Combined Patents (Class 99/290)
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Patent number: 6862978Abstract: An espresso coffee making machine, comprising a bearing structure formed by a monolithic cradle (2), made of plastic material and equipped with fastening means and/or compartments for housing a water heating boiler, a compression and pumping group, possibly other internal components, and with a basin for collecting liquids, and by a metal frame (4) that is coupled to the monolithic cradle (2) and is arranged to support one or more coffee delivery groups, the electric and hydraulic control members of the machine and a plurality of external covering panels (28, 32, 34, 35, 36, 30) of plastics and/or metal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Rancilio Macchine per Caffe SpAInventor: Armando Fogagnolo
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Patent number: 6860992Abstract: A water treatment unit for treating water in a reservoir of a coffee maker or a container water treatment system. The water treatment unit has several particulate finely divided water treatment media therein and it includes a housing which has transverse dimensions which are substantially greater than its height to cause the water to flow through the housing and the media therein in a transverse direction. Such transverse flow results in a substantially reduced pressure drop across the media with an increased water flow rate which permits a substantial reduction in size or elimination of one of two water reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
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Patent number: 6857354Abstract: A coffee machine with an integrated coffee grinder and a powder chute, which serves the purpose of feeding ground coffee from the coffee grinder to a movable brewing cylinder, has an inlet with a manually operated lid for already ground special coffee. A sensor detects the position of the lid. The detection signal of the sensor is passed on to a processor controlling the coffee machine, and the signal is used to differentiate between a normal operating mode and an operating mode for producing special coffee. If the lid is opened for a certain minimum time span, a subsequent coffee preparation cycle in the operating mode for producing special coffee is initialized. Since, to that end, no separate pre-selection is required any longer, the operation of the coffee machine is simplified and the susceptibility to problems is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AGInventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
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Patent number: 6840157Abstract: A coffee apparatus comprises a coffee grinder which receives the coffee beans from a chamber which has a hermetically-sealed lid and a manually-operable venting valve, a sealing assembly for the outlet of the chamber, a vacuum pump capable of evacuating the chamber and a pressure switch connected to the vacuum pump and the chamber by a T-connector for turning on the pump to maintain a vacuum in the chamber when pressure in the chamber rises.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Dong Ming Wang
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Patent number: 6792847Abstract: A brewing machine suitable to deliver beverage enhancing component to a beverage precursor is described. The brewing machine may be used to dispense a ready-to-drink tea beverage having superior aroma, flavor and color characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods North America, a division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: John William Tobin, Martin John Spisak
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Patent number: 6786356Abstract: A drinks machine, in particular a coffee machine, with an entry device for solid cleaning agent, in particular in pressed form, being user-friendly and safe during cleaning, and having an automatically dosing, enclosed dosage device for the cleaning agent which includes a spout, a storage container protected from the spout, and at least one dosage unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik ABInventors: Rudi Geiger, Ewald Bauer, Peter Pulvermüller, Günther Nagel
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Patent number: 6779434Abstract: A structure for warming cups in a coffee maker includes a pot and a lid. A pivot section is provided to a heating area of the pot. An insertion hole is respectively provided on both side walls in the pivot section of the pot. Another pivot section is provided to the lid with an elastic rod sandwiched between both side walls in the pivot section of the lid. An insertion bead is respectively provided to both ends of the elastic rod to be inserted into the insertion holes in the pivot section of the heating area by taking advantage of the return force of the elastic rod.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Lundar Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tony Hsu
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Patent number: 6772675Abstract: Frozen beverage mixing unit has a hollow housing with an open bottom. A shaving disc with a cutting knife is rotationally mounted inside the housing, the shaving disc being connected to a motor. A piston moves above the shaving disc pushing a frozen product into a contact with the cutting blades of the shaving disc. A plurality of pumps deliver a pre-determined amount of a selected additive, such as alcohol, syrup, carbonated water or water, on top of the shaving disc to mix with the ice crystals created by the shaved frozen product. The additive is mixed with the shaved frozen product in a mixing container placed below the shaving disc.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: David Ervin
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Patent number: 6715405Abstract: A domestic machine for cappuccino includes a bottom vessel (A), enclosing a coffee holding funnel (B), screwed to a top container (C) provided with seal, filter and a central tube (D), for the upflow of the coffee, on which there is slidably put an outer tube (E) of greater diameter so as to obtain an interspace between the two tubes (D, E), the bottom end of the outer tube (E) carrying a filter (M) to emulsify the milk through a rapid reciprocating motion while the top end is closed by an automatic-opening valve (F) which puts the vessel (A) in communication with the outside when the machine begins to cool down.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Metallurgica Lux di Sgarbi & Chiozzi S.r.l.Inventor: Rino Guaraldi
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Patent number: 6705208Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a brew basket sensor (48) that senses when the brew basket is fully mounted to a brew basket mount (38) to enable initiation of a brew cycle. A controller 14 responds to the brew basket sensor (48) and internal programming that times the brew cycle including the drip period to actuate an automatic remote controlled brew basket lock (50) to lock the brew basket to the mount (38) during the entire brew cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigiew G. Lassota
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Publication number: 20040025704Abstract: A structure for warming cups in a coffee maker includes a pot and a lid. A pivot section is provided to a heating area of the pot. An insertion hole is respectively provided on both side walls in the pivot section of the pot. Another pivot section is provided to the lid with an elastic rod sandwiched between both side walls in the pivot section of the lid. An insertion bead is respectively provided to both ends of the elastic rod to be inserted into the insertion holes in the pivot section of the heating area by taking advantage of the return force of the elastic rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Tony Hsu
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Publication number: 20040000237Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
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Patent number: 6622614Abstract: The present invention is a convenient, aesthetically pleasing, multi-purpose container/beverage infuser that allows a user to store and brew beverages such as tea. The device includes a base container for storing the loose tea leaves prior to brewing. A lid is provided to seal the container so that the tea leaves may be preserved during storage. An infuser is removably attached to the base container. The infuser is shaped so that that it may be inverted over a drinking container and receive a predetermined amount of fresh tea leaves to be steeped. Clips are coupled to the infuser so that the infuser may be retained in the inverted position over the drinking container during the brewing process. A cap is placed on top of the infuser when assembled and may be invertedly placed on a stable surface to hold the infuser after use to prevent excess dripping.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Tazo Tea CompanyInventor: Steven D. Smith
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Patent number: 6606937Abstract: A self-heating urn (10) is provided with a warmer packs (18) which are rapidly heated during the brewing process and then gradually release their heat to the brewed beverage within the urn after it is removed from the brewing location to a serving location at which electrical powered for heating is not available. The warmer pack (18) are formed of ceramic materials, high density liquids, PCM's or the like which are capable of being rapidly heated during the brewing process but then gradually release their heat to the beverage in the urn. Alternatively, the warmer packs (18) are removably mounted within a compartment (68) within the self-heating urn (10) and are heated apart from the brewing process and then inserted into the self-heating urn (10) when it is moved to a serving location.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Patent number: 6595106Abstract: Espresso coffee capsules (2, 2a) having an essentially rotationally symmetric shape, especially the frustum of a right cone, being fitted and slide into an essentially cylindrical magazine tube (1) of a magazine which can be set up vertically. The espresso coffee capsules can be stacked in the magazine tube (1). The magazine tube (1) has a removal opening (4) at the bottom, allowing the espresso coffee capsules to be removed. The magazine tube (1) has, at the top (5), an insertion guide (6) that has a side insertion opening (7) so that the espresso coffee capsules can be inserted simply and exactly into the magazine tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AGInventor: Arthur Eugster
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Patent number: 6595107Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler
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Patent number: 6595445Abstract: A coffee grinder assembly with a housing containing a pair of hoppers for containing coffee beans with a pair of hopper outlet chutes, or grinding chamber inlet chutes for feeding beans into a grinding chamber where the beans are ground by powered grinding discs or blades and then passed to a removable brew basket via an outlet chute with an outlet end that is in communication with a negative ion generator that ionizes the air in the outlet chute through which the ground coffee and chaff pass on their way to the brew basket to electrically neutralize the chaff to reduce chaff dispersion due to electrostatic repulsion of positively charged chaff.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Fagan, Marek K. Kwiatkowski, Wit Gavin Niesiolowski
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Patent number: 6581511Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of dry products simply, reliably, accurately and with an appropriate amount of care so that the product being dispensed is not unduly damaged. The present invention includes a plurality of hoppers, and so is capable of dispensing more than one type of product without forcing the user to go through a reloading step.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Romar LLCInventors: Anthony M. Cusenza, Tarik Hassane
