Abstract: Apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module (10) for distributing a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid supply tank (7), gas supply means (65) configured to supply the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber (80), the said chamber being arranged, in a filling configuration, to communicate with the tank (7) in order to be filled with liquid and the said chamber being arranged, in a module supply configuration, to communicate with the gas supply means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to distribute a quantity of liquid under a certain pressure through the module. Preferably, the chamber (80) is bounded by at least one elastic wall (85), separating the gas from the liquid in a sealed manner and, configured to deform elastically and thereby reduce the internal volume of the chamber under the effect of the gas thrust against this wall. The invention applies, for example, to mobile or portable coffee or multi-beverage machines.
Abstract: A coffee machine includes a hot water generator, an infusion chamber for receiving an infusible product, an infusion dispensing outlet (6) and a foam producing device (40), which is interposed between the infusion chamber and the dispensing outlet and is provided with at least two outlet orifices (43, 44) arranged with respect to each other in such a way that two infusion jets, which are formed at exit, collide with each other, thereby producing a foam. The two outlet orifices (43, 44) are oriented to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that the first outlet orifice (43) is oriented in a vertical direction whereas the second outlet orifice (44) is oriented in a horizontal direction and placed in such a way that the collision of the two infusion jets takes place under the first orifice.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing coffee infusions by means of a liquid under pressure, in particular water under pressure, the machine comprising: a pump assembly (11) arranged to raise the pressure of the liquid outgoing from the pump assembly up to a preset pressure value (PI); one or more dispensing units (14) connected to the pump assembly, each dispensing unit (14) being arranged to dispense the coffee infusion; one or more pressure managing devices (20), each managing device (20) being connected to a certain dispensing unit (14). In the machine (10), the pressure managing device (20) includes a first duct (15) and at least one second duct (16) that are connected in parallel, have a common outlet and are arranged to supply the dispensing unit (14), during the coffee infusion preparation, with liquid at different pressures.
Abstract: This invention relates to a dispensing system, comprising a dispensing outlet (108) for dispensing beverage at a controlled temperature, a mixing chamber (120) upstream in a flow path to said outlet such that dispensed beverage flows from said chamber to the outlet, at least three feeding lines (124, 126, 128) feeding beverage of at least three different defined temperatures to said chamber; and a controller (500) for controlling the feed from each of said feeding lines so as to yield a desired temperature of the dispensed beverage.
Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (2) comprises: -a seat (10) having at least one part (11) that is movable between a transfer position for introducing a beverage ingredient into the seat and/or removing said ingredient therefrom, and a processing position for forming said beverage from the ingredient in the seat;—an outlet (20) for dispensing said beverage upon formation in the seat; and—a drop collector (30) for collecting drops (2?) from the outlet.
Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a receptacle (14), a heat exchanger (16) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from the receptacle (14) and through the heat exchanger (16). The beverage concentrate is cooled in the heat exchanger (16) with water. The coolant water and the beverage concentrate are dispensed to form a finished beverage.
Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage and a hot water generator (‘HWG’) which has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A second reservoir is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. The second reservoir includes a discharge port. A fluid path connects the first and second reservoirs and bypasses the HWG. The kitchen appliance is operable for both pressurized brew/heat cycles and un-pressurized brew/heat cycles.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 30, 2013
Publication date:
September 19, 2013
Applicant:
Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
Inventors:
William D. Starr, Adam Hanes, Patrick T. Mulvaney
Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1), suitable for use with a beverage machine of the type comprising a code reader, the device (1) comprising: an inlet (40) for receiving, in use, heated water from a water supply of the beverage machine; and an outlet (43) through which said heated water can be dispensed; the device (1) further comprising a plurality of codes (19), each other plurality of codes (19) containing information relating to one or more dispensation parameters of the beverage machine; the device (1) being configurable by a user such that the user can choose one of the plurality of codes (19) to be read by the code reader of the beverage machine during a dispensation operation in order to set one or more dispensation parameters o the beverage machine.
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
Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank.
