Automatic Control Patents (Class 99/280)
  • Patent number: 8695481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot water supplying device for coffee machines comprising a condensation chamber having at least one output duct for supplying the hot water, a first duct having a first flow rate and arranged for injecting water or steam at a first temperature into the chamber, a second duct having a second flow rate and arranged for injecting water at a second temperature into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rancilio Group SPA
    Inventor: Carlo Carbonini
  • Patent number: 8688277
    Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Briggo, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Studor, J. Kevin Nater, Marwan M Hassoun
  • Publication number: 20140072685
    Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Roasting Plant, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Caswell
  • Patent number: 8661966
    Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Stearns, Ray A. Ross, David E. Isett
  • Patent number: 8646377
    Abstract: A brewing-type beverage production device comprising at least one water reservoir, at least two thermoblocks respectively being in fluid connection with the water reservoir, at least brewing chambers, each of the brewing chambers being supplied with heated water from one of the thermoblocks, being adapted to contain a beverage ingredient and being connected with an outlet for draining a brewed beverage, the device furthermore comprising a hot water outlet being adapted to be selectively in fluid connection with the at least two thermoblocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Stieger, Heinz Eicher
  • Publication number: 20140026759
    Abstract: A liquid food or beverage preparation machine that includes a fluid arrangement and a printed circuit board for controlling one or more functions of the fluid arrangement, with the printed circuit board being enclosed within a substantially impervious housing to protect the printed circuit board from fluid or vapor emissions from the fluid arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan ETTER, Urs GAUDENZ, Gilles GAVILLET, Thomas HODEL, Alexandre KOLLEP, Peter MÕRI, Renzo MOSER, Peter PREISIG, Robin SCHWAB
  • Patent number: 8635944
    Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Jens Schmalkuche, Peter Tintelnot
  • Publication number: 20130344205
    Abstract: A brewer system is adapted to brew a beverage utilizing a cartridge packed with beverage grind such as coffee, tea, milk, and the like. The brewer system may include a pump adapted to draw the fluid from either a reservoir or a heater tank utilizing a vacuum pump. The pump may pass the fluid to a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge and inject the fluid into the cartridge to brew a beverage. The pump may draw the fluid from a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end may be coupled to the pump, and the second end of the tube adapted may draw the fluid. A portion of the tube may be elevated above the maximum fill line of the fluid within the reservoir or the heater tank. An air switch may be coupled to the portion of the tube such that atmospheric air may enter the portion of the tube through the switch after a predetermined amount of fluid has been pumped through the tube to purge the cartridge of beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Touch Coffee and Beverages, LLC.
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Patent number: 8613244
    Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a heat exchanger (24) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from a receptacle (14), and through the heat exchanger (24), for combining with water via a dispenser (28) to form a finished beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: IBS Interbev, Inc
    Inventor: John E. Wells
  • Publication number: 20130337120
    Abstract: An atmospheric water generator and coffee maker includes a coffee maker that receives water generated by a water-generating module and makes coffee out of-the water. A user interface enables a user to specify a volume of water to be generated by the water-generating module within a user-specified time period. A controller is in communication with the user interface and with the water-generating module. The controller controls a rate at which the water-generating module generates water based on the user-specified volume of water and the user-specified time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Feliciano S. Sabates, III
  • Patent number: 8610536
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for control of beverage dispensing. In one aspect, authorization data specifying that a beverage dispensing node is authorized to be activated are received. Activation data that request activation of the node are also received, where activation of the node causes a valve that controls flow of fluid to a beverage dispenser to be opened. A determination is made that the activation data are associated with a user identifier for an enabled user, where an enabled user is a user that has been enabled to activate the node. In response to receipt of the authorization data and the activation data a valve that controls flow of fluid to the beverage dispenser is opened. Data (e.g., de-authorization or de-activation data) specifying that an activated beverage dispensing apparatus be de-activated can also be received. In response to receipt of the data, the valve can be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Table Tap, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Isaac Libby, Jeffrey Lin Portman, Jr., Andrew Hill Adams, Howard Lott Paulk
  • Publication number: 20130312617
    Abstract: A mobile and portable device used to brew a beverage using a 12 volt power source. The device includes a top cup with a removable lid and a bottom reservoir with a heating element to boil water. A transfer tube transfers the heated water through a check valve and into a packet containing a substance resting on a platform, the water becoming an infused beverage and moving through an orifice in the bottom of the cup and into a transfer tube in the cup, filling the cup with the infused beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander Toporovsky
  • Patent number: 8590444
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating the fluid, includes a separating device arranged to separate a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid. A method for obtaining a coffee includes heating an extraction fluid so as to induce the passage of the extraction fluid through a dose of coffee to obtain the beverage, and separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the extraction fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said extraction fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Navarini, Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Furio Suggi Liverani
  • Patent number: 8584576
    Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie William Fogg, IV
  • Publication number: 20130284029
    Abstract: A coffee brewer advertising and marketing system includes a beverage brewer having a touch-screen display and at least one user-identification sensors, a beverage cup containing a pre-brewed beverage, a brewer lever that is lowered for piercing the beverage cup, and a pre-programmed RFID chip provided on the beverage cup. The beverage brewer has an RF reader that reads the RFID chip embedded on the beverage cup for ensuring that only authorized beverages provided in approved beverage cups are dispensed by the beverage brewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Larry Reed, Manish Dalal
  • Patent number: 8561524
    Abstract: The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eko Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. DeMiglio, Mark J. Staudacher, Randall C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130269535
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. The apparatus includes a liquid injection member comprising a needle for injecting liquid into the cell, a motor and shaft for centrifugally and rotationally driving the cell at at least one centrifugal speed, a peripheral discharge valve for enabling liquid extract to leave the cell after the centrifugal speed is achieved, and a gas purging conduit configured and positioned to remove gas from the cell as liquid fills the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Luc COLANTONIO, Enzo BONACCI, Jean-Paul DENISART, Alfred YOAKIM, Antoine RYSER
  • Publication number: 20130239817
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage and a hot water generator (‘HWG’) which has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A second reservoir is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. The second reservoir includes a discharge port. A fluid path connects the first and second reservoirs and bypasses the HWG. The kitchen appliance is operable for both pressurized brew/heat cycles and un-pressurized brew/heat cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Starr, Adam Hanes, Patrick T. Mulvaney
  • Publication number: 20130233175
    Abstract: A low DC and/or AC voltage machine for preparing espresso coffee or other beverages, having a support structure provided with a heat exchanger, one or more heating elements with low energy consumption for heating water in a container, a water circulation pump, thermostats for adjusting the water temperature, a solenoid valve and a filtering and delivering unit, provided with a fixed portion communicating with the heat exchanger and a movable portion formed by a filter supporting body shaped for housing a cup, supporting the capsule containing the metered powder of the beverage, or a filter for receiving the loose powder, or a filter for receiving a paper waffle. The filter supporting body may be displaced from a lowered position for loading the element for preparing the beverage, to a raised position for the infusion of the beverage, and again in the lower position for discharging the exhausted element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lorenzo Giacomin
  • Publication number: 20130236609
    Abstract: The present invention presents a capsule 1 having an inlet face C, which is formed by a circular section 2a and a bulge section 2b extending from the circular section 2a giving the inlet face C a not symmetric in rotation. The capsule 1 further has an optically readable code 3 on a side wall 4 of a cup-shaped body of the capsule 1 opposite the bulge section 2b. The present invention further presents a beverage production machine with a capsule holder 13 for holding a capsule 1 in such a way in the beverage production machine 10, that the optically readable code can be read by a code reader 24. Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce a nutritional product. The present invention provides means to prevent the optically readable code 3 and the code reader 24, respectively, from being contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ines Magniet, Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Heinz Wyss, Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Roland Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20130220134
