Underfeed Patents (Class 99/303)
  • Patent number: 11627832
    Abstract: A beverage brewer includes a pump, an intake tube assembly connected to an inlet port of the pump at a pump end, an outflow tube assembly connected to an outlet port of the pump at a pump end, a brewing material holder assembly configured to hold ground brewing material and arranged at an issue end of the outflow tube assembly, and a container volume configured to accommodate a container assembly, arranged at an issue portion of the holder assembly. A suction end of the intake tube assembly is arranged within an interior of the container volume. The pump is configured to draw fluid from within the container volume through the intake tube assembly and to issue the fluid into the holder assembly through the outflow tube assembly, thereby brewing a beverage in the holder assembly. The holder assembly is configured to issue the brewed beverage into the container volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 11497340
    Abstract: A food cooking appliance which utilizes both steam and heat for rapidly cooking food products is disclosed. The food products are disposed within a food cooking housing and a steam generator is provided within a steam generator housing so as to generate steam which is fluidically conducted into the food cooking housing. In this manner, the food products are cooked as a result of the steam being conducted into upper regions of cooking chambers defined within the food cooking housing while the heat generated from the heated grills or platens impart heat to the lower regions of the cooking chambers thereby cooking the food in an accelerated manner which is extremely desirable by commercial fast-food establishments. The steam generator housing is wholly separate and apart from the food cooking housing but fluidically connected to the food cooking housing by a fluid conduit which may rigid or flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: A. J. ANTUNES & CO.
    Inventors: Bhupendra R. Patel, Dipan Patel, Jignesh Patel, Francisco Vega
  • Patent number: 11178999
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a source of liquid (2,3) and a dispensing outlet (4) connected via a pump (10) that includes a chamber (11) and a displaceable wall (12) delimiting the chamber (11). The pump (10) further has: an electric actuator (13) driving the displaceable wall (12) for causing an inflow of liquid from the source into the chamber (11) and for causing an outflow of liquid from the chamber (11) to the dispensing outlet (4); and a powering unit (14) that comprises an electric power source (142) and that is configured for supplying power to the actuator (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Etienne Crozier, Bertrand Guyon, Marco Magatti, Nicolas Obliger, Jean-Luc Thuliez
  • Patent number: 10980369
    Abstract: A cool coffee infusing apparatus is disclosed having a liquid container, a ground coffee container, and a base. The base includes a pump, controls therefore, and receptacles for the containers. The liquid container is filled with cool water and the ground coffee container is filled with ground coffee. The pump circulates the water through the grounds until a desired level of infusion is achieved and coffee beverage is created. The coffee beverage is collected in the liquids container for pouring or for storage for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 10258185
    Abstract: A system produces a brew from an infusible brew substance using a combination of a mug and a brewer housed within the mug. The mug includes a vessel inside the mug that holds the water used to brew the brew. The vessel has an exit port below its upper rim. A removable stopper closes the vessel. A siphon tube fits through the exit port and extends downward within the vessel to the siphon's suction end. A heating element is immersed in water within the vessel. When electrically energized, the heating element vaporizes the water, which rises to the top and pushes the water downward into the suction end. A mesh filter holds the infusible brew substance or the substance is placed in the bottom of the mug. The mesh filter is located below the siphon sticking out of the exit port. Water flows through the filter into the mug outside the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph M. Hyman, Ezekiel Kolajo, Jingrui Wang, Alexandre Wing
  • Patent number: 9743796
    Abstract: A portable coffee brewing device includes a lid pivotally connected to an upper end of the container by a hinge and button. A heating element housing and an electrical component housing is connected to a lower end of the container. A drain is positioned in a bottom wall of the container and is fluidly connected to a heating element positioned within the heating element housing. The heating element is controlled by electrical components positioned in the electrical components housing. A drip tube is fluidly connected to the heating element and the lid. A single serve coffee holding device is positioned below the lid. When the container is filled with fluid and the heating element is powered, heated fluid is forced up the drip tube through the passageway in the lid and into the coffee grounds holding device in a continuous cycle. The device is connectable to an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Brett C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 9125521
    Abstract: A combined multiple beverage brewing apparatus is capable of brewing an individual serving of at least two different beverages such as coffee or tea. The apparatus generally includes a removable brewing basket with separate brewing sections, which are usable in different brewing positions and have separate spouts such that different beverages may be brewed and dispensed without contacting the same spout. The brewing basket is configured to receive a first reusable filter that holds a first brewing material and filters as water passes through and a second reusable filter that holds a second brewing material while hot water contained in the brewing basket steeps the second brewing material. At least one of the brewing sections further includes a valve to hold hot water in the brewing basket until a brewing release mechanism actuates the valve to release the brewed beverage through the dispensing spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Jacob Saffron
