Patents by Inventor Izaak Koller
Izaak Koller 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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Publication number: 20200121118Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20200077833Abstract: Various automated and semi-automated beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container assembly configured to receive beverage, such as a milk. The container assembly can be configured to receive a flow of steam, air, or additional gasses and vapors to heat and/or aerate the beverage residing therein. The container assembly can include a temperature sensor configured to monitor the rate of heating, and automatically adjust the heating and aeration parameters accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2018Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Izaak Koller, Joshua Kruger, Timothy Hurd
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Patent number: 10531761Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20200000274Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Dab Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20190254469Abstract: A cooking management system is described that identifies a customer and orders a product for the customer based at least on current temporal data. The cooking management system identifies customers associated with previous product requests that occurred during a predetermined range of time based at least on a comparison of current temporal data with temporal data associated with the previous product requests. The cooking management system causes presentation of identifiers of the identified customers on a display. Responsive to determining that the identifier for a particular customer has been selected, the cooking management system automatically causes a cooking device to prepare a product for the particular customer based at least on customer data associated with the particular customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Randy Hulett, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
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Patent number: 10368694Abstract: An apparatus for containing a material, such as coffee beans, that may be used with a grinding apparatus. The apparatus may have a directing component to guide a controlled dose of material toward the grinding apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a container with a base portion that engages a grinding apparatus. The container, when engaged with the grinding apparatus, can direct coffee beans toward the grinding apparatus and has a door that releases a controlled dose of beans. The grinding apparatus may have a movable tongue to cause excess grounds caught on interior components of the grinding apparatus to exit the grinding apparatus. The apparatus, systems, and methods reduce labor associated with grinding the material and allow a user, such as a barista, to more efficiently prepare brewed beverages, such as single-cup portions of coffee.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
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Patent number: 10362896Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are shown. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20190223654Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 10314426Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay, Harold A. Brown, Jared Drinkwater, Levi Makaio Miller, Jeff Allison, Peter Bristol
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Patent number: 10258191Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Patent number: 10219651Abstract: A cooking management system is described that identifies a customer and orders a product for the customer based at least on current temporal data. The cooking management system identifies customers associated with previous product requests that occurred during a predetermined range of time based at least on a comparison of current temporal data with temporal data associated with the previous product requests. The cooking management system causes presentation of identifiers of the identified customers on a display. Responsive to determining that the identifier for a particular customer has been selected, the cooking management system automatically causes a cooking device to prepare a product for the particular customer based at least on customer data associated with the particular customer.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
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Publication number: 20180368610Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container assembly configured to receive beverage, such as a milk. The container assembly can be removably engaged with a base. The container assembly can be temporarily removed from the base to facilitate transport of the beverage residing therein. The container assembly can be configured to receive a flow of steam, air, or additional gasses and vapors when the container assembly is mounted on the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
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Publication number: 20180199750Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Patent number: 9930987Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
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Publication number: 20180072490Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge has a body portion, a first filter element, and a second filter element. The cartridge can include a single serving of coffee or another beverage component or precursor. The cartridge can be formed of a biodegradable and/or compostable material. In some embodiments, at least one of the filters is configured to stretch when pressed by a tamping head, thereby allowing the tamping head to be received in the cartridge to facilitate tamping of the beverage component or precursor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Izaak Koller, Amanda Juris, Kathleen L. Ireland, Jeffrey Jack Fleming, Farid Sadeghi, Philipe Roget Manoux, Adam Mekeel Mack, Kurt Philip Dammermann, Alan Scott Crarer
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Patent number: 9783361Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge has a body portion, a first filter element, and a second filter element. The cartridge can include a single serving of coffee or another beverage component or precursor. The cartridge can be formed of a biodegradable and/or compostable material. In some embodiments, at least one of the filters is configured to stretch when pressed by a tamping head, thereby allowing the tamping head to be received in the cartridge to facilitate tamping of the beverage component or precursor.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Starbucks CorporationInventors: Izaak Koller, Amanda Juris, Kathleen L. Ireland, Jeffrey Jack Fleming, Farid Sadeghi, Philipe Roget Manoux, Adam Mekeel Mack, Kurt Philip Dammermann, Alan Scott Crarer
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Publication number: 20170079469Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20170079464Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20170079468Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
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Publication number: 20160145038Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, beverage pods, and beverage preparation machines are described. In some embodiments, a beverage pod for the preparation of a single serving of a beverage includes a body portion containing whole coffee beans. The pod can include a movable grinding element positioned in the body portion. The movable grinding element can be configured to move relative to the body portion and to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds inside the beverage pod. The pod can include an inlet configured to receive an introduction of liquid. The liquid can mix with the coffee grounds to prepare the beverage inside the pod. The beverage can be dispensed through an outlet, such as directly to a cup.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer