With Signal, Indicator Or Observation Means Patents (Class 99/285)
  • Publication number: 20130239818
    Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the blender module initiates a cleaning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, William E. Smith, Jan Claesson
  • Publication number: 20130236609
    Abstract: The present invention presents a capsule 1 having an inlet face C, which is formed by a circular section 2a and a bulge section 2b extending from the circular section 2a giving the inlet face C a not symmetric in rotation. The capsule 1 further has an optically readable code 3 on a side wall 4 of a cup-shaped body of the capsule 1 opposite the bulge section 2b. The present invention further presents a beverage production machine with a capsule holder 13 for holding a capsule 1 in such a way in the beverage production machine 10, that the optically readable code can be read by a code reader 24. Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce a nutritional product. The present invention provides means to prevent the optically readable code 3 and the code reader 24, respectively, from being contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ines Magniet, Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Heinz Wyss, Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Roland Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20130230627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1), suitable for use with a beverage machine of the type comprising a code reader, the device (1) comprising: an inlet (40) for receiving, in use, heated water from a water supply of the beverage machine; and an outlet (43) through which said heated water can be dispensed; the device (1) further comprising a plurality of codes (19), each other plurality of codes (19) containing information relating to one or more dispensation parameters of the beverage machine; the device (1) being configurable by a user such that the user can choose one of the plurality of codes (19) to be read by the code reader of the beverage machine during a dispensation operation in order to set one or more dispensation parameters o the beverage machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Hansen, Mark Norton
  • Publication number: 20130220135
    Abstract: A hot beverage preparation device, in particular a fully automatic coffee maker, can be operated in a normal operating mode for preparing hot beverages and in a data transmission mode for transmitting data to a receiver. The hot beverage preparation device includes an encoding unit for encoding the data to form at least one encoded data record in a machine-readable code and a display unit for displaying the encoded data record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Aigner, Florian Hoeck, Robert Strobl
  • Publication number: 20130220136
    Abstract: A tea maker (100) comprising a power base (300) including an upper portion that provides for a user interface (360) and for a vessel reception location (361), which location is adapted to receive a vessel (200) that is detachable from the power base, wherein the user interface (360) includes an illuminable brewing progress indicator (368) that extends at least partially around said vessel reception location, such that at least a portion of the brewing progress indicator is visible from any position around the power base when the vessel is present at said vessel reception location; and a controller (332) that is configured to control the brewing progress indicator (368) during a tea brewing process, such that a user is notified of progress in said process by a change in illumination of the brewing progress indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Jong, Gerben Raap, Rogier Enrico De Haas, Michel Van Es, Nicole Louisa De Klein
  • Publication number: 20130213237
    Abstract: A tea maker (100) comprising a user interface panel (360), including: a layer of wood (359), having a front side and a back side, and being provided with one or more thin, and therefore translucent,portions; and a transparent body (354), having a front side and a back side, said front side being provided against the back side of the layer of wood. The tea maker further comprises illumination means (322, 324, 328), disposed at the back side of the transparent body, and configured to emit light through the transparent body (354) and onto the translucent portions of the layer of wood (359), so as to make said translucent portions light up on the front side of said layer of wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Jong, Gerben Raap
  • Publication number: 20130199377
    Abstract: Tea maker (100) comprising a controller (332) operably connected to a heating element (222) for heating water in a water compartment, a temperature sensor (224), a tea filter presence sensor (226) for detecting the insertion of a tea filter into the water compartment, and user notification means, the controller being configured to heat water in the water compartment to an initial steeping temperature; to detect whether the water has been heated to the initial steeping temperature; to notify a user that the water has been heated to the initial steeping temperature, and that steeping may be initiated by insertion of the tea filter; and once the user has been notified to insert the filter, to maintain the temperature of the water within a certain range of the initial steeping temperature until either a certain waiting period lapses, or insertion of the tea filter is detected within said waiting period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan Jirnsum, Rogier Enrico De Haas
  • Patent number: 8495949
    Abstract: A apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ian Tinkler, Mary Carter, William Sawyer, Richard Pasquini
  • Publication number: 20130156899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for brewing a beverage in a brewing apparatus, wherein a cartridge containing infusible material is connected to a brew chamber and will form the bottom of the brew chamber. By the introduction of air through the filter of the cartridge, water and infusible material are mixed, and an effective brewing process is conducted. After brewing the beverage is discharged into a receptacle through the filter of the cartridge, leaving infusible material behind in the cartridge. The invention also provides a cartridge for use in the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Quinn, Osvaldo Maffei, Robert Wim Bronwasser, Raffaele Zandona
  • Patent number: 8467670
    Abstract: A hot beverage making container having a main body that includes a water tank and a heating chamber separated by a first valve. A removable brewing cup is connected to the main body and is separated from the heating chamber by a second valve. A tube extends from the brewing cup, through the main body, and out of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Pierre Maurice Baston
  • Publication number: 20130133520
    Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventor: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Co
  • Publication number: 20130133521
    Abstract: The desired amount of coffee grounds, tea leaves, herbs or other beverage making material is placed in a chamber of glass vessel located on a moveable table top in its lowered position. The table top is then elevated until the upper edge of the vessel seals against a top seal. With the top sealed, the desired amount of water of about 185°-212° F. is introduced into the chamber through a port in the top. Thereafter, a vacuum is drawn in the chamber and is held within the range of about ?5 to ?20 Hg in. Using an external heat source, the brewing liquid is maintained at about 185°-212° F. Alternatively, the vacuum can be pulsed by turning it on and off several times during the brewing cycle. After the beverage has brewed for the desired amount of time, the heat and vacuum are removed, the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure and the table top is lowered to release the vessel. The contents of the chamber are then strained to remove solids from the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Dean J. Vastardis
  • Publication number: 20130129884
    Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Fedor
  • Publication number: 20130129886
    Abstract: The present invention has as an objective to provide an apparatus for brewing a beverage that provides an attractive brewing experience for the consumer, which can perform an effective and efficient brewing process, and which also can be easily rinsed to remove any spent infusible material. These objectives have been met by a beverage brewing machine comprising an at least one water inlet port that is arranged at an angle of less than 4 degrees relative to the wall of the brew chamber to direct water around the wall of the brew chamber. The apparatus also provides for improved agitation of infusible material. Moreover a method is provided to brew a beverage using the brewing machine of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Quinn, Marco Karreman, Tjeerd Jan Pieter Gerbranda, Edwin Jeroen Muller
  • Publication number: 20130125760
    Abstract: The present invention is a battery back-up coffee maker with a side that includes a coffee pot that is utilized in combination with the battery back-up coffee maker, an elongated transparent tube that fills with water that indicates a level of water in the water level gauge that indicates a water level of the battery back-up coffee maker and an LCD clock and timer display that displays a current time or a time each day that the battery back-up coffee maker activates an alarm. The coffee maker also includes a battery compartment that houses one or more batteries that serve as a back-up power source to the battery back-up coffee maker when currently provided power is terminated to the battery back-up coffee maker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Denise Pitrucha
  • Publication number: 20130112081
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing machine for producing beverages from a beverage ingredient powder comprising:—at least one powder storing and dosing sub-assemblies, each of them comprising: a buffer tank able to be connected to a food or beverage ingredient powder container, a dosing device for metering a dose of a beverage ingredient powder,—reconstitution means for preparing a beverage from a dose of the food or beverage ingredient powder, wherein each of the buffer tank comprises a tube for guiding the powder from the container connection means to the dosing device, the first portion of said tube emerging on the doses device being vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Radboud Nelissen, Richard Luke Murphy, Juan J. Gonzalez, Ennio Bardin
  • Publication number: 20130108754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for infusing a substance to be infused having an infusion chamber for receiving the substance to be infused and for passing a pressurised water flow through the substance to be infused, the infusion chamber having an inlet portion (4) for feeding water into the infusion chamber and an outlet portion (2) for the infused beverage, the injection channel in fluid communication via an injection end with the inlet portion (4) and adapted for connection via an intake end (39) to a pressurised water circuit, characterised in that it comprises adjustable means for varying the water pressure in the injection channel, adapted for generating a water pressure difference between the intake end (39) and the injection end (40) and controlled by control means outside the infusion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Blanc, Alain Goering
  • Publication number: 20130101717
    Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described, including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus comprising a grinder wherein the coffee bean packaging cartridge is removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus. The coffee bean packaging cartridge is arranged for holding and supplying of coffee beans and includes a transportation component adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans. The coffee brewing apparatus comprises a motor for driving the transportation component of the first coffee bean packaging cartridge. The system further comprises a ground coffee packaging cartridge, preferably having a transportation component for enabling transportation of ground coffee which transportation component is also removably connectable to the coffee grinder apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Ivo Van Os, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Publication number: 20130098249
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for brewing coffee in conjunction with an electro-conductivity sensor. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Fidler, Mark Swanson, Christopher Hawker
  • Publication number: 20130099597
    Abstract: A brewing unit (1) of a beverage preparation machine has: a seat (11) for receiving a capsule (2) comprising an electrically conductive material (21, 22, 23, 24); and a capsule sensing electric circuit with first and second electric connectors (A, B). The first electric connector (A) and the second electric connector (B) are electrically connected through the electrically conductive material of the capsule (2) when the capsule is present in the seat (11) and electrically disconnected when the capsule is not in the seat so as to close and interrupt, respectively, the capsule sensing electric circuit (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Alfred Yoakim, Youcef Ait Bouziad
  • Patent number: 8418601
    Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Magg, Andreas Mayr, Markus Obermaier
  • Publication number: 20130087050
    Abstract: A system for generating beverages is provided. The system comprises a central host comprising a database, and a kiosk configured for communication with the central host. The kiosk comprises an electronic control unit (ECU), a plurality of process modules, and a memory device that is accessible by the ECU and suitable for storing information required for the operation of the kiosk. Each process module of the kiosk is configured to be controlled by the ECU to perform one or more chemical or mechanical processes contributing to the production of one or more brewed beverages. Further, information required for the operation of the kiosk is stored in the database of the central host and also stored in the memory device of the kiosk to allow the kiosk to operate independently of the central host when communication between the kiosk and central host is compromised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGGO, INC.
    Inventor: Briggo, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8397625
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may comprise a brew system, at least one sensor, a display and a control circuit. The brew system may comprise a heater, a reservoir and a container for receiving a brewed beverage. The at least one sensor may be positioned to sense an end of a brew cycle. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the end of the brew cycle. Upon detecting the end of the brew cycle, the control circuit may be configured to initiate a timer and cause a current value of the timer to be shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge B. Garcia, Charles Brian Gross
  • Publication number: 20130064937
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code (65) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means (62), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alexandre Perentes, Stefan Kaeser, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen
  • Publication number: 20130061761
    Abstract: The invention proposes a beverage production device for preparing single-component and/or multi-component beverages comprising: a brewing unit for preparing the component, a user interface (1) providing a plurality of buttons or keys (1a, 1b, 1c) designed for being mechanically operated by a user and having a graphical identification item (3a,3b,3c) associated to the respective button or key (1a, 1b, 1c), a display (2) for displaying information as to the beverages and a plurality of selectable and dynamically allocated functions (5a,5b,5c) by selective pressure on said button or keys (1a, 1b, 1c) of said user interface (1), the display (2) being separated from the user interface (1) and being designed to illustrate a currently set mapping of the respective buttons or keys (1a, 1b, 1c) of the user interface (1) to a selective one of a plurality of functions (5a,5b,5c) by representing the currently set function in close vicinity to a graphical representation (4a,4b,4c) of the respective identification item (3a
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Akos Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8387516
    Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: D. Michael Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130011521
    Abstract: Capsules for holding in an interior space a portion of a product for preparing a food product include a first part (501) and a second part (502), arranged along a direction of extension (A). The first and second parts define at least a portion of an interior space (S) for holding a portion of a food product. At least one of the first and second parts of the capsule may include a substantially rigid connector portion (533) with at least one inlet for connecting to the apparatus wherein the at least one inlet defines a first flow direction for a fluid to be introduced into the inlet which first flow direction extends more than about 45 degrees to the direction of extension of the capsule. An apparatus may include an actuator for cooperating with the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MDS GLOBAL HOLDING LTD.
