Of Heat Patents (Class 99/281)
  • Patent number: 11857105
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a drip coffee machine and a liquid discharge device used therefor including: a liquid providing module having a discharge pipe discharging liquid to coffee beans; a rotation module having an actuator generating rotational force, a driven gear rotated by receiving the rotational force, and a base plate rotated by being connected to the driven gear, the base plate being configured to move the discharge pipe along a rotation trajectory when rotated; and a translation module including a translation drive unit having an elastic pull member elastically deflecting the discharge pipe along a translation trajectory, an adjustment cam installed to be rotatable with respect to the base plate to adjust the position of the discharge pipe elastically deflected within the translation trajectory by the elastic pull member in the one direction or the other direction opposite to the one direction and having its outer circumferential surface in contact with the discharge pipe, and an intermediate unit trans
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Hanter Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan Mok Jeong
  • Patent number: 11517143
    Abstract: An espresso coffee machine is described, said machine comprising: a dispensing group and a corresponding coffee boiler containing water under pressure; a heater device for heating the water in the coffee boiler; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water in the coffee boiler; a processor connected to said sensor and configured to drive said heater device so that the water in the coffee boiler is at a set reference temperature, wherein said processor comprises a feedback system; and wherein the value of said set reference temperature is varied as a function of at least one of the following parameters: (a) a first parameter which is a function of the time elapsed from an operating cycle of the machine or a frequency of use of the machine within a time interval; (b) a second parameter which is a function of the temperature of a component of the machine; and (c) a third parameter which is a function of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LA MARZOCCO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Dionisio, Guido Salvi
  • Patent number: 11428437
    Abstract: An on-demand hot water dispenser includes a housing, a water heating system received in the housing, and a faucet connected to the water heating system through the housing for dispensing hot water into a container. A drip tray is positioned below the faucet and a screen covers the drip tray to support the container during dispensing of the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Hohimer, Chen-I Huang, Wee Ng, Colin Joseph Weisenfeld
  • Patent number: 11259497
    Abstract: A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A processing receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A byproduct receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the processing receptacle, transferring them to the byproduct receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Glen Andrew Feder
  • Patent number: 11197576
    Abstract: An automatic machine to deliver a beverage containing caffeine includes a water container, a possible pump, a filtering element to contain, during use, a powdered mixture, a main pipe that connects the container to the filtering element, and a heating element, associated with the container and/or with the main pipe, able to be selectively activated to heat the stream of water delivered from the container toward the filtering element in order to infuse the powdered mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: DE'LONGHI APPLIANCES S.R.L. CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Patent number: 11083331
    Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Hanes, Patrick T Mulvaney, Stephen C Williamson
  • Patent number: 11083325
    Abstract: Modular machine for preparing beverages from capsules, including a unit to supply electric and hydraulic services and a plurality of modules for the automatic preparation of beverages from capsules, each electrically and hydraulically autonomous with respect to every other module. The modules are respectively connected by means of an electric circuit and a hydraulic circuit to a single outlet electric connector and to an outlet hydraulic collector of the unit to supply electric and hydraulic services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A. CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Riccardo Piras, Furio Suggi Liverani, Eleuterio Proia, Maurizio Gasparin, Cosimo Fusco
  • Patent number: 11033139
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for providing a beverage brewing and analyte tracking portable platform. In some embodiments of the disclosed portable beverage brewing and analyte tracking technology, an intelligent beverage management system includes a portable brewing device in communication with a user's mobile device (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, etc.) for monitoring and controlling consumption and metabolism of caffeine and other compounds from beverages consumed using the portable brewing device and/or other beverages logged by the user. The intelligent beverage management system includes a cloud-based data processing system in communication with the mobile device and/or portable brewing device to receive, process and/or store data associated with brewing of the beverage and data associated with the monitoring of consumption of the beverage and/or certain beverage constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TEANGO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Boone, Stanfell Boone, Raphael Lozano
  • Patent number: 10974944
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes: a filter; a hot water tank; a water discharge nozzle; a hot water pipe connecting the hot water tank to the water discharge nozzle; a hot water discharge valve; a drain pipe branched from the hot water pipe; a drain valve disposed at the drain pipe; a first temperature sensor disposed in the hot water tank and configured to detect a first temperature of the hot water tank or water in the hot water tank; a second temperature sensor disposed in the hot water discharge valve and configured to detect a second temperature of water that is in the hot water pipe or introduced into the hot water discharge valve; and a controller configured to control the hot water discharge valve and the drain valve based on temperature information including the first temperature and the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myounghoon Lee, Sangki Woo
  • Patent number: 10966409
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing pet food has a base and a lid. The base is engageable with a container of the pet food and the lid is moveable relative to the base between an open state for allowing engagement and disengagement of the container and a closed state for preventing disengagement. The apparatus includes a scanner for reading a pet food identifier on the container. The scanner is adapted to read the pet food identifier and provide it to a controller. The controller is adapted to obtain food preparation parameters from an external database and to cause the apparatus to then prepare the pet food according thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: William Levy, Scott Eller
  • Patent number: 10918239
    Abstract: A drinks preparation system includes a preparation module for a brewed drink, a milk module for the delivery of milk and at least one outlet that is designed such that the brewed drink and the milk can be delivered into one and the same drinks vessel, which is placed on a placement platform, i.e. without having to rearrange the drinks vessel between the delivery of the brewed drink and the delivery of the milk. The system further includes a display device with a graphic display for the display of the delivery drinks quantity in real time. The display device is configured to display the cumulative quantity of the delivered brewed drink and of the delivered milk via a common, graphic display element. The display element therefore shows a filling level, which represents an added quantity of the two drinks shares (brewed drink, delivered milk).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventors: Doreen Hartmann, Nils Eckelt, Wolfgang Gödde
  • Patent number: 10893770
    Abstract: The present invention presents a pumping system (1) with a preheated reservoir (2), a main pump (4) for pumping a preheated liquid (3) from the reservoir (2), and pressurizing means (5) for pressurizing the reservoir (2). Preferably, the pressurizing means set an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 1 bar in the reservoir (2). The liquid (3) in the reservoir (2) can be heated up to 90° C. or more. The present invention achieves a nearly complete suppression of the phenomenon of cavitation at the main pump entrance, and thus achieves an increased pumping performance at elevated liquid temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Youcef Ait Bouziad, Christian Jarisch, Alfred Yoakim, Renzo Moser
  • Patent number: 10743705
    Abstract: An infused beverage making apparatus has an affixed or remotely disposed control interface and a processor. The processor receives inputs from the user control interface and measurements from a plurality of sensors and controls various infused beverage qualities according thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Andrew J. Rojee, Brandon M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10736460
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a fancy coffee maker, comprising a water tank, a first heater, a coffee funnel, a milk tank, a milk frother, a first branch for providing water vapor to the coffee funnel, and a second branch for providing high-temperature steam to the milk tank, and further comprising a three-way valve member, wherein water in the water tank after being heated by the first heater enters the three-way valve member, the three-way valve member is respectively connected to the first and second branches, and the second branch is connected by an electromagnetic valve, a second heater and the milk tank in sequence. The utility model realizes the functional diversification and automation control of a coffee maker, and a liquid heating system has a simple structure, saves energy, and has high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Nuo Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 10729276
    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: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Bentley, Adam Martyn Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10687661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine, more particularly to an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine according to the invention comprises at least one hot water generator (1, 3), at least one brewing group (5) for brewing coffee, and a thermosiphon circuit between said hot water generator and said brewing group including a hot water supply pipe (13) and a hot water return pipe (15). According to the invention, one or more additional hot water supply pipes (13?), separate from said main hot water supply pipe (13), are provided between said hot water generator (1, 3) or another hot water source and said brewing group (5). Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to guarantee a greater steadiness in the water temperature during the steps of brewing coffee, and possibly the capability of quickly adjusting, even in real time, said temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: RANCILIO GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Raimondi, Stefano Mascaretti, Riccardo Turni, Claudio Fenaroli
