flow from a bottle having a narrow cylindrical opening through which wine or similar liquid may be poured. The dispensing apparatus includes, in combination, an air inductor, a regulating cartridge having a percolation labyrinth, and an anti-drip trough integrated within a housing. The application of this apparatus provides for both the rapid aeration of the wine, as well as a uniform flow rate absent the hazard of post-pouring droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Janet Barberio, Paul J. Brennan
  • Patent number: 8298481
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwashita, Yonosuke Takahara, Kenichi Kominami, Ken Isogawa
  • Patent number: 8267007
    Abstract: The carbonation device includes a cap system selectively mounted to the mouth of a liquid container. The cap system includes a cap, a rotatable control ring coaxial with and selectively attached to the cap, a reaction vessel selectively attached to the bottom of the cap, and an elongate distribution tube selectively mounted to the cap. The reaction vessel is filled with a preselected amount of carbonating material such that when the control ring is rotated in one position, water may be introduced into the vessel to initiate the carbonation reaction. In another position, the carbonating gas flows into the liquid via the distribution tube. Other rotated positions permit locking and unlocking of the control ring. The carbonation device also includes a drop-in configuration that serves as a self-contained carbonation distribution vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick J. Tatera
  • Publication number: 20120199013
    Abstract: An apparatus for aerating wine includes a tap assembly connected to a wine container that maintains wine. Such an apparatus can further include a spout with at least one venturi, wherein said venturi aerates wine by puffing air into said wine. The wine container can be configured as a wine box with a wine bag. The spout with the venturi can be integrated with the tap assembly. Wine from the wine container flows generally through the spout. The tap assembly can include a knob that controls a flow of wine from the wine container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Roberto Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20120196016
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the storage and/or maturation of an oxygen sensitive liquid beverage including: a vessel or tank adapted to hold a quantity of the liquid therein, said vessel having a low oxygen transfer rate from the atmosphere facilitating the reductive storage of said liquid; and a means of accommodating a gas permeable membrane, said gas permeable membrane having a high oxygen transfer rate relative to the vessel; wherein said membrane is in contact with said liquid thereby increasing the exposure of said liquid to oxygen in result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Neal PALMER
  • Patent number: 8230778
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate milk, soup or the like, which beverage, if desired, may be at least partly foamed. To that end, the apparatus comprises a foaming chamber (3), provided with an inlet opening (4) for supply of beverage prepared upstream, an outlet opening (6) for dispensing the beverage, and foaming means (8) for foaming beverage fed through the foaming chamber, and dosing means (15) for regulating a beverage flow rate flowing from the foaming chamber (3). The foaming means (8) and outlet opening (6) are preferably displaceable relative to each other, so that the foaming means can close off or clear this opening at least partly and can thus function as dosing means (15). The foaming means (8) can for comprise, for instance, a drive shaft (9, 20) with paddles (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Josephus Carolus Piscaer, Hendrikus Christinus Maria Wessels
  • Patent number: 8230776
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a brewing filter apparatus capable of preparing foam, froth, or crema, particularly for coffee beverages, under low pressure. The apparatus can operate at pressures below 15 bar and as low as 1-3 bar. The apparatus comprises a mesh cover, coarse filter, fine filter, large 0-ring, coffee container, small 0-ring, and foam maker having two opposing holes. The holes have a diameter in the range of 0.3 to 1 mm. The crema is created by the turbulent contacting of two opposing jets of coffee, which enter the foam maker through the two opposing holes. To further increase agitation and the surface area for contact, a stainless steel wire mesh may be situated in the center of the foam maker directly in the path of and in between the opposing jets of coffee to facilitate the formation of more crema.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Electrical & Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Yee Mau Chen, Raymond Wai Ming Wong
  • Publication number: 20120167775
    Abstract: A drinking container for decanting, filtering, mixing and/or aerating a beverage. The drinking container comprises a bowl having an upper opening and an aerating cell having a wall, an upper opening along the top of the cell and a plurality of openings or perforations through the wall. The cup-shaped cell has an upwardly facing hollow or concave configuration, optionally with a central upwardly extending protrusion, and is attached to and within the bowl, to decant, filter, mix and/or aerate a beverage that is poured through the bowl upper opening and into the cell upper opening, and subsequently flows through the at least one perforation into the bowl. Preferably, the drinking container is a wine glass having a base and stem supporting the bowl and the beverage is wine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Chevalier Collection Ltd.
    Inventors: James R. Burroughs, Dillon Burroughs, Ken Benson, Ed Gilchrest
  • Patent number: 8205541
    Abstract: A bottle top regulator/aerator for controlling the flow from a bottle having a narrow cylindrical opening through which wine or similar liquid may be poured. The dispensing apparatus includes, in combination, an air inductor, a regulating cartridge having a percolation labyrinth, and an anti-drip trough integrated within a housing. The application of this apparatus provides for both the rapid aeration of the wine, as well as a uniform flow rate absent the hazard of post-pouring droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Janet Barberio, Paul J. Brennan
  • Patent number: 8196906
    Abstract: A fluid aerator (1) comprising a fluid vessel (2) and a pipe (4) extending from the interior of the fluid vessel (2) to the exterior. The pipe (4) has inlet means for permitting liquid to flow into the pipe (4) from the vessel (2) and is closed at its lowermost end but has one or more outlet holes (8) arranged in the wall of the pipe where the fluid exists from the pipe (4). The pipe (4) is movable relative to the vessel (2) between a first position in which the outlet holes (8) are distant from the vessel and a second position in which the outlet holes (8) are closer to the vessel. By means of the movable fluid supply pipe (4) the same fluid aerator can be used both in relation to delivering aerated fluid into a large bottle and to delivering smaller amounts of aerated fluid to a smaller container, such as a wine glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Westport Global Limited
    Inventors: Peter Samuel Benton, Robin Loftus
  • Publication number: 20120111203
    Abstract: A device for heating up a cup, comprising a steam conduit (3) for guiding steam into the cup (1), and comprising a water suction conduit (8) for sucking water out of the cup (1). Preferably, the water suction conduit (8) is connected with the steam conduit (3) in such a manner that the flow of steam through the steam conduit (3) sucks water and/or air out of the water suction conduit (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Joeke Noordhuis, Reindert Jannes Van Wifferen, James Howard Coombs
  • Publication number: 20120111202
    Abstract: A portable aeration device includes a housing having an air chamber in communication with an ambient air source, a supply area, a valve restricting airflow between the air chamber and ambient air source, and a valve restricting airflow between the chamber and supply area. The housing defines an exit in communication with the supply area, the aeration device having a cap selectively covering the housing exit. The aeration device includes a diffuser having a plurality of openings, an output tube extending from the diffuser to a location in communication with the supply area to alternately supply air from the supply area to the diffuser and allow liquid to pass from the diffuser to the supply area. A pump is in communication with the air chamber to force air from the air chamber to the supply area. The aeration device includes a fastener for attaching the housing to a water bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: David B. Bregman
  • Publication number: 20120103198
    Abstract: A system for gassing a liquid beverage, including a carbonator configured to output a highly gassed fluid and a mixer configured to receive the highly gassed fluid and the liquid beverage and output a carbonated liquid beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Evan E. Koslow, David Alan Reed, Richard Beckett
  • Publication number: 20120104021
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a liquid conditioning system providing a variety of levels and types of conditioned liquid streams for outputting to a refrigerator dispenser is disclosed. A liquid conditioning circuit having means for outputting ambient, cold, heated, filtered, and carbonated liquid streams for use in combination with a refrigerator is also disclosed. A finished beverage made from a conditioned liquid stream or combination of conditioned liquid streams is enhanced with one or more liquid enhancements components provided by a liquid enhancement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: NIHAT CUR, TIEMEN VAN DILLEN, GREGORY G. HORTIN
  • Patent number: 8146487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for aerating and frothing a product that comprises a fluid component and at least one further component, comprising a rotor (101) having a rotational axis (102) and a surface of revolution (4) defined by the rotor (101) upon rotation around its rotational axis (102), the surface of revolution (4) extending from a first axial (105) end to a second axial end (106), and the first axial end (105) being arranged upstream with respect to the second axial end (106); a motor in driving association with the rotor (101) for rotating the rotor about the rotational axis (102); and a product exit conduit disposed downstream of the rotor and configured for dispensing the aerated and frothed product of the fluid and at least one further component, which rotor (101) comprises a downstream part (108) and an upstream part (107). The invention relates furthermore to a beverage machine provided with the aforementioned mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Nikolaas Jozef Maria Koopman, Andreas Raymond Van de Leijgraaf, Romanus Eduard Verhoeven, Johannes Theodorus Emerentia Huiberts
  • Publication number: 20120073449
    Abstract: A wand for dispensing vapor for heating and/or frothing a quantity of milk by vapor being introduced into a container in which the milk is located. The wand is provided with a first end, in the region of which it receives the vapor, and a second end, through which the vapor is dispensed. The second end can be positioned inside and outside the container by means of angular movements of the wand about an articulation to which the first end is connected. The articulation is mounted on a portion of a machine for preparing drinks. The wand further comprises a thermoelectrical sensor for detecting the temperature reached by the milk in the container. The sensor can transmit an electrical signal relating to the detected temperature outside the wand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GRUPPO CIMBALI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Volonté, Guido Quaratesi
  • Patent number: 8124011
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwashita, Yonosuke Takahara, Kenichi Kominami, Ken Isogawa
  • Patent number: 8113107
    Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage comprises a beverage maker (15) and a cartridge (10) that is removably arranged in the beverage maker (15). The cartridge (10) comprises a beverage making unit (1) having a duct system (30) for conveying flows of steam and flows of liquid. The duct system (30) comprises two combinations of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42), wherein the arrangement of the ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) of each combination is adapted to enabling a flow of steam to perform a pumping action on a flow of liquid. The beverage maker (15) comprises a steam generator (16) having two steam sockets (17, 18), wherein each of the steam sockets (17, 18) is in communication with another combination of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) of the duct system (30). As each of the combinations of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) is associated with a different steam inlet (36, 46), and the steam inlets (36, 46) may be located at different positions on the cartridge (10), it is achieved that the duct system (30) may be of a relatively simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Fred Fraij, Edwin Wilco Drost, Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Marinus Christian Hansen, Hermanus Josephus Kodden, Joeke Noordhuis
  • Publication number: 20120015088
    Abstract: A device and a method for mixing and heat treating a liquid product, in particular a beverage, and having a first supply pipe for providing a product concentrate and a second supply pipe for providing an aqueous dilution liquid for diluting the product concentrate, as well as a first steam injector provided at the first supply pipe to introduce a first steam quantity flow into the product concentrate, and a second steam injector provided at the second supply pipe to introduce a second steam quantity flow into the dilution liquid. The product concentrate and the dilution liquid can be simultaneously heat treated and diluted, and the heat supply can be interrupted with an only slight delay in case of a production interruption to prevent overheating of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Torsten RUNGE, Siegfried BOBON
  • Publication number: 20120015083
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20120000372
    Abstract: A hot-beverage-making apparatus, in particular for milk beverages such as cappuccino, chocolate and the like, comprising a container extending along an axis, a lid closing the container, a rotary mechanical stirrer fitted with an impeller, and a steam wand connectable to a steam source and having an end steam outlet. The stirrer and the wand extend, sloping with respect to each other, inside the container, and the end steam outlet of the wand is located above and radially eccentric with respect to the impeller of the stirrer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo VANNI, Marcello ARCANGELI, Francesco VIARIZZO
  • Patent number: 8074562
    Abstract: Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christoph Dworzak, Elmar Mock, Andre Klopfenstein, Christoph Rusch, Naomi Bitmead, Alfred Yoakim, Matthieu Ozanne
  • Publication number: 20110297006
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering oxygen, oxygen enriched air, or air through a delivery system from one vessel containing a higher pressure concentration of the gas into another vessel containing a liquid at atmospheric pressure introduced through a diffuser or dispersion nozzle including one or more passages in a controlled, regulated manner. This process and apparatus provide the liquid with an oxygenation level for improved flavor in a short amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: TFB CONSULTANTS, LTD
    Inventor: Thomas Belcher
  • Publication number: 20110297007
    Abstract: A mixing, heating and/or frothing and/or whipping device for preparing hot milk-based beverages, comprising a central body which is detachably associable with a steam delivery tube and an outer casing which fits over the central body; the central body protrudes partially from the outer casing in order to immerse it partially in a beverage together with part of the outer casing and forms channels for the passage of air and of liquid to be frothed, in order to mix them with the steam and consequently mix the three flows, the device further comprising at least one first mixing region for forming a mixture composed of the air and the liquid to be whipped, which arrive respectively from at least one intake channel and at least one rising channel, which are formed by the central body and by the outer casing, the formed mixture then converges in at least one second mixing region with the steam that is injected in the second mixing region and arrives from the delivery tube and then enters the beverage by means of at
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A.