    Inventors: Marcel Hendricus Simon Weijers, Edward Hendrik Debski, Jorn Veldhuis, René Anthonius Weimar
  • Publication number: 20130004629
    Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles H. Clark, Suresh Radhakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8327753
    Abstract: A coffee machine has a single serve function that utilizes a reservoir level sensing mechanism so that a single serve dose of water can be dispensed into the grounds regardless of the water level In the machine's reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Andrew White, Daniel Serra, Ze Kang Lai
  • Publication number: 20120285331
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine comprises: a) a seat (5); b) a service unit (20, 30) in the seat for storing waste material, the service unit being —insertable manually into the seat into a collection position for collecting waste material such as waste liquid and/or waste beverage ingredient, optionally contained in a pre-portioned ingredient capsule; and —removable, in particular manually, from the seat for emptying the waste material upon collection thereof in the service unit, c) a control means for controlling proper insertion of the service unit in the seat. The control means comprises a touch-sensory feed-back mechanism (40, 50) arranged to indicate to a user an improper insertion of the service unit in the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Mori, Antoine Cahen, Frank Schnyder
  • Publication number: 20120269944
    Abstract: In an improved method and machine for espresso coffee there are provided one or more operating units (10) each of which comprises a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, a group (26) for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit (10) is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters, in particular the water pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: La Marzocco, SRL
    Inventors: Roberto Bianchi, Jacob Ellul-Blake
  • Publication number: 20120260806
    Abstract: A pre-packaged beverage brewer press is taught that incorporates a hollow cylinder (20) having a full diameter body (22), an open top (24) and a closed bottom (26) with a removable holder (36) engaging the cylinder bottom. The holder has a configuration suitable to retain a beverage cartridge (40), with the holder having at least one exit opening (46) therein. A removable manually operated piston (74) is configured to be engaged within the hollow cylinder and includes an air-tight seal and an outwardly extended top (76). A cup (98), having a wide flat bottom for standing evenly on a flat surface, is attached to the cylinder bottom. When heated water is placed within the cylinder and the piston is inserted into the cylinder and urged downwardly by a user, sufficient pressure is created to compress the water into the beverage cartridge permitting steeping therefore brewing a beverage which is discharged into the cup attached beneath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick J. Rolfes, John Guy Cazort, III
  • Publication number: 20120258216
    Abstract: A control unit for an automatic device for preparing a beverage, which control unit is provided with a display panel and an input wherein the control unit is provided furthermore with an operating unit for displaying by the display panel a visually observable reaction to designations provided by the user, and for controlling a preparation unit of the automatic device, wherein the display panel has selection fields for mutually exclusive settings for formulations of the beverage to be prepared, wherein the control unit enables the user to select one of the settings by designation of one of the selection fields, wherein a collecting field with at least one setting field shows the chosen setting of the formulation, and wherein the non-designated selection fields remain visible and selectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Hendrikus Christinus Maria Wessels
  • Publication number: 20120251680
    Abstract: A control unit for an automatic device for preparing a beverage is provided with an input which enables the user to choose from a plurality of formulations a formulation for the beverage to be prepared. The control unit is provided with an operating unit for controlling a preparation unit of the automatic device. The input comprises an image input for visually observing the user and for generating image signals which are representative of the visual observation. The operating unit is arranged for generating control signals for the preparation unit of the automatic device as a reaction to the image signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Hendrikus Christinus Maria Wessels
  • Publication number: 20120240781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1), comprising a memory for storing icons (72), said icons (72) being divided into at least two menu level groups (73, 76, 78), whereby each icon (72) indicates a selectable menu function of the machine (1). The machine (1) further comprises a display (10) for displaying: in a first operation mode a first group (73) of icons adjacent a main portion (75) of the display (10); and in a second operation mode one group (73, 76, 78) of icons (72) as currently selectable icons (72) on said main portion (75) of the display (10). A touch pad (10, 22) is adapted to accept a touch operation for switching between the first and second operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Delbreil, Fabien Ludovic Agon
  • Publication number: 20120240780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) having an extended user-advisory functionality, comprising a control unit (21) for recognizing an actual or upcoming event triggering said user-advisory functionality, such as a disturbance of such machine (1) based on monitored machine parameters or a machine contextual event, a communication module (11) for communicating with a remote external device (50) via a communication network (501, 511), and a display (10) for displaying messages, wherein the control unit (21) in said user-advisory functionality is further adapted to establish a connection via the communication module (11) to said external device (50) offering a resource for managing the actual or upcoming event, and to control the display of a message on the display (10) indicating the actual or upcoming event and advising a user on managing said event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Delbreil, Fabien Ludovic Agon
  • Publication number: 20120210877
    Abstract: The tea cup (1) of the invention is used with a pocket (2) that includes a sieve (3) for tea material. The tea cup (1) has a functional shape achieved with two bottom sides (6,7) enabling the tea cup (1) to be placed in two different positions. The pocket (2) is designed so that it forms a tea compartment (4), which is attached to the inner wall (5) of the cup (1). The tea compartment (4) is integrally or detachably inserted in the tea compartment (4) at the upper part of the cup (1) on the same side as one of the bottom sides (6). This arrangement enables the tea compartment (4) to be on vertically different levels with respect to a water surface (or a tea surface) (11) in the cup (1) when the tea cup (1) is tilted in said different positions constituting a tea-making position and a drinking position in order to make tea of sufficient strength. The placement of the tea compartment (4) thus enables a functionality with respect to these positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Laura Bougdanos
  • Patent number: 8245628
    Abstract: A coffee machine comprising an instantaneous electric heater for heating water, which is transported from a storage tank and conducted under pressure after the heating process into a brewing chamber to prepare the coffee, said chamber comprising an outlet nozzle for discharging the prepared coffee. The machine also comprises at least one sensor for recording an electric measured value that correlates to the temperature of the heated water and a control system for controlling the pump output of the pump and/or the heating output of the instantaneous heater in accordance with the measured value. The device permits a blockage of the nozzle to be identified and safely removed. The control system shuts off the pump output and/or the heating output if the measured value exceeds predefined thresholds and blocks a restart of the pump output and/or heating output for a specified blocking period by activating blocking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Magg, Andreas Mayr, Michael Steffl
  • Publication number: 20120199008
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a drip filter coffee maker that includes features to improve the taste of the brewed coffee and to enhance to ease of use. In one embodiment, an integral plate burr grinder sends coffee ground down a coffee chute that feeds the filter cone. A chute door at the end of the coffee chute prevents vapours or condensation from entering the coffee chute. In another embodiment, the eject tray that carries the filter cone may be coupled with a dampened spring biasing mechanism which moderates the eject motion. Further, a pivot float may be provided within the carafe so that the user may read the carafe fill level easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Andrew White, Daniel Serra
  • Publication number: 20120201929
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for supplying a magnesium enriched drinking water, including circulating water through a bed of magnesium compound. The health-promoting water contains magnesium between 10 and 500 mg/liter, and further it may contain additional health promoting salts, while being sodium free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: DEAD SEA BROMINE COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ron Guy, Nikolay Fux, Michael Bonan, Eitan Dafny, Gideon Shikolsky
  • Patent number: 8225708
    Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Lassota, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20120137894
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for storing milk (2), particularly for further use in a coffee machine (3) comprising a container (4) accommodating the milk (2). It is essential to the invention that a temperature sensing device (5) comprising at least one infrared sensor (6, 6?, 6?) is provided for sensing the temperature of the milk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WMF WUERTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
    Inventor: Frank Goeltenboth
