Coffee Patents (Class 426/432)
  • Patent number: 8609170
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ian Tinkler, Mary Carter, William Sawyer, Richard Pasquini
  • Patent number: 8603564
    Abstract: A coffee cherry is harvested, preferably in a sub-ripe state, and quick-dried to provide a basis for numerous nutritional products. Such coffee cherries and portions thereof may be particularly characterized by their extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: VDF Futureceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 8603563
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating a nutrient from coffee cherries or for producing a food product that comprises a coffee cherry or portion thereof. It is particularly preferred that coffee cherries will have an extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: VDF Futureceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 8597710
    Abstract: A coffee cherry is harvested, preferably in a sub-ripe state, and quick-dried to provide a basis for numerous nutritional products. Such coffee cherries and portions thereof may be particularly characterized by their extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: VDF Futureceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 8586117
    Abstract: A liquid infusion and/or brewing process is described. The process includes the steps of placing a desired amount of an infusion material into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, placing a desired amount of liquid into said chamber, sealing said chamber from the surrounding atmosphere, and applying at least one reduced pressure cycle within said chamber, wherein said at least one cycle includes reducing pressure within said chamber to form at least a partial vacuum within said chamber and subsequently returning said chamber to about atmospheric pressure. Methods for separating the brewing media from the liquid after completion of the brewing process are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bkon LLC
    Inventors: Dean J. Vastardis, Lou Vastardis
  • Publication number: 20130216685
    Abstract: Provided is a concentrated coffee composition containing chlorogenic acids at a high concentration and having good taste or flavor. The concentrated coffee composition of the present invention contains the following components (A) and (B): 100 to 300 mg/g of chlorogenic acids (A) in dry solids content; and not more than 0.33 mg/g of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (B) in dry solids content, wherein the dry solids content is 10 to 100 mass %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Yamamoto, Kiyoshi Kataoka, Yasushi Shioya, Yoshikazu Ogura, Hiroshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130177672
    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 high pressure extraction techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: STARBUCKS CORPORATION D/B/A STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
    Inventors: Urano A. Robinson, J. Marcio Da Cruz, Dien Van Vu, Joseph Kuo
  • Patent number: 8475860
    Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. In one embodiment, the method includes prewetting the substance in the cell by filling liquid in the cell and rotating the cell at a first rotational speed; and then extracting the liquid comestible from the cell in an extraction phase which comprises continuing to fill liquid into the cell and rotating the cell at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. The invention also discloses a cell for use in these methods which cell includes a filter for preventing solids from being carried by gas during the gas purge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20130142925
    Abstract: A method of producing an extract enriched with trigonelline (TRIG) and/or chlorogenic acids (CQA) from a TRIG and/or CQA containing organic plant material like Rubiacea plants, mate plants or the like, the method comprises the steps of: providing an amount of the TRIG and/or CQA containing organic plant material in a container, treating said amount of TRIG and/or CQA containing organic plant material with steam for a defined vaporisation period, exposing the TRIG and/or CQA containing organic plant material steamed in the above step to hot water for least two times for extraction, and removing said extract enriched with trigonelline (TRIG) and/or chlorogenic acid (CQA) from the residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: PLANTEXTRAKT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Plantextrakt GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8431175