  • Patent number: 10687660
    Abstract: A machine for preparing and dispensing an espresso coffee including: a water supply (1) for feeding cold water; a dispensing group (19) and a corresponding coffee boiler (18); a coffee pump (7) which receives heated water and pumps said heated water towards said coffee boiler (18); a flow meter (9) arranged between said coffee pump (7) and said coffee boiler (18) for measuring an instantaneous water flow rate, i.e., the volume of water that passes from said coffee pump to said coffee boiler per unit of time; a memory for storing at least one pressure profile, wherein said coffee pump (7) is configured to operate according to said pressure profile during coffee dispensing; and a control unit (15) which stops dispensing of coffee based on a measurement of water flow calculated from starting time of the dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: LA MARZOCCO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Riccardo Gatti, Tommaso Berna, Roberto Bianchi
  • Patent number: 10485372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage machine. The beverage machine comprises a brewing unit (10) with (i) a main body (12) defining a hollow (14) for receiving a portable capsule holder (18) and (ii) a lid (20) connected to the main body (12) for opening and closing the hollow (14). The beverage machine comprises a portable capsule holder (18) that is configured to receive a capsule (50) which encapsulates an extractable food product. The brewing unit (10) and the portable capsule holder (18) cooperate together in a manner that is regarding the liquid flow similar as a fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Rijskamp, Rodin Enne Bruinsma, Hendrikus Lodewijk Joseph Franciscus Holten, Mark Ronald Van Der Woning
  • Patent number: 10285535
    Abstract: An electric beverage preparation machine has an arrangement for processing one or more beverage ingredients to dispense a beverage; a control unit connected to the beverage processing arrangement for controlling the processing of one or more beverage ingredients; a beverage user-selector for requesting a beverage; an operative mode in which such machine is immediately ready to process one or more beverage ingredients; and a start-up mode in which such machine is not ready to process one or more beverage ingredients and is brought into the beverage preparation mode from a low electric consumption standby mode or from an electrically switched off state. The control unit is arranged to store in the start-up mode any beverage request via the beverage user-selector and initiate automatically the processing of one or more beverage ingredients upon entering the operative mode after leaving the start-up mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Florin, Christophe Schneider, Frank Krauchi
  • Patent number: 10244890
    Abstract: A beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee maker, including at least one water pump for supplying water to a first continuous-flow heater (17), which is embodied for generating hot water, and to a second continuous-flow heater (18), which is also embodied for generating hot water and/or for generating steam, and having a control unit for controlling the at least one pump as well as the continuous-flow heaters (17, 18) for realizing different operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Riessbeck, Simon Wagner
  • Patent number: 10238233
    Abstract: A control system for delivering filtered liquid to a reservoir of a beverage machine. The liquid level within the reservoir is monitored, and when the liquid level is at or below a predetermined level, a valve opens to allow liquid to flow to the reservoir. Once the liquid level has reached or obtained a predetermined liquid fill level, the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Andrew Nuss, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10143214
    Abstract: A method of preparing a tea beverage in a capsule-based brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber (10); a capsule holder (20) sized and shaped so as to receive a capsule (30); a filter (25); an openable and closable passage (29) which terminates in an orifice (40); a vessel (60) located beneath the orifice (40) and having a spout (63); the method comprising the steps of: introducing liquid and infusible beverage material from the capsule (30) into the infusion chamber (10) so as to brew the beverage; and then after brewing has taken place for a sufficient time, opening the passage (29) to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber (10) through the filter (25), along the passage (29), through the orifice (40), into the vessel (60) and out from the spout (63).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: CONOPCO, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmad Bittar, David Murray Cross, Michael Paton, Alistair David Smith, Daniel Thomas Toon
  • Patent number: 10104992
    Abstract: A tea maker comprises a vessel in which is located a conveyor. The conveyor, preferably vertically, transports a carriage. The conveyor and a carriage are surrounded by a tube and are protected from the water in the vessel. An enclosed basket is coupled to the carriage. An external user interface allows a user to select brewing parameters such as the type of beverage brewed, the brewing temperature, and the steeping time. The selection is sent to a processor. The processor then encodes the selection into a control data for the heating assembly or the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Graeme Macdonald, Richard Hoare
  • Patent number: 9980602
    Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, INc.
