Patents by Inventor Devin Walker

Devin Walker 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).

  • Publication number: 20190298101
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10390654
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10362892
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10321783
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10314425
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10144878
    Abstract: In some embodiments, method for producing liquid fuel from landfill gas, the method including providing landfill gas to a tri-reformer, performing a tri-reforming process on the landfill gas within the tri-reformer to convert the landfill gas into synthesis gas, wherein the tri-reforming process combines carbon dioxide reforming, steam reforming, water-gas shifting, and methane oxidation and wherein the synthesis gas has a H2:CO ratio of approximately 2:1, providing the synthesis gas to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reformer, and converting the synthesis gas into liquid fuel within the FTS reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: John N. Kuhn, Babu Joseph, Devin Walker, Syed Ali Gardezi, Timothy Roberge
  • Publication number: 20180228315
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 10005963
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for producing liquid fuel from landfill gas includes a tri-reformer that receives landfill gas and produces synthesis gas having a H2:CO ratio of approximately 2:1, and a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reformer that receives the synthesis gas from the tri-reformer and produces liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: John N. Kuhn, Babu Joseph, Devin Walker, Syed Ali Gardezi, Timothy Roberge
  • Patent number: 9918583
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 9907426
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Publication number: 20170332826
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Publication number: 20170332832
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Publication number: 20170332825
    Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Publication number: 20170283344
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for producing liquid fuel from landfill gas includes a tri-reformer that receives landfill gas and produces synthesis gas having a H2:CO ratio of approximately 2:1, and a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reformer that receives the synthesis gas from the tri-reformer and produces liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: University of South Florida (A Florida Non-Profit Corporation)
    Inventors: John N. Kuhn, Babu Joseph, Devin Walker, Syed Ali Gardezi, Timothy Roberge
  • Publication number: 20170000284
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Patent number: 9433318
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
  • Publication number: 20160235240
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker