With Additional Liquid Supply Means Patents (Class 99/294)
  • Patent number: 11700972
    Abstract: A fan-based steaming and foaming device is provided with a fan assembly and an activation device between a steam tube and an ejection tube. The invention employs an air pressure difference of a fan to directly inject, into a liquid, air required for foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SANDORA HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIC APPLIANCES (SHENZHEN) LTD.
    Inventors: Waihang Louie, Zhigang Zhu, Kwokwai Wong
  • Patent number: 11317758
    Abstract: A coffee machine (100), particularly suitable to be used in catering establishments or the like, is described, comprising a machine body (10) provided with a delivering assembly (30) for delivering coffee, at least one boiler (20) designed to heat the water up to the working temperature and means (25) for drawing water from the boiler (20) and supplying the same to the delivering assembly (30). The boiler (20) is arranged outside of the machine body (10) and remotely therefrom such that the overall dimensions on the working surface are considerably reduced and a simple replacement or interchangeability of the various components is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: MODBAR LLC
    Inventor: Alessandro Beschi
  • Patent number: 11229313
    Abstract: Device for heating and emulsifying beverages includes a pump (2), an air and water meeting zone (10), a device for producing steam, and a first conduit (5) for steam mixed with air that communicates with a steam wand (6) adapted to be immersed into a beverage (7) to be heated and emulsified. The device for producing steam includes an instant steam generator (4). The meeting zone (10) is positioned before the instant steam generator (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.r.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe De'Longhi, Guido Quaratesi, Claudio Cristofoli, Giovanni Rossetto
  • Patent number: 9364116
    Abstract: A modular beverage brewing apparatus comprising a removable hot water producing module, a removable pressurized hot water producing module, and a removable steam producing module all connected to a remote dispensing liquid beverage dispensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Modbar, LLC
    Inventors: Corey Waldron, Aric Forbing
  • Patent number: 9326637
    Abstract: A container includes an emulsifying device having a milk suction pipe, a nozzle for supplying hot or emulsified milk with a discharge end outside the container, a steam inlet and an air inlet. The container is thermally insulated so as to better preserve the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Stefano Tonelli, Cristiano Castelli
  • Patent number: 9247846
    Abstract: A hot beverage brewing apparatus. A pressurized hot liquid delivery system provides liquid under pressure within a range of acceptable brewing temperatures without any mechanical pump. Water is apportioned into sealable tank volumes, one of which is heated to boil the liquid and produce steam under pressure. The pressurized steam displaces the liquid from the tank volumes in proportion and at a temperature that is within the acceptable brewing range. The hot liquid under pressure is directed to a capsule receiving station to infuse a material in a capsule. The capsule dispenses the brewed beverage without contacting the brewing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SolaBev LLC
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Gary P. McGonagle, Laura J. Nickerson
  • Publication number: 20150027315
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a beverage preparation module intended for installation in a self-service beverage vending machine. According to the disclosure, a water connection and a preparation device for preparing a beverage by means of water provided at the water connection are provided. Beverage preparation parameters can be transmitted to a control unit via a communication interface. The control unit is configured to control the preparation device in order to prepare a beverage based on the beverage preparation parameters. A beverage outlet for discharging the beverage prepared by the preparation device is provided. In one embodiment, at least one additional module interface is provided for connecting the control unit to at least one additional module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: André Lüssi, Bruno Mosimann, Peter Egli, Bruno Aeberhard
  • Publication number: 20140272051
    Abstract: A device for discharging milk and/or milk froth, including a pump to convey milk from a container, a flow-heater, and an output for discharging milk, embodied cooperating with each other such that milk conveyed via the pump and heated via the flow-heater can be discharged from the output. At least one steam generator is provided cooperating with the flow-heater such that downstream in reference to the flow-heater and upstream in reference to the output, steam can be fed to the milk for an additional heating step. An air valve to create milk froth is provided, and the air valve is openable to introduce air upstream in reference to the flow-heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FRANKE KAFFEEMASCHINEN AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Kindler, Heinz Oberholzer, Heinz Vetterli
  • Patent number: 8770093
    Abstract: A beverage machine comprising a drip tray device that can accommodate recipients of different heights. The drip tray device is formed of a collect tank and has a first drip support grid removably mounted on the tank for holding short recipients and has a second drip support for longer recipients such as a glass. The whole device is removable for ease of emptying and rinsing. In a possible mode, the first removable grid is provided with a gutter to evacuate liquid in a main collect reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Michael Stieger
  • Patent number: 8770094
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has a fluid circuit (3-10c) that comprises a liquid flavoring arrangement (9a, 3, 4, 5) for circulating a liquid, such as water, through a flavoring ingredient (2, 2?) to flavor this liquid and for dispensing this flavored liquid to a user-receptacle (100). The fluid circuit further comprises a dilution arrangement (9b, 9?, 9?) for mixing the liquid unflavored with the flavored liquid upon flavoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Blaise Rithener, Christian Jarisch, Antoine Cahen, Alain Jaccard
  • Patent number: 8739689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Alpha Dominiche Ltd.
