Pressure-vacuum Or Reflex Type Patents (Class 99/292)
-
Patent number: 11304554Abstract: A method of brewing a beverage using a beverage maker having a brew container, a first cylindrical section having a first diameter and a second section attached to the first cylindrical section having a portion with a second greater diameter; a liquid reservoir; a liquid delivery system to deliver the liquid to the brew container; a plunger assembly having a filter portion to filter the substance to produce the beverage from the liquid and a gasket to form a seal between the plunger assembly and an inner wall of the brew container in the first cylindrical section. As the plunger assembly is raised through the liquid a vacuum is formed between the plunger assembly and the bottom of the brew container and the filter traps and separates the substance to produce the beverage from the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: CAFFEINE INNOVATIONS, LLCInventor: Tyler Elias
-
Patent number: 11166587Abstract: A device for delivering a liquid heated to a desired temperature under pressure in a microwave oven comprises a first chamber adapted to receive and hold a first volume of a liquid, a second chamber adapted to receive and hold a second volume of the liquid, a vapor flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a liquid/vapor flow path from the second chamber to a destination outside of the second chamber. When the liquid in the first chamber reaches its boiling point and at least partially turns into a gas, at least a portion of the gas flows through the vapor flow path from the first chamber into the second chamber, thereby increasing a pressure in the second chamber. The increased pressure in the second chamber forces the liquid in the second chamber through the liquid/vapor flow path and out of the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Inventor: Peter C. Van Davelaar
-
Patent number: 10624491Abstract: A vacuum brewed beverage apparatus for effectively cooling or heating the beverage after it has been vacuumed brewed. The vacuum brewed beverage apparatus includes a control assembly; a container assembly including a container removably supported by the control assembly and capable of holding liquid and a brewed product; and a brew assembly including a brewing chamber removably supported by the control assembly and being in operable communication with the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventor: Michael Anthony Valiquette, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10517314Abstract: A cold-brew coffee brewing system has a brew tank assembly supported in an elevated position by a tank support structure. A fluid-permeable support structure is removable from below the interior volume of a tank body for accessing the interior volume to remove used coffee grounds. A swing arm assembly supported by the tank support structure facilitates convenient support and movement of the fluid permeable support structure under a load of used coffee grounds in the interior volume of the tank body. A cold-brewing method for preparing cold-brew coffee may use the cold-brew coffee brewing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Gunga, LLCInventor: Raymond K. Buerger
-
Patent number: 10390650Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting Dutch coffee and an apparatus thereof, and more particularly, to a method for extracting Dutch coffee, which can exactly control a speed of extraction of Dutch coffee and an amount of coffee to be extracted by supplying water during a predetermined time repeatedly at regular time intervals in each step, can always provide Dutch coffee of a constant concentration to consumers by uniformly distributing water to a filtering container, and can provide a rich aroma of Dutch coffee by collecting the aroma of Dutch coffee not to dissipate, and an apparatus thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: ONEDUTCH CO., LTD.Inventor: Sung Kyun Shin
-
Patent number: 9962033Abstract: A device associable with a steam dispensing nozzle of a coffee machine for the production of a milk-based beverage including a milk container fitted with a lid in which there is incorporated a mixing device having a mixing chamber a channel for the inflow of steam into the mixing chamber, a channel for the inflow of milk into the mixing chamber, a channel for the inflow of air into the mixing chamber, and a channel for dispensing the beverage produced in the mixing chamber. The air inflow channel, the milk inflow channel, the steam inflow channel and the dispensing channel can be made in one piece of elastically deformable rubber.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: DE'LONGHI APPLIANCES S.R.L.Inventors: Giuseppe De'Longhi, Enrico Zaratin, Francesca Certossi
-
Patent number: 9801494Abstract: A capsule adapter (1) is described, for use in a beverage producing machine. The capsule adapter comprises: a capsule receptacle (3) for housing a capsule (C) and having an apertured bottom wall (3B); a first piercer (19) arranged in the capsule receptacle (3); a cover (5) for closing the capsule receptacle (3), the cover having at least one water-inlet port (37); a second piercer (27) arranged on the cover (5). The capsule adapter is configured for being introduced in a brewing chamber of a beverage producing machine, with a capsule housed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Andrea Castellani