  • Patent number: 9038530
    Abstract: A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ENE HOLDINGS LTD
    Inventors: Andrew Yuen Chin Chen, Amy Decem Cheng, Kwan Fai Lui
  • Patent number: 8821953
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for decocting ingredients in a solvent. The apparatus including a container for containing the solvent, a recipient for containing the ingredients, the recipient being placed inside the container, a pipe connecting a bottom part of the container and a bottom part of the recipient, a pump placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the bottom part of the container to the bottom part of the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Tao Wen, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 8584576
    Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie William Fogg, IV
  • Publication number: 20130287915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for decocting ingredients (2) in a solvent (3). The apparatus comprises: a container (4) for containing the solvent, a recipient (5) for containing the ingredients, the recipient being placed inside the container, a pipe (6) connecting a bottom part (7) of the container and a bottom part (8) of the recipient, a pump (9) placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the bottom part of the container to the bottom part of the recipient. This apparatus allows accelerating the extraction of compounds in the ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Tao Wen, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 8549990
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Hiron
  • Patent number: 8420139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule and a device for preparing an infusion beverage, such as coffee, tea, or milk beverages. The capsule comprises two parallel extending wall sections, which are connected to each other by a sealing connection. A pressurized liquid or gaseous medium can be conducted through an access to the sealing connection of the capsule with the aid of a supply line in a holder of the device such that the sealing connection is partially undone. As a result, an opening is produced in the capsule. An infusion fluid can be conducted through the opening, wherein the fluid can then become mixed with a powder or granules present in the capsule into an infusion beverage. The infusion beverage can be discharged through a further opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventor: Jacques Richiger
  • Patent number: 8272317
    Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set amount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber (28) for mixing with water to form a beverage. A pump head (46) includes a piston opening that receives a piston (48) and a water port that defines a water flow path. A housing (62) includes an integral water port (40). Water from a water source flows along a water line and into the integral water port (40) of the housing (62). The water flows through the water port (40) of the pump head (46) and into the mixing chamber (28) to form the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush
  • Publication number: 20120141639
    Abstract: A coffee-holding funnel for moka-type coffee machines and a moka-type coffee machine utilizing such funnel are described. The funnel and the moka are adapted to be used with single-use capsules containing ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Massimo Crescenzi
  • Patent number: 8127665
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a containing element for heating an extracting fluid, a transferring arrangement for causing the passage of the fluid through a dose of coffee and a collecting arrangement for collecting a beverage produced with the extracting fluid during the passage: there being provided a separating arrangement arranged for separating a fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently liquid phase of the fluid from a further fraction of the beverage obtained with a prevalently steam phase of the fluid, the separating arrangement leading into distinct zones of the collecting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Navarini, Furio Suggi Liverani, Massimo Barnaba', Franciscus Benedictus Maria Van Eeden
  • Patent number: 8096230
    Abstract: A portable beverage preparation device comprising a drink container containing a predetermined volume of a potable base liquid, at least one beverage preparation of a predetermined quantity; at least one sealed compartment for confining the beverage preparation, and a dispenser means for dispersing the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid within the drink container; wherein the drink container and the at least one sealed compartment are in close physical proximity to each other and separated by at least one thin membrane which, when inwardly perforated by the dispenser means, disperses the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid to make a beverage ready to drink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Shalom Levin
  • Patent number: 8069775