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith
  • Publication number: 20140141140
    Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 8707856
    Abstract: A coffee/espresso machine having a milk froth generating device for cappuccino and including at least one outflow tube fluid-conductively connected with an espresso supply. The espresso supply is connected to an outlet of an espresso brewing unit, and at least one milk froth tube is connected to the milk froth generating device. At least one milk froth tube leads into an upper end of the outflow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Patent number: 8522668
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system for producing on demand iced tea. The beverage brewing system may include a concentrated beverage brewer, one or more brew water circuits in communication with the concentrated beverage brewer, one or more makeup water circuits, and one or more back pressure valves in communication with the brew water circuits and the makeup water circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Douglas John Franck, Shaun Blaise Gatipon, Kenneth George Smazik, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130220137
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith, Tymer Von Tilton, Eli Salomon
  • Publication number: 20130167732
    Abstract: When, according to the invention, various hot and cold beverages are made from ingredients in a preparation part (1), the dispensing may take place via an outlet pipe (4) with an outlet head (5), to which the beverage ingredients are supplied, and where they are mixed immediately before or at the same time as the beverages are dispensed. This ensures a high quality, as the dispensed beverages will be fleshly produced with the best possible flavour. The supply channels (16, 16a, 16b) for milk are flushed with water after each dispensing for hygienic reasons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SCANOMAT A/S
    Inventor: Kim Vibe Petersen
  • Publication number: 20130112083
    Abstract: Milk frothing system (1) including a water conduit (10) that successively interconnects a water reservoir (11); a pump (12); a heater (15), configured to evaporate water; and a mixing node (31). The system further includes an air conduit (20) that successively interconnects an air inlet (21); a first check valve (22); a second check valve (24); and the mixing node. The system also includes a steam/air conduit (30) that successively interconnects the mixing node, and a frothing device (32). The milk frothing system additionally includes an expansion vessel (60), having a water chamber and an air chamber, said water chamber being connected to a point of the water conduit, downstream of the pump and upstream of the heater, and said air chamber being connected to a point of the air conduit, downstream of the first check valve and upstream of the second check valve provided therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Sipke Theo Douma
  • Publication number: 20130055902
    Abstract: The device (2) comprises: a first water heater (9), having at least a first water duct (45) and at least a first heating member (43); and a second water heater (23), having at least a second water duct (55). The first water heater (9) and the second water heater (23) are in thermal connection the one to the other one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Giovanni Berto, Massimo Baldo, Marco Santini
  • Publication number: 20130036914
    Abstract: The machine (1) comprises a support structure (3), in which the following are provided: a refillable water reservoir (4); a boiler (6) provided with an electric heater (7, 8); a pump (9) for supplying a flow of water from the reservoir (4) to the boiler (6); a first electric connector (5) for connecting the machine (1) to an AC supply voltage source; a dispensing unit (35) which is connected to the boiler (6), for dispensing a flow of hot water and/or steam, and to which the following can be coupled: a dose-holder unit (36) for receiving a dose, pre-packaged or loose, of a substance for the preparation of a beverage; a unit (24) for controlling operation of the machine (1); and at least one operating device (25) which can be operated so as to activate preparation of a beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Icardi, Maria Teresa Giaretto
  • Publication number: 20130040028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a milk-frothing unit comprising a frothing chamber, a suction portion which leads into the frothing chamber and an outflow which leads out of the frothing chamber, the frothing chamber, the suction portion and the outflow being configured such that milk can be suctioned in via the suction portion and guided into the frothing chamber and can be frothed up therein with gas and/or steam, in particular air and/or water vapour, which is supplied to this frothing chamber and in that the milk-froth mixture resulting from the frothing can be discharged out of the frothing chamber via the outflow, characterised in that the frothing chamber, the suction portion and the outflow are configured and disposed such that the milk to be suctioned in and the discharged milk-froth mixture can be guided in a circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Matthias Doppe, Martin Neumayer
  • Publication number: 20130032036
    Abstract: A nespresso coffee maker has, a water tank, a water pump, a flowmeter, a boiler, a solenoid valve and a capsule cup arranged in the shell. A gas pump and a water-gas output switching mechanism are arranged in the shell of the nespresso; one inlet of the water-gas output switching mechanism connects to the outlet pipe of the boiler, another inlet connects to the outlet pipe of the gas pump; the outlet of the water-gas output switching mechanism connects to the pipeline of the upper port of the capsule cup. After coffee is brewed and through the water-gas output switching mechanism, the outlet pipe of the boiler is closed, and the coffee liquid remaining in the capsule is blown out by the gas from the gas pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (ZHANG ZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weijun ZHONG, Kuo Hsun LIN
  • Publication number: 20120219686
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith
  • Publication number: 20120196014
    Abstract: A method and a device for making a coffee beverage are provided. The method includes: heating coffee powder by water vapor at a temperature lower than a sublimation temperature of caffeine to sublimate a volatile fat component in the coffee powder without sublimating the caffeine, and dissolving other water-soluble components in water at a temperature lower than 85° C. while only dissolving a little of the caffeine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Zhengli YAO
  • Patent number: 8053012
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage inducing the passage of an extraction fluid through a dose of coffee by heating said fluid, contains a separating device arranged to separate a fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of said fluid from a further fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said fluid; an apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage by imbibing a dose of coffee with an extraction fluid driven by heating through said dose, comprises an inhibition device arranged to inhibit said imbibing when said fluid contains a substantial steam phase; a method for obtaining a coffee beverage involves heating an extraction fluid so as to induce the passage of said extraction fluid through a dose of coffee to obtain said beverage and separating a fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of said extraction fluid from a further fraction of said beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of said extraction fluid is provide
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Navarini, Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Furio Suggi Liverani
  • Publication number: 20110104357
    Abstract: A machine for preparing various types of coffee and milk based beverages comprising a steam generator (10), a first apparatus (1) for producing coffee as well as a source (25) of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GRUPPO CIMBALI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Dario SALA, Andrea COCCIA
  • Publication number: 20100005972
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge (10), which is suitable to be used in a process of preparing a beverage, comprises a beverage making unit (1). A duct system (30) of the beverage making unit (1) has a main duct (31), a first subsidiary duct (32) which merges into the main duct (31), and a second subsidiary duct (33) which merges into the main duct (31) as well, at a different position than the first subsidiary duct (32). In a process of preparing a beverage, a first fluid is supplied by the main duct (31), and flows of a second fluid are supplied by the subsidiary ducts (32, 33). In this way, it is achieved that the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid in two steps. In case the second fluid is used for heating the first fluid, local boiling of the first fluid is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Fred Fraij, Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Marinus Christiaan Hansen, Joeke Noordhuis
  • Publication number: 20090126576
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a containing element for heating an extracting fluid, a transferring arrangement for causing the passage of the fluid through a dose of coffee and a collecting arrangement for collecting a beverage produced with the extracting fluid during the passage: there being provided a separating arrangement arranged for separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid, the separating arrangement leading into distinct zones of the collecting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: ILLYCAFFE' S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Navarini, Furio Suggi Liverani, Massimo Barnaba, Franciscus Benedictus Maria Van Eeden
  • Publication number: 20080271608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing beverage dispenser provided with a housing comprising means for pumping water from a container, transferring said water through a boiler (6) to an brewing chamber (3) containing brewable product and for removing said brewed product from the brewing chamber. Said boiler (6) comprises a cylindrical body (20) containing an electric heating element (21) and a water conduit (23), wherein said heating element and water conduit (23) form two helixes having different diameters and rotatable about the longitudinal axis (V) of the boiler body substantially through the entire height thereof. According to said invention, said boiler body (20) comprises a steam conduct (25) which forms a helix mounted along the longitudinal axis (V) of the boiler (6) substantially through the entire height thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Gilles Morin
  • Publication number: 20080168907
    Abstract: Automatism spumescence equipment of milk, including: a main body having a sparkle cavity; two ends of the sparkle cavity respectively have a steam inlet and a steam outlet; an impeller is located inside the sparkle cavity; stress surfaces of the fan blades of the impeller face the steam inlet; a lateral wall of the steam inlet has a milk inlet; the milk inlet connects with a tube which can extract milk from a milk container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Chunmeng Shen, Weifeng Jiang
  • Patent number: 6892627
    Abstract: A filter coffee maker having: a boiler; a case in which the boiler is disposed; an ascending conduit coupled to the boiler for upward movement of the hot water produced by said boiler; a filter holder or filter holder housing; a lid pivoted on the case; and a water delivery head arranged in the lid. The delivery head has an inlet opening brought into communication with a hot water outlet orifice of the conduit and an outlet opening that opens above the filter holder or housing when the lid is closed. The lid has a lower face presenting a protuberance in which the inlet opening is arranged, the ascending conduit has an upper end with a closed upper part, and the orifice opens in a direction facing a lateral wall forming part of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Lalanne-Eygun
  • Patent number: 6286416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Sijtze Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 5638740
    Abstract: An improved espresso/cappuccino machine and methods which comprise a crema device downstream of the coffee filter for producing consistent and rich crema on top of the espresso and an automatic milk frothier for producing a predetermined amount of visually appealing foamy head for the milk, both in a manner that is independent of the operators' skill. The crema device comprises an expandable opening for forming a stream or jet of espresso, a crema chamber having keeping means for maintaining an amount of espresso in the chamber during the brewing process, and an arrangement that allows the jet of espresso to plunge directly into the espresso maintained in the chamber thereby producing the crema.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Zhihua Cai
  • Patent number: 5611262
    Abstract: A cappuccino maker having a housing, a steam source, a coffee filter and holder for making coffee using water from the steam source, a coffee dispensing spout for dispensing the coffee, a milk frother and a milk dispensing spout for dispensing the frothed milk, wherein the milk dispensing spout and the coffee dispensing spout are capable of dispensing milk and coffee over a single container-receiving location, thus permitting milk and coffee to be dispensed into a container without having to move the container, and also having a milk receptacle having a valve, and a first base for the milk receptacle having a valve actuator for engaging the valve and a raised lip for receiving the milk receptacle or, in the absence of the receptacle, a cleaning fluid, the lip forming a reservoir on the first base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Leandro P. Rizzuto, Theodore B. Mulle, Asik Braginsky
  • Patent number: 5408917
    Abstract: The appliance, in particular a coffee machine, comprises three boilers (1, 2, 3). In addition a heating element (10, 11, 12) is disposed in each boiler, which element can be switched on and off through one switching means each (20, 21, 22) which are provided in a control mechanism (16). In each of the boilers moreover there is one temperature sensor (13, 14, 15) to measure the temperature of the hot water. The control mechanism (16) has in addition computational means (17) as well as memory means (18, 19). Among other things predetermined desired temperatures for the water in the individual boilers as well as the maximum available power supply of the coffee machine can be stored in the memory means (18, 19). The control mechanism is designed in such a way that, based on the water heating pattern in the individual boilers, the heating capacity can be apportioned to the boiler which needs it most according to a certain order of priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Andre Lussi
  • Patent number: 5154111
    Abstract: A device for obtaining hot drinks in solution, especially hot drinks made from a freeze-dried product. The freeze-dried product is dispensed in a predetermined dose into a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber is closed and air, liquid, and steam are injected into the treatment chamber in order to dissolve the predetermined dose and to create the hot drink. The predetermined dose is substantially mixed and dissolved in the liquid, steam and air and removed from the treatment chamber through an outlet in a cover of the treatment chamber and through a valve in the bottom of the treatment chamber. The supply of air to the treatment chamber can be interrupted if the hot drink is desired without froth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Spidem S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paoletti Luciano
  • Patent number: 4858523
    Abstract: A coffee brewing machine utilizes a microprocessor controller and, preferably, preformed coffee filter packs in which the filter packs form a rectangular array. The microprocessor controller regulates the temperature of the prepared coffee in the reservoir at the base of the machine, the operation of the water distributor in the swingable lid or cover of the machine and of other operating conditions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Edward Helbling
  • Patent number: 4782744
    Abstract: A combined beverage (coffee and tea) brewer and hot water dispenser wherein the hot water for both brewing and dispensing is supplied from the upper portion of the same hot water reservoir tank. The cold water supply to the bottom portion of the reservoir tank for displacing and replacing hot water for brewing is separate from that for displacing and replacing hot water for dispensing whereby hot water may be dispensed and replaced at anytime, including during the brew cycle, without interference with brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: George R. Bunn
  • Patent number: 4660466
    Abstract: The invention provides an espresso coffee machine comprising an electrically heated vessel with a removable tight-closing lid intended for receiving water, and a rising pipe one end of which opens out in the vicinity of the bottom of the vessel while the other end leads to a container arranged at a distance above the vessel intended for receiving ground coffee. Arranged on the lid is a pipe leading outside the vessel and connecting to the vessel interior via a valve which can be actuated outside the vessel. The lid pipe permits entry of dry steam into the machine to, for example, foam milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Poccino-Expresso Import- und Export GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Fries, Kurt Michels
  • Patent number: 4644856
    Abstract: The holder for a filter which contains a supply of comminuted coffee beans in an espresso coffee brewing apparatus is separably connectable to the housing of the apparatus by a bayonet lock connection and is separably connected with the filter by a coupling or detent of the type having cooperating male and female elements with the male elements provided on the holder and the female elements provided on the filter or vice versa. The filter is provided with arms for retaining the remnants of the supply of comminuted coffee beans therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Michael Borgmann
  • Patent number: 4480173
    Abstract: A water heater capable of generating water at any temperature from ambient mains temperature to boiling and also for generating steam on demand includes a closed water tank having a water inlet with a valve for allowing or preventing ingress of water into the tank, a non-return valve for preventing water from the tank flowing back into the main supply and a pressure reducing valve for ensuring that the water pressure in the water inlet pipe and in the tank does not exceed a preset value, a water level transducer for detecting the water level in the tank, a heater for heating the water in the tank, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water in the tank, a hot water outlet arranged towards the bottom of the tank, preferably a mixing valve in the hot water outlet mixing hot water leaving the tank with water at ambient mains temperature, a steam outlet arranged towards the top of the tank, and a controller receiving signals from the water level detector, the temperature detector and a programmer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Metal Spinners (Ireland) Limited
    Inventor: Brian J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 4103603
    Abstract: An automatic coffee brewing device comprising a structure having a cavity therein providing a reservoir for receiving water, a water heating and pumping means positioned under the reservoir, and a connecting means for delivering water from the reservoir to the heating and pumping means. A cover member is received over and enclosing a top opening of the structure, and may include or have a separate water dispensing means with said bottom and top walls enclosing a chamber therein, said dispensing means also having a first opening over the reservoir of the structure for removably receiving therethrough the top end of the riser tube of the pump, a second opening for providing a water dispensing spout, and a third opening over the reservoir of the structure for venting and returning heated fluid to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Melitta, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl H. Bergmann, Harvey Levine
  • Patent number: 3987717
    Abstract: In an automatic coffee brewing machine of the type having container means for receiving cold water at the start of a brewing operation and dispensing hot water at the end of the brewing operation, a control means comprising heating means activated to its closed position when sensing a temperature below a predetermined first value resulting when said container means receives cold water at the start of a brewing operation and being activated to its open position when it senses a temperature above a predetermined second value higher than said first value, electrical connecting means joining said switch means with said heating means, and a heating element for heating said switch means when the switch means is in its open position, so that when said switch is in its closed position at the start of a brewing operation the heating means is fully energized to heat the container means and the water contained therein until said switch means is activated to its open position when the temperature of the container exceeds
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: Melitta, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl H. Bergmann, Harvey Levine