-
Patent number: 9756975Abstract: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Arsum Elektrikli Ev Aletleri San Ve Tic. A.S.Inventor: Ersoy Atilla
-
Patent number: 9681772Abstract: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: ARZUM ELEKTRIKLI EV ALETLERI SAN, VE TIC. A.S.Inventor: Ersoy Atilla
-
Patent number: 9402503Abstract: The invention is an improvement of the filter unit in beverage makers. Said filter unit comprises a filter insert and a filter lock, can be placed as a whole onto and removed from the brewing container, and at the same time ensures good sealing of all components. For improved handling, the brewing chamber can be filled and closed outside of the beverage-maker, wherein the particularly large depth of the filter insert offers significant assistance. Closing the brewing chamber by means of the filter closure prevents the beverage base material from oozing out due to a ring engaging in the filter insert and additionally ensures its adequate sealing. By widening the brewing chamber, the beverage-making machine provides a consistent quality of the beverages with of different fill levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventors: Hendrik Meyl, Frank Templin, Bernd Spleiss
-
Patent number: 8960181Abstract: Solar heat collector, especially an evacuated-tube solar heat collector, filled with first solid heat storage and conducting material transfers the solar heat to an electric power heat insulated utensil through second heat conducting/transferring material for cooking foods and making coffee/tea. A set of solar cooking appliance having a solar heat collector filed with a first solid heat storage and conducting material and a solar cooking range filled with third solid heat storage and conducting material. The solar cooking range having a heat insulated enclosed compartment and also having a cooktop. The cooking range having a set of cooking chambers which are in thermal contact with the first and second heat storage and conducting material for cooking food therein. The cooking appliance also has a group of removable parts that cover the cooking chambers separately. An electric power heater provides a backup energy source and electric heat storage.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Huazi Lin
-
Patent number: 8739689Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel which heats the liquid of the corresponding vessel, a filter assembly disposed within the vessel operable to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered beverage from the base of the brew vessel. Some embodiments include one or more valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel, and a filter operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent flavor base from the system. Some embodiments include processor control of the system, allowing for operation tailored to individual user requirements that might be downloaded to the processor through various wired and non-wired interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Alpha Dominiche Ltd.Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith
-
Patent number: 8733230Abstract: Devices for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage. One device includes a housing, pump, pump support for securing the pump to the housing, a rigid duct that is connected by an elastic sealing member to the housing and to an inlet or outlet of the pump. The pump support includes an elastic support member for resiliently supporting the pump chamber in the housing. Another device includes a pre-suction chamber connected to a liquid inlet of a pump and being designed to intermittently provide liquid to said liquid inlet. A further device includes a connector of at least one elastic sealing member designed to absorb vibrations from a pump of the device and to enable a relative movement of a duct and a liquid inlet or outlet of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Leo Bühler, Stefan Etter, Thomas Hodel, Renzo Moser, Michael Meier
-
Patent number: 8475860Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. In one embodiment, the method includes prewetting the substance in the cell by filling liquid in the cell and rotating the cell at a first rotational speed; and then extracting the liquid comestible from the cell in an extraction phase which comprises continuing to fill liquid into the cell and rotating the cell at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. The invention also discloses a cell for use in these methods which cell includes a filter for preventing solids from being carried by gas during the gas purge.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Ryser
-
Publication number: 20130156903Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end. A steam chamber is disposed below the brew chamber. The steam chamber has a steam chamber upper end, a steam chamber lower end in fluid communication with the brew chamber, and a fluid inlet. A filtering base is removably inserted into the brew chamber. A boiler has a first steam outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. A fresh water supply conduit is in fluid communication with boiler and with the fluid inlet. A method of brewing a beverage is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Shoshana Loeb
