Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatic replenishment of a retail enterprise store, and a computer-readable storage medium. In the method of the present disclosure, historical operational transaction data of at least one store of the same type as the retail enterprise store is used to obtain four indicators of each product of the at least one store, a plurality of target features having an impact on an indicator matrix composed of the four indicators are extracted to provide replenishment suggestions, and the indicator matrix composed of the four indicators is automatically adjusted to update a replenishment model. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a set of algorithm models can be optimized and customized according to the historical operational transaction data of the store and external environments such as weather changes, business circle customer flow, discount events, etc.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 13, 2022
Date of Patent:
April 1, 2025
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Phoebe Chiachen Lee, Gavin Lee, Francky Fan
Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 24, 2023
Date of Patent:
March 11, 2025
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
Abstract: This application generally relates to incorporating edible oil into beverage products. One example can involve adding an edible oil to a container of a beverage appliance. The beverage appliance can then be actuated. When actuated, the beverage appliance can incorporate the edible oil into a beverage or a topping associated with a beverage product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 30, 2023
Date of Patent:
February 25, 2025
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Howard D. Schultz, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Jeffrey J. Chapman, Amy E. Dilger, Leslie A. Wolford
Abstract: In some examples, a system can generate a graphical user interface indicating that a first hierarchical level is assigned to a store based on metric values computed for the store using a set of data related to the store. The first hierarchical level can be a level in a predefined performance hierarchy. In response to determining that a value for a metric is below a predefined threshold, the system can execute a mitigation operation configured to improve the metric value (e.g., relative to a baseline). Subsequent to executing the mitigation operation, the system can generate an updated graphical user interface indicating that a second hierarchical level is assigned to the store based on updated metric values computed for the store using an updated set of data. The second hierarchical level may be higher in the predefined performance hierarchy than the first hierarchical level.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 14, 2023
Date of Patent:
February 25, 2025
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Kathryn K. Young, Marc A. Chappron, Frank F. Britt
Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of ice dispensing and ice dispensing devices and systems. Example devices and systems described herein can include a container lid that includes a first cover portion that defines an opening disposed through a portion of the first cover portion, the first portion having an inner edge and an outer edge. Devices and systems can include a second cover portion that defines opening disposed through a portion of the second cover portion having an inner edge and outer edge opposite the inner edge, the opening extending from an inner edge of the second cover portion, wherein the second cover portion is movably coupled to the first cover portion to at least partially overlap with the first cover portion. Devices and systems can further include a door movably coupled to the second cover portion, wherein the door is movably disposable over the opening of the second cover portion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 11, 2022
Date of Patent:
February 4, 2025
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Joseph E. Gormley, Zander J. Hall-Spicuzza, Caleb R. Mattox
Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container assembly configured to receive beverage, such as a milk. The container assembly can be removably engaged with a base. The container assembly can be temporarily removed from the base to facilitate transport of the beverage residing therein. The container assembly can be configured to receive a flow of steam, air, or additional gasses and vapors when the container assembly is mounted on the base.
Abstract: In some examples, a system can generate a graphical user interface indicating that a first hierarchical level is assigned to a store based on metric values computed for the store using a set of data related to the store. The first hierarchical level can be a level in a predefined performance hierarchy. In response to determining that a value for a metric is below a predefined threshold, the system can execute a mitigation operation configured to improve the metric value (e.g., relative to a baseline). Subsequent to executing the mitigation operation, the system can generate an updated graphical user interface indicating that a second hierarchical level is assigned to the store based on updated metric values computed for the store using an updated set of data. The second hierarchical level may be higher in the predefined performance hierarchy than the first hierarchical level.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 14, 2023
Publication date:
January 16, 2025
Applicant:
STARBUCKS CORPORATION
Inventors:
Kathryn K. YOUNG, Marc A. Chappron, Frank F. Britt
Abstract: A dispenser may dispense a predetermined amount of fluid from a fluid container. The dispenser may include an actuator that applies a force to a nozzle of the fluid container to open the nozzle for a period of time based. The period of time may be based on the predetermined amount of fluid. The dispenser may include a weight sensor, wherein the weight sensor detects a weight of the fluid in a fluid container. The period of time may be based on the weight of the fluid in the fluid container.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2022
Date of Patent:
December 24, 2024
Assignee:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Jeffrey Lynn Jessie, Lucas Sano Abrahamsen, Paul Stack, Joanne Lombard, Brian Byrne, Peter Treston, John Kelly
Abstract: An overflow detection system for a grease trap or other receptacle is provided. The overflow detection system includes an overflow sensor. The overflow sensor can include a switch and a processor. The switch can include a float configured to float in a fluid in the receptacle, a surface that is separate from the float, and a resilient member coupled between the float and the surface. The switch can generate a signal in response to the float being within a predefined distance of (e.g., contacting) the surface. The processor can receive the signal from the switch and, in response, transmit a notification to a user device that is remote from the receptacle. The notification can indicate a high fluid level in the receptacle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 13, 2024
Publication date:
November 28, 2024
Applicant:
Starbucks Corporation
Inventors:
Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Ryan T. Bell, Lucas S. Abrahamsen
Abstract: A calibration tool for a coffee grinder can receive an image generated using a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. The image can depict coffee grinds produced by the coffee grinder. The calibration tool can analyze the image using one or more image processing techniques to determine a representative grind size for the coffee grinds. The calibration tool can determine whether the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from a predefined reference size by at least a threshold amount. In response to determining that the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from the predefined reference size by at least the threshold amount, the calibration tool can output a notification associated with the deviation. The notification can include an instruction indicating how to calibrate the coffee grinder to more closely adhere to the predefined reference size.