Plunger Type Patents (Class 99/297)
  • Patent number: 11297971
    Abstract: A beverage brewing device is configured to brew beverages such as coffee and tea. A brewing canister having a filter at a bottom end is held partially within a receiving beaker, and a seal is created between the canister outer surface and the beaker inner surface. Brewing media such as coffee grounds and brewing fluid such as hot water are added to the canister, mixed, and allowed to brew. At a desired time, the receiving beaker is moved relative to the brewing canister so that the brewing canister is partially removed from the receiving beaker. As such, a vacuum is formed between the bottom end of the brewing canister and the receiving beaker. The filter stops brewing media from flowing into the receiving beaker, but the vacuum draws the brewed beverage through the brewing media and filter and into the receiving beaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: David Harper
  • Patent number: 10694885
    Abstract: A coffee maker and a coffee preparation method thereof are disclosed, the coffee maker includes: a stator frame; a grinding chamber including a cavity is mounted on the stator frame, and a cover; the cavity is covered by the cover to enclose a grinding cavity, a bottom of the grinding cavity having a beverage outlet communicated with the beverage cavity; a grinding device including a grinding knife tackle disposed in the grinding cavity, and a motor disposed outside the grinding cavity to drive the grinding knife tackle to rotate; a coffee strainer, circularly arranged on a peripheral of the grinding knife tackle; a lower end of the coffee strainer abuts a bottom wall of the grinding cavity to separate the grinding cavity into a grinding bean cavity and a beverage cavity disposed on the periphery of the grinding bean cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Lizhong Ren, Jian Kuang
  • Patent number: 10448779
    Abstract: A beverage maker, particularly for coffee or tea, includes an outer receptacle for containing a mixture of a liquid and a solid beverage making material. A filter element mountable within the outer receptacle divides the outer receptacle into a fluid flow space between the filter element and a closed bottom of the outer receptacle, and a holding space between the filter element and a top of the outer receptacle where the liquid and solid material are mixed to form a beverage. An inner housing having a beverage receptacle may slide in the outer receptacle to filter the beverage through the substantially stationary filter element to provide the beverage in the fluid flow space. Under continued pressure, the beverage is forced into at least one fluid flow conduit fluidly connecting the fluid flow space to the beverage receptacle to fill the beverage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Alan Paul Kalbfleisch
  • Patent number: 10251510
    Abstract: Enables a coffee making apparatus with a froth spoon and at least one impeller configured to enable users to make a cup of coffee, agitate the coffee grounds with the at least one impeller, for example before or after as the plunger is pushed to the bottom of the carafe. Embodiments thus enable a user to make additional froth, pour out the coffee into a cup, and after the cup is filled to the desired level, spoon out froth over the coffee with the froth spoon without pouring excess coffee into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: RYAN BROTHERS COFFEE OF SAN DIEGO, INC.
    Inventor: Harry Ryan
  • Patent number: 10172495
    Abstract: Embodiments of an infusion extractor are provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that can have vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. In some implementations, the plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ESPRO, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce A. Constantine
  • Patent number: 9301636
    Abstract: A beverage press is shown and described. The beverage press may include a lid, a liquid containing member having upper and lower portions, where the upper portion of the liquid containing member is selectively engaged with the lid. The beverage press may also include a press operatively secured with the lid and extending within the liquid containing portion, where the press is microwaveable, and a solid retaining member selectively engaged with the lower portion of the liquid containing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Grant Varnum
  • Patent number: 9192261
    Abstract: A French press coffee maker includes a carafe, a plunger, and a ladle. The carafe includes a base wall and an upwardly extending generally cylindrical side wall. The plunger includes a rod and a piston connected to the rod. The piston is movable with respect to the carafe in an axial direction. The ladle includes a base having a peripheral rim and an upwardly extending arm connected with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Paul Katz, Goeran Jerstroem
  • Patent number: 9089239
    Abstract: An infuser having a non-porous region to selectively stop infusion. The infuser may be used in a vessel, such as a portable beverage mug suitable for preparing and drinking tea and other beverages. Methods for infusing contents (such as coffee or tea) into a beverage with the ability to stop the infusion process on command, and without having to remove the contents from the container or vessel holding the infuser. Once the beverage has reached a desired flavor, the flavoring ingredients can be pushed into the non-porous section of the infuser by pushing a press head to move the infusing contents into the non-porous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Planetary Design
    Inventor: Scott Thadd Billadeau
  • Patent number: 9010238
    Abstract: A beverage maker which has an open top container, a filter insert and a lid. The lid comprises a lid lower part having a lower lid wall in which an insertion opening is configured for inserting the filter insert. In order to prevent liquid from pouring or squirting out of the container and in order to reduce heat losses, the lid lower part is sealingly held on the container, a pouring spout is configured in the lower lid wall and the lid comprises a closure for the pouring spout. The closure has a lever which is mounted above the lower lid wall to be swivelable about a horizontal axis. The lever has an actuation region in order to swivel the lever from a first position in which the closure closes the pouring spout to a second position in which the closure releases the pouring spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: PI-Design AG
    Inventor: Jørgen Bodum
  • Publication number: 20150059592
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vessel comprising an open top, an open bottom, and a wall. The vessel encompasses a volume of material and fluid. A bottom assembly removably engages the open bottom. A lid assembly removably engages the open top. A plunger unit comprises a top end and a bottom end. The plunger unit passes through the lid assembly to extend to at least the open bottom. A filter assembly is in engagement with the bottom end and the cylinder wall. The filter assembly substantially separates the material and fluid with a movement of the plunger unit towards the open bottom and compresses the material against the bottom assembly. The separated fluid is removable from the open top, and the compressed material is removable by a disengagement of the bottom assembly and continued movement of the filter assembly towards the open bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: John Richardson
  • Publication number: 20150050396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Turkish coffee cooking and serving machine having a cooking compartment whose inner volume is heated by a heater and wherein coffee mixture including Turkish coffee, water and optionally sugar is cooked; and when the cooking process is completed, providing transfer of the cooked coffee mixture in the cooking compartment through a discharge spout to a beverage receptacle for serving the cooked coffee to people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Arzum Elektrikli Ev Aletleri San. Ve Tic. A.S.
    Inventor: Ersoy Atilla
  • Patent number: 8904920
    Abstract: An electric tea maker device has a vessel with a reservoir having an opening that removably receives a tea brewing chamber. The chamber has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion lacks perforations and the lower portion has perforations. The device has a plunger for the chamber that, when in a depressed position within the chamber, isolates tea from the reservoir. The vessel has a sensor for detecting when the chamber is inserted into the reservoir in a brewing position, a brew countdown timer that is activated by the sensor, and an indicator for alerting a user that a brew countdown is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventor: Eddie Siu
  • Patent number: 8893610
    Abstract: A press assembly is adapted to be used with a disposable stackable cup. According to the preferred embodiment, the press includes a filter. A resilient radially compressible support forms a seal is formed between the filter and the interior of the cup. A detachable rod is mounted to the support. The support is sized to accommodate all radii of the cup. As the user presses down the rod, the press assembly is pushed downward to the bottom of the vessel. The seal maintains continual and firm pressure on the inside surface of the vessel so that the pressurized liquid passes through the filter and the infusion substance is trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas B. Haverstock
  • Patent number: 8887623
    Abstract: The device is an extraction basket inserted and depressed to the bottom of a brewing apparatus' brewing chamber prior to adding flavor base and water to the chamber. Following the French press process of brewing, a filtration piston is inserted into the brewing chamber. After the allotted brewing time, the filtration piston is depressed into the chamber, thus pushing the spent flavor base to the bottom of the chamber, filtering the brewed beverage from the solid flavor base, and compacting the spent flavor base in the extraction basket. Once the brewed beverage has been removed, the filtration piston is removed from the chamber. The user then reaches into the chamber, lifts a handle on the extraction basket and quickly and neatly removes the basket and spent flavor base in one efficient motion whereupon the spent flavor base can be discarded properly without effort or mess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Giordano
  • Publication number: 20140322410
    Abstract: To make espresso, a plunger forces heated liquid from a plunger cylinder to a coffee container. The resulting brewed liquid is allowed to pass through an expansion pressure relief valve. The expansion pressure relief value maintains a pressure sufficient for brewing espresso as force on the plunger forces the liquid to flow through the coffee container and through the expansion pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Najma Khan, Michael Anthony Ronzoni, Chia-Hsin Sung, Richard W. Benner
  • Publication number: 20140318377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage machine that heats up water in the upper water chamber(s). The water has direct contact with an electric heating system and the heated water flows by gravity and being distributed by a pour over system into an underlying filter basket. The hot water chamber comprises a sensor for water temperature. Once the water reaches an optimal temperature, a motor and gear system would drive a valve open and allow the heated water to flow into the underlying filter basket. The present invention allows certain amount of water to be heated up in individual batch, thereby making it easy to manage water temperature in every batch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Yuen Chin Chen, Amy Decem Cheng, Raymond Wai Ming Wong, Jeremy Kok Leong Tay
  • Publication number: 20140311353
    Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher R. MCLEAN, Bruce A. CONSTANTINE
  • Patent number: 8863650
    Abstract: An infusion press lid assembly is taught consisting of a lid body having a configuration capable of attaching to a straight walled beverage containing vessel. An actuator lever (44) pivotally engages a lid body (20) with a pouring valve (56) embraced by the actuator lever. A plunger rod (70) is disposed within the lid body and a plunger knob (76) is attached to the plunger rod for manually pushing the rod away from the lid body. A piston (82) is attached to the plunger rod, with the piston having bottom screen (84); a hub (86), an outer ring (88) and a number of reinforcing spokes (90). A seal retainer (92) is disposed within a groove (94) around the piston's periphery and a lip seal (96) is positioned within seal retainer. When an infusible media is placed within a beverage containing vessel and hot water is poured over the media and the lid body is attached, after steeping a brewed beverage is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 8833237
    Abstract: A coffee machine (1) having a coffee grinding device (9), a brewing device (5), a brewing water source (7) and a flowmeter (8), which for the user offers a particularly simple setting of the extract content of a coffee beverage. A display device (16) is provided for displaying the flow rate acquired on the flowmeter (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
    Inventors: Jochen Gussmann, Tobias Krips, Ludwig Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20140245894
    Abstract: A device for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage, such as tea, coffee or soup from a preferably portioned ingredient, in particular in the form of capsules, housed within a beverage preparation chamber. The device includes a housing, a pump comprising a pump chamber, in particular a pump chamber containing a piston moveably mounted therein, the pump further comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a liquid supply which is in fluid connection with the liquid inlet of the pump, a pump support connected to the housing of the device at which the pump is mounted, and a pre-suction chamber connected to the liquid inlet of the pump and being designed to intermittently provide liquid to the liquid inlet of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Leo Bühler, Stefan ETTER, Thomas HODEL, Renzo MOSER, Michael MEIER
  • Patent number: 8794127
    Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Mike Baum, Izaak Koller, Brian Shay
  • Patent number: 8789458
    Abstract: The system includes a vertically-oriented cylinder sized to receive a selected amount of water and a substance such as coffee to be brewed. A plunger is slidingly received within the cylinder. A filter assembly separates the grounds from the brewed drink. A heating element is wrapped around the cylinder to maintain a selected temperature within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Jeremy J. Kuempel
  • Patent number: 8770097
    Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce A. Constantine
  • Patent number: 8770092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing unit (1) for a coffee maker for brewing a ground coffee portion (10), comprising a brewing unit housing (2), an upper plunger (3) firmly connected to the brewing unit housing (2), a holder (4) for receiving the ground coffee portion (10), said holder being open at the top and closed at the bottom by a base (7), and a brewing plunger (6) for compressing the ground coffee portion (10) in a brewing chamber (5). The holder (4) and the brewing plunger (6) are disposed movably and pivotally in the brewing unit housing (2). Mechanical operating elements are provided in the brewing unit housing (2) for raising, lowering, and pivoting the holder (4) and the plunger (3). The brewing plunger (6) is hydraulically guided displaceably in the holder (4) relative to the holder (4). Between the brewing plunger bottom side (14) and the base (7) of the holder (4) a lower chamber space (13) is provided, into which the hot water supply (8) opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Egro Suisse AG
    Inventor: Stephan Ruckstuhl
  • Patent number: 8739689
    Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel which heats the liquid of the corresponding vessel, a filter assembly disposed within the vessel operable to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered beverage from the base of the brew vessel. Some embodiments include one or more valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel, and a filter operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent flavor base from the system. Some embodiments include processor control of the system, allowing for operation tailored to individual user requirements that might be downloaded to the processor through various wired and non-wired interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Alpha Dominiche Ltd.
