Foraminous Material Infusion Type, Or Foraminous Container Per Se Patents (Class 426/77)
  • Patent number: 11603259
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a capsule (1) presenting at least one first construction element (2) configured in a container-like shape, and a second construction element (3) configured in a lid-like shape, adapted so as to contain an individual portion of an edible substance, whereby said second construction element (3) presents a passageway wall (4) that is surrounded in at least most part of respective perimeter by a weakened material region (41) provided as a reduction of thickness in at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of said passageway wall (4), and that presents a projection element (7) adapted so that can be actuated mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: NOVADELTA—COMÉRCIO E INDÚSTRIA DE CAFÉS S.A.
    Inventors: Rui Miguel Nabeiro, Joâo André De Figueiredo Branco, Jesús Medina Mundt
  • Patent number: 11583133
    Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in a capsule is provided. The method includes rotationally driving the capsule at an adjustable rotational speed while feeding liquid into the capsule and draining the beverage produced in the capsule by a beverage draining means. Flow resistance of the beverage draining means is modified by at least one valve, and a state of the at least one valve is controlled by external valve operating means to modify the flow resistance of the beverage draining means while draining the beverage. The external valve operating means applies a force from outside the beverage draining means, and a magnitude of the force is not based on the beverage flowing inside the beverage draining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Niklaus Hugi
  • Patent number: 11576521
    Abstract: A device to provide in-line flavor for water or other liquid stored in a container. An example device includes a body having a cylindrical shape chamber formed therein, and an opening on a first end of the body. A cartridge holder fits within the chamber of the body and retains a flavoring therein for the water or other liquid. The cartridge holder has a plurality of openings for the water or other liquid to flow through. When a user drinks from the drinking end, the water or other liquid flows from the container and through the housing and mixes with a flavoring from the cartridge holder before being drawn through to the drinking end so that the user drinks a flavored water or other liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Mary P. Hancock
  • Patent number: 11559077
    Abstract: A carrier, apparatus and method for making an aerosol precursor liquid suitable for aerosolized delivery by a device such as an electronic cigarette. A carrier is fluid permeable and comprises a tobacco-derived medium for carrying a functional component, the medium being configured to release the functional component into a fluid to provide an aerosol precursor liquid infused with the functional component. A method for mixing an aerosol precursor liquid for aerosolized delivery of a functional component by an aerosol delivery device comprises bringing the tobacco-derived medium carrying the functional component into contact with fluid and allowing the fluid to saturate the medium to thereby cause the medium to release the functional component into said fluid to form an aerosol precursor liquid infused with the functional component. A receptacle comprising a chamber for the carrier is provided for mixing the aerosol precursor liquid. Example functional components include nicotine and nicotine salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Nerudia Limited
    Inventors: Chris Lord, David Newns, David Jones
  • Patent number: 11548671
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling single-serve biodegradable coffee pods. In one embodiment, a single-serve pod will include an outer shell defining an interior of the pod, a filter containing a product to be brewed, and a film lid at a top of the pod; and a filter support that supports an upper filter support portion counter the force of a filter that expands and thereby applies a downward pressure on the upper filter support portion during a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: GORBY LLC
    Inventors: George Gorbatenko, Charles Roth, Chris Zwettler
  • Patent number: 11390454
    Abstract: A capsule for holding ingredients for the production of a beverage has a capsule body, which is at least partly covered on a top side of the capsule by a cover and which surrounds a first chamber for holding a first ingredient. In addition, the capsule has a chamber wall, which surrounds a channel-shaped cavity, which extends from the top side of the capsule to a bottom side of the capsule. The capsule further has a valve element, with which a first outlet opening of the first chamber can be opened at the chamber wall by a rod inserted into the cavity from the top side of the capsule, so that the ingredients can flow from the first chamber via the cavity and out of the capsule at the bottom side of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Glaesser, Peter Nober, Evgeni Rehfuss
  • Patent number: 11191286
    Abstract: A capsule for use in a brewing device is provided, comprising a body part, which defines a cavity and which has a flange, a lid which is attached to the flange and tea material enclosed within the capsule, characterized in that the shape of the flange is defined by two intersecting circular arcs when viewed from above. A brewing device which comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule is also provided, the capsule holder comprising a sidewall which is circular when viewed from above and which has an upper rim, a shelf on at least part of the inside of the sidewall, a filter and an openable and closable passage on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim. A method of preparing a tea-based beverage in the brewing device using the capsule is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Murray Cross, Michael Paton, Cristian Simion Popa, Alistair David Smith, Daniel Thomas Toon, Terence John Wilby
  • Patent number: 11097889
