Preparation Of Ready To Use Beverage, I.e., Brewing Patents (Class 426/433)
  • Publication number: 20140199443
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering a beverage comprising the steps of at least partially filling an extraction chamber with roasted ground coffee, passing an aqueous medium through the extraction chamber to form the beverage and discharging the beverage from the extraction chamber; wherein the roasted ground coffee has a dry Helos particle size distribution D50 of less than or equal to 200 microns; wherein the aqueous medium has a temperature of ° C. to 40° C.; and wherein the flow rate of the aqueous medium through the extraction chamber is 0.5 to 5 mls?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS R&D, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Norton, Andrew Halliday
  • Patent number: 8778432
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Takeya USA Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Lown
  • Patent number: 8771774
    Abstract: An automatically controllable commercial system for brewing a consistently high quality cold brewed beverage from a supply of purified water, optionally sweetening the brewed beverage, and dispensing the cold brewed beverage is provided. The system of the present invention includes automatically controllable integrated components for purifying the water supplied to brew the beverage and for maintaining the system in a sanitary condition that can be serviced on site or from a remote location. The present invention further provides an automated, commercial scale method for brewing tea from real tea leaves and naturally sweetening the tea to produce cold sweet tea with the high quality taste of homemade sweet tea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Harold F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140178537
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for preparing beverages comprising a sealing element on a laterally protruding edge connected to the housing of the capsule. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. In addition, the invention relates to a perforation structure evidently intended for use in such a capsule according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of such a capsule in a device for preparing beverages. The invention further relates to a sealing element for use in a capsule according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: BISERKON HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Sander Gordon Zweed, Mark Eric Anton Arthur Klep, Jan Andreae
  • Patent number: 8758844
    Abstract: A method for the production of drinks, particularly coffee, even more particularly “American type coffee” or filter coffee by means of a machine and a capsule containing a proportion of preparation for drink is disclosed. The method includes the phases of heating a liquid for the preparation of drinks, putting under pressure the liquid within a boiler, feeding the liquid to the capsule with crossing of the capsule, taking the liquid after this phase of crossing of the capsule. The method also includes an infusion and remixing phase of the liquid with the preparation for drink within the capsule, which occurs within a housing partially filled up with the preparation for drink according to a filling factor in the range from 35 to 90%, preferably in the range from 40 to 85%, even more preferably in the range from 45 to 75%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: La San Marco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Nocera
  • Publication number: 20140170281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for preparing beverage said capsule being provided with a sealing element comprising a cavity. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. The invention further relates to a method for preparing beverages by making use of such an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BISERKON HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventor: Sander Gordon Zweed
  • Publication number: 20140170271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for preparing beverages. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. The invention further relates to a method for preparing beverages by making use of such an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BISERKON HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Sander Gordon Zweed, Jan Andreae, Mark Eric Anton Arthur Klep
  • Publication number: 20140170280
    Abstract: A system and a method for making a beverage from a mixture of liquid and solid particles are disclosed. The liquid and solid particles are introduced into a chamber so as to allow the liquid to infuse with the flavour or quality of the solid particles. A piston having an integrated filter is in sealed contact with the chamber, and can be vertically displaced within the chamber. When the piston is displaced downward, air is forced from below the filter and into the mixture sitting above the filter, agitating the mixture. When the piston is displaced upward, the mixture is drawn from above the filter. This separates the spent solid particles from the infused liquid, which collects in the chamber, thereby making the beverage. Also described are a driving mechanism for displacing the piston, a dispensing mechanism for releasing the beverage, and a wiping mechanism for wiping spent solid particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: VKI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Marc St. Germain, Stephen Grant, Marc-Andre Vaillant, Alain Boily, Jorge Barbales
  • Publication number: 20140161937
    Abstract: A capsule suited to contain in its inside a mass of powdered coffee for preparing an infusion of coffee. The capsule comprises a container closed by a lid. The container is provided with a filter of the coffee/hot water infusion. The capsule is characterized in that the mass of powdered coffee is located in an annular space surrounding a central chimney. The infusion water, during at least one of its intermediate steps, converges from the annular space towards the central chimney passing first through a vertical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 8747932
    Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: John A. Fedor
  • Patent number: 8734874
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: UCAI Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Alfonso Ernesto Paolone
  • Patent number: 8726789
    Abstract: A system as disclosed herein uses a cold or unheated water source such as a reservoir or a pressurized inlet feed line, and a heated water reservoir. The unheated water reservoir is pressurized with a pressurizing apparatus communicating with the unheated water reservoir. Such a pressurizing apparatus may include an air pump, bladder or piston arrangement as well as other pressurizing apparatus. The pressurizing apparatus is controllable to push water from the unheated water reservoir to the heated water reservoir. As a result of the pressurization and displacement of the unheated water, heated water is then displaced and forced from the heated water reservoir. Heated water from the heated water reservoir is dispensed to the spray head and over the beverage brewing substance such as coffee for brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Clark
  • Patent number: 8728557
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new fruit-juice-containing black tea beverage that, without performing enzyme treatment such as tannase treatment, and moreover even if a large quantity of fruit juice is added, can suppress time degradation. The fruit-juice-containing black tea beverage packed in a container containing 10-90 mass % of fruit juice is characterized by containing 10-24 ppm of theogallin, and by the ratio (theogallin/K) of contained theogallin to contained potassium being 0.015-0.100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ito En, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyo Imbe, Keisuke Numata, Yu Kanda, Kinya Kodera
  • Publication number: 20140134309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a soluble coffee tablet comprising the following successive steps: a. Taking a quantity of a coffee composition comprising coffee, wherein the coffee consists of soluble coffee particles; b. Compaction of the coffee composition to form a compacted coffee product of three-dimensional form; c. Moistening of said compacted coffee product to moisten the exterior surface of the compacted product; d. Drying of the moistened compacted product to form the soluble coffee tablet. Such a method makes it possible to form a soluble coffee tablet having an internal part and an external part entirely surrounding the internal part, with the external part having a greater density than the density of the internal part. The internal part is a porous core promoting the dissolution of the tablet and the external part forms a thick hardened crust with a density greater than the density of the core, thus increasing the mechanical resistance of the tablet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Valerie Soquet, Paul Branlard, Eric Bonneau
  • Patent number: 8703222
    Abstract: A method and a device for making a coffee beverage are provided. The method includes: heating coffee powder by water vapor at a temperature lower than a sublimation temperature of caffeine to sublimate a volatile fat component in the coffee powder without sublimating the caffeine, and dissolving other water-soluble components in water at a temperature lower than 85° C. while only dissolving a little of the caffeine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Zofu Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhengli Yao
  • Publication number: 20140106042
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages at a rapid rate by enabling removal of spent flavor base (e.g., coffee grounds) from a brewing chamber. In one embodiment, a filter is provided in fixed attachment with a wiper. After a brewed beverage is forced from the brewing chamber through the filter, the filter can be removed from the brew chamber. Removal of the filter causes the wiper to pass over the brew chamber, sweeping away spent flavor base and preparing the brew chamber for subsequent use. In some embodiments, a scraper may be positioned such that removal of the filter from the brew chamber causes the scraper to remove spent flavor base from the filter and/or wiper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Patent number: 8696899
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Anne Roulin, Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Matthew Steven
  • Patent number: 8695485
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Julie D. Spitzley, David M. Dreffer, Carole A. Dreffer
  • Patent number: 8695482
    Abstract: A beverage making apparatus having structures and methods to facilitate programming of the apparatus with parameters suitable for a pre-determined brewing substances. The beverage making apparatus has a water delivery system for delivering water to a brewing substance holder containing a brewing substance. A temperature adjusting system is provided for adjusting the temperature of water in the water delivery system. A controller is provided for controllably operating the apparatus, the controller further being programmable with characteristics suitable for predetermined brewing substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Victor D. Goeckner, Jamie Dee Schroetlin
  • Publication number: 20140099417
    Abstract: A method of brewing with a brewing device includes providing a plurality of individual filter units. The brewing device has a reservoir for flowing water through a composition in the filter units, such as coffee grounds to brew coffee. The individual coffee filter units each comprise a filter pouch that contains a predetermined amount of coffee grounds or the like. An amount of filter units is selected depending on at least one of (i) the amount of coffee to be brewed and (ii) the strength of the coffee to be brewed. The selected amount of coffee filter units are placed in the reservoir and the brewing device is activated to brew the coffee or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Van M. Kassouni
  • Publication number: 20140072685
    Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Roasting Plant, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Caswell
  • Patent number: 8663724
    Abstract: An electrical, automatic hot beverage brewer (10) and method of brewing in which a removable brew chamber (20) has a drain hole (25) in the bottom fitted with a normally closed, pressure responsive brew chamber drain valve assembly (24) maintained in a normally closed position except when pressure against the drain valve (24) exceeds a preselected minimum pressure limit that is greater than the fluidic pressure applied by virtue of head pressure of a full load of hot water and a piston (74) is moved within the brew chamber to control the opening and closing of the drain valve (24) When the piston (74) moves downwardly toward the drain hole the air pressure of a pocket of air (90) above the beverage (92) in the brew chamber (20) is increased to open at the end of a seeping period when it is desired to rapidly expel freshly brewed beverage out the brew drain valve at a relatively rapid rate depending upon the total of the hydraulic pressure and the added pressure from the air pressure source to avoid the need t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Banasik
  • Patent number: 8661966
    Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Stearns, Ray A. Ross, David E. Isett
  • Publication number: 20140057033
    Abstract: A beverage assembly includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, an inlet portion formed in the housing, a beverage container configured to be removably accommodated within the inlet portion and having a fracturable seal and containing a beverage ingredient of a first size, a grinding mechanism positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet portion, and a piercing assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the piercing assembly selectively pierces the fracturable seal thereby causing said beverage ingredient to enter the grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism selectively transforms the beverage ingredient from the first size to a second size, the second size being smaller than the first size. The beverage assembly further includes a brewing area disposed beneath the grinding assembly and configured to removably accommodate the beverage container after the beverage container has been pierced by the piercing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
  • Patent number: 8658232
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 8651012
    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: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart
  • Publication number: 20140044845
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating said fluid, includes a separating device arranged to separate a fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of said fluid from a further fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said fluid; an apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage by imbibing a dose of coffee with an extraction fluid driven by heating through said dose, includes an inhibition device arranged to inhibit said imbibing when said fluid contains a substantial steam phase; a method for obtaining a coffee beverage includes heating an extraction fluid so as to induce the passage of said extraction fluid through a dose of coffee to obtain said beverage and separating a fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of said extraction fluid from a further fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said extraction fluid is provided
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luciano NAVARINI, Luca MASTROPASQUA, Bruno DELLAPIETRA, Furio SUGGI LIVERANI
  • Patent number: 8647691
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eugster Frismag AG Elektrohushaltgeraete
    Inventor: Marc Krüger
  • Patent number: 8646379
    Abstract: A beverage appliance includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, a brewing station disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, a grinding station disposed within the housing and being functionally separate from said brewing station, and a brewing carriage being selectively movable between a first position adjacent the grinding station and a second position adjacent the brewing station. Movement of the brewing carriage between the first and second position shifts a beverage ingredient in the brewing carriage from the first position to the second position and when the brewing carriage is in the in said second position, liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir and directed to the brewing carriage to produce a brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Kin Man Lai, Kam Fai Fung, Barbara Lynn Schnabel
  • Publication number: 20140037808
    Abstract: The coffee maker of the present invention includes a housing, a water reservoir disposed in the housing and a shower head in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The coffee maker also include a first heating element for heating water from the water reservoir and being controllable between and ON state and an OFF state, and a second heating element located downstream from the first heating element and being controllable between an ON state and an OFF state. The first and second heating elements are operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, the second mode being different from the first mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leandro P. Rizzuto, Joseph J. Laskowski
  • Patent number: 8628813
    Abstract: A method for making fresh brewed coffee includes the steps of providing a folded free standing stand, manually unfolding the stand into a free standing configuration, mounted a coffee filter in the stand, placing coffee grounds in the stand, placing a cup on the stand beneath the coffee filter, and pouring water through the coffee grounds and filter into the cup. The stand includes four pivotally connected articulating members of similar shape and dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Samantha M Stafford
  • Publication number: 20140010934
    Abstract: A method for operating a hot beverage maker includes the steps of infusing fresh water and storing the resulting beverage in a removable brewed beverage tank. An actuator is engaged for dispensing the brewed beverage from the tank. The tank is placed on a platform in a relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. Accordingly, the hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank until it is dispensed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Garman
  • Patent number: 8623441
    Abstract: A brewing system and method are shown for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McLaughlin, Quan H. Nguyen, Christopher D. Collier, Eileen M. Nall, Lucas A. Marks, Carrie M. Rebhuhn
  • Patent number: 8623436
    Abstract: An improved coffee brewing apparatus and method is shown. The method can include setting a permeable disk over coffee grounds in the filter of a conventional drip coffee maker, placing water on the permeable disk, and compressing the coffee grounds with a weight of the water on the permeable disk. The method can include percolating the coffee grounds with the water distributed uniformly with the permeable disk for brewing a coffee beverage. The method can also include passing the coffee beverage to an outlet. The method, in one embodiment, can include mixing contents within a booster pack to the coffee beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Legner
  • Publication number: 20130344205
    Abstract: A brewer system is adapted to brew a beverage utilizing a cartridge packed with beverage grind such as coffee, tea, milk, and the like. The brewer system may include a pump adapted to draw the fluid from either a reservoir or a heater tank utilizing a vacuum pump. The pump may pass the fluid to a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge and inject the fluid into the cartridge to brew a beverage. The pump may draw the fluid from a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end may be coupled to the pump, and the second end of the tube adapted may draw the fluid. A portion of the tube may be elevated above the maximum fill line of the fluid within the reservoir or the heater tank. An air switch may be coupled to the portion of the tube such that atmospheric air may enter the portion of the tube through the switch after a predetermined amount of fluid has been pumped through the tube to purge the cartridge of beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Touch Coffee and Beverages, LLC.
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Patent number: 8613245
    Abstract: A coffee brewer (10, 10? and 10?) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40?), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20130337123
    Abstract: An instant coffee composition is provided having soluble coffee particles. The particles have internal pores, and at least some of the internal pores contain a pressurized gas. Further, the soluble coffee particles are provided with finely-ground insoluble coffee material on an outer surface of the soluble coffee particles. A method of forming the instant coffee composition, a container for the composition, and a beverage dispensing system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Ian Denis Fisk, Thomas Philip Irnison, Bary Zeller
  • Publication number: 20130337132
    Abstract: An infusion beverage making apparatus (100) comprises a liquid heater, an infuser (140) for receiving beverage solid and conveying means for conveying heated liquid from the liquid heater onto the beverage solids. The apparatus (100) is configured to operate in at least one phase in which heated liquid is passed from the liquid heater through the beverage solids and in another phase in which steam is passed through at least a portion of the conveying means. A quantity of water is heated to boiling by the liquid heater and a steam pressure allowed to develop as a result which is sufficient to force steam through at least a portion of the conveying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Strix Limited
    Inventors: Iain Fenna, Vincent Joseph Garvey, James Howitt, Jonathan Michael White
  • Patent number: 8607693
    Abstract: A device for the preparation of a frothy liquid for human consumption includes a jet forming nozzle and an inlet of a liquid flow deflecting member arranged on opposed locations with respect to a collision chamber. The jet forming emits a traversing liquid jet that traverses the collision chamber along a path and enters the inlet and passes through to the outlet of the liquid flow deflecting member. The outlet is arranged in communication with the collision chamber and is aimed at the path of the liquid jet between the jet forming nozzle and the inlet, so that in use the liquid jet emerging from the outlet collides with the traversing liquid jet between the jet forming nozzle and the inlet of the liquid flow deflecting member. The collision causes air to be mixed with the liquid thereby generating frothed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Jet Liquids GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Waldemar Verbeek
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130309364
    Abstract: Capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule (1) along a rotational axis “I” in the device to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid and forcing a beverage out of the capsule, wherein the capsule (1) comprises containment walls containing beverage ingredients; said containment walls comprising a bottom wall (2), a widening sidewall (3) and a top wall (4), said top wall (4) comprising at least one liquid- impervious area (7) and at least one liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5); wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5) is peripherally positioned on the top wall (4) relative to the liquid-impervious area (7) and wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area is made of a porous flexible material which is extensible at least in axial direction and has a tensile elongation of at least 250, preferably at least 300% (DIN EN 29073-3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Gerbaulet, Daniel Abegglen, Alexandre Perentes, Jean-Francois Tinembart
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8586116
    Abstract: A hot beverage brewer (10) having a hot water dispense system (12), a brew basket assembly (18) for holding ingredient to be mixed with the hot water to make a freshly brewed hot beverage and a controller (16) for controlling the delivery of hot water from the hot water dispenser system to the brew basket (18) with a spray distribution assembly (14) having a spray head (20) having a generally vertical passageway (22) for receipt of hot water and an umbrella-like member (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leszek M. Wroblewski, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Patent number: 8567304
    Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising a clamping member and a base, wherein the clamping member is movable relative to the base, the clamping member being sequentially movable from an open position, through a clamping position to an ejection position, the clamping position being intermediate the open position and the ejection position, in the open position the clamping member being positioned to enable loading of a cartridge into the delivery head, the clamping member being clampable against said cartridge in the clamping position, the clamping member being movable relative to the base from the clamping position to the ejection position to enable transportation and ejection of said cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Adrian Saxton, Roger Geoffrey Tanner
