Cartridge Type Patents (Class 99/295)
  • Patent number: 9663288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pouch for preparing a beverage such as coffee, including a space intended to contain a concentrated dose, for example of ground coffee, and an inlet opening and an outlet opening, both of which are communicated with the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PSR PROFITABLE STRATEGIC REDEPLOYMENT SÀRL
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9661951
    Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) includes: a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10); a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2); guide elements (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40); an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; and a longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 9661948
    Abstract: Device for preparing a drink by extracting a measured quantity, for example of ground coffee, contained in a capsule (1) equipped with an extraction membrane (7), said device comprising a water inlet (5), a capsule holder (2), a capsule cage (3), clamping means and a set of spikes (6) for piercing said membrane (3); characterized in that the clamping means comprise a piston (4) mounted such that it can move with respect to the cage (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9655470
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection unit (1) for an espresso coffee machine including a stationary mechanical upper block (2) having a central projection (4) which forms a hot-water dispenser (7) and to which a removable portion, referred to as the group head (8), is attached, the inner surface of the group head having a cavity (22) in which the portafilter (9) is mounted, said portafilter comprising an operating handle (10) and a recess for holding a basket (11) containing the coffee grounds for preparing espresso coffee, characterized in that the group head (8) is attached to the mechanical block (2) of the injection unit (1) via a linking device having a resilient effect, and in that the seal (23) surrounding the dispenser (7) engages with the inner periphery of the basket (11). The invention is useful for manufacturers of espresso coffee machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: RENEKA INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Christian Ruhl
  • Patent number: 9623519
    Abstract: A coffee filter includes a metallic member having a flat portion in which tapered exit regions are formed that extend from the bottom of the flat portion to vertices interior to the flat portion. The flat portion is provided with a hole uniformity enhancement region between the top of the flat portion and the exit region vertices that are interior to the flat portion. The top of the flat portion is micro-machined to remove a part of the hole uniformity enhancement region to a predetermined depth into the hole uniformity enhancement region. Holes are formed in the top of the flat portion extending from the micro-machined top of the flat portion through the hole uniformity enhancement region to the vertices of the tapered exit regions. The predetermined depth of the micro-machined top of the flat portion is selected to prevent the micro-machined top of the flat portion from meeting the tapered exit regions to promote and maintain uniformity of the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Voice Systems Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Fedele
  • Patent number: 9603478
    Abstract: A system, including: a pod holder mount and a pressure plate mount reciprocally movable relative to one another; and a plurality of interchangeable pairs of pod holders and pressure plates respectively removable receivable in, and fluidly connectable to, the pod holder mount and the pressure plate mount to define an extraction chamber for individual coffee pods; wherein each of the pairs of pod holders and pressure plates are constructed and arranged to define fluid passages that selectively combine with fluid passages in the pod holder mount and the pressure plate mount to provide alternate fluid paths to inject water into, and extract coffee from, individual coffee pods in the extraction chamber in two opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AIRFLO DISTRIBUTORS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Joseph Deleo
  • Patent number: 9585511
    Abstract: A system for preparing portions of a beverage suitable for consumption, comprising an apparatus for preparing the beverage and a closed and form-retaining holder removably received in the holder, which holder is at least filled with a product to be dissolved and/or to be diluted such as a concentrate. The apparatus is provided with a liquid device for dispensing under pressure a fluid comprising a liquid such as water and, optionally, a gas such as steam or air, a receiving space in which the holder is received and at least one probe provided with at least one channel which, on the one side, is in fluid communication with the liquid device and which, on the other side, terminates in at least one outflow opening of the probe. The apparatus is designed for puncturing the wall on a first side and for moving the probe and the holder relative to each other such that the probe, in use, can be inserted through the first side of the holder whereupon the at least one outflow opening reaches into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer
  • Patent number: 9561901
    Abstract: Capsule (9) for use in a beverage preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising side (10), bottom (12) and top (11) walls defining a closed chamber, said chamber containing an ingredient, said capsule further comprising a beverage dispensing wall able to open for releasing a beverage prepared from said ingredient and said fluid, said capsule further comprising a pierceable plug (14) located adjacent to the inner side of the injection wall of the capsule, and made of a resilient material, said plug having a thickness between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and said plug having shape and dimensions such as to be pierced through by the fluid injection element (20) when said capsule is functionally inserted within said machine, characterized in that said plug (14) is supported by a plug supporting member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet, Ahmed Azouz
  • Patent number: 9554666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing mechanism for coffee machine, comprising an upper cover assembly (2) and a lower main body (16). The upper cover assembly (2) comprises an inlet piercing needle (9) fixed in the upper cover assembly and a bottom piercing needle (14) fixed in the lower main body, with the inlet piercing needle connected with an inlet of a coffee machine. The upper cover assembly (2) also comprises a left sliding block (3) and a right sliding block (3.1) arranged within sliding slots respectively provided at a left side and a right side of the upper cover assembly, with the left sliding block and the right sliding block capable of sliding along the sliding slots. A left reset spring (4) and a right reset spring (4.1) are respectively provided within the left sliding block and the right sliding block. A left fixing sheet (5) and a right fixing sheet (5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GUANGDONG XINBAO ELECTRIC JOINT-STOCK LTD.