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith
  • Publication number: 20140106042
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages at a rapid rate by enabling removal of spent flavor base (e.g., coffee grounds) from a brewing chamber. In one embodiment, a filter is provided in fixed attachment with a wiper. After a brewed beverage is forced from the brewing chamber through the filter, the filter can be removed from the brew chamber. Removal of the filter causes the wiper to pass over the brew chamber, sweeping away spent flavor base and preparing the brew chamber for subsequent use. In some embodiments, a scraper may be positioned such that removal of the filter from the brew chamber causes the scraper to remove spent flavor base from the filter and/or wiper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Patent number: 8695486
    Abstract: The invention discloses a plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a lid which can be closed by a valve. The beverage-making machine has a vessel (2), a lid (3) and a filter piston (4) which can be vertically displaced in the vessel and has a piston rod (41). The lid (3) contains a pouring opening (37) which can be closed by means of an elongate lever (33) which extends transverse to the piston rod. To this end, the lever is mounted on the lid such that it can pivot about a horizontal axis. The lever has, in the region of its front end, a closure body (36) in order to close the pouring opening and, in the region of its rear end, an operating region (331) in order to pivot the lever by virtue of pressure exerted by a finger of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pi-Design AG
    Inventor: Jørgen Bodum
  • Patent number: 8695485
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; and a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Julie D. Spitzley, David M. Dreffer, Carole A. Dreffer
  • Publication number: 20140096686
    Abstract: Liquid pump (1) comprising: a cylinder (24), an inlet valve (47a) for feeding the liquid into said cylinder (24), a discharge valve (47b) for discharging the liquid out of said cylinder (24), a piston (52) actuated by a transmission tube (51) and sliding in said cylinder (24) so as to draw said liquid into said cylinder (24) and then to expel it from said cylinder (24). The cylinder (24) comprises at least one heating cartridge (41) in order to heat the liquid in said cylinder (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Gotec SA
    Inventors: Vincent Grenon, Denis Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20140060337
    Abstract: A beverage press is shown and described. The beverage press may include a lid, a liquid containing member having upper and lower portions, where the upper portion of the liquid containing member is selectively engaged with the lid. The beverage press may also include a press operatively secured with the lid and extending within the liquid containing portion, where the press is microwaveable, and a solid retaining member selectively engaged with the lower portion of the liquid containing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Grant Varnum
  • Publication number: 20140060336
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus for making crema coffee. More particularly, the invention is directed to an apparatus specifically directed to brew crema coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Campetella, Gil Garcia
  • Publication number: 20140041527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation device comprising a cylindrical chamber with a jacket provided with a filling opening for receiving a powder-like or granular substance and an ejection opening for ejecting the substance, a first and a second compression element, positioned perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the chamber, a displacement member for relative displacement of the first compression element with respect to the jacket between a filling position, a compression position and an ejection position, wherein the compression elements in the filling position delimit a filling volume and the compression elements in the compression position delimit a preparation volume positioned along a longitudinal axis and at a distance from the filling volume, wherein the first compression element engages the inner wall of the jacket in a fluid-tight manner and a fluid supply channel and a fluid discharge channel that in the compression position is in fluid-communication with the preparatio
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BRAVILOR HOLDING b.v
    Inventors: Ramon Eduard Verhoeven, Johannes Theodorus Huiberts
  • Publication number: 20140041526
    Abstract: An attachment system for connecting a piston cover to a piston body of a french press coffee maker comprises a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the plate is adapted to be in contact with a top surface of the piston cover. The bottom surface has at least one peg extending therefrom. The at least one peg is adapted to be inserted into at least one aperture of the piston cover and corresponding at least one aperture of the piston body. The at least one peg is adapted to be secured to the bottom surface of the piston body. Piston heads for a brewing chamber of a french press coffee maker are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: LES ENTREPRISES CAFECTION INC.
