Cartridge Type Patents (Class 99/295)
  • Patent number: 11045035
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter comprising an interior which accommodates a single serve capsule and which has an opening at a first end for introducing the capsule into the interior and a receptacle for a pricking spike at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Krüger, Günter Empl, Marco Hanisch
  • Patent number: 11034473
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a machine for manufacturing a coffee capsule. The machine includes an upper portion structure, a capsule holder, and a lower portion structure sequentially arranged from top to bottom. The capsule holder is used for bearing a coffee capsule. The upper portion structure includes a box body, a control unit, a heating unit, a preheating switch, a temperature probe, a power line, and a position sensing structure. The temperature probe is used for sensing the temperature of the heating unit. The heating unit is arranged at the lower side of the box body and is in separable contact with the coffee capsule in the capsule holder. The position sensing structure can sense and identify contact and separation of the heating unit and the coffee capsule. The position sensing structure can further transmit a signal to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Jiangsu Kunge Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junda Shi, Zhongyu Shi, Shukuo Liu, Xiaolei Chen
  • Patent number: 10993576
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage machine for preparing a single serving of a mixed beverage and a capsule for use with the machine. The capsule includes an open shell defining a reservoir for holding ingredients; a lid for sealing the open shell; and, a guide member disposed within the reservoir of the open shell configured to receive a liquid stream injected by an injection needle of a beverage machine when the lid is pierced by the injection needle and to guide the liquid stream to a mixing zone within the reservoir for mixing the liquid stream with the liquid held in the reservoir to prepare a single serving of mixed beverage to be dispensed from the reservoir via a dispensing needle of the beverage machine when the dispensing needle pierces the open shell . . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BARTESIAN INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Neil Stephen Fedorak, Jason Neevel, Kristopher Christensen, Jacob Edding, Art de Guzman, Nicol Alexander Boyd, Tomas Wilhelm Rosén
  • Patent number: 10966564
    Abstract: A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, including an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity bounded by a chamber inner wall and a chamber bottom of the first brew chamber part wherein the cavity is arranged for selectively holding one of a first and second exchangeable capsules, wherein the first brew chamber part is further provided with an alignment cap which is movable in an axial direction of the first brew chamber part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Rijskamp, Judith Margreet Hanneke Ogink, Jarno Beekman, Gerbrand Kristiaan De Graaff
  • Patent number: 10952560
    Abstract: A machine for preparing aromatic beverages by extraction, such as espresso coffee and similar beverages. The machine comprises at least one optimized beverage discharge disposition, in particular presenting a first and second flow sections separated by a throttling section that configures a double deflection of the prevailing flow direction, so that it provides a streamlining of the discharge flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NOVADELTA—COMÉRCIO E INDÚSTRIA DE CAFÉS S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Miguel Nabeiro
  • Patent number: 10947034
    Abstract: The cartridge (1) according to the invention comprises an envelope (2) having a first and a second end wall (4, 5) connected together by an annular lateral wall (6) and defining an inner chamber (7) containing a quantity or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage. The envelope (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable wall (6a, 5) acting as an inlet for the introduction of a flow of water into the chamber (7) and as an outlet from it respectively for outflow of the beverage from chamber (7). Between the first and the second permeable walls (6a, 5) the envelope (2) has an outwardly projecting annular formation (3g). A portion of the permeable inlet wall (6a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (7) is made in the annular lateral wall (6) of the envelope (2). The annular formation (3g) extends from the second end wall (5) in a direction substantially opposite to the first end wall (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 10925428
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a battery-mount part (40) configured such that a battery used as a power supply of a power tool is mountable thereon, and a heat-generating element (54) for boiling water using electric power from the battery (B1, B2) mounted on the battery-mount part. The electrical device further includes a drip case (21) for holding a pod, in which a predetermined amount of tea leaves or coffee grounds is encased in a permeable bag-shaped element. A hot water supply (50y) supplies the water boiled by the heat-generating element (54) automatically to the drip case (21). An extraction part (21p) in the drip case (21) allows a beverage produced by the hot water that has been poured onto (injected into) the pod to downwardly flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kondo, Katsuhito Fujinami
  • Patent number: 10918237
    Abstract: A system for the preparation of beverages with the use of capsules including an infusion assembly (1) and a capsule (C). The infusion assembly includes a capsule-holder (2) and a cooperating body (3), adapted to assume an open configuration for positioning a capsule (C) therebetween, and a closed configuration for preparing a beverage through the capsule (C) clamped in a liquid-tight manner therebetween. In the capsule-holder (2) there is defined a recess (4) adapted to receive the capsule (C) with the bottom wall (20a, 20f) facing the interior of the capsule-holder (2) and wherein is provided a first piercing member (8) provided with at least a piercing point (9) adapted to penetrate through the bottom wall (20a) of said capsule (C). The capsule-holder (2) is adapted to supply a flow of fluid introduced into the capsule (C) through the tear created in its bottom wall (20a) from the at least one point (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Danilo Bolognese, Alberto Cabilli, Luisa Anna Borello
  • Patent number: 10874248
    Abstract: A coffee maker having a water reservoir, a brew head assembly positioned in front of the water reservoir including a shower head member, a pivotally movable brew basket, and a water reservoir fill port located in front of the coffee maker within the brew head assembly, the water reservoir fill port being in direct communication with the water reservoir such that water can be poured directly into the water reservoir fill port over the top of the shower head member and brew basket to fill the water reservoir. The shower head member includes a first flow channel for delivering heated water to the brew basket and at least one second flow channel having at least one opening associated therewith for allowing steam generated within the brew basket to be channeled back to the water reservoir. A separate compartment for holding and storing a measuring spoon is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Augusto A. Picozza, Damien Vizcarra, Sandra Lin
  • Patent number: 10874246
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for brewing beverages. A brewing system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a fluid conduit system, an air conduit system, a valve, and a pump. The valve is coupled to the fluid conduit system and the air conduit system. The pump is coupled to the valve. The valve selectively accesses the fluid conduit system and the air conduit system such that the pump selectively pumps fluid and selectively pumps air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: COFFEE SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 10856690
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: an extraction unit with a closed configuration for extracting a capsule (2) therein and an open configuration for removing the used capsule (2) therefrom; and a service unit (10) located under the extraction unit (20) and forming a receptacle having a collection cavity (11) for collecting the used capsule (2) and residual liquid projections (3) from the extraction unit (20). The service unit (10) has an upright wall (130) delimiting at least one through-passage (131) for favouring air circulation from inside the cavity (11) to outside the machine (1). The through-passage (131) is angled away from the direction of the liquid projections from the extraction unit (20) so as to inhibit the passage of the liquid projections through the through-passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Antoine Cahen
  • Patent number: 10836566
    Abstract: A single-dose capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprises a cup (1) with a collar (10) provided with a sealing ring (20) surrounded internally and externally by centring projections (30.i, 40.i), separated circumferentially from gaps (32,42) and arranged aligned in succession along respective circumferential paths (34, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Bisio Progetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Bisio
  • Patent number: 10820745
    Abstract: A capsule-detecting module for a brewing module for preparing a brewed drink from a single-serve capsule, including: an optical sensor, especially a camera, for detecting optical properties of the capsule located in a capsule detection position; a capsule detection window made of a transparent material and arranged between the capsule detection position and the camera; and a module cover that closes an access opening and is designed to be opened and/or removed without using any tools, the side of the capsule detection window facing the capsule detection position being accessible through the access opening when the module cover is open or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventors: Dominic Zwicker, Claudio Foscan
  • Patent number: 10799058
    Abstract: A system for automated detection in beverage dispensing machines suitable for receiving at least a first and second type of exchangeable supply pack adapted to contain a product to be supplied in the operation of the system equipped with means for automatically performing presence of supply detection. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Bram Klabbers
  • Patent number: 10799060
    Abstract: A beverage system is provided including a housing and a brew basket body mounted to said housing for receiving a fluid. The brew basket body is pivotably mounted to said housing for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The brew basket body includes a brew chamber for receiving a flavorant and at least one outlet through which fluid exits said brew basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Richard Rhys Mathias
  • Patent number: 10786109
    Abstract: An appliance single serve beverage dispenser, beverage dispensing assembly, and method of operation is provided. The beverage dispensing assembly may include a brewing body, a shutter door, a lower needle assembly, and an upper needle assembly. The brewing body may define an access aperture and a brew chamber. The brewing body may include a bottom plate defining an outlet into the brew chamber along a delivery axis. The shutter door may be slidably attached to the brewing body. The lower needle assembly may be operably attached to the shutter door and include a lower needle slidably disposed within the brewing body along the delivery axis to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper needle assembly may be operably attached to the shutter door and include an upper needle slidably disposed within the brewing body along the delivery axis to move between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhinesh Babu Sakthivel, Aditya Kampalli
  • Patent number: 10752431
    Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprises a lateral wall, an inlet wall and a lower wall forming a hollow body having a substantially central axis, the inlet wall extends from a peripheral end of the lateral wall towards said central axis and a plurality of sunken portions are extending on both lateral and inlet walls across the edge between said walls each portion connecting together the lateral wall and the inlet wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TUTTOESPRESSO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 10750897
    Abstract: A device for extracting a substance to be brewed comprising: an extraction compartment in a first and a second portion, movable relative to the first portion to switch the compartment between a closed position and an open position; a linking device between the first and the second portion, comprising a holder with a first link so configured as to produce a rotation of the holder relative to the first portion, and a second link relative to the second portion, and the device comprises an articulation joint so configured as to successively produce, during a rotational motion of the holder about the first link in a first direction of rotation, a first tilting of the second portion in the first direction, then a second tilting of the second portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: UNIC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Levi, Mario Levi
  • Patent number: 10743557
    Abstract: A portable, unpowered, inexpensive, personal nut milk extraction device that maximizes the amount of milk that can be extracted from a nut such as an almond. It utilizes a collection vessel with a hanging filter bag that is twistably compressed by a series of polymer straps operatively engaged by a twistable cap on the vessel. An over-torque device prevents the filter bag and polymer straps from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Elizabeth Hampton, Daniel Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10721943
    Abstract: A hand-press coffee machine comprising a water tank, a hand pump which is disposed at the upper end of the water tank, and a brewing component which is connected to the lower end of the water tank; a water hole is disposed at the point where the water tank and the brewing component are connected; the hand pump is used to pump the water in the water tank into the brewing component through the water hole; a unidirectional valve, which is disposed in the water hole between the water tank and the brewing component, is set to merely allow the water in the water tank to flow into the brewing component; the present invention can effectively protect the coffee powder from being pre-soaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Good Cheer LLC
    Inventors: Jiangang Guo, Yongchun Zeng
  • Patent number: 10702093
    Abstract: A brewing apparatus is adapted for brewing articles contained in a capsule, and includes a capsule seat, a control device, and at least one drive mechanism. The capsule seat is adapted to receive the capsule therein. The control device has a slide slot. The at least one drive mechanism engages slidably the slide slot and is connected to the capsule seat. The control device is pivotable to drive slide movement of the at least one drive mechanism, thereby moving the capsule seat and converting the brewing apparatus between a brewing state and a standby state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanxiang Zhang, Mengxin Han
