Foraminous Material Infusion Type, Or Foraminous Container Per Se Patents (Class 426/77)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9487348
    Abstract: Apparatuses and processes for providing support for displaceable frozen contents in beverage and food receptacles are provided. A receptacle includes a sidewall extending from a first end of the receptacle to a second end of the receptacle, an end layer disposed at the first end of the receptacle, and a closure disposed at the second end of the receptacle. The sidewall, the end layer, and the closure define a sealed cavity of the receptacle. The receptacle includes a frozen content disposed in the sealed cavity of the receptacle and a movable platform disposed in the sealed cavity of the receptacle and in contact with at least a portion of the frozen content proximate to the end layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Meltz, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Roberts, Paul Kalenian, Douglas M. Hoon, Karl Winkler
  • Patent number: 9481508
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Touch Coffee & Beverages, LLC
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Patent number: 9463921
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Touch Coffee & Beverages, LLC
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Patent number: 9428328
    Abstract: A beverage capsule has a body, a filter disposed in the body, ingredients disposed in the filter and a cover. The body includes a side wall that extends from an end wall to an opening that is covered by the cover. A boss extends into the interior space from the end wall inwardly of an extraction region. In one embodiment, the boss defines an engagement surface having a plurality of arms for engaging a bottom portion of the filter during use. In another embodiment, the boss engages the filter to define a tented filter zone wherein an inner portion of the filter is spaced a further distance from the end wall than an outer portion of the filter. In another embodiment, a diffusing surface is disposed in the body downstream of where a fluid is intended to enter the opening of the capsule during use with a beverage preparing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: 2266170 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventors: Liberatore A. Trombetta, Christopher Douglas Meffen, Scott Hanneson, Daud Ahmed Khan, YuCheng Fu, Dennis Dwight Paynter
  • Patent number: 9387979
    Abstract: A capsule (1) for obtaining beverages is shown, comprising a side wall (5) and an entry surface (6) for the entrance of water under pressure into the capsule (1), wherein the side wall (5) and the entry surface (6) form the containment volume (V) for containing the infusion product (P). The entry surface (6) comprises one or more reduced thickness areas (3) so that, letting water under pressure flow against the entry surface (6), the one or more reduced thickness areas (3) open, so as to allow water under pressure to enter the capsule (1). The capsule (1) may further comprise one or more strengthening ribs (4) provided on the entry surface (6) so as to strengthen the entry surface (6) and simplify the opening of the reduced thickness areas (3) when water under pressure flows against the entry surface (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Aroma System SRL
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Patent number: 9359128
    Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: K-Fee System GMBH
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Patent number: 9351602
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a support and guide structure with a movable assembly and a cooperating assembly. The movable assembly couples with the cooperating assembly to define an infusion chamber. Between the two assemblies is provided a gripper type holding device, with a pair of movable jaws for receiving and retaining a capsule. The jaws opened by means for releasing the capsule when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. The opening has associated reaction means to keep it in an advanced position, when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. In an end phase of the displacement of the movable assembly the gripper type holding device urges the opening member towards a rearward position, and in an initial phase of the return displacement of the movable assembly the opening member maintains the gripper type holding device with the jaws wide open to release the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Danilo Icardi, Sergio Icardi, Maria Teresa Giaretto
  • Patent number: 9346569
    Abstract: A process for sequentially forming a plurality of enclosed containers (32) comprising a product, the process involving passing a continuous web (10), comprising a strip of container material having two opposing edges (4, 6), to a folding station (12), whereupon each open container is sequentially formed by folding the web, to bring into contact two contiguous edge portions (9a, 9b) from only one edge of the web, then sealing the two edges together to form a portion of the web into an open container, depositing the product onto the web so that it is held within the open containers, and then sealing the open containers to form the enclosed containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas David Reid Ford, James Robert Stirling Howarth, Adrian Michael Woodward
  • Patent number: 9282848
    Abstract: Capsules for holding in an interior space a portion of a product for preparing a food product include a first part (501) and a second part (502), arranged along a direction of extension (A). The first and second parts define at least a portion of an interior space (S) for holding a portion of a food product. At least one of the first and second parts of the capsule may include a substantially rigid connector portion (533) with at least one inlet for connecting to the apparatus wherein the at least one inlet defines a first flow direction for a fluid to be introduced into the inlet which first flow direction extends more than about 45 degrees to the direction of extension of the capsule. An apparatus may include an actuator for cooperating with the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MDS Global Holding p.l.c.
    Inventors: Marcel Hendricus Simon Weijers, Edward Hendrik Debski, Jorn Veldhuis, René Anthonius Weimar
  • Patent number: 9248955
    Abstract: A capsule, for example for brewing coffee, comprising a rotationally symmetrically formed capsule body having a side wall and having a base formed integrally therewith. The capsule is closed by a lid to form a sealed chamber for accommodating the substance contained in the capsule. The base and lid can be pierced in order that a liquid can be channelled through the capsule. The base is provided with an annular channel, of which the inner wall portion forms a stiffening zone. The base of the channel here forms a piercing zone which, as a result of the stiffening zone, can be pierced to better effect and without the capsule base as a whole being deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SWISS CAFFE ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Kees Aardenburg
  • Patent number: 9248956
    Abstract: Capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage by centrifugation in a beverage preparation device; the capsule comprising: a generally concave outer wall (2) and a generally concave inner wall (3); each wall having a peripheral portion (4, 5) extending substantially revolutionary around a central axis (I) and a bottom portion (6, 7); a lid (18) extending transversally to said central axis (I) and covering said outer and inner walls (2, 3); and forming with said inner wall an inner cavity (8) containing beverage ingredients (9), an outer cavity (10) positioned between the inner and outer walls (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 9198534
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz Skalski, Tiemen Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 9179798
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing coffee or the like uses a cartridge having filters on two opposed sides that is filled with ground coffee and then pressed through a container of heated liquid. The pressing forces the liquid into one filter, through the ground coffee, and out the other filter to produce the brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander Elijah Albanese
  • Patent number: 9139360
    Abstract: A flavor pouch includes a porous covering that encloses a carrier having a flavorant. The carrier may be solid or particulate. Flavorants may be one or more of tea, coffee, rose hips, honey, royal jelly, fruit extracts, mint, sweeteners, ginger, pepper extract, exotic flavors, ethnic flavors and the like. Where the carrier comprises a plurality of beads, the beads may have randomly dissolvable encapsulation to extend the time duration of flavor release. To use the flavor pouch, it is placed in the mouth and masticated or exposed to saliva to thereby release the flavorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Neidle, Kenneth Newman, William R. Sweeney, Cynthia S. Hayes, Robert T. Mitten, Danielle R. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9131798
    Abstract: The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), that bears a movable receiving assembly (7) capable of receiving a capsule or similar (10), containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6). The movable assembly (7) is able to assume a closed position in which it is coupled with the cooperating assembly (6) to create a brewing chamber, and a separated open position. Between such assemblies (6, 7) there is a gripping device (20) including a pair of movable jaws, capable of assuming a relative retaining position in which they are capable of receiving and retaining a capsule or similar (10) inserted between said assemblies (6, 7) while the latter are in the separated open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gaetano Pagano
  • Patent number: 9125515
    Abstract: A piercing device, for capsules for preparing beverages, comprising a plate that can be associated with a capsule for infusions and at least one penetrator that protrudes at right angles from the plate toward the capsule and is provided with at least one external cutting edge for the penetration of at least part of the penetrator into the capsule as a consequence of the mutual approach of the plate and the capsule; passage duct is defined in the penetrator that terminates, at its ends, in a passage provided on the face of the plate that lies opposite the face provided with the penetrator, and at least one aperture provided in the part of the penetrator that can penetrate into the capsule for the passage of fluid from the face to the capsule or vice versa, the external cutting edge extending laterally to the penetrator along a helical profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SWISS CAFFE ASIA LTD
    Inventor: Cornelis Aardenburg
  • Patent number: 9113744
    Abstract: A capsule for making a drink comprises a cup-shaped main body (6) forming a housing chamber (7) containing a powdered or liquid substance (2). The main body (6) comprises a bottom wall (8) and a lateral wall (9) which has a lower portion (10) connected to the bottom wall (8) and an upper portion (11) delimiting an opening which is closed by a cover element (17). The capsule also comprises lengthening means (18) which, following an increase in the capsule (1) internal pressure, allow a movement away from the cover element (17) by the lower portion (10) of the lateral wall (9) and the bottom wall (8) connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Caffitaly System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Digiuni
  • Patent number: 9061826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for obtaining infusions, such as espresso, or beverages from water-soluble products, comprising an internal out flow duct (3) and being adapted to be hermetically sealed by means of a sealing element (10), wherein, by injecting water under pressure into the capsule (1), the sealing element (10) is lifted becoming detached from the top (7) of the internal out flow duct, opening the internal through hole (4) of the internal out flow duct (3) so that the infusion or beverage flows outwards through the internal through hole (4). Moreover, the present invention relates to a machine (17) for using capsules (1) according to the present invention and comprising housing means for housing at least one capsule during the dispensing phase and injection means (11) for injecting water under pressure into the capsule through the sidewall (2) of the capsule so as to obtain an infusion or beverage flowing out from the capsule through the internal through hole of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Publication number: 20150140179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion packet (51) comprising a top (52), a bottom (53), a first side (54) and a second side (55); wherein the bottom (53) of the packet is defined by a gusset (61) and each side (54, 55) of the packet is defined by a seal that extends between the top (52) and bottom (53) of the packet; the packet (51) being characterised in that the seals defining the sides (54, 55) are arranged such that the packet has a compartment with a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: CONOPCO, INC., D/B/A UNILEVER
    Inventors: Sarah Elizabeth Askew, Suzanne Emma Axe
  • Publication number: 20150132441
    Abstract: A capsule (1) containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted by passing water through it to make a beverage comprises a body (2) comprising a lower wall (3) and a lateral wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to the body (2). The lid (6) and a central portion (8) of the lower wall (3) are pierceable respectively to allow the injection of water into and the extraction of a beverage from the capsule (1). Between the lid (6) and the lower wall (3), and in a position close to the latter, there is a filter (9), permeable to the beverage, which retains the powdered food substance, the filter being at least mainly made of a layered sheet of flexible material fixed to the body (2), and separating the powdered food substance at least from the central portion (8). The sheet of flexible material is shaped to form, substantially at the central portion (8), at least one projection (10) towards the lid (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.p.A
    Inventor: Giovanni Accursi
  • Patent number: 9028897
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage extraction filter that can extract in a plurality of extraction machine types. The beverage extraction filter comprises a filter unit (40) where coffee powder is housed and a planar lid unit (41) mounted to the top section of the filter unit (40). The lid unit (41) is formed in a layer structure created by a non-permeable first sheet member (42) positioned on the filter unit side (40) and a permeable second sheet member (43) layered on top of the first sheet member (42), and a hole section (42a) through which hot water is made to pass is formed in the center of the first sheet member (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Nakagiri, Akira Okada, Tomokazu Kimura
  • Publication number: 20150114235
    Abstract: A brew basket is provided for use in a beverage brewing machine. The brew basket includes a body defining a brewing reservoir that extends along a longitudinal length from an open top to a bottom end having one or more openings. The brewing reservoir has an internally tapered multi-sided three-dimensional (3D) shape. The brewing reservoir having a first cross-sectional area at the open top that progressively narrows along the longitudinal length of the multi-sided 3D shape to a smaller second cross-sectional area proximate to the one or more openings at the bottom end. The open top is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine during a brewing operation with brewed beverage discharging from the one or more openings. The multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir configured to receive a filter pack having a generally tapered multi-sided 3D shape similar to the multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: MATTHEW SCHWARZ, Glenn Wells
  • Publication number: 20150099039
    Abstract: A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic FERRIER, Andre LUCIANI
  • Patent number: 8993018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected at a peripheral seam for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, and a contactless element for identifying the capsule by detecting means of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is oriented along its longer dimension substantially orthogonally relative to the transversal plane passing along the seam of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Bucher, Alessandro Brazzola, Alexandre Kollep, André Jung
  • Patent number: 8986764
    Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using the centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifugation. The capsule has upper and bottom walls, a widening side wall connecting to the upper and lower walls and an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of a food substance. The upper wall has a peripheral outlet region which is perforable and dedicated for providing outlets for the release of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 8986761
    Abstract: The disposable capsule for the production of an aromatic beverage comprises a container having a closed base which can be perforated for the inlet of water, and an open base closed by at least a filter through which the beverage can exit, said filter having a peripheral edge applied to a peripheral profile of said open base of the container, the peripheral profile of the open base to which the peripheral edge of said filter conforms having a peripheral development at a variable height with respect to the axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Azionaria Construzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Scrivani
  • Patent number: 8986763
    Abstract: Coffee capsule for coupling with multiple group heads has a flange whose proximal end meets a bottom end of the side wall. A raised plateau adjacent a bottom end of the side wall may receive pressure from and form a fluid-tight seal against the group head together with the side wall. A proximal lip more radially distal than the first plateau higher than the first plateau may protrude from the top surface of the flange. The side wall may have a narrowed top section to avoid protrusions from the group head. A curved top may have a circumferential strip of reduced thickness for water inlet formation. A second plateau along the top surface of the flange more radially distal than the proximal lip may form a fluid-tight seal against a different group head. The capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to facilitate sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rialto Coffee Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanan BenDavid
  • Patent number: 8986762
    Abstract: A sealed capsule contains a beverage ingredient in powder form, in particular, ground coffee. The capsule comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) tightly attached to the base body (4), the foil member (5) being made from a material allowing the production of a multitude of perforations in the foil member (5) when the foil member (5) is thrust, via the pressure caused by injecting a liquid or a liquid/gas mix into the capsule, against a relief plate of a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is provided with a flow control porous member (80), the flow control porous member (80) being positioned between at least a portion of ingredients (3) and the foil member (5). The flow control porous member provides a faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Francisco Campiche, Pierre Monnier
  • Patent number: 8980347
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for providing a rubber-elastic sealing member onto a capsule (1) intended for producing a beverage in a beverage production device, wherein the capsule has a body portion (3) having a side wall (3a) and a flange-like rim portion (2), wherein the rim portion (2) extends from the side wall (3a) of the body portion (3), the method comprising the steps of: —applying an uncured sealing composition (4) in a liquid or viscous state onto the rim portion (2) of the capsule (1), —heating said applied sealing composition (4) such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall (3a) until it reaches the side wall, and—curing the sealing composition (4) after the migration towards the side wall (3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen, Alp Sarioglu, Alexandre Kollep, Marco Bacchi
  • Publication number: 20150056330
    Abstract: Filtration unit (12) for use in a beverage preparation machine using a container for preparing the beverage; the unit being adapted to engage a container holder (3) intended to be inserted in the machine; said filtration unit comprising a filter (14) and a protective casing (12) encompassing the filter; said casing comprising an inlet wall with at least one liquid inlet (24) and an outlet wall with at least one liquid outlet (25) for delivering filtered liquid to a container lodged in the container holder wherein the filter (14) is arranged in a removable manner from the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Heinz Wyss, Daniel Roland Manser, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Patent number: 8962048
    Abstract: Method for preparing a beverage, from a capsule (1) containing a substance, received in a beverage production device comprising: feeding water by an injection needle (90) while creating liquid tightness between the central inlet portion (8) and the surface of the needle and dispensing the beverage from the capsule by centrifugation through outlets in the peripheral outlet portion (9), wherein the capsule is configured in the central inlet portion to provide liquid tightness between the liquid inlet and the surface of the needle to prevent liquid from leaking out-side of the capsule and wherein the capsule is configured to allow centrifuged liquid to pass through the outlets in the peripheral outlet portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Thomas Kaeser, Jean-Paul Denisart, Carlo Magri
  • Patent number: 8962049
    Abstract: Capsule and filter unit for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule. The capsule is constructed to have at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The filter is formed as a relatively rigid filter unit that includes a filter membrane and an outlet wall for supporting the filter membrane. The outlet wall has at least one liquid outlet communicating with the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Patent number: 8956672
    Abstract: A capsule for the production of a beverage in a beverage production machine comprising a capsule holder with relief and recessed elements. The capsule includes an inverted cup-shaped body forming a chamber containing beverage ingredients; a bottom injection wall; a sidewall; and a delivery wall which is sealed to the body. The delivery wall is configured and dimensioned to include a calibrated orifice or perforating means to provide a calibrated orifice with the beverage delivery wall not being tearable against the capsule holder during extraction. The wall also provides through the restriction created by the calibrated orifice a certain back pressure which generates an elevated pressure in the capsule during extraction. Also, a system and method for producing a beverage from the capsules of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Alexandre Perentes, Arnaud Gerbaulet
  • Publication number: 20150037467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouch and a method for making the same. In the inventive method, which is adapted to produce pouches having a limited amount of fusible material, a heat-sealable cord is arranged on a web forming confronting side surface of each pouch. Those confronting side surfaces are fused by heating the heat-sealable cord. The present invention furthermore provides a pouch, in particular containing a brewable or extractable commodity such as tea, with a pocket defined between confronting side surfaces of a web. The pouch of the present invention can have a limited amount of fusible material as the confronting side surfaces are joined by solidified melt of a heat-sealable cord arranged in vicinity of at least one edge of the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Lambertz, Phil Haddow, Peter John Whitlock, Bradley Wiggett, Michael Klein, Hans Knops, Wolfgang Richael
  • Patent number: 8927037
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge includes a bottom wall and at least one sidewall forming a chamber in which a beverage can be prepared from a stored beverage product. The sidewall includes one or more pre-formed openings or openable portions. Openable portions may be scored lines or reduced-thickness lines or regions, which open to form exit paths for a prepared beverage when a compressive force is applied to the sidewall, such as by moving a portion of the bottom wall toward an upper end portion of the cartridge to deform the sidewall and open the openable portions. Where the sidewall instead includes pre-formed openings, these may be initially covered or sealed and provide existing exit paths for prepared beverage upon removal of the cover. Optionally, a filter element is provided inside the cartridge for retaining a used beverage product inside the cartridge as a prepared beverage exits from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kihnke
  • Publication number: 20150001148
    Abstract: A filter element is disclosed made from a gathered paper web that may be crimped, embossed, and/or corrugated. In accordance with the present disclosure, the paper web is treated with at least two different additives. The first additive comprises amphiphilic molecules, having hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends such as a ketene dimer that has one or more branching groups. The second additive, on the other hand, may comprise a polymer component such as a polyalkylene glycol. The filter element may also be treated with a polyamine or an amino acid or salt thereof. In one embodiment, the filter element may be incorporated into the filter of a smoking article. The two additives together may improve smoke taste, reduce some smoke phenols, and reduce some smoke carbonyls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jiayi Pan, Christophe Le Moigne, Nathalie Durot, Michel Barale, Stephane Derrien