    Inventors: Diego Balestier, Riccardo De Luca
  • 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: 8069778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milk foaming device with a mixing chamber, which is arranged downstream of a steam supply pipe and which is connected to a milk and/or milk/air supply pipe, and a discharge device for the mixture arranged downstream of the mixing chamber, which has a number of discharge channels. The emitted milk foam flow is to be improved. To achieve this the discharge openings of the discharge channels are sloped at an angle to the cross-sectional plane of the discharge channel and the slope angles of the discharge openings of the discharge channels have the same vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: PAV Patentverwertung KG
    Inventors: Rolf Gierth, Joachim Höhne
  • Patent number: 8061264
    Abstract: A device for heating milk includes a body (2) having: a steam injecting conduit and a milk conduit emerging into a suction chamber; and a heating chamber (4) extending from an outlet of the suction chamber to an outlet (7) through which the heated milk can flow outside said body (2). The heating chamber (4) includes a globally helical inner conduit (40). A coffee machine including such a device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Romain Turpin, Nicolas Bazin, Pascal Meyer
  • Patent number: 8056469
    Abstract: Coffee machine, comprising at least one steam generator for producing steam and an apparatus for producing the coffee with associated dispensing device, a storage tank containing a ready prepared liquid chocolate product with a density suitable for being a conventional chocolate beverage, a heating device provided with an inlet and an outlet for the product to be heated and an inlet for introducing the steam, a line between said storage tank and the inlet of said heating device, a metering pump arranged along said line for conveying a predetermined amount of chocolate-based product from said storage tank to said heating device and for circulating it inside it, a line for the steam, connecting said steam generator to said inlet for the steam of the heating device, an intercept valve arranged along the said steam line as well as a beverage dispensing device connected to the outlet of the said heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Sala, Andrea Coccia
  • Publication number: 20110274806
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dissolving gases in a beverage, the apparatus including a product conduit that is fluidly communicable with a product supply and a product dispenser, a gas conduit configured to transport gas from a gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including at least one flow control mechanism; and at least one additional gas conduit configured to transport an additional gas from at least one additional gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including an additional flow control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: DR PEPPER/SEVEN UP, INC.