    Inventors: Jiangang Guo, Yongchun Zeng, Hou Xiong
  • Patent number: 9527661
    Abstract: A disposable single use beverage package is disclosed. The package may include an impermeable barrier surrounding a permeable single walled basket. The permeable basket may include a frame and a filter. The permeable basket may also include a lid. The permeable basket may be provided preloaded with beverage grounds or may be loaded with beverage grounds during use. The beverage packet may be manufactured of materials that are biodegradable, compostable, or otherwise environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: LBP MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Z. Fu, Matthew R. Cook
  • Patent number: 9521923
    Abstract: A brewable beverage making cup adaptor for cartridge type coffee making machines of the type having an inlet spout for supplying pressurized hot water, includes a cup body defining a chamber for holding a brewable material; a lower closure closing a lower end of the cup body, and including a small discharge opening through which a brewed liquid is discharged; an upper cover closing an upper end of the cup body, and including an inlet opening adapted to be positioned below the inlet spout for the supply of pressurized water to the cup body, and an offset valve opening for fluidly connecting the chamber with ambient atmosphere; and a valve for closing the valve opening when the chamber is filled at least at a predetermined level with the pressurized water and for opening the valve opening when the pressurized water in the chamber falls below the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: Pangaea Labs Ltd., Affinitea Brewing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony P. Priley
  • Patent number: 9516970
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for creating a consumable liquid food or beverage product from frozen contents. A container is configured for insertion into an apparatus. The container includes a frozen content, a receptacle defining an opening and a cavity for receiving and storing the frozen content, and a closure formed over the opening of the receptacle for sealing the frozen content within the cavity of the receptacle. The receptacle is perforable, and the container is configured for insertion into an apparatus that is configured to create a consumable liquid beverage from the frozen content within the container, such that the frozen content is extracted through a perforation created in the receptacle by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: MELTZ, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Roberts, Paul Kalenian, Douglas M. Hoon
  • Patent number: 9510707
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (2) that vibrates during use, in particular a module for preparing a beverage by circulating a liquid via a flavoring ingredient such a pre-portioned ingredient contained in a capsule; and a reservoir (4) for storing liquid and supplying such liquid to the beverage preparation module. The beverage preparation module and the reservoir are connected by a vibration-barrier mechanical connection (3, 45, 291, 431) for inhibiting or preventing propagation of vibrations from the beverage preparation module to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Mori, Gilles Gavillet
  • Patent number: 9486108
    Abstract: A container within which is a liquid absorbing material that is wetted by a wetting liquid. The liquid absorbing material has a liquid retention characteristic for retaining the vinegar—such that the liquid retention ability reduces as a surface tension of the wetting liquid reduces due to a temperature rise of the wetting liquid over time. The temperature rise of the wetting liquid comes about when heated water at a higher temperature than the wetted liquid comes into contact with the wetting liquid. Preferably the liquid absorbing material is cotton and the wetting liquid is vinegar, such as apple vinegar. The container has an open top closed by a cover and has a bottom. Both the open top and the cover are punctured to form an inlet and an outlet to allow the heated water to pass through to heat the vinegar and mix with it for cleaning a machine that uses single serving beverage filter cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Shaun Douglas, Daniel Depatie
  • Patent number: 9486105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for containing beverage ingredients intended to produce a beverage in a beverage preparation device (20) upon liquid injection into the capsule and by rotating the capsule around its central axis in the device (20), the capsule (1) comprising: a side wall (2a), a bottom wall (2b) and a flange-like rim (2c), an upper wall (3) attached to the flange-like rim (2c) and/or the side wall (2b) of the capsule (1), the upper wall (3) comprising a central liquid inlet (4) and peripheral outlet apertures (5), wherein the upper wall (3) further comprises an outwardly protruding sealing member (6) which is arranged at an annular portion (3a) of the upper wall (3) between the central liquid inlet (4) and the peripheral outlet apertures (5), and which is designed to at least significantly hinder, preferably prevent liquid from flowing at the outside of the capsule (1) from the liquid inlet (4) to the outlet apertures (5) when the sealing member is engaged by the beverage prepar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Bruno Bizet, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Patent number: 9486106
