Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a consumable for use in a dispenser for preparation of foodstuff products, the consumable comprising a sealed housing comprising at least one rigid wall portion that is impermeable to liquid, a primary inlet portion arranged to enable pressurized water flow into the housing, a secondary inlet portion arranged to enable an auxiliary fluid flow, particularly an air flow, into the housing, at least one outlet portion arranged to enable the processed foodstuff product to flow out of the housing, at least one containing chamber arranged in the housing, the chamber containing a food substance, particularly a ground substance, at least one flow processing chamber arranged to process a liquid solution that flows through the flow processing chamber, a flow transfer wall arranged between the containing chamber and the flow processing chamber.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 29, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 21, 2020
Assignee:
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
Inventors:
Hendrikus Lodewijk Joseph Franciscus Holten, Jarno Beekman, Rodin Enne Bruinsma, Peter Rijskamp, Jan Klaassen, Peng Chau Quah
Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2017
Date of Patent:
February 25, 2020
Assignee:
Bally Gaming, Inc.
Inventors:
James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Paul K. Scheper, Troy D. Nelson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Attila Grauzer
Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold beverage preparation device (20), the device comprising an open cooling reservoir (5) for receiving a liquid beverage, cooling means (15) associated to the cooling reservoir (5) for cooling at least part of an internal surface of the cooling reservoir, a rotational stirring member (16) arranged in the cooling reservoir (5) for mixing or foaming the liquid depending on the speed of rotation of the member, and a rotational scraping member (17) arranged in the cooling reservoir (5) for scraping the internal surface of the cooling reservoir, wherein the rotational stirring member (16) and the scraping member (17) are designed for being driven independently within the cooling reservoir (5) of the device.
Abstract: The present inventive concept consists of a logic controlled submersion brewing device that operates reliably with minimal user interaction. The brewer employs a submersion brewing technique to ensure a uniform extraction of beverage from solid extraction media. The device may be programmable to start on a timer. Parameters of the brew program may be customizable including serving size and extraction settings. The device will use vapor pressure to forcibly move beverage liquid across a sieve thereby separating the liquid from spent extraction media. Reliability and repeatability of the separation procedure is enhanced using a novel method of pressure control.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2016
Date of Patent:
August 13, 2019
Inventors:
Timothy Darryl James, David Bradford Wiley
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule holder (8) for holding a closed capsule (9) in a beverage preparation machine (1), said capsule containing a beverage precursor ingredient, said machine being able to inject a fluid under pressure through a wall (11) of said capsule inside the latter such that said fluid and said precursor ingredient mix to make a beverage, said capsule holder (8) comprising a cup-shaped body (12) adapted to retain and hold said capsule, a handle (13), and guide means for removably inserting said capsule holder within said machine, wherein said capsule holder (8) further comprises pressure-releasing means (15) for releasing fluid pressure inside said capsule.
Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 2, 2016
Date of Patent:
July 30, 2019
Assignee:
Seattle Espresso Machine Corporation
Inventors:
Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
Abstract: A mobile beverage dispensing machine is disclosed that includes a liquid tank, a beverage preparation unit, a fluid circuit, and/or heating means. The machine may further include a mobile power source. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using the mobile beverage dispensing machine.
Abstract: A brewing module for an extraction appliance has a first brewing-module part and a second brewing-module part, which can be moved relative to the first. The first and second brewing-module parts form a discharging device for discharging an extraction product out of a capsule, containing extraction substance for the preparation of brewed beverages, and an injector for introducing an extraction liquid into the capsule. The first brewing-module part has a head with a lateral guide, which defines first and second tracks for a capsule collar. The first brewing-module part also forms a rest delimiting movement of the capsule in the downward direction when the capsule collar is located on the first track. The lateral guide is connected rigidly to the head, and the second brewing-module part has a restoring device, which acts on the capsule collar and moves the collar into the second track when the brewing chamber is opened.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 29, 2014
Date of Patent:
June 4, 2019
Assignee:
QBO COFFEE GMBH
Inventors:
Andres Rubin, Dominic Zwicker, Louis Deuber
Abstract: A controlled system for brewing infused beverages that includes an infused beverage brewing assembly operably configured to receive infusion beverage parameters that include a dispensed solvent volume and a total infusion time utilized in an infusion algorithm generating a solvent flow rate change that is a function of the dispensed solvent volume and the total infusion time. The system also includes a solvent flow management system having a pump operably configured, based on the infusion algorithm, to generate an infused solution and includes an electronic control system communicatively coupled to the solvent flow management system and operably configured to initiate a counter associated with the inducement of the flow of the solvent to generate a running infusion time and execute the infusion algorithm to generate a solvent flow rate change sufficient to provide a remaining infusion volume in a remaining infusion time based on the input parameters.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage compounding system and methods for the same. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 20, 2016
Date of Patent:
April 2, 2019
Assignee:
Gudpod Corp.
Inventors:
Gian-Carlo Ochoa, Brendan Duffy, Jon B. Taylor, Gary Van Deursen
Abstract: The invention relates to a head assembly for a beverage preparation device for preparing a nutritional composition upon interaction of ingredients provided in a capsule with liquid supplied to the capsule, the assembly comprising capsule opening means (10) which are adapted to interact with an injection face of the capsule, the opening means comprising a liquid injection means (1) for injection of liquid into the capsule and a gas injection means (2) for injecting of gas into the capsule, activation means (20) designed for interacting with the opening means and for moving the liquid injection means and the gas injection means with respect to the injection face of the capsule. The head assembly also comprises a drive unit (70) for driving the activation means (20) and the activation means comprises a driving gear (20b) adapted to be driven in rotational movement by the drive unit (70) for sequentially moving the liquid injection means (1) and gas injection means (2).
Abstract: A vacuum-type coffee maker includes an upper brewing unit and a lower carafe. The upper brewing unit includes a vessel and a collar disposed around a lower portion of the vessel. The collar includes a magnetic array defining an upper magnetic coupler. The lower carafe includes a vessel having a collar disposed around an upper portion of the vessel. The collar further includes a magnetic array to define a lower magnetic coupler. In assembly, the upper magnetic coupler is magnetically coupled to the lower magnetic coupler when the upper brewing unit is received on the lower carafe. A heating element is disposed in a base portion of the lower carafe. The lower carafe is removeably received on a support stand, and the heating element of the lower carafe is powered by the support stand in use during a brewing sequence.
Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of the cartridges (1a;1b). The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and a second part (15) that are relatively movable between an extraction position and a loading and/or ejection position. The first part has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12?) having selectively: a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb). The seat has a depth detecting arrangement (20), such as a detecting arrangement comprising a control unit (21) connected to sensor (22) via a connection (23). The depth detecting arrangement is configured to detect a relative position of the first portion and the second portion to determine whether the cavity has at least one of the first and second depths.
Abstract: A coffee maker and method of operating the same is disclosed. The method includes deactivating a heating plate of the coffee maker when a drip pan is positioned thereon, soliciting a user-selection of a serving size from a plurality of serving sizes when the drip pan is positioned on the base, and operating a pump of the coffee maker to advance fluid to a filter basket in accordance with the selected serving size.
Abstract: Capsule processing units of a beverage preparation machine are disclosed, as well as beverage preparation machines containing same. Also disclosed are methods of processing a capsule with the capsule processing unit. The capsule processing unit includes a code reading system, a capsule transfer mechanism, and an actuator unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 7, 2015
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2018
Assignee:
Nestec S. A.
Inventors:
Jean-Marc Flick, Antoine Ryser, Milena Partzch
Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of such cartridges (1a; 1b) for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and second part (15) that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position. The first part (11,12,13) has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12?) having selectively: —a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and —a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb), the first part (11,12,13) has a lock (112?, 132, 132?, 142?) for locking the first and second portions (11,12,13) when the delimited cavity (12?) has the first depth (da) or the second depth (db).
Abstract: A machine (1) comprises a frame (1?) and a capsule handling device (1?) mounted in and/or on the frame (1?). The device (1?) comprises: —a first part (10) that is movable relatively to the frame (1?) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa; —a second part (20) that has a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21?) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming an extraction chamber (21?) with the first part (10) in its extraction position, the second part (10) comprising a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension of the cavity (21?) and of the extraction chamber (21?); —an actuator (30,300) connected to the first part (10) for driving the movable first part (10) between the transfer position and the extraction position.
Abstract: A device for controlled dispensing of capsules containing beverage ingredients, as well as a system and a beverage preparation machine that include the device, are disclosed. Methods of use of the device are also disclosed. In addition, a package for holding beverage ingredients containing capsules is also disclosed.
Abstract: A food preparation system includes a food preparation machine with a receptacle for a food capsule and a fluid injecting member, and the food capsule including a capsule body, a cavity, a first end, an opening communicating with the cavity, a second end including at least one outlet communicating with the cavity, an injection wall, and at least one partition dividing the cavity into chambers containing a respective quantity of an alimentary substance and having at least one outlet with an independently-operable closure member in the second end. The injection means injects a quantity of fluid into the capsule through a single injection point, and a sealing member selectively blocks fluid communication between the chambers, resisting a pressure difference between the chambers of between 2 and 20 bar, preferably between 4 and 15 bar.
Abstract: A machine prepares semi-frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reflected or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation in all times.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparing an aromatized beverage capable of extracting aromas from a powder pod containing them, said device having: a first part (1-1), and a second part (1-2) of a same longitudinal axis (XX?), and first means for coaxial horizontal relative translation and/or rotation displacement (XX?) of said first male part and second female part, and a third part (4) delimiting an initial insertion compartment (6) and a discharge compartment (7) between said first and second parts in an open position with maximum separation, said third part having an orifice (4b), able to be crossed by at least one of both first and second parts, said third part being able to pivot in a synchronized way with a said relative translation and/or rotation of both first and second parts.
Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 24, 2015
Date of Patent:
August 8, 2017
Assignee:
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
Inventors:
Andrew Charles Bentley, Adam Martyn Lloyd
Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a body (2) having one or more outer faces (21,22) and a beverage outlet for delivering a beverage on a beverage dispensing area (27); and a module (3) operatively connected to the body adjacent to one of said one or more outer faces. The module is movable into a plurality of different operative connection positions along said one or more outer faces of the body.
Abstract: An apparatus including a container (2); a removable cover (3); a rotating stirrer (6) which extends inside the container (2) and is provided with an end impeller (8); an electric motor (22), for driving the stirrer (6) via a coupling joint (9, 10, 23, 26); and a hot steam dispensing wand (13) extending inside the container (2) and connectable to the steam source (52) of a coffee machine (CM) via a connection union (12) associated with the cover (3). The electric motor (22) is contained in a housing (21) which is separate and distinct from the cover (3) and is connected or able to be connected to power supply terminals (49, 50) with which the coffee machine (CM) is provided. The cover (3) supports the stirrer (6) rotatably and the inlet fluid connector (12) thereof is directly connected to a steam dispensing fluid union (48) of the coffee machine (CM).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 22, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 28, 2017
Assignee:
LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
Inventors:
Alberto Federico Giua, Danilo Icardi, Sergio Icardi, Maria Teresa Giaretto
Abstract: One variation of an apparatus for brewing a beverage includes: a reservoir containing fluid; a boiler including a heating element and a fluid pickup, a portion of the boiler arranged vertically below the reservoir; a brew chamber, a portion of the brew chamber arranged vertically above the boiler; a first contactless valve operable in a first mode and in a second mode, the first contactless valve open in the first mode to communicate fluid from the reservoir into the boiler and closed in the second mode; a second contactless valve operable in the first mode and in the second mode, the second contactless valve open in the first mode to vent gas from the boiler and closed in the second mode; and an air pump configured to displace air into the boiler in the second mode to displace fluid from the boiler, via the fluid pickup, into the brew chamber.
