And Infusive Contact Patents (Class 99/282)
  • Patent number: 11470998
    Abstract: An automatic beverage maker having a water supply, a housing having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating system for controlling the heating of water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the water supply to the water tank inlet, a second water e connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the water supply to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line. A drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: NuWave, LLC
    Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Jian Jiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11439270
    Abstract: A coffee machine includes: a filter holder suitable for containing at least one coffee dose; a dispensing unit with dispensing nozzles suitable for sending a flow of hot water on the coffee dose; a water system provided with a pump to supply pressurized water towards the dispensing nozzles; a heater to heat the water to be supplied to the dispensing nozzles; a dispensing valve to enable/disable the supply of hot water towards the dispensing nozzles; a pre-infusion valve installed upstream the dispensing valve; and a control unit comprising actuation means to actuate the pre-infusion valve. The pre-infusion valve is a two-way electrovalve of programmable proportional type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Claudio Cingolani
  • Patent number: 11406218
    Abstract: This invention provides a coffee maker having a top housing (2) connected to a bottom housing (3) via a plurality of connecting elements (4) such that the top housing is enacted above the bottom housing; a water tank (1) positioned on top of the top housing; a carafe (5) to be placed under the top housing, the carafe has an upper part having a brewing cone (51); and a rotating spout (6) located at the bottom of said top housing and above the carafe for pouring hot water into the carafe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: EnE Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Yuen Chin Andrew Chen, Wai Ming Raymond Wong, Tak Fung Dick Leung, Pui Yin Amy Decem Cheng, Kok Leong Jeremy Tay
  • Patent number: 11350786
    Abstract: A brewing assembly for a refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly for selectively dispensing a flow of water within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance. A pitcher is removably positioned below the dispensing assembly and includes an upper reservoir for receiving, storing, and slowly distributing the flow of water into a brew module positioned below the upper reservoir and comprising a plurality of canisters for receiving brewing contents and the flow of water to create a brewed beverage. A lower reservoir is positioned below the brew module for receiving the brewed beverage from the plurality of canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Yeong Park, SeJeong Woo
  • Patent number: 11284740
    Abstract: A cold brew coffee brewing system to prepare cold brew coffee by extraction of coffee grounds with brew water in a single-past, non-immersion extraction operation uses a tower unit with first and second receiving locations to receive a pre-infusion container for preparation of a pre-infusion mixture of coffee grounds during a pre-infusion operation and to receive an extraction vessel containing the transferred pre-infusion mixture for extraction processing to prepare cold brew coffee product, which is collected in a collection container received in the second receiving location of the tower unit. A brew control system controls operation of the water dispensing system during a cold brewing process cycle, and including a controller unit having stored therein multiple profiles for different cold-brew coffee product that may be prepared at the direction of the controller unit. A network may include multiple such cold brew coffee brewing systems connected with a central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Gunga, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond K. Buerger
  • Patent number: 11154160
    Abstract: Provided is a beverage dispensing machine, for example a coffee machine, having a brewing chamber. The beverage dispensing machine includes at least one electrovalve for totally or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the brewing chamber based on brewing parameters previously set or monitored in real-time by one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: RHEAVENDORS SERVICES SpA.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 11147409
    Abstract: An espresso coffee machine including a main boiler, a dispensing group, a secondary boiler, a main water inlet circuit, hydraulically connected to the main boiler and to each secondary boiler and an electronic control unit, where the main water inlet circuit has a booster pump, the machine further includes a pressure sensor, a bypass circuit hydraulically, and a two-way proportional valve configured to recirculate a part of delivery flow of the booster pump on the main water inlet circuit and upstream of the booster pump, in order to maintain a certain coffee extraction pressure value in each dispensing group set in real time by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: CARIMALI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Davide Cappellini
  • Patent number: 11122930
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cooking management method (100) for planning a cooking process (200) of a kitchen machine (1) comprising the following steps: determining (105) an entertainment program (201) of an entertainment apparatus (2); determining (106) a planning interval (202) in which at least one user of the kitchen machine (1) is connected to the entertainment machine (2) to enjoy the entertainment program (201). The invention also concerns a food processor (1) and a system for carrying out a cooking operation (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Koetz, Stefan Kraut-Reinkober, Andrej Mosebach, Mirco Pieper, Anton Reindl, Christiane Stach, Wenjie Yan, Sarah Werhahn
  • Patent number: 11103104
    Abstract: A dispensing group for an espresso coffee machine is described. The group comprises: a coffee boiler configured to contain pressurized hot water; a supply duct for feeding hot water under pressure towards a puck of coffee powder; and a filter-holder support comprising guides (30) which form at least one sliding surface for slidably supporting a filter holder, wherein said filter-holder support is rotatable between a first position for inserting the filter holder and a second dispensing position and wherein said dispensing group comprises a mechanical locking device for locking the filter-holder support in the second dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: LA MARZOCCO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Kent Bakke, Roberto Bianchi, Riccardo Gatti, Anke Kempen, Eric Verberkmoes, Houdijn Beekhuis, Maarten Wilming
  • Patent number: 10993574
    Abstract: The coffee machine (1) comprises a modular frame comprising a primary module (2) and structurally independent secondary modules (3, 4) rigidly connected with the primary module (2), primary components assembled in the primary module (2), and an aesthetic casing (5) for covering the modular frame, the secondary modules (3, 4) comprising at least one base secondary module (3) and at least one lateral secondary module (4), respectively, cooperating with the primary module (2) to define the height and the overall width, respectively, of the coffee machine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe De'Longhi, Luciano Scian, Massimo Poggioli
  • Patent number: 10952563
    Abstract: A method for the optical recognition of capsules for hot beverages machines comprises the steps of introducing a capsule in a machine, stimulating the capsule by an exciting optical signal emitted by a light source, reading a feedback optical signal by an optical reader, acquisition of the values of the frequency and/or the time frame of the feedback optical signal, determining the fulfillment of predetermined conditions on the values of the frequency and/or the time frame. On the basis of the step of evaluating there is then a step of blocking the normal operation of the machine or a step of pursuing the normal operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GB PROGETTI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alberto Rolla
  • Patent number: 10925433
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine configured to dispense a beverage through an outlet nozzle assembly, the machine comprising: an outlet nozzle assembly having provided therethrough a first outlet and a second outlet; and one or more conduits arranged to deliver selectably fluid to the first outlet or the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Nicholas Hansen, Mark Norton
  • Patent number: 10869572
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses of a beverage making system. A beverage making system that uses frozen or partially frozen pods to create a serving of a beverage. The system can include multiple reservoirs along with one or more pumps, a blending element, a heater, and various sensors to create a beverage. A method of creating a beverage describes the different steps that the system goes through in creating a beverage, from receiving and compressing a beverage pod, to mixing and dispensing a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CUBO BEVERAGES LLC
    Inventor: Nicolas Blatt
  • Patent number: 10861072
    Abstract: A method is disclosed herein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method may include deriving at a mobile transaction platform a multi-dimensional context from one or more user transactions and determining at least one life occurrence based, at least in part, on the multi-dimensional context. The one or more user transactions may be conducted through the mobile transaction platform. The one or more user transactions may be stored on a third-party source. In an aspect, the at least one life occurrence has yet to occur. In another aspect of the invention, the life occurrence has already occurred. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of user location information and life occurrence location information. The multi-dimensional context may include at least one of a time of life occurrence and a current time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: MASTERCARD MOBILE TRANSACTIONS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mehul Desai, Nehal Maniar
  • Patent number: 10852900
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes: a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a beverage-making apparatus; a display unit; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, through the wireless communication unit, beverage-making state information indicating a state of the beverage-making apparatus; and generate content to be output through the display unit, based on the received beverage-making state information of the beverage-making apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mina Suh, Hyungsun Kim
  • Patent number: 10822774
