Preparation Of Ready To Use Beverage, I.e., Brewing Patents (Class 426/433)
  • Publication number: 20110014338
    Abstract: A machine for preparing a hot beverage includes a water tank having a reservoir which contains water to be heated. Disposed downstream of the reservoir in a flow direction of the water is a lead container from which water is discharged into a pipe which is heated by a heating unit, thereby partly evaporating water to produce steam for further transport of water. In order to maintain a constant brew temperature, the water level is maintained in the lead container at a desired value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Caspar Cloer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: ACHIM CLOER
  • Publication number: 20110014340
    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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Julie D. Spitzley, David M. Dreffer, Carole A. Dreffer
  • Patent number: 7866255
    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 a spray plate (38) with a an umbrella-like body (34) with a downwardly, outwardly tapered top with radiating, outwardly, downwardly directed, upwardly facing grooves and an upwardly standing central core (58) snuggly received within the passageway (22) joined to the top of the umbrella-like member (34) with a plurality of radially, outwardly facing grooves (68) extending from the top to the bottom to form a plurality of peripheral closed channels for passing hot water to upwardly facing grooves (74) of the umbrella-like body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leszak M. Wroblewski, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20110003038
    Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. In one embodiment, the method includes prewetting the substance in the cell by filling liquid in the cell and rotating the cell at a first rotational speed; and then extracting the liquid comestible from the cell in an extraction phase which comprises continuing to fill liquid into the cell and rotating the cell at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. The invention also discloses a cell for use in these methods which cell includes a filter for preventing solids from being carried by gas during the gas purge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Ryser
  • Patent number: 7858134
    Abstract: A system that allows for hot water on demand and once the water is heated, it is delivered to flavor containing solid material in a pressurized pulse. By heating the water on demand, a more uniform temperature can be achieved and by delivering the heated water in a pressurized pulse, the extraction of flavor from the flavor containing solid material is greatly improved. In addition, to determine the volume of water used in the system, the number of pressurized pulses are counted and that gives a more uniform consistent measurement of the volume of water used instead of the timed delivery of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Algert J. Maldanis, Dick Thorn, Barbara Thorn
  • Patent number: 7858135
    Abstract: The infusion brewing device has a steeping area configured and adapted to receive a filter, particulate steeping material and hot liquid water for steeping the particulate steeping material into an infusion. A vacuum chamber is positioned below the steeping area. The vacuum chamber has a hermetic wall, a closable lower outlet, and an upper opening leading to the steeping area. An inlet of a vacuum conduit is positioned in the vacuum chamber, above a maximum liquid level of the vacuum chamber and whereas an outlet thereof is connected to a vacuum source. The inlet is spaced from the wall by an inlet spacing distance. The vacuum source is operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Technologies Coffea Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksandar Radosav
  • Patent number: 7856921
    Abstract: A device for preparing a whipped food, including a container portion that contains a food component and that is configured for receiving a fluid for mixing with the food component to produce a fluid mixture. A film conditioning conduit is associated with the container portion to receive the fluid mixture with gas bubbles entrained therein as a food product. The conduit includes a restriction channel associated with the container portion downstream thereof to receive the food product. The restriction channel has a cross-section sufficiently small and a length sufficiently large to selectively feed bubbles in the food product that are smaller than a preselected maximum bubble size. The conduit also includes a deceleration channel and fluid communication with the restriction channel downstream thereof to receive the food product. The deceleration channel substantially reduces the flow speed of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Corey Arrick, Ruguo Hu, Eugene Scoville
  • Patent number: 7845270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage brewer for brewing a beverage using a beverage brewing substance pod. The pod may include substances such as coffee for producing a desired brewed beverage. A pod holder, having at least one wall, defining a cavity in the pod holder for retaining the pod for brewing. Water is dispensed into the pod and drained through a drain in the pod holder. The pod holder is removable from the brewer for placing a pod therein. The pod holder is slideably inserted into the brewer for brewing. One or more ramps are provided on the brewer for engagement with corresponding ramps on the pod holder for positioning the holder relative to the sprayhead for infusing the pod retained in the holder. Water is introduced to the pod without piercing the pod. Legs are provided on a portion of the pod holder for positioning the pod holder in an upright position when removed from the brewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, William Thomas
  • Patent number: 7836820
    Abstract: A drip coffee maker is provides including a means for delaying the release of brewed coffee from the brew basket assembly position in a brew basket housing. The brew basket assembly includes an upper basket portion vertically movably mounted with respect to a lower basket portion. A bias member is interposed between the basket portions, vertically biasing the upper basket portion with respect to the lower basket portion. A basket valve is included in the upper and lower basket portions, and is actuatable between an open and a closed position. A carafe is included, and has a lid portion with a lid aperture therein. The carafe is removably positionable under the brew basket assembly with the lid aperture proximal to the basket valve. The basket valve opens when the weight of the hot water and coffee grounds in the upper basket portion exceeds a threshold weight of the bias members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal Hammad
  • Patent number: 7836818
    Abstract: A beverage making device comprising a frothing member (9) for producing froth in the beverage, which device comprises a settling chamber (11) for settling the frothed beverage coming from the frothing member (9). The coarse foam is separated from the fine foam thereby. The outlet (14) for the settled beverage is at the lower side of the settling chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N. V.