    Abstract: The system comprises a data input device (T) for inputting data associated with a supply of cartridges or capsules comprised of a predetermined amount of cartridges or capsules (C), and capable of defining a predetermined reference number related to said amount; and an electronic monitoring and control module (EM), adapted to be associated with a machine (CM) for preparing beverages of the cartridge or capsule kind, and comprising: a detector (26) adapted to acquire said data; at least one controlled switch (22), connectable between the electric pump (10) and the associated control switch (5a) of the machine (CM), such that the electric pump (10) can be activated only when said controlled switch (22) is closed, and can be deactivated if said switch (22) is open; at least one detection terminal (21a) adapted to be connected to the control switch (5a) associated with the electric pump (10) of the machine (CM), to provide an activation signal each time said control switch (5a) is operated to activate the ele
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Federico Giua
  • Patent number: 8516948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage. An access opening for a reservoir of a brewer may be opened (e.g., to allow a user to provide liquid into the reservoir for forming a beverage), and thereafter, the access opening of the reservoir may be closed and the reservoir pneumatically sealed. The access opening may be closed and the reservoir pneumatically sealed by closing a lid of the reservoir, e.g., by a user pressing down on the lid. Pneumatic sealing of the reservoir may allow the water in the reservoir to be expelled from the reservoir for flow to the brew chamber by introducing air pressure into the reservoir, e.g., by an air pump. The reservoir may be vented during heating of the water, and during pressurization of the reservoir for delivery of the brew water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jennifer Zimmerman, Constance L. Fortini, Darius Dilmaghani, Finn Brudevold, Francis Nutter, James E. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8515574
    Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Briggo, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Studor, J. Kevin Nater, Marwan M Hassoun
  • Patent number: 8511220
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge B. Garcia, Charles Brian Gross
  • Patent number: 8515268
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler for heating water in a coffee or espresso machine, comprising a boiler housing (1), a cold water inlet (7), a hot water outlet (8) and an electric heating device (5). Said boiler housing (1) is cylindrical and comprises a boiler cover (2), a boiler top (4) and a boiler base (3) having a cylinder axis (A) that is horizontal when in operation. The cold water inlet (7) and the hot water outlet (8) and the electric heating device (5) are mounted on the boiler base (3) of the boiler housing (1), that extends vertically, and the heating device (5) is configured in such a manner that each point inside the container volume is at a normal distance from the heating device (5) that is less than 40% of the container diameter (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Egro Coffee Systems AG
    Inventor: Markus Anliker
  • Publication number: 20130206011
    Abstract: A beverage ingredient capsule (1) provided with an identification member (6) designed for being physically contacted from outside in order to control operation parameters of an associated beverage production machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: NESTEC S.A.
  • Patent number: 8495949
    Abstract: A apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ian Tinkler, Mary Carter, William Sawyer, Richard Pasquini
  • Patent number: 8490540
    Abstract: A programmable brewer capable of brewing approximately 250 different brewing profiles for beverages, including a housing, having a base, the base capable of supporting a decanter, into which the brewed beverage is deposited. A cover is cantilevered forwardly at the top of the housing, and the housing incorporates a water tank capable of producing heating water for use of brewing purposes. The brewer cooperating with a hand held computer for producing limited programming functions available through the brewer during its usage, said computer providing for a calibration of the programming mode, to determine the parameters of a brewing cycle, regulating the temperature of the water, and a computer providing for establishing the operation mode of a cold water dispensing tube, and a hot water dispensing tube for determining the amount of water to be dispensed from said tubes during operations of a brew cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, Jody G. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8490541
    Abstract: A beverage maker (1) comprises a chamber (8) for receiving at least one member containing at least one beverage ingredient. During operation of the beverage maker (1), fluid is conducted through the member for the purpose of making a beverage. In order to be capable of determining suitable parameters for processing the member, the beverage maker comprises means (12) for detecting at least one characteristic of a flow which is obtained when a flow of fluid is realized. Furthermore, the beverage maker (1) comprises controller means (10) for processing the detected characteristic, and memory means (11) in which predetermined values of the characteristic are stored, wherein each predetermined value is associated with a specific type of member and at least one suitable parameter for processing the member. By finding the predetermined characteristic which is closest to the detected characteristic, a suitable parameter for processing the member which is actually present in the beverage maker (1) is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koninlijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Edwin Wilco Drost
  • Patent number: 8479643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device having a water circulation system that includes a water source with an outlet, a pump with a support member for holding and securing the pump in the device, and an integral water conduit having an inlet and outlet for guiding water from the water source to the pump. The conduit outlet is connected to the pump and the water source outlet is connected to the water conduit inlet via an annular sealing member that forms an integral protruding portion of one of the conduit inlet or the source outlet. The pump support is integral with the water conduit, in particular with the conduit outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Steve Aemisegger, Thomas Hodel, Markus Lang, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Rudolf Schenk
  • Publication number: 20130167729
    Abstract: A compacting auger for ground coffee has an automatic cut off that responds to either timing signals or to the torque resistance to the augur offered by the coffee that has been compacted. The automation of the cut off increases the consistency of compaction and reduces the amount of skill required to compact ground coffee for making espresso.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Robert Grassia
  • Publication number: 20130167728
    Abstract: A motorized beverage machine (1) has a brewing unit (2) that comprises a first assembly (13) and a second assembly (14) cooperating together, each assembly (13,14) delimiting part of a brewing chamber (29) for containing an ingredient capsule (30). At least one of these assemblies (14) is: movable away from the cooperating assembly (13) into an open position within such machine for forming between said assemblies a passage (31) for inserting into and/or removing from the brewing unit the ingredient capsule (30); and movable to the cooperating assembly into a closed position for forming the brewing chamber (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Mori
  • Publication number: 20130152797
    Abstract: A motorized beverage machine (1) has:—activation means that comprise a motor (3); and—a brewing unit (2) that comprises a first assembly (13) and a second assembly (14) cooperating together, each assembly delimiting part of a brewing chamber (29) for containing an ingredient capsule (30). At least one of these assemblies (14) is:—movable away from the cooperating assembly (13) into an open position within the machine for forming between the assemblies a passage (31) for inserting into and/or removing from the brewing unit the ingredient capsule; and—movable to the cooperating assembly into a closed position for forming the brewing chamber. The motor is a low power motor configured to:—generate a maximum torque of no more than 50 mNm; and/or—consume a maximum power of no more than 50 W, for driving the movable assembly between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Mori
  • Publication number: 20130129876
    Abstract: The invention provides a beverage substance cartridge, an identifying apparatus, a beverage producing equipment, a beverage producing system and a beverage producing method which could supply water automatically instead of manual work, identify information about beverage substance likewise such as variety and years of tea leaf, and furthermore, take different brewing methods targeting at different beverage substances (e.g. tea leaf) according to identified information in collaboration with pre-stored beverage brewing parameters to make sure every beverage substance could be brewed according to the perfect method, so the advantage of beverage substance will be given into full play. The beverage producing equipment which adopts the invention could yield brewing results accomplished by specialists and furthermore be widely used in offices and homes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: TEATEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yangsheng Ye, Yusheng Shi
  • Publication number: 20130129885
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes: a first hydraulic circuit including a water source, a pump, a water heater, a brewing device selected from a brewing chamber and a capsule, the brewing device including an inlet and outlet, a beverage collector collecting brewed beverage leaving the brewing device and for dispensing the beverage to a container; and a second hydraulic circuit that includes a second pump and second water heater, the outlet of the second water heater being connected to the first circuit at a location that is downstream to the brewing device with respect to the water flow in the first circuit. The first circuit can maintain in the brewing device a pressure substantially constant for a pre-set time, the pressure being less that an opening pressure for the brewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: TUTTOESPRESSO S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20130115351
    Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting the coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee on the basis of ground coffee obtained by means of the grinder. The system is further provided with a metering chamber for receiving coffee beans which are transported with the aid of the transportation component into the metering chamber. In use, the metering chamber will hold a predetermined amount of coffee beans. The metering chamber comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion being arranged in the coffee apparatus for rotating around an axis extending in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Ivo Van Os, Job Leonardus Kneppers, Richard Patrick Versluijs, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff
  • Publication number: 20130115350
    Abstract: A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber includes feeding water to the preparation chamber until a first pressure is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding the preparation chamber in a closed condition for a first time interval, opening the outlet of the preparation chamber and delivering the thus prepared beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TUTTOESPRESSO S.p.A.
    Inventor: TUTTOESPRESSO S.p.A.
  • Publication number: 20130115343
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: JURA ELEKTROAPPARATE AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Publication number: 20130101717
    Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described, including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus comprising a grinder wherein the coffee bean packaging cartridge is removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus. The coffee bean packaging cartridge is arranged for holding and supplying of coffee beans and includes a transportation component adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans. The coffee brewing apparatus comprises a motor for driving the transportation component of the first coffee bean packaging cartridge. The system further comprises a ground coffee packaging cartridge, preferably having a transportation component for enabling transportation of ground coffee which transportation component is also removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Ivo Van Os, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Publication number: 20130098249
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for brewing coffee in conjunction with an electro-conductivity sensor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Fidler, Mark Swanson, Christopher Hawker
  • Publication number: 20130095219
    Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee from ground coffee obtained by the grinder. A metering chamber holds a predetermined amount of coffee beans and comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion rotates around an axis extending in a vertical direction. A second coffee bean packaging cartridge includes a second dosing device separate from the first dosing device for preparing and/or supplying a dose of coffee beans to the entrance opening of the coffee brewing apparatus independent of the coffee brewing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Ivo van Os, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Publication number: 20130095218
    Abstract: Cartridge for holding and supplying coffee bean material. The cartridge includes a housing enclosing an interior volume. The housing has an outlet for releasing the coffee bean material from the interior volume and for supplying the coffee bean material to an external apparatus. The cartridge further includes a conveyor for transporting the coffee bean material towards the outlet. The conveyor include a moveable structure for contacting the coffee bean material. The moveable structure is, at least partly, present in the interior volume. The conveyor further include manually operable actuation component for manually actuating the moveable structure. The manually operable actuation component is, at least partly, provided outside of the interior volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Ivo van Os, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 8418601
    Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Magg, Andreas Mayr, Markus Obermaier
  • Patent number: 8397625
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may comprise a brew system, at least one sensor, a display and a control circuit. The brew system may comprise a heater, a reservoir and a container for receiving a brewed beverage. The at least one sensor may be positioned to sense an end of a brew cycle. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the end of the brew cycle. Upon detecting the end of the brew cycle, the control circuit may be configured to initiate a timer and cause a current value of the timer to be shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge B. Garcia, Charles Brian Gross
  • Publication number: 20130061760
    Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a beverage preparation module for processing one or more beverage ingredients and for dispensing a beverage resulting therefrom; a unit for controlling such processing in accordance with a parameter set to a value stored in the unit; and a user-interface (20) connected to the control unit for acquiring the value from a user and storing the value in the control unit. The user-interface has a first user-selector (21) associated with a first value for the parameter and a second user-selector (22) associated with a second value for the parameter. The first and second user-selectors (21, 22) each comprises a user-actuation adjustment direction (211, 221) for shifting on user-actuation in the adjustment direction the value associated with the user-selector to a user-selected adjusted value selected from a range of values associated with the user-selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Daniel Turchi
  • Patent number: 8387516
    Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: D. Michael Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130047862
    Abstract: A brewing assembly for a coffee machine, which brewing assembly includes a brewing module with a brewing head, an upper and lower closure element, and a drive module with at least one linear guide element. The brewing head has a cylindrical brewing chamber, which can be closed by the upper and lower closure elements and cooperates with the linear guide such that the brewing head is displaceable linearly in the brewing assembly. The drive unit also includes a motor drive for the linear guide element. The brewing head and at least one of the two closure elements with at least a brewing chamber are arranged in the brewing module in a linearly displaceable fashion. The brewing module is arranged detachably in or on the drive unit such that when it is in or on the drive unit at least the brewing head is linearly displaceable via the linear guide element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: FRANKE KAFFEEMASCHINEN AG
    Inventors: Mariano Turi, Heinz Vetterli
  • Patent number: 8375845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing hot water provided with a pressure pump with a supply pipe for supplying relatively cold water to the pressure pump and an outlet connected to a heating pipe which is in heat-exchanging contact with a heating body, with an outlet valve in the heating pipe and a coffee holder, connected to the heating pipe, for accommodating a bed of coffee, whereby the heating body comprises a reservoir that is openly connected to the environment, with a heating element and water in the reservoir as a heat-exchange medium. A by-pass pipe (54) connects the inlet (57) and outlet (35) of the pressure pump (34) to each other, with a pressure-operated valve (56) in the by-pass pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bravilor Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Theodorus Emerentia Huiberts
  • Publication number: 20130032034
    Abstract: A device for producing a beverage from a capsule, comprising a motor-driven extraction module which comprises a first jaw member and a cooperating second jaw member, wherein in an opened state of the extraction module the jaw members are distanced from each other while in the closed state the jaw members tightly enclose a capsule space, a motor for controlling the transfer of the extraction module between the closed and opened state, and a knee lever arrangement, being functionally connected to the motor and to at least one of the jaw members and being designed to convert the motor drive action into a closure force, i.e. a force with which the first and second jaw member are approaching each other, which is increasing during the course of the closure movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Jean-Luc Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Patrick Kern
  • Publication number: 20130025464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety mechanism for beverage-making devices that extract or dissolve a beverage base material using a hot pressurized liquid. The pressure container of the beverage-making device comprises an inwardly directed crucible-shaped formation, into which the pressure-regulating mechanism is inserted from the outside and which is closed with a closure in a planar manner. The closure does not have any holes, but form intermediate spaces with the pressure container that act as vapor drainage channels. The outlet of the gases on the beverage-making device is located almost invisibly at a transition of two parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Hendrik Meyl