Patents by Inventor Michael Cummer

Michael Cummer 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: 20230329478
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
  • Patent number: 11723487
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
  • Patent number: 11554352
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and methods for dispersing a volume of gas in a beverage contained in an unpressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Schacht, Michael Cummer
  • Publication number: 20210330117
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
  • Patent number: 11147294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and methods for dispersing a volume of gas in a beverage contained in an unpressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Schacht, Michael Cummer
  • Patent number: 11089901
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
  • Patent number: 11083328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
  • Patent number: 11051650
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
  • Publication number: 20200122099
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and methods for dispersing a volume of gas in a beverage contained in an unpressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Schacht, Michael Cummer
  • Publication number: 20200121118
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
  • Patent number: 10531761
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
  • Publication number: 20200000274
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Dab Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, William George Crossland
  • Patent number: 10362896
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
  • Publication number: 20190223654
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
  • Patent number: 10258191
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland
  • Publication number: 20180368610
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Koller
  • Publication number: 20180213824
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and methods for dispersing a volume of gas in a beverage contained in an unpressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander Schacht, Michael Cummer
  • Patent number: 9862589
    Abstract: Various apparatus and systems for chilled beverage dispensing are disclosed. The beverage dispenser can be configured such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is refrigerated to the appropriate temperature. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can extend from and retract into a refrigerated source. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can be built into a refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Matthew Koller, Alexander Clinton Schacht
  • Publication number: 20170341921
    Abstract: Various apparatus and systems for chilled beverage dispensing are disclosed. The beverage dispenser can be configured such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is refrigerated to the appropriate temperature. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can extend from and retract into a refrigerated source. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can be built into a refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Matthew Koller, Alexander Clinton Schacht
  • Publication number: 20170079469
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Michael Cummer, Richard B. Riday, William George Crossland