    Inventors: Adam Hanes, Patrick T Mulvaney, Stephen C Williamson
  • Patent number: 9962030
    Abstract: Coffee makers with features for rapid and/or multiple extraction processes, and associated systems and methods, are shown. A representative method for brewing coffee includes placing ground coffee on a filter element of a brew chamber, directing heated water into the brew chamber and in contact with the ground coffee and, during a first phase, brewing coffee in the brew chamber without subjecting the coffee to a pressure differential of at least 150 torr between the brew chamber and a coffee chamber to which the brew chamber is coupled, the coffee chamber having a capacity of 200 mL or more. The representative method further includes, during a second phase, extracting the coffee from the brew chamber through the filter element and into the coffee chamber via a pressure differential of at least 150 torr between the brew chamber and the coffee chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Voga Coffee, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Avins, Eli Salomon
  • Patent number: 9844293
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container includes a base, a dispenser, and a platform for supporting the beverage container. The platform is positionable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, in the second position the platform is nearer to the dispenser than in the first position. The platform has a first orientation in the first position and a second orientation in the second position. The second orientation is inverted relative to the first orientation. The platform includes a peripheral sidewall and a central panel defining a first drip tray facing the dispenser in the first orientation of the platform and a second drip tray opposite the first drip tray and facing the dispenser in the second orientation of the platform. A support plate having a support surface is removably positionable on the first peripheral rim and second peripheral rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 9609977
    Abstract: A magnetic/floating force based brewing structure is used with an outer container. The magnetic/floating force based brewing structure includes an internal receptacle, which includes a receiving section, a floating structure, and an acted magnet, and an effector member, which includes an acting magnet. The acting magnet corresponds to the acted magnet of the internal receptacle for generating an effect of one of mutual attraction and mutual expulsion. With the effect of mutual attraction or expulsion between the acting magnet and the acted magnet, the internal receptacle that receives and holds therein a substance to be brewed can be kept in a position of being immersed in the liquid held in the outer container. Upon releasing the effect of mutual attraction or expulsion of the magnets, the internal receptacle is floated upward by buoyance to achieve an effect of automatically separating the substance to be brewed from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Shiu-Cheng Yang
  • Patent number: 9560934
    Abstract: A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes a base and an ultraviolet light emitter. The ultraviolet light emitter is positioned and/or configured to direct ultraviolet light into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. Ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light emitter may assist with treating water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Joel Erik Hitzelberger
  • Patent number: 9351600
    Abstract: A machine for a given geographical market and for preparing a beverage from a combination of a first ingredient and a second ingredient. The machine includes first and second containers, container arranged for storing one of these ingredients or a packaging thereof. Such machine is so arranged as to let a user select a quantity ratio of the first and second ingredients for preparation of a beverage. The containers have normal storage volumes for their respective ingredient or packaging. The first and second normal storage volumes of the containers have a volume ratio equivalent to a ratio of respective normal volumes necessary for storing the first and second ingredients or packaging thereof used in an estimated average quantity ratio for preparing such beverage in the given geographical market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Rime
  • Patent number: 9301640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) with a machine body (2) and a machine dispensing head (3), characterized in that said dispensing head (3) and machine body (2) comprise cooperating means (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, ghd, gmb, gil, cmb) that allow movement of said head (3) relative to said body (2) along a non-linear path, and such that the trim of the dispensing head (3) is constant whatever its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Talon, Pierre Struzka
  • Patent number: 9295359
    Abstract: The coffee machine (100) is used to prepare a brewed coffee beverage and to dispense the brewed coffee beverage through at least one coffee outlet (47) and has a brewing device (10), which comprises a brewing unit (30) having a brewing chamber (36) for accommodating a predefined amount of coffee, a brewing-water supply line (31), which is connected to the brewing unit (30) and which opens into the brewing chamber (36) and which feeds the brewing water into the brewing chamber (36), and a device (20, 23) for introducing the brewing water into the brewing chamber (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Patent number: 9265371
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating hot beverage containers includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends of the housing. The upper end of the sidewall has oppositely disposed, downwardly curving portions that define oppositely disposed openings at the upper end of said housing. The apparatus includes a heater assembly located at the lower end of the housing. The apparatus has a controller including an electrical circuit in communication with the heater assembly, and a switch located on the sidewall of the housing for activating the heater assembly. A hot beverage container with an insulating sleeve is inserted into the housing. A sidewall of the container engages the switch and a bottom wall of the container is in thermal communication with the heater assembly. The heater assembly heats liquid in the container through the bottom wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Maverick Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Laura J. Nickerson, Randall Soule
  • Patent number: 9173408
    Abstract: A water level sensor (91) is provided in an auxiliary tank (39) whose bottom portion communicates to a bottom portion of a pot (41) for generating steam and which is opened to the atmosphere. When water in the pot (41) keeps boiling and the stop time of a pump (35) reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 60 sec.), the pump (35) is driven for a predetermined time (e.g., 6 sec.) to supply water to the pot (41). This temporarily suppresses the boiling of water in the pot (41), lowering a steam pressure in a space formed by an external circulation passage (60), a heating chamber, and the pot (41). The water level in the auxiliary tank (39) then returns to a normal one, making it possible to correctly detect the water level in the pot (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Yoshikazu Kitaguchi, Tatsuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9167934
    Abstract: A brewing head of a hot beverage machine includes a fixed brewing chamber part, and a movable brewing chamber part which is movable in relation to the fixed brewing chamber part to define a brewing chamber for receiving a substrate capsule. The fixed and movable brewing chamber parts are closed by a locking system to thereby form the brewing chamber, and a seal is provided for pressure-tight sealing of one of the two brewing chamber parts and the substrate capsule during beverage preparation. The brewing chambers has three operating positions involving an opening position for loading the brewing chamber, a partially closed position in which the brewing chamber is closed and the seal is detensioned, and a closed position in which the brewing chamber is likewise closed and the seal is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Höglauer, Aleksander Sedovsek, Michael Steffl
  • Patent number: 9161657
    Abstract: A coffee machine for preparing hot, milk-containing beverages and having a milk supply (15) and a discharge means (8). In order to achieve improved handling, the milk supply (15) is configured for accommodating concentrated milk, and a mixing device (17) is provided for mixing the concentrated milk with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: WMF WÜRTTEMBERGISCHE METALL WARENFABRIK AG
    Inventor: Frank Göltenboth
  • Publication number: 20150144000
    Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energisation of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energisation of the primary heater simultaneous with energisation of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilising first and second brewers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Gary Vincent Burton-Wilcock, David Paul Short, Paul John Newcombe
  • Patent number: 9027464
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Mansour A. KH. Al-Jamaan
  • Patent number: 8996178
    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: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Briggo, LLC
    Inventors: Charles F. Studor, J. Kevin Nater, Marwan M. Hassoun
  • Publication number: 20150082990
    Abstract: Provided is a hot beverage maker, comprising a water tank, a boiler, a dispensing device, a water outlet pipe and a control device. A first valve is provided in the water inlet pipe; the dispensing device comprises a first opening, a second opening, a connecting pipeline connected between the first opening and the second opening, and a second valve provided in the connecting pipeline; the first opening opens to the atmosphere, and the second opening is disposed inside the boiler; the water outlet pipe is in communication with an inner cavity of the boiler; the control device is connected with the first valve and the second valve to control open/close of the first valve and the second valve. This disclosed hot beverage maker without power pump or other priming devices has the structure described above, could reduce the material cost and the dimensions of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: TONY WANG, YAN XIONG
  • Patent number: 8974846
    Abstract: A method of operating a beverage preparation machine, the beverage preparation machine being of the type comprising a brewer comprising: a reservoir containing water; a delivery head for receiving in use a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients; a pump for pumping water from said reservoir to said delivery head; a primary heater for heating the water contained in said reservoir; a secondary heater in between the reservoir and the delivery head; a controller for controlling energization of the primary heater and the secondary heater; and wherein the controller operates to prevent energization of the primary heater simultaneous with energization of the secondary heater. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and methods and apparatus utilizing first and second brewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Vincent Burton-Wilcock, David Paul Short, Paul John Newcombe
  • Publication number: 20150053089
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: ARREN J. MCCORMICK, BEN C. SHAO
  • Publication number: 20150017293
    Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Carr, Sandra Heraud
  • Patent number: 8933372
    Abstract: An engine pre-heater system comprising a housing having a passage extending therethrough for passage of coolant through the pre-heater. The housing provides at least one opening defined therein separate from the passage, and an electric heating element is inserted therein, the heating element projecting into the passage whereby the heating element is in direct contact with the coolant to heat it. The heating element is supplied with electrical power from a power source for enabling it to heat the coolant, and a lower end of the heating element is L-shaped, the lower end thus being substantially perpendicular in relationship to the remainder of the heating element, giving the heating element a greater surface area with which to contact, and thus heat the coolant. The engine pre-heater system is also operably able to heat the coolant, engine oil and transmission oil, therefore heating the coolant and warming the engine in a faster and more efficient manner for quick start-ups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Dynacurrent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 8931399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate Ag