Abstract: In described embodiments, a hot liquid extraction system includes a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel which heats the liquid of the corresponding vessel, a filter assembly disposed within the vessel operable to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered beverage from the base of the brew vessel. Some embodiments include one or more valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel, and a filter operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent flavor base from the system. Some embodiments include processor control of the system, allowing for operation tailored to individual user requirements that might be downloaded to the processor through various wired and non-wired interfaces.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 23, 2012
Publication date:
August 29, 2013
Inventors:
Khristian Bombeck, Casey Dodge, Casey Smith, Tymer Von Tilton, Eli Salomon
Abstract: A coffee machine comprises a main body (2) and a heating device (25), wherein a funnel device for coffee brewing that includes a funnel main body (17), a funnel upper cover (6) and an assembly of funnel lower cover is also provided on the main body (2) of the coffee machine. The assembly of funnel lower cover comprises a funnel lower cover (14), and a shower piece (15) which is fixed on the bottom of the funnel lower cover (14) and makes water uniformly submerge coffee powder in the funnel main body (17). A water inlet joint (6.4) which is connected with water passage of the coffee machine is provided on the funnel upper cover (6), and a water outlet joint (15.1) which is connected with the shower piece (15) is provided on the funnel lower cover (14). The water inlet joint (6.4) is connected with the water outlet joint (15.1) through a connecting pipe (15.2).
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 16, 2011
Publication date:
August 29, 2013
Applicant:
GUANGDONG XINBAO ELECTRIC JOINT-STOCK LTD.
Abstract: A tea pot includes an upper container assembly comprising a releasable top, an open bottom, a beverage chamber, and a funnel in the beverage chamber; a check valve comprising a cylindrical seat comprising a bossed hole having a conical top surface, an opening spaced from the hole and being sealingly aligned with a stem of the funnel, and guide slots on an annular surface of the seat; a conical valve unit comprising a stepped-diameter tunnel, the valve unit being seated upon the seat; and a sliding assembly comprising a body, periphery tabs slidably received in the guide slots, and a top shaft including grooves, and a cylindrical top projection fasten in the tunnel wherein the shaft is slidably inserted into the hole in an assembled state; and a lower container assembly comprising releasable top and bottom, a lower ingredient chamber, and an intermediate strainer.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a liquid comestible from a portioned food substance contained in a sealed capsule. The device includes a centrifugal unit for receiving the sealed capsule, a driving mechanism connected to the centrifugal unit for enabling a rotational motion of the centrifugal unit, a liquid supply connected to the centrifugal unit, a flow rate or pressure measuring mechanism for the supplied liquid and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the driving mechanism dependent on the measured flow rate or the measured pressure of the liquid.
Abstract: A coffee machine for preparing coffee, especially based on coffee pads, includes a continuous heater provided with a water-guiding tube that is thermally connected to at least one heating rod via at least one contact surface. A pump transports water through the continuous heater. The contact surface is embodied in such a way that it is flat between the tube and the at least one heating rod. The coffee machine structure provides a simple and cost-effective solution for a continuous heater, and ensures good heat transfer.
Abstract: Device for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient contained in a receptacle (17) by driving the receptacle in centrifugation comprising:—a holding part (16) arranged for holding the receptacle in a position enabling it to be driven in rotation along a longitudinal axis of rotation (I),—a liquid interfacing part (8) arranged for supplying water in the receptacle and/or extracting the beverage from the receptacle,—a collecting part (44) for collecting the beverage obtained by the interaction between the ingredient and water in the receptacle, wherein the holding part and liquid interfacing part (8, 16) are connected together by connection means in such a manner that these parts (8, 16) rotate together with the receptacle during centrifugation, wherein the connection means comprise at least a first engaging surface (48; 86) of the holding part (16) and a second engaging surface (23; 87) of the liquid interfacing part (8) engaged in contact together during connection in a manner preventing the holding pa
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 30, 2011
Publication date:
August 15, 2013
Applicant:
NESTEC S.A.
Inventors:
Christian Jarisch, Stefan Etter, Alexandre Perentes
Abstract: The automatic coffee machine (1) comprises a milk container (2) associated with a milk emulsifier device (9) housed in the container (2) with air and steam coming from a steam dispenser (11) of the coffee machine (1), a front coffee dispenser group (3) having in turn a first (4) and at least a second (5) exit ways of coffee, oriented towards a lower positioning zone (6) of a first (7, 8) and at least a second (7, 8) cups, the emulsifier device (9) being provided with an emulsified milk dispenser (15) placed laterally to the front coffee dispenser group (3) and having in turn a first (17) and at least a second (18) exit way of the emulsified milk, oriented towards the positioning zone (6) and offset in the. depth direction of the coffee machine, the coffee dispenser (3) having at least one first work position in which also the first (4) and at least a second (5) exit way are offset, in the depth direction of the coffee machine.
