Abstract: An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine by feeding liquid in the capsule and extracting a beverage out of the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises containment walls forming an interior cavity containing beverage precursor; wherein the beverage precursor comprises a combination of non-compacted beverage extractable powder and pellets of compacted beverage extractable powder and wherein the largest dimension of each pellet is at least 3.5 millimeters. The invention enables to confer different beverage characteristics, for example, change the beverage extraction and aroma release kinetics, make more intense beverages and/or improve the beverage flow released from the capsule.

Abstract: A method and equipment for extracting dissolvable solids from small particles using a staged, counter-current battery of centrifuges is described. The advantages gained by working with particles having a mean diameter smaller than 50 microns and doing the extraction with the particles dispersed in a non-flowing liquid are (1) a significant reduction in the concentration gradient of the dissolvable solids across the diameter of the particles and throughout the body of particles being extracted in a comparable standard column battery and (2) higher overall yields because extraction can be conducted to a uniform limit rather than being constrained by a local (surface or column position) limit. As regards coffee extraction, the equipment and method are intended for the production of high quality concentrated coffee extracts rather than the production of soluble or instant coffee.

Abstract: Generally described are methods of preparing flavor-infused coffee beans by preparing a flavor-infused spirit, steeping coffee beans in the flavor-infused spirit, and roasting the flavor-infused coffee beans. Some embodiments relate to flavor-infused coffee beverages prepared from flavor-infused coffee beans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dried coffee powder obtainable by a process comprising membrane filtration of a low temperature extract of roasted and ground coffee beans to reduce the concentration of low molecular weight components and drying the filtered coffee extract.

Abstract: A system and a method for producing a cold brew extract are provided. The system and method include the use of an extraction tank adapted to receive raw material such as ground coffee beans therein. Water is pumped into the extraction tank. A back pressure control valve is provided so as to pulse the back pressure within the tank. This pulsed back pressure increases turbulence within the tank. Combined with the flow rate and pressure within the tank, the turbulence allows for cold brewed extract concentrate to be produced in a much quicker time than associated with prior art methods. A number of extraction tanks may be provided in the system of the present invention so as to increase yield. A gas may be introduced in line with the pumped water.

Abstract: According to one or exemplary embodiments, there is provided a Gas Infusion Module that is a compact, inexpensive, adjustable, and easy to clean apparatus for infusing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, with a gas. The Gas Infusion Module controls the mixing of the gas with a liquid beverage in a homogenization element. To achieve an enhanced homogenization of gas and liquid, first the Gas Infusion Module regulates the pressure of gas that will enter the homogenization element and mix with the liquid. Additionally, the liquid and gas mixture passes through an outlet check valve which forces greater homogenization of the aerated fluid before it is dispensed for consumption.

Abstract: A siphon for use in a brew basket includes a first portion formed from a first material and a second portion formed from a second material. The first portion has a first passageway and an outlet. The first passageway is fluidly coupled to said outlet. The second portion has a second passageway and is removably coupled to the first portion. The first passageway and said second passageway form a flow path extending from an interior of the brew basket to the outlet.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a gas infusion device configured to infuse a gas into a base liquid to form a gas-infused liquid, a mixing chamber configured to mix the gas-infused liquid and a concentrate to thereby form a reconstituted beverage, a first flow control configured to decrease pressure of the gas-infused liquid prior to mixing with the concentrate, and a second flow control configured to decrease pressure of the concentrate prior to mixing with the gas-infused liquid. A restrictor device downstream from the mixing chamber and configured to apply backpressure on the concentrate and the gas-infused liquid, and a dispensing valve is configured to dispense the reconstituted beverage.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing cold brew coffee are provided. The system and method include the use of an extraction tank adapted to receive ground coffee beans therein. Water is pumped into the extraction tank. A back pressure control valve is provided so as to pulse the back pressure within the tank. This pulsed back pressure increases turbulence within the tank. Combined with the flow rate and pressure within the tank, the turbulence allows for cold brewed coffee concentrate to be produced in a much quicker time than associated with prior art methods. A number of extraction tanks may be provided in the system of the present invention so as to increase yield.

Abstract: Methods and/or processes for obtaining coffee extracts and/or processing coffee beans. In certain embodiments, improved methods and/or processes for producing desirable and usable extracts from coffee beans which can be used for instant coffee type powders or liquids, for example. In certain other embodiments, improved coffee extraction techniques which permit or allow retainment or capture of desirable levels of aroma products and/or bio-actives from coffee beans.