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Publication number: 20150004288
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing hot beverages using a beverage system integrated into a faucet. The faucet- integrated beverage system can include a hot water reservoir mounted under a countertop and fluidly coupled to a cold water supply line. The temperature and fill level in the hot water reservoir can be controlled using control circuitry provided on a circuit board communicatively coupled to the hot water reservoir and one or more sensors. A beverage supply line can extend from the hot water reservoir to a beverage dispensing unit, which can be coupled to the faucet or mounted on the faucet deck. The beverage system can also include an activation button mounted on the faucet or the faucet deck and communicatively coupled to the control board for initiating a brewing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: James McHale
  • Publication number: 20140352543
    Abstract: Automatic coffee machines have very low thermal efficiency because they have to heat a considerable thermal mass, constituted by the heater 3) appearing in FIG. 1, which has a weight generally ranging between 0.5 and 1 Kg of metal, typically consisting of aluminium. Said mass is used to stabilise the temperature of the water to be injected in the blend of coffee. In this configuration, 90% or more of the thermal energy is wasted. The energy saving coffee machine, the subject matter of the present invention, is instead constructed with a heater 3), appearing in FIG. 4, that has a thermal mass much lower than the mass of the liquid to be heated, and is typically constructed with metal tube 30), as shown in FIG. 4, weighing a few grams. The heating current 41) in FIG. 4 flows directly on said tube, heating it together with the water contained therein, while a very rapid temperature control circuit makes it possible to maintain a constant temperature of the water flowing through the heater 3) shown in FIG. 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Angelo Boni, Marco Mazzali
  • Publication number: 20140345468
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) for use with a beverage preparation capsule, comprising a machine main unit with a casing (3), a water reservoir (4), and a brewing head (5) comprising a dispensing outlet for dispensing said beverage into a container (12) placed below said outlet, characterized in that said machine further comprises a base element (2) supporting the main unit (3, 4, 5), and (i) the base element (2) comprises supporting stands with surfaces (11) for supporting said container (12), said stands having different heights, and (ii) the machine main unit (3, 4, 5) is pivotally mounted onto said base element (2) such that the brewing head (5) can be aligned above any of the supporting surfaces (11) by rotation of said machine main unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Talon, Samuel Odet
  • Patent number: 8889207
    Abstract: A method for preparing hot beverages in a hot beverage machine by possibly repeatedly pumping a specific quantity of water from a water tank into a heating device, heating the quantity of water, pumping the heated quantity of water out of the heating device into a brewing chamber and possibly at the same time pumping a further quantity of water out of the water tank into the heating device, brewing a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber to produce a hot beverage, and finally converting the quantity of water last pumped into the heating device completely into steam in a controlled manner for forcing liquid out of the entire line system downstream of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Aigner, Josef Daburger, Josef Gius, Johann Magg, Stefan Stadler
  • Publication number: 20140318377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage machine that heats up water in the upper water chamber(s). The water has direct contact with an electric heating system and the heated water flows by gravity and being distributed by a pour over system into an underlying filter basket. The hot water chamber comprises a sensor for water temperature. Once the water reaches an optimal temperature, a motor and gear system would drive a valve open and allow the heated water to flow into the underlying filter basket. The present invention allows certain amount of water to be heated up in individual batch, thereby making it easy to manage water temperature in every batch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Yuen Chin Chen, Amy Decem Cheng, Raymond Wai Ming Wong, Jeremy Kok Leong Tay
  • Publication number: 20140322401
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit (1000) for controlling transmission of power to a thermal conditioning device (100) e.g. for coffee machine, comprising a controller (2) with a start-up profile for starting-up said device (100) from a temperature of inactivity (TI) to an operative temperature for bringing to a target temperature (TT) a fluid circulating through said device (100) at start-up end, said controller (2) being arranged to allow circulation of fluid through said device (100) at start-up end and to compare the determined temperature (SOT) of fluid circulated at start-up end to the target temperature (TT) and derive a temperature difference therefrom. It is characterized in that the start-up profile has at least one parameter and in that said controller (2) has a self-learning mode for adjusting said parameter as a function of said temperature difference and to store the adjusted parameter for a subsequent starting-up of said device (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Etter, Peter Mori