-
Publication number: 20130133521Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventor: Dean J. Vastardis
-
Patent number: 8387516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: D. Michael Reynolds
-
Publication number: 20120093990Abstract: An espresso maker and method of producing espresso, the espresso maker having a chamber to receive hot water and a coffee filter pod, the water and filter pod in the chamber being pressurized by an outside source of compressed gas to approximately 15 bar. The hot water is allowed to contact the filter pod for a short time prior to pressurization, and the chamber is maintained at the desired raised pressure for a short time after pressurization prior to opening of a manually operated release valve to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod and into a container, the release valve being adjustable as to flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: James P. Shrader, Soren G. Brockdorf
-
Publication number: 20110174161Abstract: In a drink preparation machine, particularly espresso machine, with a height adjustable drink outflow unit (6) disposed on the front side of a machine housing front wall (3), a machine housing front wall (3) having an opening (4) extending in height adjustment direction (5) through which opening (4) a drink supply pipe (22, 36) extends. In the machine housing (2) at least one masking band (8) is disposed behind the opening (4). The masking band (8) is connected to the drink outflow unit (6) and masks on the inside of the machine housing front wall (3) one section (41, 42) each of the opening (4) not covered on the outside. At least one deflection section (25?, 28) of the masking band (8) is deflected away from the inner side of the machine housing front wall (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Walter Brändle, Fritz Forrer, Lars Birke
-
Publication number: 20110107920Abstract: Devices for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage. One device includes a housing, pump, pump support for securing the pump to the housing, a rigid duct that is connected by an elastic sealing member to the housing and to an inlet or outlet of the pump. The pump support includes an elastic support member for resiliently supporting the pump chamber in the housing. Another device includes a pre-suction chamber connected to a liquid inlet of a pump and being designed to intermittently provide liquid to said liquid inlet. A further device includes a connector of at least one elastic sealing member designed to absorb vibrations from a pump of the device and to enable a relative movement of a duct and a liquid inlet or outlet of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Leo Bühler, Stefan Etter, Thomas Hodel, Renzo Moser, Michael Meier
-
Publication number: 20110097466Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Dean J. Vastardis
-
Patent number: 7861646Abstract: A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventor: Robert H. Bockbrader
-
Publication number: 20100175561Abstract: The invention relates to a refillable multi-dose container (1) for storing a flowable product comprising: —a tank (2) with a top opened extremity (3), —means (4) for closing the top opened extremity (3) of the tank (2), said means being openable by exercising contact pressure on them and closable by stopping contact pressure on them. The invention relates too to a machine comprising such a multi-dose container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Lucio Scorrano, Dieter Falk
-
Patent number: 7654193Abstract: A non-electric drip style coffee maker including a pot member having each of a handle member and a pouring spout. A basket like member for holding a filter having ground coffee disposed therein. Such basket like member includes at least one aperture formed through a bottom surface thereof for allowing freshly brewed coffee to pass therethrough and into such pot member. A generally hollow hot water reservoir having apertures formed through a bottom surface thereof and a predetermined diameter opening adjacent a top thereof is provided. There is a lid member having a predetermined size which will enable such lid member to cover both the opening in such hot water reservoir and the opening in such pot member. The lid member includes a grip member connected to an outer surface thereof for ease of placing and removing such lid.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Inventors: William J. Pepper, Eileen Dubreuil
-
Publication number: 20080295700Abstract: A coffee percolator having a vertical axis, and wherein a pressurized-hot-water dispensing assembly has a bottom outlet facing a top surface of a fixed annular body supporting a percolating cup, which engages the annular body removably and is connected to the annular body by a bayonet joint defined partly by at least one sloping surface formed on the top surface of the annular body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2005Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: SGL ITALIA S.R.L.Inventor: Virginio Cortese
