With Prior Handling Or Treating (e.g., Roasting Or Grinding) Patents (Class 99/286)
  • Publication number: 20120118165
    Abstract: Coffee bean package provided with an inner space for holding a collection of coffee beans for multiple portions of coffee beverage, which inner space is surrounded by at least one wall, a coffee bean outlet for dispensing coffee beans from the inner space, and a dosing device which is arranged for dispensing coffee beans from the inner space in a predetermined dose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Ivo Van Os, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Philippe Jacques van Camp
  • Publication number: 20120121764
    Abstract: A brewed beverage appliance uses a specialized pre-packaged beverage container and a related method of brewing a beverage. The container comprises a cup-shaped base having openings at the bottom. A plurality of roasted, whole coffee beans are contained therein. The appliance has a blade that punctures the cup and then grinds the beans while they are still in the cup. Heated water is delivered to the cup and passes through the ground coffee causing brewed coffee to emit from the openings in the bottom of the cup and into a container such as a coffee mug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
  • Publication number: 20120121780
    Abstract: A beverage appliance includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, a brewing station disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, a grinding station disposed within the housing and being functionally separate from said brewing station, and a brewing carriage being selectively movable between a first position adjacent the grinding station and a second position adjacent the brewing station. Movement of the brewing carriage between the first and second position shifts a beverage ingredient in the brewing carriage from the first position to the second position and when the brewing carriage is in the in said second position, liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir and directed to the brewing carriage to produce a brewed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: KIN MAN LAI, KAM FAI FUNG, BARBARA LYNN SCHNABEL
  • Patent number: 8124150
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with means (4,5) to filter hot pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, means (17,18,20) of monitoring real-time data concerning brewing parameters; a controlling unit (16) comprising means of storing data, means of comparing the real-time data to a set of stored data and/or threshold parameters, stored in the controller's memory associated with the brewing system, to determine whether a correction to the parameters should be made, and means (8,9,24) of altering at least one of the relevant brewing parameters, when required to bring said real time parameter in line with said recorded parameter to obtain consistent high quality of the dispensed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rhea Vendors, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20120037007
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing coffee or other beverages has two brewing cylinders (2; 2?) and brewing pistons (10, 11; 10?, 11?) which are movable in said brewing cylinders and which form a brewing chamber. A loading station is provided for loading the brewing chambers with ground coffee or the other media. One brewing cylinder (2; 2?) can be moved in each case together with the associated brewing piston (10; 10?) from a brewing position to the loading station (5) and back again, wherein said associated brewing piston (10; 10?) can be removed for the disposal of the used coffee or medium from the brewing cylinder (2; 2?). The second brewing cylinder (2?) can therefore be moved to the same loading station (5) as the first, and this therefore results in a simplification of the design of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-Paul In-Albon, Hans-Robert Bircher
  • Publication number: 20120017765
    Abstract: A coffee maker or coffee bean grinder has a bean hopper for storing coffee beans, a bean grinder for grinding coffee beans into coffee grounds, and a bean delivery device for delivering a quantity of beans from the bean hopper to the bean grinder. The bean delivery device has a bean receptacle and is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the bean receptacle communicates with the bean hopper and, in the second position, the bean receptacle communicates with the bean grinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SIMATELEX MANUFACTORY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Shek Chuen Luk, Kam Ming Tsang
  • Patent number: 8096229
    Abstract: In order to detect a lack of coffee beans in a grinder unit of a coffee maker, a method is suggested in which the level and/or the spectrum of an oscillation generated by the grinder unit during its operation is measured. The level of the oscillation and/or the nature of the spectrum are used to decide whether or not coffee beans are present in the grinder unit. Preferably, the level of oscillation of the housing of the coffee grinder unit is monitored. If the level changes by more than a preset value and/or falls below a reference value, it is decided that coffee beans are lacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Keller
  • Patent number: 8087346
    Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, Jody G. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8065952
    Abstract: A full-automatic drip coffee maker with coffee bean grinder which is totally electronic controlled, that is, the user just needs to select whether to brew coffee after grinding the coffee bean or directly brew coffee on the control panel, accordingly the coffee maker will carry out operations automatically and preserve the coffee bean aroma as much as possible in the process of brewing. It comprises a shell body, an automatic coffee bean grinding device, a brewing device, a heater. a water reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignees: Vesta Electrical Appliance, Manufacturing (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-lei Wang
  • Publication number: 20110283889
    Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. An electrical switch toggles between a one cup dose and a two cup dose, The switch works in conjunction with a dose strength adjustment. Alteration of the dose strength adjustment alters the dose strength for both the one cup of two cup dose settings. The internal coffee grinder dispenses into a portafilter that is held in a hand free support cradle. In some embodiments, the upper burr head of the grinder is retained by a bracket. The combination of upper burr head and bracket allows the upper burr head to removed and replaced without having to re-set the grind size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Psarologos Con, David Davenport, Richard Hoare
  • Patent number: 8047124
    Abstract: An automatic beverage maker is provided. The automatic beverage maker is configured for storing raw materials of various hot drinks in vacuum, grinding the raw material of a hot drink to be made into powder with a grinding module, displacing an inlet cover at an upper end of a steeping chamber with a translational transport module so as to introduce the powder of the raw material of the hot drink to be made into the steeping chamber, and guiding hot boiled water in an internal water tank to drip into the steeping chamber, thus forming a convenient hot drink making mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20110256273
    Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Ivo van Os
  • Publication number: 20110217437
    Abstract: A coffee maker has a water reservoir, an in-line water heater, a brew basket for receiving coffee grounds, a water passage between the water reservoir and the brew basket, a water level sensor located in the water reservoir, a water level indicator, and a controller in communication with the water level sensor and the water level indicator. The passage passes through the in-line water heater for delivering heated water to the brew basket. The controller activates the water level indicator in response to a signal from the water level sensor. A method of making coffee in the coffee maker includes determining, in the controller, an operating condition for a coffee bean grinder and operating the coffee bean grinder based on the operating condition to grind coffee beans and produce a quantity of ground coffee beans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SIMATELEX MANUFACTORY CO. LTD
    Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Shek Chuen Luk, Kam Ming Tsang
  • Publication number: 20110212236
    Abstract: A brewing system (100) includes a brew group (130) having a cylindrical brewing chamber (132), a first actuator (146) attached to an upper piston assembly (140) that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator (156) attached to a lower piston assembly (150) that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube (151) that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube (141) that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (100), hopper (112), water heater (11) and grinder assembly (120). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Quan Hoang Nguyen, Christopher Dalton Collier, James Michael McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20110192288
    Abstract: In order to provide a coffee machine comprising a housing that contains the components of the machine, in particular a bean container, a grinder, at least one pump, a water container, a brewing assembly, at least one heater, power electronics with mains connection, control electronics with control modules, switches, signal lamps, display, level indicator, a beverage dispenser, a cup tray, or further components, for which design variants can be obtained at as low cost as possible, it is proposed that at the housing, there is detachably attached a head section covering an upper opening of the housing or one or two side parts that cover lateral openings of the housing or a front section forming the front of the housing, or a rear section forming the rear of the housing, or a beverage dispenser or a tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus KROESEN, Marius Hilckmann, Christian Voigt
  • Patent number: 7992486
    Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Publication number: 20110185908
    Abstract: The device (9) comprises a dosing element (23) housed in a housing seat (21) equipped with an inlet (21A) for feed of the food product and with an outlet (21B) for dispensing the food product. The dosing element rotates in the housing seat and has a hollow body with an opening (23B) for feed and delivery of the food product. With rotation of the dosing element the hollow body can be taken into alignment alternatively with the inlet or with the outlet of the housing seat (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Giovanni Berto
  • Publication number: 20110094391
    Abstract: An apparatus for refilling the filter-holders of a machine for the preparation of espresso coffee with selected doses of ground coffee to order, comprising at least one machine for the preparation of espresso coffee the machine being provided with a plurality of dispensing units for the preparation of respective coffee beverages, each dispensing unit comprising a respective detachable filter-holder and a plurality of keys for selecting the beverage to be dispensed by the relative dispensing unit and at least one coffee bean grinder and metering device provided with a hopper for supplying the beans with adjustable grinding adapted to provide a desired grain size for the ground coffee. The grinder and metering device is provided with a hopper for supplying the ground coffee and with supporting means for maintaining the filter-holder of the coffee machine with respect to the supply outlet when it is being refilled with the dose of ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Roberto Erba, Davide Oresoli
  • Publication number: 20110038998
    Abstract: In the method as claimed in the invention savory substances which can be perceived by gustatory, olfactory and/or haptic means are extracted from the precursor product (24) by an automatic machine (30) and transferred into the food product (27). In doing so the extraction of the savory substances is influenced by way of user-controlled setting of at least two technical parameters of the automatic device (30) in order to produce the desired quality of the food product (27). The technical parameters (17) are set by a user-controlled electronic transmission circuit which proceeding from user-selected values of human sensory attributes (12) and based on a predetermined sensory profile (7) of the precursor product (24) controls the technical parameters (17) in production. The transmission circuit works especially according to the principle of an artificial neural network (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: René M. KOHLI
  • Patent number: 7856919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cense D'Almez S.A.
    Inventor: Luc Van Belleghem
  • Patent number: 7823500
    Abstract: This application describes a compact grinder that allows scooping particulate material to be ground (such as coffee beans), grinding the material to a controlled and consistent size, while concurrently emitting the stream of grinds directly into a receptacle, such as a coffee filter or the receptacle for an automatic coffee maker. The scoop portion of the grinder is sized to fit into the standard bags used for whole bean packaging, eliminating the need for a separate storage vessel or the need to pour the beans from their bag into the grinder. It has calibrated markings within the scoop, eliminating the need for a separate measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Arra David Yeghiayan, Douglas M. Gaus
  • Publication number: 20100260907
    Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Jens Schmalkuche, Peter Tintelnot
  • Publication number: 20100199849
    Abstract: A coffee maker is disclosed. The coffee maker includes a grinding device, a brewing device and a driving device, wherein the grinding device is used to grind coffee beans into ground coffee. The brewing device is used to receive the ground coffee transmitted from the outlet of the grinding device. The driving device is used to move the outlet of the grinding device, thereby letting an opening of the outlet selectively locate on a brewing chamber of the brewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN(CHINA) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MingChia Wu, ShengFang Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100199848
    Abstract: An automatic beverage maker is provided. The automatic beverage maker is configured for storing raw materials of various hot drinks in vacuum, grinding the raw material of a hot drink to be made into powder with a grinding module, displacing an inlet cover at an upper end of a steeping chamber with a translational transport module so as to introduce the powder of the raw material of the hot drink to be made into the steeping chamber, and guiding hot boiled water in an internal water tank to drip into the steeping chamber, thus forming a convenient hot drink making mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20100199847
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coffee machine, comprising a grinder, a stewing vessel and a water supply mechanism, the stewing vessel is connected to the water supply mechanism, and is positioned below a discharging outlet of the grinder; a filter mesh is provided in the stewing vessel which is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine; a bean chamber is provided in the grinder, and under the bean chamber is provided a grinding unit, the grinding unit comprises a bean grinding chamber in which a rotating grinding plate and a stationary grinding plate are provided, the shaft of grinding motor is connected to the rotating grinding plate, and a removable shaft coupling is provided between the shaft of grinding motor and rotating grinding plate. Since the stewing vessel is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine through a removable structure, the stewing vessel may be taken off to spill out coffee grounds after the coffee is stewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Hang Li
  • Publication number: 20100198413
    Abstract: The method for controlling a coffee machine grinder comprises one step of measuring the actual value of a physical quantity relating to the percolation process and one step of modifying the ground coffee grain size at least for the next percolation so that a possible detected deviation between the actual value and a reference value for the physical quantity is compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: DE' LONGHI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De' Longhi
  • Publication number: 20100170971
    Abstract: A device for the grinding of coffee, for instance in (semi)automatic machines for the preparation and the dispensing of drinks, comprising a housing (11), inside which are positioned at least two milling heads (19, 25) of which at least one (19) is revolving, means (2) of driving said at least one revolving milling head (19), an inlet (32) for feeding the coffee between the milling heads (19, 25) and an exit (35) for the ground coffee. Advantageously, the housing (11) and the milling heads (19, 25) internal to it are coupled to the means of driving (2) through an insert-and-lock joint (12, 13, 18, 218, 20, 120) that allows their rapid removal and reassembly without the aid of tools. Preferably the device includes means of regulating the relative distance between the milling heads and at least one sensor (S) for the measurement of such distance and/or a sensor (S1) of the speed of rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20100139494
    Abstract: A multifunctional soybean milk maker is provided. The soybean milk maker comprises: a head, a motor, a cup body, a cutter shaft, a cutting tool and a control circuit board. The head caps on the cup body. The motor is fastened and arranged in the head. The head includes an upper cover of the head and a lower cover of the head. The cutter shaft extends downwards to the cup body. The cutting tool is fastened at the front end of the cutter shaft. A connector is set on the lower part of the lower cover of the head. The connector extends into the cup body. A flow-disturbing curved body is set at the lower part of the connector. The flow-disturbing curved body is positioned above the cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: JOYOUNG COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xuning Wang, Fenghui Zuo
  • Publication number: 20100095852
    Abstract: The method for adjusting the quantity of coffee comprises the steps of: dispensing a predetermined quantity of coffee powder into an infusion chamber (36); by means of an electric actuator (19), closing said infusion chamber compressing the coffee powder in the infusion chamber. The method also provides for detection of at least one parameter of the electric actuator during at least a part of the step to close the infusion chamber and compress the-coffee powder; and setting of the quantity of coffee powder dispensed in a subsequent dispensing cycle as a function of said parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Gianni Remo, Ciro Adelmo Pilone, Riccardo Ziani
  • Publication number: 20100080886
    Abstract: The instant application describes a programmable apparatus for making coffee that includes a hopper for holding coffee beans; a grinding element for receiving the coffee beans and grinding them to produce ground coffee; and a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water. The programmable apparatus for making coffee also includes a piston for compressing the ground coffee, the piston being arranged to enter the brewing chamber at an open end thereof; an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber; and a programming element for selectively determining a quantity C of ground coffee to be combined with a quantity W of water in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber being capable of accommodating more than 14 grams of ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard HOURIZADEH
  • Publication number: 20100058931
    Abstract: The vending machine including a housing (3) provided with an openable wall (8). In said housing devices for the preparation of at least one beverage are arranged. At least some of said devices are supported by a supporting structure (11), which is pivotally arranged in said housing. Access to said devices through said openable wall is facilitated by pivoting said supporting structure around a pivoting axis (A-A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Marco Righetti
  • Publication number: 20100050881
    Abstract: The invention provides a tool (10) for use in controlling quantity of congregatable particulates, such as coffee, contained in a receptacle. The tool (10) includes support means (20) and a blade (18). The support means (20) are adapted to be supported by a wall of the receptacle. The blade (18) is for contacting an upper surface of the congregated particulates. The tool (10) is movable relative to the receptacle wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Lewis McKnight
  • Publication number: 20100037778
    Abstract: The grinding member for a device for grinding coffee comprises a grinder (9) with a grinding surface, forming a single co-molded block with a support (7) made of plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Gianni Remo
  • Publication number: 20100024657
    Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Coffee Equipment Company
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Publication number: 20100030602
    Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ROASTING PLANT, INC.
