Preparing Carbonated Or Effervescent Liquid Patents (Class 426/477)
  • Patent number: 11970383
    Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cleland Sales Corporation
    Inventors: James M Cleland, Adam Cleland
  • Patent number: 11840439
    Abstract: A refill station for refillable carbonation containers is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a refill station housing, a refill tank, a control interface, a conduit, a controllable refill valve, and/or other components. The refill tank of the refill station holds a pressurized liquid, such as CO2. The refill station housing holds a carbonation container, such as a bottle, which includes a container tank. A user can control filling or refilling the container tank from the refill tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: BlendJet Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Michael Pamplin
  • Patent number: 11819166
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and/or a method of use thereof for dispensing whipped cream, comprising: a profi including a pressure containment housing, a first receiving port integrated into the pressure containment housing, a dispensing port integrated into the pressure containment housing, and at least a first pressure cartridge containing at least a liquid form of nitrous oxide, where the pressure cartridge includes a pressure gas delivery port and where a connection between the receiving port and the pressure gas delivery port form: (1) a section of a pressure containment unit encompassing contents of the pressure containment housing and the pressure cartridge and (2) an open path between the pressure containment housing and the pressure cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventors: Christian T. Metcalfe, Warren R. Kirsch, W. Davis Lee
  • Patent number: 11793229
    Abstract: A device for producing a foamed-food-product comprises a container which stores a liquid-food-product and is filled with filling gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the filling gas containing argon or nitrogen as a main component; an agitator provided at the bottom of the inside of the container; a driving unit detachably connected to the bottom of the container to rotate the agitator, agitate the liquid-food-product in the container by the rotation of the agitator, and mix the filling gas in the liquid-food-product; and a dispenser mounted to the container and having a discharge outlet and a gas filling inlet for injecting the filling gas into the container, the dispenser causing the liquid-food-product having the filling gas mixed therein to be discharged from the discharge outlet by pressure in the container, so that the liquid-food-product foams while being discharged from the discharge outlet and is made into the foamed-food-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriko Sugita, Naotada Sakai, Yuichi Sasaki, Naoki Oikawa
  • Patent number: 11758930
    Abstract: A refillable carbonation container is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a base, a tank, a container body, a dispenser, and/or other components. The tank holds a pressurized liquid, such as CO2. The container body holds a potable liquid, such as water. The dispenser dispenses the pressurized liquid from the tank into the potable liquid, which provides carbonation of the potable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BlendJet Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Michael Pamplin
  • Patent number: 11753288
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a beverage container with a carbonated fluid at ambient temperature while minimizing foam formation are provided. The carbonated fluid can maintain a laminar flow through the filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Enver Bulunmaz
  • Patent number: 11678676
    Abstract: A method of making a pressurized packaged liquid beverage including filling a container including a one-way valve with a liquid mixture including a base liquid and a gum; sealing the container; introducing a volume of gas through the one-way valve after sealing the container; and agitating the container. When the container is opened, the liquid mixture increases in volume and separates into a liquid phase and a drinkable foam phase, which may persist for an extended period of time. The base liquid includes milk, coffee, fruit juice, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: La Colombe Torrefaction, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Carmichael, Patrick Libois, Edward Green
  • Patent number: 11672382
    Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Pushan He, Ting Hua Zhang, Ping Chu
  • Patent number: 11591144
    Abstract: A closure capsule for closing a container, comprising: —a cap (2) that can be associated with a container and comprising a frangible mouth (20); —a cutter (3) comprising a cutting edge (30) designed to open said frangible mouth (20) which assumes a first configuration in which it is intact and a second configuration in which it is open; —a covering (4) of the cap (2) and the cutter (3); in the first configuration at least the cap (2) and the cutter (3) define a tank (8) for containing a product destined to be dropped into the container in said second configuration; —transmission means (5) for transmitting a rotary component from the covering (4) to the cutter (3); —moisture absorbing means (10) which surmount at least one portion of said cutter (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BORMIOLI PHARMA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Valerio Paganuzzi, Roberto Valenti
  • Patent number: 11576855