  • Publication number: 20120137893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage vending machine, particularly a coffee vending machine. According to the invention, a control device is provided for reducing a power consumption in a standby mode (energy saving mode) by reducing a temperature of a water heater, particularly a boiler temperature, such as that of a pass-through heater or a bare-wire heating system, and the control device is implemented such that it controls or regulates the reduction of the temperature of the water heater, that is, the boiler temperature and/or a waiting period before beginning the reduction, as a function of a beverage dispensing process in a preceding period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WMF WUERTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Casado Gomez
  • Patent number: 8171843
    Abstract: An automatic drip coffeemaker with an automatically measured water metering means is herein disclosed. The apparatus also comprises a small flexible plastic water line which connects to the water source system, an in-line replaceable water filter to ensure clean filtered water, and a control circuit with automatic water sensing level switches to allow the user to select the desired amounts of cups to be made. While the exact water levels can vary per model of invention, selectable levels of a minimum to a maximum of cups of coffee would be envisioned as readily available. In such a manner the user only has to place the correct amount of ground coffee inside of the invention, select the proper number of cups to be made, and the invention will do the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew A. Heffington
  • Publication number: 20120097040
    Abstract: A filter holder (1) for coffee grinding, includes a handle (3), a filter-carrying cup (2), and identification elements including a radio label. The filter holder is applicable to coffee grinders and to machines used to prepare coffee drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Levi, Mario Levi
  • Publication number: 20120070552
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating the fluid, includes a separating device arranged to separate a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid. A method for obtaining a coffee includes heating an extraction fluid so as to induce the passage of the extraction fluid through a dose of coffee to obtain the beverage, and separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the extraction fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said extraction fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luciano NAVARINI, Luca MASTROPASQUA, Bruno DELLAPIETRA, Furio SUGGI LIVERANI
  • Patent number: 8132498
    Abstract: An appliance for making coffee, tea and the like comprises an automatic adjustment unit (22) for adjusting the desired quantity ratio between the quantity of water in a water reservoir (2) and the quantity of substance in a filter holder (4). The adjustment unit (22) can adjust the loadable length of a resilient element (50a) in response to the level of the water in the reservoir 2. The resilient element (50a) is pivotally attached to a lever (5) of the filtering system (3). The rotation of the lever (5) is indicated on a strength indicating scale (10, 11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Elze Deodaat Hidding, Vincent Bernardus Hubertus Ten Horn
  • Patent number: 8124917
    Abstract: A vessel for preparing heated water or other liquid includes a container, an electric heater and a temperature sensing probe mounted through a wall of the container. The probe includes an efficient heat transferring structure in direct thermal contact with and wet by the liquid. An electrical sensor within the probe is in intimate thermal contact with the transferring structure and has electrical properties directly correlating with the temperature of the transferring structure. The transferring structure is attached to a supporting structure mounted to the wall by an elastomeric efficient thermal insulating material held in compression providing physical support for the probe and sealing the wall from leaking and insuring that the sensor is primarily thermally responsive to the temperature of the transferring surface and to the liquid but is thermally insulated from variations in the temperature of the supporting wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel D. Friel, Sr., James Fitzgerald, Daniel D. Friel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8087347
    Abstract: An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge. The brew head comprises an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head, a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, and a closure mechanism moveable between open and closed configurations. The insert comprises a receptacle and sealing means, the receptacle having an opening through which, in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients may be loaded into the receptacle, a lower portion of the insert comprising an inlet and an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Halliday, Nicholas Andrew Hansen, Colin Darrel Ballard, Satwinder Singh Panesar
  • Patent number: RE43771
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.