    Inventor: Michael R. Caswell
  • Patent number: 7581488
    Abstract: A coffee dispensing device is provided with a transport device (300) that couples various components for the processing of unroasted coffee beans together. For example a roaster (200) may be coupled to a grinding and brewing device (400) to enable the transfer of roasted coffee beans between the roaster and grinder/brewer. Also, the transport device may transfer the roasted coffee beans from a roaster to an output port (800) so that roasted coffee beans may be obtained. An automated coffee transaction device (ACTD) is also provided to automate aspects of the purchasing of coffee. A service delay projection calculator is also provided to estimate the expected wait time of a customer entering a queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Roasting Plant, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Caswell
  • Publication number: 20090158937
    Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: CONCORDIA COFFEE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Stearns, Ray A. Ross, David E. Isett
  • Publication number: 20090127363
    Abstract: Automatic dosage unit for dosage of a product into a collecting unit, said dosage unit comprising a grinding device, which is arranged to prepare, e.g. grind or mill, a product, and an identification device. The collecting unit comprises a handle, which is adapted to hold a container, such as a bag, and an adjustable part, and in that the identification device is arranged to identify a setting of the adjustable part of the collecting unit and on the basis of this setting dose a predetermined amount of the product into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Torben Malykke
  • Patent number: 7533602
    Abstract: For a purpose of providing a beverage manufacturing apparatus capable of quickly serving high-quality tea beverage which suits user's palate and enhancing versatility, the beverage manufacturing apparatus comprises: a tea mill for crushing leaf tea to produce crushed leaf tea; a hot water tank unit for producing hot water; an extraction container for extracting tea beverage using the crushed leaf tea and the hot water; and a microcomputer for controlling supply of the crushed leaf tea from the tea mill to the extraction container and supply of the hot water from the hot water tank unit to the extraction container based on arbitrary setting, and the extraction unit is capable of being charged with a dripper and a paper filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Fukushima, Mamoru Ittetsu, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Shigeru Togashi
  • Publication number: 20090095165
    Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Coffee Equipment Company
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Publication number: 20090056554
    Abstract: A method for counting the number of revolutions of a burr of a coffee mill driven in rotation by an electric motor. According to the method: at least one electrical parameter Pi of the motor that varies in proportion to the speed of said motor is measured in a regular time interval Ti; the speed Vi in each time interval Ti is calculated from the parameter Pi based on an experimentally obtained relation; and the number of revolutions Ni made by the burr in each time interval Ti is calculated from the speed Vi determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Mickael Beule, Gilles Lebuffe
  • Publication number: 20090056555
    Abstract: A method for measuring a quantity of coffee MNi or MTi that a grinding burr of a coffee mill driven in rotation by a motor dispenses in a predetermined number of revolutions Ni of the grinding burr or in a predetermined time interval Ti. According to the method: the average speed Vi of the grinding burr in a number of revolutions Ni or respectively in a time interval Ti is measured; and the quantity or mass MNi of coffee dispensed in the number of revolutions Ni or respectively the mass MTi of coffee dispensed in the time interval Ti is deduced as a function of the speed Vi from an experimentally obtained stored correspondence table (Vi, MNi) or (Vi, MTi).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SEB S.A
    Inventors: Mickael BEULE, Gilles LEBUFFE
  • Publication number: 20090031900
    Abstract: A coffee maker including a base, a housing, a hopper, a burr grinding assembly, and a brew basket is provided for automatic self-metered grinding and brewing of coffee. A cover is provided for the brew basket to prevent moisture from reaching the whole coffee beans in the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: JAMES R. BARRACLOUGH, DAVID J. WANAT, BARBARA L. SCHNABEL
  • Patent number: 7475628