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Patent number: 6470793Abstract: A wheeled coffee maker device for allowing a user to more easily move the coffee maker about upon a countertop. The wheeled coffee maker device includes a conventional coffee-making unit including a base housing, a heating plate mounted upon a top of the base housing, a coffee-making housing being disposed above the base housing, a coffee pot, and a filter member being removably attached to the coffee-making housing; and also includes a wheel assembly being mounted to a bottom of the base housing; and further includes non-slippage support members being securely attached to the bottom of the base housing to prevent the coffee-making unit from uncontrolled rolling; and also includes a handle being securely attached to the base housing to facilitate rolling of the coffee-making unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Sidney R. Vogt
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Patent number: 6453799Abstract: Provided is a cup-beverage automatic vending machine which can supply beverages in a sanitary manner by additionally installing an apparatus for generating functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water in a high concentration to a conventional automatic vending machine. The automatic vending machine includes a water supplier for supplying drinking water, a plurality of ingredient containers for storing beverage ingredients, a mixing tub for mixing the drinking water supplied from the water supplier and the beverage ingredients supplied from the ingredient containers, a discharge duct through which the mixed beverage is discharged, and a functional water generator for generating functional water in the water supplier by facing electrodes provided to operate in water.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: EcoAid Corp.Inventor: Dong Heon Kown
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Publication number: 20020130137Abstract: The present invention dispenses hot coffee or other beverage by the cup at a selected temperature, which can be varied from cup-to-cup. The beverage is brewed in a conventional way, and in one embodiment is stored in a conventional holding tank at elevated temperature. The holding tank communicates with two smaller reservoirs. A quantity of beverage is stored in a first reservoir at an elevated temperature, at or above the maximum desired dispensing temperature. A second quantity of beverage is cooled and stored in a second reservoir at a lower temperature, at or below the minimum desired dispensing temperature. When a cup of beverage is to be dispensed, the temperature is selected, and a quantity of beverage is dispensed from each of the reservoirs, proportioned so that the resulting dispensed beverage is at the selected temperature. In another embodiment, the first reservoir is omitted, and beverage from the holding tank provides the elevated temperature beverage for mixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald
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Patent number: 6439105Abstract: A holder is used with a beverage making apparatus to make a beverage, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea. The holder retains a quantity of substance which can be used to make a beverage which is thereafter deposited into one of two reservoirs. This allows different flavors, or regular and decaffeinated coffee, to be served from the apparatus. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough for allowing liquids to flow through the holder, and first and second handles attached to the body. The first handle and the second handle are offset from each other. A first magnet is associated with the first handle and has its north and south poles in first orientation. A second magnet is associated with the second handle and has its north and south poles in second orientation which is generally opposite the first orientation. The apparatus includes a housing on which the holder can be mounted in various directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Publication number: 20020083842Abstract: Provided is a cup-beverage automatic vending machine which can supply beverages in a sanitary manner by additionally installing an apparatus for generating functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water in a high concentration to a conventional automatic vending machine. The automatic vending machine includes a water supplier for supplying drinking water, a plurality of ingredient containers for storing beverage ingredients, a mixing tub for mixing the drinking water supplied from the water supplier and the beverage ingredients supplied from the ingredient containers, a discharge duct through which the mixed beverage is discharged, and a functional water generator for generating functional water in the water supplier by facing electrodes provided to operate in water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Dong Heon Kown
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Patent number: 6401729Abstract: An apparatus is used for making a beverage and for rinsing or cleaning a pair of reservoirs in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir associated therewith, a controller in communication with the fluid reservoir, structure for selectively passing fluid from the fluid reservoir to at least one outlet on the housing, and first and second reservoirs mounted in the housing. A holder can be mounted on said the housing. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough, and a conduit provided therethrough. The conduit is spaced from the drain hole. When the holder is mounted on the housing, the drain hole is positioned over one of the reservoirs and the conduit is located over the other of the reservoirs. The controller controls the flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the holder. Fluid flows from the water reservoir to the holder through drain hole into the one reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 6393966Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler
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Patent number: 6357342Abstract: An electric coffee maker is mounted on a platform which is rotatably supported by a frame that can be fixed by ears “under-a-cabinet” in a kitchen, above a worktop. The principal components (a carafe a water reservoir, and a filter holder are confined in a relatively small cylindrical cavity defined by the platform, the support frame, upstanding walls and arcuate slidable doors. Because the platform can be rotated either by an electric motor or manually, the components are easily accessible and removable out of ‘front’ of the cavity. Compared to known equivalent coffee makers, this coffee maker also requires considerably less space.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chi-Wah Leung
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Patent number: 6357345Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of dry products simply, reliably, accurately and with an appropriate amount of care so that the product being dispensed is not unduly damaged. The present invention includes a plurality of hoppers, and so is capable of dispensing more than one type of product without forcing the user to go through a reloading step.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Romar LLCInventors: Anthony M. Cusenza, Luca Mainieri, Clark Foster
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Patent number: 6339985Abstract: An automated coffee making process that uses a multi-stage combination coffee brewer and grinder that produces coffee of superb aroma and taste. The coffee making process is controlled by the consumer by means of a control panel located on the front of the coffee maker. Using the control panel, the consumer can select the time the coffee making process begins and the strength of the coffee prepared. The coffee making process is a closed loop cyclic process comprising a coffee making cycle and a self-cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle cleans the filter and the cooking section of the coffee maker which ensures a delicious cup of coffee every time. The coffee maker comprises a motor section, a can section, a grinding section, a cooking section, and a pot section. The freshly prepared coffee is brewed in the cooking section. After a period of time that is selected by the consumer, the coffee residing in the cooking section is discarded, the coffee maker is cleaned, and freshly brewed coffee is prepared.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Inventor: Robert R. Whitney
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Patent number: 6330850Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the on demand preparation of beverages or sauces from water-dispersible foodstuffs. The device includes one or more pressing units that urge one or more solid refills of a water-dispersible foodstuff towards one or more abrading devices so that the refill contacts the abrading device and the abrading device abrades the refill to provide an amount of powdered foodstuff that is collected in a collector and combined with water to provide the beverage. The invention also relates to a refills for use in the device of the invention and a process for manufacturing the refills.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Meinrad Rosse
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Patent number: 6330849Abstract: A stand for an electric pot has a support extending out from a peripheral edge of a base of the stand and a plate integrally formed with the support and being adapted to receive and support cups on the plate. When the water within the electric pot is boiled, the cups that go with the pot can simultaneously be heated for sanitary purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Ming-Hui Chao
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Publication number: 20010050004Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing cold or iced beverages comprises a plurality of beverage-containing tanks (11). Each tank is provided with an evaporator (12) for a refrigerating circuit and a mixer (13). The evaporators are connected with one and the same compressor (15) by means of connection and controlled-shutoff valves (16). The machine comprises a control system (22) receiving information (23, 24) about the temperature and/or density of the beverage in each tank and sending enable or cut-off signals respectively to the valves (16), which signals are distributed cyclically and in time so as to have a sequential enable of the valves themselves. In each enable sequence each valve is enabled for a time which is a function of the difference between the temperature and/or density detected in the associated tank and the predetermined density and/or temperature to be reached in such a tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2001Publication date: December 13, 2001Applicant: Ugolini S.p.A.Inventor: Giancarlo Ugolini
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Patent number: 6324965Abstract: A bypass chute is included with a bulk ingredient beverage brewer/dispenser such that bypass chute accepts an alternative ingredient directly from a user. In conventional operation, a bulk ingredient is moved through a guide and into a brew device chamber for brewing. However, in a bypass mode, an alternative ingredient is introduced into the bypass chute by the user and the bulk ingredient is not used.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: Spencer Star
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Patent number: 6321638Abstract: A coffee machine assembly is designed to be received in a kitchen furnishing. For this purpose, the front area of the coffee machine assembly is built as an integral part of a front plate member of the kitchen furnishing. The front area of the coffee machine assembly extends but over a portion of a front plate member of the kitchen furnishing. Thus, additional space is available for a receiving area for receiving items as, for example, coffee cups. Preferably, the receiving area is located besides the coffee machine and provided with subdivisions in vertical direction. The coffee machine itself is designed as a compact unit and is placed, for example, on an extendable unit. Moreover, at least a portion of the receiving area could be heated.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Fianara International B.V.Inventor: Arthur Schmed