    Abstract: A brewing apparatus (1,101) for making infusions, particularly espresso, including a pumping unit (2,102) for pumping water from a tank (3,103) to a water superheating boiler (6,106), wherein the boiler (6,106) has a lower container (11,111) closed at its top by a perforated cover (12,112) allowing superheated water to flow into the lower container under pressure, the lower container (11,111) and top cover (12,112) being a plastic material. The brewing process includes a first step in which water is fed and pumped at a first feed velocity, a second step in which the velocity is increased to increase pressure in the chamber; the first velocity being lower than the second velocity. The upper boiler body (112) has the closing face (112a) of such a shape as to receive a corresponding single-dose pod (100) packed in paper, aluminum or another biodegradable material containing coffee or another flavor base in general.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Plast 2000 S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Russo
  • Patent number: 8061263
    Abstract: A sensor head/brew cup with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into the server to avoid damage to the probes by the server. The sensor head/brew cup moves as a unit, thereby eliminating any gap between the brew cup and the sensor head through which the brewed liquid must pour, thereby preventing spillage. The moveable sensor head/brew allows beverage brewing devices to use servers of various heights. Raising the sensor head/brew cup causes the level sensor probes to rotate upward out of the server, thereby protecting the probes from impact by the server when it is removed from the brewing device. When the level sensor probes are in the upward position they touch electrical contacts completing a self-test circuit confirming electrical continuity through the level sensor probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Ray Hannah, Richard William Heim
  • Patent number: 7832329
    Abstract: The invention refers to a moka coffee machine, basically traditional, modified in order to obtain an expresso coffee without altering the organoleptic properties thereof. The machine according to the invention allows to control the temperature of the water inside the boiler, and to prepare the drink without having the water reaching exceedingly high pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Massimo Crescenzi
  • Patent number: 7661353
    Abstract: A hot beverage maker has an infusion device including a water container having a base and a lid and a filtration tank in the water container. The filtration tank includes a stopper on a bottom, an overflow outlet on a side wall, a filtration mesh having a hot-water duct of silicone rubber, and a lid pivotally connected to a top. When the hot beverage maker is activated to heat, cold water in the water container flows into heating tubes of a heating device via a first connective tube to be heated. Then, hot water flows upwards via a second connective tube into the filtration tank from the bottom of the filtration tank. Thus, the coffee powder/tea leaves inside of the filtration mesh is/are sufficiently infused. The stopper can be pressed upwards to be opened so as to cause the sufficiently infused coffee/tea to drip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7661354
    Abstract: This invention is in technical field of electric heating, and relates to a kind of kettles for beverage, electric water kettles and cableless electric kettles for beverage. Its aim is to solve the problem appearing at existing kettles for beverage, i.e. Vapor and water generated in existing kettles for beverage flies out through top port of funnel. This may not only go through the lid of inner vessel, but also reach onto the lid of kettle body. As result, inner side of the lid of kettle body would be with tea or coffee stains, and its surface will be very hot to make its use difficult and there is sanitary problem due to contamination on surface of the lid. Kettles of this invention contain an inner vessel fixed on bottom of the kettle body inside the kettle. A funnel is provided at top opening of the inner vessel. There are two separate filtering layers inside the funnel: an upper and a lower filtering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Zhicheng Shao
  • Patent number: 7594469
    Abstract: An apparatus for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. The tea characteristic can include one or both of tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicates with the heater. The control circuit controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic or characteristics. It can further determine steep time based on the set tea strength. The tea leaves steep in the heated water until the expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian E. O'Connor, Augusto Picozza, Patricia Bassett
  • Patent number: 7569240
    Abstract: The beverage can presents immediately below the lid a first chamber not initially containing beverages ready for use, but intended to receive the final beverage, the first chamber being separated by a sealed baffle from a second chamber which already contains, a drinkable liquid; the sealed baffle presenting a housing constructed to receive a filtering device provided with a tube intended to dip into the interior of the second chamber. Elements are provided to enable the consumer to dispose the filtering device in the utilization condition in which communication is established between the two chambers via the filtering device such that, when the can is subjected to the action of a heat source, the liquid contained in the lower chamber is transferred into the first chamber (38) by passing through the substance, to give rise to the formation of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Adriana Brizio
  • Publication number: 20090117240
    Abstract: The invention refers to a moka coffee machine, basically traditional, modified in order to obtain an expresso coffee without altering the organoleptic properties thereof. The machine according to the invention allows to control the temperature of the water inside the boiler, and to prepare the drink without having the water reaching exceedingly high pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Massimo Crescenzi
