Whole Or Ground, Including Additive Other Than Extractive Type Patents (Class 426/595)
  • Publication number: 20080227832
    Abstract: A modified coffee containing 3 mg or more of a nicotinic acid compound and 10 mg or more of a Maillard reaction product per 10 g of roasted coffee beans. A coffee-like supplement containing at least one nicotinic acid compound, at least one Maillard reaction product, and/or at least one metabolite of the Maillard reaction product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TAMA-TLO Corporation
    Inventors: Kitaro Oka, Keisuke Kagami, Takafumi Hara, Saho Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20080193625
    Abstract: A method of processing coffee beans, wherein a step for bringing roasted coffee beans into contact with a high-temperature, high-pressure fluid increases an amount of oligosaccharides in the roasted coffee beans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Mineko Kawamura, Koichi Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20080193604
    Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional energy drinks and supplements. Also disclosed are methods of making nutritional drinks. The drinks provide energy to the body by refueling the body's fuel tank. The drinks comprise a core formula, to which additional ingredients are added to make a energy, performance or diet enhancing formula. The drinks may be prepared as a tea or a ready made drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Marc R. Melton
  • Publication number: 20080171108
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a kit for preparing a coffee beverage, in particular cappuccino, cafe latte, or Wiener melange or the like, comprising a first container (1) holding at least a coffee beverage ingredient, preferably at least a coffee concentrate, a creamer and/or a foamer, to be dispensed into a receptacle and a second container (2) holding ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Cees Gerardus Johannes Dierikx
  • Publication number: 20080166451
    Abstract: A coffee product derived from roast and ground coffee beans has reduced levels of chlorogenic acid lactones relative to the levels of chlorogenic acids. The product can be prepared by treating a coffee extract with an enzyme so as to hydrolyse at least a portion of the chlorogenic acid lactones present in the extract. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided by contacting a coffee extract with a sorbent or solvent which is suitable for removing apolar components and is at least partially saturated with chlorogenic acid. The product has reduced bitterness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Rachid Bel-Rhlid, Karin Kraehenbuehl, Konrad Lerch, Robert Aeschbach
  • Publication number: 20080113077
    Abstract: A coffee product comprises (i) a first portion consisting of unroasted coffee, in an amount of from 1 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the ground coffee composition, and (ii) a second portion consisting of ground coffee which has been roasted to a higher degree of roast than said first portion, in an amount of from 99 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the ground coffee composition in a weight ratio of (i) to (ii) is from 10:90 to 80:20 wherein the coffee product comprises at least 4 g of chlorogenic acids per 100 g of product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Valerie Martine Jeanine Leloup, Jean-Michel Parchet, Remy Liardon
  • Patent number: 7105194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to flavor or fragrance composition comprising at least one compound of the formula 1 or a precursor thereof, wherein R1 represents a branched or unbranched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and R2 represents a methyl or an ethyl group and to a method of flavoring a food, a beverage or a consumer healthcare or household product using at least one of these compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Givaudan SA
    Inventors: Klaus Gassenmeier, Willi Grab, Christophe Galopin, Beatrice Bigler
  • Patent number: 7087258
    Abstract: A process for producing roasted coffee or a surrogate thereof in powder form from seeds obtained from the fruits of coffee plants, or seeds of barley, rye, oats, and wheat, wherein a powder obtained by grinding said seeds is dried to a moisture content of 5 to 10% and subjected to roasting. Preferably, the roasting is carried out continuously, at a lower temperature and for a shorter time than conventional processes, to a stream of said powder that is arranged in a thin and turbulent dynamic layer run along a wall in heat exchange relationship therewith, with the wall being maintained at a set temperature of at least 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Zini Prodorri Alimentari S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Musicco
  • Patent number: 7074443
    Abstract: Packaging for a can containing ground roasted coffee packed under atmospheric pressure and having a flexible peel-off lid which is vented to allow the escape of a buildup of carbon dioxide gases. A spacing structure prevents the vent valve in the lid from being closed by contact with the plastic overcap. The spacing structure may include bosses on the overcap which engage the vent valve or a pocket in the overcap which allows the flexible lid to reach a maximum height without engaging the overcap. A permanently opened passageway may be provided between the plastic overcap and the rim of the can to further facilitate the escape of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Thomas, Jeffrey Alan Zimmermann, Piras DeCleir, Mete Bruncaj
  • Patent number: 6783791