Abstract: A beverage forming method and system employing the introduction of air into the heater tank and/or an expansion chamber after liquid delivery is complete. An expansion chamber may be provided at the top of the heater tank and provide a tortuous flow path from an air inlet to the tank outlet.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 9, 2012
Publication date:
August 15, 2013
Applicant:
Keurig, Incorporated
Inventors:
Tom Cominelli, James E. Shepard, Thomas Vitella
Abstract: An espresso coffee machine comprises a boiler and a pump for feeding hot water under pressure to one or more brew groups (1), each of which comprises a receptacle (24) for infusing a predetermined dose of ground coffee, a hot water feed pipe (38) and an outlet pipe (40). Manual operating means (30, 50) are provided at the inlet of each brew group for selectively putting the coffee powder receptacle (24) in communication with the water feed pipe (38), with the outlet pipe 40 or with both the pipes in order to preinfuse the coffee powder.
Abstract: A apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 12, 2010
Date of Patent:
July 30, 2013
Assignee:
Keurig, Incorporated
Inventors:
Ian Tinkler, Mary Carter, William Sawyer, Richard Pasquini
Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device having a water circulation system that includes a water source with an outlet, a pump with a support member for holding and securing the pump in the device, and an integral water conduit having an inlet and outlet for guiding water from the water source to the pump. The conduit outlet is connected to the pump and the water source outlet is connected to the water conduit inlet via an annular sealing member that forms an integral protruding portion of one of the conduit inlet or the source outlet. The pump support is integral with the water conduit, in particular with the conduit outlet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 7, 2009
Date of Patent:
July 9, 2013
Assignee:
Nestec S.A.
Inventors:
Steve Aemisegger, Thomas Hodel, Markus Lang, Peter Möri, Renzo Moser, Rudolf Schenk
Abstract: When, according to the invention, various hot and cold beverages are made from ingredients in a preparation part (1), the dispensing may take place via an outlet pipe (4) with an outlet head (5), to which the beverage ingredients are supplied, and where they are mixed immediately before or at the same time as the beverages are dispensed. This ensures a high quality, as the dispensed beverages will be fleshly produced with the best possible flavour. The supply channels (16, 16a, 16b) for milk are flushed with water after each dispensing for hygienic reasons.
Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 22, 2012
Date of Patent:
July 2, 2013
Assignee:
Whirlpool Corporation
Inventors:
Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
Abstract: In a coffee/espresso machine with a milk froth generating device for preparing cappuccino, an outflow distributor which includes two outflow tubes being liquid-conductively connected to an espresso inflow. The outflow tubes are bent downwardly from the ends of a distributor tube of the outflow distributor. The milk froth generating device which comprises a Venturi tube, a mixing and frothing chamber and, following in flow direction, a nozzle arrangement according to the Laval principle having a nozzle throat is also liquid-conductively connected to the outflow distributor. The nozzle arrangement opens directly into a central connecting section of the distributor tube.
Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 18, 2008
Date of Patent:
June 25, 2013
Assignee:
Whirlpool Corporation
Inventors:
Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
Abstract: The coffee machine (100) is used to prepare a brewed coffee beverage and to dispense the brewed coffee beverage through at least one coffee outlet (47) and has a brewing device (10), which comprises a brewing unit (30) having a brewing chamber (36) for accommodating a predefined amount of coffee, a brewing-water supply line (31), which is connected to the brewing unit (30) and which opens into the brewing chamber (36) and which feeds the brewing water into the brewing chamber (36), and a device (20, 23) for introducing the brewing water into the brewing chamber (36).
Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the blender module initiates a cleaning mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 8, 2009
Date of Patent:
June 11, 2013
Assignee:
Enodis Corporation
Inventors:
Roberto Nevarez, William E. Smith, Jan Claesson
Abstract: The water container (3) for machines for making beverages comprises side walls (23) and a bottom (25), whereon there is a connecting union (27) to the machine. The union comprises two apertures for the water (37, 39), respectively an outlet aperture and an inlet aperture.
Abstract: An apparatus for quickly preparing infant formula and beverage comprising: a powder container for storing dry formula or beverage powder, a powder dispenser for dispensing controllable amount of formula or beverage powder into a milk bottle or a cup, a water container for storing water, a heat-exchanging reservoir for heating up or cooling down water to an ideal temperature, a water delivery system for delivering controllable amount of water from the water container to the heat-exchanging reservoir and then from the heat-exchanging reservoir to the milk bottle once the water is adjusted to the ideal temperature. The device has a main setting and controlling system to set up parameters of powder dispensing amount, water dispensing temperature and water dispensing volume prior to a formula or beverage preparation, so that the apparatus can prepare infant formula or beverage with ideal volume, concentration and temperature.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly formed by a removable infusion unit and the supporting or locking elements thereof, for a machine for preparing beverages by extraction of a product to be infused. The assembly includes a receptacle intended to be rigidly connected to the machine and configured to removably receive the infusion unit. The assembly also includes a device for locking the unit onto the receptacle and an actuation device supported by either the unit or the receptacle and which controls the locking device and is arranged such that in a position in which the actuation device is deactivated, the locking device prevents the unit from being disconnected from the receptacle, and in a position in which the actuation device is activated, the locking device allows the unit to be disconnected from the receptacle. The invention is suitable for use in machines for preparing EXPRESSO-type beverages by extracting a product to be infused.