    Abstract: A capsule, device, system and method for preparing a liquid food or beverage. The capsule comprises an enclosure containing one or more extractable or infusible ingredients and configured and dimensioned to have a perimeter and be radially symmetrical about a central axis to facilitate rotation; and an opening arrangement that allows liquid food to leave the capsule after passing through the ingredient(s), wherein the opening arrangement is configured and positioned near or upon the perimeter of the enclosure to allow the liquid food to leave the capsule radially due to the application of the centrifugal forces. The method and device introduce liquid into the capsule to form the liquid food while applying centrifugal forces to the capsule to urge the liquid to pass through the ingredient(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Publication number: 20130101705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee extract with improved foaming properties, which comprises a multivalent ion ant to methods of producing a coffee extract of the invention and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Sher, Deepak Sahai, Paul Lietke
  • Patent number: 8414944
    Abstract: A brewing piston for infusion preparation, including a head associated with a filtering element, and a lateral surface having a first gasket in proximity to the head and a second gasket at a distance from the first gasket. The brewing piston includes a first conduit connected to the head and arranged to inject a liquid for infusion preparation, and a second conduit connected to the lateral surface between the gaskets and arranged to inject the liquid between the first gasket and the second gasket during infusion preparation. The piston is arranged to limit or avoid leaks in a machine for infusion preparation. Also included is a machine using the piston and a method of limiting or avoiding leaks in a machine for infusion preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Egro Coffee Systems AG
    Inventors: Christophe Staubli, Markus Landolt
  • Patent number: 8357419
    Abstract: A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Loretta Zapp, Thomas J. Slaga, Jifu Zhao, Mark Lange
  • Patent number: 8336448
    Abstract: A dispensing device for milk and/or milk foam is provided that includes a mixing device for mixing steam, milk and/or air. A mixing device may include a chamber, a first line for the supply of milk into the chamber, a second line for a supply of steam into the chamber, a third line for the supply of air into the chamber, at least one outlet for dispensing the milk and/or the milk foam from the chamber, a valve including an adjustable regulating shaft for regulating the supply of milk and/or air into the chamber. By adjusting the regulating shaft between different predetermined positions at least one flow of milk may be switched on and switched off and/or altered and a flow of air may be switched on and switched off and/or altered. A dispensing device may further include a drive motor for adjusting the regulating shaft of the valve and a control device for controlling the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Patent number: 8318228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Chitoshi Shigeno, Yasushi Shioya, Tatsuya Kusaura, Yoshikazu Ogura, Yoshinobu Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8309150
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining a chlorogenic acid composition which contains high concentration of chlorogenic acids and a reduced amount of caffeine at a high yield. A method of producing a chlorogenic acid composition, which comprises allowing a water-soluble composition extracted from raw coffee beans or roasted coffee beans to be adsorbed to a column filled with an adsorbent and then eluting a chlorogenic acid composition by passing a 0.5 to 20 vol % ethanol aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Fukuda, Hirokazu Takahashi, Atsushi Konishi
  • Publication number: 20120251678
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Valerie Martine Jeanine Leloup, Yves Allenbach, Johanna Hendrika Schoonman
  • Patent number: 8277864
    Abstract: Methods for stabilizing liquid coffee concentrates are provided that form a coffee beverage that has a substantially consistent acidity profile. In one aspect, the methods blend a liquid coffee concentrate base with an edible alkali source in an amount effective to artificially increase a pH of the liquid coffee concentrate base. The liquid coffee concentrate base is aseptically processed and thermally treated at elevated temperatures for a time sufficient to artificially drive acid generating reactions in the liquid coffee concentrate to completion to form a stabilized liquid coffee concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Henry Tonyes, Annesa Seemungal, David Bresnahan, Richard DeSanto
  • Patent number: 8202560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart
  • Publication number: 20120027900
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ZUERCHER HOCHSCHULE FUER ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN
    Inventors: Tilo Hühn, Roland Laux
  • Publication number: 20110293804
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for separating non-soy plant materials to produce a fat-enriched fraction, a reduced-fat plant extract, reduced-fat plant protein compositions, a crude oil, plant gums, a degummed oil and a protein-fat sediment. Also disclosed are food products containing or prepared from the reduced-fat extracts, fat-enriched fraction, gums, oils, protein-fat sediments and reduced-fat protein compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SPECIALTY PROTEIN PRODUCERS, INC.