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns effervescent compositions and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the disclosed effervescent compositions are formed from an input blend comprising an acid and a base by granulating the input blend in a twin-screw processor. The granules formed from the input blend can be formed by an in situ granulating agent, which can be a portion of the acid that melts during granulation. In some embodiments, the effervescent compositions can be made using a twin-screw processor comprising an intake zone for receiving an input blend comprising an acid and a base; a granulation initiation zone for melting only a portion of the acid to serve as an in situ granulating agent; a granulation completion zone for granulating the input blend; and an outlet for discharging the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: STEERLIFE INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Babu Padmanabhan, Rakshit Shetty, Vijay Kulkarni, Himadri Sen, Indu Bhushan
  • Patent number: 11505375
    Abstract: A closure of a container comprising a capsule (10) in turn comprising: —a cap (2) that can be associated with a container and comprising a frangible mouth (20); —a cutter (3) comprising a cutting edge (30) designed to open said frangible mouth (20); —a covering (4) of the cutter (3); —transmission means (50) for transmitting a rotary component of a movement of the covering (4) to the cutter (3); —guide means (900) which enable a rotation-translation of the covering (4) which draws said cutter (3), determining the passage of the covering (4) and the cutter (3) from a resting configuration in which the frangible mouth (20) is intact to an operating configuration in which the cutter (3) is in a stroke-end position, the frangible mouth (20) is at least partially open and the covering (4) is rotatingly integral with the cap (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: BORMIOLI PHARMA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Valerio Paganuzzi
  • Patent number: 11432684
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and/or a method of use thereof for dispensing whipped cream, comprising: a profi including a pressure containment housing, a first receiving port integrated into the pressure containment housing, a dispensing port integrated into the pressure containment housing, and at least a first pressure cartridge containing at least a liquid form of nitrous oxide, where the pressure cartridge includes a pressure gas delivery port and where a connection between the receiving port and the pressure gas delivery port form: (1) a section of a pressure containment unit encompassing contents of the pressure containment housing and the pressure cartridge and (2) an open path between the pressure containment housing and the pressure cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christian T. Metcalfe, Warren R. Kirsch, W. Davis Lee
  • Patent number: 11434137
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrafine bubble generating agent capable of easily generating ultrafine bubbles in a liquid without requiring an ultrafine-bubble generator, a method for producing an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid, an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid produced by the same production method, and the like. The method for producing an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid of the present invention comprises melting ice having a CO2-content rate of 3 wt % or more (preferably a CO2 hydrate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NIPPON EKITAN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sugihara, Takahiro Eguchi, Hiroyuki Murakami
  • Patent number: 11194443
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. A beverage dispenser may be configured to receive input corresponding to a selection of a beverage, and in response, a graphical representation of the beverage at a display device. The beverage dispenser may receive additional input corresponding to an adjustment of an amount of an ingredient of the selected beverage, and in response, the graphical representation of the beverage may be updated. The graphical representation of the beverage may include graphics depicting the beverage container, the volume of liquid in the beverage container, and the adjusted ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 11136232
    Abstract: A water discharge device includes a case, a microphone, a voice recognition module, a speaker, a first elevation cover connected to the case, a second elevation cover configured to move upward and insert into an inside of the first elevation cover, an elevation motor connected to the second elevation cover, a water discharge nozzle disposed at a lower end of the second elevation cover, a water discharge valve configured to regulate water flow toward the water discharge nozzle, a flow sensor configured to sense a flow rate of the water flow, a sensor disposed at the second elevation cover and configured to, based on the second elevation cover moving downward, sense whether the sensor contacts a container disposed below the second elevation cover, and a controller configured to control operation of the elevation motor and the water discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongho Park, Heesang Yoon
  • Patent number: 10919752
    Abstract: Improvements to a refrigerator with carbonated drink spout that provides a drink at the exterior of the door of the refrigerator. The improvement allows people with different tastes to select a flavor syrup cartridge, insert the flavor syrup in a external port in the door of the refrigerator and dispense the beverage using fluids that are chilled by the refrigerator. It frees the interior space of the refrigerator that is used to store cold flavored water and carbonated beverages. The refrigerator includes an internal CO2 tank and separate reservoirs of refrigerated flat and refrigerated carbonated water. The delivery system is flushed with each use to eliminate cross contamination of flavors or syrups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Michael John Breault
  • Patent number: 10757955
