Patents by Inventor William E. Midden
William E. Midden 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: 20220386804Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Charles H. CLARK, Jason M. BANNING, Jane Ann HARRIS, William E. MIDDEN, Laurie A. OWEN, Jeff T. SAMSON
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Patent number: 11412882Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Charles H. Clark, Jason M. Banning, Jane Ann Harris, William E. Midden, Laurie A. Owen, Jeff T. Samson
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Patent number: 10959562Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for producing an ingredient foam such as milk foam for use with other products such as beverages. An ingredient dispensing assembly is included for receiving one or more ingredients from an ingredient dispensing apparatus, processing the ingredients and dispensing a general uniform, consistent foam. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes a whipping chamber, an output nozzle, and an insert retained within cavities defined by the whipping chamber and output nozzle. The internal surfaces of the chamber and nozzle cavities in combination with the insert provide passages defining a mixing zone, a shredding zone communicating with the mixing zone, and a deceleration zone communicating with the shredding zone. The assembly passes at least one ingredient through the zones to dispense foam from an exit port of the outlet nozzle. The system includes apparatus and methods for reducing the dissociation of foam dispensed form the exit port.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Publication number: 20200196792Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Charles H. CLARK, Jason M. BANNING, Jane Ann HARRIS, William E. MIDDEN, Laurie A. OWEN, Jeff T. SAMSON
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Patent number: 10646065Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Charles H. Clark, Jason M. Banning, Jane Ann Harris, William E. Midden, Laurie A. Owen, Jeff T. Samson
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Patent number: 10582798Abstract: The present invention includes a milk dispensing assembly for use with a beverage dispensing machine for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, unheated, or chilled, selectively with a second ingredient. The milk dispensing assembly includes a single milk passage for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single passage for the introduction of a second ingredient. The milk passage and ingredient passage are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by a mixing chamber. The introduction of milk and second ingredient is controlled to provide a variety of selected conditions of the resulting combination.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers, Daniel Hansen, John Bodjack
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Publication number: 20180220837Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for producing an ingredient foam such as milk foam for use with other products such as beverages. An ingredient dispensing assembly is included for receiving one or more ingredients from an ingredient dispensing apparatus, processing the ingredients and dispensing a general uniform, consistent foam. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes a whipping chamber, an output nozzle, and an insert retained within cavities defined by the whipping chamber and output nozzle. The internal surfaces of the chamber and nozzle cavities in combination with the insert provide passages defining a mixing zone, a shredding zone communicating with the mixing zone, and a deceleration zone communicating with the shredding zone. The assembly passes at least one ingredient through the zones to dispense foam from an exit port of the outlet nozzle. The system includes apparatus and methods for reducing the dissociation of foam dispensed form the exit port.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Patent number: 9993105Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: John D. Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Publication number: 20170258261Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Charles H. Clark, Jason M. Banning, Crescent Burke, William E. Midden, Jeff T. Samson
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Publication number: 20160316961Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: William E. MIDDEN, Suresh RADHAKRISHNAN, Rex Allen ROGERS, Daniel HANSEN, John BODJACK
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Patent number: 9386878Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers, Daniel Hansen, John Bodjack
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Publication number: 20150208850Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: John D. Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Patent number: 9084511Abstract: Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, disclosed is a spray head for use with, in combination with a beverage making apparatus, as a replacement for other spray heads and a method of using a spray head. The spray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beverage making apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substance retained proximate the spray head. The spray head includes two pieces, a first piece for connection to the liquid dispensing path and the second piece which is flexible and removable attachable to the first piece. A cavity is defined between the first and second pieces. Water received form the liquid dispensing path collects in the cavity. The second piece or body portion includes a plurality of holes for dispensing and distributing water from the cavity over the beverage substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden
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Patent number: 8997633Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: John Douglas Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Patent number: 8998176Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: John D. Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Publication number: 20150020691Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers, Daniel Hansen, John Bodjack
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Publication number: 20120100275Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATIONInventors: John D. Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Publication number: 20110097465Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: John Douglas Bishop, Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden, Randy D. Pope, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers
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Publication number: 20110094393Abstract: Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, disclosed is a spray head for use with, in combination with a beverage making apparatus, as a replacement for other spray heads and a method of using a spray head. The spray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beverage making apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substance retained proximate the spray head. The spray head includes two pieces, a first piece for connection to the liquid dispensing path and the second piece which is flexible and removable attachable to the first piece. A cavity is defined between the first and second pieces. Water received form the liquid dispensing path collects in the cavity. The second piece or body portion includes a plurality of holes for dispensing and distributing water from the cavity over the beverage substance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATIONInventors: Charles H. Clark, William E. Midden
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Patent number: 7152765Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing a partially frozen beverage. The apparatus includes at least one beverage hopper for retaining a quantity of partially frozen beverage. The beverage hopper has a dispensing aperture formed therein and a guide member in an exterior surface of the beverage hopper. A chilling unit cools the partially frozen beverage retained within the beverage hopper. A dispenser assembly is provided which includes a handle, a biasing element, a gasket and a slideable valve member. the valve member has a portion dimensioned to slideably engage the guide member of the beverage hopper.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: William E. Midden, Jeffery W. Kadyk, William H. Thomas