  • Patent number: 10694886
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a capsule-type, food substance containing consumable (30) for use in a dispenser (10) for preparation of foodstuff products, the consumable (30) comprising a housing (76) comprising at least one rigid wall portion (82) that is impermeable to liquid, an inlet portion (140) arranged to enable pressurized water flow into the housing (76), when the consumable (30) is inserted in a processing unit (14) of the dispenser, at least one primary outlet portion 142) arranged to enable a primary fluid flow out of the housing (76), at least two distinct chambers (34, 36) arranged in the housing (76), and an internal flow control arrangement (84) operatively coupled with at least one of the at least two distinct chambers (34, 36), wherein the internal flow control arrangement (84) is operable between a first state and a second state to selectively permit or prevent a fluid flow from said at least one chamber (34, 36) so as to activate a secondary fluid throughput in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Lodewijk Joseph Franciscus Holten, Jarno Beekman, Rodin Enne Bruinsma, Peter Rijskamp, Jan Klaassen, Peng Chau Quah, Joeke Noordhuis
  • Patent number: 10696472
    Abstract: A container including a side wall having a hollow interior, an outwardly extending flange positioned above an upper end of the side wall, a lower end of the side wall having a first wall positioned thereon, a second wall extending upwardly from the first wall into the hollow interior of the side wall, a third wall extending inwardly and downwardly from the second wall, and a base extending inwardly from the third wall. A method of thermoforming the beverage container using a thermoforming operation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Borse, Michael Borse, Robert J. Borse
  • Patent number: 10674862
    Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus which can prepare either hot or cold coffee extract having a filter body (8) and two reservoirs (14a and 14b). The filter body 8 is a hollow cylinder with male threaded ends (10a and 10b). A mesh filter (12) is affixed to interior of the filter body (8). Two self-supporting reservoirs (14a and 14b) have female threads (16a and 16b) near their ends. Coffee grounds (18) and either hot or cold water (20) are added to one of the reservoirs. The apparatus is then assembled by joining the cylinder's male threaded ends (10a and 10b) to both reservoirs' female threaded ends. The assembled apparatus is then allowed to sit for a period of time, while coffee flavors are extracted into the water. The entire apparatus is then inverted, the mesh filter (12) removes the coffee grounds from the coffee extract (22), and the coffee extract is collected in the now lower reservoir (14a). The apparatus is disassembled for consumption of the extract, and is cleaned and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Theodore Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 10667641
    Abstract: An apparatus for brewing and dispensing beverages such as coffee, said apparatus comprising a water tank comprising a water inlet configured for fresh water supply, and one or more heater elements, said apparatus comprising a water tank outlet, which is connected via a hot water channel to a water faucet a brewing chamber and a dispensing nozzle, wherein said hot water channel has at least one section forming a flow path for hot water, said at least one section of said hot water channel is configured such that it is in direct thermal contact with the periphery of said water tank along the entire length of said at least one section of said hot water channel, and such that said at least one section of said hot water channel extends substantially parallel to the periphery of said water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ØSTERLANDSK THEHUS
    Inventor: Torben Svendsen
  • Patent number: 10667644
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system is provided that includes a brewing body defining a brew chamber and a lid that is removably attachable to the brewing body to seal the brew chamber. The brewing system further includes a vacuum pump for drawing a vacuum in the brew chamber through a vacuum line assembly. An inlet to the vacuum line assembly is positioned above a top lip of the brewing body and a baffle may extend from the lid to assist in preventing water within the brew chamber from splashing, sloshing, or otherwise entering the inlet to the vacuum line assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Emil Gormley, Justin Tyler Brown
  • Patent number: 10653266
    Abstract: A coffee grounds stirring device comprising a stirring basket and a stirring assembly is disclosed. The stirring basket comprises a basket rim, a side wall, and a basket floor, and is releasably coupled to the stirring assembly. The stirring assembly is contained within the stirring basket and comprises a motor, at least one blade, a control circuit, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a liquid inside the coffee grounds stirring device. The at least one blade is operatively coupled to the motor such that the control circuit drives the at least one blade with the motor to rotate above the basket floor in response to the sensor detecting liquid inside the coffee grounds stirring device. The coffee grounds stirring device may be sized to be entirely contained within a coffee basket from a 12-cup-capacity coffee maker. The at least one blade may be driven to rotate intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Caffeine Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. Brown, Samuel T. Fulton, Thomas G. Pittman, Carl TenBrink
  • Patent number: 10647503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage, for example, coffee, including a hollow element intended to contain one serving, for example, ground coffee. The hollow element includes a side wall, an upper surface, a lower surface comprising an extraction membrane, and a lip in the shape of a collar. The latter is oriented according to a plane that cuts through the side wall. The lip comprises a material that becomes softened when it is placed in contact with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 10633173
    Abstract: Fitment assembly (10) for a container comprising in its inside volume a coffee ingredient, the fitment assembly (10) comprising: an inlet chamber (120) to accommodate an inflow of fluid for flowing through the coffee ingredient to extract a coffee beverage; a tertiary active chamber (231) on one of the sides of the fitment assembly (10) to where extracted coffee fluid together with the coffee ingredient particles is conveyed and a tertiary passive chamber (232) on the reverse side of the fitment assembly (10) to where the extracted coffee fluid after having been filtered is conveyed; a primary filter element (11) filtering the extracted coffee fluid coming from the tertiary active chamber (231) and flowing into the tertiary passive chamber (232) in such a way that only the fluid can go through and into the tertiary passive chamber (232) while the particles of coffee ingredient are retained in the tertiary active chamber (231); and an outlet duct (12) arranged in such a way that the extracted coffee beverage f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Damien Neurohr
  • Patent number: 10631681
    Abstract: The system comprises: capsules (C) of at least a first type and a second type, having outwardly protruding transverse flanges (32), and respective different axial lengths (h1, h2, h3), and a brewing unit (6, 20, 7), in which there is defined a variable-volume brewing chamber (100) with a lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) and a slidable end delimiting part (54, 55), for receiving capsules (C) of said types introduced into the chamber (100). The capsules (C) of the aforementioned different types have flanges (32) of correspondingly different shapes, and the end delimiting part (54, 55) of the brewing chamber (100) carries stop members (70, 71) adapted to be coupled to the flanges (32) of said different types of capsules (C) when the latter are introduced into the brewing chamber (100), so as to allow correspondingly different relative movements of the end delimiting part (54, 55) relative to the lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) of said chamber (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A
    Inventors: Danilo Bolognese, Elvio Bonisoli, Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli, Denis Rotta, Alfredo Vanni
  • Patent number: 10624489
    Abstract: Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying injection fluid to the cartridge (10), a cartridge holder (6) configured to accept and support a cartridge; the said cartridge holder being detachable from the device and complementary insertion means (7) are configured to allow the cartridge holder to be inserted from its detached position into the supply unit (2). The injection means (5) are provided and form part of the supply unit. The injection means are able to move into engagement. Sealing means (16) are also provided in association with the injection means in ‘order to provide sealing locally between the said injection means and the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Alain Meier, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
  • Patent number: 10610048
    Abstract: A beverage machine (300) comprises a pump (106) for pumping water (104) from a water tank (102) through a heater (108) and a hollow injection needle (200) into a beverage capsule (202), a pressurization device (302) comprising a cavity (304), a water line (116) connecting an outlet of the pump (106) to said cavity (304), a pressurization device valve (316) between the pump (106) and said pressurization device (302), a gas line (312) connecting the pressurization device (302) to said hollow injection needle (200), and a discharge valve (314), such that the pressurization device (302) receives a volume of water (104) from the pump (106) to compress a volume of gas (310) held in the cavity (304) of said pressurization device (302), and such that said compressed volume of gas (310) is discharged through the hollow injection needle (200) when the discharge valve (314) is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Gaillard, Eckhard Seid