    Abstract: Included in the present invention are a method for preparing tealeaf extracts having different tastes, and a beverage prepared using extracts made by the method. The method involves adding tealeaves to an extraction column, performing continuous extraction using water at 5° C.-140° C. at a flow rate of 20-200 mL/min, collecting liquid extracts in sections, and drawing a relative taste intensity curve; and according to a taste variation shown in the relative taste intensity curve, recombining collected liquid extracts of different sections. The method of the present invention can produce tealeaf extracts having high grade taste and high concentration without the need for a concentration step, the extraction yield is high, and the sensory attributes of the tealeaf extracts can be rebalanced in a very flexible manner, so as to obtain beverages of different tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiaogen Yang, Gooden Wei, Richard Huang, Amy Song
  • Patent number: 10758080
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and extraction is provided herein. The extraction fluid assembly may include a fluid tank, an open container, a filter assembly, a dispenser housing, and a precision doser. The fluid tank may define an extraction chamber to receive a liquid solvent. The open container may be selectively disposed on the fluid tank to hold an additive within the extraction chamber. The filter assembly may be positioned beneath the fluid tank along a vertical direction in fluid communication with the extraction chamber. The dispenser housing may support the filter assembly. The dispenser housing may also define a dispensing chamber positioned beneath the filter assembly in fluid communication therewith. The precision doser may be in fluid communication with the dispensing chamber to direct an extraction fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Anirban Roy, Srinivas Pasham, Sharath Chandra, Sasikumar Madanagopal, Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Andrew Reinhard Krause
  • Patent number: 10477997
    Abstract: I disclose a method for increasing a quantity of gas bubbles in a head of foam of a beverage in drink ware, comprising providing and sinking a portable nucleation accessory into the beverage. The nucleation accessory features a plurality of nucleation sites etched into a smooth outer surface of the accessory. Each nucleation site comprises a pit which pulls and aggregates gases out of solution until the gases forms a bubble. When the bubble becomes sufficiently buoyant, it detaches from the nucleation site and rises to an upper surface of the beverage. A plurality of nucleation sites producing bubbles in this way build a head of foam on the upper surface of the beverage. Nucleation sites may be arranged to appear as lines or areas to a naked eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Bryce Bunkers
  • Patent number: 10451367
    Abstract: A method and device for supplying an inert gas in a beverage filling plant are provided. The method includes feeding surplus process heat from the beverage filling plant to a heat exchanger, feeding an inert gas from an inert gas source to the heat exchanger, heating the inert gas in the heat exchanger, and supplying the heated inert gas for use in the beverage filling plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Buchhauser
  • Patent number: 10370265
    Abstract: A water purification system includes: a composite filter cartridge including a pretreatment filter cartridge and a filter membrane assembly; a raw water inlet pipe; a pure water outlet pipe; a pretreated water pipe; a booster pump; a water quality detecting device disposed to the raw water inlet pipe and/or the pure water outlet pipe and configured to detect water quality in the raw water inlet pipe and the pure water outlet pipe; and a control device connected to the water quality detecting device and configured to determine service life of the composite filter cartridge and/or judge whether the composite filter cartridge has lost efficacy according to information detected by the water quality detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WATER DISPENSER MFG. CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuegang Cai, Lei Liu, Xingzhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 10238598
    Abstract: A simple, self-propelling particle system is disclosed that can deliver a cargo through flowing aqueous solutions. This disclosure provides a non-aqueous composition comprising: (i) particles formed of a carbonate salt and having an average diameter of about 100 ?m or less; and (ii) an acid in solid form. The particles may be associated with a cargo molecule or particle. In mouse models of severe hemorrhage, the propelled particles are able to deliver a procoagulant enzyme and halt bleeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: The University of British Columbia, The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Kastrup, Ju Hun Yeon, James Baylis, Thomas Frederick Burke
  • Patent number: 10034831
    Abstract: A neuromuscular aid for alleviation and prevention of conditions including muscle cramps and spasms. The neuromuscular aid may be in the form of a packet including a composition including 1 wt % to 15 wt % food grade acid. Instructions for use printed on an exterior of the packet include instructions to retain the composition in the oral cavity of a user for a length of time to alleviate or prevent muscle cramps. An oral treatment method includes administering a composition including 1 wt % to 15 wt % food grade acid to the oral cavity of a subject suffering from muscle cramps and retaining the composition in the oral cavity for a length of time. The composition may be in the form of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a gum, a powder, a thin film strip, a suspension, a colloid, or a gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: CrampsAWAY Inc.
    Inventors: Jack E. Little, David Clarke, J. Gregory Little
  • Publication number: 20150140189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements of foaming properties achieved by using unroasted coffee solids. Specifically the invention relates to dried soluble powders with improved foaming properties upon dissolution. The products have a foaming particle porosity of at least 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Frederico Mora, Valerie Martine Jeanine Leloup
  • Publication number: 20150104524
    Abstract: Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Douglas Galbraith, David K. Walker, Kenneth J. McGowan, Elise N. DePetris, Judith C. Galbraith
  • Patent number: 9004744
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing fluids, such as beverage syrup and water, uses countercurrent injection to improve blending of the fluids. A mixing chamber has a first inlet through which a first fluid is fed to the mixing chamber, and a second inlet through which a countercurrent injection nozzle extends and is operative to inject a second fluid into a stream of the first fluid. The countercurrent injection nozzle is equipped with a check valve to control the flow of fluid into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may include additional inlets that may be fitted with countercurrent injection nozzles to permit the countercurrent injection of other fluid, such as flavorings, into the stream of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Techni-Blend, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Kemp
  • Patent number: 8985561
    Abstract: A beverage carbonation system, container, carbonator and method for carbonating a beverage are provided. The beverage carbonation system has a container that is removably engageable with a carbonator. The container has a container outlet valve and a container inlet valve that are fluidly engageable with a carbonator outlet port and carbonator inlet port, respectively. At least one pump transfers liquid and carbon dioxide gas between a container chamber and a carbonation chamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bonne O Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Hatherell
  • Patent number: 8978546
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for preserving and dispensing a beverage, having: (a) a housing including one or more compartments, each compartment for storing a beverage container; and (b) one or more dispensing head removably connected to a cartridge, wherein said dispensing head having an aerator for aerating said beverage, wherein said cartridge removably and securely holds a beverage container, wherein said beverage flows from said container to said dispensing head by the force of a pump connected to said cartridge. In one embodiment, the beverage is wine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrical & Electronics Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Yuen Chin Chen, Amy Decem Cheng, Dick Tak Fung Leung, Paul Cheuk Wai Lai, Raymond Wai Ming Wong
  • Publication number: 20150072044
    Abstract: Described is a process for producing beer, the process having the following steps: a) production of a CO2-sparse, in particular CO2-free, beer intermediate; b) racking of the beer intermediate into at least one pressureless or barely pressurizable vessel; and c) adding CO2 to the beer intermediate in a dispensing facility, as a result of which, the ready-to-consume, CO2-containing end product beer arises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Florian Koch, Georg Fischer
  • Patent number: 8968812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a liquid mixed product from at least one liquid base component and at least one liquid additive, which is added to the base component in a metered manner, wherein the at least one liquid additive is metered into the base component depending on the amount of the mixed product removed from the mixing chamber (2.3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Ehrlinger
  • Publication number: 20150044343
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a housing and a carbonating head assembly configured to releasably engage a top end of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated. The bottle is engaged with the head assembly in a manner so as to provide a liquid and gas-tight seal. A tube is arranged in the housing for directing a flow of pressurized gas from a gas cylinder to the liquid within the bottle to produce a carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage appliance includes a quick-connect mechanism for attaching a gas cylinder to the appliance, and a dispensing mechanism for the on-demand dispensing of a carbonated beverage from the bottle while it is attached to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANTHONY KIT LUN LEUNG, JOSEPH W. ZAKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150030747
    Abstract: Provided are a sparkling beverage product exhibiting excellent foam properties, and a method related thereto. A sparkling beverage product according to the present invention includes: a sparkling beverage; and a container for holding the sparkling beverage, in which: an empty portion inside the container is filled with carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas so that the following condition (a) or (b) is satisfied: (a) a pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 200 kPa or more, and a ratio of a pressure of the nitrogen gas to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 0.5 or more; or (b) a pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 170 kPa or more and less than 200 kPa, and a ratio of a pressure of the nitrogen gas to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 1.0 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SAPPORO BREWERIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Koji Yanagawa, Hisaaki Sugiyama, Kazuhito Misaki, Yoshiaki Takei
  • Patent number: 8920860
    Abstract: A pronged clamp apparatus for attaching a soda bottle to a soda machine includes prongs to attach the bottle to the soda machine and a locking mechanism to lock the bottle to the machine at least during carbonation. The apparatus also comprises a flexible seal to facilitate a closed carbonation environment and a ring to constrict the prongs underneath a ringed extension of the bottle thereby lifting the bottle towards the seal to clamp the bottle to the flexible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SodaStream Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan Ring, Avi Cohen, Doron Krom, Hagai Harduff, Amit Avigdor
  • Patent number: 8905383
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank in which carbonated water is stored; a water level sensor sensing a water level of carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank; a water tank supplying filtered water to the carbonated water tank; a carbon dioxide cylinder supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank; and a controller, if the water level of carbonated water sensed by the water level sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum water level, supplying the filtered water to the carbonated water tank, and if supply of the filtered water is completed, supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank so as to produce the carbonated water. If the carbonated water is discharged, the controller controls the water level sensor to sense the water lever of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Tae Ko, Seung Wan Kang, Jung Yeob Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Byung Mo Yu, Sung Ho Cho, Yong Soo Kyong