    Abstract: The invention aims to provide a device and a method for retrieving efficiently a capsule from a receptacle of a beverage production apparatus. In particular, the device allows retrieving a used capsule in safe conditions and without waiting time. The beverage production apparatus comprises a receptacle (1) with a cover (3) for receiving a capsule (2) containing beverage ingredient. The device comprises capsule extracting and guiding means consisting of a clamp (6) having members (6?, 6?) arranged on each lateral side of the cover (3) of the receptacle. The capsule (2) is provided with a rim (8) around its upper edge which is directed upwards when the capsule is inserted in the receptacle (1). At opening of the cover of the receptacle, the clamp (6) is activated in such a way to position its members under the rim (8) of the capsule which is lifted thanks to a spring (4) at the bottom of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Stefan Etter
  • Patent number: 9474406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a beverage forming machine arranged for use with cartridges of different types, or receiving an upwardly flowing beverage from a cartridge. A beverage outlet may be movable to receive beverage from a cartridge of a first type, and to not receive beverage from a cartridge of a second type. Different cartridge characteristics may be detected by multiple detectors, e.g., for detecting a presence/absence of a cartridge, a cartridge type and/or an authorization feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Y. Smith, Jonathan Alexander Brodie, Stuart Jay Foster, James E. Shepard, Yoav Rabino, Ian Tinkler
  • Patent number: 9469471
    Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. The beverage capsule includes a body having a sidewall and a base defining an interior space. A first opening is defined at one end of the body and a second opening is defined at an opposing end of the body. A first cover covers the first opening and a second cover covers the second opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space a pre-determined distance away from the second opening. Ingredients, such as ground coffee beans, are disposed in the interior space between the first opening and the filter for preparing a desired beverage, wherein the ingredients have a statistical arithmetic mean particle size that is greater than 600 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: 2266170 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Timothy Dran, Scott Hanneson, Daud Ahmed Khan, Liberatore A. Trombetta
  • Patent number: 9462911
    Abstract: A coffee machine having water heating means, a pump for supplying water into the heating means and a dispensing unit for extracting the coffee with the heated water is described. The heating means include a tubular element inside which the water supplied by the pump flows, and a heating element, separated from the tubular element by an air cavity; the pump and the heating element are connected and regulated by an electronic board, so as to supply into the dispensing unit the heated water in at least two different modes and at a same preset temperature, the different modes corresponding to different types of coffee to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Aroma Polti SA
    Inventor: Stefano Polti
  • Patent number: 9445687
    Abstract: Brewing or preparation chamber (1) which is intended for a beverage-making machine and is suitable for accommodating, and extracting the contents from, a portion capsule (27, 29) which is filled with pulverulent or liquid basic beverage substances and consists fully or partially of electrically conductive material, and the brewing or preparation chamber (1) consists of a first, fixed-location chamber part (2), which is provided with opening means (25) for opening the portion capsule (27, 29) in relation to the beverage outlet and is connected in a fluid-channelling manner to a structure (6, 7, 8) for the outflow of the beverage, and of a second chamber part (3), which can be moved vertically or horizontally in relation to the first chamber part (2), is connected in a fluid-channelling manner, for the purpose of supplying the portion capsule (27, 29) with the extraction liquid, to an extraction-liquid-feeding extraction-liquid pump (37) and is provided with piercing means (11, 12) for opening the portion capsu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Patent number: 9439534
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a kit, comprising:—at least a capsule (10) for insertion in a beverage production machine and containing beverage ingredients, the capsule having a cup-like base body (10b) comprising an outlet face (10c), and—one or more beverage production parameter programming connector(s) (1) comprising an identification member (2) placed on a first side (1a) of the connector designed for representing individual information as to beverage production parameters upon mechanical contact by sensing means (8, 18) of a beverage production machine (100), said side being opposite to the second connector side (1b) designed for connection to the outlet face (10c) of the capsule, wherein either the capsule(s) (10) or the connector(s) (1) or the both is provided with means for mechanically associating the connector(1) to the capsule (10) by the consumer, preferably without using tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Matthieu Ozanne, Didier Vuagniaux, Alexandre Kollep, Gilles Gerber