  • Patent number: 10595549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of a liquid product, e.g. a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g. carbonated water, for the preparation of a beverage suitable for human consumption. The cartridge comprises a vertically extending channel that extends to a dispensing aperture in the bottom of the cartridge and one or more dispensing passages extending between a reservoir and the outside of the cartridge. The dispensing passages are provided with outlet openings located adjacent the aperture such that the base liquid and the liquid ingredient are dispensed in parallel flows, the liquid ingredient subsequently coating the exterior of the stream of base liquid, such that actual mixing of the liquid ingredient and base liquid only takes place after both have been dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Apiqe Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jasper Jacobus Van De Sluis, Roland Waldemar Verbeek
  • Patent number: 10588447
    Abstract: A system for preparing an individual serving of coffee includes one or more formed soluble coffee products and a container having one or more holes in a lower portion thereof, the hole(s) sized to prevent the one or more formed soluble coffee products from passing therethrough. The system may include a coffee maker operable to prepare a single serving of coffee from the one or more formed soluble coffee products, the coffee maker including a recess for receiving the container, a water conduit by which water from a water source flows into the container while the container is in the recess, and a heater for heating the water. A method of manufacturing a formed soluble coffee product may include pouring coffee into a mold, pouring a flavor or creamer additive into the mold, and freeze drying the combined coffee and additive while the coffee and additive are in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 10589922
    Abstract: A capsule for producing a beverage in an automatic beverage production device is provided that includes a cup-shaped body defined by a lateral wall and a bottom wall with a beverage outflow opening closed by a sealing film, and a filter member provided with a perforation member and extending transversely so as to ideally divide the cup-shaped body into an upper part containing the substance to be brewed, and a lower part containing a chamber for collecting the beverage. The bottom wall comprises an annular portion extending transversely to the capsule axis to define a stable support base for the capsule when the latter is arranged in a corresponding percolation seat of the automatic beverage production device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Gruppo Gimoka S.r.l.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Valsecchi, Massimo Faravelli
  • Patent number: 10588450
    Abstract: An appliance for preparing frothed milk is dockable onto a drinks preparation machine and, for this purpose, includes at least one connection for steam produced by the drinks preparation machine, as well as an interface for electrical current supplied by the drinks preparation machine. The appliance also includes a milk frothing unit with a gear pump. The gear pump at an inlet side is connected to a milk feed conduit and to an air feed. The milk frothing unit is configured such that an operating parameter is adjustable in a manner depending on a measured value and/or on a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventor: Werner Balkau
  • Patent number: 10568452
    Abstract: A brewing unit includes two brewing chamber portions movable with respect to each other, and a guide for guiding a capsule from an insertion aperture to a brewing position. The guide includes guiding channels configured to engage a flange of the capsule and a respective retention member arranged on each guiding channel for retaining the capsule in the brewing position before and during closing the brewing chamber portions, and to disengage the capsule when the brewing chamber portions are moved apart after completion of a brewing cycle. A control member is configured to space apart the retention members upon completion of the brewing cycle, so that a spent capsule is released from the guiding channels when the brewing chamber portions are moved towards an open position. The control member is configured to prevent spacing apart of the retention members when the brewing chamber portions are moved towards a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Fin, Massimo Baldo, Marco Santini
  • Patent number: 10548428
    Abstract: A beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage from an ingredients containing capsule includes a beverage brewing unit for receiving the capsule and preparing the beverage by means of injection of pressurized liquid into the capsule, and beverage dispensing means for dispensing the resulting beverage into a receptacle, wherein beverage brewing unit is designed for passing liquid through the capsule in a direction essentially opposite to gravity. Systems that include the beverage preparation device and methods of producing and using said device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Philippe Dumur, Nicolas Delay
  • Patent number: 10517420
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a brewing system includes a water delivery system, a cover, and a funnel. The water delivery system supplies water through a spray head of the cover to the funnel. The funnel holds brewing substance to be combined with the water to form a brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, David Trojahn, Brent Friedrich, William Krause
  • Patent number: 10499770
    Abstract: An appliance for frying has a frying pot disposed within a housing for containing oil or fat and having a normally-closed valve disposed at a bottom thereof. An oil receiving tank is removably receivable within the housing below the frying pot, and has an oil receiving hole positionable below the draining valve such that when the valve is opened, the or fat may flow from the frying pot into the oil receiving tank. An actuation mechanism disposed entirely on the housing has a first condition wherein the activation mechanism allows removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing, a second condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while not opening the valve, and a third condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Kaimong Man, Uri Murad
  • Patent number: 10499762
    Abstract: A beverage making machine may include a cartridge holder to hold a cartridge used to form a beverage. The cartridge holder may include a lower portion arranged to receive and hold the cartridge and a movable upper portion arranged to clamp the cartridge in place. The cartridge holder may be arranged to hold upper and lower compartments of the cartridge in spaces having a different pressure, e.g., an upper compartment of the cartridge may be held under relatively high pressure, and a lower compartment may be held in a space at ambient pressure. The cartridge holder may pierce upper and/or lower compartments of the cartridge to introduce activating fluid and/or receive carbonating gas from the upper compartment, and/or to introduced pressurized air into the lower compartment to force beverage medium to exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Gordon, Thomas Fedorka, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, William Philip McHugh
  • Patent number: 10485376
    Abstract: At least two consumables of a set for use in a beverage dispenser wherein each consumable includes a filtering body defining a space containing a food substance, from which the beverage is obtained by use of liquid, and a recognition element representing a surface of the filtering body configured to face a plurality of nozzles of the beverage dispenser that provide a flow of liquid through the consumable. The recognition element has a mechanical property, which is recognizable and/or interpretable by the beverage dispenser when said beverage dispenser obtains a sensor signal by sensing a flow characteristic of the flow of liquid, when the flow of liquid through the consumable is started by the plurality of nozzles. Said mechanical property is different for each type of consumable of the set of consumables so that a characteristic of said sensor signal depends on the mechanical property of the recognition element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Johannes Adrianus Van Den Aker, Franciscus Johannes Gerardus Hakkens, Jan Frederik Suijver, Jasper De Vreede, Christoph Dobrusskin
  • Patent number: 10478006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule holder (10) or an adapting device (17) for adapting a capsule (1) into a capsule holder (10), the capsule (1) being designed for delivering a food product by injection of a fluid under pressure into the capsule, said capsule comprising a chamber (3) defined by capsule side walls (4), a flexible bottom wall (5) comprising at least one dispensing opening (9) and a top wall (6), said chamber containing at least one ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by said injection fluid, wherein said capsule holder (10) or adapting device (17) comprises a pressure retaining element (11) disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall (5), which comprises at least one protrusion (12) in correspondence to said at least one dispensing opening (9) so that said protrusion (12) is disposed into the corresponding opening (9) and restricts its diameter at the time injection fluid inside the capsule chamber moves said membrane towards said pressure retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Frederic Doleac, Stephane Hentzel, HansPeter Pleisch, Marc Raederer
  • Patent number: 10448780
    Abstract: A beverage brewing unit such as for machines for preparing beverages from capsules is disclosed and includes a casing and capsule enclosing and insertion assemblies. Methods of producing and using same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 10420437
    Abstract: A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly (2), which comprises: —a preparation chamber that includes a first, stationary, part of chamber and a second, movable, part of chamber; —an actuation system (13, 14), controllable for causing displacements of the second part of chamber with respect to the first part of chamber, between a spaced apart position and a close position; —two guide elements, configured for co-operating with a flange of a capsule for guiding the latter towards a position that is substantially coaxial to the first part of chamber and to the second part of chamber; —an ejector member (9), slidably mounted through a through opening of a bottom of the first part of chamber (4); and—connection members (8, 9a), which connect the ejector member (9) to the second part of chamber. The guide elements are prearranged for interfering with the flange of the capsule in order to extract the capsule from the housing of the first part of chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Denis Rotta