Abstract: A simple or multiple coffee grinder equipment, supplemented by a proportioner device, the latter equipped with means for measuring the weight of the ground product. The proportioner device controls the operation of the individual coffee grinders, and stops grinding upon reaching the desired weight of ground product for each individual quality. The proportioner device also includes a special mechanism to improve the mixing and homogenization of the ground product, as well as to prevent the formation of lumps.

Abstract: According to one or exemplary embodiments, there is provided a Gas Infusion Module that is a compact, inexpensive, adjustable, and easy to clean apparatus for infusing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, with a gas. The Gas Infusion Module controls the mixing of the gas with a liquid beverage in a homogenization element. To achieve an enhanced homogenization of gas and liquid, first the Gas Infusion Module regulates the pressure of gas that will enter the homogenization element and mix with the liquid. Additionally, the liquid and gas mixture passes through an outlet check valve which forces greater homogenization of the aerated fluid before it is dispensed for consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for production of an instant coffee product in a high yield, comprising the steps of extracting roast and ground coffee beans with water having a temperature of 80° C. or less, to produce a first extract and spent coffee grounds, adding water to the spent coffee grounds to produce an aqueous suspension, hydrolysing the aqueous suspension using a hydrolysing enzyme to produce a second extract and spent remains, adding the first extract to the second extract, optionally after concentration and/or drying of the second extract, to obtain a combined extract, and drying the combined extract to obtain an instant coffee product. The high yield is obtained due to the reduction of enzyme inhibiting substances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column is provided. The control and manipulation of pressure exerted and contained within the extraction vessel or column may be vital in obtaining a certain flavor profile or intensity of the effluent extracted from the raw materials. As such, the method may include directing a flow of pressurized solvent into a base of the extraction column and utilizing the flow of pressurized solvent to create a pressure gradient applied to the raw materials. The method may further include compressing the raw materials with hydraulic compression. As the raw materials become further compressed, frictional heating may result allowing most, if not all, of the volatile aromatic heat sensitive compounds and constituencies to be extracted depending on the pressure strength applied to the raw materials.

Abstract: A coffee preparation machine can include at least one sealed pod containing unroasted green coffee beans, a roasting system that accepts the at least one sealed pod, a grinding system, and a brewing system, where the brewing system, the roasting system, and the grinding system can be housed within a single self-contained unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials packed into an extraction column. The system may include a flowing solvent source connected to an extraction column to provide a flow of solvent for extracting the raw materials. The system may also include an electrodeionizer to separate positive ions and negative ions within the flowing solvent to create an imbalance of ions and transform the solvent to a deionized solvent. In further embodiments, the extraction column includes a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that the hydraulic pressure applied within the extraction column results in the formation of catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials.

Abstract: A method to prepare and dispense a N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused chilled beverage is provided. The gas infused beverage is obtained by mixing a beverage concentrate with N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused water under positive pressure and dispensing the prepared beverage through a slow pour faucet. The beverage may be any non-carbonated liquid and in one embodiment the beverage is coffee. The dispensed N2 or N2/CO2 gas infused chilled coffee has a unique appearance and enhanced flavor and aroma.

Abstract: A method for preparing a short coffee extract from a capsule containing coffee powder. The method includes providing a capsule containing contains between 5.0 and 8.5 gram of ground coffee powder, injecting liquid into the capsule to interact with the coffee powder, and centrifuging the capsule in a beverage producing device to force, by the effect of centrifugal forces, the liquid coffee extract out of the capsule so that it can be collected and dispensed. The extraction of the liquid coffee extract is preferably obtained by rotating the capsule within a speed range of 2500 to 7500 rpm.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a separation membrane includes a graphene on at least one surface of a polymer support. The graphene may include a plurality of grains defined by grain boundaries.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing roasted coffee beans, which are useful as a starting material for a coffee beverage having a suppressed unpleasant taste and have a roast degree within a predetermined level or less. The process for producing roasted coffee beans of the present invention comprises placing starting material roasted coffee beans having an L value of from 21 to 50 in an airtight container and subjecting the roasted coffee beans to a heat treatment at from 100 to 160° C.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a pivotable pot having a pot pivot axle and a pivotable lid having a lid pivot axle, and includes a common drive for pivoting the pot and the lid.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to apparatus (10) for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a chamber (12) in which a supply of coffee beans can be received for roasting; means (15) for heating air; and means (20) for driving heated air into the chamber (12) for roasting coffee beans received therein; wherein the air driving means (20) and chamber (12) are configured and arranged so that coffee beans located in the chamber (12) circulate generally horizontally about the periphery of the chamber (12) when the air driving means (20) drives heated air into the chamber (12).