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Accursi, Roberto Fini
  • Patent number: 11040824
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a beverage capsule for use in a beverage preparing machine. The process includes the steps of: sealing a filter to an interior surface of a body for the beverage capsule to define an ingredients chamber; depositing a desired volume of desired ingredients into the ingredients chamber; and sealing a cover to the body to cover the opening. The cover is sealed to the body to define a hinge zone and a peel zone, wherein the hinge zone has a stronger seal than the peel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 2266170 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Liberatore Trombetta, Yucheng Fu
  • Patent number: 11014737
    Abstract: Capsules are provided which include a cup-shaped body and a lid which closes the cup-shaped body superiorly. The cup-shaped body includes a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall has at least one outlet opening for the beverage to flow out of the capsule. The cup-shaped body also includes a retaining wall defining inferiorly an intermediate compartment containing the infusion product. The retaining wall includes an impermeable layer and is spaced from the bottom wall so as to define with the latter a lower compartment. The impermeable layer is configured to autonomously tear, due to the pressure reached in the intermediate compartment following the introduction of pressurized hot water into the capsule. Because tearing of the impermeable layer can take place without interaction with perforating elements, the filter element does not tear, and is therefore able to fully perform its filtering action for the entire duration of the preparation process of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Macchiavelli S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 11001436
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge and method for forming a beverage cartridge. An outer cup may be made of paper and a polymer liner provided at the inner space of the cup. The liner may define an interior space that is closed by a lid, and the liner and lid may be impervious to moisture and gases, e.g., to protect a beverage material in the interior space. A filter may be attached to the liner and/or lid, and the liner may be peelably removable from the cup. The liner, filter and/or lid may be removable together from the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Michael Marcinkowski
  • Patent number: 11000148
    Abstract: A beverage brewing package includes a cup and a sealant film. The cup may be formed by a thermoforming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Conant, Debra R. Wilson, Yucheng Peng
  • Patent number: 10988307
    Abstract: A disposable capsule for use in beverage machines is disclosed. The capsule has a hollow, cup-shaped body adapted to receive a measured dose of a syrup, a liquid or a powder concentrate. The hollow body has an insert housed therein which includes a disc-shaped portion and a stem which stretches out axially from the top of the disc-shaped portion. The stem has an axial through cavity which defines a channel for the dispensing of a beverage. The through cavity includes an inlet formed at an end of the stem located close to the cover of the capsule and an outlet formed at the opposite end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: IMPER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Stefanoni
  • Patent number: 10940986
    Abstract: The invention concerns a biodegradable container (1) for single dose or multi-dose administration of beverages by injecting a fluid solution, under pressure through a preparation, said biodegradable container (1) comprising: a body (2) having a base (21), a side wall (22) and an opening (23) opposite to said base (21), said body (2) forming a chamber for containing said preparation; and an upper part (3) coupled to said body (2) in such a way as to obstruct said opening (23) and prevent the escape of said preparation, said biodegradable container (1) being characterized by comprising reinforcement means (4) associated with said side wall (22), and configured to oppose resistance to pressure acting on said biodegradable container (1) during the injection of said fluid solution under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Matteo Rossomando
  • Patent number: 10934514
    Abstract: A filter assembly for separating microcarriers from a fluid medium includes a collapsible container bounding a sterile compartment adapted to hold a fluid. An inlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows into the compartment. An outlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows out of the compartment. A filter is disposed within the compartment, the filter dividing the compartment into an inlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the inlet port and an outlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the outlet port, the filter allowing a medium to pass therethrough but preventing microcarriers disposed in the medium from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, Jon Q. Coleman, David S. Rowley
  • Patent number: 10918236
    Abstract: A capsule for producing a liquid food item includes a capsule body and two chambers for holding two substances. One chamber contains a perforation element for perforation of the capsule body. An anvil for a punch of a device into which the capsule can be inserted is provided on the perforation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LigaLife GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burkhard Schäling, Stefan Schönenberger, Dominic Zwicker, Cyrill Baur
  • Patent number: 10875706
    Abstract: Pad for use in a coffee machine for preparing at least one part of a single beverage serving which pad, for use in the coffee machine, is adapted to receive an aqueous fluid that is supplied under pressure so that the aqueous fluid is forced through the pad for obtaining the at least on part of the beverage serving that then exits the pad. The pad includes a covering defining an interior space that is filled with a beverage preparation product for preparing the beverage wherein the beverage preparation product includes a product soluble in an aqueous fluid. The covering comprises a flexible first sheet and a rigid shell, wherein the first sheet and the shell are connected to each other around their perimeter edges, and wherein the shell is equipped with at least one outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman
  • Patent number: 10820741
    Abstract: A capsule processing machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a capsule (5) having a body (50) containing an ingredient and a peripherally projecting flange (51) comprises: a capsule holder (10) with an upwardly oriented mouth (12) for receiving the capsule (5) via the mouth (12) so that the capsule flange (51) extends generally in parallel to the mouth (12); a capsule transfer device (30) having a capsule guide (31) for guiding the capsule (5) from the capsule holder (10) to a used-capsule evacuation area (40). The capsule guide (31) comprises a pair of facing slides (311, 312) having each a holding section (311a, 312a) configured to hold the capsule (5) between the slides (311, 312) under the flange (51) and hold the capsule (5) above the capsule holder (10). The capsule transfer device (30) comprises a capsule mover (35) for moving the capsule (5) from the holding section (311a, 312a) to the used-capsule evacuation area (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Da Mi Byun, Souleymane Diouf, Ian Guy, Stefan Kaeser
  • Patent number: 10800600
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code (65) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means (62), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alexandre Perentes, Stefan Kaeser, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen
  • Patent number: 10717574
    Abstract: It is described a capsule (10) for dispensing a beverage comprising: a main body (20) suitable for containing a product (P) to be dispensed, which comprises a bottom (22) and a side wall (24), extending from said bottom (22) and ending with an edge (26); a closing member (30) suitable for sealably closing said main body (20); and at least one first valve means (40) suitable for allowing the beverage to come out from the capsule (10) or for allowing a liquid to enter into the capsule (10). The main body (20) is made from cellulose pulp, the closing member (30) is made from biocompatible material and the capsule (10) further comprises a first sealing film made from edible material comprising at least one salt of alginic acid (23) and positioned inside said bottom (22) of the main body (20) at least at said at least one first valve means (40). It is also described a method for manufacturing a capsule for dispensing a beverage, as defined above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventors: Paolo Gualandi, Gabriele Degli Esposti
  • Patent number: 10583947
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling capsules with loose material and for their sealing, in which the plates equipped with a plurality of housings designed to accommodate respective capsules are carried on after another, by conveyor devices, to a plurality of operating stations, at each of which the capsules relative to each plate are subjected to respective manipulations by at least one manipulating device; the plates being supported in a removable manner by the conveyor means, and at each operating station there being a device for locking the plates which can be activated by a management unit, for stopping at least one plate at a time at the operating station for a predetermined time for it to be manipulated by at least one manipulating device and for releasing at least one plate at a time at the end of the manipulating of the at least one manipulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Patent number: 10548427
    Abstract: An extraction sheet having high machinability in the manufacture of an extraction filter for beverages and an extraction filter using the same and having high handling property is provided. The extraction sheet includes a layer including a meltblown nonwoven fabric that is formed from fibers of a polylactic acid-based resin having a crystallinity of 9.0% or lower and a fiber diameter of 15.0 ?m or smaller and that has a basis weight of 2.0 to 30.0 g/m2, and a layer including a spunbonded nonwoven fabric that is formed from fibers of a polylactic acid-based resin having a crystallinity of 30.0 to 60.0% and a fiber diameter of 35.0 ?m or smaller and that has a basis weight of 5.0 to 30.0 g/m2. The extraction sheet has a bending hysteresis of 5.0×10?3 to 14.5×10?3 gf·cm/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: OHKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoko Yamaguchi, Yoko Mitani, Ryosuke Hayami
  • Patent number: 10543979
    Abstract: A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Lavazza Professional North America, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Austin, Paul Fletcher, David Knowles, Sam Hyde
  • Patent number: 10517425
    Abstract: The invention refers to a pack (10) for preparing food or beverage products comprising: at least one container (10?) having an inner volume where at least one base ingredient for the preparation of the food or beverage product is stored, said inner volume being defined by sheets of material joined to one another at their edges; a fitment assembly (20) through which the food or beverage product is delivered, and identification 10 means (30) comprising the information on the food or beverage product to be prepared; the identification means (30) being arranged in the fitment assembly (20), particularly in a free area of the fitment assembly (20) where they can be reliably read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Youcef Ait Bouziad
  • Patent number: 10472165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body (2), which has a capsule bottom (3) and a filling side (4), wherein a cavity (100) for accommodating a powdery or liquid beverage substrate (101) is formed between the capsule bottom (3) and the filling side (4), wherein a filter element (7) is arranged between the beverage substrate (101) and the capsule bottom (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventor: Gunter Empl
  • Patent number: 10455974
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit of at least two capsules (11) each for containing at least one specific food ingredient, the capsules being adapted to be alternatively functionally inserted in the brewing cavity of a food preparation machine (1) for the preparation of a multi-ingredient food product, characterized in that each capsule in the kit (11) comprises at least one deformable portion (17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 38) that is deformed when said capsule is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed, so that at least one machine operational parameter is set by detection of the reaction force on the machine cavity by the deformed deformable portion, said kit being further characterized in that different capsules in the kit comprise deformable portions with different predetermined mechanical properties so as to customize the machine brewing functional parameters to each capsule inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 10457432
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing packages of infusion products, such as a bag filled with a dosed quantity of a product, a tag and a length of thread attached at opposite ends to the bag and to the tag respectively, includes a forming group of the filled bag, a feeding group of the formed bag and of the tag, a cutting and feeding group of the length of thread, and a sewing head of the length of thread to the bag and to the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Daniele Coi, Giacomo Noferini, Stefano Nanni
  • Patent number: 10450130
    Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage comprising: a closed container defining a container volume; a filter to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume; a beverage medium located in the ingredient chamber volume; and a guard element located in the filtrate volume; wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the closed container and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone; wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that on piercing of a piercing surface of the cartridge by a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick Andrew Hansen
  • Patent number: 10442610
    Abstract: A single-serve beverage cartridge including a generally hollow body portion having a chamber, a sidewall, a first end, and a second end. A beverage component or precursor can be positioned in the chamber. Further, the second end can include at least one restricting orifice that can facilitate the creation of a predetermined amount of pressure in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Mekeel Mack, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Patent number: 10433579
    Abstract: A fleece for a smokeless tobacco pouch is disclosed. The fleece comprises a material and at least one thread attached to said material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Michele Mola
  • Patent number: 10421604
    Abstract: The invention refers to a pack (10) for preparing food or beverage products comprising: at least one container (10?) having an inner volume where at least one base ingredient for the preparation of the food or beverage product is stored, said inner volume being defined by sheets of material joined to one another at their edges; a fitment assembly (20) through which the food or beverage product is delivered, and identification means (30) comprising the information on the food or beverage product to be prepared; wherein the identification means (30) are arranged at least on one side of the edges of the container with respect to the fitment assembly (20), the identification means (30) being further arranged in the vicinity of said fitment assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Youcef Ait Bouziad
  • Patent number: 10279985
    Abstract: A granulated nutritional supplement dispensing machine extracts single-serving doses from a multi-serving supplements cartridge for delivery as a drinkable solution. A lead serving chamber is pierced so that its powered contents drain into a mixing cup together with a metered quantity of water from an integrated water tank. A vibrator unit assists drainage of the granulated materials from the lead serving chamber. The mixing cup is rotated at high speed to blend the water and supplements into a slurry. The supplements cartridge is indexed after (or before) use so that an unopened serving chamber is presented each time for extracting its supplements. This enables partially-used supplements cartridges to be used in the machine, as is conducive in multiple-user households. The supplements cartridge is configured with read-write data capability to indicate whether or not the contents of each serving chamber have been emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Life Boost, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Matthew Mills, Jeffrey Thomas Linton, Chase Ryan Linton
  • Patent number: 10273077
    Abstract: A capsule (1) including a casing (2) having first and second end walls (3, 4) spaced one from the other and interconnected by a lateral wall (5) having an essentially annular shape, and defining an internal chamber (6) containing an amount or dose of a substance (7) for the preparation of a beverage. The casing (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable or pierceable wall portion (5a, 4a), acting as inlet and outlet, respectively, for the introduction of a flow of water into said chamber (6) and the outflow of the beverage from said chamber (6), respectively. An inlet wall portion (5a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (6) is provided in the annular lateral wall (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Vanni, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 10252853
    Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a beverage from a powdery or granular raw material comprises a body of polymeric material, provided with a seat suitable for containing the powdery or granular raw material. The seat has an opening provided with a top edge. The capsule is characterized in that it comprises a permeable foil provided on the top edge for closing the opening of the seat; and a first sealing foil provided on said permeable foil and suitable for being removed before using the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: HAUSBRANDT TRIESTE 1892 S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Zanetti
  • Patent number: 10188237
    Abstract: A machine (1) comprises a frame (1?) and a capsule handling device (1?) mounted in and/or on the frame (1?). The device (1?) has a first part (10) and a second part (20) that is movable relatively to the frame (1?) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa. The second part (20) comprising: a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21?) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber (21?) with the first part (10); and a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension (21da,21db,21ha,21hb) of the cavity (21?) and of the extraction chamber (21?). The device (1?) further comprises an actuator (30,300) connected to the second part (20) for driving the movable second part (20) between the transfer position and the extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Marc Flick
  • Patent number: 10173834
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage capsule (300) comprising a capsule body (301) defining a cavity (302) in communication an open end (304), an injection wall (303) enclosing the cavity (302), a partition dividing the cavity (302) into an injection space (306) and a product space (307) which has at least one channel (311) configured to retard fluid flow between the two spaces, a rupturing means (309) within said injection space (306) configured to rupture said injection wall when deflected into said cavity (302), and a quantity of a beverage ingredient (308) within said product space (307); characterized in that it comprises a sealing support (312) disposed about said rupturing means (309), projecting from said partition (305) towards said injection wall (303), having a sealing surface (313) proximal to said injection wall (303), and configured to contact said injection wall (303) when it is deflected into said cavity (302) of said capsule body (301).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 10159375
    Abstract: A method is provided for the production of beverages by means of a capsule comprising a side wall (5), an entry surface (6) for the entrance of water under pressure into the capsule (1), the side wall (5) and the entry surface (6) forming the containment volume (V) for containing the infusion or soluble product (P), and the entry surface (6) comprising one or more reduced thickness areas (3), wherein the method comprises the following steps: pushing the entry surface (6) of the capsule (1) using pushing means (S) and injecting a flux of water under pressure so as to open the one or more reduced thickness areas (3) of the entry surface (6) so as to allow the water under pressure to enter the capsule (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Aroma System SRL.
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Patent number: 10065795
    Abstract: Capsules are provided which include a cup-shaped body with a side wall having an upper edge and with a bottom wall in which a plurality of openings are defined for allowing water to enter the cup-shaped body; and a cover secured to the cup-shaped body so as to close the cup-shaped body on a side opposite from the bottom wall. The cup-shaped body and the cover are configured in such a manner as to allow, in use, the infusion to exit from the capsule only at a peripheral edge of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 10058121
    Abstract: A biodegradable bi-component fiber may include a polyhydroxyalkanoate and/or polylactic acid with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for use in a filter of a smoking article. The bi-component fiber may have a sheath-core construction where one component of the bi-component forms the core, and the other component forms the sheath of each fiber. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Alan B. Norman, Leigh Ann Joyce, Huamin Gan
  • Patent number: 9994388
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar, Geoff Rendle, Maria Gomez
  • Patent number: 9950489
    Abstract: The plastic bag may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a pattern imparted onto them. The wrinkle pattern may be a plurality of linear ribs formed into the sidewall that may be arranged adjacent and parallel to one another. To impart the pattern to the sidewall, a thermoplastic web used to make the sidewall may be directed between a first cylindrical roller and a second cylindrical roller, each of which may have a plurality of spaced ridges extending about their peripheries. When the web is directed between the first and second rollers, the meshing of the ridges may form ribs into the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Fraser, Kyle R. Wilcoxen
  • Patent number: 9944455
    Abstract: A solution mixing cartridge comprises a container, a filter, a lid, and a substance. The container includes a bottom, a sidewall and an interior space. The bottom has a pierceable bottom portion configured to be pierced by a first piercing element. The filter is disposed inside the container. The filter includes a concave center portion disposed above the pierceable bottom portion. The filter is fastened to the container bottom along a bottom periphery. The filter sidewall extends upwardly from the filter bottom and contacts the container sidewall. A substance is disposed in the filter. The lid is attached to the container opening. The lid has a pierceable lid portion configured to be pierced by a second machine piercing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher M Savage
  • Patent number: 9907429