  • Patent number: 8568811
    Abstract: This invention is related to a method of manufacturing a tea drink, which comprises the steps of subjecting tea leaves to extraction to obtain an tea extract and adjusting the pH of the tea extract to the range of 5.0-6.0, mixing nitrogen into the tea extract while applying a negative pressure of 0.01 MPa or more, stabilizing the tea extract in succession to the step of applying a negative pressure by maintaining the tea extract under a pressure of not higher than atmospheric pressure for a period of 30 seconds to 20 minutes, and adjusting the pH of the tea extract to the range of 5.5-6.5 during or subsequent to the step of stabilizing the tea extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ito En, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Sasame, Kenji Shimaoka, Yoko Haraguchi, Izumi Kobayashi, Kazuyoshi Nishimura, Hideo Nomura, Ken-ichi Abe, Tetsuya Onuki
  • Publication number: 20130280396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instant beverage powder and, more particularly, to an instant soluble beverage powder which forms foam on its upper surface when reconstituted with water. The powder has a foaming porosity of at least 35% an open pore volume of less than 3 ml/g and a closed pore average diameter D50 of less than 80 micrometres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Boehm, Daniel Paul Donhowe, Patricia Ann Mathias, Xiaoping Fu, Joseph Bernard Rechtiene, Ulrich Kessler, Mathalai Balan Sudharsan, Helene Michele Jeanne Chanvrier, Anne Francoise Violette Briend, Stefan Schenker
  • Patent number: 8549990
    Abstract: A coffee machine includes a hot water generator, an infusion chamber for receiving an infusible product, an infusion dispensing outlet (6) and a foam producing device (40), which is interposed between the infusion chamber and the dispensing outlet and is provided with at least two outlet orifices (43, 44) arranged with respect to each other in such a way that two infusion jets, which are formed at exit, collide with each other, thereby producing a foam. The two outlet orifices (43, 44) are oriented to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that the first outlet orifice (43) is oriented in a vertical direction whereas the second outlet orifice (44) is oriented in a horizontal direction and placed in such a way that the collision of the two infusion jets takes place under the first orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Hiron
  • Publication number: 20130259995
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing coffee infusions by means of a liquid under pressure, in particular water under pressure, the machine comprising: a pump assembly (11) arranged to raise the pressure of the liquid outgoing from the pump assembly up to a preset pressure value (PI); one or more dispensing units (14) connected to the pump assembly, each dispensing unit (14) being arranged to dispense the coffee infusion; one or more pressure managing devices (20), each managing device (20) being connected to a certain dispensing unit (14). In the machine (10), the pressure managing device (20) includes a first duct (15) and at least one second duct (16) that are connected in parallel, have a common outlet and are arranged to supply the dispensing unit (14), during the coffee infusion preparation, with liquid at different pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: RANCILIO GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Porzio, Carlo Carbonini
  • Publication number: 20130259994
    Abstract: A vertical apparatus,—for mixtures of solids & liquids,—used to exchange essence between them,—or used to separate solids from liquids or vice a versa,—placed on the inside floor of a container, has: (1) an outer & (2) an inner parts, both substantially, cylindrically shaped, open ended, loose yet close fitting, & concentrically nested, with the outer part having an integral seal ring at its bottom end, and (3) a horizontal filter element covering the inner part's bottom opening, it being held clamped between the close fitting substantially cylindrical parts. With fluids placed inside the apparatus, they remain there without leaking past the seal ring, until the apparatus is lifted off of the container floor to unseal & filter the fluids into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Sastry K. Ganti
  • Publication number: 20130243919
    Abstract: An espresso maker and method of producing espresso, the espresso maker having a chamber to receive hot water and a coffee filter pod, the water and filter pod in the chamber being pressurized by an outside source of compressed gas to approximately 15 bar. The hot water is allowed to contact the filter pod for a short time prior to pressurization, and the chamber is maintained at the desired raised pressure for a short time after pressurization prior to opening of a release outflow valve to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod and into a container, the release outflow valve preferably being adjustable as to flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: James P. Shrader, Soren G. Brockdorf