    Inventor: Donald L. Crank
  • Patent number: 8067049
    Abstract: Roasted coffee beans are cooled and stored to a temperature of 0° C. or below before elapse of forty eight hours of holding time at room temperature or below after roasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nagoyaseiraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Hibi
  • Patent number: 8062684
    Abstract: A general object of the present invention is to utilize “delayed dilution” of a concentrated extract to provide a beverage brewing system which immediately (upon customer selection) provides selective dilution (based on individual consumers selections) of a fresh-brewed coffee extract after the extract has been allowed to brew and held as an extract before dilution. It is also a general object of the present invention to utilize the undiluted extract to mix and dissolve other beverage compounds to make flavored coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, and the like. “Delayed mixing” and/or “delayed filtering” may also be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Folgers Coffee Company
    Inventors: Roger William Gutwein, Christopher Wade Connor
  • Patent number: 8048469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the polyphenol oxidase activity in cocoa beans comprising the step of steaming non-fermented, non-roasted raw cocoa beans with water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan George William Bradbury, Eva-Maria Berndt
  • Patent number: 8043645
    Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present application are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Urano A. Robinson, J. Marcio da Cruz
  • Patent number: 8003145
    Abstract: System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface, a customization director in communication with a customization data store and the user interface, wherein the customization director includes executable instructions for determining a users customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, wherein the beverage delivery system includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Folgers Coffee Company
    Inventors: Roger William Gutwein, Christopher Wade Connor
  • Patent number: 7910145
    Abstract: Taught herein are a precharged ground coffee capsule comprising a polygonal cross-section container body made of a liquid-impermeable material, the container body having an open end and a large axial opening formed in a bottom wall of the container body, two walls made of a liquid-permeable material being arranged on the open end and at the bottom wall respectively, the liquid-impermeable material comprising a metallic material support layer and a thermoplastic material layer, the thermoplastic material layer facing the interior of the container body, the permeable walls being coupled to the container body through the thermoplastic material layer, an outwardly projecting radial flange being provided at the open end of the container body; a method for producing the capsule; and an apparatus for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marco Reati
  • Publication number: 20110027452
    Abstract: A coffee cherry is harvested, preferably in a sub-ripe state, and quick-dried to provide a basis for numerous nutritional products. Such coffee cherries and portions thereof may be particularly characterized by their extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: VDF FUTURECEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 7875304
    Abstract: Typical current methods for producing large quantities of extracts from solid raw materials such as ground, roasted coffee are designed for exhaustive extraction. Such methods are not ideally suited to producing high quality coffee extracts that are rich in flavor and fragrance, and which maintain the varietal characteristics of the roasted coffee from which they are produced. The current invention provides methods for producing such high quality extracts. The invention provides methods that have sufficient flexibility and scalability to be used for a wide variety of applications, including for producing industrial-scale quantities of extracts for the food and beverage industry. The invention provides methods that can produce highly concentrated, “gourmet quality” extracts for use as flavoring agents, beverage concentrates, and fragrances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Xcafé LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Kalenian
  • Publication number: 20110014337
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating a nutrient from coffee cherries or for producing a food product that comprises a coffee cherry or portion thereof. It is particularly preferred that coffee cherries will have an extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: VDF FUTURECEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 7858135
    Abstract: The infusion brewing device has a steeping area configured and adapted to receive a filter, particulate steeping material and hot liquid water for steeping the particulate steeping material into an infusion. A vacuum chamber is positioned below the steeping area. The vacuum chamber has a hermetic wall, a closable lower outlet, and an upper opening leading to the steeping area. An inlet of a vacuum conduit is positioned in the vacuum chamber, above a maximum liquid level of the vacuum chamber and whereas an outlet thereof is connected to a vacuum source. The inlet is spaced from the wall by an inlet spacing distance. The vacuum source is operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Technologies Coffea Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksandar Radosav
  • Patent number: 7858133
    Abstract: An hourglass shaped apparatus for cold brewing coffee, comprising a brew chamber, an extract chamber and a center piece connecting the brew and extract chambers. The extract and brew chambers comprise two ends of the hourglass shaped apparatus and the center piece comprises middle portion. The brew chamber houses a free standing self-contained filter assembly containing coffee grounds inside a micro-fine wire mesh. Water is poured into the brew chamber to generate coffee extract through cold water infusion. After the brewing process, the apparatus is inverted, and the coffee travels into the extract chamber through the center piece for dispensing. Coffee brewed in this manner is less acidic and more flavorful than the conventionally hot-brewed beverage. All the components of the apparatus, the filter assembly, the brew chamber, the extract chamber, and the center tie piece, are detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Neace, Jr., Todd H. Maas
  • Publication number: 20100323082
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Chitoshi Shigeno, Yasushi Shioya, Tatsuya Kusaura, Yoshikazu Ogura, Yoshinobu Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7846485
    Abstract: A packaging article for a substance to be infused, includes two layers (2, 3) of filter material enclosing a reinforcement sheet (4) equipped with a hole (5). This packaging is such that it includes a hollow cylindrical part (6) for transverse stiffening, the outer wall of which is placed on the hole (5) of the reinforcement sheet (4), and delimiting, with the layers (2, 3), a volume for receiving a substance to be infused. Application to pre-dosed packages of a substance to be infused, such as ground coffee or tea leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie Mediterraneenne des Cafes (SA)
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Blanc, Christian Ferrier
  • Patent number: 7833561
    Abstract: Improved liquid coffee concentrates that have furfuryl acetate to 4-ethyl guaiacol ratio values that approach the furfuryl acetate to 4-ethyl guaiacol ratio values of fresh brewed coffees brewed with the same coffees used to produce said coffee concentrates are shown. Methods of evaluating and adjusting a liquid coffee concentrate's furfuryl acetate to 4-ethyl guaiacol ratio value are also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Folgers Coffee Company
    Inventors: Glenn James Dria, Jerry Douglas Young, Raul Victorino Nunes, Jianjun Justin Li, Donald Ray Patton
  • Patent number: 7824726
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high quality beverage capable of providing beverage by an extraction after roasting the material thereof and filling beverage of a roast material in a container and sealing the container. The method comprises a step for roasting the material in a sterile atmosphere, and extracting the roast material or preparing a suspension of the roast material with sterilized water, wherein sterilized inert gas atmosphere is used as the sterile atmosphere in at least a part of the step, whereby since both the deterioration of quality due to oxidation and the deterioration of quality by heating can be prevented, the high quality beverage of the roast material can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Goryoda, Yukiko Mizukami, Eiichi Nozawa, Yuuko Osada
  • Patent number: 7815959
    Abstract: A coffee cherry is harvested, preferably in a sub-ripe state, and quick-dried to provide a basis for numerous nutritional products. Such coffee cherries and portions thereof may be particularly characterized by their extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Publication number: 20100255166
    Abstract: A method of roasted coffee beans treatment capable of reducing acidity component of the roasted coffee beans, improving the extraction ratio thereof and drawing out superior flavor originating from coffee and steam treated roasted coffee beans using the method. In the method of roasted coffee beans treatment, a steam treatment is effected on the roasted coffee beans by supplying steam thereto under a flowing condition thereof. More particularly, the roasted coffee beans are accommodated in a bean accommodating portion having a steam supply passage and a steam exhaust passage and the steam treatment is effected by flowing the steam from the steam supply passage to the steam exhaust passage such that the steam is exhausted from the steam exhaust passage at an outlet pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Koji NAGAO, Yoshiaki Yokoo, Kenzo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7807205
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating a nutrient from coffee cherries or for producing a food product that comprises a coffee cherry or portion thereof (FIG. 3). It is particularly preferred that coffee cherries will have an extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 7794772
    Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a concentrated coffee extract which is rich in aroma component released when the roasted coffee beans are ground and has an amount of coffee oil controllable in accordance with the use and purpose, and a process for industrially producing the same. According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by separating an aroma component-containing distillate, a coffee oil-containing liquid, and a coffee extract from a slurry obtained by wet-grinding roasted coffee beans, and after the coffee extract is concentrated, adding back the aroma component-containing distillate and the coffee oil-containing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Takasago International Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Goto, Katsuya Uno, Shigeru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7771764
    Abstract: A method for producing an extract and/or a squeezed liquid, which includes: feeding a food to be extracted and/or squeezed into a crushing apparatus; adding a solvent into the crushing apparatus immediately after and/or while milling the food; extracting and/or squeezing a useful food component of the food into the solvent; and carrying out liquid-solid separation by removing the resulting extracted residue and/or squeezed residue with a continuous solid-liquid separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Meiji Dairies Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Honda, Takeshi Imazawa, Takamune Tanaka, Takao Tomita, Yasushi Kubota, Naoki Orii, Tadashi Nakatsubo
  • Patent number: 7767246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a coffee concentrate, wherein the coffee is subjected to two extractions, while the second extraction is carried out at a higher temperature than the first extraction. The method is suitable for preparing liquid as well as solid concentrates. The method produces a new concentrate that forms a further aspect of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Joannes Hubertus Petrus Maria Smits, Adrianus Cornelis Maria Hellemons
  • Patent number: 7754263
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating a nutrient from coffee cherries or for producing a food product that comprises a coffee cherry or portion thereof. It is particularly preferred that coffee cherries will have an extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 7713566
    Abstract: A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Loretta M. Zapp, Thomas J. Slaga, Jifu Zhao, Mark Lange
  • Publication number: 20100112164
    Abstract: A portable kit for brewing beverages has a brace the rests atop a drinking cup, a tubular riser that rests atop the brace, a bottom ring with a folding handle, one or more reuseable or disposable filters, one of which is secured to the bottom ring by a top ring, and a sprinkler with a hemispherical reservoir that is penetrated by tubes that evenly distribute fluid from the reservoir into the filter. When beverage material is placed in the filter, fluids poured into the sprinkler pass through the beverage material and the filter and collect in the drinking cup. Alternately, the bottom ring may rest directly on the drinking cup with the filter extending into the drinking cup so that a steeped beverage may be brewed. The components may be disassembled and carried in a small pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100080885
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating a nutrient from coffee cherries or for producing a food product that comprises a coffee cherry or portion thereof. It is particularly preferred that coffee cherries will have an extremely low concentration of mycotoxins, including various aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and/or vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: VDF FUTURECEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Dusan Miljkovic, Brad Duell, Vukosava Miljkovic
  • Publication number: 20100068362
    Abstract: The apparatus for producing a coffee beverage comprises an automatic coffee machine and a receptacle that can be docked with the beverage spigot of the machine in filling position, the receptacle having a mechanism that is detectable by a sensor mechanism in the machine when the receptacle attains the filling position, the sensor mechanism being in communication with the control unit of the coffee machine in such a way that, when it detects the detectable mechanism, it automatically sends the control unit a signal to switch the coffee machine to an operating mode that consecutively executes one or more operating cycles for filling of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Publication number: 20100040733
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilising the aroma of aroma-rich foodstuffs and their products by reducing the amount of phenols derived from decomposition of polyphenols contained therein. The invention also describes aroma-stabilized foodstuffs as well as their products having a desirable flavour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Imre Blank, Christian Milo, Josef Kerler, Christoph Mueller, Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7611741
    Abstract: A food objective for extraction and/or squeezing is charged into a colloid mill or a twin-screw extruder; immediately after and/or while milling, a low-temperature solvent (for example, water or milk of from ?3 to 50° C.) is added; and after treating the food using the extruder, grounds are removed to produce an extract and/or a squeezed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Meiji Dairies Corporaiton
    Inventors: Takeshi Honda, Takeshi Imazawa, Yasushi Kubota, Tadashi Nakatsubo
  • Patent number: 7597922
    Abstract: A beverage system for providing a beverage, methods of making the beverage and the resulting beverage are shown herein. The system includes a beverage-forming concentrate and an aroma or aroma-providing component separated from the concentrate; wherein the concentrate and aroma are combinable upon reconstitution for providing the beverage. The resulting beverage may be coffee, tea, carbonation, a juice, milk, or a non-dairy creamer-based component; or a combination thereof, while the aroma or aroma-providing component is coffee aroma, tea aroma, chocolate or cocoa aroma, malt, Maillard reaction flavor, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Pu-Sheng Cheng, Ying Zheng, Serena Laroia, Wenjie Hu, Rachid Rahmani, Eugene Scoville, Randall C. Chrisman, Shannon Gavie, Walter F. Landry, Brian J. McDonough, Randall L. Morrison, Anthony Klueppel, Christian Milo