Patents by Inventor Alain Meier

Alain Meier 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).

  • Patent number: 10624489
    Abstract: Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying injection fluid to the cartridge (10), a cartridge holder (6) configured to accept and support a cartridge; the said cartridge holder being detachable from the device and complementary insertion means (7) are configured to allow the cartridge holder to be inserted from its detached position into the supply unit (2). The injection means (5) are provided and form part of the supply unit. The injection means are able to move into engagement. Sealing means (16) are also provided in association with the injection means in ‘order to provide sealing locally between the said injection means and the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 10143628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use feeding bottle for dispensing an aqueous nutritional composition to a human from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base contained therein and being provided with a connecting member for connecting the bottle to external liquid dispenser adapted to supply liquid to the bottle, the bottle comprising at least one compartment forming a cavity for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base for the preparation of the nutritional composition upon hydration with the supplied liquid, a neck portion in fluid communication with the compartment, and liquid inlet designed to be supplied with liquid from the liquid dispenser, the bottle furthermore comprising a filter assembly in the flow path of the liquid from the inlet to the compartment, the filter assembly configured to remove contaminants from liquid fed into the compartment through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier, Anne Roulin, Remy Jacquet
  • Patent number: 10098494
    Abstract: Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying injection fluid to the cartridge (10), a cartridge holder (6) configured to accept and support a cartridge; the said cartridge holder being detachable from the device and complementary insertion means (7) are configured to allow the cartridge holder to be inserted from its detached position into the supply unit (2). The injection means (5) are provided and form part of the supply unit. The injection means are able to move into engagement with the cartridge and relative to the injection unit. Sealing means (16) are also provided in association with the injection means in order to provide sealing locally between the said injection means and the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 9695027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit, comprising: —at least one capsule (10) for insertion in a beverage production machine and containing nutritional ingredients, preferably infant formula ingredients, the capsule having a cup-like base body (10b) comprising an opening (11) being closed off by an outlet face (10c), and —at least one capsule opening device (1) provided separately to the capsule (10), the capsule (10) and the opening device (1) being provided with means for mechanically associating the opening device (1) to the capsule (10) by the consumer, preferably without using tools, the capsule opening device (1) comprising an integrally formed opening member (2) arranged to be operated by a user and designed for opening said outlet face (10c) of the capsule (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ines Magniet, Sophie Abraham, Stephane Hentzel, Heinz Wyss, Nicole Langenegger, Catia Filipa Monteiro Pimenta de Sousa, Marie Georgina Feuvrier-Roy, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 9474407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cap (1) for filtering liquid and dispensing an aqueous nutritional composition to a human, the filter cap (1) comprising a liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from external liquid dispensing means (20), an adaptor (2) for connecting the filter cap (1) to the liquid dispensing means (20), connection means (2) designed for selectively connecting an opening (10) of the filter cap (1) to a container (3) designed to hold a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, and a filter assembly (7) in the flow path of the liquid from the inlet means (6) to the opening (10), the filter assembly (7) being configured to remove contaminants from liquid fed into the container through the inlet means (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 9357870
    Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid into the capsule. The capsule includes at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The capsule also has a selectively openable gas inlet which is placed on or in the capsule to allow gas introduction from outside the capsule into the compartment without passing through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 9301902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (1) for preparing of a nutritional composition from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base, the container (1) comprising: —liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from liquid dispensing means (20), —an adaptor (4) being provided with engagement means (2) for connecting the container (1) to matching engagement means (20a) of the liquid dispensing means (20), and —a flexible wall portion (31), connected to the liquid inlet means (6) and at least partially defining a compartment (3) for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, wherein the flexible wall portion (31) is expandable in a manner that the volume of the compartment increases from a retracted position to an expanded position allowing a sufficient volume of liquid to be supplied into the compartment (3) through said liquid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 9066622
    Abstract: A system and device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge. The device includes a supply unit for supplying an injection fluid into the cartridge, a cartridge holder configured to accept and support the cartridge with the cartridge holder being detachable from the device. A complementary insertion mechanism of the device is configured to receive the cartridge holder in the device. The cartridge is positioned in the supply unit in an injection position with its injection surface substantially in an inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane and the injection mechanism is offset from the highest edge of the cartridge. The cartridge holder preferably comprises a linear wedge-shaped insertion member having a bearing surface inclined along an angle. The method of operation of the system and device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 8962049
    Abstract: Capsule and filter unit for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule. The capsule is constructed to have at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The filter is formed as a relatively rigid filter unit that includes a filter membrane and an outlet wall for supporting the filter membrane. The outlet wall has at least one liquid outlet communicating with the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20140284298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use feeding bottle (1) for dispensing an aqueous nutritional composition (5a) to a human from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) contained therein and being provided with means (2) for connecting the bottle (1) to external liquid dispensing means (20) adapted to supply liquid to the bottle (1), the bottle (1) comprising at least one compartment (3) forming a cavity for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, a neck portion (4) in fluid communication with the compartment (3), and liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from the liquid dispensing means (20), the bottle (1) furthermore comprising a filter assembly (7) in the flow path of the liquid from the inlet means (6) to the compartment (3), the filter assembly being configured to remove contaminants from liquid fed into the com
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier, Anne Roulin, Remy Jacquet
  • Publication number: 20140246122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (1) for preparing of a nutritional composition from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base, the container (1) comprising: —liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from liquid dispensing means (20), —an adaptor (4) being provided with engagement means (2) for connecting the container (1) to matching engagement means (20a) of the liquid dispensing means (20), and —a flexible wall portion (31), connected to the liquid inlet means (6) and at least partially defining a compartment (3) for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, wherein the flexible wall portion (31) is expandable in a manner that the volume of the compartment increases from a retracted position to an expanded position allowing a sufficient volume of liquid to be supplied into the compartment (3) through said liquid
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20140109772
    Abstract: Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying injection fluid to the cartridge (10), a cartridge holder (6) configured to accept and support a cartridge; the said cartridge holder being detachable from the device and complementary insertion means (7) are configured to allow the cartridge holder to be inserted from its detached position into the supply unit (2). The injection means (5) are provided and form part of the supply unit. The injection means are able to move into engagement with the cartridge and relative to the injection unit. Sealing means (16) are also provided in association with the injection means in order to provide sealing locally between the said injection means and the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 8703219
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule, said capsule comprising: at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, a filter (18) adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid, wherein the filter (18, 20) has a filtering surface (F) smaller than the cross section (C) of the compartment and at least a part of its filtering surface (F) is preferably offset relative to the cross section (C) of the compartment when viewed in the axial projection of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 8671828
    Abstract: A system and device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge. The device includes a supply unit for supplying an injection fluid into the cartridge, a cartridge holder configured to accept and support the cartridge with the cartridge holder being detachable from the device. A complementary insertion mechanism of the device is configured to receive the cartridge holder in the device. The cartridge is positioned in the supply unit in an injection position with its injection surface substantially in an inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane and the injection mechanism is offset from the highest edge of the cartridge. The cartridge holder preferably comprises a linear wedge-shaped insertion member having a bearing surface inclined along an angle. The method of operation of the system and device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, Hans Peter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 8652829
    Abstract: An automated and robotized platform includes a battery of miniature reactors to contain cell cultures. The platform includes an external sensor to measure an optical property of each cell culture contained in each miniature reactor. The platform also includes a mobile sensor-holder to receive the external sensor. The sensor-holder includes a sensor driving element to move the external sensor from one miniature reactor to another and to measure in real time the at least one optical property. The platform further includes a controlling and processing element to receive real time measurements of the optical property from the external sensor and to provide real time control of a movement of the mobile sensor-holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Institut Pasteur
    Inventors: Jacques Bellalou, Emmanuel Frachon, Alain Meier, Robert A. Longin
  • Publication number: 20140023764
    Abstract: A system and device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge. The device includes a supply unit for supplying an injection fluid into the cartridge, a cartridge holder configured to accept and support the cartridge with the cartridge holder being detachable from the device. A complementary insertion mechanism of the device is configured to receive the cartridge holder in the device. The cartridge is positioned in the supply unit in an injection position with its injection surface substantially in an inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane and the injection mechanism is offset from the highest edge of the cartridge. The cartridge holder preferably comprises a linear wedge-shaped insertion member having a bearing surface inclined along an angle. The method of operation of the system and device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc DENISART, Alain MEIER, Enzo BONACCI, HansPeter PLEISCH, Christian TALON
  • Publication number: 20130186046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit, comprising:—at least one capsule (10) for insertion in a beverage production machine and containing nutritional ingredients, preferably infant formula ingredients, the capsule having a cup-like base body (10b) comprising an opening (11) being closed off by an outlet face (10c), and—at least one capsule opening device (1) provided separately to the capsule (10), the capsule (10) and the opening device (1) being provided with means for mechanically associating the opening device (1) to the capsule (10) by the consumer, preferably without using tools, the capsule opening device (1) comprising an integrally formed opening member (2) arranged to be operated by a user and designed for opening said outlet face (10c) of the capsule (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Ines Magniet, Sophie Abraham, Stephane Hentzel, Heinz Wyss, Nicole Langenegger, Catia Filipa Monteiro Pimenta de Sousa, Marie Georgina Feuvrier-Roy, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20120052163
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule, said capsule comprising: at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, a filter (18) adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid, wherein the filter (18, 20) has a filtering surface (F) smaller than the cross section (C) of the compartment and at least a part of its filtering surface (F) is preferably offset relative to the cross section (C) of the compartment when viewed in the axial projection of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20120052159
    Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid into the capsule. The capsule includes at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The capsule also has a selectively openable gas inlet which is placed on or in the capsule to allow gas introduction from outside the capsule into the compartment without passing through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20120052164
    Abstract: Capsule and filter unit for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule. The capsule is constructed to have at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The filter is formed as a relatively rigid filter unit that includes a filter membrane and an outlet wall for supporting the filter membrane. The outlet wall has at least one liquid outlet communicating with the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain ` Meier