    Abstract: An aircraft with a drinking water supply and distribution system including a water storage tank, a consumer equipment, a pressurizer, a pressure reducer and a conduit system connecting the drinking water storage tank to the consumer equipment via the pressurizer and supplying water from the at least one water storage tank to the at least one consumer equipment. The pressurizer pressurizes water in the conduit system with a peak pressure exceeding a supply water pressure threshold. The conduit system includes flexible conduits having a maximum internal diameter of less than 8 mm. The pressure reducer is provided for reducing the pressure of water supplied to the consumer equipment below a consumer water pressure threshold. The supply water pressure threshold exceeds the consumer water pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Lübbert, Axel Schreiner, Michael Rempe
  • Patent number: 10791866
    Abstract: A piston-type extraction apparatus and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container with lid and pour spout, a container insert, and plunger element including piston, rod, handle, and filtration chamber. The container insert is designed to catch coffee grounds or other infusible material which may be easily removed from the container when the container is empty or when the extract fluid remains in the container. The filtration chamber is adapted for use with a paper filter. The plunger element may temporarily couple with the insert to allow the insert to be pulled up through the container with the grounds of other infusible material captured between the insert and the plunger element allowing for quick and easy cleanup. The extraction apparatus is adapted for a use in a variety of sizes and may be adapted for manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MADE SIMPLI, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer Morse
  • Patent number: 10772456
    Abstract: An infused beverage brewing assembly having a solvent flow management system (SFMS) operably configured to receive a solvent and induce a flow of the solvent through a first solvent conduit and a second solvent conduit, a solvent temperature modulation system (STMS) operably configured to thermally modulate a solvent within the first solvent conduit to join with a solvent in the second solvent conduit to form a resulting solvent conduit with a resulting solvent. The assembly has a brewing chamber in fluid communication with the resulting solvent conduit and for housing a solute disposed to receive the resulting solvent to produce an infused beverage, an outlet for discharging the infused beverage, and a resulting solvent valve operably configured to select a path of the resulting solvent until reaching a desired temperature, thereby enabling resulting solvent delivered to the brewing chamber at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Gideon Duvall
  • Patent number: 10729279
    Abstract: A coffee machine includes a filter holder intended to contain at least one coffee dose, a dispensing unit with dispensing nozzles intended to send a flow of hot water on the coffee dose, a water system provided with a pump to supply pressurized water towards the dispensing nozzles, a heater to heat the water to be supplied to the dispensing nozzles, a dispensing valve to enable/disable the supply of hot water towards the dispensing nozzles, and a pre-infusion valve disposed upstream the dispensing valve. The pre-infusion valve is set in such a way as to operate in pulsed mode for a pre-infusion time of at least 4 seconds, with opening and closing time equal to or lower than 1 second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SIMONELLI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Simone Foglia
  • Patent number: 10512357
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 10463192
    Abstract: Included herein are methods and systems for brewing coffee. In one example, a method of brewing coffee includes delivering a predetermined amount of water from a reservoir to a heater, heating the predetermined amount of water with the heater to form heated water, delivering the predetermined amount of the heated water from the heater to a brew basket containing ground coffee, and soaking the ground coffee with the predetermined amount of the heated water for a predetermined period of time to enable the heated water delivered to the brew basket to presoak the ground coffee contained in brew basket prior delivering a remaining amount of water from the quantity of water to the brew basket to complete the brewing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Patent number: 10448782
    Abstract: An automatic apparatus for heating and frothing milk comprises a device for generating steam for heating the milk, a first high temperature hydraulic circuit, a refrigerating group for maintaining the conservation temperature of the milk, and a second low temperature hydraulic circuit. The refrigerating group includes a milk container and pump for drawing milk therefrom. A first total separation valve separates the second hydraulic circuit from the first hydraulic circuit, a second total separation valve modulates the quantity of air drawn by the pump, a third total separation valve separates both the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit from a milk dispensing circuit, a steam injection device mixes the steam with the frothed milk, and a fourth total separation valve modulates the quantity of steam outlet from the steam generating device. Each total separation valve is provided with an actuator element manufactured with a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: F-LAB S.R.L.
    Inventors: Diego Andreis, Andrea Coccia
  • Patent number: 10362916
    Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a wheel unit and a controller controlling driving of the wheel unit; a dust container accommodation part having a shape recessed toward the front from the rear thereof to be opened to the rear; a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, the dust container have a portion protruding rearward of a rear end of the cleaner body in a state in which the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a dust container cover rotatably coupled to the cleaner body to cover the dust container, wherein the dust container cover is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part in a state in which the dust container cover is disposed to cover the dust container, and a portion of the dust container cover protrudes rearward of the rear end of the cleaner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Bohyun Nam, Inbo Shim, Jihoon Sung, Sojin Park, Seunghyun Song, Sangkyu Lee, Woochan Jun
  • Patent number: 10314320
    Abstract: Systems for and methods of controlled liquid food or beverage product creation are provided. A method of producing a liquid product from a receptacle containing frozen liquid contents includes receiving the receptacle containing a frozen liquid contents in a dispenser, identifying a characteristic of the receptacle, the contents, and/or a desired product, melting at least a portion of the contents to generate the product by selectively heating the receptacle and/or the contents without adding liquid to the interior of the receptacle and/or supplying a liquid to the interior of the receptacle, wherein the selectively heating without adding liquid to the interior of the receptacle and/or suppling the liquid is based on the identified characteristic. The method also includes perforating the receptacle and dispensing the product from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Meltz, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Roberts, Paul Kalenian, Douglas M. Hoon, Karl Winkler
  • Patent number: 10307013
    Abstract: A professional coffee machine includes a supporting frame; a boiler mounted thereon with a tank of at least 8 liters receiving water and heating it to a temperature of about 122-130° C. for the thermo-controlled production of pressurized steam; a preheater having a first heat exchanger associated to the boiler so that the boiler water heats, by heat exchange, the supply water crossing the first exchanger to a first temperature T1 that is lowerly close or substantially equal to a second temperature T2, optimal for preparing a coffee infusion; a dispensing unit of the coffee infusion having its own thermo-controlled heating element, configured to bring the water outlet from the preheater to the second temperature T2, if T1 is less than T2; a thermal insulating member that mechanically constrains the dispensing unit to the supporting frame; and a dispenser of pressurized steam in communication with the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Andrea Fregnan
  • Patent number: 10292526
    Abstract: A professional coffee machine includes a supporting frame; a boiler; a preheater to prepare a coffee infusion having a first heat exchanger with the boiler to heat the supply water crossing the first exchanger to a first temperature T1 close or substantially equal to a second temperature T2 corresponding to the optimal temperature for a coffee infusion; a dispensing unit of the coffee infusion having a thermo-controlled heating element that brings the water released from the preheater to the second temperature T2 if T1 is lower than T2; a thermal insulator that mechanically constrains the dispensing unit to the frame; a heater for preparing a tea infusion or the like having a second heat exchanger with the boiler to heat the supply water crossing the second heat exchanger up to a third temperature T3 corresponding to the optimal temperature for preparing a tea infusion or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Andrea Fregnan
  • Patent number: 10264909
    Abstract: A pour over filter is described, that is suitable for brewing a single serving of coffee, tea or other like beverages. The filter apparatus of the invention is particularly well suited for percolating or drip brewing coffee or tea into a serving cup. The apparatus includes a filter assembly having an interlocking annular flange that allows a user to elevate the filter assembly within the serving cup or to submerge the filter assembly within the drinking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Vision Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Hertaus
  • Patent number: 10264911
    Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce A. Constantine
  • Patent number: 10251508
    Abstract: A kettle includes a kettle body, a top cap, a heating base, a filter cup and a filter cup lifting arrangement. The kettle body includes a water reservoir having a receiving cavity. The filter cup is adapted for storing food or beverage items and communicating with the receiving cavity. The filter cup lifting arrangement includes a supporting member supported in the water reservoir, a stopper and a lifting member movably extended between the supporting member and the stopper through the top cap. The lifting member is arranged to drive the filter cup to move between an immersion position and a lifted-up position, wherein in the immersion position, the filter cup is moved to immerse under the hot water stored in the receiving cavity, wherein in the lifted-up position, the filter cup is moved to lift up from the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Yun Pan
  • Patent number: 10149570
    Abstract: A device for wetting a dose of ground coffee in coffee machines, such as espresso machines, particularly but without limitation professional espresso making machines is disclosed. The device includes a source of pressurized water, at least one beverage dispenser unit, a filter holder removably coupled to said dispenser, a water heater placed on the dispenser unit, a water supply system connecting said source of pressurized water with said heater, and a dispensing conduit connecting the heater with the dispenser unit. The device also includes a dispensing valve device inserted in said dispensing conduit for closing and opening the conduit and for feeding heated water to the filter holder and cause it to spread into the dose of ground coffee contained in the filter holder, as well as an electronic control and programming unit connected at least with said source of pressurized water, with said heater and with said dispensing valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: GRUPPO CIMBALI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Davide Sampaoli, Andrea Casali
  • Patent number: 10085589
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine includes a main housing, a brew head having an outlet for discharging a prepared beverage, a water reservoir, and a water path for conveying water from the water reservoir to the brew head. The water reservoir is movable with respect to the main housing between a storage configuration and a beverage dispensing configuration. The water reservoir may be non-removable from the main housing. The water reservoir may include a dual-purpose lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Tony Saunders
  • Patent number: 9888807
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending 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 gas vent and a skirt extending from a wall of the second reservoir further than the gas vent. The skirt at least partially surrounds the gas vent. At least a portion of the skirt is spaced laterally inwardly from an outer sidewall of the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D Starr, Patrick T Mulvaney, Adam Hanes, Larry Olson
  • Patent number: 9706873
    Abstract: An automated system for brewing and dispensing a brewed beverage is provided including a beverage brewing apparatus configured to dispense the brewed beverage into a container. A user interface is disposed with said beverage brewing apparatus. The user interface includes at least one iced beverage user input directed to preparation of the brewed beverage when the brewed beverage is to be dispensed over ice. A controller is operably coupled to the user interface and the beverage brewing apparatus. The controller is programmable to compensate for dilution of the brewed beverage in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Patent number: 9642489
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage production device (10) having a first dissolution chamber (1), said first dissolution chamber being configured for producing a beverage by mixing a beverage concentrate and a diluent and having: —at least one diluent inlet (11a, 11b) and—at least one liquid delivery outlet (12), —a bottom wall (13), the at least one liquid delivery outlet (12) being set in said bottom wall, wherein the device has a second dilution chamber (2), said second dilution chamber having: —a top wall (21), and—at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall, said liquid inlet being the liquid delivery outlet (12) of the first dissolution chamber, and—at least one diluent inlet (23) configured for introducing a diluent in the second dilution chamber and mixing said diluent with the liquid flowing from the at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Amol Ashok Bhalerao, David J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 9596956
    Abstract: An apparatus for making coffee, in accordance with an automated pour-over method, includes a housing having a movable water spout, a basket for holding a bed of coffee grounds below the spout, a pump for moving water through the spout for delivery and distribution onto the bed, and a drive for moving the spout along a hypotrochoidal path during distribution of the water to saturate the bed with substantially uniform water coverage and to extract the coffee with substantial consistency as the water permeates and passes by gravity through the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Invergo, Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron T. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9357872
    Abstract: A device for preparing a liquid food or beverage having an outermost housing with faces that are arranged to shield at least part of a liquid food or beverage module. A face of the housing has a connection to an appliance. This face is arranged to support mechanically such an appliance. The connection is disconnectably connectable by a user to the appliance. The housing is so arranged that the appliance is removably mountable onto the housing face by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne
  • Patent number: 9347682
    Abstract: A dynamic double-circuit in-Line heater is disclosed, as well as a machine containing the heater and a method of operating the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Stefan Etter
  • Patent number: 9332876
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending 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 gas vent and a skirt extending from a wall of the second reservoir further than the gas vent. The skirt at least partially surrounds the gas vent. At least a portion of the skirt is spaced laterally inwardly from an outer sidewall of the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D Starr, Patrick T Mulvaney, Adam Hanes, Larry Olson
  • Patent number: 9241499
    Abstract: A method for the automated production of a coffee preparation with a coffee preparation device (1) having a brewing unit, the method including the following steps: insertion of a pre-filled cartridge (3) with a powder supply (4) having a plurality of, preferably compressed, powder portions (11) of ground coffee beans into a cartridge receptacle (2) of a preparation device (1); automatic or at least partially manual metering of a powder portion (11) from the powder supply (4), wherein the entire powder supply (4) is moved for this purpose, preferably displaced axially, with the assistance of metering unit (10), and then the powder portion (11) is separated from the powder supply (4); transfer of the powder portion (11) to a brewing unit of a preparation device (16); automatic preparation of the coffee in the brewing unit, using the powder portion (11) and a heated, potable fluid flowing through the powder portion in the brewing unit, more particularly under pressure; closure of the cartridge (3) in the cartrid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: EUGSTER/FRISMAG AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9212827
    Abstract: A flow heater comprises a heating element (48; 248) and a first heating region (18, 20; 218, 220) heated by the heating element (48; 248) for heating liquid flowing therethrough to a first temperature below boiling. The flow heater also comprises a second heating region (22; 222) for heating the liquid to a second temperature below boiling. The second region (22; 222) has means (25; 225) for permitting the exit of steam therefrom separately from heated liquid. The flow heater cannot be operated so that bulk boiling of said liquid takes place in the second region (22; 222).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Joseph Garvey, Nicholas Edward Gibbs, Colin Moughton, Yicai Zheng
  • Patent number: 9161656
    Abstract: An espresso coffee dispensing system including at least one espresso coffee production machine including at least one espresso coffee dispensing unit, the unit comprising a filter for containing ground coffee powder and hot water feeder; a coffee grinder having an exit port for coffee powder and a temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the exit port to measure the temperature value of the ground coffee powder leaving the port; electronic controller associated with the coffee grinder to determine the water temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Paolo Dalla Corte
  • Patent number: 9154547
    Abstract: One variation of a method for brewing a cup of coffee at a coffee brewing machine includes: receiving a coffee source identifier; retrieving a recipe for a brewing coffee bean based on the coffee source identifier; initiating a brew cycle; heating water in a boiler to a target temperature specified by the recipe; metering a volume of water from the boiler into a brew chamber; heating the brew chamber to maintain the volume of water near the target temperature; according to the recipe, displaying an agitation instruction at a first time during the brew cycle; according to the recipe, triggering a first alarm to cease agitation at a second time during the brew cycle; and according to the recipe, triggering a second alarm to dispense fluid from the brew chamber at a third time during the brew cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Blossom Coffee, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Kuempel, Matthew Walliser, Matthew Leanse
  • Patent number: 9096364
    Abstract: A container for a medical device such as a glucose meter is provided. The container includes a base member having a plurality of sides defining an interior volume. A cover member is operably coupled to the base member and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cover member encloses the interior volume when in the second position. An insert is disposed within the interior volume, the insert having an opening sized to receive the glucose meter. A heating element is disposed within the opening. A thermostat is in thermal communication with the opening and electrically coupled to the heating element, wherein the thermostat is configured to flow electrical power to the heating element when a temperature within the interior volume is below a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Rust, James Nichols, Nicholas Carlson
  • Patent number: 9066624
    Abstract: A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage that includes a liquid food or beverage module having a liquid or beverage outlet; a support device that is located under the beverage outlet and that has an arrangement for evacuating liquid; and a collector, such as drip tray, for collecting liquid evacuated by the support device. The support device has a dispensing area on or above which a recipient may be placed for collecting a liquid food or beverage dispensed from the outlet. The support device also includes a non-dispensing area adjacent to the dispensing area, the non-dispensing area being arranged to support recipients upon use and for evacuating liquid to the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 9066623
    Abstract: A beverage making appliance uses a specialized beverage container and a related method of brewing a beverage. The container includes a cup-shaped body having a floor, a circumferential wall, and a top opening, a filter element positioned above the floor, at least one aperture formed in the floor, and a cover releasably attached to the cup body and covering the top opening. The appliance includes a base adapted to receive a beverage receptacle, a reservoir, a housing, a brewing tray in mechanical communication with the housing and dimensioned to receive a container containing at least one drink ingredient having particles of a first size, a grinding mechanism and a water delivery mechanism to selectively deliver water from the reservoir to one of a brewed beverage outlet in fluid communication with the receptacle, and a hot-water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Kin Man Lai, Kam Fai Fung, Barbara Lynn Schnabel
  • Patent number: 9060647
    Abstract: An apparatus for making beverages including a frothing device fluidly coupled to an outlet of a wand fluidly coupled to a boiler. The frothing device includes a nozzle configured to be positioned below the surface of the liquid, and a valve member movable between a first position in which steam is prevented from moving between the outlet of the wand and the nozzle and a second position in which steam is permitted to move between the outlet of the wand and the nozzle. The frothing device also includes a float device that maintains the frothing device on the surface of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Rellis
  • Patent number: 9049960
    Abstract: A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage has an outermost housing that includes a top part and downwardly extending sidewalls which cover and shield at least part of a liquid food or beverage module. The downwardly extending sidewalls have a portion that forms, optionally together with a portion of the top part, a grip seizable by a human hand such that the machine can be carried and displaced single handed by seizure of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 9049959
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The Richards Corporation
    Inventors: Marcos Jimenez, Brad Beyer
  • Publication number: 20150132449
    Abstract: A beverage producing apparatus and method are provided for producing a beverage, using an identification label of a beverage substance cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Yangsheng YE, Yusheng SHI
  • 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