Abstract: The beverage producing device comprises a housing (3) and a removable water container (9) which is designed to be connected to the outside of said housing (3) in an operative position, when the device is in use. The water container is further designed to be recoverable in an inoperative position inside a recovery seat (27) formed by said housing or parts thereof, when the device is not in use.
Abstract: A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 13, 2012
Date of Patent:
January 31, 2017
Assignee:
Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Inventors:
Karl T. Winkler, Shih-Hao Lai, Richard Pasquini
Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which characteristics of a dispensed beverage are controlled. A beverage forming system may include an outlet chamber having an inlet opening to receive beverage from a beverage forming chamber, and an outlet opening to output beverage. The outlet chamber may have a standpipe in the outlet chamber between the inlet and the outlet openings that prevents a direct passage of beverage to the outlet openings, thus controlling characteristics of the beverage, such as an amount of foam, the size of bubbles in a foam, etc. The standpipe may have a portion extending upwardly from a bottom of the outlet chamber and impeding a direct flow path between the inlet and the outlet openings, thus forcing flow to pass around and/or over the standpipe portion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 2014
Date of Patent:
January 24, 2017
Assignee:
Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Inventors:
Geoffrey Y. Smith, Stoyan Plamenov Hristov, James E. Shepard
Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which an activation button is arranged on a movable cartridge holder. A beverage forming system may include a cartridge holder movably mounted to a frame and having an opening to receive a cartridge such that the cartridge holder is arranged to hold and move a cartridge between an open position and a closed position. An activation button may be mounted on a top of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position, allowing easy access to the button once the cartridge holder is closed. Operation of the activation button may cause the system to begin a beverage forming process that includes introducing fluid to the cartridge via an inlet.
Abstract: A brewing unit including a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion; a channel for inserting capsules towards said brewing chamber; a mobile deviator interposing between said first brewing chamber portion and said second brewing chamber portion when said first brewing chamber portion and second brewing chamber portion are open, to deviate said capsules towards one of said first and second brewing chamber portions; an actuation mechanism for closing and opening said brewing chamber, wherein said actuation mechanism is connected to open and close said brewing chamber; said actuation mechanism is further connected to said mobile deviator such that said actuation mechanism controls said mobile deviator to remove said mobile deviator from a trajectory of mutual motion of said first and second brewing chamber portions during closure of the brewing chamber.
Abstract: A beverage dispenser and methods of use for combining at least one beverage ingredient with a diluting ingredient to form a beverage. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is coffee or tea and the diluting ingredient is water. The beverage ingredient is retained in a container which is positioned in the beverage dispenser. The ingredient is mixed with water at least in part in the container for dispensing into a receptacle positioned relative to the dispenser. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is a liquid form of beverage concentrate packaged in a disposable container. The beverage dispenser includes mechanisms and assemblies which form a single opening in the container to allow water to enter and exit the container through the single opening in the container to release and mix the beverage ingredient.
Abstract: The invention relates to a device and also a method for determining the degree of disinfection, and for determining the time point when a defined degree of disinfection is reached by a liquid, in particular drinking water, that is situated in a container which is light-permeable at least in a UV range.
Abstract: A combination unit comprising a beverage preparation machine (62) and a separate milk chilling device (10) for storing a volume (16) of milk in a chilled state. The beverage preparation machine (62) comprises a control electronics system (63) and a milk dispensing apparatus (64) for dispensing milk and/or milk froth. The milk chilling device (10) comprises a housing (11), a milk container (14), which is arranged in the housing (11), for accommodating the volume (16) of milk, a chilling unit (18) for chilling the volume (16) of milk, and a milk lance for removing milk from the milk container (14).
Abstract: A flowmeter (1) comprises: an outermost casing (2,4) containing a measuring chamber (10); an outermost face (20) on the casing; a generator (3,36) for generating at the outermost face a signal representative of a flow through the measuring chamber; and a connection arrangement (28) for fastening the outermost casing against a PCB (50) which extends over and beyond the outermost casing and contains a sensor (51) that is located at the outermost face and that is configured to sense the signal from the generator upon connection. The connection arrangement is configured for connection against the PCB, which connection between the PCB and the casing is distinct from the sensor.
Abstract: Method of preparing beverages using a beverage preparation machines and in particular a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients. The method includes controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 24, 2010
Date of Patent:
May 17, 2016
Assignee:
Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
Inventors:
Nick Andrew Hansen, Andrew Charles Bentley, Elizabeth Jane Hinckley, Mark Richard Thomas Norton
Abstract: The present invention is to provide a lid structure including a lid having a bottom side provided with an opening and concavely provided with an assembly space corresponding in position to the opening and having a first threaded connection portion protrudingly provided on an inner wall of the lid and extending toward the opening; a gasket fitted around the outer periphery of the first threaded connection portion and protrudingly provided with a pulling tab which extends toward the opening; and a filter having a second threaded connection portion provided on a top side thereof and threadedly engageable with the first threaded connection portion. Thus, when it is desired to clean the lid, the user only has to rotate the filter to easily detach the filter from the lid and pull the pulling tab to rapidly remove the gasket from the lid for cleaning, without using any tool.
Abstract: A drinks machine is provided that has a drinks outlet, a housing region under the drinks outlet, and a drinks vessel housed by the housing region during a filling process. The housing region is a separate part and removable from the drinks machine.
Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (50) has: an outlet (4) for dispensing said beverage; a user-recipient support (5) movable within such machine from a position for supporting a smaller user-recipient (51) under the outlet to a position for placing a larger user-recipient (52) under the outlet; and means for stopping movement of the user-recipient support in at least one of said positions. The stopping means comprise a means (57, 58) for fastening the user-recipient support in said at least one of said positions.
Abstract: A dispensing assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules includes: an injector device (50), for introducing into a capsule (10) water and/or steam under pressure; a capsule holder (40), facing the injector device (50) and designed to receive the capsule (10); and an actuation linkage (80), for causing displacements of the capsule holder (40) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (50). The dispensing assembly (30) further includes ejector means (70), which are designed to push the capsule (10) towards the outside of the capsule holder (40) according to the displacement of the capsule holder (40) towards its spaced position from the injector device (50). The ejector means (70) are mechanically constrained to the actuation linkage by means of a mechanical connection.
Abstract: Disclosed is a single brew beverage cartridge for use in a brewing apparatus. The cartridge includes a lid and a cup shaped filter suspended below the lid and in which a beverage brewing ingredient is held. The lid includes an annular collar to prevent the lid from deforming when a needle of the brewing apparatus pierces it during the brewing process. Preferably the cartridge is formed of materials, e.g., paper/paperboard, so that it is compostable and biodegradable.
Abstract: An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 6, 2011
Date of Patent:
June 2, 2015
Assignee:
ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES INC.
Inventors:
Gregory J. Griscik, Travis M. Garthaffner
Abstract: A coffee machine comprises a frothing device, wherein an internal milk channel leading to a frothing chamber is provided into which opens a bypass air inlet for operable air supply to the frothing device. A flexible milk suction line connects the frothing device with a milk supply container. Means are provided for cleaning the frothing device and the milk suction line with rinsing water from a continuous-flow water heater of the coffee machine. A controlled valve arrangement is provided which feeds rinsing water from the continuous-flow water heater to the bypass air inlet of the frothing device. A milk suction end of the milk suction line is directly or indirectly, fluid-conductively connectable with a residual water pan of the coffee machine prior to feeding rinsing water to the bypass air inlet.
Abstract: A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 17, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 26, 2015
Assignee:
ENE HOLDINGS LTD
Inventors:
Andrew Yuen Chin Chen, Amy Decem Cheng, Kwan Fai Lui
Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to regulate the level of a liquid inside a boiler of a coffee machine, having a transparent duct connected to the boiler and designed to visibly display the level of the liquid inside the boiler, a capacitive sensor that can be positioned outside the transparent duct in determined positions and designed to generate electric signals representing the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor along the transparent duct. The sensor of the device has first measuring elements and second measuring elements, both of capacitive type; the second measuring elements are positioned at a predetermined distance from the first measuring elements, and a measuring device designed to measure the impedance between the first and second measuring elements and to generate signals indicating the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor. The invention also relates to the machine that includes this device.
Abstract: The two-piece electric coffee maker includes a Dallah (a traditional Arabian coffee pot for making Arabian coffee) and an electric stove. The coffee pot has a temperature sensor that extends from the base of the coffee pot handle into the pot. The base of the handle also has an electrical connector extending downward from the handle. The electric stove has a housing, a ceramic heating element or plate, a display console, and a mating electrical connector facing upward so that the connectors engage each other when the pot is placed on the heating element. An electronic control unit in the stove housing regulates boiling water for the coffee, reducing the heat after the water has started to boil, annunciating an alarm signal when the temperature of the water is suitable to add coffee grounds to the pot, and monitors brewing time for the coffee.
Abstract: A holder and method for obtaining a holder, wherein the holder is provided with a first and a second wall part. The first and second wall part are interconnected such that therebetween at least a first storage space, at least a first fluid connection and at least a first seal removable through fluid pressure and defining an opening are formed. The at least first removable connection is communication with the first storage space and seals a communication to or from the at least first fluid connection. With the method for obtaining the holder, prior to forming the connection of the first and second wall parts, a lacquer is locally applied to one of the first and second wall parts, which after connection results in a controlled reduced adhesion for obtaining the at least first removable seal. Here in the proximity of the removable seal, an additional connection of the first wall part to the second wall part is provided.
Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is electrically operated and has a control unit, at least one functional unit, and an electric circuit for supplying the functional unit and the control unit with current. The electric circuit has a switch for switching the current on or off, through respective first and second operations of an operating element. The switch has a first switch contact and a second switch contact, which are connected in parallel in the electric circuit. The first switch contact is brought into a closed state by the first operation of the operating element, and assumes an open state after the second operation. The control unit provides a control signal so that the second switch contact is closed after the first operation of the switch and opened after the second operation of the switch.
Abstract: A brew basket for a brewing apparatus includes a splash protection structure to protect against spilling when the brew basket is removed prematurely with hot brewing liquid therein. The structure is a splash reservoir formed near the handle of the brew basket, extending the interior surface of the brew basket radially outward at the site of the compartment where the basket is pulled out of the brewing apparatus. A well or reservoir attenuates a wave of liquid created by pulling the basket out by directing the wave to the reservoir rather than impact the side wall of the basket, where hot liquid would then tend to splash or spill out.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 8, 2010
Date of Patent:
March 31, 2015
Assignee:
Wilbur Curtis Company
Inventors:
Lucian Hite Lyall, III, Christopher Milner Enright
Abstract: A basket assembly for removably coupling to a lid of a beverage bottle includes a basket body defining a chamber. One or more first openings are defined through the basket body and one or more second openings are defined through the basket body to provide fluid communication between the chamber and an interior volume of the beverage bottle body with the lid coupled to the beverage bottle body. A basket lid is coupled to the basket body. One or more third openings are defined through the basket lid and aligned with the one or more second openings to provide fluid communication between the interior volume of the beverage bottle body and a passage formed through the beverage bottle lid. A lid assembly including the basket assembly and a bottle including the lid assembly is also disclosed.
Abstract: The present invention proposes a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station (1) comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity (12), an autonomous beverage preparation module (2) comprising an extraction head (4) and being removably connectable to the base station (1) from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module (2) comprises a water inlet connection means (27, 27a), wherein the autonomous module (2) and the base station (1) respectively comprise matching positioning means (5a, 5b) which engage when the beverage preparation module (2) is connected to the base station (1) in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means (11, 29, 36) and water outlet connection means (28, 32, 36a) adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means (27) of the module (2) for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.