Abstract: Liquid brewed beverage concentrates and methods of making the concentrates are provided herein. The concentrates are liquid and flowable at room temperature and can be diluted in an aqueous liquid to provide a beverage having the general appearance, flavor, and aroma of a freshly brewed beverage. The concentrates include a low water content, high non-aqueous liquid content, particularly non-volatile non-aqueous liquid content, and high flavor solids content, the amounts of which are balanced to provide concentrates with a desired flavor profile with little or no flavor degradation after storage at room temperature in a sealed container for at least about three months.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements in beverage/food product preparation systems and in particular to beverage/food product preparation systems having machines of the type which use pre-packaged cartridges containing beverage or food ingredients. The cartridge (30) contains one or more beverage or food ingredients for use in a machine for preparing a beverage or food product from said ingredients. The cartridge (30) includes a base (34), an outlet aperture (37) in the base (34), and a collar (38) extending from the cartridge base (34) around the outlet aperture (37). The cartridge (30) is inserted into a holding receptacle (14) of a machine the collar (38) interacts with an element (65) of the machine and the collar (38) is configured to determine the pressure in the cartridge (30) during the preparation process.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2) having: —a first part (10); —a second part (20) that is movable towards the first part, in particular along a longitudinal axis (1?), into a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and relatively apart from the first part into an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; —a fastening device (11, 21) having a fastened configuration for fastening together the first and second parts (10, 20) in the closed position and an unfastened configuration such to enable movement of the first and second parts out of the closed configuration; and —an actuator (30) movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to drive the first part and the second part between the open and the closed positions.

Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage includes an exchangeable capsule, an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The receptacle includes bottom piercing means for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating an entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule includes an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough. The filter is a multi-layer filter including at least a first layer and a second layer bonded together. The first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer.

Abstract: A method for preparing hot beverages in a hot beverage machine by possibly repeatedly pumping a specific quantity of water from a water tank into a heating device, heating the quantity of water, pumping the heated quantity of water out of the heating device into a brewing chamber and possibly at the same time pumping a further quantity of water out of the water tank into the heating device, brewing a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber to produce a hot beverage, and finally converting the quantity of water last pumped into the heating device completely into steam in a controlled manner for forcing liquid out of the entire line system downstream of the heating device.

Abstract: Generally described are extracts and beverages with enhanced nutrients, flavors and textures and methods of making the same. Some embodiments relate to extracts and beverages produced through filtration techniques.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an injection-molded capsule for use in a food preparation machine, said capsule for use in a food preparation machine comprising: (i) a structure (1) with a lower side (2), at least three pillars (3) extending from the lower side and linked to a circular upper frame (4) which defines the surroundings of the capsule top side, the pillars (3) having cross-sections S1, S2 and S3, the lower side (2) being a solid wall that comprises a dispensing opening (5) and is centered across the vertical symmetry axis VSA of said capsule, and (ii) a label (6) attached to the outer surface of the lower side (2), pillars (3) and upper circular frame (4), thus forming an envelope that defines capsule side walls, characterized in that the injection point IP of the capsule is off-centered in the vicinity of said dispensing opening (5), opposed the pillar (3) having a cross-section S3 relatively to the axis VSA, and in that S1=S2 and S3>S1.

Abstract: The method comprises a first step during which with a capsule inserted into a percolation element and of the type presenting different chambers each of which containing a corresponding infuse, a water flow coming from a tank is caused to reach a predetermined temperature and a second step during which the water flow is directed towards a plurality of channels each of which is defined by a respective chamber and by a respective outlet area of said capsule.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the described technology, a multi-chamber cup is used to brew coffee or other (hot) drink in a brewing machine. Such a device allows one to add any coffee, but use all the features of an automated single-cup or multi-cup brewing machine. The multi-chamber cup has an inner cup, an intermediate cup, and an outer cup each having sides with circular cross-sections between a top side and bottom side, defining an inner cavity there-between, each with a lip at a top side of the respective cup, extending outwards from a respective inner cavity of each cup. This allows water to enter and flow through multiple cups (at least three) before exiting the multi-chamber cup, such that the liquid becomes homogenized with dissolved particulate solid matter to produce a flavorful, high-quality drink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an extract of green coffee wherein green coffee beans are subjected to a heat treatment and extracted without being roasted.

Abstract: The present invention provides refined roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 10 to 30 and a hydroxyhydroquinone content of not higher than 30 mg/kg by contacting an aqueous solvent with raw material roasted coffee beans. The invention also provides a process for producing refined roasted coffee beans, which includes contacting raw material roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 12 to 35, with coffee bean-derived extract-containing water selected from water containing an extract derived from roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 40 or more and water containing an extract derived from raw coffee beans.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a flow control device that controls a supply of a first phase fluid flowing through the fuel cell stack. A controller monitors at least one parameter of the fuel cell stack and controls the supply to generate pulses of reactant when the at least one parameter crosses a threshold to flush a second phase fluid from said fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method for brewing and chilling a brewed beverage such as tea includes brewing the beverage within a first container; pouring the brewed beverage from the first container into a second container containing a chilling medium; and covering the second container with an air-tight lid assembly that provides an air tight seal with the second container. The second container may then be agitated. The airtight seal traps vapor generated from the beverage during the chilling, thereby causing the vapor to re-enter the beverage to maintain optimum flavor. The first container includes a brewing pitcher containing an infuser, and the second container includes a chilling pitcher having a removably-attachable air-tight lid assembly.

Abstract: A method for reducing the acrylamide content in a roasted coffee comprises reducing the asparagine content and reducing the aspartic acid content in a unroasted coffee, said roasted coffee being obtained from said unroasted coffee after said reducing the asparagine content and said reducing the aspartic acid content.

Abstract: A coffee composition based on instant freeze-dried coffee with the taste and aroma characteristics of a regular roasted coffee is provided. A method for obtaining the composition by processing regular roasted fine ground coffee through concentrated liquid coffee extract. This processing combined with freeze drying produces uniformly structured freeze-dried granules with uniform content of regular roasted fine ground coffee inside the granules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to instant coffee and methods of preparing the same, wherein the methods include adding water having a temperature of less than 117° F. to ground coffee beans to result in a slurry with liquid and solid components, maintaining the slurry at a temperature below 117° F. for at least one hour, separating the liquid component of the slurry from the solid component, to yield a liquid coffee extract, and subjecting the liquid coffee extract to a drying process to remove water from the liquid coffee extract, to yield a solid coffee extract which can be used as an instant coffee. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to blended instant coffees and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the production of a liquid coffee concentrate that has an improved storage stability at ambient temperature. The process comprises separating coffee extract resulting in a high aromatic coffee extract and a low aromatic coffee extract and subjecting the low aromatic coffee extract to a heat treatment and, optionally, a pH rising step.

Abstract: A capsule for the production of a beverage from a beverage production machine that provides a capsule holder with relief and recessed elements. The capsule includes an inverted cup-shaped body forming a chamber containing a beverage forming ingredient, a bottom injection wall, a sidewall and a flange-like rim; and a delivery wall which is sealed to the body and comprises a relatively flat outer surface extending from the central axis of the capsule to the flange-like rim of the body and at least one portion of porous material capable of providing a backpressure that is greater than the backpressure of the beverage forming ingredient in the chamber. Also, a system and method for the production of a beverage from the previously described capsule.

Abstract: A beverage cup lid and a system and method incorporating such a lid is provided. The lid holds an individual serving dose of a beverage to be brewed. Hot water is poured into a chamber of the lid to brew the beverage. The brewed beverage is fed into an underlying cup through an outlet in the lid. The beverage can be consumed through an opening in the lid without removing the spent grounds contained in the lid, from which the beverage was brewed.

Abstract: A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; and a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.

Abstract: A coffee-holding funnel for moka-type coffee machines and a moka-type coffee machine utilizing such funnel are described. The funnel and the moka are adapted to be used with single-use capsules containing ground coffee.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a coffee extract is provided which method enables flavor ingredients of coffee to be extracted separately from bitter ingredients. A coffee extract is obtained by a method including a) a step of placing coffee granules in a granule container part substantially sealed by a restraining member, b) a step of guiding an extraction solvent from a first direction into the granule container part for extraction, and c) a step of retrieving, from the first direction, a coffee extract stored in the granule container part.

Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device. The system includes a set of different capsules each one for selectively delivering a beverage having specific characteristics that differ from the other capsules of the set. The capsules have a body with a sidewall and a free rim, an upper wall and an extractable or infusible ingredient therein. The capsules are configured with an insertion diameter of the body of the capsule designed for insertion in a rotary capsule holder of the centrifuge brewing device in a referential position, wherein the different capsules in the set having bodies of different storage volumes obtained by a variable depths of the body in the set but the same insertion diameter for all capsules of the set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the flavor of roasted Robusta and Arabica quality coffee and is characterized by modifying roasted coffee flavor precursors in aqueous extracts of green coffee beans.

Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.

Abstract: The invention proposes a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element, which has a cavity for the portion capsule, and a closure element, it being possible for the closure element to move between a loading position, which is at a distance from the accommodation element, and an extraction position, which closes the cavity, and the brewing apparatus having a holding element for holding the portion capsule in the loading position, and furthermore the holding element being designed in such a way that the portion capsule is aligned substantially in the direction of the accommodation element by the holding element by virtue of the movement of the closure element from the loading position to the extraction position.