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Publication number: 20010035097Abstract: A distributor for a coffee machine and a method for making coffee with options for selected quantity and types of coffee to be served are disclosed. The distributor has three fluid passages and operable between first and second positions. In the first position a first passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a first hopper to be delivered to a first brewer or a second passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from a second hopper to be delivered to a second brewer. In the second position a third passage is adapted to receive a water and coffee mixture from either selected one of the first and second hoppers to be distributed substantial-equally to the first and second brewers. The invention provides a simple distribution system for the coffee machine with options for selected quantities and types of coffee. The invention also advantageously makes it possible to quickly serve a freshly brewed coffee with a selected quantity and type.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Gad Shaanan, Walter Francovich
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Patent number: 6298769Abstract: A table-top coffee vending machine providing slide-out storage containers for easy filling and removal, a compact fast acting coffee brewing system and a filter paper cutting and storage system. A plurality of storage containers for ground coffee, hot chocolate ingredient and condiment are provided in a rack system that allows the group of containers to be slid out of the machine cabinet on telescoping rails to allow easy filling and removal of the containers. The brewing method includes simultaneously supplying water and coffee grounds to a brewer, stopping the supply of both, allowing the mixture to steep and then beginning to remove the mixture from the brewer while reinitiating the supply of water to the brewer for a sufficient time to supply a complete cup of coffee at a cup station. The filter paper cutter cuts lengths of paper from a continuous supply of filter paper after it is used in the brewer to filter the coffee.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Crane Co.Inventors: Gregory Glen Stettes, Pieter Wilhelmus Werner Bouwkamp, Frank W. Krockenberger
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Patent number: 6286416Abstract: A coffee-making apparatus for making normal coffee has a steam boiler (7) for generating steam for making cappuccino. The coffee-making apparatus has only one water reservoir (1) for making the coffee and for filling the steam boiler. The boiler has a venting valve (12) for automatically venting the boiler when the boiler is filled with cold water from the water reservoir. The influx of cold water into the boiler causes a sensor (12) to cool down, thereby opening a vent opening. With this apparatus it is possible to make coffee and steam for a second time, directly after making a cup of coffee and steam for the first time.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Sijtze Van Der Meer
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Patent number: 6286415Abstract: An otherwise conventional automatic-chip coffee maker has a glass carafe made with an inner layer and an outer layer separated by an air gap. Openable apertures allow hot air to enter the air gap when the carafe is supported on a base. The hot air is supplied from a heating coil by a fan and flows into the air gap. During preparation of coffee the hot air can be used to initially heat up the carafe, to brew coffee in the carafe and to keep the coffee warm.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chi Wah Leung
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Publication number: 20010013524Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler
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Patent number: 6272973Abstract: A diffuser is provided on a beverage supply tube having a beverage supply valve. Air bubbles formed in the beverage in the final stage of filtration for extraction are removed from the beverage, and only the gas is passed through the beverage supply tube, whereby the tube is air-blown. Thereafter, the beverage remaining in the diffuser is drained through a drain tube. A pair of electrodes are provided on the beverage supply tube which leads the extracted beverage to the serving cup portion, in order to detect the presence and absence of the beverage based on the conduction caused by the beverage between the electrodes. An air pipe for supplying air to the extraction chamber from an air pump is provided with a branch, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure within the extraction chamber during the filtration is attached to the branch.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Fukushima, Yukihide Mochida, Kazuhiro Uehara
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Patent number: 6253662Abstract: This invention relates to a drip-type coffee makers or machine having an integrated storage compartment for unused paper cone-type coffee filters.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Steve Terry Zelson
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Patent number: 6240830Abstract: A counter top appliance is placed on a mobile base to allow for the relocation of the appliance on a counter. The base includes a set of wheels and a set of bumpers. The wheels are used to move the base by lifting the bumpers off the counter surface. The bumpers are used to maintain the base in a stationary position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Joseph P. Goldston
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Patent number: 6240832Abstract: An assembly for feeding packed portions of coffee powder to a brewing unit is provided by the present invention. That assembly has a brewing chamber and a magazine adapted to receive the coffee portion to be brewed. The magazine is rotatable and adapted to receive a plurality of cartridges, each containing a coffee portion. Further, there is provided a device for individually feeding the coffee portions into the brewing unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Fianara International B.V.Inventors: Arthur Schmed, Heinz Züllig
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Patent number: 6237468Abstract: Vapor evaporated from plural mixing bowls are absorbed and exhausted by a box shaped vapor-exhausting chamber. The vapor-exhausting chamber is composed of an upper casing, a lower casing, and a panel provided with plural through-holes inserted between the upper and lower casings. The panel equalizes negative pressure applied to the plural mixing bowls, and functions as a filter for separating powdery material from vapor by making powdery material adhere to the panel. The powdery material-accumulated panel can be removed by disassembling the vapor-exhausting chamber, and cleaned up.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Erikawa
