Patents by Inventor Alain Beaulieu

Alain Beaulieu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Continuous heating of liquid to constant temperature
    Patent number: 6661968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous heating of a liquid, such as water, to a constant temperature, particularly for domestic applications and more specifically for preparing coffee. The device includes a reservoir of water at ambient temperature, a pump, a heating unit whose electrical power supply is controlled by a switch, and a user outlet for delivering liquid at the desired temperature. The device also includes a component for regulating the flow rate of cold water delivered by the pump to the heating unit controlled by the temperature of the liquid leaving the heating unit and a component for recirculating water leaving the heating unit to the reservoir or to the inlet side of the pump for as long as this water has not reached a the constant operating temperature. The recirculation unit is controlled by the temperature of the water leaving the heating unit. The control is achieved by the use of a rated valve on the heated liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Beaulieu
  • Continuous heating of liquid to constant temperature
    Publication number: 20020141742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous heating of a liquid, such as water, to a constant temperature, particularly for domestic applications and more specifically for preparing coffee. The device includes a reservoir of water at ambient temperature, a pump, a heating unit whose electrical power supply is controlled by a switch, and a user outlet for delivering liquid at the desired temperature. The device also includes a component for regulating the flow rate of cold water delivered by the pump to the heating unit controlled by the temperature of the liquid leaving the heating unit and a component for recirculating water leaving the heating unit to the reservoir or to the inlet side of the pump for as long as this water has not reached a the constant operating temperature. The recirculation unit is controlled by the temperature of the water leaving the heating unit. The control is achieved by the use of a rated valve on the heated liquid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Alain Beaulieu