  • Patent number: 9414709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage extracted from a capsule (1) having a sealing bulge (6) in the bottom portion of the sidewall (2) thereof, said device including a capsule mounting (4) and a capsule housing (5), inside of which at least one water inlet and a capsule boring means are arranged, characterized in that the bottom end of the inner surface of said housing (5) comprises an annular recess (8) sized such that at least part of the inner surface thereof provides sealed contact with said sealing bulge (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY SA
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9415930
    Abstract: A cartridge contains a beverage ingredient which comprises liquid beverage ingredient and elongate particles of beverage ingredient. The cartridge comprises an inlet (45) for the introduction of an aqueous medium, an outlet (44) for a beverage produced from the beverage ingredient, and a flow path linking the inlet to the outlet. The cartridge further comprises a filter (400) located in the flow path and an aperture (128) located in the flow path downstream of the filter, the aperture arranged, in use, to generate a jet of beverage. The filter has a plurality of openings (401) sized to retain a substantial portion of the elongate particles on the upstream side of the filter to prevent blockage of the aperture. The maximum area of each opening on the upstream face of the filter is no more than ten times the area of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Geoffrey York
  • Patent number: 9398827
    Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing liquids product by means of cartridges includes: an injector device, to let water and/or steam under pressure in the cartridge, an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and capable of receiving one said cartridge, retention element, capable of maintaining the cartridge in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and the injector device. The retention elements having: a support element of the cartridge, sustained in a displaceable way by the injector device in a part thereof that generally faces towards the outlet passage; and guiding elements mounted in a fixed position at generally opposite side parts of the injector device, that frontally protrude from the injector device and are capable of laterally constraining the cartridge to guide it until a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli
  • Patent number: 9394101
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body, which has a capsule bottom and a lid, wherein a cavity for accommodating a powdery or liquid beverage Substrate is formed between the capsule bottom and the lid and wherein a filter element is arranged in the cavity. The invention further relates to a method for producing a portion capsule and the use of the portion capsule to produce a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Gunter Empl
  • Patent number: 9386876
    Abstract: An adapting device for adapting a capsule into the capsule holder of a food machine when the capsule or pod is smaller than capsules or pods originally designed for insertion into the capsule holder is provided. The machine includes a fluid injection element for circulating a fluid through the capsule to a discharge opening, the capsule including a body enclosing a food ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted so as to produce a food product, and further including circumferential edges. The device includes a holding portion for holding at least a portion of the capsule, and a sealer for circumferentially adapting to the capsule holder and/or to the fluid injection element, and/or to the capsule outside surface, in a leak-tight manner so that the fluid flow is directed solely from the fluid injection element through the capsule, to a discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Nihan Dogan, Frédéric Doleac, Stéphane Hentzel, Marc Raederer
  • Patent number: 9380800
    Abstract: A method for preparing a drink by passing hot water in a capsule (1), in which first at least one cut (10) extending in a linear fashion is made through the second wall (3) of the capsule (1), substantially without removing material from it. The adjacent portions (11) of the second wall (3) delimiting the cut (10) are then allowed to draw near one another again if necessary, then, by injecting hot water into the capsule, the internal pressure in the capsule is increased to cause at least partial expulsion of the air contained in it substantially without dispensing the liquid, and, then, by deformation of the second wall (3), the adjacent portions (11) delimiting the cut (10) are moved away from one another, allowing the drink to flow out. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a capsule for implementing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Accursi
  • Patent number: 9375111
    Abstract: A capsule to form a closed interior filled with an extraction product or extract can be perforated in a known manner by perforation elements of an injection device or a discharge device in order to introduce an extraction liquid and to discharge an extraction product produced in the interior of the capsule following an extraction process. The capsule has the shape of a cuboid or a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventor: Louis Deuber
  • Patent number: 9351601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a coffee beverage in a brewing chamber (36) of a coffee machine (10) and to a coffee machine (10) for performing a method for producing a coffee beverage. The aim of the invention is to improve the dispensing of coffee, especially in its first phase, in order to avoid undesired splashing due to increased pressure of the coffee beverage at the coffee beverage outlet (47), According to the method of the invention, the brewing water is supplied to the brewing water inlet (35-1) of the brewing chamber (36) at a first volume flow rate during a first period of time (T1) of a first brewing phase (a), and during a second period of time (T2) of the first brewing phase (a), the brewing water is supplied to the brewing water inlet (35-1) of the brewing chamber (36) at a second volume flow rate, wherein the first volume flow rate and the second volume flow rate are both different from zero and wherein the second volume flow rate is lower than the first volume flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: JURA Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Patent number: 9314128
    Abstract: System for preparing drinks from a capsule comprising: a capsule (1) including a body comprising an injection face and an extraction face with an opening and terminating in a collar (5) and a portion for delivery of the drink; the collar terminating in a free edge (8); a device for preparing drinks comprising: a first chamber portion (14) comprising a cavity of a shape suitable for substantially covering the body of the capsule and a clamping surface (23) which is engaged in compression against the collar, and a second chamber portion comprising an extraction plate, at least one of the two chamber portions being able to move relative to the other chamber portion from an open position in which the capsule is inserted to a closed position in which the capsule is enclosed between the two chamber portions, the first chamber portion (14) comprising means (32, 38) for hooking the capsule making it possible to keep the capsule in the said cavity of the said first portion during the transition from the closed positio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Stefan Etter
  • Patent number: 9307858
    Abstract: An automatic cartridge ejecting unit for a coffee machine has a housing, a top cover, a bottom cover, a cartridge ejecting member and a return unit. The top cover is rotationally assembled on the housing. The bottom cover, which is slidably assembled on the housing and in transmission connection with the top cover, is disposed with an infusion chamber and a cavity. The cartridge ejecting unit is rotationally assembled on the bottom cover and rotates between the initial position and the open position with the action of the top cover. When the cartridge ejecting unit is in the open position, the coffee cartridge is unloaded and falls into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: TSANN KUEN (ZHANG ZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanxiang Zhang, Weijun Zhong
  • Patent number: 9309044
    Abstract: The invention proposes a capsule (9) for use in a beverage production device. The capsule (9) contains one or several ingredients (12) for producing a beverage or liquid comestible when a liquid (3) is fed into the capsule (9). The capsule is provided with an integrated antimicrobial filter (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Matthew David Steven, Anne Roulin
  • Patent number: 9295357
    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: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, 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: 9295358
    Abstract: Devices and methods for infusing liquids and/or brewing beverages are described. The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages comprising a vessel, said vessel comprising a sealable chamber for holding a brewing material and a liquid, and a filter assembly connected to the sealable chamber; a liquid supply and conduit for introducing at least a portion of said liquid supply into said sealable chamber; and a vacuum source and conduit for reducing pressure in said sealable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bkon LLC
    Inventors: Dean J. Vastardis, Lou Vastardis
  • Patent number: 9289093
    Abstract: A brewing assembly includes a brewing chamber, a support structure carrying first and second portions of the brewing chamber, and a boiler for heating water. The support structure has a first part which is fastened to the first portion of the brewing chamber, and a second part which is fastened to the second portion of the brewing chamber. The first and second parts of the support structure can be mutually coupled and uncoupled. The first and second portions of the brewing chamber are mutually mobile to adopt an open position, and a closed position when the first and second parts of the support structure are coupled. The boiler is rigidly connected to one of the parts of the support structure and to one of the portions of the brewing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Cristiano Castelli, Stefano Tonelli
  • Patent number: 9282849