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Patent number: 6227101Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee comprises a chassis engaging an electronic power and control circuit, a water heater, a coffee brewing tray adapted for receiving a coffee packet, a coffee pot supporting shelf, a control panel adapted for receiving manual selections for operating the apparatus, an electrical interlock adapted for sensing the presence of a coffee pot on the coffee pot supporting shelf. An electrical interlocking scheme is adapted for sensing when the coffee pot is present and when it is full, the temperature and level of water in the water heater, and when a restraining handle is in place.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventors: Masoud Rabadi, Yong S. Chu, Won Lee
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Patent number: 6202541Abstract: An apparatus for making drinks such as filtered water, coffee, espresso or tea which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee and a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water passageway, a containing chamber for receiving the filtered water, and a valve in the water passageway for closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the containing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Houseware Technology GroupInventor: Edward Z. Cai
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Patent number: 6199472Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparer (11), in particular a coffee machine, with a first beverage region for the preparation of first and second beverages, with a second beverage region for the preparation of third beverages, and with a pressure-raising stage (M11) to generate a first liquid pressure, such that in a first operating mode in the first beverage region the first beverages, in particular pressurized coffee, can be prepared at the first liquid pressure and such that in a second operating mode in the first beverage region second beverages, in particular brewed coffee, can be prepared at a second, lower liquid pressure. The pressure-raising stage (M11) on its output side is connected to the input (I2) of the second beverage region by way of a pressure reducer (D11).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Palux AGInventor: Hansdieter Greiwe
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Patent number: 6192785Abstract: An automatic dispenser of frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee received from refrigerated milk and pre-made liquid coffee containers that selectively delivers cold and hot Italian-style coffees, such as, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and other. The refrigeration mechanism is based in Peltier effect and has a chamber to store the milk and pre-made liquid containers which are accessible to a user. The heating mechanism includes a hot water tank and cone-shaped heat exchanger assemblies to heat the frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee, respectively. The milk and pre-made liquid coffee are drawn by two separate pumps through fluid conduits from the refrigerated containers to the air valves to be frothed. If a user selects hot beverage, the flow is directed to the heat exchanger and then discharged through a nozzle to a cap. If a user selects cold beverage, the flow is directed to the nozzle to be discharged to the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventors: Roberto Trida, GianCarlo DeBattisti
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Patent number: 6182555Abstract: A brewing machine freshly brews a single-serving of coffee or tea to be served hot or cold. The machine preferably includes a housing assembly, with a window therein to permit the viewing of the brewing of a fresh serving of coffee or tea, a water supply, a dry coffee or tea storage area, a brewer, and a flavor additive storage area. The coffee or tea is preferably brewed in a condensed form which becomes diluted to drinking strength by the addition of hot or cool water, and/or by the addition of hot or cool flavorings. The cool drink can subsequently be served over ice to provide a cold serving of iced coffee or tea. Mixing the various ingredients to obtain the final cup of coffee or tea preferably occurs in the user's cup. Preferred methods of making a freshly brewed single-serving of coffee or tea are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Red River Tea CompanyInventors: Rick Scheer, Jeff Farris
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Patent number: 6155158Abstract: An automatic beverage brewing apparatus is described. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a controllable brewing device and a controllable brewing substance dispenser communicating with the brewing device. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a housing in which at least one receptacle is retained proximate the brewing device for receiving brewed beverage from the brewing device. A plurality of controllable dispense valves are provided for controlling the flow of brewed beverage from the brewing device to the receptacles. Each receptacle includes a controllable outlet valve for automatically dispensing brewed beverage from the receptacle and a controllable disposal valve for automatically emptying the receptacle of brewed beverage. Each receptacle is supported on a weight sensing device which generates a weight control signal relating to the weight of brewed beverage retained in the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: James H. Anson
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Patent number: 6135009Abstract: A beverage brewing system includes a brewer (30) and a serving cart assembly (62, 70) having a cart (74) for supporting a serving dispenser (64) for rolling movement and having cart guide members (68A, 68A') cooperating with brew cycle members (66A, 66A') to guide the serving cart assembly into proper alignment with an inlet nozzle of dispenser beneath a beverage outlet (60) of the brewer (30) for direct receipt of freshly brewed beverage into the dispenser (66).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota