Patents Assigned to Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.
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Patent number: 8661966Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: Wayne R. Stearns, Ray A. Ross, David E. Isett
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Patent number: 8623441Abstract: A brewing system and method are shown for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, Quan H. Nguyen, Christopher D. Collier, Eileen M. Nall, Lucas A. Marks, Carrie M. Rebhuhn
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Patent number: 8616116Abstract: A multi-brewer apparatus includes a plurality of brew groups that are configured to be selectively operated either in a ganged mode, wherein plurality of brew groups cooperate to rapidly produce a larger quantity of brewed beverage at a single dispensing location, or in a independent mode wherein the plurality of brew groups operate independently and dispense brewed beverage spaced apart dispensing locations. The apparatus includes a programmable controller apparatus that controls the delivery of the hot water and brewable material, and the operation of the brew groups. In an embodiment, an inline sensor array monitors a quality of the brewed beverage and reports to the programmable controller to maintain a consistent quality brewed product.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventor: James M. McLaughlin
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Patent number: 8247010Abstract: A brewing system (100) includes a brew group (130) having a cylindrical brewing chamber (132), a first actuator (146) attached to an upper piston assembly (140) that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator (156) attached to a lower piston assembly (150) that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube (151) that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube (141) that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (100), hopper (112), water heater (11) and grinder assembly (120). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: Quan Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Dalton Collier, James Michael McLaughlin
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Publication number: 20110212229Abstract: A brewing system and method are disclosed for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, Quan H. Nguyen, Christopher D. Collier, Eileen M. Nall, Lucas A. Marks, Carrie M. Rebhuhn
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Publication number: 20110212236Abstract: A brewing system (100) includes a brew group (130) having a cylindrical brewing chamber (132), a first actuator (146) attached to an upper piston assembly (140) that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator (156) attached to a lower piston assembly (150) that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube (151) that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube (141) that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (100), hopper (112), water heater (11) and grinder assembly (120). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Quan Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Dalton Collier, James Michael McLaughlin
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Publication number: 20110212231Abstract: A multi-brewer apparatus comprises a plurality of brew groups that are configured to be selectively operated either in a ganged mode, wherein plurality of brew groups cooperate to rapidly produce a larger quantity of brewed beverage at a single dispensing location, or in a independent mode wherein the plurality of brew groups operate independently and dispense brewed beverage spaced apart dispensing locations. The apparatus includes a programmable controller apparatus that controls the delivery of the hot water and brewable material, and the operation of the brew groups. In an embodiment, an inline sensor array monitors a quality of the brewed beverage and reports to the programmable controller to maintain a consistent quality brewed product.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.Inventor: James M. McLaughlin
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Publication number: 20090158937Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Wayne R. Stearns, Ray A. Ross, David E. Isett
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Patent number: 7507430Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is shown. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a Venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: Wayne R Stearns, Ray A Ross, David E Isett
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Publication number: 20060286262Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a Venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2005Publication date: December 21, 2006Applicant: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Stearns, Ray Ross, David Isett
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Patent number: D556493Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: David E Isett, Wayne R Stearns