    Abstract: Machines and methods for preparing single-servings of a beverage. The machine can include a housing and a basket assembly positioned in the housing. The basket assembly defines a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor. A screen having a plurality of openings can be positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber. A first plate having a single restricting orifice can be secured to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Timm Windler, Adam Mekeel Mack, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Patent number: 9271600
    Abstract: A device (1) for receiving an ingredient cartridge (2) and extracting the ingredient by passing heated liquid through the cartridge, comprises: a cartridge seat (10) that has an open configuration for receiving and/or removing a cartridge from such device and a closed configuration for extracting the ingredient; and a force generation means (46) for assisting a closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat. The force generation means can be associated with a dampening means (47, 48) for dampening the closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat when assisted by the force generating means. The device can have a user-movable handle (41) that is associated with an end-of-stroke feed-back means (50) for providing a corresponding feed-back to a user actuating the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: David Larzul, Patrick Baudet, Alain Jaccard, Blaise Rithener
  • Patent number: 9271601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The capsule comprises an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer comprises a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, John Henri Flamand, Angenita Dorothea van Loon-Post, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Patent number: 9248954
    Abstract: A cartridge for beverage dispensing machine is provided with outlet means (9B, 14) that are opened by the combined action of a mechanical compression and internal pressurization of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: TUTTOESPRESSO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 9242791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for delivering a drink by injecting a pressurized fluid comprising a body (2), an injection wall (3), a chamber (4) containing a bed of food substance to be extracted, means for retaining the internal pressure (5) in the said chamber. The improvement consists in the provision of an injection space (7) allowing a means of injecting fluid in the form of at least one jet of fluid to be introduced through the injection wall and in providing a means (6) for breaking the jet of fluid and distributing the distribution of fluid at a reduced speed across the surface of the bed of substance. These means may adopt various forms such as that of a rigid or flexible perforated wall, or a layer of discrete elements or a spongy layer. Such a capsule improves the flow of liquid extract through the pressure retaining means (5) and improves the extraction conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Denisart, Jean-Luc Denisart, Zenon Ioannis Mandralis, Abdelmalek Benelmouffok, Thomas Kaeser
  • Patent number: 9215947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for brewing by extraction from a portion capsule, having a first brewing-chamber element and a second brewing-chamber element, wherein the first brewing-chamber element can be moved between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing-chamber elements are spaced apart from one another in order for the portion capsule to be introduced, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing-chamber elements have been advanced towards one another in order to form a substantially closed brewing chamber for the portion capsule, wherein the brewing apparatus is designed such that the orientation of the portion capsule remains substantially constant as it is transferred from the loading position into the extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG Elektrohaushaltgerate
    Inventors: Remo Sonderegger, Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9186017
    Abstract: The brewing device for creating a coffee beverage has a brewing unit having a brewing chamber, a crema unit having a crema chamber connected to the brewing chamber by means of a coffee passage and having a valve piston for opening and/or closing the coffee passage, which valve piston can be moved in the crema chamber relative to the coffee passage, and an outlet opening. The valve piston can be moved into a plurality of different specified movement positions relative to the coffee passage, wherein different consecutive brewing processes for creating different coffee beverages can be realized, and wherein the crema unit is designed in such a way that coffee brewed during a particular brewing process can be swirled through at different intensity than a different brewing process depending on the particular specified movement position of the valve piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Patent number: 9167933
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Carr
  • Patent number: 9149148
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is disclosed that includes a base and at least one module. The base conditions and delivers a fluid to the at least one module that houses an ingredient to be mixed with the fluid. The base is controlled by a control unit that is configured to control the flow and the pressure of the liquid delivered to the module, during the preparation of a beverage, according to a command selected from a plurality of commands suitable for different types of ingredients and/or for different preparation processes of a given ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventors: Alain Jaccard, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Renzo Moser
  • Patent number: 9126729
    Abstract: A tea bag string securable to a lid for a cup enables the bag to be positioned into the cup liquid for removal therefrom and thereafter for storage within the lid underside. A string holding tab on the lid comprises a slotted notch in the tab or a hook formation extending from the lid and enables the string to be secured to the lid. A bag-holding strip extending over the lid underside retains the bag therewithin. The strip may be integral with or separate from the lid. If separate, the strip has a cup-engaging rim that can snap the strip over the container lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Heather Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9113746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a drink extracted from a capsule, including a capsule mounting and a capsule housing, inside of which at least one water inlet and a capsule-boring means are arranged, characterized in that said housing is sized so as to at least partially deform any capsule, consisting of a material that is deformable when placed in contact with hot water and placed in the housing, such that the capsule is retained in the housing after the contact thereof with the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY SA
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9113747
    Abstract: A coffee maker and coffee holder cooperate to provide either single-cup or multi-cup brewing. A single-cup coffee holder in insertable into the coffee maker for preparing a single serving of coffee, and a multi-serving coffee holder is insertable into the coffee maker for preparing multiple servings of coffee. A coffee holder lid is attached to the coffee maker and is configured to close both the singe serving and multi-serving coffee holders. The holder lid is configured to either spray heated water into the coffee holders, or to inject the heated water through needles into coffee in the coffee holder. In one embodiment, the coffee is held in a filter paper package with a rim, and the rim is sandwiched between the coffee holder and the holder cover. A tamper may be included which tamps the coffee before brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 9101243
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an espresso or other coffee drink maker that is configured to accept a number of different forms of coffee grounds. It may accept powder/coffee grounds that are loose, coffee capsules, coffee pods, (e.g., “ESE” (easy serving espresso) pods), or any other format. The machine may also be provided with an optional built-in grinder, which allows the machine to accept fresh coffee beans, in order to grind and brew them on-site, in a single machine. Such espresso/coffee drink makers find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft, but may be useful in a number of other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: The Richards Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lee, Abdelaziz Boubeddi, Timothy C. Morse
  • Patent number: 9096373
    Abstract: The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body defined by a bottom wall and by a side wall, a lid arranged so as to close body and an annular shoulder defined on the inner face of wall and on which the peripheral edge of lid is fixed. Side wall of body has an upper annular edge defined by: an annular portion extending upwards in one piece with side wall; an annular portion extending from portion on a horizontal plane; an annular portion extending from portion on a horizontal plane; an annular projection extending downwards from the lower face of portion for defining, together with the outer face of portion, an annular seat suited to be engaged by the upper end of a side wall of a percolation chamber; and a ring connecting portions and which, in section, is arched and has a concavity facing downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 9079706
    Abstract: A sealed capsule for use in apparatus including a capsule receiving station and a water delivery system for brewing a hot beverage in which a hot liquid under pressure infuses a material. A capsule base has a concave bottom floor with angularly spaced structural ribs that form channels for directing brewed beverage to a sharpened spout. A collar surrounds the dispensing spout. A foil attaches to the collar to overlie the spout. A filter lies on the structural ribs. Infusible material lies on the filter. A water distribution plate overlies the infusible material. A cover closes the base unit and includes a water inlet. As the capsule seats in the capsule receiving station, the foil seal is forced over the sharpened spout to rupture and enable brewed beverage to be dispersed. A probe of the water delivery system also penetrates the cover to direct water into the capsule without contacting the infusible material or the brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: SolaBev LLC
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, David Normand Belanger, Gary P. McGonagle, Laura J. Nickerson