    Abstract: In a device for dispensing milk and/or milk froth from a container (1) containing milk, this container is placed in a coolable cabinet (3). Via an extraction line (4) and a further line (5), the milk reaches an emulsifying device (6) disposed outside the coolable cabinet. The product received is dispensed from this emulsifying device (6) via the discharge nozzle (7). Steam is feedable into the emulsifying device (6) with which steam the milk conducted through the emulsifying device (6) is able to be heated up and/or frothed up. The further line (5) consists of a flexible tube which is placed in a peristaltic pump (9). This peristaltic pump (9) is equipped with switching means (10) with which the peristaltic pump (9) is switchable from a closed pump state into an open pump state releasing the passage of the flexible tube (5). Milk of different temperatures or milk froth can be optimally dispensed using this device; in addition an optimal cleaning can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: M. Schaerer AG
    Inventor: André Lüssi
  • Patent number: 7472641
    Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages is disclosed, of the type provided with a hollow frame (1) comprising a water feed unit and an assembly for preparing beverages formed of a plurality of components. The components of the assembly are disposed in a compartment closed at the front by a supporting element (5) for at least one mixing chamber (6) and at least one dispensing nozzle (7) and are supported entirely or in part by the supporting element (5). The supporting element is removably mounted with respect to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rheavendors S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 7469627
    Abstract: A coffee maker with combined milling stage and brewing stage is provided. The coffee maker includes a shaft, a brewing basket, a chopping blade and a locking mechanism. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis and is capable of being rotated about the axis. The brewing basket is adapted to receive coffee beans and hot water. The brewing basket includes a sleeve. A portion of the shaft is movably fitted within the sleeve. The brewing basket is capable of being rotated about the axis. The chopping blade is attached to an end of the shaft and positioned within the brewing basket. The locking mechanism is adapted to lock the brewing basket and unlock the brewing basket. When the brewing basket is locked, rotation of the shaft drives the chopping blade to rotate about the axis to mill the coffee beans to produce milled coffee powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Zhiping Li
  • Publication number: 20080190297
    Abstract: A coffee machine (1) a coffee grinding device (9), a brewing device (5), a brewing water source (7) and a flowmeter (8), which for the user offers a particularly simple setting of the extract content of a coffee beverage. Display device (16) is provided for displaying the flow rate acquired on the flowmeter (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
    Inventors: Jochen Gussmann, Tobias Krips, Ludwig Weinberger
  • Patent number: 7406913
    Abstract: A coffee bean roaster and a method for roasting coffee beans using the roaster are disclosed. The coffee bean roaster includes an oven having a ceramic heating plate with a gate, and a rotary sliding unit to enter the gate so as to slide into the ceramic heating plate, so that the rotary sliding unit roasts coffee beans while rolling the coffee beans and spacing the coffee beans from both the ceramic heating plate and a burner. The method for roasting coffee beans using the coffee bean roaster includes entering the rotary sliding unit containing the coffee beans into the oven through the gate so as to place the rotary sliding unit in the oven at a position spaced apart from both the ceramic heating plate and the burner, roasting the coffee beans by far-infrared radiant heat emitted from the ceramic heating plate, and reburning combustion gases, generated from the roasting of the coffee beans, by the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: HRS Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Chung
  • Publication number: 20080098901
    Abstract: A coffee grinder has a lower body with an opening for receiving coffee beans and a removable coffee bean container mounted on the lower body. The container has a discharge opening which, in situ, communicates with the opening in the body. A grinder is located in the body in communication with the opening for grinding coffee beans into smaller coffee grounds. A closure is located with the coffee bean container for selectively closing the discharge opening when required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: MAIN POWER ELECTRICAL FACTORY LTD.
    Inventor: Kwok Kay LEE
  • Patent number: 7360481
    Abstract: A roaster for roasting coffee beans includes a roasting chamber having a top and a bottom. A cover is seated on the top of the roasting chamber and a bottom of the roasting chamber is seated on a base. A hot air supply is provided in the base for supplying hot airflow into the roasting chamber for heating the coffee beans. At least one air opening is formed on the bottom for enabling the airflow to enter the roasting chamber. A wind tunnel is provided over the air opening for increasing the speed of the airflow in the roasting chamber as the airflow passes through the wind tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hearthware Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Rong Liu, Kitak Chae, Jongrok Kim