Patents by Inventor John R. Bernardi

John R. Bernardi 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: 7243597
    Abstract: A unit having a collecting device with a seat arranged to receive a disposable capsule containing a soluble product, such as a beverage-forming powder. The capsule contains at least one inlet port for a diluting fluid introduced into the capsule, at least one outlet port for delivery of a beverage provided by thorough mixing of the soluble product and the diluting fluid, and a bottom wall. The unit also includes a throttling arrangement provided by an engaging surface of a plunger that is operatively associated with the outlet port of the capsule. The engaging surface of the plunger is positioned and arranged outside of the capsule before the diluting fluid enters into the capsule, with the throttling arrangement created as diluting fluid is urged to enter the capsule by expansion of the capsule bottom wall and by forcing the engaging surface of the plunger to snugly fit through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ruguo Hu, John R. Bernardi, Corey M. Arrick, Ennio Bardin
  • Publication number: 20040163543
    Abstract: A unit having a collecting device with a seat arranged to receive a disposable capsule containing a soluble product, such as a beverage-forming powder. The capsule contains at least one inlet port for a diluting fluid introduced into the capsule, at least one outlet port for delivery of a beverage provided by thorough mixing of the soluble product and the diluting fluid, and a bottom wall. The unit also includes a throttling arrangement provided by an engaging surface of a plunger that is operatively associated with the outlet port of the capsule. The engaging surface of the plunger is positioned and arranged outside of the capsule before the diluting fluid enters into the capsule, with the throttling arrangement created as diluting fluid is urged to enter the capsule by expansion of the capsule bottom wall and by forcing the engaging surface of the plunger to snugly fit through the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Ruguo Hu, John R. Bernardi, Corey M. Arrick, Ennio Bardin