    Inventor: Simon GAGNÉ
  • Patent number: 8646378
    Abstract: A brewing device (1) for a coffee machine comprises a brewing cylinder (2) with a cylindrical bore (3), an upper piston (5) and a lower piston (4), by means of which the brewing cylinder (2) is able to be closed off to form a brewing chamber (6). The surface of the upper piston (5) and of the lower piston (4) facing the brewing chamber (6) is provided in each case with a sieve (11, 12), through which hot water is able to be conducted into the brewing chamber (6) or coffee is able to be discharged from the brewing chamber (6) in each case via a connecting channel (7, 8) provided in the respective piston (4, 5). At least one of the sieves (11, 12) is installed on a supporting structure (9, 10) that is placeable on one of the pistons (4, 5) and is lockable therewith. The respective supporting structure (9, 10) is provided with a connecting element (13, 14), which is connectable in a sealed way to the connecting channel (7, 8) of the respective piston (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schaerer AG
    Inventors: Peter Sinzig, Fabian Salzmann
  • Patent number: 8635944
    Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Jens Schmalkuche, Peter Tintelnot
  • Publication number: 20130319252
    Abstract: The brewing assembly comprises: a brewing chamber (21, 31, 41); a support structure (17, 19) carrying a first portion (21) and a second portion (23) of the brewing chamber; and a boiler (51) for heating water. The support structure has a first part (17) which is fastened to the first portion (21) of the brewing chamber, and a second part (19) which is fastened to the second portion (23) 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 (51) is rigidly connected to one of the parts of the support structure and to one of the portions of the brewing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Cristiano Castelli, Stefano Tonelli
  • Publication number: 20130284030
    Abstract: A French press coffee maker includes a carafe, a plunger, and a ladle. The carafe includes a base wall and an upwardly extending generally cylindrical side wall. The plunger includes a rod and a piston connected to the rod. The piston is movable with respect to the carafe in an axial direction. The ladle includes a base having a peripheral rim and an upwardly extending arm connected with the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Paul Katz, Goeran Jerstroem
  • Publication number: 20130263745
    Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end. A steam chamber is disposed below the brew chamber. A filtering base is removably inserted into the brew chamber. The filtering base has a diaphragm having a plurality of openings formed therein. The diaphragm is movable via fluid pressure between a first position in which the openings are open, thereby providing fluid communication between the brew chamber and the steam chamber and a second position in which the openings are closed, thereby precluding fluid communication between the brew chamber and the steam chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Khristian Bombeck, Adam Mangold, Tymer Tilton
  • Patent number: 8522668
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system for producing on demand iced tea. The beverage brewing system may include a concentrated beverage brewer, one or more brew water circuits in communication with the concentrated beverage brewer, one or more makeup water circuits, and one or more back pressure valves in communication with the brew water circuits and the makeup water circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Douglas John Franck, Shaun Blaise Gatipon, Kenneth George Smazik, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130213240
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system comprised of a brewing chamber and removable adaptors that enable a plurality of brewing styles using beverage filter cartridges and loose beverage mediums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Espressi, Inc.
    Inventor: Espressi, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130174745
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing brewed beverages, having a brewing unit which has a brewing chamber, into which a capsule can be introduced through an introduction shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: EUGSTER / FRISMAG AG
    Inventor: EUGSTER /FRISMAG AG
  • Publication number: 20130156904
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages with a level of precision that can yield a uniform taste from cup to cup, and at a rapid rate. In one embodiment, a liquid is heated in a reservoir to a predetermined temperature. Prior to brewing a beverage with the liquid, the liquid may be passed through a temperature control unit to cool the liquid to a desired brewing temperature. By utilizing such a temperature control unit, the brewing temperature can be varied on a per-beverage basis. Moreover, utilization of a temperature control unit can enable the liquid to be brought to a desired brewing temperature relatively rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventor: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130112084
    Abstract: The infusion unit (3) comprises a moving element (9) with a seat (15) for ingredients for making said beverages, forming an infusion chamber (15) and shifting from a position for charging the ingredients to an infusion position, wherein the seat is between a hot water dispensing device (41) and a beverage outlet nozzle (35) opposite one another. The hot water dispensing device (41) comprises a cylinder-piston actuator (43, 47) fed by a first conduit (48) of water under pressure that controls a closing movement of the dispensing device (41) towards the seat (15) in infusion position. Moreover, the piston (47) of the actuator is associated to a conduit (57) of hot water under pressure. The piston exhibits a feeding chamber (55) of the hot water under pressure with an outlet port on a closing surface (53A) of the infusion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Andrea Favero, Andrea Ferraro, Giovanni Berto
  • Publication number: 20130092031
    Abstract: An infusion assembly, wherein a piston is positioned facing an open end of a cup, and is movable along a first axis to insert a container of powdered material into the cup; the container having been arrested, in use, by a gripper-type stop device in a position coaxial with the first axis and inside a through channel interposed between the piston and the cup; the gripper-type stop device being movable with and by the piston to perform a work movement towards the cup; and the cup having a second axis, and being mounted to oscillate, about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, between a normal unloading position, in which the open end of the cup faces downwards, and a work position, in which the second axis is coaxial with the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: N & W Global Vending S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Magno
  • Publication number: 20130087052
    Abstract: The infusion unit comprises an infusion chamber (25, 31) for coffee or other product wherefrom, through water under pressure, the flavours are extracted for making the beverage. The infusion chamber comprises at least one yielding wall (33) for adjusting the volume of the closed infusion chamber to the amount of product contained into said infusion chamber. Moreover, a variable volume chamber is (49) provided, filled with a liquid and connected to the yielding wall (33), so that the volume of the variable volume chamber filled with liquid varies according to the position taken by said yielding wall (33) when the infusion chamber is closed. The position of the yielding wall (33) is locked when the infusion chamber is closed, preventing the liquid flow from and into said variable volume chamber filled with liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Cristiano Castelli, Stefano Tonelli
  • Patent number: 8402888
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Smartcup, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Baccetti
  • Patent number: 8375846
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SmartCup, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Brian Baccetti
  • Patent number: 8371211
    Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Zander Nosler, Randy Hulett, Jorah Wyer, Michael Baum, Jeff Allison
  • Publication number: 20130022716
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with a device (4,5) to filter hot, pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, a controlling unit (16) storing data, and two pistons operated independently by two motors to control the volume and/or the position of the brewing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: RHEA VENDORS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20120328748
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine, for instance a coffee machine, provided with a brewing chamber and at least one valve for totally and/or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the chamber. Advantageously, the valve is an electrovalve, in particular a piezoelectric valve, which is continuously controllable to adjust the beverage flow rate being permitted to exit the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: RHEA VENDORS S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer