Patents Examined by Anthony Weier
  • Patent number: 9125519
    Abstract: A coffee maker (10) has at least one removable portafilter (11) that can be inserted into a holder (12) on the coffee machine to carry out brewing. The coffee maker has a hot water maker (28) for producing and dispensing hot water under pressure and at least one coffee mill (19). A filter element (33) is provided for repeated pressure-tight closing and opening of the portafilter (11) inserted into the holder (12) and a chute (23) is provided for introducing coffee powder (16) from the coffee mill (19) into the open portafilter (11) that has been inserted into the holder (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
    Inventors: Frank Goeltenboth, Gert Riethmueller
  • Patent number: 9119504
    Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 9119406
    Abstract: Provided is a texture-improving agent for a starch processed food, which exhibits an effect of improving texture by being added to a starch processed food. By using a physical property-improving agent containing, as an active ingredient, a separated soybean protein composition obtained by drying in the form of an acid precipitate, a starch processed food having improved physical properties can be obtained. More specifically, the agent has an effect of improving physical properties and texture, for example, enhancing physical strength such as chewiness and elasticity, improving crispness and stickiness, and so on, and also has an effect of maintaining the improved properties and texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI OIL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jiro Kanamori
  • Patent number: 9113640
    Abstract: Coatings for shell eggs improve the strength and shatter resistance of processed eggs. The coatings include food grade natural resins such as shellac, mixtures of paraffin and beeswax, and food grade polymer emulsions such as polyvinyl acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Ahmed E. Yousef, Tarik A. Yousef, David Kasler
  • Patent number: 9107448
    Abstract: The present invention recognizes the need for an apparatus and method for creating carbonated beverages having a customizable carbonation level. The invention uses a CPU to control an inlet valve which connects a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to a vessel containing the beverage to be carbonized. The tube connecting the tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to the vessel contains an orifice for reducing the carbon dioxide's flow rate, thereby increasing control over the amount of carbon dioxide introduced to the vessel. A motor agitates the vessel, causing the carbon dioxide to become absorbed in the beverage. Then, an outlet valve causes excess pressure to drain from the vessel. An outlet orifice causes the pressure to release gradually, thus preventing the beverage from foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Giardino, David K. Njaastad
  • Patent number: 9107435
    Abstract: A reconstituted cereal grain in which the grain has at least about 10 wt % of resistant starch dietary fibre, at least about 25 wt % of cereal starch in addition to the resistance dietary fibre and at least about 0.5 wt % emulsifier based on the dry weight of the grain. The grain has a product density of greater than about 1 kg/l. The grains have a natural appearance and cooking properties similar to parboiled milled cereal grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Kormelink, Kristien Pauwels, Raymond Van Bussell, Luc L. I. Jacops
  • Patent number: 9107449
    Abstract: The present invention recognizes the need for an apparatus and method for creating carbonated beverages having a customizable carbonation level. The invention uses a CPU to control an inlet valve which connects a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to a vessel containing the beverage to be carbonized. The tube connecting the tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to the vessel contains an orifice for reducing the carbon dioxide's flow rate, thereby increasing control over the amount of carbon dioxide introduced to the vessel. A motor agitates the vessel, causing the carbon dioxide to become absorbed in the beverage. During the pressurization process, the pressure inside the vessel is monitored by the CPU to determine whether more CO2 should be added to the vessel. An outlet valve causes excess pressure to drain from the vessel. An outlet orifice causes the pressure to release gradually, thus preventing the beverage from foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Njaastad, Vincenzo DiFatta, Jeffrey DeBuhr
  • Patent number: 9101149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a creamer composition, e.g. for use for addition into a coffee beverage, with improved oxidative and physical stability. The creamer includes oil with a high amount of oleic acids and a limited amount of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. The invention further relates to a method of producing the creamer, a beverage composition including the creamer and a method of producing a beverage composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Guillermo E. Napolitano, Linda J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9095162
    Abstract: The defatting method pertains to a simple and practical removal of fat, oil or grease from a broth surface during cooking or right before eating, in order to consume broth without the floating oil, fat or grease for a better health. The embodiment of my method is to adopt a blower (28) generating air stream (22) and aiming at a specific area on the surface of broth (24) in a container (20), blowing out a certain area free or minimal of floating fat, oil or grease (26) on the broth surface. Then scoop out from this defatted area to extract broth (32) free or minimal of fat, oil or grease (26). Another embodiment of the defatting method is to tilt container (20) and level the liquid surface to the tip of the laid down side of container (20), divert forward air stream direction from the rear of container (20), continuously divert forward air stream direction to drive fat, oil or grease (26) until they completely overflow out of container (20), thereby leaving behind the fat free broth (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Qun Xia
  • Patent number: 9089239
    Abstract: An infuser having a non-porous region to selectively stop infusion. The infuser may be used in a vessel, such as a portable beverage mug suitable for preparing and drinking tea and other beverages. Methods for infusing contents (such as coffee or tea) into a beverage with the ability to stop the infusion process on command, and without having to remove the contents from the container or vessel holding the infuser. Once the beverage has reached a desired flavor, the flavoring ingredients can be pushed into the non-porous section of the infuser by pushing a press head to move the infusing contents into the non-porous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Planetary Design
    Inventor: Scott Thadd Billadeau
  • Patent number: 9089232
    Abstract: Embodiments for a device and methods to contain a tea bag or tea leaves in the course of the preparation of a cup of tea are disclosed. The device holds in place the tea bag or tea leaves while immersed in hot water, provides for pressure onto the tea bag or tea leaves and provides for a plate or bowl to contain any dripping due to the removal of the bag or tea leaves from the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Scott Edward Parazynski
  • Patent number: 9072404
    Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end. A steam chamber is disposed below the brew chamber. The steam chamber has a steam chamber upper end, a steam chamber lower end in fluid communication with the brew chamber, and a fluid inlet. A filtering base is removably inserted into the brew chamber. A boiler has a first steam outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. A fresh water supply conduit is in fluid communication with boiler and with the fluid inlet. A method of brewing a beverage is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Shoshana Loeb
  • Patent number: 9066619
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decocting ingredients in a solvent wherein said apparatus includes a first container for containing the solvent, a pipe connecting an output of the first container to an input of the first container, and a pump placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the output to the input. The apparatus also includes a second container for containing the ingredients, where the second container is placed in series with the pipe such that the solvent circulating in the pipe can circulate in between the ingredients. A wave generator is placed next to the second container for generating a field of waves towards the ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Tao Wen, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 9061825
    Abstract: A capsule for storing a fixed amount of syrup. The capsule includes a housing to store the fixed amount of syrup and is shaped to sit on the rim of a bottle of carbonated water. The capsule also includes a release mechanism to release the syrup in a controlled manner into the bottle. The capsule is shaped so that excess gas is released into the atmosphere between at least one of the outside walls of the capsule and the inner wall of the opening of the bottle of carbonated water. The invention includes a method for releasing syrup from a capsule into a bottle of carbonated water. The method includes the capsule being placed on a rim of the bottle and the capsule receiving a downward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SodaStream Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaron Kopel, Allan Ring, Avi Cohen, Hagai Harduff, Doron Krom, Amit Avigdor, Eyal Fendell
  • Patent number: 9040108
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device includes at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Guangwei Wang, Declan Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 9028899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a food preservation system that includes an absorbent food pad that has absorbent material to absorb exuded liquids from a food product, and has an oxygen scavenging system to modify the atmosphere in the food package. Also described is a method of using the absorbent food pad to enhance appearance of the food product and extend shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Paper-Pak Industries
    Inventors: Marc D. Etchells, Sayandro Versteylen
  • Patent number: 9028900
    Abstract: A device (1) for extracting an ingredient in a cartridge (9) by supplying an extraction liquid such as heated water into such cartridge, includes upstream and downstream cartridge enclosing parts (7,8) relatively movable between an open position for inserting and/or removing such cartridge and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (11) enclosing such cartridge during extraction; and a cartridge handling arrangement including a cartridge holder (10), in particular a holder fixed to or integral with the upstream part or the downstream part, for receiving and holding such cartridge against gravity when inserted and descending under gravity between the enclosing parts in the open position prior to forming the extraction chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: David Larzul, Julien Chalencon, François Besson, Blaise Rithener
  • Patent number: 9017754
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to enable production of high quality eggs in poultry and to provide a method for improving productivity thereof. The invention provides a method for producing a hen egg having improved quality and productivity, the method characterized in having a step for feeding a hen on supplemented feed obtained by adding to poultry feed an immunostimulating substance produced by cytolysis that accompanies sporulation of MRE symbiotic bacteria and/or on supplemented drinking water obtained by adding the immunostimulating substance to drinking water, wherein the immunostimulating substance is obtained by culturing the MRE symbiotic bacteria, leaving the resulting culture fluid in a depleted state to thereby cause the symbiotic bacteria to convert to endospores, and removing impurities including the endosporic symbiotic bacteria from the culture fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Meisho, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Mitarai
  • Patent number: 9011952
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for separation of seeds from fruit pulp/skin/twigs, in general, coming out from juice producing industry as a waste and in particular from apple pomace. The method involves addition of apple pomace and water in a particular ratio to a vessel (1), mixing with an agitator (6, 8) at optimum rpm for sufficient period, allowed to stand followed by secondary agitation. Based on difference in bulk density, seeds were separated from pomace. The seedless pomace withdrawn from horizontal (13) or inclined (14) outlets and seeds collected in seed collection chamber were removed through bottom valve (11). The seed trap (15) provided at inclined outlet (14) helps in their retention in the vessel (1). The seedless pomace is recovered by filtration from water. This spent water can be recycled for few times and then purged. Easy to handle separation device is energy efficient, compactly designed and can be used to separate the seeds efficiently up to 97%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Shashi Bhushan, Sakshi Gupta, Garikapati Divya Kiran Babu, Mohit Sharma, Paramvir Singh Ahuja
  • Patent number: 9011959
    Abstract: A novel canola protein isolate made predominantly of 2S canola protein and having equal to better solubility properties and improved clarity properties, has an increased proportion of 2S canola protein and a decreased proportion of 7S canola protein. The novel canola protein isolate is formed by heat treatment or isoelectric precipitation of aqueous supernatant from canola protein micelle formation and precipitation, to effect precipitation of 7S protein which is sedimented and removed. Alternatively, the novel canola protein isolate may be derived from a selective membrane procedure in which an aqueous canola protein solution containing 12S, 7S and 2S canola proteins is subjected to a first selective membrane technique to retain 12S and 7S canola proteins in a retentate, which is dried to provide a canola protein isolate consisting predominantly of 7S canola protein, and to permit 2S canola protein to pass through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Burcon Nutrascience (MB) Corp.
    Inventors: Martin Schweizer, Brent E. Green, Kevin I. Segall, Randy Willardsen