Patents by Inventor Mark James Whitcombe

Mark James Whitcombe 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: 11812896
    Abstract: A foodstuff dispensing system is provided in which a foodstuff dispensing hopper comprises a gate rotatably mounted adjacent a bottom opening for selectively opening and closing the bottom opening. The hopper further comprises coupling means for detachably and rotationally coupling the hopper to the apparatus, and an interlock mechanism for interoperating with the gate to enable rotation of the bottom opening relative to the gate into an open position when the coupling means is being rotationally coupled to the apparatus and to enable rotation of the bottom opening relative to the gate into a closed position when the coupling means is being counter-rotationally decoupled from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Maxim K. Guyatt, Timothy Edward Gulliver, Mark James Whitcombe
  • Patent number: 11627831
    Abstract: An espresso machine is provided that utilizes a mechanical valve in addition to a flow meter. This results in a low-cost espresso machine while delivering a measured volume of water for the espresso pour. The mechanical valve facilitates a machine with both selectable espresso pour and steam and/or hot water outlets. In this embodiment, the espresso machine utilizes a shared pump and water heater (e.g., a thermoblock, boiler or similar) for multiple functions and/or through different outlets. For example, water from the reservoir may be sent through the flow meter to the pump, then to the water heater, and eventually to either the grouphead or steam wand, or to a pressure release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Gulliver, Maxim K. Guyatt, Mark James Whitcombe
  • Publication number: 20210274964
    Abstract: An espresso machine is provided that utilizes a mechanical valve in addition to a flow meter. This results in a low-cost espresso machine while delivering a measured volume of water for the espresso pour. The mechanical valve facilitates a machine with both selectable espresso pour and steam and/or hot water outlets. In this embodiment, the espresso machine utilizes a shared pump and water heater (e.g., a thermoblock, boiler or similar) for multiple functions and/or through different outlets. For example, water from the reservoir may be sent through the flow meter to the pump, then to the water heater, and eventually to either the grouphead or steam wand, or to a pressure release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Gulliver, Maxim K. Guyatt, Mark James Whitcombe
  • Publication number: 20210267415
    Abstract: A foodstuff dispensing system is provided in which a foodstuff dispensing hopper comprises a gate rotatably mounted adjacent a bottom opening for selectively opening and closing the bottom opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Maxim K. Guyatt, Timothy Edward Gulliver, Mark James Whitcombe