  • Patent number: 8882084
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached at one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice atomizes water passing therethrough. A carbon dioxide source is connected to a carbon dioxide solenoid valve. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is connected to a carbon dioxide regulator that is coupled to a carbon dioxide orifice and attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is opened and closed for a predetermined portion of a drink dispense time providing a volume of carbonated and non-carbonated fluid which upon mixing achieves a desired carbonation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath
  • Patent number: 8877276
    Abstract: A beverage forming method and system employing the introduction of air into the heater tank and/or an expansion chamber after liquid delivery is complete. An expansion chamber may be provided at the top of the heater tank and provide a tortuous flow path from an air inlet to the tank outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Cominelli, James E. Shepard, Thomas Vitella
  • Publication number: 20140308416
    Abstract: A wine aerator includes a container having walls bounding an interior compartment. The compartment has an open condition in which a volume of a type of wine to be aerated is admitted to partially fill the compartment, and a closed condition for hermetically sealing the wine in the compartment. The remainder of the compartment contains a volume of air. A plurality of indicators are provided on the container for visually indicating different air/wine volume ratios based on the type of wine in the compartment. An agitator agitates the hermetically sealed wine with a selected one of the ratios for a predetermined time to aerate the wine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Peter CHENG
  • Patent number: 8857797
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus that includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached to one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice includes a plurality of holes atomizing water that passes therethrough. A carbon dioxide orifice is linked to a carbon dioxide source and is attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar, Ted Jablonski, Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath, Nishant Kulkarni, Ravi Malavat
  • Publication number: 20140302212
    Abstract: A carbonation apparatus includes a pressure vessel includes a cap that has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The carbonation device also includes a seal. The seal includes a labyrinth preventing contact of a liquid within the pressure vessel with the cap during a carbonation process. A locking mechanism removably locks the cap and seal and antifoam device relative to the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicants: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company, Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Njaastad
  • Patent number: 8840092
    Abstract: An inline carbonation apparatus includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. A water flow control module is connected to a water source. At least one water orifice is linked to the water flow control module and is attached at one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice includes a plurality of holes atomizing water passing therethrough. A carbon dioxide source is connected to a carbon dioxide valve. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is connected to a carbon dioxide regulator that is coupled to a carbon dioxide orifice and attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. The water control module regulates a water flow rate into the inline carbonation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar, Ted Jablonski, Jayateertha Malagi, Servesh Adderi Ranganath, Nishant Kulkarni, Ravi Malavat
  • Publication number: 20140272052
    Abstract: A carbonation device, comprising a container of a liquid, a body and a cartridge which contains a substance to be dispensed in the liquid, the body being adapted to be applied to an opening of the container and comprising a duct which is adapted to connect the liquid to the cartridge of the substance to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SPARKLING DRINK SYSTEMS INNOVATION CENTER INTERNATIONAL SAS (SDS-IC INTERNATIONAL)
    Inventor: Serge Joseph Bueno
  • Publication number: 20140255574
    Abstract: A batch carbonation apparatus includes a housing defining a vessel cavity. The housing includes an agitation mechanism. The pressure vessel includes a cap that has a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet is provided. The pressure vessel also includes a seal. The pressure vessel is moveable into an out of the vessel cavity. A locking mechanism is provided and is attached to the agitation mechanism to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel. A CO2 source is connected to a plurality of valves where each valve has a differing pressure. A selection toggle is attached to the housing. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of valves. A user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level. Also disclosed is a process of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Njaastad, Scott Sevcik, Peter S. Tinucci
  • Patent number: 8808775
    Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A carbon dioxide source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate carbon dioxide gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the carbon dioxide source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the carbon dioxide source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making carbonated beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Novak, Ross Packard, Peter Peterson, Shawn Gulla
  • Publication number: 20140220207
    Abstract: A liquid product is dispensed via a membrane contactor. The contactor employs a plurality of gas-permeable hollow fibres. The contactor has a gas port communicating with the interior of the fibres and input and output ports for liquid communicating with space within the contactor surrounding the fibres. A gas comprising carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is dissolved in the liquid in the contactor. The gas at a controlled pressure is supplied to the gas port. The liquid is supplied at a higher pressure than the gas to the input port for liquid from a supply of such liquid via a first valve having a first valve inlet port communicating with the supply of liquid and a first valve outlet port communicating with the inlet port for liquid. Liquid with the gas dissolved therein is dispensed from the outlet port for liquid via a dispense tap to ambient. The dispensing liquid step includes a start dispense step in which dispensing commences and a stop dispense step in which dispensing is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Headmaster Ltd.
    Inventors: John Kenneth Rurik Page, Mark George Page
  • Publication number: 20140220220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a tiger nut beverage are described. The systems and methods may include mixing a tiger nut extract in powder form with one or more additives; combining the mixed tiger nut extract in powder form and the one or more additives with water to create a tiger nut syrup; flash pasteurizing the tiger nut syrup; and mixing the tiger nut syrup with water to create a finished tiger nut beverage. A composition including tiger nut liquid subject to flash pasteurization is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NUTSO, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest Quaye Arday, Juison Ng, Isaac BK Taylor, Kofi O. Tagoe-Mocumbi, Gerhard Winkler
  • Patent number: 8790732
    Abstract: A foaming composition includes a powdered carbohydrate-free soluble composition which includes protein particles having a plurality of internal voids containing entrapped pressurized gas. In one form, the foaming composition is produced by subjecting the particles to an external gas pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure prior to or while heating the particles to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature and then cooling the particles to a temperature below the glass transition temperature prior to or while releasing the external pressure in a manner effective to trap the pressurized gas within the internal voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
    Inventor: Bary Lyn Zeller
  • Publication number: 20140154382
    Abstract: A method of supplying consumables to a beverage making machine includes receiving at least one of a beverage making cartridge including at least a solid gas source shipped by way of a no-high-pressure-gas-allowed-delivery-service to the consumer, the solid gas source through sublimation emits a gas, inserting the beverage making cartridge, into a beverage making machine, pressurizing a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas, the beverage making machine further including the gas storage tank, and utilizing the gas to form a plurality of beverages. Exemplary embodiments include sending a notification to a consumer wireless device, and allowing the consumer to reorder by way of the consumer wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Brad Green, Stan Kaplita, Jennifer Manning, Nancy Quan, Guy Wollaert, Brock Kolls
  • Publication number: 20140147558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage including dissolved and partially dissociated carbon dioxide present in an amount of 2-10 g/liter, such as 3-8 g/liter, preferably 4-6 g/liter, most preferably about 5.5 g/liter and establishing an equilibrium pressure at 10° C. of 0.5-3 bar above atmospheric pressure, such as 1-2 bar, preferably about 1.5 bar. The present inventions further relates to a water insoluble or hydrophobic constituent present in molecular form or in molecular aggregated form and in an amount capable of generating ultra fine bubbles including gaseous carbon dioxide. The ultra fine bubbles are present in an amount exceeding 1010 ultra fine bubbles per millilitre, such as 1012-1018 ultra fine bubbles per millilitre, preferably 1015-1017 ultra fine bubbles per millilitre, most preferably about 1016 ultra fine bubbles per millilitre, when the beverage is exposed to an external isostatic pressure exceeding the equilibrium pressure of the beverage by at least 1.0 bar, preferably 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: CARLSBERG BREWERIES A/S
    Inventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg
  • Patent number: 8734882
    Abstract: Provided is a carbonated drink having a high gas pressure which has improved bubble qualities and enhanced drinkability, is packaged in a container having a resealable cap, maintains a refreshing sensation, a light flavor and a pleasant cooling sensation expected in a carbonated drink having a high gas pressure even when opened and recapped and stored. The carbonated drink is a container-packaged carbonated drink, contains a condensed phosphate(s) in a concentration of 50 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, and has a gas pressure of 2.0 to 5.0 kg/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Suntory Beverage & Food Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ido, Tetsuya Komine
  • Publication number: 20140113045
    Abstract: A device for carbonating beverages includes a gas supply compartment in pneumatic communication with a gas supply conduit and a container coupled to the gas supply compartment. The container has an opening. A gasket is coupled to the opening of the container and the gas supply compartment. The gasket has an opening through which gas flows from the gas supply compartment to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company, IMI Comelius, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Njaastad, Diane D. Terry, Paul N. Camera