    Inventors: Eric A. Gold, Brian Lottig, Timothy J. Gross, Herbert Daniel Couture, III, Lawrence Michael Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110271846
    Abstract: An aerator for fluids, such as wine, includes an upper bowl portion with a set of openings in the base, a restrictor plate with, in the preferred embodiment, three sets of apertures. Each of the restrictor plate aperture sets can be aligned with the bowl openings to provide three different flow rates. A collar portion selects the aperture set to be aligned and includes vents to permit air into a central flow path wherein the wine is aerated as it flows through the collar portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: EPICUREANIST LLC
    Inventor: INDIA HYNES
  • Publication number: 20110265662
    Abstract: A method for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container where a carbon dioxide regulator releases carbon dioxide at a rate approximately equal to the rate of carbon dioxide loss from said container. Also disclosed is packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure of a carbonated beverage comprising a closure, a plastic container, and a carbon dioxide regulator. Also disclosed is a method for making a packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure in a carbonated beverage comprising overmolding a perform around an assembly for a carbon dioxide regulator, or blending a carbon dioxide regulator into the plastic material used to form the body of a container for said carbonated beverage. Also, disclosed is carbon dioxide regulator composition for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container comprising polymeric carbonates, organic carbonates, or materials that absorb and subsequently release carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Forgac, Francis M. Schloss, Matthew A. Kulzick
  • Patent number: 8047125
    Abstract: The inventive coffee machine is provided with a housing (2) including a coffee output (9, 10), a steam generator and a steam output nozzle (20) which is movable with respect to the housing and is provided with a free end (22) immersible into a cup. The free end is introducible into a space under the coffee output (9, 10) and is translationally displaceable between an elevated position in which the free end (22) is placed at least substantially at the level of the coffee output (9, 10) and a lower position in which the free end (22) is immersible into a cup which is positioned in such a way that it receives espresso coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Bazin, Gilles Morin, Romain Turpin, Didier Brodin
  • Publication number: 20110232501
    Abstract: An electric machine for making a beverage has a water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a pump for supplying fresh water to the water-heater inlet so that the water heater can supply heated or vaporized fresh water to the outlet, a port, and a milk supply. A mixer has a steam/water intake, a milk intake, an air intake, and an outlet. A milk conduit is connected between the milk supply and the milk intake and an gas conduit between the port and the air intake. A two-position valve connected to the water-heater outlet, to the gas conduit, and to the steam/water intake of the mixer is movable between a first position feeding steam or hot water from the water heater to the steam/water intake of the mixer and a second position feeding steam from the water heater to the gas conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Kroesen, Marius Hilckmann, Christian Schmalor, Clemens Klueppel
  • Patent number: 8003148
    Abstract: A device for frothing and steaming milk has a steamer (1) and a steamer tube (3) connected to a steam conduit (2). The steam conduit (2) is provided with an air feeder port (6) which can be closed off. The steamer tube (3) has a temperature sensor (11) for sensing the milk temperature. The device has furthermore a controller (13) devised to open/close the air feeder port (6) as a function of the operating mode and/or sensed milk temperature. When the milk is steamed the air feeder port (6) remains closed whilst when frothing the milk it normally firstly remains closed until opened at a predefined milk temperature so that air can be mixed in the flow of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cafina AG
    Inventor: Claudio Schödler
  • Publication number: 20110192287
    Abstract: A coffee machine comprises a frothing device, wherein an internal milk channel leading to a frothing chamber is provided into which opens a bypass air inlet for operable air supply to the frothing device. A flexible milk suction line connects the frothing device with a milk supply container. Means are provided for cleaning the frothing device and the milk suction line with rinsing water from a continuous-flow water heater of the coffee machine. A controlled valve arrangement is provided which feeds rinsing water from the continuous-flow water heater to the bypass air inlet of the frothing device. A milk suction end of the milk suction line is directly or indirectly, fluid-conductively connectable with a residual water pan of the coffee machine prior to feeding rinsing water to the bypass air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang RIESSBECK, Pascal Peyrot
  • Publication number: 20110183047
    Abstract: The invention relates to flavoured food foams. By putting into contact two components, a liquid one B) and a powder or gel one A) and adding aromatic and inert substances thereto, a stable product is generated that, sprayed by jets of steam appropriately oriented and deriving from a specially constructed generator, produces in a reactor (6) suitably shaped and interchangeable, enduring hot and flavoured foams with different flavours to be added to food for enhancing the quality, making them more pleasant to taste. The individual components are packaged in impermeable containers (100, 100?, 100?) with double compartments that allow for their mixing. The generator is built with a particular path for the steam to allow a proper outflow speed thereof. The reactor (6) is coupled to the generator via a quick connection for easy replacement and the rapid production of foams with different flavours to be applied to food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Luigi GOGLIO