  • Publication number: 20090013876
    Abstract: Equipment for the preparation of a hot beverage comprising a boiler capable of containing a liquid component of the beverage, for example water, a collection container and means defining a delivery path for the liquid component from the boiler to the collection container. The equipment also comprises valve means located along the delivery path for the liquid component comprising a plug which can move between a position in which the delivery path is closed and one in which it is open and means to immobilise the plug in the open position. These means are arranged in such a way that they can be activated and deactivated by a force exerted in the direction of movement of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Francesco Ranzoni
  • Patent number: 7458316
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for brewing coffee, which includes a housing having an inner chamber for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally surrounding the inner chamber, for receiving water, and an electrically powered coil for heating the water contained in the water reservoir. A brew valve is positioned above the inner chamber for supporting coffee grounds, the brew valve being rotatable between a first inactive position and a second active position for brewing coffee. Heated water is directed from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds to brew coffee. and to the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Scelza
  • Patent number: 7340991
    Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket incorporates an illuminated window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Aroma Fresh, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 7270049
    Abstract: An improved brewing assembly for a coffee percolator and a coffee percolator using the same. The brewing assembly includes a filter basket, a pump tube and a cover. The filter basket has an open top, a perforated bottom, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The pump tube is attached to the filter basket and engages the filter basket such that the pump tube is removed when the filter basket is removed. The cover has a top, a handle, and an open bottom defined by a sidewall. The sidewall of the cover includes both a means for engaging the container such that the cover remains attached to the container when the container is tipped to pour coffee through the pouring spout, and means for engaging the filter basket such that the brewing assembly remains attached to the cover when the cover is removed from the container after coffee is brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Butt
  • Patent number: 7240611
    Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket may incorporate a window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Aroma Fresh, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Burrows, Louis M. Busick
  • Patent number: 7104185
    Abstract: A vacuum coffee maker comprises a first vessel for receiving water to be heated and brewed coffee and a second vessel for receiving coffee grounds and brewing coffee therein. The first vessel has an opening in it and a fluid passage from the opening to a lower potion of the vessel. The second vessel having an opening in it. A base for receiving the first vessel is provided with a heater. A platform supports the second vessel above the first vessel. Engagement means releasably brings together the opening in the first vessel and the opening in the second vessel for fluid communication between the first and second vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Chi Chung Fung, Shek Chuen Luk
  • Patent number: 7032504
    Abstract: A filtering device for an espresso maker includes a coffee powder basket and a filtering mechanism. The coffee powder basket includes a coffee powder receiving section for receiving coffee powders and a compartment below the coffee powder receiving section. The compartment includes an outlet for guiding coffee out of the coffee powder basket. The filtering mechanism includes a filtering plate and a swirl-creating device for creating swirl. Coffee passing through meshes of the filtering plate flows through the swirl-creating device and forms swirl to provide an atomized diffusion effect, allowing the coffee to encompass air and thus form coffee foams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Pao Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 7032506
    Abstract: An electric beverage maker includes a lower, water boiling vessel, a funnel extending into the lower vessel and having an upper compartment for receiving a beverage, and an upper vessel mounted over the funnel to receive water which has passed up the funnel through the compartment, and from which the beverage is dispensed. The lower vessel is formed with an opening in its lower region, which is closed by a thick film electric heater. The heater is controlled by a control which operates to disable the heater until such time as the control is reset manually by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventors: Michael James Scott, Steven Ashton, Simon Richard Johnston
  • Patent number: 6973870
    Abstract: The invention consists of a microwave oven driven milk boiling device, which serves to boil natural milk, powdered milk, or similar beverages, or to make chocolate milk, cappuccino or coffee with powdered milk, or even to boil water, all under pressure. In addition, it is useful to serve directly to the table. The milk is boiled in the lower container, which has a safety valve, and conveyed to another container above the boiling container. The milk or other beverage may be boiled within a period of 2 minutes, depending on the microwave oven used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Helio Vieira Alves
  • Patent number: 6968775
    Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket may incorporate a window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Aroma Fresh, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Burrows, Louis M. Busick
  • Patent number: 6968774
    Abstract: A coffee-maker is disclosed. It comprises a lid (30) which closes an upper part (10) with an upper chamber. A rising pipe (14) extends into the upper chamber. This pipe has at least one lateral opening (15) in an upper end region. In order to avoid splashing of liquid coming out of the rising pipe (14), a downwardly extending splash guard (34) is present on the lid (30), which guard covers the at least one opening (15) of the rising pipe (14) laterally when the lid (30) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: PI-Design AG
    Inventor: Jørgen Bodum
  • Patent number: 6948419
    Abstract: A coffee maker includes a body provided with a water storing space and a handle, and a heater positioned under the water storing space. The heater is made of an insulating plate and an electrically heating film formed on a lower surface of the insulating plate. Then the heat generated by the electrically heating film heats up the water in the water storing space of the body for making coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Huang Chuan Pan, Huang Chen-Lung
  • Patent number: 6912949
    Abstract: The coffee maker comprises a chamber acting as a boiler to receive a determined quantity of water; a chamber for the final collection of the beverage produced; and, for containing the ground coffee, a filter device connecting together the two chambers and comprising a tube which dips into the water contained in the boiler. A baffle is provided to sealedly close the boiler, with the exception of a through hole for sealedly receiving the filter device. The filter device comprises an enclosure closed or closable to form a filter capsule intended to contain the ground coffee and closed or closable independently of whether the coffee maker is assembled. The walls of the capsule are liquid-permeable in a region which communicates with the tube and in at least one other region which communicates with the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Adriana Brizio
  • Patent number: 6886451
    Abstract: A beverage maker 2 comprises a first chamber 4, a second chamber 6 arranged on top of said first chamber 4, with a tube 8 extending down from said second chamber 6 into said first chamber 4 for transferring liquid between the two chambers. The base of the first chamber 4 has a first region 26 at least a portion of which is arranged to boil dry and a second region 28 which is arranged to retain a quantity of liquid after the first region 26 boils dry. The first region 26 is separated from the second region 28 by a wall 30. The underside of the base of the first chamber 26 is provided with one or more sheathed heating elements 32 arranged below the first region 26 of the base and also with a heat transfer member 20 which extends between the first and said second regions of the base. A thermal control 24 has a sensor arranged to detect when the first region of the base boils dry so as to interrupt the power supply to or reduce the heating output of the heating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventors: Vernon James Donnelly, Michael James Scott
  • Patent number: 6823771
    Abstract: A device for hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, comprises a lower container for receiving water, an upper container for receiving brewed beverages, and a grounds holder assembly with an injector differential system, into which coffee ground, tea leaves and herbs are placed. The grounds are subjected to high temperature water and steam, to extract essences and produce a beverage, such as espresso coffee, tea, chamomile and others. The injector differential system has an injector nozzle an injector floating piston in the lower portion of the hollow stem. Pressurized hot water and steam from the lower container flow through the injector nozzle, lifting injector floating piston, at predermined high temperature and pressure, through the holes of lower perforated plate, and then into the grounds for brewing process. The water and stem extract of the grounds pass through inverted funnel and it is collected into the upper cylindrical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Pietro Piazza
  • Patent number: 6817280
    Abstract: Systems and methods for brewing beverages in accordance with the present invention can improve the flavor of brewed beverages and reduce the vertical space required for a system using suction. One such assembly comprises a brewing chamber adapted to hold a filter having an intake duct for receiving fluid for brewing, and an output duct for expelling a brewed beverage. The brewing chamber is positioned above a pressurizable container, or carafe, having an adjustable standpipe and containing the fluid. The carafe has a heated base, which when heated causes pressure to build up, forcing the fluid up the standpipe, through a check valve, through the intake duct and into the filter. Once substantially all of the fluid has been urged into the brew chamber, the heat is removed, creating a partial vacuum that pulls the brewed beverage back into the carafe. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: BrewBot, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Hall, Gary L. Waymire, Michael R. Barry, Shane Washburn
  • Publication number: 20040065209
