Preparation Of Ready To Use Beverage, I.e., Brewing Patents (Class 426/433)
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Publication number: 20120328739Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Roberto Nocera
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Publication number: 20120328740Abstract: Machine, capsule, method for the preparation of drinks, particularly coffee, even more particularly “Americano type coffee” or filter coffee or filtered coffee in which the capsule is shaped with an essentially cylindrical form with a mouth, this capsule containing a predefined proportion of 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Roberto Nocera
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Patent number: 8337930Abstract: Provided is a packaged Oolong-tea beverage which contains an Oolong tea extract having a tannin/Brix ratio of from 200 to 265 (mg/100 mL/wt. %) and has a non-polymer catechin content of from 0.06 to 0.5 wt. %. The packaged Oolong-tea beverage of the present invention contains a high concentration of catechins and at the same time, tastes good without losing the original taste of Oolong tea.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Kao CorporationInventor: Sachiko Niwa
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Patent number: 8337929Abstract: The present invention provides a packaged coffee beverage subjected to heat-sterilization, wherein (A) a concentration of chlorogenic acids is not less than 0.1% by mass and less than 0.14% by mass, (B) a mass ratio of chlorogenic acids/tannin (FOLIN-DENIS method) is in the range of 0.6 to 1.0, and (C) a mass ratio of dichlorogenic acids/chlorogenic acids is in the range of 0.07 to 0.16.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Ogura, Sayaka Domon, Kiyoshi Kataoka, Ami Moritani, Shinji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8336448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AGInventor: Philipp Büttiker
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Publication number: 20120321748Abstract: A coffee filter basket includes a filter retainer having an outer shell with an upper end having open top and a bottom including an opening, an insert having an upper collar of a less than the diameter than the upper end of the retainer to fit therein and having a lower extension which when a filter is disposed within the retainer and the insert is disposed within the filter, the insert press-fits within the retainer to retain the filter adjacent the retainer shell, and a removable top having an outer perimeter lip portion of at least that of the diameter of the upper end of the retainer and a lower collar portion of a diameter less than the diameter of the upper collar and configured to press-fit therein to secure the insert in the retainer, wherein the removable top has an opening. A method of use is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Jay D. Otto, R. William Graham
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Publication number: 20120321769Abstract: A coffee filter basket includes a filter retainer having an outer shell with an upper end having open top and a bottom including an opening, an insert having an upper collar of a less than the diameter than the upper end of the retainer to fit therein and having a lower extension which when a filter is disposed within the retainer and the insert is disposed within the filter, the insert press-fits within the retainer to retain the filter adjacent the retainer shell, and a removable top having an outer perimeter lip portion of at least that of the diameter of the upper end of the retainer and a lower collar portion of a diameter less than the diameter of the upper collar and configured to press-fit therein to secure the insert in the retainer, wherein the removable top has an opening. A method of use is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Jay D. Otto
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Publication number: 20120308691Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Diego Jimenez Alvarez, Delphine Ricoux, Pierre Monnier, Christian Jarisch, Alfred Yoakim, Alexandre Perentes
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Patent number: 8318228Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Chitoshi Shigeno, Yasushi Shioya, Tatsuya Kusaura, Yoshikazu Ogura, Yoshinobu Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8304006Abstract: A method for producing a beverage from an ingredient-containing capsule by inserting a sealed capsule into a capsule enclosure space of a beverage production device, enclosing the capsule by a relative displacement of at least two enclosing members which define the capsule enclosure space, and opening an inlet face of the capsule and injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule in order to open an outlet face of the capsule. The capsule is provided at its outer surface with sealing material which is exposed to the fluid pressure in the capsule enclosure space. After enclosing the capsule, the fluid pressure in the capsule at least partially acts on the sealing material, such that in turn the sealing material is pressed against one of the enclosing members thus constituting a flow resistance that is sufficient to guarantee a pressure build-up inside the capsule sufficient for the pressure-assisted opening of the outlet face of the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alexandre Kollep
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Publication number: 20120276264Abstract: A single serving beverage filter cartridge is formed by placing a single serving portion of brewing material into a reusable coffee holder having a lid and a base. The reusable coffee holder includes a recessed region at the bottom of a base of the holder and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the recessed region may be a large annular recessed region or a smaller off-center recessed region thereby avoiding the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the coffee holder. The mesh material may be a metal mesh or plastic mesh. The reusable coffee holder is configured for use in single serving coffee makers having the offset bottom needle and designed for single use cartridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Adrian Rivera
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Publication number: 20120269944Abstract: In an improved method and machine for espresso coffee there are provided one or more operating units (10) each of which comprises a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, a group (26) for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit (10) is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters, in particular the water pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: La Marzocco, SRLInventors: Roberto Bianchi, Jacob Ellul-Blake
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Publication number: 20120251694Abstract: A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage with a beverage brewing device is disclosed. The beverage brewing device comprises a receptacle for receiving the capsule. The capsule comprises a cup comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid in use connected to the cup at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom. The wall, bottom and lid, in use, enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. At least a portion of a surface of the capsule conceived to, in use, interact with the receptacle is provided with at least one projection for forming a sealing engagement with the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, John Henri Flamand, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
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Publication number: 20120251670Abstract: A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage comprises a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall arranged for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising an extractable product. The extractable product in the inner space has particles falling within a preselected distribution by weight. A 10th percentile of the particle size is 20-60 ?m, a 50th percentile of the particle size is 400-600 ?m and a 90th percentile of the particle size is 700-1000 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, Cornelis van Bergen, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
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Publication number: 20120251669Abstract: Capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, for instance roast and ground coffee, comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall arranged for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the extractable product in the inner space of the capsule has been, at least partly compacted. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a capsule, a system comprising such a capsule for preparing a beverage and a method for preparing of a beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, Cornelis van Bergen, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
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Publication number: 20120231135Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved injector heads from use in coffee makers, and particularly for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Rachel Kuniyoshi Cabe
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Publication number: 20120231134Abstract: An espresso making machine has a short wave heating element, selected from a halogen lamp and an infra red lamp, that is semi-external. The heating element is inside the water tank yet not exposed to water since it is encased in a heat conducting sleeve that crosses the water tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Guy Hanan GONEN
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Patent number: 8257768Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage suitable for human consumption and having a fine-bubble form a layer including delivering the beverage under pressure with at least one nozzle which is in fluid communication with the beverage unit for supplying the beverage to the nozzle such that the nozzle can generate a jet of beverage. The method further using a receiving unit into which the jet is directed for obtaining the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer, said receiving unit being provided with a chamber with at least one drain opening for delivering the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer and a jet impact member accommodated in said chamber and having a top that lies free from an inner wall of said chamber. The nozzle and the jet impact member are mutually oriented such that the jet hits against a portion of the top of the jet impact member, so that the jet after hitting against the jet impact member forms a mist of the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Joeke Noordhuis, Jacob W. Zijlstra
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Patent number: 8252351Abstract: A beverage machine comprises a device designed for brewing a beverage on the basis of ingredients contained in a capsule, the beverage device comprising a way of retaining the capsule in a defined position, a first apparatus for opening a hot water inlet into the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position, and a second apparatus for opening a beverage outlet from the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position. The beverage machine is characterized in that the first apparatus comprises at least one opening which is directed downwards to the lowermost part of the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
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Patent number: 8247010Abstract: A brewing system (100) includes a brew group (130) having a cylindrical brewing chamber (132), a first actuator (146) attached to an upper piston assembly (140) that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator (156) attached to a lower piston assembly (150) that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube (151) that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube (141) that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (100), hopper (112), water heater (11) and grinder assembly (120). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.Inventors: Quan Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Dalton Collier, James Michael McLaughlin
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Publication number: 20120207895Abstract: A single serving beverage filter cartridge is formed by placing a single serving portion of brewing material into a reusable coffee holder having a lid and a base. The reusable coffee holder includes a recessed annular region at the bottom of a base of the holder and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the recessed annular region avoiding the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the coffee holder. The mesh material may be a metal mesh or plastic mesh. The reusable coffee holder is configured for use in single serving coffee makers having the offset bottom needle and designed for single use cartridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Adrian Rivera
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Publication number: 20120207896Abstract: A single serving beverage filter cartridge is formed by placing a single serving portion of brewing material into a reusable coffee holder having a lid and a base. The reusable coffee holder includes an offset passage in the bottom of the base and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset bottom needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the offset passage providing clearance for the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the reusable coffee holder. The mesh material may be a metal mesh or plastic mesh. The reusable coffee holder is configured for use in single serving coffee makers having the offset bottom needle and designed for single use cartridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Adrian Rivera
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Publication number: 20120207894Abstract: A mechanical waste pod ejector system for a single cup pod beverage flavoring machine that has a lower head with a holding chamber therein, for holding a pod during a flavoring operation, which head mechanically ejects the pod after usage. The system includes a pod ejector mechanism, a pod support plate sized to engage the pod, and actuator head, with a pod ejector controller including a cam slide surface for moving the lower head from a flavoring position to a pod disposal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, David L. Brandsma, Jerry Walls, Billy Castleberry
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Publication number: 20120196025Abstract: A device to prepare an infusion, such as a brewed beverage, by moderating and manipulating the extraction rate of a particulate base during an infusion, a related method to prepare such an infusion, and a resultant product of such a method.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: COFFEE CATCHER, LLCInventors: John William Custer, Nathaniel Bert Jones, Sauro Dall'Aglio
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Publication number: 20120196014Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Zhengli YAO
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Patent number: 8230774Abstract: An all-in-one home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing and heating of multiple infant bottles, is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a countertop appliance with three (3) reservoirs comprising water, formula, and cereal, respectively. Inside the base of the appliance is a turnstile that holds up to five (5) empty bottles that have been previously sterilized by the user. In operation, the user would select the bottle size and the necessary recipe of water, formula, and cereal, respectively, using an integral control panel. At this point, internal control circuitry dispenses pre-heated water and dry ingredients in proper ratios into a mixing chamber. After mixing of the ingredients, the mixture is delivered into the proper sized bottle. Finally, internal heaters maintain the bottles at a constant selected temperature. An automatic alarm is then sounded when the prepared bottles are ready. This apparatus ensures preparation of baby bottles having consistent ingredients, mixing, and heating.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Karen A. Hunte
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Patent number: 8230775Abstract: A capsule (1) sealed without an internal filter. The capsule includes a cup-shaped body (2) with an outwardly projecting flange (2a), and a flexible lid (3) welded to the flange (2a) to define with the latter a sealed chamber (4) which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and contains a quantity of granular material (5). The granular material (5) is first compressed inside the chamber (4) in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the flange (2a), with a compressive load preferably of between 2 and 50 Kg per cm2 of the average cross-sectional area of the chamber (4), so as to form a compact tablet (5) of the material. A vacuum is formed inside the chamber (4) to a degree such that the lid (3) adheres to the upper surface of the tablet (5).Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.Inventor: Alfredo Vanni
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Patent number: 8231918Abstract: A method for delivering a short coffee extract faster from a closed capsule containing ground coffee by injecting water under pressure within the capsule. The capsule is filled with ground coffee, has a delivery membrane and is extracted in a coffee extraction device and pressurized water is injected in the capsule under pressure. The coffee beverage is released through the beverage delivery membrane of the capsule with engaging means engaging in and/or against the membrane. The pressure loss is reduced in the coffee bed by providing ground coffee having a reduced percentage of fines (F) depending on the average particle size (D4,3). The extraction yield is maintained between 15 and 30% and the coffee extract of 25 or 40 grams is delivered in a flow time of 20 seconds or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Sylvia Ohresser, Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Ernest Raetz
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Patent number: 8222868Abstract: A battery tester engages a power tool battery and includes a housing having a cavity for receiving a stem of the power tool battery. The battery tester has a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed in the cavity and is configured to engage corresponding battery electrodes on the stem. A processor is mounted within the housing and communicates with the battery through the electrically conductive contacts. The processor measures a voltage level of the battery, and a loading circuit electrically loads the battery during measuring. One or more indicators are controlled by the processor. The processor activates the loading circuit for a predetermined period of time to measure a voltage level of the battery while under load, and then activates the indicators to provide a visual indication of remaining battery life. The battery tester is a stand-alone device where housing does not have a motor or a battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Michael E. Buckner, Daniel B. Nelson, Samuel Boyles, Umesh Jairamdas Rajani, Anthony Thomas Tocco
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Patent number: 8221813Abstract: A disposable, single serve, fluid permeable filter configured to substantially conform to the contour of the interior surface of a permanent filter basket used in single serve type beverage brewers.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventor: John Leonard Boul
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Publication number: 20120177794Abstract: The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. Wherein in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped in the brew head space between a distal end of a clamping member and the second part.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLCInventor: Nick Hansen
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Publication number: 20120156344Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Charles F. Studor, J. Kevin Nater, Marwan M. Hassoun
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Patent number: 8202560Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart
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Patent number: 8201491Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.Inventor: Michael Howard Garman
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Publication number: 20120135119Abstract: The invention relates to a method for brewing coffee in a coffee machine, particularly an automatic or fully automated espresso machine, wherein coffee beans are ground to coffee powder of a predefined quantity of coffee powder and/or a predefined grinding degree by a grinding device of the coffee machine, during a press process, the coffee powder is pressed in a brewing chamber of the coffee machine at a predefined press force, during the brewing process, a predefined quantity of water, heated to a predefined brewing temperature is passed through the coffee powder and an actual brewing time is determined, the actual brewing time is compared to a saved target brewing time, the actual brewing time is adapted to the target brewing time by increasing/reducing the press force during the brewing process or before every new coffee brewing. Thus, the brewing time can be controlled by the press force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AGInventors: Jochen Gussmann, Wolfgang Scheible
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Publication number: 20120121780Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATIONInventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
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Publication number: 20120121779Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATIONInventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
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Publication number: 20120121764Abstract: A brewed beverage appliance uses a specialized pre-packaged beverage container and a related method of brewing a beverage. The container comprises a cup-shaped base having openings at the bottom. A plurality of roasted, whole coffee beans are contained therein. The appliance has a blade that punctures the cup and then grinds the beans while they are still in the cup. Heated water is delivered to the cup and passes through the ground coffee causing brewed coffee to emit from the openings in the bottom of the cup and into a container such as a coffee mug.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATIONInventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
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Patent number: 8161866Abstract: A method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to form beverage. The method includes preforming the capsule body and at least a portion of said flange-like rim, placing a premade sealing member on the flange-like rim, crimping a portion of the flange-like rim on a portion of the sealing member so resulting in the sealing member becoming attached to the flange-like rim.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Daniel Abegglen, Thomas Kaeser, Heinz Leuthold, Reinhard Lutz
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Publication number: 20120093989Abstract: A cover for single serving beverage filter containers is provided. The cover may have a body forming an aperture at its center, a door hingedly attached to the body and capable of covering the aperture, and a flange extending from an outer perimeter of the body. A spring may allow the door to be biased in a closed position to cover the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Eric Petitpas
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Publication number: 20120093990Abstract: 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 manually operated release valve to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod and into a container, the release valve being adjustable as to flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: James P. Shrader, Soren G. Brockdorf
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Patent number: 8156858Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the regulation of operation parameters, in particular pressure, in a coffee machine. The apparatus comprises a keyboard, arranged for activating the machine and setting operation parameters, and a plurality of light or sound emitting elements arranged to be selectively activated for highlight through a plurality of configurations the operation parameters of the machine set through the keyboard. Thanks to the invention it is possible to avoid on the machine the presence of a display that makes more complex and less reliable the machine. The invention relates also to a machine that comprises the apparatus and to the operating method of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Rancilio Macchine per Caffe' S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Carbonini
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Publication number: 20120088014Abstract: An improved coffee brewing apparatus and method is disclosed. 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Gary Legner
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Patent number: 8151694Abstract: A beverage forming apparatus includes a storage tank, and a centrifugal pump having an inlet connected to the storage tank by a supply conduit. The centrifugal pump may include a priming vent located below a full level of the storage tank and permit air to vent as liquid primes the pump. A metering tank may have an inlet connected to the centrifugal pump by a pump conduit, and an outlet connected to a brew chamber that forms a beverage using liquid received from the metering tank. In one embodiment, a flow control valve, such as a check valve, may be provided in the pump conduit to allow flow from the pump to the metering tank, but resist flow in reverse. In another embodiment, a vent valve in the pump conduit may be arranged to vent at least a portion of the pump conduit, e.g., to ambient air pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Keurig, IncorporatedInventors: William T. Jacobs, James E. Shepard, Kevin P. Sullivan, Ian Tinkler
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Publication number: 20120070551Abstract: The invention proposes a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element comprising a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
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Publication number: 20120070552Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating the fluid, includes a separating device arranged to separate a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid. A method for obtaining a coffee includes heating an extraction fluid so as to induce the passage of the extraction fluid through a dose of coffee to obtain the beverage, and separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the extraction fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said extraction fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A.Inventors: Luciano NAVARINI, Luca MASTROPASQUA, Bruno DELLAPIETRA, Furio SUGGI LIVERANI
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Publication number: 20120070543Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
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Patent number: 8124150Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with means (4,5) to filter hot pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, means (17,18,20) of monitoring real-time data concerning brewing parameters; a controlling unit (16) comprising means of storing data, means of comparing the real-time data to a set of stored data and/or threshold parameters, stored in the controller's memory associated with the brewing system, to determine whether a correction to the parameters should be made, and means (8,9,24) of altering at least one of the relevant brewing parameters, when required to bring said real time parameter in line with said recorded parameter to obtain consistent high quality of the dispensed beverage.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Rhea Vendors, S.p.A.Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
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Publication number: 20120045559Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Michael Howard Garman
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Publication number: 20120021108Abstract: A cold brew apparatus and a method of making cold brew extract are disclosed. The cold brew apparatus includes a flexible brewing bag having an opening therein. Premeasured brewable ingredients (e.g., coffee grounds, coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.) are located in the brewing bag. The opening in the brewing bag is uncovered to allow a liquid (e.g., water) to be added to the brewable ingredients. The opening in the brewing bag is covered after the liquid has been added, and the brewable ingredients and the liquid are left to steep for a period of time (e.g., approximately 8-24 hours). After the period of time has elapsed, extract (e.g., coffee extract, tea extract, etc.) is poured out of the opening in the brewing bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Procreate Brands LLCInventors: Scott Baumann, Brian Wheeler, Kim L. Alfreds