Preparation Of Ready To Use Beverage, I.e., Brewing Patents (Class 426/433)
  • Publication number: 20120015094
    Abstract: A ground roast coffee tablet which is capable of being brewed in a conventional automatic drip coffee maker, and which exhibits sufficient strength to withstand all aspects of manufacture, handling, packaging, transport without breakage but also readily disintegrates when contacted with hot water during brewing, is made by subjecting conventional ground, roasted coffee to a multi-step compaction process in which at least two compression steps are carried out in the same compaction die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE FOLGERS COFFEE COMPANY
    Inventor: Jerry Douglas Young
  • Patent number: 8088423
    Abstract: A method for delivering a long coffee extract from a capsule containing ground coffee within a flow time of 50 seconds or less by injection of water under pressure within the capsule. The capsule is filled with ground coffee and has a delivery membrane. The capsule 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 in the capsule coffee ground having a controlled percentage of fines (F) depending on the average particle size (D4,3). The flow time can be lowered to 40 seconds or even less while maintaining a coffee extraction yield within a high range of 15 to 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Sylvia Ohresser, Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Ernest Raetz
  • Publication number: 20110305801
    Abstract: Disclosed is a single brew beverage cartridge for use in a brewing apparatus. The cartridge includes a lid and a cup shaped filter suspended below the lid and in which a beverage brewing ingredient is held. The lid includes an annular collar to prevent the lid from deforming when a needle of the brewing apparatus pierces it during the brewing process. Preferably the cartridge is formed of materials so that it is compostable and biodegradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Beer
  • Patent number: 8075935
    Abstract: A method brewing a beverage or coffee, and an associated system, include a water reservoir having a fixed capacity, an electric pump, a steel vessel with an inlet and an outlet for water and with a heater for heating the water, a container for holding coffee grounds having a removable insert for selectively optimizing coffee strength including but not limited to optimizing for amount of coffee brewed, and an optional heater to keep brewed coffee at a desired temperature until dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Jill Kreutzer Orent, Barbara L Schnabel, David J Wanat, Joseph J Laskowski, Silvana V Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8071147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient has a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient has a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Publication number: 20110293805
    Abstract: A method for producing a liquid extract from food ingredients in a beverage producing device that has a brewing unit driven in centrifugation. The method includes providing food ingredients in the brewing unit, supplying heated liquid in the brewing unit, centrifuging the brewing unit thereby generating centrifugal forces forcing liquid to flow through the food ingredients, and dispensing the liquid, along with an operation for compensating the thermal losses of the liquid extract in the brewing unit or the collecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Christian Jarisch, Jean-Luc Colantonio, Zbynek Struzka
  • 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: 8062683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable brewing device including at least one inner compartment formed by a liquid-permeable material and containing aroma material, at least one outer compartment forming a brewing container where the brewing container is formed by a liquid-impermeable material, the at least one liquid-permeable inner compartment being integrated within the brewing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Columbus E. APS
    Inventors: Ulrik Skovgaard Rasmussen, Werner Schulz
  • Publication number: 20110281000
    Abstract: A brewer for brewing different beverages requiring different brewing pressures does not employ an internal valve adjusting an outlet opening to achieve the different pressures. Instead, compression of grinds within the brewer and pressure of water injected to brew the beverage is employed to control the brewing pressure, achieving a greater consistency of brew quality over time. Overheating is implemented for certain beverages based on a time since a last vend, and a back check valve between a flow meter and pump provides greater control over the pump output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Tarcisio Vergani, Ayron Capon
  • Patent number: 8057671
    Abstract: A means of preventing TCA taint from contaminating liquid foods and beverages is provided by incorporating molecular sieves into the manufacturing process and/or packaging materials in order to selectively adsorb the taint molecules while preserving the food's or beverage's flavor and aroma profiles. Also provided are methods and devices for remediating TCA taint present in the consumer's liquid foods and beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: G3 Enterprises
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8053012
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating said fluid, contains 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, comprises an inhibition device arranged to inhibit said imbibing when said fluid contains a substantial steam phase; a method for obtaining a coffee beverage involves 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 provide
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Navarini, Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Furio Suggi Liverani
  • Patent number: 8047126
    Abstract: A method and a group are described for the preparation of a beverage from soluble products contained in a disposable cartridge, based on the regulation of the dispensing of the beverage in such way that the soluble product is delivered in suspension for at least 75% of the total dispensing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tuttoespresso S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 8048460
    Abstract: The water heating flow detection system for a beverage maker includes a heater control logic circuit that controls heating in response to temperature and flow conditions in the beverage maker. A heater control logic circuit receives a temperature detection signal and a flow detection signal, and generates a water heater control signal for controlling operation of one or more water heaters. A flow detection device may be connected to the hot water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit, and may include a magnetic flow detection device. A faucet lever position detection device may also be used to indicate flow through a faucet outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Ramus
  • Publication number: 20110256273
    Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Ivo van Os
  • Patent number: 8039033
    Abstract: Device (1) for the preparation of coffee, wherein a water/coffee powder mixture is introduced into a cylindrical space (10). The cylindrical peripheral wall (15) is made as a vertical screen and by rotation/centrifugation the prepared beverage is forced through the filter to the outside, whilst granular coffee material remains behind. The top part (17) and the bottom part (19) of the holder (16) are made such they can be moved with respect to the cylinder wall. The motor (26) for rotation is above or below the top part or, alternatively, bottom part. Furthermore, there is a construction for producing the displacement of the top part or bottom part of the holder with the same motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Coffee Innovation Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Van Hattem
  • Patent number: 8039036
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a beverage suitable for consumption such as, for instance, cappuccino, wherein use is made of at least one extraction pad (44) at least filled with a product to be extracted such as ground coffee (45), and at least one additive holder (32) at least filled with a soluble substance such as a flavoring and/or odorant and/or colorant, more in particular such as an instant and/or liquid creamer (35), the method further having the following method steps: the extraction pad (44) and the additive holder (32) are positioned relative to each other such that they lie clear of each other; hot water is pressed under pressure through the extraction pad (44) and contacted with the soluble substance (35) for obtaining an extract with the soluble substance (35) dissolved therein;—the extract with the soluble substance (35) dissolved therein is fed under pressure to at least one nozzle (28) for obtaining an extract jet; and the extract jet is aimed at an impact surface (16) for obtaining a bever
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Theodoor Knitel, Vincent Jan Steenhof
  • Publication number: 20110236546
    Abstract: A process for making a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, includes placing ground coffee or tea into a filter, inserting the filter into a filter basket to support the filter with respect to a reservoir that is to receive a brewed beverage; introducing water into the filter; and repeatedly deforming the filter to alter its shape as water passes through the filter and ground coffee or tea en route to the reservoir. A device for making a hot beverage includes a drive and a filter basket. The filter basket defines a filter basket chamber for receiving an associated filter. The filter basket includes a movable component operably connected to the drive and movable for deforming the associated filter. The movable component is operable between a first operating position where the filter chamber has a first dimension and a second operating position where the filter chamber has a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Publication number: 20110217437
    Abstract: A coffee maker has a water reservoir, an in-line water heater, a brew basket for receiving coffee grounds, a water passage between the water reservoir and the brew basket, a water level sensor located in the water reservoir, a water level indicator, and a controller in communication with the water level sensor and the water level indicator. The passage passes through the in-line water heater for delivering heated water to the brew basket. The controller activates the water level indicator in response to a signal from the water level sensor. A method of making coffee in the coffee maker includes determining, in the controller, an operating condition for a coffee bean grinder and operating the coffee bean grinder based on the operating condition to grind coffee beans and produce a quantity of ground coffee beans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SIMATELEX MANUFACTORY CO. LTD
    Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Shek Chuen Luk, Kam Ming Tsang
  • Patent number: 8012523
    Abstract: A permanent, resilient filtering pod for brewing beverages which negates the necessity and costs of purchasing filters after each brewed cup provides an enclosed vessel to hold the brewed substance and prevents the brewed substances from spilling over the beverage brewing machine basket or clogging the spray nozzle of the beverage brewing machine yet allows the user to fill the pod with brewing substances purchased in bulk and to control the strength of the beverage brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Margaret E. Voss, Mary A. Puglise
  • Publication number: 20110212236
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Quan Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Dalton Collier, James Michael McLaughlin
  • 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: 8003153
    Abstract: A palatable green leaf tea from Camellia sinensis var. assamica is disclosed. Infusion of 2 g of the leaf tea in 200 ml water for 1.5 minutes at 90° C. produces a beverage comprising catechins in an amount of between 0.01 and 0.1% by weight of the beverage. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the leaf tea product wherein fresh leaf from var. assamica is macerated using a combination of a rotorvane and double-cone processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Peter Colliver, Peter Kiprotich Ngeno, Ambalavanar Thiru
  • Patent number: 8003146
    Abstract: A method including the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Courtesy Products, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7993691
    Abstract: A capsule contains beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients and is configured for insertion in a beverage production device in order to have a liquid under pressure have enter the capsule and to interact with the ingredients in the capsule. The capsule has a base body and a foil member closing the base body by being attached to a flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of the capsule. The base body of the capsule has a resilient sealing member, the sealing member being designed to be in sealing engagement with a bell member of the beverage production device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart
  • Publication number: 20110189362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a liquid comestible from a portioned food substance contained in a sealed capsule. The device includes a centrifugal unit for receiving the sealed capsule, a driving mechanism connected to the centrifugal unit for enabling a rotational motion of the centrifugal unit, a liquid supply connected to the centrifugal unit, a flow rate or pressure measuring mechanism for the supplied liquid and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the driving mechanism dependent on the measured flow rate or the measured pressure of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20110183055
    Abstract: Device for preparing a drink by extracting a measured quantity, for example of ground coffee, contained in a capsule (1) equipped with an extraction membrane (7), said device comprising a water inlet (5), a capsule holder (2), a capsule cage (3), clamping means and a set of spikes (6) for piercing said membrane (3); characterized in that the clamping means comprise a piston (4) mounted such that it can move with respect to the cage (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Publication number: 20110177220
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a beverage concentrate contained in a receptacle, comprising a support means (1) for supporting the receptacle (13), a platemember (2) arranged vertically to the support means, the platemember (2) comprising at least four outlet nozzles (4) for injecting a fluid jet (A) into the receptacle (13), liquid supply means (6) connected to the outlet nozzles (4), wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A3, A4) to an inner side wall (13b) of the receptacle (13) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (a) with respect the vertical, and wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A1, A2) to the bottom of the receptacle (13a) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (b) with respect to the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Johan Bergdahl, John Meldrum, David J. Harrison, David Hamel, Michael (Mischa) Stieger
  • Patent number: 7980170
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making coffee-based drinks and to an arrangement in an apparatus for making coffee-based drinks. In this process, coffee is made by means of a so-called expresso method using hot water. High pressure and a short boiling time. According to the method, a strong coffee concentrate is stored in a hermetically sealed heat vessel and the concentrate is either used as such or it is diluted so as to obtain a desired strength at the moment of serving by adding a suitable amount of water to the concentrate in a mixing tank. According to the invention, both expresso-based specialty coffees and ordinary coffee are made by means of the same equipment. The invention also makes it possible to quickly serve large amounts of coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Matti Paloheimo
  • Patent number: 7964230
    Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Carter Crittenden Bennett
  • Patent number: 7946217
    Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage or a liquid foodstuff from a capsule containing a product with a substance to be extracted, the capsule having a flexible membrane (17) capable of deforming elastically or permanently to a considerable extent, comprising the steps of perforating a plurality of holes (26) distributed over the flexible membrane and of injecting water onto the flexible membrane, in such a manner that it deforms in the direction of the product inside the capsule and in that the water penetrates into the capsule via said holes. The size of the holes perforated by the perforating spikes is controlled by the level to which the capsule is filled or by the compactness of the product inside the capsule, so as to influence the hydraulic pressure differential ?P between the two sides (17a, 17b) of the flexible membrane, in such a manner as to achieve an automatic adjustment of the compression of the product contained in the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Monodor S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Favre, Jacques Hentsch
  • Publication number: 20110097466
    Abstract: The desired amount of coffee grounds, tea leaves, herbs or other beverage making material is placed in a chamber of glass vessel located on a moveable table top in its lowered position. The table top is then elevated until the upper edge of the vessel seals against a top seal. With the top sealed, the desired amount of water of about 185°-212° F. is introduced into the chamber through a port in the top. Thereafter, a vacuum is drawn in the chamber and is held within the range of about ?5 to ?20 Hg in. Using an external heat source, the brewing liquid is maintained at about 185°-212° F. Alternatively, the vacuum can be pulsed by turning it on and off several times during the brewing cycle. After the beverage has brewed for the desired amount of time, the heat and vacuum are removed, the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure and the table top is lowered to release the vessel. The contents of the chamber are then strained to remove solids from the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Dean J. Vastardis
  • Patent number: 7927642
    Abstract: A method for brewing coffee, including the steps of transferring ground coffee to a brewing chamber, compressing the ground coffee, and forcing pressurized hot water through the ground coffee, thereby causing brewed coffee to emerge through a micro-filter, wherein the ratio of weight of ground coffee contained in the brewing chamber to volume of pressurized hot water forced through the ground coffee is 6 grams per fluid ounce or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Carl James Campetella, Gil Garcia
  • Patent number: 7921766
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, and an outlet for a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises means for producing a jet of the beverage having an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet, and one or more microscopic projections at or in the vicinity of the aperture for contacting the beverage flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Halliday, Alistair John MacMahon
  • Publication number: 20110076371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the preparation of a beverage comprising: a mixing chamber (1) for mixing a soluble ingredient (2) and a diluent, said chamber comprising: a top opening (4), a diluent inlet opening (5), a beverage outlet opening (6), sealing means (7), said sealing means being able to seal the top opening (4) of the mixing chamber (1) and to prevent any fluid from leaving the mixing chamber through said sealing means. The invention also relates to a method for using this device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Francisco Deolarte, Juan Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20110076370
    Abstract: Processes for controlling strength of an extracted beverage including providing a pseudo packed bed of an extractable beverage material and contacting at least one liquid extraction stream with the pseudo packed bed of beverage material at a selected depth to obtain at least one zone of minimum extraction and at least one zone of maximum extraction. As the depth at which the liquid extraction stream is introduced into the packed bed increases, the zone of minimum extraction increases and the zone of maximum extraction decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: THE FOLGERS COFFEE COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Alisa Anne Bolinger, Jianjun Justin Li, Athula Ekanayake
  • Publication number: 20110076365
    Abstract: A coffee product and process are provided which produce a coffee product having elevated levels of 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol. In various forms, the coffee product is dry roast and ground coffee or a dry soluble coffee product such as a powder or granule form. The process includes adding 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol to roast and ground coffee or a soluble coffee to produce an enhanced coffee flavor beverage, or to an extract or solution thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Richard Thomas Norton, Jeremy John Stagg
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7906165
    Abstract: A method for making juice from açaí berries having the steps of: chilling the berries to below about 10° C.; extracting a skin from the berries in an extractor with water to obtain a mixture; acidifying the mixture; finishing the mixture; heating the mixture to from about 40° C. to about 60° C.; de-aerating the mixture; passing the mixture through at least one of the group consisting of a high shear mixer, a colloid mill and a hammer mill to yield juice; and pasteurizing the juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Richard Dragt, Santuscha Tjin Akwie Souza
  • Patent number: 7901720
    Abstract: A process for producing a tea extract containing non-polymer catechins, which includes immersing unfermented tea leaves in ethanol or an ethanol-water solution having an ethanol concentration of from 85 to 99.5 vol % to obtain unfermented tea leaves having a percentage catechin residue of at least 80 wt % based on a catechin content of the unfermented tea leaves before the immersion in the ethanol or ethanol-water solution, and then extracting the unfermented tea leaves with warm water or hot water. The highly-efficient extraction of non-polymer catechins makes it possible to obtain a tea extract, which has an improved taste and does not produce sediment when added to beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Fukuda, Hirokazu Takahashi, Atsushi Konishi
  • Publication number: 20110045152
    Abstract: According to a method of producing a drink, a cold drink, in particular iced coffee is produced from a hot drink, in particular a coffee/espresso, which is produced in a drinks machine by means of a hot-drinks-preparing device (2-6). In order for optionally the hot drink or the cold drink to be produced in portions with a high taste quality, as are typical for catering and domestic use, in the case of the cold drink desired the latter is produced on a continuous basis directly after the hot drink has been prepared, without the direct addition of cooling agents, in particular ice, iced water or cooling bodies, in the same drinks machine using a cooling device (16, 23, 23?, 37, 39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter Stutz, Daniel Fischer, Marcel W. Hüppi
  • Publication number: 20110046235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of decarboxylated phenolic acid derived from chlorogenic acid of coffee as well as products comprising decarboxylated phenolic acid derived from chlorogenic acid of coffee, especially a coffee extract, and methods of producing such products. Coffee comprises chlorogenic acids, according to the invention these chlorogenic acids can be transformed into decarboxylated phenolic acids. The resulting decarboxylated phenolic acids have antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as ingredients in food and beverage products and to treat certain health conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Rachid Bel-Rhlid, Karin Kraehenbuehl, Christophe Cavin, Thomas Wolfgang Raab, Nicolas Page
  • Publication number: 20110038998
    Abstract: In the method as claimed in the invention savory substances which can be perceived by gustatory, olfactory and/or haptic means are extracted from the precursor product (24) by an automatic machine (30) and transferred into the food product (27). In doing so the extraction of the savory substances is influenced by way of user-controlled setting of at least two technical parameters of the automatic device (30) in order to produce the desired quality of the food product (27). The technical parameters (17) are set by a user-controlled electronic transmission circuit which proceeding from user-selected values of human sensory attributes (12) and based on a predetermined sensory profile (7) of the precursor product (24) controls the technical parameters (17) in production. The transmission circuit works especially according to the principle of an artificial neural network (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: René M. KOHLI
  • Publication number: 20110033580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule according to the invention comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel, Ralf Kamerbeek, Kon Euan Gerard Wong, Guido Brandt, Hendrick Cornelis Koeling
  • Patent number: 7883733
    Abstract: In a process employing a coffee machine, a sealed capsule is fed with a certain amount of axial clearance into a cup aligned along a horizontal axis with a pressurized-hot-water sprinkler, and is moved towards the sprinkler to press an annular flange of the sealed capsule in fluidtight manner against the sprinkler, to pierce a front sealing wall of the sealed capsule by means of a first piercing device, to feed pressurized hot water through the sealing wall to expand the sealed capsule axially and eliminate the axial clearance, and to bring an end wall of the sealed capsule into fluidtight contact with a second piercing device, and pierce the end wall against the second piercing device, so that coffee flows out through the second piercing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lavazza S.p.a.
    Inventor: Virginio Cortese
  • Patent number: 7879383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a readily reconstitutable herbal beverage concentrate in powder form. The process in particular, describes the method of preparation of herbal beverage concentrate from rosemary using a set of unit operations and approved food grade additives. The invention describes a rosemary herbal beverage powder comprising encapsulated rosemary flavor 0.47-3.70%, rosemary extract 4.60-10.50%, sucrose 84.30-94.90%, organic acid 0.07-1.60%, and sodium benzoate 0.01-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Babasaheb Bhaskarrao Borse, Kulathooran Ramlakshmi, Guruguntla Sulochanamma, Bashyam Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7878108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable packaging, for the distribution of at least one nutritional preparation, based on a nutritional liquid, comprising at least one closed chamber, containing the nutritional liquid, with means for housing a sub-assembly for aspiration and mixing of the venturi type and means for sealing the package. The invention is particularly characterized by a duct, passing through the base seal, said duct provided for a venturi nozzle which permits the extraction of the nutritional liquid inside the packaging by piercing or removal of the seal. The invention is particularly of application to the production of hot and/or emulsified drinks of the cappuccino type or similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, André Klopfenstein, Emmanuel Simont-Vermot
  • Publication number: 20110020500
    Abstract: A sealed capsule contains a beverage ingredient in powder form, in particular, ground coffee. The capsule comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) tightly attached to the base body (4), the foil member (5) being made from a material allowing the production of a multitude of perforations in the foil member (5) when the foil member (5) is thrust, via the pressure caused by injecting a liquid or a liquid/gas mix into the capsule, against a relief plate of a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is provided with a flow control porous member (80), the flow control porous member (80) being positioned between at least a portion of ingredients (3) and the foil member (5). The flow control porous member provides a faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Francisco Campiche, Pierre Monnier
  • 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: 20110014326
    Abstract: A filter bag and method of brewing coffee, tea or the like in a French press. The bag is made of a material penetrable by water, but not by solid particles. The method comprises the steps of: Removing the plunger from the French press, placing the bag into the French press with the opening facing up, placing ground coffee beans, tea leaves or the like in the filter bag and pouring hot liquid into the bag. Then, the plunger is mounted on the French press as in ordinary use, just as the beverage steeps as it normally does. Then, the plunger is pushed down, emptying the filter bag of liquid and leaving the filter bag at the bottom of the French press. By means of the method it is achieved that smaller particles can be filtered out than is possible with the prior art French press, meaning that there are fewer grounds in the beverage. Also, the coffee grounds or tea leaves are contained in a way that allows for their quick and easy disposal, which makes it easier to clean the French press after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ann Sofie Forssling
  • Publication number: 20110014339
    Abstract: A device (1, 10) and method for the production of cooled coffee are provided. The device has a brewing unit (4) for the production of coffee, a cooling assembly (11) and a coffee cooler (14) formed as a heat exchanger. The coffee cooler (14) has at least one first and one second flow path that are connected thermally but not in a fluid-conducting manner. A coolant can flow through the first flow path and the second flow path is connected in a fluid-conducting manner with a coffee outlet (5) of the brewing unit (4). The device also has a fresh-water supply (2) and a fresh-water cooler (13) formed as an additional heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: NIRO-PLAN AG
    Inventors: Stefan Stahl, Mariano Turi, Heinz Vetterli