-
Patent number: 7458316Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for brewing coffee, which includes a housing having an inner chamber for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally surrounding the inner chamber, for receiving water, and an electrically powered coil for heating the water contained in the water reservoir. A brew valve is positioned above the inner chamber for supporting coffee grounds, the brew valve being rotatable between a first inactive position and a second active position for brewing coffee. Heated water is directed from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds to brew coffee. and to the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventor: Joseph Scelza
-
Patent number: 7270049Abstract: An improved brewing assembly for a coffee percolator and a coffee percolator using the same. The brewing assembly includes a filter basket, a pump tube and a cover. The filter basket has an open top, a perforated bottom, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The pump tube is attached to the filter basket and engages the filter basket such that the pump tube is removed when the filter basket is removed. The cover has a top, a handle, and an open bottom defined by a sidewall. The sidewall of the cover includes both a means for engaging the container such that the cover remains attached to the container when the container is tipped to pour coffee through the pouring spout, and means for engaging the filter basket such that the brewing assembly remains attached to the cover when the cover is removed from the container after coffee is brewed.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Lawrence M. Butt
-
Patent number: 7104185Abstract: A vacuum coffee maker comprises a first vessel for receiving water to be heated and brewed coffee and a second vessel for receiving coffee grounds and brewing coffee therein. The first vessel has an opening in it and a fluid passage from the opening to a lower potion of the vessel. The second vessel having an opening in it. A base for receiving the first vessel is provided with a heater. A platform supports the second vessel above the first vessel. Engagement means releasably brings together the opening in the first vessel and the opening in the second vessel for fluid communication between the first and second vessels.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Chi Chung Fung, Shek Chuen Luk
-
Patent number: 7056371Abstract: A liquid cleaning device comprises a vessel (1), a bottom plate (3), a heating device and a tubular riser (12) arranged in the vessel for heated liquid ascending through the riser, the heated liquid from the upper, open end of the riser running back through force of gravity down and outside of the riser to be reheated and ascend agains through the riser, and so on. The vessel—61) is cylindrical and substantially its entire base (17) can be heated by means of the heating device (171). A plurality of discs (51–54) of equal size are arranged in the upper part of the vessel (1), said discs having a central aperture (510) for the riser (12) and a plurality of small holes (511) distributed uniformly across the entire surface of the discs and provided with drip edges (5110). A distributor (14) is arranged at the upper, open end of the riser (12) to distribute the hot liquid coming out of the ruser uniformly over the uppermost disc (51).Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: HVR Water Purification ABInventors: Lars Mossberg, Aapo Saask
-
Patent number: 7032506Abstract: An electric beverage maker includes a lower, water boiling vessel, a funnel extending into the lower vessel and having an upper compartment for receiving a beverage, and an upper vessel mounted over the funnel to receive water which has passed up the funnel through the compartment, and from which the beverage is dispensed. The lower vessel is formed with an opening in its lower region, which is closed by a thick film electric heater. The heater is controlled by a control which operates to disable the heater until such time as the control is reset manually by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Strix LimitedInventors: Michael James Scott, Steven Ashton, Simon Richard Johnston
-
Patent number: 6973870Abstract: The invention consists of a microwave oven driven milk boiling device, which serves to boil natural milk, powdered milk, or similar beverages, or to make chocolate milk, cappuccino or coffee with powdered milk, or even to boil water, all under pressure. In addition, it is useful to serve directly to the table. The milk is boiled in the lower container, which has a safety valve, and conveyed to another container above the boiling container. The milk or other beverage may be boiled within a period of 2 minutes, depending on the microwave oven used.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Helio Vieira Alves
-
Patent number: 6968774Abstract: A coffee-maker is disclosed. It comprises a lid (30) which closes an upper part (10) with an upper chamber. A rising pipe (14) extends into the upper chamber. This pipe has at least one lateral opening (15) in an upper end region. In order to avoid splashing of liquid coming out of the rising pipe (14), a downwardly extending splash guard (34) is present on the lid (30), which guard covers the at least one opening (15) of the rising pipe (14) laterally when the lid (30) is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: PI-Design AGInventor: Jørgen Bodum
-
Patent number: 6948419Abstract: A coffee maker includes a body provided with a water storing space and a handle, and a heater positioned under the water storing space. The heater is made of an insulating plate and an electrically heating film formed on a lower surface of the insulating plate. Then the heat generated by the electrically heating film heats up the water in the water storing space of the body for making coffee.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventors: Huang Chuan Pan, Huang Chen-Lung
-
Patent number: 6886451Abstract: A beverage maker 2 comprises a first chamber 4, a second chamber 6 arranged on top of said first chamber 4, with a tube 8 extending down from said second chamber 6 into said first chamber 4 for transferring liquid between the two chambers. The base of the first chamber 4 has a first region 26 at least a portion of which is arranged to boil dry and a second region 28 which is arranged to retain a quantity of liquid after the first region 26 boils dry. The first region 26 is separated from the second region 28 by a wall 30. The underside of the base of the first chamber 26 is provided with one or more sheathed heating elements 32 arranged below the first region 26 of the base and also with a heat transfer member 20 which extends between the first and said second regions of the base. A thermal control 24 has a sensor arranged to detect when the first region of the base boils dry so as to interrupt the power supply to or reduce the heating output of the heating apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Strix LimitedInventors: Vernon James Donnelly, Michael James Scott
-
Patent number: 6817280Abstract: Systems and methods for brewing beverages in accordance with the present invention can improve the flavor of brewed beverages and reduce the vertical space required for a system using suction. One such assembly comprises a brewing chamber adapted to hold a filter having an intake duct for receiving fluid for brewing, and an output duct for expelling a brewed beverage. The brewing chamber is positioned above a pressurizable container, or carafe, having an adjustable standpipe and containing the fluid. The carafe has a heated base, which when heated causes pressure to build up, forcing the fluid up the standpipe, through a check valve, through the intake duct and into the filter. Once substantially all of the fluid has been urged into the brew chamber, the heat is removed, creating a partial vacuum that pulls the brewed beverage back into the carafe. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: BrewBot, Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Hall, Gary L. Waymire, Michael R. Barry, Shane Washburn
-
Patent number: 6578467Abstract: An electric coffee maker (2) comprises a first chamber (4), and a second chamber (6) arranged on top of the first chamber. A tube (8) extends down from the second chamber (6) into the first chamber (4) for transferring liquid between the two chambers. The base (20) of the first chamber (4) is provided with electric heater (24) and a thermally responsive control (46) is provided associated with the base (20) so as to be responsive to the temperature of the heater (24) or to a section of the base (20) for interrupting the power supply to or reducing the heating output of the heater (24).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Strix LimitedInventors: John Crawshaw Taylor, Vernon James Donnelly
-
Patent number: 6536331Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment, an open compartment, an ascension pipe connecting the two compartments and a location for a filtering device between the ascension pipe and the open compartment. The closed compartment has a bottom that has at least a first and a second area which are at different levels and has a member for separating the two areas. The first area is larger than the second area, is heated, and is at a higher level than the second level and than the end of the ascension pipe. The second, smaller area is unheated and is located near the ascension pipe, but at a level that is below the end of the ascension pipe. In one embodiment the separating member is a rim and in a second embodiment the separating member is an inclined bottom.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: PI-Design AGInventor: Carsten Jorgensen
-
Patent number: 6340808Abstract: Regarding a base construction comprising a hot plate for a coffee-making apparatus of the type designed to have water brought to a boil in a closed container (1), whereupon the water is pressed through a riser pipe (12) into an open container (6), where boiling water extracts aromas and flavor from the ground coffee, whereupon the finished coffee beverage is filtered back into the closed container (1) through a filter placed at the outlet of the open container, the objective is to provide a sealed base construction which comprises a hot plate for a coffee-making apparatus where the hot plate does not suddenly boil dry, while the finished coffee beverage is carefully treated. Moreover, a reliable sealing of the hot plate must be provided, using simple means and without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: PI-Design AGInventor: Carsten Joergensen
-
Publication number: 20010018867Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment, an open compartment, an ascension pipe connecting the two compartments and a location for a filtering device between the ascension pipe and the open compartment. The closed compartment has a bottom that has at least a first and a second area which are at different levels and has a member for separating the two areas. The first area is larger than the second area, is heated, and is at a higher level than the second level and than the end of the ascension pipe. The second, smaller area is unheated and is located near the ascension pipe, but at a level that is below the end of the ascension pipe. In one embodiment the separating member is a rim and in a second embodiment the separating member is an inclined bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventor: Carsten Jorgensen
-
Patent number: 6178874Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment (c2), an open compartment (c1), an ascension pipe (23) connecting the compartments, and a filtering device (f1) between the ascension pipe (23) and the open compartment (c1), has some disadvantages in that an external heating source is needed, thereby increasing the risk of fire and burning the operating persons. Further, the infusion time is either fixed, being decided by the distance between the lower orifice of the ascending pipe and the bottom of the closed compartment or left to the user to estimate.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: PI-Design AGInventor: Carsten Joergensen
-
Patent number: 5894785Abstract: The percolator comprises a substantially cylindrical decoction chamber (9) through which water passes from the lower chamber (7) to the upper chamber (8), a counteracting surface (16) upperly bounding the decoction chamber (9), and an annular gasket (17) positioned against the counteracting surface to form a seal between the lower chamber (7), the upper chamber (8) and the decoction chamber (9). Within the decoction chamber (9) there is provided a support element (30) movable in a vertical direction and arranged to support a bag (20) of ground substance in the form of a substantially cylindrical tablet; elastic thrust member (35) is also provided within the decoction chamber (9) to vertically urge the support element (30) in such a manner as to elastically press the bag (10) against the counteracting surface (16) and/or against the annular gasket (17).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Caffe' Molinari S.P.A.Inventor: Giuseppe Molinari
-
Patent number: 5892204Abstract: A vacuum coffee maker has a starved electric heating arrangement having a solid body providing a reservoir. The chamber is covered by a circular lid that prevents flow of steam directly vertically up a tube from the chamber. At the end of a normal heating cycle, the temperature of the body rises rapidly and power supplied to a heating element is automatically turned off under the control of a thermostat. The heating arrangement is used without alteration (e.g. to the setting of the thermostat) to keep-warm hot coffee in a lower container after the end of the normal heating coffee-making cycle. The effect of having the lid is that during a keep-warm function, the reservoir is generally starved of liquid because any liquid entering the reservoir is immediately evaporated and this restricts flow of more liquid into the reservoir and hence starves the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Chiaphua Industries LimitedInventor: John Duncan McNair
-
Patent number: 5699718Abstract: An expresso coffee maker includes a steam outlet valve for supplying steam to froth milk for making cappuccino coffee. A valve member automatically closes off a tube when a water level in a water compartment falls below a low level. This closing off completes each expresso making cycle and ensures that sufficient water is retained, and sealed off, inside the compartment to sustain a supply of steam for frothing the milk.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Chiaphua Industries LimitedInventors: Jimmy Siu Yim Yung, John Duncan McNair
-
Patent number: 5586484Abstract: An improved expresso coffee maker comprising an upper cylindrical container 2 threadably engaged onto a lower truncated-cone container 1, said lower container having a coffee basket assembly 3 in which a cylindrical coffee holder 4 is centered with a piston 5 sliding inside, said piston has apertures 6 to allow passage of water and steam and to create differential pressure above and below the piston, which forces the piston to compress the coffee grounds during the brewing process. The water extract of the coffee grounds passes through inverted funnel 15 and it is collected into the upper cylindrical container.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Pietro Piazza
-
Patent number: 5463935Abstract: An infusion maker comprising, similarly to an espresso maker, a lower container or boiler (11) and an lapper container (12). The bottom (12') of the upper container (12) is provided with an outlet (16) which connects said upper container (12) with the intermediate cup (14), and the chimney conduit (15) conveying the liquid from the lower container to the upper container is provided with a movable sleeve (17) which may be moved from a position associated with the closing of said outlet (16) and the opening of said chimney conduit (15), thus permitting the passage of the liquid from the lower container into the upper container, to a position associated with the opening of said outlet (16) and the closing of said chimney conduit, thus causing the liquid in the upper container to pour into the lower container.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Biesse S.p.A.Inventor: Gianfranco Zanarini
-
Patent number: 5367607Abstract: An espresso coffee making system includes an unpressurized boiler vessel with an electric heating element arranged outside the boiler vessel for heating water in the boiler vessel for delivery to a perforated filter holder of the espresso coffee maker. A tube is provided between the electric heating element and the boiler vessel that is in thermal contact with both the heating element and the boiler vessel. A valve allows water from the boiler vessel to be recirculated by a pump through the tube to generate steam, without overheating the water contained in the boiler vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Braun AktiengesellschaftInventors: Walter Hufnagl, Stefan Schamberg, Gerhard Schafer, Roland Muller, Manfred Klawuhn
-
Patent number: 5337652Abstract: This invention relates to an espresso machine comprising a boiler (1) and a filter chamber (5) which is connected to the boiler (1) via a hot water line (11) and which comprises an outlet (18) and is divided via an inserted screen (6) into two chamber regions (b, c), a thermostat switch (TH1) which is responsive to the temperature within the boiler (1) and connected in series with the heating apparatus (2) to limit the temperature within the boiler to a predetermined upper value, an air pump (8) terminating in the boiler (1), a first shut-off valve (17) positioned in the hot water line (11) and a second shut-off valve (19) positioned upstream of the outlet of the filter chamber (5).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Arthur Eugster AgInventors: Daniel Fischer, Arthur Eugster
-
Patent number: 4922809Abstract: A machine for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, has a container for a supply of fresh liquid with two communicating sections one of which communicates with the atmosphere and the other of which has a bottom wall directly above an electric heater. Two or more siphons are used to convey streams of boiling liquid from the other section into a holder for a supply of flavoring agent. The siphons, the holder and at least the second section of the container are made of a non-metallic material (particularly porcelain, certain plastics, glass, ceramic or earthenware) which does not adversely affect the aroma of the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. KGInventor: Hubert Fuhner
-
Patent number: 4876953Abstract: A siphon coffee maker includes a lower container for containing water, an electric heater for applying heat to the lower container, an upper container disposed on the lower container and having a water feed tube communicating to the interior of the lower container, a storage for storing data of an amount of coffee to be extracted, and a microcomputer-based control unit. The control unit operates to energize the heater in response to an extracting operation command, thereby starting an extracting operation. The control unit then operates to energize the heater after completion of the extracting operation by supplying the heater with an electrical output in proportion to the temperature of the amount of coffee to be extracted, data of which is stored in the storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1989Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Humihiro Imamura, Tomio Hotta
-
Patent number: 4843954Abstract: A tea making machine wherein the bottom wall of an upper vessel can be used to seal the open top of a lower vessel which contains a supply of water. The upper vessel contains a supply of tea leaves and its bottom wall has an upright tubular portion for a riser with an open upper end in the upper vessel and an open lower end in the lower vessel. The riser is adjustable so that its lower end can be moved to any one of a number of different levels above the bottom of the lower vessel. When the supply of water in the lower vessel is heated, the pressure in the lower vessel rises and boiling water is compelled to flow up the riser and into the upper vessel where it contacts the tea leaves. When the level of the supply of water in the lower vessel descends below the lower end of the riser, such water must be evaporated in order to rise into the upper vessel. The interval which elapses for evaporation determines the steeping time in the upper vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1988Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. KGInventor: Stefan Henn