  • Patent number: 10398252
    Abstract: A coffee extraction device is disclosed. A coffee extraction device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pump which is connected to a water supply source and pressurizes water supplied from the water supply source; a heater for heating the water pressurized by the pump; a coffee extraction unit for extracting coffee using the water heated by the heater; and a discharge member for discharging the coffee, which has been extracted by the coffee extraction unit, to the outside, wherein a vent valve may be provided between the heater and the coffee extraction unit, the vent valve being closed during coffee extraction and being opened after coffee extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Coway Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Woong Jung, Hee-Do Jung, Young-Hoon Hong, Jin-Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 10398253
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage production machine designed for producing a beverage from a capsule comprising a module (1) for introducing the capsule in the machine, positioning the capsule for the beverage preparation and ejecting the capsule, said module comprising:—a housing (2) having two lateral walls (2a, 2b) and rear and front ends (2c, 2d),—a capsule engagement member (3),—an actuator (4) comprising a handle (41), wherein:—each of the lateral walls of the housing comprises a guiding curve (23a, 23b),—the capsule engagement member comprises two lateral guiding pins (31a, 31b), each of the lateral guiding pins cooperating with one of the guiding curves (23a, 23b) of the housing lateral walls,—the actuator comprises: a fixed axis (42), the actuator being able to rotate around said fixed axis, two lateral walls (43a, 43b) joining the rear end (41a) of the actuator handle to the fixed axis (42), each of said lateral walls comprising a guiding curve (431a, 431b) cooperating with the lateral guiding pins
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Matthieu Ozanne, Didier Vuagniaux
  • Patent number: 10398254
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming both carafe quantities and smaller (e.g., cup) quantities of a beverage using a cartridge-based beverage machine. A beverage forming machine accommodates cartridges having different sizes and/or shapes, including different rim sizes/shapes. The outlet used for receiving a beverage from a standard cartridge differs from the outlet used for receiving the beverage from a carafe cartridge inserted in a same cartridge holder. Beverage may exit the cartridge in an upward direction in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountian, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Tinkler, James E. Shepard, Geoffrey Y. Smith, Peter Thomas Launie, Jr., Jonathan Alexander Brodie, Stuart Jay Foster, Stoyan Plamenov Hristov, Jianming Huang
  • Patent number: 10390546
    Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus with mobile reusable airtight container assembly (10) which utilizes pressurized inert gas or CO2 gas for long term preservation of the freshness of roasted coffee beans or grounds in terms of aroma and taste, utilizes a system of an electronic controller (250), pressure switch (170), gas delivery valve (180), check valve (50) and vent valve (160) to create a pressurized environment of inert gas or CO2 gas and low residual oxygen and moisture concentrations within the airtight container assembly (10). An airtight lid (20) with pressure seal (220) covers the airtight container assembly (10) and creates a reusable system whereby the user can remove a portion of the roasted coffee beans or grounds as often as needed in order to brew coffee without degrading the long term freshness of the roasted coffee beans or grounds stored within the airtight container assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Robert J. Wallach, Kurt M. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 10376093
    Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products includes: a source of a liquid; a delivery assembly, having a brewing chamber for receiving a precursor of a liquid food product and for delivering the food product following passage of the liquid through the brewing chamber; a pump, for pumping the liquid; and a control system, for controlling an electric motor of the pump. The pump has a casing with an inlet and an outlet and an arrangement driven via the motor. The motor is bidirectional, and the control system includes means for controlling reversal of rotation of the motor between a primary direction and a secondary direction. The pump has a priming system including a recirculation valve and an actuation arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Danilo Bolognese, Alberto Cabilli, Denis Rotta, Luca Bugnano