    Abstract: Shown is a composition for preparing fresh brewed coffee beverages wherein the composition includes processed coffee grounds (PCGs) that are described in the specification. In particular, the composition includes processed coffee grounds and roasted and ground coffee. A process for making the composition is also shown; the process includes combining roasted and ground coffee and PCGs, preferably in a ratio of from about 200:1 to about 10:1. Also shown is a process for making brewed coffee or a coffee extract, the process includes (i) contacting PCGs and roasted and ground coffee with water to generate a brewed coffee or a coffee extract; and (ii) collecting the brewed coffee for subsequent consumption or collecting the coffee extract for additional processing. Also shown is a process for making instant (soluble) coffee includes contacting a coffee extract with the PCGs described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Athula Ekanayake
  • Publication number: 20040151822
    Abstract: Coffee processing methods and ground coffee end products which depends upon one or more processes for enhancing the post-processing polyphenol content of ground coffee beverage substrate. A first method involves the blending of portions of coffee beans which are variously roasted. The second method involves pre-soaking the beverage substrate before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Slaga, Jifu Zhao, Mark Lange, Loretta Zapp
  • Publication number: 20040005398
    Abstract: A coffee processing method and ground coffee end product which depends upon the blending of portions of coffee beans which are variously roasted (green, slightly roasted, medium roast and dark roast). The method produces a coffee end product which is more flavorful (through a reduced loss of natural aromas from green, light, medium and dark roasted beans), more antioxidants (phenolic compounds), more diterpenes (having detoxification properties) and less DNA-damaging compounds which are generated during roasting of coffee, especially dark-roasted coffee. The new coffee keeps the smell and taste of conventional dark-roasted coffee and as well have fresh taste and smell from green and light-roasted beans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Food Sciences
    Inventors: Thomas J. Slaga, Jifu Zhao
  • Patent number: 6669979
    Abstract: A process for increasing the levels of polyphenolic acid release into coffee which is brewed from beans which are bathed in an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution shortly after roasting. The same process is applied to other polyphenolics containing beverage substrates, including teas. The bathing of beverage substrates (coffee beans and tea leaves, for example) with the aqueous sodium bicarbonate does not adversely change the taste of the produced beverage, and, in fact, in the case of coffee, such process actually extends the apparent freshness of coffee by inhibiting in the condensation of tannins in the coffee brew, thereby providing, not only the health benefits of the elevated levels of polyphenols, but a means to extend the freshness of the brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Jifu Zhao, Thomas J. Slaga, Rajesh Agarwal, Brian Slaga
  • Patent number: 6569486
    Abstract: A beverage system for providing a coffee beverage is described which contains a coffee base concentrate and an aromatized soluble coffee creamer. The coffee base concentrate has a soluble coffee solids concentration of at least about 10% by weight and is free of coffee aroma. The coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee aroma are stored separately and are combined upon reconstitution for providing a coffee beverage. Separate storage of the coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee creamer increases the stability of the system and provides a coffee beverage which closely assimilates a freshly brewed coffee drinks such as latte macchiato and cappuccino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Charlotte Cirkel-Egner, Hanspeter Maier
  • Publication number: 20030026883
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for preparing fresh brewed coffee beverages wherein the composition comprises processed coffee grounds (PCGs) that are described in the specification. In particular, the composition comprises processed coffee grounds and roasted and ground coffee. A process for making the composition is also disclosed; the process comprises combining roasted and ground coffee and PCGs, preferably in a ratio of from about 200:1 to about 10:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Athula Ekanayake
  • Patent number: 6514552
    Abstract: Roast coffee bean freshness is maintained by storing just roasted beans in a sealed container having much less than 1.0% oxygen therein. Storage of roasted coffee at very low temperatures (less than −40 degrees F. (−40 degrees C.)) also preserves the freshness of the coffee. The combination of low oxygen and low temperature storage provides the freshly roasted coffee taste and a long shelf life for that preserved taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Sivetz
  • Publication number: 20030017251
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel coffee blend and a process for making said novel coffee. This novel coffee contains both a “faster-roast fraction” and a “slower-roast fraction”. The “faster-roast fraction” contributes no less than 20% and no more than 80% to the 100% coffee blend, preferably no less than 30% and no more than 70% to the coffee blend, and more preferably, no less than 40% and no more than 60% to the coffee blend. Similarly, the “slower-roast fraction” contributes no less than 20% and no more than 80% to the 100% coffee blend, preferably no less than 30% and no more than 70% of the coffee blend, and more preferably, no less than 40% and no more than 60% of the coffee blend. Any 100% coffee blend where the “faster-roast fraction” and the “slower-roast fraction” in combination contribute a minimum of 70% of the 100% total is covered herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Jacob Kirkpatrick, Dana Lynn Bridge, Michelle Carolyn Faber, William Michael Davis
  • Publication number: 20020086098
    Abstract: An improved thickened instant coffee beverage mix, comprising a mix of from about 15-90%, preferably 27%, maltodextrin with the rest, to 100%, of an agglomerated starch, and also 0.05-2.0% of mono- and di-glycerides or other wetting agents such as propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitan monosterate and other emulsifiers, including 0.05-10.0% vegetable oils, together with coffee flavorants, which can be quickly dissolved in water of at least 120° F. water without delay or forming clumps; and an improved thickened instant tea or cocoa beverage mix which can be quickly dissolved in water of at least 120° F. water without delay or forming clumps, comprising 12-50% agglomerated starch as the thickening agent, together with sugar and protein components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Meister, Donna Jean O' Connor
  • Patent number: 6340491
    Abstract: Free flowing fat compositions with high levels of triglycerides, containing long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids comprise: (1) a blend of fats (A) and (B) in a weight ration 90:10 to 10:90; (2) 0-95 wt. % of a filler material, wherein fat A is a fat with ≧0.5 wt. % of LC PUFA'S and fat B is a hard fat, while the composition fulfills the requirement that: [N30(unstab) of fat (A) or the blend +% of filler in composition]≧70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Loders Croklaan B.V.
    Inventors: Frederick William Cain, Willem Dekker, Stephen Raymond Moore
  • Publication number: 20010046547
    Abstract: A counter top coffee maker is rolled out from a storage location on a mobile base on a counter. The base includes a set of wheels and a set of bumpers. The wheels are used to move the base by lifting the bumpers off the counter surface. The bumpers are used to maintain the base in a stationary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph P. Goldston
  • Publication number: 20010036497
    Abstract: A method of intensifying the flavor of coffee extract is disclosed in which coffee extract is heated at a temperature and for a time sufficient to intensify the flavor of the coffee. The heated coffee extract is cooled and preferably dried to produce a soluble coffee product having intensified flavor. The flavor intensity of soluble coffee can be increased without deleteriously altering coffee flavor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Bary Lyn Zeller, Joanne Marie Langdon, Gregory Aaron Wiseman, Evan Joel Turek
  • Patent number: 6277428
    Abstract: The invention provides a way for people to enjoy the ritual of selecting beans and grinding the beans to make them available for brewing. In one exemplary embodiment, a pelletized food product is provided which comprises a beverage base which includes individual pieces of edible plant materials which, when steeped or brewed, form a beverage. A binding material is provided which binds the beverage base into a pelletized body until subjected to a grinding process. Further, the pelletized body has a size and a range from about 0.2 cm to about 8 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: The Hain Celestial Group
    Inventors: Kerin B. Franklin, Scott T. Graham
  • Patent number: 6235317
    Abstract: An additive for stimulants, useful in particular to reduce the health-damaging effects of coffee beverages, contains one or several vitamins, dandelion root extract, and, if required, one or several mineral salts. The additive characterized in that it contains anise extract and adenosine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: György Pintz, Kinga Paczolay
  • Patent number: 6207203
    Abstract: In general this invention relates to a powder composition that provides a low fat vitamin and mineral fortified coffee drink when reconstituted with water. The nutritional composition being in the form of a soluble powder containing an instant coffee component, a protein component, a vitamin/mineral component providing at least 25% of U.S. RDI per 8 oz serving, and a carbohydrate component in about 140 Cal per 8 oz serving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Judith R. Atkinson, David A. Deis, Amy L. Marchio
  • Patent number: 6207211
    Abstract: A two stage coffee roasting process includes a first stage, green coffee beans are roasted for 5-15 minutes to a roast color of 30-50 Lu. In a second stage, the beans are further roasted for ½-3½ minutes to a roast color of 4-19 Lu. The roasted beans have a reduced density in the range of 0.27-0.38, and a roast color of 4-19 Lu. Analysis of sulfur compounds in the coffee aroma reveals a high level of methylmercaptan, a key compound for the pleasant aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee. Coffee beans roasted in accordance with the present invention have a generally high titratable acidity at a given density and roast color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald S. Wasserman, Niphon Rerngsamai, Dennis F. Hayes, Edmund Frank Mofford, Chantal Dabdoub
  • Patent number: 6165518
    Abstract: Free flowing fat compositions with high levels of triglycerides, containing long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids comprise: (1) a blend of fats (A) and (B) in a weight ration 90:10 to 10:90; (2) 0-95 wt. % of a filler material, wherein fat A is a fat with .gtoreq.0.5 wt. % of LC PUFA'S and fat B is a hard fat, while the composition fulfills the requirement that: [N.sub.30 (unstab) of fat (A) or the blend +% of filler in composition] .gtoreq.70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Loders Croklaan B.V.
    Inventors: Frederick William Cain, Willem Dekker, Stephen Raymond Moore
  • Patent number: 6102213
    Abstract: A method of brewing coffee having reduced acidity is described. In the method, an acid-neutralizing composition comprising calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and potassium chloride is utilized to produce a brewed coffee having a pH of from about 5.7 to about 6.1. A coffee product including ground coffee and an acid-neutralizing composition is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Tamer International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ismail Macit Gurol
  • Patent number: 6093436
    Abstract: An antioxidant system for beverages, particularly coffee beverages. The antioxidant system is made up of glucose oxidase, a glucose oxidase substrate and an inorganic oxygen scavenger. The beverages have improved aroma and flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ying Zheng, Xiaoping Fu, Tawfik Yousef Sharkasi
  • Patent number: 6090431
    Abstract: The invention provides a way for people to enjoy the ritual of selecting beans and grinding the beans to make them available for brewing. In one exemplary embodiment, a pelletized food product is provided which comprises a beverage base which includes individual pieces of edible plant materials which, when steeped or brewed, form a beverage. A binding material is provided which binds the beverage base into a pelletized body until subjected to a grinding process. Further, the pelletized body has a size and a range from about 0.2 cm to about 8 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Celestial Seasonings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerin B. Franklin, Scott T. Graham
  • Patent number: 6068871
    Abstract: A powdered substance, which is suitable for preparation of a beverage with an extraction fluid, is extracted for preparation of a beverage. The substance which is compacted in a form of a cake, is contained within a sachet between two sachet sheets which, prior to extraction of the substance, protect the substance against oxygen and water vapor and which extend to sealed edges for containing the substance within the sheets prior to and during extraction. In effecting extraction, one sheet is perforated to provide at least one opening for injection of extraction fluid, and extraction fluid is injected under pressure into the sachet for contacting and deforming the compacted substance cake and for extracting the substance in the sachet, and the other sheet is deformed against a surface having portions forming, upon deformation of the second sheet, local breakages in that sheet for opening that sheet for flow of extracted beverage substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Fond, Jean-Pierre Pleisch, Roland Rossier, Jacques Schaeffer, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 6039996
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process and composition for reducing acidity in beans. The composition of the present invention may be sprayed onto the beans, or alternatively, the beans may be dipped in the composition to effectively reduce the acidity therein. The composition is characterized by a solution containing from about 1 to 2 percent by weight of Phosphorous Pentoxide, from about 0.25 to about 2 percent by weight of a non-anionic surfactant, about five to about 40 percent by weight of a solution of about 45 percent potassium hydroxide, and from about 55 to about 80 percent by weight of deionized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Chemcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Hornack
  • Patent number: 6036984
    Abstract: A complete, nutritionally balanced coffee drink providing caloric and protein nutritional support for patients, particularly elderly and long-term care patients is provided. An instant coffee composition, a method for making the instant coffee composition and coffee drink made therefrom are described. The composition and drink has a caloric distribution including from about 16% to 30% of a protein component, from about 40% to 60% of a carbohydrate component and from about 15% to 33% of a lipid component. The instant coffee composition readily dissolves in hot water to provide a beverage which looks and tastes like black coffee which may be administered to a patient in need of nutritional support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nestec Ltd.
    Inventors: Claude Sartorio, Paul Lin, Joseph Burri, Olaf Wehrspann, Shen-Youn Chang
  • Patent number: 6025000
    Abstract: A powdered substance, which is suitable for preparation of a beverage with an extraction fluid and which is compacted in a form of a cake, is extracted for preparation of a beverage. The compacted substance cake is contained within a sachet between two sachet sheets which, prior to extraction of the substance, protect the substance against oxygen and water vapor and which extend to sealed edges for containing the substance within the sheets prior to and during extraction. In effecting extraction, one sheet is perforated first to provide at least one opening for injection of extraction fluid, and extraction fluid is injected under pressure into the sachet for contacting the substance and for extracting the substance in the sachet, and the other sheet advantageously is deformed against a surface having portions forming, upon deformation of the second sheet, local breakages in that sheet for opening that sheet for flow of extracted beverage substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Fond, Jean-Pierre Pleisch, Roland Rossier, Jacques Schaeffer, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 6004593
    Abstract: Coffee of a generic flavor coming from the natural coffee bean is brewed and custom flavored in a method having the steps of (1) brewing the coffee in a brew chamber and passing the coffee through a filter to produce filtered filtrate of the brewed coffee at the downstream side of the filter, and (2) exposing a flavoring agent to the filtered filtrate at said downstream side of the filter to thereby add flavor associated with the flavoring agent to the filtered filtrate. The steps of producing filtered filtrate and adding flavor thereto are substantially separate and sequential as to each increment of filtered filtrate so produced and to which the flavoring agent is so exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: John J. Soughan
  • Patent number: 5993877
    Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a coffee extract manufacturing method which prevents deterioration of flavor and precipitation in the coffee extract during long-term preservation and also keeps a sealed container filled with the coffee extract from expanding to deform or break for long preservation or heat sterilization. The invention is directed to a coffee extract manufacturing method allowing a long-term preservation, which has achieved the above object by adding strong alkaline salt that is alkaline noncarbonate into coffee extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Unicafe Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ohtake
  • Patent number: 5980965
    Abstract: A method and system for brewing a desired volume of coffee at a selected brew time, in which a volume of water corresponding to the desired volume of coffee is heated and directed into contact with coffee grounds in a brewing chamber. Contact between at least a portion of the heated water and the coffee grounds is maintained for approximately the selected brew time to form brewed coffee. The brewing time, however, is substantially independent of the desired volume of coffee to be brewed and is controlled by control of the rate at which heated liquid flows into or out of the brewing chamber. At the expiration of the brewing time, brewed coffee is released through an opening in the brewing chamber and into an underlying receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Harry D. Jefferson, Jr., Dale W. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 5972409
    Abstract: A soluble coffee is prepared from ground green coffee which is extracted with water, the green extract obtained is dried and green powder obtained by drying is passed into and through a twin-screw extruder, and while the powder is passed through the extruder, the powder is heated in the extruder at a temperature of from 130.degree. C. to 240.degree. C. for up to 5 minutes to obtain a heat-caramelized extrudate product from the extruder, and that product is cooled and thereafter dried and ground to provide a powder-form product. Additionally, obtaining green extracts from low temperature and high temperature split extraction enables separate processing of low and high temperature extracted extracts, and low temperature extracted extracts may be heated in an extruder at a temperature of from 180.degree. C. to 240.degree. C. and high temperature extracted extracts may be heated in an extruder at a temperature of from 130.degree. C. to 180.degree. C. which enables obtaining a balanced product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Tien-Szu Liu, Karl Loehmar
  • Patent number: 5958497
    Abstract: A water-soluble carmelized chicory product has a composition which includes, by weight, an inulin content between 40% and 65%, a reducing sugar content between 4% and 10% and a combination of fructose and glucose of less than 5% and which provides a depth of color, as described below, between 1.0 and 2.5. The product is prepared by extracting kiln-dried chicory with water to obtain an extract or by pressing chicory root to obtain an extract, the extract is heated in a tubular extractor to hydrolyze a part of the extract inulin content to increase extract reducing sugar content, the heat-treated extract is dried to obtain a powder, the powder is passed through an extruder and subjected to a temperature between 180.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. to obtain a caramelized product, and the carmelized product is cooled and then ground to obtain the water-soluble chicory product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Rudi Grimm, Karl Loehmar
  • Patent number: 5939121
    Abstract: Roast and ground or flaked coffee products which provide more brew strength and cup color at lower levels of brews solids. These coffee products include darker fasted roasted coffee that is predominantly high acidity-type coffee that provide, when brewed appropriate conditions, a consumable coffee beverage having:(1) a brew solids level of from about 0.4 to about 0.6%;(2) a Titratable Acidity of at least about 1.52;(3) a brew absorbance of at least about 1.25, provided that when the Titratable Acidity is in the range of from about 1.52 to about 2.0, the brew absorbance is equal to or greater than the value defined by the equation:1.25+?0.625.times.(2.0-TA)!where TA is the Titratable Acidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Roger William Gutwein, Steven Jacob Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5922384
    Abstract: A process for incorporating an aroma-containing substrate into a soluble beverage powder in a filling machine in which the soluble beverage powder is filled into containers. The soluble beverage powder is introduced into the filling machine and caused to flow in the form of a moving bed. While in the filling machine and prior to the soluble beverage powder being filled into containers, the aroma-containing substrate is sprayed onto the moving bed. In this way, a mixture of soluble beverage powder and aroma-containing substrate having a substantially constant ratio of aroma-containing substrate to soluble beverage powder, is provided in the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Brian Blackwell, Lawrence G. Carns, Jason Gawronski, Dean Frederick Rushmore
  • Patent number: 5904948
    Abstract: A complete, nutritionally balanced coffee drink providing caloric and protein nutritional support for patients, particularly elderly and long-term care patients is provided. An instant coffee composition, a method for making the instant coffee composition and coffee drink made therefrom are described. The composition and drink has a caloric distribution including from about 16% to 30% of a protein component, from about 40% to 60% of a carbohydrate component and from about 15% to 33% of a lipid component. The instant coffee composition readily dissolves in hot water to provide a beverage which looks and tastes like black coffee which may be administered to a patient in need of nutritional support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec Ltd.
    Inventors: Claude Sartorio, Paul Lin, Joseph Burri, Olaf Wehrspann, Shen-Youn Chang
  • Patent number: 5897903
    Abstract: A process for the counter-current extraction of soluble coffee solids. Soluble coffee solids are extracted from roast and ground coffee in a first extraction stage using a primary extraction liquid at a temperature of 80.degree. C. to 160.degree. C. Then soluble coffee solids are extracted from the partially extracted grounds in a second extraction stage using a secondary extraction liquid at a temperature of 160.degree. C. to 190.degree. C., the coffee grounds having at least 25% by weight of soluble coffee solids extracted from them. The coffee grounds obtained from the second extraction stage are drained and thermally hydrolyzed in a hydrolysis stage at a temperature of 160.degree. C. to 220.degree. C. for 1 to 15 minutes. Soluble coffee solids are extracted from the hydrolyzed coffee grounds in a third extraction stage using a tertiary extraction liquid at a temperature of 170.degree. C. to 195.degree. C. to provide extracted coffee grounds and a hydrolyzed coffee extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Elke Gerhard-Rieben, Claude Rene Lebet, Valerie Leloup, Klaus Schlecht
  • Patent number: 5888549
    Abstract: Roasted coffee with an increased chlorogenic acid content of more than 2.8% by weight or instant coffee powder with an increased chlorogenic acid content of more than 8.5% by weight have a better compatibility. The increased chlorogenic acid content is achieved either by adding chlorogenic acid or by extracting raw coffee and adding the optionally concentrated extract to the roasted coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Code Kaffee-Handelsges, mbH
    Inventors: Klaus Buchholz, Claus F. Gosswein, Michael Ball, Peter Hubert, Reiner Kopsch, Henning Lutz
  • Patent number: 5882717
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making a soluble espresso coffee powder with improved in-cup foam comprising the steps of:(1) foaming the coffee extract by gas injection;(2) homogenizing the foamed extract of step(l) to reduce gas bubble size to five microns or less; and(3) spray drying the homogenized extract of step (2) under drier outlet temperature and spray pressure conditions effective to produce a soluble espresso coffee powder wherein a majority of void space in the soluble espresso powder is comprised of gas bubbles having a size of 10 microns or less.The resulting soluble espresso coffee powder, upon reconstitution with hot water, produces a foam which simulates the foam formed on espresso made from roasted and ground espresso coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Satwinder Singh Panesar, Evan Joel Turek, William Artur Jeffs
  • Patent number: 5863588
    Abstract: A food product or cereal is formed by a mixture of the ingredients spelt, almonds and pumpkin seeds. The ingredients are separately washed, blanched, dry roasted, and then subjected to a grind between a coarse and a medium grind. Thereafter, the ingredients are mixed together in specific proportions to produce the food product. A broth or brew is generated with the food product by the addition of water brought nearly to a boil. The broth or brew is generated by depositing the food product in a suitable receptacle, adding the water that has been brought nearly to a boil, the combination of food product and broth or brew then stirred. Favorable foods, sweeteners, etc., may be added, to the desire of the person consuming such combination. The combination provides a nutritious food for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Harold R. Wittrock
  • Patent number: 5853788
    Abstract: A flowable roasted and ground coffee product is provided having a median volumetric ("X50") particle size of from 270 to 1100 .mu.m, a density of from 0.5 to 0.7 gm/cc and 30-41% by weight of which extracts when brewed. The product is in the form of aggregates of granular roasted and ground coffee particles having a maximum X50 particle size of 270 .mu.m and is produced by forcing roasted and ground or roasted whole bean coffee through an orifice under conditions of pressure and shear sufficient to grind the coffee and to form the coffee into a dense mass of roasted coffee made up of the granular roasted and ground coffee particles tightly bonded together. The dense mass of roasted coffee is then reground to produce the roasted and ground coffee product which is in the form of aggregates having an X50 particle size in the range of 270-1100 .mu.m, the aggregates being made up of the granular coffee particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Mackay Murphy, Helmut Sieling, Gerald Sigmund Wasserman
  • Patent number: 5783246
    Abstract: Included is the preparation of particulate coffee products with improved particle packing characteristics. Fine coffee particles having particle diameters of less than about 600 micrometers are compacted to a bulk density of from about 0.40 to about 0.70 gm/cc. The resulting coffee products have the isodensity and isobrew solid profiles as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, where the bulk density and brew solid values for any ternary particle mixture represented on the graph increases with increased coffee fine fractions therein. The process can also be used to control or increase the bulk density of particulate coffee products thereby eliminating or reducing the need to rely upon roasting means to control bulk density. The compaction operation changes the particle morphology without rupturing the cell walls of the coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vincent Y. L. Wong, Leonard E. Small, Richard J. Sackenheim
  • Patent number: 5768859
    Abstract: A process for packaging coffee, which includes a grinding phase of the coffee coming from silos, a forming phase for forming flexible or semi-rigid containers and a phase for filling such containers with the coffee and subsequent sealing of the pack, in which, during the container forming phase, the containers are preliminarily filled with gas and, at the same time, closed at their top, in such a way as to be able to be opened again immediately before filling. The filling takes place in an atmosphere controlled by a flow of gas, wherein the gas for preliminarily filling the containers and/or for controlling the atmosphere during the container filling phase is drawn from a coffee grinding plant. An installation for putting such process into effect is also proofed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Luigi Goglio
  • Patent number: 5753297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage such as espresso coffee, which consists in feeding pressurized hot water through a coffee powder tablet; blocking, downstream of the tablet, the extracted liquid that has passed through the tablet; producing a removable plug by the use of the extracted liquid; causing an increase in pressure downstream of the tablet to increase the hot water pressurization inside the tablet; and reaching a removal pressure adapted to remove the removable plug, with subsequent dispensing of the extracted liquid at a dispensing pressure that is lower than the removal pressure to cause a decompression of the hot water inside the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: J. Lough Limited
    Inventor: Arthur-Joachim Schmed
  • Patent number: 5736182
    Abstract: A process for the production of a concentrated aroma solution from an aqueous solution containing water-soluble aroma components; for example coffee, tea or fruit aroma components. Soluble solids are added to the aqueous solution to provide a fortified solution. Then the fortified solution is chilled to provide ice and a concentrated aqueous liquid. The concentrated aqueous liquid has a concentration of soluble solids above about 9% by weight and contains water-soluble aroma components. At least a portion of the concentrated aqueous liquid is collected as the concentrated aroma solution. Little or no aroma components and soluble solids are lost in the ice and little or no deterioration of the aroma components occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Joseph Victor Jimenez, Richard Tien-Szu Liu