    Abstract: A device for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, comprises a lower container for receiving water, an upper container for receiving brewed beverages, and a grounds holder assembly with an injector differential system, into which coffee grounds, tea leaves and herbs are placed. The grounds are subjected to high temperature water and steam, to extract essences and produce a beverage, such as espresso coffee, tea, chamomille and others. The injector differential system has an injector nozzle and a floating piston in the lower portion of the stem. Pressurized hot water and steam from the lower container flow through the injector nozzle, lifting floating piston, at predermined high temperature and pressure, through the holes of lower perforated plate, and then into the grounds for brewing process. The water and steam extract of the grounds pass through inverted funnel and it is collected into the upper cylindrical container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Pietro Piazza
  • Patent number: 6715405
    Abstract: A domestic machine for cappuccino includes a bottom vessel (A), enclosing a coffee holding funnel (B), screwed to a top container (C) provided with seal, filter and a central tube (D), for the upflow of the coffee, on which there is slidably put an outer tube (E) of greater diameter so as to obtain an interspace between the two tubes (D, E), the bottom end of the outer tube (E) carrying a filter (M) to emulsify the milk through a rapid reciprocating motion while the top end is closed by an automatic-opening valve (F) which puts the vessel (A) in communication with the outside when the machine begins to cool down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Metallurgica Lux di Sgarbi & Chiozzi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rino Guaraldi
  • Publication number: 20030205145
    Abstract: The present invention provides a separable coffee maker, which comprises a base, a filter unit, a guide pipe, and a container. The base has a receiving space therein. The filter unit is disposed in the receiving space of the base. Through holes are formed on the guide pipe, which is disposed above the filter unit. The container has an inner pipe body therein. The inner pipe body is extended upwards from the bottom portion of the container. The container is separately placed on the base. The inner pipe body of the container is slipped onto the guide pipe. A separable coffee maker whose container can be separately taken out is thus formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Kwei Tang Chang
  • Patent number: 6619188
    Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Keith Joseph Meador
  • Patent number: 6578467
    Abstract: An electric coffee maker (2) comprises a first chamber (4), and a second chamber (6) arranged on top of the first chamber. A tube (8) extends down from the second chamber (6) into the first chamber (4) for transferring liquid between the two chambers. The base (20) of the first chamber (4) is provided with electric heater (24) and a thermally responsive control (46) is provided associated with the base (20) so as to be responsive to the temperature of the heater (24) or to a section of the base (20) for interrupting the power supply to or reducing the heating output of the heater (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventors: John Crawshaw Taylor, Vernon James Donnelly
  • Patent number: 6536331
    Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment, an open compartment, an ascension pipe connecting the two compartments and a location for a filtering device between the ascension pipe and the open compartment. The closed compartment has a bottom that has at least a first and a second area which are at different levels and has a member for separating the two areas. The first area is larger than the second area, is heated, and is at a higher level than the second level and than the end of the ascension pipe. The second, smaller area is unheated and is located near the ascension pipe, but at a level that is below the end of the ascension pipe. In one embodiment the separating member is a rim and in a second embodiment the separating member is an inclined bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: PI-Design AG
    Inventor: Carsten Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20020124735
    Abstract: An electric beverage maker includes a lower, water boiling vessel, a funnel extending into the lower vessel and having an upper compartment for receiving a beverage, and an upper vessel mounted over said funnel to receive water which has passed up said funnel through said compartment, and from which the beverage is dispensed. The lower vessel is formed with an opening in its lower region, which is closed by a thick film electric heater. The heater is controlled by a control which operates to disable the heater until such time as the control is reset manually by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Michael James Scott, Steven Ashton, Simon Richard Johnston
  • Patent number: 6393968
    Abstract: With respect to a filter with a fastening device for a coffee-making apparatus of the type where water is brought to a boil in a closed container, whereupon the water is pressed through a riser pipe into a funnel, where boiling water extracts aromas and flavour from the ground coffee, whereupon the finished coffee beverage is filtered back into the closed container through a filter placed at the outlet of the funnel, where the filter is fastened by means of a fastening device which reaches through the riser pipe, the objective is to to provide a filter where the aroma and flavour of the ground coffee is exploited as well as possible and where the filter offers a comparatively large filter surface for the finished coffee, and where the filter can easily be removed from the funnel and cleaned with a view to further coffee-making. Moreover, the filter must be easily replaceable by dismantling the handle and locking clip and fitting these on a new filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Pi-Design AG
    Inventor: Carsten Joergensen
  • Patent number: RE45476
    Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket may incorporate a window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Remington Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows