Patents Examined by Anthony Weier
  • Patent number: 9844290
    Abstract: A method for making and dispensing coffee-based beverages in machines includes increasing the water temperature inside a boiler and assembly to achieve preheating with to adjust the delivered thermal power. The method includes three dispensing steps. Preheated water at a selected temperature achieves a pre-infusion in a preset time or water volume without pressure in the hydraulic pump, wherein the coffee powder is only wet. Next, the coffee powder is infused by means of the use of a logic unit that manages the volume of dispensed water by a volumetric meter and at a preset, constant pressure as a function of the ground coffee and dispensed product weight. An amount by volume of water is dispensed and calculated to achieve a selected and preset brew ratio. Finally, post-infusion is achieved in which the hydraulic pump is deactivated for a time needed to reach by weight the programmed dose of dispensed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SANREMO COFFEE MACHINES SRL
    Inventor: Francesco Daniele Llopis
  • Patent number: 9839229
    Abstract: A method of thawing an object (21) in a frozen state placed in an interior of a container (10), in which an AC voltage which is 10V or higher and 5 kV or lower is applied to the object (21) in the frozen state to flow a current which is 1 ?A or higher and 1000 mA or lower, through the object (21) in the frozen state, includes the steps of: partially thawing the object (21) in the frozen state in such a manner that a temperature in the interior of the container (10) is controlled to cause the object (21) in the frozen state to be partially thawed while applying the AC voltage to the object (21) in the frozen state; and stopping application of the AC voltage to the object (21) and preserving the object (21) while maintaining a state in which the object (21) partially thawed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Santetsu Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Godai
  • Patent number: 9833106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for a drinks extraction machine using capsules introduced into a capsule cage, said system having slides allowing a capsule to be guided into the machine, held and then released in order to move into an extraction position, said cage being moved between a retracted position allowing the insertion of a capsule into the machine, and a position for the extraction of the drink wherein the capsule is held in the cage against an extraction plate, said slides being moved by actuating means in a coordinated manner with the cage, but with a delay, in such a way as to release the capsule introduced into the machine for the insertion thereof into the cage when said cage moves back into the extraction position thereof, and only to go back to the initial position once the used capsule has been extracted from the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY SA
    Inventors: Guillaume Heisel, Jean-Paul Gaillard, Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9816062
    Abstract: A method and lauter tun for lautering wort includes a fluid gaseous medium introduced as a false bottom seal below a false bottom-of the lauter tun prior to lautering of the wort through the false bottom. The mash is transferred into the lauter tun above the false bottom after introduction of the false bottom seal. Wort running off in the lauter tun through the false bottom displaces the false bottom seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GEA BREWERY SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Patrick Bahns, Matthias Gerner
  • Patent number: 9809619
    Abstract: Methods for pulse combustion spray drying of heat-sensitive protein compositions using high temperature pulsating jets to atomize and dry the feed simultaneously are described herein. Methods and compositions described herein provide dried protein-containing compositions with low protein denaturation and other useful functional properties at high operational efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: PULSE HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Rehkopf, David A. Mirko
  • Patent number: 9801405
    Abstract: A method to prepare and dispense a N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused chilled beverage is provided. The gas infused beverage is obtained by mixing a beverage concentrate with N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused water under positive pressure and dispensing the prepared beverage through a slow pour faucet. The beverage may be any non-carbonated liquid and in one embodiment the beverage is coffee. The dispensed N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused chilled coffee has a unique appearance and enhanced flavor and aroma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AC DISTRIBUTING, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Kleinrichert
  • Patent number: 9788684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparing an aromatized beverage capable of extracting aromas from a powder pod containing them, said device having: a first part (1-1), and a second part (1-2) of a same longitudinal axis (XX?), and first means for coaxial horizontal relative translation and/or rotation displacement (XX?) of said first male part and second female part, and a third part (4) delimiting an initial insertion compartment (6) and a discharge compartment (7) between said first and second parts in an open position with maximum separation, said third part having an orifice (4b), able to be crossed by at least one of both first and second parts, said third part being able to pivot in a synchronized way with a said relative translation and/or rotation of both first and second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TECHNOPOOL SARL
    Inventor: Christian Ferrier
  • Patent number: 9788567
    Abstract: To provide a production technique for an edible egg that contains a sufficient amount of ergothioneine by using the biological accumulation of the ergothioneine in eggs, and that has antioxidative activity. This ergothioneine-containing egg is obtained from a hen raised by being fed a hen feed for a prescribed time period, the hen feed being manufactured by manufacturing the ergothioneine-containing extract solution from a waste medium used in the production of edible mushrooms and mixing a prescribed amount of the extract solution into a feed for the hen used generally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: ORIGIN BIOTECHNOLOGY KABUSHIKIKAISHA, KABUSHIKIKAISHA HOKKEN
    Inventors: Kazunari Abe, Toshiaki Ohshima, Rikuo Fukui
  • Patent number: 9781948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9770694
    Abstract: There is provided a mixing device (2) for a beverage and CO2 gas for producing carbonated beverage. The mixing device (2) having a mixing channel (4) extending in a main direction (10). The mixing channel (4) includes: wide channel sections (16) and narrow channel sections (18) along the main direction (10). The mixing channel (4) has an elongated cross section seen in a direction perpendicular to the main direction (10). At least a first delimiting surface (22) of the mixing channel (4) is provided with protrusions (20) extending at least partially along the first delimiting surface (22) in a direction across the mixing channel (4) and protruding towards a second delimiting surface (24) of the mixing channel (4) to form the narrow channel sections (18). A turbulent flow of beverage is created by the narrow and wide channel sections. Further a carbonator for producing carbonated beverage, an appliance having a carbonator, and a method of producing a carbonated beverage are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Andreas Psilander
  • Patent number: 9770043
    Abstract: A hot water dispenser adapter device includes a housing unit having an open proximal top and a distal closed bottom defining a brewing chamber for holding an impermeable pierceable cartridge, the cartridge having a top and a bottom and containing a beverage extract, the distal closed bottom having at least one outlet pipe for externally connecting the bottom of the impermeable pierceable cartridge for outflow of liquid; a lid covering the open proximal top of the housing, unit and the brewing chamber, the lid including an external centrally threaded adapter and an internal inlet pipe with a passage-way therethrough, for externally connecting the top of the impermeable pierceable cartridge for inflow of liquid; and a hinge mechanism for connecting the housing unit with the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Allan Erhart
  • Patent number: 9763461
    Abstract: A process for infusing a consumable substance is described. The process includes the steps of placing a desired amount of an infusion material into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, placing a desired amount of consumable substance into said chamber, sealing said chamber from the surrounding atmosphere, and applying at least one reduced pressure cycle within said chamber. Methods for separating the infusion material from the consumable substance after completion of the infusion process are also described. In addition, devices for infusing liquids or consumable substances, and/or brewing beverages are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: BKON LLC
    Inventors: Dean J. Vastardis, Lou Vastardis
  • Patent number: 9763538
    Abstract: The present application relates to improvements in machines for the preparation of beverage and food products, and in particular to such a machine which utilizes a compressed tablet of food or beverage product, which is inserted into the brew chamber of the machine, into which a liquid is directed to break up or dissolve the tablet. The machine for preparing a beverage or food product from a compressed disc of at least one ingredient includes a sealable brew chamber, and said brew chamber includes means for mounting the disc so that it is able to spin freely around a central axis. The brew chamber further includes an at least one nozzle having an outlet in the brew chamber located to direct a jet of liquid at a peripheral edge of the disc mounted in the brew chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Andrew Bentley
  • Patent number: 9763471
    Abstract: Juice extraction using multiple pairs of juice extractors and comminutors which reduce the food pieces into successively smaller pieces with juice extraction occurring after each comminuting step. Coarse food pieces are pressed with extracted juice directed to a juice holding tank. The pressed coarse chop food pieces fall into the hopper of a second comminutor which performs a medium chop on the now pressed but still coarse chopped food pieces. The medium chopped food pieces are then fed from the second comminutor into the juice extraction chamber of a second juice extractor whereupon the medium chopped food pieces are pressed with extracted juice directed to a juice holding tank. Any number of comminutor and juice extraction pairs may be used in serial fashion to optimize the percentage of juice extracted in a minimum amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Goodnature Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Wettlaufer, Eric Wettlaufer
  • Patent number: 9756975
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Arsum Elektrikli Ev Aletleri San Ve Tic. A.S.
    Inventor: Ersoy Atilla
  • Patent number: 9750274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9750369
    Abstract: One embodiment of a device used for Coffee Cupping in which coffee grounds, tea or other sediment to be extracted are mixed with a liquid in a vessel with a narrow section 24 between an upper chamber 20 and a lower chamber 26. After the sediment has settled in the lower chamber, a stopper 28 (attached to a rod 30, and a handle 32) is inserted into the narrow section 24 thereby sealing off the lower chamber 26 and allowing the now sediment-free liquid in the upper chamber 20 to be poured out using the pouring spout 22, into another vessel for tasting. Alternative embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Joshua Tyler Taves
  • Patent number: 9750276
    Abstract: A method for processing wet olive pomace involves providing wet olive pomace, adding a calcium compound and/or a calcium solution to the wet olive pomace, and filtering the wet olive pomace in a first separating device to obtain a solid phase and a liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Hruschka, Tomas Ignacio Eguiguren Correa, Jose Alberto Corbella
  • Patent number: 9737165
    Abstract: A device for preparing tea using a tea bag which dunks the bag for a selected amount of time, then removes the bag from the tea to end the infusion process. The device allows for a more convenient way to brew healthier and more precisely made tea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: David Joseph Talarico
  • Patent number: 9723865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil removal from food surfaces is shown. An air flow chamber directs air flow around a food product surface and contains the removed oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Hunzeker