And Infusive Contact Patents (Class 99/282)
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Patent number: 12090627Abstract: A method of controlling a robot arm for performing coffee drip includes: an arrangement checking operation of checking an arrangement of a dripper, a coffee powder container, a cup, and a kettle; a coffee powder providing operation of, when the arrangement of the cup is sensed, gripping the coffee powder container and providing a coffee powder contained in the coffee powder container to the dripper, by using the robot arm; a dripping operation of, when the coffee powder is provided to the dripper, gripping the kettle and performing a drip operation using any one of a plurality of predetermined methods, by using the robot arm; and a discharging operation of, when the dripping operation is completed, gripping the cup and transferring the cup to a discharge position.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: XYZ, Inc.Inventors: Sung Jae Hwang, Jong Keun Lee, Dong Jin Kim
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Patent number: 11470998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: NuWave, LLCInventors: Jung S. Moon, Jian Jiang Liu
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Patent number: 11439270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Inventor: Claudio Cingolani
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Patent number: 11406218Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: EnE Holdings LtdInventors: Yuen Chin Andrew Chen, Wai Ming Raymond Wong, Tak Fung Dick Leung, Pui Yin Amy Decem Cheng, Kok Leong Jeremy Tay
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Patent number: 11350786Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Seung-Yeong Park, SeJeong Woo
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Patent number: 11284740Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Gunga, Inc.Inventor: Raymond K. Buerger
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Patent number: 11154160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: RHEAVENDORS SERVICES SpA.Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
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Patent number: 11147409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: CARIMALI S.P.A.Inventor: Davide Cappellini
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Patent number: 11122930Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbHInventors: Hendrik Koetz, Stefan Kraut-Reinkober, Andrej Mosebach, Mirco Pieper, Anton Reindl, Christiane Stach, Wenjie Yan, Sarah Werhahn
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Patent number: 11103104Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: LA MARZOCCO S.R.L.Inventors: Kent Bakke, Roberto Bianchi, Riccardo Gatti, Anke Kempen, Eric Verberkmoes, Houdijn Beekhuis, Maarten Wilming
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Patent number: 10993574Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.R.L.Inventors: Giuseppe De'Longhi, Luciano Scian, Massimo Poggioli
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Patent number: 10952563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GB PROGETTI S.R.L.Inventor: Alberto Rolla
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Patent number: 10925433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.Inventors: Nicholas Hansen, Mark Norton
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Patent number: 10869572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: CUBO BEVERAGES LLCInventor: Nicolas Blatt
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Patent number: 10861072Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: MASTERCARD MOBILE TRANSACTIONS SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Mehul Desai, Nehal Maniar
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Patent number: 10852900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Mina Suh, Hyungsun Kim
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Patent number: 10822774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Tim Lübbert, Axel Schreiner, Michael Rempe
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Patent number: 10791866Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MADE SIMPLI, LLCInventor: Jennifer Morse
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Patent number: 10772456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Inventor: Gideon Duvall
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Patent number: 10729279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: SIMONELLI GROUP S.P.A.Inventor: Simone Foglia
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Patent number: 10512357Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
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Patent number: 10463192Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLCInventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
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Patent number: 10448782Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: F-LAB S.R.L.Inventors: Diego Andreis, Andrea Coccia
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Patent number: 10362916Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Bohyun Nam, Inbo Shim, Jihoon Sung, Sojin Park, Seunghyun Song, Sangkyu Lee, Woochan Jun
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Patent number: 10314320Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Meltz, LLCInventors: Matthew P. Roberts, Paul Kalenian, Douglas M. Hoon, Karl Winkler
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Patent number: 10307013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventor: Andrea Fregnan
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Patent number: 10292526Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Inventor: Andrea Fregnan
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Patent number: 10264911Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Espro, Inc.Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce A. Constantine
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Patent number: 10264909Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Vision Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Hertaus
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Patent number: 10251508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Inventor: Yun Pan
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Patent number: 10149570Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: GRUPPO CIMBALI S.P.A.Inventors: Davide Sampaoli, Andrea Casali
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Patent number: 10085589Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.Inventor: Tony Saunders
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Patent number: 9888807Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D Starr, Patrick T Mulvaney, Adam Hanes, Larry Olson
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Patent number: 9706873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLCInventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
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Patent number: 9642489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Amol Ashok Bhalerao, David J. Harrison
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Patent number: 9596956Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Invergo, Inc.Inventor: Cameron T. Hughes
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Patent number: 9357872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne
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Patent number: 9347682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Stefan Etter
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Patent number: 9332876Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D Starr, Patrick T Mulvaney, Adam Hanes, Larry Olson
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Patent number: 9241499Abstract: 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 cartridType: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: EUGSTER/FRISMAG AGInventor: Daniel Fischer
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Patent number: 9212827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Strix LimitedInventors: Vincent Joseph Garvey, Nicholas Edward Gibbs, Colin Moughton, Yicai Zheng
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Patent number: 9161656Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Inventor: Paolo Dalla Corte
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Patent number: 9154547Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Blossom Coffee, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Kuempel, Matthew Walliser, Matthew Leanse
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Patent number: 9096364Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITYInventors: Michael Rust, James Nichols, Nicholas Carlson
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Patent number: 9066623Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Conair CorporationInventors: Kin Man Lai, Kam Fai Fung, Barbara Lynn Schnabel
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Patent number: 9066624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne, Alfred Yoakim
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Patent number: 9060647Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Daniel Rellis
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Patent number: 9049960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Stefan Kaeser, Alexandre Kollep, Frank Kräuchi, Matthieu Ozanne, Alfred Yoakim
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Patent number: 9049959Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: The Richards CorporationInventors: Marcos Jimenez, Brad Beyer
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Publication number: 20150132449Abstract: A beverage producing apparatus and method are provided for producing a beverage, using an identification label of a beverage substance cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Yangsheng YE, Yusheng SHI