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (12) by injection of a fluid into said capsule (12), said machine comprising: —a capsule holder (8) for holding a capsule, said holder (8) having a cup-shaped body (27), a handle portion (28), and a dispensing opening (29) through the bottom portion (30) of said body (27); —a fluid conduction system comprising a fluid reservoir (2), a fluid pump, optionally a fluid heater, said reservoir, pump and heater being connected by fluid pipes; —a brewing head (3) having an aperture for receiving said capsule holder (8), and an injection support (17) connected to the fluid conduction system; —an injection plate (18) supported by said support (17), said injection plate (18) comprising an upper surface (23) with a fluid coupling (32) connected to the fluid conduction system through said support, said injection plate (18) further comprising a fluid conducting channel (24) connecting the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Talon, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 9840365
    Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient (32). The capsule comprising a first section (12, 14) and a second section (15, 40) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprising a pre-formed inlet (23) for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet (41) for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. Wherein the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R&D, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Norton, Nick Andrew Hansen
  • Patent number: 9714136
    Abstract: A pad of the optionally flexible, disc-shaped/flat type filled with a product to be extracted and/or a product to be dissolved, provided with an optionally flexible bottom sheet and an optionally flexible top sheet manufactured from, the top sheet and the bottom sheet being interconnected at their longitudinal edges so that a covering with a circumferential sealing seam is formed, with the product situated between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the bottom sheet and the top sheet each forming a filter which is at least virtually impermeable to the product and which is at least permeable to water, while an area of the covering is designed to be at least virtually impermeable to water, the area comprising, preferably, at least one annular sub-area covering at least a part of the sealing seam, and that the area extends outside the sealing seam at predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer
  • Patent number: 9604776
    Abstract: A system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The bottom comprises an entrance area for supplying an amount of a fluid by the fluid dispensing device through the entrance area to the capsule. The lid comprises an exit area for supplying a prepared beverage through the exit area from the capsule to a container. The flow resistance of the entrance area of the capsule is lower than the flow resistance of the exit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, John Henri Flamand, Angenita Dorothea van Loon-Post, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Patent number: 9578984
    Abstract: Pad for producing a beverage, provided with a first permeable layer and a second permeable layer opposite to the first permeable layer. The pad is further provided with a filling arranged in between the first and second permeable layer. The pad is arranged for receiving pressurized water through the first permeable layer, for dissolving, dispersing, and/or extracting at least part of the filling in the received pressurized water. The pad is arranged for releasing through the second permeable layer the water with the at least part of the filling dissolved, dispersed, and/or extracted therein. The first permeable layer has a plurality of apertures for receiving the pressurized water. The apertures have a size dimensioned for establishing swirling motion of the water inside the filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Frederike Ingeborg Heijdel, Christiaan Jos Van Der Veen, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Ivo Van Os, Wenda Corina De Koning
  • Patent number: 9567148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a product for preparing food, which product is manufactured of heat-resistant, foldable material and into the interior of which product the food is placeable, within the product is arranged one or more intermediate bottoms, between the intermediate bottom and a wall of the product is put material producing gas, and to the intermediate bottom are formed holes for transferring the gas into the interior. In the product according to the invention, the intermediate bottom is releasably fastened at least at the points of the holes in the wall of the product such that it is releasable by means of heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sinituote Oy
    Inventor: Tapani Tirkkonen
  • Patent number: 9546038
    Abstract: A pre-packaged, sealed container enclosing whole coffee beans is sized to correspond to a single serving of coffee, or multiple servings. The container is used with a machine that selectively lowers a grinding blade into the container for grinding the whole beans. The freshly made grounds remain in the same container and heated water is introduced into the container. Freshly brewed coffee is produced and drips out of one or more openings in the bottom of the container after passing through the filter. The container is sealed for storage and shipping with an airtight membrane or cover such as plastic, foil etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Barbara L Schnabel
  • Patent number: 9527663
    Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) for infusion products comprises: a station (2) for feeding a first continuous strip (3) of thermoformable filter material; a station (4) for heating the first continuous strip (3); a continuously rotating drum (5) provided with a series of dies (9), and a corresponding series of punches (10) configured for plastically deforming a portion of the first strip (3) and making a three-dimensional chamber (C) to contain a dose (12) of infusion product; a station (11) for dosing doses (12) of the infusion product; a feed station (13) for feeding a second strip (14) of filter material; a joining station (15) for joining the first strip (3) to the second strip (14) to close the three-dimensional chamber (C); and a cutting station for making single filter bags (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Sauro Rivola