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.
Abstract: The present invention has as an objective to provide an apparatus for brewing a beverage that provides an attractive brewing experience for the consumer, which can perform an effective and efficient brewing process, and which also can be easily rinsed to remove any spent infusible material. These objectives have been met by a beverage brewing machine comprising an at least one water inlet port that is arranged at an angle of less than 4 degrees relative to the wall of the brew chamber to direct water around the wall of the brew chamber. The apparatus also provides for improved agitation of infusible material. Moreover a method is provided to brew a beverage using the brewing machine of the invention.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 23, 2011
Publication date:
May 23, 2013
Inventors:
Anthony Edward Quinn, Marco Karreman, Tjeerd Jan Pieter Gerbranda, Edwin Jeroen Muller
Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water storage device having a water tank and a water outlet piping communicating with the water tank; a driving device having a driving motor and a driving shaft; and a swing device having a rotating mechanism mounted on the driving shaft and a shifting mechanism connected to the water outlet piping and moving along with the rotating mechanism when the latter rotates. The water outlet piping is brought by a horizontal rotational movement of the rotating mechanism and a linear movement of the shifting mechanism to swing and shift in a spiral rotational course from a center point to outer and inner areas of a filter in a reciprocating motion while pouring water at controlled volume and stability, enabling ground coffee beans on the filter to be quickly and evenly extracted by water to release aromatic smell and sweet flavor just like drip brewing manually.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 17, 2011
Publication date:
May 23, 2013
Applicant:
Dong Sheng International Technology Company Limited
Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes: a first hydraulic circuit including a water source, a pump, a water heater, a brewing device selected from a brewing chamber and a capsule, the brewing device including an inlet and outlet, a beverage collector collecting brewed beverage leaving the brewing device and for dispensing the beverage to a container; and a second hydraulic circuit that includes a second pump and second water heater, the outlet of the second water heater being connected to the first circuit at a location that is downstream to the brewing device with respect to the water flow in the first circuit. The first circuit can maintain in the brewing device a pressure substantially constant for a pre-set time, the pressure being less that an opening pressure for the brewing device.
Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a body (40) with an opening (41); and a hot water and/or steam generator that comprises a movable outlet (31). The generator and the outlet have an operative configuration for delivering via the outlet hot water and/or steam and a storage configuration in which the outlet (31) of the generator is moved and received in the opening (41) of the body.
Abstract: This invention relates to a brew group for an infusion machine, in particular a machine for espresso coffee, comprising infusion means (43, 43b) designed for the preparation of infusions, a holding chamber (41) hydraulically connected to the said infusion means (43, 43b) and comprising at least two liquid inlets (411) allowing the delivery of liquids and heating means (46) capable of directly heating the liquids delivered to the holding chamber (41) through the inlets such as to hydraulically feed the infusion means (43, 43b) for the preparation of infusions. The invention also relates to a machine which comprises the brew group and a method for operating the machine.
Abstract: A brewing piston for infusion preparation, including a head associated with a filtering element, and a lateral surface having a first gasket in proximity to the head and a second gasket at a distance from the first gasket. The brewing piston includes a first conduit connected to the head and arranged to inject a liquid for infusion preparation, and a second conduit connected to the lateral surface between the gaskets and arranged to inject the liquid between the first gasket and the second gasket during infusion preparation. The piston is arranged to limit or avoid leaks in a machine for infusion preparation. Also included is a machine using the piston and a method of limiting or avoiding leaks in a machine for infusion preparation.
Abstract: A coffee maker and coffee holder cooperate to tamp coffee in the coffee holder. The coffee holder may include a top tamping spring, a bottom tamping spring, or a top or bottom passage allowing entry of a tamper into the coffee holder. The coffee maker includes an actuator above or below the coffee holder, or a fixed tamper attached to a ceiling or platform of the coffee maker. The coffee holder may be inserted between the ceiling and platform, or into a moving drawer of the coffee maker. The actuator may be a solenoid actuator or a hydraulic actuator actuated by water pressure of heated water used for brewing.
Abstract: The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.
Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.
Abstract: A capsule for making a drink comprises a cup-shaped main body (6) forming a housing chamber (7) containing a powdered or liquid substance (2). The main body (6) comprises a bottom wall (8) and a lateral wall (9) which has a lower portion (10) connected to the bottom wall (8) and an upper portion (11) delimiting an opening which is closed by a cover element (17). The capsule also comprises lengthening means (18) which, following an increase in the capsule (1) internal pressure, allow a movement away from the cover element (17) by the lower portion (10) of the lateral wall (9) and the bottom wall (8) connected to it.
Abstract: A structure of universal nespresso comprising a water tank, a water pump, a heating element and an extractor, which is provided with at least one one-way water way communicating with the above components in turn, wherein said water pump is connected to a controller which can set the pumping power of the water pump. Different pumping power can be set by the water pump with controller to get different water pressure, so that the pressure conditions of different kinds of universal nespresso can be satisfied.
Abstract: A drink preparing machine that includes a tank, a water supply system having at least a section for heated water and a section for unheated water, a pump for conveying water from the tank through the supply system as far as a module for preparing the drink, and a valve device arranged so as to control the selective opening and closing of the supply system sections. The valve device is a peristaltic system that includes a compression member for compressing a tube of each supply system section and acting under the effect of an elastic return member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2008
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2013
Assignee:
Nestec S.A.
Inventors:
Jean-Luc Denisart, Jean-Paul Denisart, Enzo Bonacci, HansPeter Pleisch, Christian Talon
Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.
Abstract: A pressurized boiler comprises a first three-way valve, a dispenser, and a control card. The first valve comprises a seat integrated in the boiler and a pilot screwed into the seat. The dispenser receives hot water from the boiler through a first pipe and comprises a plurality of consecutively connected serving elements, each of which has three branches, which include closing means controlled by the card and which enable the direction of hot water towards a selected hot beverage serving. The first valve enables the direction of hot water from the boiler towards the dispenser and air towards the dispenser, draining the water downstream from the boiler so that it does not remain in the system and cool down between two consecutive servings. The boiler and the dispenser can be remotely disposed relative to each other.
Abstract: An electrical beverage brewer (10) having a controller (26) responsive to a start switch (72) to operate a brew cycle by dispensing hot water from a tank (42) to beverage ingredient within a brew basket (38) through a bent tube (78) mounted to the water tank (42) for rotation about an axis aligned with an external horizontal rotary section (90) of the bent tube (78) between a closed position in which an inlet (80) of a swinging tubular section (79) is in a relatively elevated, closed position and an open position at a lower elevation relative to the closed position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 11, 2012
Assignee:
Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher P. Michalek, Zbigniew G. Lassota
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:
Application
Filed:
May 25, 2012
Publication date:
November 29, 2012
Applicant:
MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Inventors:
THOMAS M. LEE, ABDELAZIZ BOUBEDDI, TIMOTHY C. MORSE
Abstract: A beverage machine (1) or a preparation machine, in particular a coffee machine has a main flow path (5) that leads from a line connection or a tank (2) through a boiler (3) to a dispensing location (4). The boiler (3) is connected to the tank (2), to a drip pan (8), to a drain or a dispensing location via a line (7) that encompasses a valve (6). In the case of a boiler (3) that is in the stand-by state, the valve (6) is at least partially open, whereby an unpressurized, open boiler system is at hand. A control device (9), actuates the valve (6) and closes the valve (6) provided that a demand is at hand. A combination of the advantages of a closed and of an open boiler system is possible through this.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 21, 2012
Publication date:
November 22, 2012
Applicant:
WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
Inventors:
Frank Goeltenboth, Alexander Kiefer, Oliver Schneider, Heinz Albert, Johannes Bais
Abstract: A beverage machine (1), in particular to a coffee machine, has a main flow path (3), that leads through a heating device (2), and a bypass flow path (4) that circumvents the heating device (2). The bypass flow path (4) branches off from the main flow path (3) upstream of the heating device (2). The main flow path (3) is connected to a water tank (5) at the input side and to a dispensing location (6) at the output side. A main flow pump (7) is arranged in the main flow path (3) between the water tank (5) and the heating device (2). Thus a bypass pump (8) is arranged in the bypass flow path (4) to provide a cost-efficient and accurate admixing of cold water.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 21, 2012
Publication date:
November 22, 2012
Applicant:
WMF WUERTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
Abstract: The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 9, 2012
Publication date:
November 15, 2012
Applicant:
EKO BRANDS, LLC
Inventors:
Ron R. DeMiglio, Mark J. Staudacher, Randy R. Anderson