Beverage Patents (Class 99/275)
  • Patent number: 11950724
    Abstract: A beverage producing apparatus includes: a mixer having a stand, a bottle, and a lid; a mixer controller that operates an operation button of the stand; a liquid input part that inputs a liquid; a solid input part that inputs powder or a granule; a lid transfer device that holds the lid in a state in which the lid can be transferred between an above side of the bottle and a position off the above side of the bottle; an operation part that is used to select at least either of a type and an amount of a beverage to be produced by the mixer; and a housing that holds the stand, the liquid input part, the solid input part, the lid transfer device, and the operation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: New Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Keito Nakao
  • Patent number: 11903513
    Abstract: A portable coffee machine includes a housing, a drainage module, an extraction module, and a controller, wherein the drainage module includes a water storing cup, a water pump, a conduit, and a drainage assembly, wherein the water storing cup is connected to the housing and is located at a top of the housing, the extraction module is detachably connected to the drainage module, the extraction module includes a transferring cup and an extraction container, the transferring cup is detachably connected to the extraction container, wherein the controller controls the water pump to pump the water in the water storing cup through the conduit and the drainage assembly into the extraction module for making coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: UUOOSS LTD
    Inventor: Sandy Sa
  • Patent number: 11878073
    Abstract: At least some embodiments provide illustrative systems and methods that may enable formulation optimization using one or more processor(s) that may be programmed to: receive an amino acid formulation request for an amino acid combination for a hydration beverage, the amino acid formulation request having a first set of optimization criteria including a first water uptake metric for glucose and a taste profile metric associated with a score indicative of an effect on a taste profile of the hydration beverage; access a second set of optimization criteria, including an expression pattern for receptors in the intestine, a second water uptake metric for the amino acid formulation, and amino acid data of each amino acid; and generate an optimized amino acid-based formulation utilizing a hydration beverage optimization engine to optimize a concentration of one or more amino acids based on the first and second sets of optimization criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ENTRINSIC, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel N. Cheuvront, Samantha Niles, Robert W. Kenefick
  • Patent number: 11819039
    Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: RTA Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Patent number: 11812896
    Abstract: A foodstuff dispensing system is provided in which a foodstuff dispensing hopper comprises a gate rotatably mounted adjacent a bottom opening for selectively opening and closing the bottom opening. The hopper further comprises coupling means for detachably and rotationally coupling the hopper to the apparatus, and an interlock mechanism for interoperating with the gate to enable rotation of the bottom opening relative to the gate into an open position when the coupling means is being rotationally coupled to the apparatus and to enable rotation of the bottom opening relative to the gate into a closed position when the coupling means is being counter-rotationally decoupled from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Maxim K. Guyatt, Timothy Edward Gulliver, Mark James Whitcombe
  • Patent number: 11793351
    Abstract: A frothing device (1) to froth milk, comprising a boiler (2) for producing vapor; a pump (11) for producing pressurized air; air-vapor delivering means (4) to deliver air and vapor to the milk (18); the boiler (2) and the air pump (11) are connected to a tank (6) for separately feeding vapor and air to the mixing tank (6); the tank is connected to the mentioned air-vapor delivering means (4) to deliver air and vapor to the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Beppino Ceotto, Giovanni Rossetto
  • Patent number: 11787623
    Abstract: A single-serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage apparatus. The capsule includes an inlet end, an outlet end arranged opposite to the inlet end, and a capsule base which closes the outlet end. The capsule base includes an outside area, an outside edge, weak points which open, break and/or tear as a result of a fluid pressure of hot water in the interior of the capsule, and arcuate thin spots arranged next to each of the weak points. The arcuate thin spots provide for a uniform guidance of a plastic melt, do not break or tear open under the fluid pressure of the hot water, and form ramp-like sloping surfaces to increase a surface of the accurate thin spots upon which the fluid pressure of the hot water acts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: GEORG MENSHEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lorenzo Crespo, Jordi Guijarro, Marti Nogue I Arbusa, Aida Llacuna Gorriz
  • Patent number: 11779150
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Hulett, David Doucette, Dan Apone, Izaak Koller, Amanda L. Juris, Jeff Allison, Brian Shay, John Andrew Johnson, Roland Horth, Steve Frankovich, Glenn Klecker, Stephen Hoyt Hancock, Marc Singer
  • Patent number: 11690388
    Abstract: A beverage nucleator system for a supercooled beverage container may include a frame for receiving a beverage container and an ultrasonic device positioned therein. The frame may include a beverage container aperture therein sized to allow direct contact between an ultrasonic transmitter coupled to the ultrasonic device and a closure on the container. The ultrasonic transmitter may operate at a 28 kHz frequency with a power of 5 W for 1-5 seconds. The beverage nucleator system can operate without requiring a fluid or gel transmission medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Miyako Sekita
  • Patent number: 11678761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, method and system for dispensing a fat-based edible consumable, and more particularly relates to a device, method and system for dispensing melted or softened chocolate. The device includes a receptacle having a chamber configured to receive a fat-based edible consumable and adapted to be coupled with a source of heated and pressurised fluid; and a barrier member adapted to separate heated and pressurised fluid supplied by the source from the consumable, wherein the barrier member is configured to transfer heat and pressure from the heated and pressurised fluid; such that when heated and pressurised fluid is delivered to the barrier member at least a portion of the consumable is softened and is urged through an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Nupuk Limited
    Inventors: Gabriel Davidson, Adam Rogan Ben-Dror
  • Patent number: 11638499
    Abstract: A beverage brewer spray apparatus includes a lid, dispersal members, and a skirt. The lid has an obverse and converse surfaces. The dispersal members extend from the converse surface of the lid at open proximal ends of the dispersal members. The skirt has a proximal end fixed to and extending outward from the converse surface of the lid. Each dispersal member has a sidewall and a distal end defining an interior of the dispersal member. The sidewall has apertures arranged in a distal section of the sidewall. The lid has through-holes formed between the obverse and converse surfaces, and the dispersal members are fixed to the converse surface such that the through-holes provide fluid communication from the obverse surface of the lid to the apertures through the interiors of the dispersal members. The apertures are configured to direct liquid outward from the dispersal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 11633061
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation apparatus (100), said apparatus comprising at least one chamber (1) for receiving and mixing an aqueous liquid and at least one soluble beverage ingredient, said chamber comprising: —a lateral side wall (11) comprising a liquid inlet (2), —a bottom wall (12) comprising a beverage outlet (3), and wherein the liquid inlet is positioned close to the bottom of the chamber, and wherein the liquid inlet is configured so that the liquid is introduced in the chamber as a straight jet of liquid, said introduced straight jet extending transversely through the internal volume of the chamber along a line L, said line L being offset relative to the longitudinal central axis (XX?) of the chamber, wherein, at the area of the cylindrical lateral side wall opposed to the liquid inlet and crossed by the line L, the chamber comprises a bump (4) extending from the cylindrical lateral side wall inside the chamber, said bump presenting a shape designed: —to convert the introduced strai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Flavien Dubief, Kevin Jamolli, Lucio Scorrano
  • Patent number: 11623855
    Abstract: An automatic liquid supply device is provided, which includes a chassis, a tray, a conveying mechanism, a driving mechanism, a feeding mechanism and a center console. The tray is provided in the chassis and is provided with a plurality of rows of grooves, and the grooves are used for placing the liquid-containing device. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying box and a plurality of nozzles, each of the nozzles is communicated with the conveying box, provided with a flow switch, and provided with an infrared sensor and a first non-contact liquid level sensor, and a second non-contact liquid level sensor is provided at the grooves. The driving mechanism is configured for drive the conveying box to move. The center console is provided with a controller which is respectively connected with the flow switch, the infrared sensor, the first non-contact liquid level sensor and the second non-contact liquid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Howang Ip
  • Patent number: 11591201
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a beverage dispensing system for combining a micro-ingredient and a diluent. The beverage dispensing system may include a nozzle and a remote micro-ingredient storage system positioned at a distance from the nozzle. The remote micro-ingredient storage system may include a stirring reservoir in communication with the nozzle to agitate the micro-ingredient therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Dick P. Welch, Brian R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11583632
    Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device including a pump drive unit, a valve drive unit and a control unit. The pump drive unit includes a pump actuator and a pump driver coupled to a piston of a metering pump unit. The valve drive unit includes a valve actuator and a valve driver coupled to a valve unit for transmitting a valve switching force or torque. The control unit controls a repeated execution of: (a) placing the valve unit in a filling state; (b) displacing the piston in a retraction direction; (c) displacing the piston in an advancing direction by a backlash compensation distance; (d) switching the valve unit from the filling state into a draining state; and (e) further displacing the piston in the advancing direction in a number of incremental steps over an extended time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans List
  • Patent number: 11583129
    Abstract: This invention provides a coffee maker having: an upper structure with a filter (1) and a measurement chamber (2); the measurement chamber (2) has TDS sensor (8), a temperature sensor (9) and a fluid transfer system (7); a lower structure with a weight sensor (52); a plurality of connecting elements (4) enacting the upper structure above the lower structure; and carafe (6) to be placed between the upper structure and lower structure; and a display panel (51) showing data from the TDS sensor, temperature sensor, or weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: EnE Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Yuen Chin Andrew Chen, Wai Ming Raymond Wong, Chui Wa Alfie Lau, Pui Yin Amy Decem Cheng, Kok Leong Jeremy Tay
  • Patent number: 11553812
    Abstract: A brewing apparatus may include a chassis. The chassis may include a chassis beverage cup base. A chassis beverage cup cavity defined within the chassis beverage cup base may be configured to receive a beverage cup of a plurality of beverage cups. The brewing apparatus may include an adaptor insert assembly dimensioned to fit within the chassis beverage cup cavity. An adaptor insert cavity defined within the adaptor insert may be configured to receive a second beverage cup of a plurality of beverage cups. The brewing apparatus may include a controller configured to acquire data about the beverage cup or the second beverage cup via the one or more sensors. The controller may be configured to at least one of select or adjust a catering profile of a plurality of catering profiles based on the acquired data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mudar S. Abu-Saymeh, Brian P. Mills, Justin D. Jones
  • Patent number: 11542145
    Abstract: An apparatus for nitrogenizing a beverage utilizing a container having a chamber with a plurality of baffles. The container also includes a nitrogen regulator in the form of a collapsible orifice at the base of the container. An agitator in the form of an impeller creates a shear on the beverage during delivery of a stream of nitrogen into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TORR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Orr, Randy Anderson
  • Patent number: 11540663
    Abstract: A beverage maker device is disclosed. In embodiments, the device includes an external housing and a water tank coupled to a water supply via an inlet. The beverage maker includes a manifold within the housing, the manifold controlling the dispensing of the water into a server or through a faucet via solenoid valves. Within the inlet body connecting the tank to the water supply are plumbed two pressure transducers on either side (e.g., tank-side and coupling-side) of a restriction orifice. The tank-side and coupling-side pressure transducers sense flow pressure on their respective sides of the restriction orifice and generate tank-side and coupling-side flow pressure signals. Within the housing a process control board (PCB) includes control processors and control circuitry in communication with the solenoid valves. The PCB control processors determine a differential pressure associated with the water flow based on the received tank-side and coupling-side pressure signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D. Herrmann, John H. Beard
  • Patent number: 11536490
    Abstract: A water heater appliance, as provided herein, may include a casing, a tank, an inlet conduit, an electric heating system, a mixing valve, and a controller. The electric heating system may be in thermal communication with the tank to heat water within the tank. The mixing valve mounted to the casing downstream from the tank. The controller may be operably coupled to the electric heating system and the mixing valve to initiate a Sabbath cycle. The Sabbath cycle may include determining an anticipated Sabbath condition at the water heater appliance, directing a lower portion of the tank of the water heater appliance to a sub-cooking Sabbath temperature below 45 degrees Celsius based on the anticipated Sabbath condition, determining the sub-cooking Sabbath temperature is met, and directing a mixing valve of the water heater appliance to a Sabbath set-point temperature in response to determining the sub-cooking Sabbath temperature is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Zimmer, Paul Goodjohn
  • Patent number: 11503943
    Abstract: A baby formula mixing assembly includes a housing and a control circuit that is coupled to the housing. A liquid reservoir is positioned within the housing to contain the liquid. A formula reservoir is positioned within the housing to contain baby formula. A mixing chute is positioned within the housing to receive a selected amount of baby formula and a selected amount of liquid for mixing together. A pump is positioned within the housing to pump the mixture of baby formula and liquid. A dispensing unit is movably coupled to the housing and the dispensing unit is in fluid communication with the pump. A carousel is rotatably coupled to the housing for sequentially rotating baby bottles to align each of the baby bottles with the dispensing unit to fill the baby bottles with the mixture of formula and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: J' Naye Adams
  • Patent number: 11457755
    Abstract: A teapot is provided with a pot body, a tea leaf filter basket in the pot body, and a lid on the pot body. A tea leaf filter basket bracket is sleeved at a pot opening of the pot body on an outer edge of the tea leaf filter basket; the tea leaf filter basket bracket and an inner side surface of the pot opening of the pot body are in interference fit; and the tea leaf filter basket bracket is in pivoted connection with the lid. The tea leaf filter basket is placed on the tea leaf filter basket bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Shenzhen Buydeem Technology Co.
    Inventors: George Mohan Zhang, Pengrui Zhong, Shubin Zou, Haixin Wu, Chenfa Kang
  • Patent number: 11440786
    Abstract: In some embodiments of a fluid dispensing system: (1) two or more mixing channels are fluidly connected to (a) a mixing chamber fluidly connected to a dispenser, (b) a particular two or more solvent reservoirs, and (c) a respective one or more ingredient reservoirs, wherein each of the ingredient reservoirs is configured to dispense into a respective one of the mixing channels; and (2) a controller is programmed to receive a request for a fluid mixture, and, in response control the system to: mix, in the mixing channels to form an intermediate fluid mixture, a respective predetermined amount of solvent from each of the particular solvent reservoirs and a respective predetermined amount of the ingredients from some of the ingredient reservoirs; flow, to the mixing chamber and then to the dispenser, the intermediate fluid mixture; and dispense the requested fluid mixture (including the intermediate fluid mixture) via the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cana Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Springer, Jeffery Lance Kizer, Matthew Ambauen, Stephan Weidi Tai, Erik James Shahoian, David Friedberg, Andrés Ornelas Vargas, Simon Spence, Peter Delmenico, Andrew Christopher Jenkins, Nathan Andrew Ray
  • Patent number: 11406219
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for beverage dispensing, and control and management of a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can have an enclosure. The enclosure includes a base section, a control section, and a dispensing section. The base section can be configured to house one or more BIBs, and support one or more beverage containers. The control section can be configured to house a heating device, one or more pumps, control circuits, communication circuits, distribution circuits, and fluid management systems. The dispensing section can be configured to house a computing device, one or more fluid dispensers, and support a brewing or mixing container. The brewing or mixing container can allow for the brewing, mixing, or blending of a beverage that can be dispensed to one or more beverage containers. The beverage dispenser can communicate through a computer network to a management, maintenance, and support portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Red River Tea Company
    Inventors: Jody Jacobsen, Greg McMullen, Rick Scheer, Jeff Farris
  • Patent number: 11344045
    Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: RTA Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Patent number: 11278150
    Abstract: A device for preparation of a liquid such as milk with integrated rinsing system includes at least one reservoir for storing of the liquid, disposed in a cooling unit, a pump and a line system, which system includes a liquid suction line, via which the at least one reservoir is connectible to the pump, an outlet line, via which the pump is connectible to at least one outlet, and a rinsing line, via which the liquid suction line is loadable with a rinsing fluid, and an air volume controller, by which air, via an air supply line, is able to be led in a metered way to an inlet point into the liquid suction line, and a heating element designed as continuous-flow heater, which is disposed in the outlet line and is designed as thick film heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: CUP&CINO KAFFEESYSTEM-VERTRIEB GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Frank Josef Paul Epping
  • Patent number: 11263859
    Abstract: A maintenance monitoring apparatus includes: a maintenance management part that manages, based on a monitoring result of a current or power of a vending machine that provides a beverage by extracting the beverage from a raw material, whether an operation performed on the vending machine is a predetermined maintenance operation and whether the maintenance has been executed at an appropriate time interval and as many times as necessary; and a notification part that notifies that a maintenance has been executed or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuko Ohta, Shingo Takahashi, Eisuke Saneyoshi, Junichi Miyamoto, Shigeru Koumoto
  • Patent number: 11206853
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating and mixing gas bubbles into an aqueous solution includes a structure defining an interior fluid-flow chamber extending along a longitudinal axis between a liquid input end and a liquid output end. The structure is characterized by a gas injection portion and a mixing vane portion. The gas injection portion is located downstream from the liquid input end and upstream from the liquid output end. The gas injection portion defines a first region of the interior fluid-flow chamber and a gas injection lumen that is surrounded by the interior fluid-flow chamber. The gas injection lumen, which extends along a length of the gas injection portion, is configured to inject gas from the interior of the gas injection lumen into the surrounding interior fluid-flow chamber. The mixing vane portion extends in the downstream direction from the gas injection portion and define a second region of the interior fluid-flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: GAIA USA, INC.
    Inventor: Tim Blevins
  • Patent number: 11202530
    Abstract: A descaling module is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the descaling module includes a container configured to receive a descaling fluid. The descaling module further includes at least one input port and at least one output port. The input port is configured to couple the container to a respective brew head of the beverage maker. The output port is configured to flow the descaling fluid through a fluid path of the beverage maker when pressurized fluid enters the container through the input port and forces the descaling fluid through the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron A. Devlin, Anthony D. Serfling, Christopher J. Painter, Keith R. DeBald
  • Patent number: 11076714
    Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a dispensable liquid (5) has: —a liquid delivery module (10) for delivering the dispensable liquid (5) from a source (50); —a service area (7) for collecting collectable liquid (5?) from the liquid delivery module (10); —a directing device (20) which has a dispensing position for directing the dispensable liquid (5) from the delivery module (10) to a dispensing area (6) configured to receive a user-receptacle (60) and a collecting position for directing collectable liquid (5?) from the delivery module (10) to the service area (7); and —a user-interface member (30) which is configured to be contacted and moved by a user to displace the member (30) from a first member position to a second member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Magatti, Da Mi Byun, Bertrand Guyon
  • Patent number: 11017635
    Abstract: A system and method for a drinking game, the method including providing a gaming machine having a series of selection reels corresponding to various outcomes occurring within the game session such as possible types of alcohol, possible types of cordials, possible types of mixer, what type of drink, which player consumes the drink, and how the player consumes the drink, whereby a player pulls a lever and the selection reels land on a specific selection and the player consumes a drink based on the selection indicator after the stopping mechanism stops the selection reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Patrick Furlong
  • Patent number: 11006777
    Abstract: A tamping device is disclosed herein which measures a tamp force applied to ground coffee in a portafilter and provides feedback to the user when a desired tamp force has been achieved so that the user can stop the tamping step when preparing the portafilter to brew espresso. The tamping device may also have a plurality of force sensors, which measure how even the user applied force is being applied to the ground coffee in the portafilter so that a density of the ground coffee is even throughout the compressed ground coffee formed by tamping the ground coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Douglas Weber
  • Patent number: 10993575
    Abstract: A beverage-making machine for making a beverage from a portion capsule has a motorized brewing module that has a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part, which can be moved relative to the first brewing module part. A brewing chamber can be formed by the first and second brewing module parts, the brewing chamber at least partly surrounding the portion capsule. The beverage-making machine includes a closing unit and a sensor. The closing unit includes a manually actuatable operating lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a closed position, in which the operating lever closes the capsule insertion opening, and an open position, in which the capsule insertion opening is accessible. The sensor can be used to ascertain whether the operating lever has assumed the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Krug, Sophie Schwerdtfeger
  • Patent number: 10966561
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for portably brewing tea, coffee, or other beverages in a container that regulates the temperature and diffusion during and after brewing. For example, the present technology allows people to prepare and consume tea, coffee and other beverages while on the go. In some aspects, a portable brewing device includes a container having a specialized canister system in the interior of the container that encloses the beverage material and controls the diffusion of water in/out of the canister; an intelligent heating and cooling system to continuously regulate the temperature of water in the device; and a data processing unit in communication with the canister and heating and cooling systems to control operational features and store user-specialized settings for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TEANGO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Boone, Raphael Lozano
  • Patent number: 10959565
    Abstract: Pumping system (100) for a beverage preparation device comprising a reservoir (10) for storing a liquid; pumping means (30) for pumping the liquid from the reservoir (10) to a beverage preparation means (50) of the beverage preparation device; and pressurizing means (20) for injecting air in the system (100); wherein the pumping system (100) further comprises one motor (40) driving both the pumping means (30) and the pressurizing means (20); the system further comprising engaging means (60) configured to engage or disengage the pumping means (30) as a function of the direction of rotation of the motor (40). The invention further refers to a pumping method for use in a beverage preparation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Alexandre Kollep
  • Patent number: 10953041
    Abstract: A hydrogen-containing composition for ingestion or topical use and method of producing the hydrogen-containing composition are provided. The composition includes a carrier liquid and molecular hydrogen. The concentration of molecular hydrogen in the carrier liquid is greater than 3 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: HYEDGE IP COMPANY
    Inventor: Gail Levy
  • Patent number: 10926995
    Abstract: Automatic flavoring and water dispensing systems are disclosed. The systems may be used to add flavorings to medications, and to reconstitute medications by adding water. The systems include multiple flavoring containers communicating with a valve assembly that controls the type and amount of each flavoring to be delivered during a dispensing operation. Water for reconstitution purposes may be provided through the flavoring valve assembly and/or through a separate valve. An input device such as a code scanner may be used to input data regarding the type of medication to be flavored into the system, and a flavoring formulary may be used to provide multiple flavoring options. The dispensing system allows for automatic dispensing of medication flavorings and/or reconstitution water from a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Fillmaster Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Seay, Stuart R. Amos, Kevin Barnes, Joshua Barnes, Kevin Kubit, Brad Humbert, Adam Delecki
  • Patent number: 10889787
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for the accelerated aging of beverages, including distilled spirits are disclosed. A spirit is aged through a modular approach that targets development of individual sensory characteristics. In one embodiment, a spirit undergoes ultrasonic cavitation in the presence of wood chips, heating in the presence of wood chips, ultrasonic cavitation without wood chips, heating without wood chips, and intermittent aeration. The process is operable to produce a highly customized spirit and achieve a taste, bouquet, and color similar to that of traditionally aged spirits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: AEVA LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary Cameron Fearnside, Steven Frank Guido, Kevin Jeanneret
  • Patent number: 10799063
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or disinfecting a milk-carrying system of a coffee machine for producing coffee mix drinks, and a coffee machine for carrying out the method has the aim of allowing the entire milk-carrying system to be cleaned, completely and in a way that can be easily automated. The milk delivery line is separated from the milk container, for carrying out the cleaning Process, and is connected to a first container, and a second container is arranged under a milk outlet of a milk preparation device of the milk-carrying system. Fluid is then delivered to fluid inlet in order to convey the active cleaning and/or disinfecting substance through the milk delivery line and a milk outlet into the second container. Thereafter, water is conveyed to the air inlet and the fluid inlet is closed, in order thereby to flush the milk-carrying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: JURA Elektroapparate AG
    Inventors: Philipp Buettiker, Pascal Ruetti
  • Patent number: 10688451
    Abstract: A beverage maker is provided having a filtered water system for processing pressurized potable water, a flavor infusion system, and a beverage discharge. Purified filtered water is thereby directed alternately directly to a beverage discharge, or through the flavor infusion system to the beverage discharge. An additional water carbonation system may be incorporated between the filtered water and the flavor infusion system such that carbonated, filtered water may be directed alternately directly to a beverage discharge, or through the flavor infusion system to the beverage discharge. The beverage maker is capable of alternately dispensing filtered, flavored, carbonated or noncarbonated water based beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Carl Santoiemmo
  • Patent number: 10687655
    Abstract: A brewing system for brewing a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes is disclosed which comprises a funnel for receiving capsules of different sizes having an upper end for receiving the capsules therein, a lower end having a delivery spout, an upper needle, and a lower needle, a support collar adjacent the upper end of the funnel for receiving therein the capsules, and an eject mechanism connected to the support collar for pivoting the support collar away from the upper end of the funnel to eject the capsule out of the support collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Brandsma, Joseph P Webster
  • Patent number: 10654700
    Abstract: A method of dispensing fluids with variable carbonation. The method includes receiving a selection of a carbonation level of a beverage and determining a valve timing scheme to achieve the selected carbonation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hecht
  • Patent number: 10548431
    Abstract: A delivery unit (1) for an apparatus for making a beverage, in particular for making an espresso coffee. The delivery unit (1) includes a cup-shaped body (2) delimiting an inner chamber (20), the cup-shaped body (2) including a lateral wall (21) and a bottom wall (23). The delivery unit (1) also includes an infeed spout (3) for introducing beverage into the inner chamber (20) and an outfeed opening (45) through which the beverage can come out of the inner chamber (20), the outfeed opening (45) being positioned in a central portion of the bottom wall (23). In the inner chamber (20) the delivery unit (1) includes a partition wall (5) which surrounds the outfeed opening (45) and divides the inner chamber (20) into a peripheral region (26) and a central region (28) in which the outfeed opening (45) is located. The partition wall (5) includes a plurality of passage openings (55) for allowing the beverage to pass from the peripheral region (26) to the central region (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Paoletti, Giovanni Zaccanti
  • Patent number: 10470608
    Abstract: A beverage supply device applied to a beverage dispenser providing a beverage to a beverage container and has a beverage supply route for supplying a milk beverage to the beverage container, includes a washing unit to, in response to a washing instruction, mix an undiluted wash fluid with a wash hot water to generate a wash fluid, the undiluted wash fluid being supplied from an undiluted wash fluid accommodating unit configured to accommodate the undiluted wash fluid, the hot water being supplied from a hot water storage unit configured to stores the hot water which is for generating pressurized steam for forming the milk beverage, supply the wash fluid to the beverage supply route communicating with the washing unit, and supply the hot water supplied from the hot-water storage unit to the beverage supply route as a rinse hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihide Mochida
  • Patent number: 10463190
    Abstract: There is disclosed an infuser apparatus for a beverage container. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a perforated basket adapted to receive a flavoring agent therein; a compactor unit sized and shaped to slideably fit inside the perforated basket; a screw operatively connected to the compactor unit and adapted to rotate relative to the compactor unit; and a knob operatively connected to the screw to rotate the screw; whereby, in use, turning the knob actuates the compactor unit to move along the length of the screw to compress the flavoring agent received in the perforated basket, thereby to infuse flavor into the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: PRESSA INC.
    Inventors: Jesse Hambly, Luke Hambly
  • Patent number: 10457537
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system including a control unit and a touch screen. Inputs are made to the touch screen to dispense beverages and apply system adjustments. The control unit controls a plurality of beverage dispensing valves according to inputs made to the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hecht, Jun Feng, Boris Brodsky, Richard A. Martindale
  • Patent number: 10421603
    Abstract: A capsule for beverages includes a casing made by forming a sheet of thermoformable plastic material, the casing including: a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity suitable for containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product in the form of a beverage, a first opening of the cavity opposite the base wall, an edge extending from the side wall and surrounding the first opening and a second opening made in the base wall. The first opening is closed hermetically by a cover element fixed to the edge, said the cover element being perforable by an injection arrangement of a dispensing machine in which the capsule is usable. The second opening is closed hermetically by a closing element) suitable for tearing when pressure inside the cavity exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: SARONG SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Andrea Bartoli, Davide Capitini, Alessandro Grillenzoni, Flavio Traldi
  • Patent number: 10390653
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a beverage preparation module intended for installation in a self-service beverage vending machine. According to the disclosure, a water connection and a preparation device for preparing a beverage by means of water provided at the water connection are provided. Beverage preparation parameters can be transmitted to a control unit via a communication interface. The control unit is configured to control the preparation device in order to prepare a beverage based on the beverage preparation parameters. A beverage outlet for discharging the beverage prepared by the preparation device is provided. In one embodiment, at least one additional module interface is provided for connecting the control unit to at least one additional module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAERER A.G.
    Inventors: André Lüssi, Bruno Mosimann, Peter Egli, Bruno Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 10336532
    Abstract: A pack for preparing a food or beverage product is disclosed, as well as methods of use thereof. The pack includes an insert comprising at least one primary fluid inlet with aqueous and gaseous fluid injection inlets, as well as a container where the ingredient or ingredients are stored, wherein the aqueous fluid injection inlet and the gaseous fluid injection inlet communicate with the inner volume of the container. Also disclosed is a machine for use with the pack in preparing a food or beverage product, a system containing the pack and the machine, and methods of use of the system containing the pack and machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Pellegrini, David Nordqvist, Christian Jarisch
  • Patent number: 10252900
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a gas infusion device that receives a base fluid and a gas and dispenses a gas infused liquid, a ratio pump that receives the gas infused liquid and a concentrate from a concentrate source and dispenses a predetermined ratio of the gas infused liquid and the concentrate, and a mixing chamber that mixes the predetermined ratio of the gas infused liquid and the concentrate to form a reconstituted beverage. An insulated enclosure has an interior space in which the ratio pump and the mixing chamber are positioned. A cooling heat exchanger is positioned in the insulated enclosure, and a first refrigeration system circulates a cooling media through the cooling heat exchanger to thereby cool the interior space to a suitable temperature such that the gas infused liquid and the concentrate dispensed from the ratio pump and the mixing chamber are cooled to the suitable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Cornelius Beverage Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Cook