Patents by Inventor Bruce Constantine

Bruce Constantine 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: 10398255
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher R. McLean
  • Publication number: 20170181569
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher R. McLean
  • Patent number: 9629496
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ESPRO, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher R. McLean
  • Publication number: 20140016429
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher R. McLean
  • Patent number: 7992486
    Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Publication number: 20070187421
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Publication number: 20050132890
    Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is disclosed. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Applicant: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Patent number: D761624
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ESPRO, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce Constantine