    Inventor: Joeke Noordhuis
  • Publication number: 20100278989
    Abstract: A device for preparing a beverage suitable for human consumption and having a fine-bubble foam layer, includes a beverage unit for delivering the beverage under pressure and 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 device further includes a receiving unit into which the jet is directed for obtaining the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer. The receiving unit is 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 the chamber and having a top that lies free from an inner wall of the 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Joeke NOORDHUIS, Jacob Willem ZIJLSTRA
  • Publication number: 20100278988
    Abstract: The infusion brewing device has a steeping area configured and adapted to receive a filter, particulate steeping material and hot liquid water for steeping the particulate steeping material into an infusion. A vacuum chamber is positioned below the steeping area. The vacuum chamber has a hermetic wall, a closable lower outlet, and an upper opening leading to the steeping area. An inlet of a vacuum conduit is positioned in the vacuum chamber, above a maximum liquid level of the vacuum chamber and whereas an outlet thereof is connected to a vacuum source. The inlet is spaced from the wall by an inlet spacing distance. The vacuum source is operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES COFFEA INC.
    Inventor: Aleksandar Radosav
  • Patent number: 7820226
    Abstract: Flax and linola oil seed protein isolated are provided. Such isolates are made by extracting flax and linola oil seed protein from the oil seed meal, concentrating the aqueous protein solution, diluting the concentrated protein solution to form protein micelles, collecting mass. Further flax protein isolate may be recovered from the supernatant from the protein micellar formation. The protein isolated have a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N ×6.25), preferably at least about 100 wt %, on a dry weight basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Burcon Nutrascience (MB) Corp.
    Inventors: Brent Everett Green, Ronald W. Martens, Johann Franz Tergesen, Radka Milanova
  • Publication number: 20100266740
    Abstract: A method for making ice coffee comprises the following steps: extracting coffee by using water at a temperature that is in a range of 35° C. to 55° C., at a normal brewing pressure that is in a range of ambient pressure to 1.5 bar, and at an extraction time that is shorter than 60 seconds, and supplying a quantity of ice to the beverage which is obtained as a result of this extraction process, in order to get the ice coffee at a temperature at which it is ready to drink. An appliance for carrying out the method may also be adapted to make hot coffee, so that a user may choose which type of coffee he/she would like to receive from the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Johannes Adrianus Van Den Aker, Arjan Franklin Bakker
  • Publication number: 20100266739
    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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: MECCANO ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Marcel van Hattem
  • Patent number: 7815953
    Abstract: A capsule for extracting a beverage from a substance in powder form, preferably ground coffee, by means of pressurized water, comprising a box-like body which contains the substance in powder form and has a base provided with an output port for the outflow of the extracted beverage, the output port being closed by an elastic crema forming septum which can open under the pressure of the water, the capsule further comprising a safety lid which is mounted on the box-like body at the base so as to increase the axial size of the box-like body, the lid comprising a shoulder which is engaged on the septum and is adapted to retain the septum within the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Frans Van Eeden, Furio Suggi Liverani, Claudio Bolzicco, Luigi Vozza
  • Patent number: 7815955
    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 pseudo packed bed increases, the zone of minimum extraction increases and the zone of maximum extraction decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Folgers Coffee Company
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Alisa Anne Bolinger, Jianjun Justin Li, Athula Ekanayake
  • Patent number: 7814824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine, whose dispensing unit has a heat generator which is independent of the boiler of the machine, valves for opening and cutting off the cold water pipe and hot water pipe which supply the dispensing unit, a temperature sensor which is arranged in the dispensing unit and control means which are connected to the valves, the temperature sensor and the heat generator in order to allow the preparation of different types of coffee, even in succession. The present invention also relates to a method for making coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Beretta
  • Publication number: 20100260907
    Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Jens Schmalkuche, Peter Tintelnot
  • Publication number: 20100239734
    Abstract: A capsule, device, system and method for preparing a liquid food or beverage. The capsule comprises an enclosure containing one or more extractable or infusible ingredients and configured and dimensioned to have a perimeter and be radially symmetrical about a central axis to facilitate rotation; and an opening arrangement that allows liquid food to leave the capsule after passing through the ingredient(s), wherein the opening arrangement is configured and positioned near or upon the perimeter of the enclosure to allow the liquid food to leave the capsule radially due to the application of the centrifugal forces. The method and device introduce liquid into the capsule to form the liquid food while applying centrifugal forces to the capsule to urge the liquid to pass through the ingredient(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Publication number: 20100239717
    Abstract: A capsule for the production of a beverage in a beverage production machine comprising a capsule holder with relief and recessed elements. The capsule includes an inverted cup-shaped body forming a chamber containing beverage ingredients; a bottom injection wall; a sidewall; and a delivery wall which is sealed to the body. The delivery wall is configured and dimensioned to include a calibrated orifice or perforating means to provide a calibrated orifice with the beverage delivery wall not being tearable against the capsule holder during extraction. The wall also provides through the restriction created by the calibrated orifice a certain back pressure which generates an elevated pressure in the capsule during extraction. Also, a system and method for producing a beverage from the capsules of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Alexandre Perentes, Arnaud Gerbaulet
  • Patent number: 7799364
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a green tea product with enhanced aroma. The method comprises the steps of: providing an aroma composition comprising E-2-hexenal and linalool in a weight ratio of at least 0.7:1; and combining the aroma composition with the tea product. Also provided are green tea products with enhanced aroma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Conopco Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Peter Colliver, Michael Alan Cooper, Allen Griffiths, Alan David Peilow, David George Sharp
  • Patent number: 7793585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable brewing device including at least one contact volume connectable with at least one target volume, the at least one contact volume and the at least one target volume being separated by at least one filter arrangement, the at least one contact volume and the at least one target volume defining at least one predefined flow path through filter arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Columbus E. ApS
    Inventors: Ulrik Skovgaard Rasmussen, Werner Schulz
  • Publication number: 20100209577
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing unit for a coffee machine. The brewing unit comprises a brewing chamber in which a dose of coffee powder can be lodged, an inlet for supplying water to the chamber for preparing a coffee beverage, a first piston providing a moveable wall for adjusting the chamber internal volume, which wall has an outlet for delivering the coffee beverage out from the chamber, and a valve assembly for opening/closing said delivery outlet. Advantageously a second piston is provided which moves the first piston and supports the valve assembly. The second piston is also moveable with respect to the first piston, for actuating the valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: RHEA VENDORS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20100203209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unique process and system for brewing beverages for retail or commercial use where the key brewing parameters are independently controlled to produce multi-cup batches of brewed beverage of optimum taste. This invention is applicable to both retail and commercial applications and is scalable in quantities ranging from one cup to three gallons or more of brewed beverage. Since the extraction and solid-liquid separation are conducted separately and independently, the present invention decouples these two operations to avoid reduction in taste quality while still being able to provide large multi-cup batches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: William Fishbein, John Vavruska
  • Patent number: 7771764
    Abstract: A method for producing an extract and/or a squeezed liquid, which includes: feeding a food to be extracted and/or squeezed into a crushing apparatus; adding a solvent into the crushing apparatus immediately after and/or while milling the food; extracting and/or squeezing a useful food component of the food into the solvent; and carrying out liquid-solid separation by removing the resulting extracted residue and/or squeezed residue with a continuous solid-liquid separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Meiji Dairies Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Honda, Takeshi Imazawa, Takamune Tanaka, Takao Tomita, Yasushi Kubota, Naoki Orii, Tadashi Nakatsubo
  • Publication number: 20100178405
    Abstract: A novel beverage brewing system includes a plurality of beverage cartridge holders so that a user may selectively choose to infuse heated liquid through one or more cartridges of beverage medium (i.e., coffee grounds). One or more diverter valves may be used to achieve this. For weaker brewed coffee, a user would select a setting in which heated water passes through only one cartridge and then into a container. For stronger coffee, a setting would be chosen in which the heated water passes through both cartridges and then into the container. Alternatively, water from both cartridges could be diverted into two containers to brew weak coffee into two containers at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: BARBARA L. SCHNABEL
  • Publication number: 20100173054
    Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to a method and system for preparing a single or double espresso shot involving an initial compression at a low pressure and a second compression at a high pressure. This more efficient compression maximizes extraction of ground coffee and improves taste of the resulting espresso-containing beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation dba Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventor: Paul Camera
  • Publication number: 20100173056
    Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage or liquid from a food substance contained in a filtering receptacle by passing water through the substance using brewing centrifugal forces. The method includes feeding water into the receptacle, and driving the receptacle in centrifugal rotation to force water to flow through the substance in a centrifugal flow path to the outlet of the receptacle. The receptacle is a sealed capsule which is opened for water to be introduced into the capsule, contains a predetermined dose of food substance and is discarded after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20100173055
    Abstract: A pad with a covering filled with product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, wherein, in use, a fluid such as water is supplied under pressure to the pad, so that the fluid is pressed through the pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the pad. The pad is provided with a spout opening for generating, with the spout opening, a jet of the beverage which leaves the pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage wit the aid of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Publication number: 20100119657
    Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent Stefan David Gielen
  • Publication number: 20100112166
    Abstract: A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also disposed within the cup unit. The brewing element is constructed in a shape which retains its integrity without any external support even under pressure such as needed for espresso drink preparation. The beverage preparation device operates by extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit, processing it in a heating/cooling chamber, and returning the processed liquid at a predetermined pressure and time duration to the cup unit. The operation is performed in accordance with preprogrammed instructions associated with an instruction source provided on a sealed cover of the cup unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Shalom LEVIN
  • Publication number: 20100112165
    Abstract: The machine comprises: an infusion unit (11) with an infusion chamber; a unit (31) to control dispensing cycles; a hydraulic circuit (1-13) to supply hot water to the infusion chamber, with a boiler (3) to heat the water and a pump (7) to supply water to the infusion unit. The machine also comprises a system (22, 23, 25) for preheating the infusion chamber at the beginning of a dispensing cycle by feeding steam into said infusion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Emanuele Masciandaro, Michele De Nicolo
  • Publication number: 20100098824
    Abstract: An appliance for making coffee, tea and the like comprises a simple strength control system (20) having an adjustment unit (22) for adjusting the desired quantity ratio between the quantity of water in a water reservoir (2) and the quantity of substance in a filter holder (4). The adjustment unit (22) can adjust the water level 23 in the water reservoir (2) and the level of immersion (25) of a movable element (6) in a water reservoir (2). The water in the water reservoir exerts a buoyancy force on the movable element (6). The movable element exerts a force (21) on a lever (5). The lever (5) is balanced by a quantity of substance to be filtered in a filter holder (4) and the force (21). The strength of the brew is indicated on a strength indicating scale (10, 12, 12a, 12b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Elze Deodaat Hidding, Vincent Bernardus Hubertus Ten Horn
  • Publication number: 20100098823
    Abstract: A method of making espresso and a portable espresso machine incorporating that method that is compact, lightweight, requires low power, and is readily transportable. The quantity of water required to make espresso is heated to the brewing temperature in a boiler equipped with a piston. The piston is driven by an electric motor. During the brewing cycle, the hot water is pushed by the piston through the compacted coffee contained in the portafilter. The rate of piston movement is chosen such that the coffee in the portafilter is infused by the hot water at the high pressure necessary for making espresso, typically about 100 psi or higher, and also such that the contact between the coffee and water is of a duration suitable for making espresso, typically about 15-25 seconds. The components are thermally insulated and strategically placed to minimize the size of the machine and allow for portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Chris Nenov, Peter Petrov
  • Publication number: 20100080886
    Abstract: The instant application describes a programmable apparatus for making coffee that includes a hopper for holding coffee beans; a grinding element for receiving the coffee beans and grinding them to produce ground coffee; and a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water. The programmable apparatus for making coffee also includes a piston for compressing the ground coffee, the piston being arranged to enter the brewing chamber at an open end thereof; an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber; and a programming element for selectively determining a quantity C of ground coffee to be combined with a quantity W of water in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber being capable of accommodating more than 14 grams of ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard HOURIZADEH
  • Publication number: 20100080877
    Abstract: The brewing device for beverages includes a brewing unit for the brewing of a beverage, a crema valve and an outlet, wherein the brewing unit, the crema valve and the outlet are connected with one another in such a manner that in the brewing unit brewed beverage can be directed through the crema valve to the outlet. The crema valve is designed in such a manner that the brewed beverage can be swirled through in a crema chamber of the crema valve so that a crema is created. Furthermore, the brewing device includes an injection device for injecting a gas into the crema chamber and a dosing device for dosing the quantity of the gas injected into the crema chamber which is designed in such a manner that with each injection of the gas a preset quantity of the gas is injected in each case, where the preset quantity of the gas is a parameter that can be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Shahryar REYHANLOO
  • Patent number: 7685932
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for increasing the interaction between water and a brewing substance in a brewing apparatus. The structure includes a spray head having a thickness dimension which facilitates the formation and definition of tubes or passages extending therethrough. The passages are directed at an angle so as to provide an extended flow path to and through the brewing substance. The spray head is positioned a dimension above the brewing substance retained in a pod so as to increase the interaction between water dispensed through the spray head and the brewing substance which is infused by the water from the spray head. The use of the angled paths helps to increase the saturation, penetration and agitation of the brewing substance so as to help promote uniformity of extraction of the brewing substance. Additionally, directed flow helps facilitate quicker rate of expansion of the brewing substance within the corresponding chamber thereby helping to improve the overall brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Randy D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7673555
    Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Mike Baum, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
  • Publication number: 20100047419
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: John Leonard Boul
  • Publication number: 20100040749
    Abstract: A method of brewing hot beverage in an drip-type, electric brewer having a brew basket assembly (10) with an outer protective basket made of insulating plastic (12) and an inner basket made of stainless steel (14) nestled within the outer protective basket (12) with a drain hole (30) located opposite an open outlet (20). A removable wire brew basket (32) is supported by four support members (31 ) at the inside surface of the inner bottom (26), and a flow valve (34) is protectively mounted to the inner basket (14) between the open outlet (20) and the drain hole (30) for selectively restricting the drain hole (30) to control a rate of flow of beverage though the drain hole (30) and the open outlet (20). The outer basket insulates the hot beverage within the inner basket to reduce the risk of burning any users who may touch the outside of the brew basket, and the flow valve is adjusted for different rates when different beverages, such as tea and coffee, require different rates for optimum brewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20100034942
    Abstract: A method for preparing a hot beverage, in particular a coffee beverage or a tea beverage, with flavors being extracted from a flavor carrier, which is prepared from roasted coffee or dried tea, by means of water or steam having a plurality of steps: a predetermined quantity of the flavor carrier, in which the flavors are contained, is added to an extraction chamber which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner in a first step; water or steam for extracting flavors from the flavor carrier is added to the extraction chamber in a subsequent step; the extracted beverage flows out of the extraction chamber in a subsequent step; before the step of introducing water or steam into the extraction chamber, a step of introducing pressurized gas into the extraction chamber is executed. In the process, the internal pressure in the extraction chamber rises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: PETERVIN SA
    Inventors: Francesco Illy, Alessandro Parenti, Paolo Spugnoli
  • Publication number: 20100024657
    Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Coffee Equipment Company
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Publication number: 20100028495
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge and method for forming a beverage is provided. The cartridge may include a container having an internal volume with a substantially soluble beverage precursor disposed within the container. The beverage precursor may be formed of a plurality of particulates where at least 60% of the plurality of particulates has a largest dimension that is greater than about 200 microns and less than about 700 microns. The cartridge may be water tight, and may be filterless. A liquid can be introduced into the container at a volumetric flow rate of at least 0.03 ounces/second to dissolve the beverage precursor to form a beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas J. Novak, Laurence Lee
  • Publication number: 20090324791
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Sylvia Ohresser, Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Ernest Raetz
  • Publication number: 20090317526
    Abstract: A device for brewing coffee including a basket for retaining coffee grounds, the basket having an opening to receive water at a user-selected temperature for contacting the coffee grounds within the basket. A control valve is provided for controlling the discharge of brewed coffee from the basket only after all of the water intended to be brewed has steeped within the coffee grounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Tacklind, R. Brooke Hanson
  • Patent number: 7629009
    Abstract: A means of preventing TCA taint from contaminating liquid foods and beverages is provided having of 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: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: G3 Enterprises
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20090285953
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for brewing coffee, tea and espresso is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a method for brewing coffee, tea and espresso is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention may utilize a “pod” in which the coffee, tea and espresso is disposed for brewing. In one example, a pod of a single diameter may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using appropriate pods of essentially the same diameter). In another example, a single water pressure may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using essentially the same water pressure). In another example, a single water pump may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using the same pump). In another example, a single water temperature may be utilized (i.e., a choice of coffee, tea or espresso may be brewed using essentially the same water temperature).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Nikolaos Renieris
  • Publication number: 20090277335
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jeff Brian Baccetti
  • Patent number: 7611741
    Abstract: A food objective for extraction and/or squeezing is charged into a colloid mill or a twin-screw extruder; immediately after and/or while milling, a low-temperature solvent (for example, water or milk of from ?3 to 50° C.) is added; and after treating the food using the extruder, grounds are removed to produce an extract and/or a squeezed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Meiji Dairies Corporaiton
    Inventors: Takeshi Honda, Takeshi Imazawa, Yasushi Kubota, Tadashi Nakatsubo