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).
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Patent number: 10624489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
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Patent number: 10143628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier, Anne Roulin, Remy Jacquet
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Patent number: 10098494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
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Patent number: 9695027Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9474407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
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Patent number: 9357870Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9301902Abstract: 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 liquidType: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
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Patent number: 9066622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
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Patent number: 8962049Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20140284298Abstract: 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 comType: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier, Anne Roulin, Remy Jacquet
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Publication number: 20140246122Abstract: 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 liquidType: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Yann Epars, Alain Meier
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Publication number: 20140109772Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
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Patent number: 8703219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8671828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, Hans Peter Pleisch, Christian Talon
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Patent number: 8652829Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Institut PasteurInventors: Jacques Bellalou, Emmanuel Frachon, Alain Meier, Robert A. Longin
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Publication number: 20140023764Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc DENISART, Alain MEIER, Enzo BONACCI, HansPeter PLEISCH, Christian TALON
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Publication number: 20130186046Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20120052163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20120052159Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
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Publication number: 20120052164Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: 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